The rapid drop in the penetration rate or failure of the drill bit during the drilling process delays the drilling process. In our investigation, the ‘in situ’ drilling parameters were monitored during the drilling process along with the roller cone drill bit, which is suitable for drilling in soft rock formations (IADC 136). The drill bit was thoroughly examined to determine its damage and wear occurred during drilling along with decreasing penetration rate. The modern and standardised investigation methods were used to analyse the rock materials and the micro- and macro-structure of the materials of the roller cone bit. The analyses were performed by means of optical and electron microscopes, simultaneous thermal analysis of the steel materials, analysis of the chemical composition of the materials of the drill bit and determination of the geomechanical parameters of the drilled rock. The resulting wear, localised fractures and cracks were quantitatively and qualitatively defined and the parameters were correlated to the drilling regime and the rock material. The results of our investigation of the material of the roller cone bit can serve as a good basis for the development of new steel alloys that can withstand higher temperatures and allow effective drilling without structural changes of the steel material.
