Cone bit bearing seal failure analysis based on the finite element analysis

•Stress concentration and uneven pressure distribution occur at the seal.•Rubber rings are highly and unequally compressed.•Metal ring structure mainly determines sealing performance.•Contact area, radial thickness, and metal ring structure should be increased, reduced, and improved, respectively.

Failure analysis of cone bit bearing seals is important in reducing production cost and preventing in-service component failure. However, a generally accepted criterion for their failure has not yet been established because of complexities in both their material properties and the environment. In this study, a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element analysis (FEA) numerical model was established. FEA software was developed based on the Mooney–Rivlin constitutive model of the rubber material, and the penalty function contact algorithm. The distributions of stress, strain and contact pressure were analyzed to establish their effect on failure. The locations and causes of the failure and preventive measures were determined by comparison with an actual failure case. It was found that stress concentration and uneven pressure distribution occur at the seal. Rubber rings are highly and unequally compressed. Metal ring structure mainly determines sealing performance. To reduce the occurrence of failure, the structure must be improved by: designing an appropriate angle-tapered metal ring end face structure instead of a plane to change the trend in pressure distribution, increasing the contact area of the metal ring end face to reduce contact pressure and make the contact pressure distribution more uniform to reduce sealing surface wear, reducing the radial thickness to reduce the compression of the rubber ring, and improving back support structures to reduce the stress concentration. Results from the study can prevent and minimize risk for future failures to increase bit life and reduce drilling costs.