MechChem Africa April 2020

⎪ Hydraulic and pneumatic systems ⎪

In a first for Rand-Air, the company has acquired two new DrillAir Y1260 variable high-pressure compressors from the world’s leading manufacturer of drilling equipment, Atlas Copco. Faster drilling and reduced fuel costs with DrillAir compressors

T he DrillAir Y1260 variable high- pressure (21 to 35 bar) compressor has been scientifically designed around pressure and flow for a wide range of high-capacity drilling applications. The two new units acquired by Rand-Air are ideally suited for applications suchasmin- eral exploration drilling, geothermal drilling, construction and blast hole drilling; aswell as for services such as aerated drilling and the drilling of wells. “With these two new compressors, our mining customers can choose the right com- pressorfortheircorebusinesses;andhavethe flexibility to adapt to changes in well depth and hammer size for any customapplication,” says Rand-Air fleet manager, Craig Swart. Swart adds that DrillAir compressors can achieve maximum air flow at any pres - sure, as the relationship between pressure and flow is optimised. This creates the ideal combination of the two variables to improve drilling efficiency through the most efficient use of compressed air – and ultimately, dramatically reducing fuel costs. What sets the two new DrillAir compressors apart is their advanced Pressure-Assisted through

Cognitive Electronics (PACE) and DrillAir AirXpert technologies, which are simple to use and place drill operators firmly in control. The PACE is a dynamic optimisation feature, which allows the user to tap into the compressor’s electric engine to control pressure and flow. By matching the flow and pressure to the application requirements, the machine eliminates the need to have two separate machines. DrillAir AirXpert offers up to 30% im- proved drilling speeds. The performance management system includes software (Dynamic Flow Boost, Dynamic Control and XPR), as well as an LED hardware controller (Xc4003), electronically controlled inlet valve and a variable minimum pressure valve. The Dynamic Flow Boost provides up to 4 m³ a minute additional flow when flashing, and during drill stem refills. It also gives 10% moreflowat lowerworkingpressure for large diameter drilling. The key benefits include quicker flushing, faster drill stem refill, and a shorter time to complete drilling. “Atlas Copco’s XPR extends the working pressure range whilst setting it as low as 21 bar. The FuelXpert systemensures fuel ef - in the construction, demolition and rental sectors receive peace of mind in the knowl- edge that this rugged assortment has been designed and developed to meet an eclectic array of requirements. Compact and easily manoeuvrable, these CPPG generators can be easily transported due to an ergonomic handle design for stress-free lifting.” Delving into the advanced unit’s features, van der Vyver explains the CPPG generator range consists of 2.3 kVA to 14 kVA models which are available in petrol and diesel engines, silenced as well as in open frame variants. Theunitcomprisesasolidmainframewith reinforcement around sensitive components, covered and recessed sockets as well as a protected electrical panel. “Placing customer’s power needs at the core of design, we have built these genera- tors to deliver a constant electrical output and AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) for steady operation. In addition, they comprise

ficiencyandpartial loadwithanadditional fuel filter for engine protection,” Swart explains. “The combination of DrillAir AirXpert technology, the Atlas Copco screw element and the Cummins Stage III engine provides high efficiency for a wide range of pressure and flow settings,” Swart adds. With its 500-hour service intervals, Rand- Air’s newDrillAir compressors offer custom - ers trouble-free service, quick and simple maintenance and low operational costs. The machines’ centralised drain and air filtration systems facilitateeasy servicing;while thede- sign of the new oil separator system reduces maintenance time by over an hour. A dedi- cated service door allows for convenient oil level observation and oil filling. A three-layer coating on the body of the machine offers an extended life of corrosion-free service, fur- ther contributing to lower operational costs. “Our newDrillAir compressors have been chosen for their robustness, andare suited for use inharshenvironments, where support can be hard to access,” concludes Swart. q Rand-Air fleet manager, Craig Swart stands next to the DrillAir Y1260 variable high-pressure compressor. Synonymous with reliability, superior- qualityandenhancedperformance,theCPPG generatorsaretestedfor1000hoursat100% load prior to release. “We ensure that the units undergo strenuous testing so our cus- tomershavetheassurancetheyareoperating rugged, tried-and-tested generators that contribute to minimised fuel consumption, energy savings and an extended service life,” adds van der Vyver. NatashiaBoshoff fromSondoContracting Services T/A S.A Electrical Motor Rewinders was presented the highly sought-after prize, a CPPG generator, by van der Vyver and Grinding Power’s Leon Govender at the MTE event. “The Sibanye MTE was definitely one of the best exhibitions for us as we received numerousenquiriesandwereabletohighlight ChicagoPneumatic’svastindustryknowledge and expertise.We look forward to once again putting our best foot forward at upcoming events,” concludes van der Vyver. q a large, reinforced fuel tank for extended production times,” he explains.

Chicago Pneumatic revs up interest at Sibanye MTE As a long-standing participant at the coveted Sibanye Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE), Chicago Pneumatic says it remains committed to further sharing its compre- hensive generator portfolio with potential customers across southern Africa.

“These one-of-a-kind MTEs provide us with the perfect platform to display our product and service suite and to engagewith visitors and learnmore about their generator needs,” says Eben van der Vyver, Chicago Pneumatic business development manager: southern Africa. At the Sibanye MTE, the company awed the crowds with its impressive generator capabilities, showcasing one of its CPPG 5.5 Kva portable petrol generators. “Packed with advanced components and bearing testament toBelgianmanufacturing, these generators have set the efficiency and optimal performance benchmark,” states van der Vyver. “Private and professional customers

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