Rock bit face seal having lubrication gap

摘要

A seal arrangement useful in a rolling cutter rock drill bit includes a pair of rigid rings disposed between the leg of the bit body and the rolling cutter. The rings have opposing faces, which have opposing sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces occupy a portion of the faces and include wear resistant material. A gap is formed between a portion of the faces, the gap allowing lubrication to flow to the sealing surfaces from the bit's bearing cavity.