Modern Mining July 2018

PRODUCT News

Epiroc products boost drilling productivity Available from Epiroc are the COP 66 hammer for DTH applications and the T-WiZ60 T-thread system for topham- mer drilling. The company says they are both defined by efficiency and reliability, two factors that are fundamen- tal in curtailing operational costs and extending equip- ment life. “We understand that cus- ing input in order to remain profitable,” says Robert Nel, Business Line Manager of Epiroc’s Rock Drilling Tools (RDT) division. “Consequently, our hammer and drill string product portfolio is focused on innovation to meet the new era of ultra-efficient drilling and our COP 66 hammer and T-WiZ60 for DTH (down-the-hole) and tophammer drilling respec- tively are certainly no exception. “Built on the success of their predecessors, these two units have been specially designed and engineered to achieve more holes per shift and per drill rig, keeping productivity at an all-time high.” The COP 66 is specially designed for Epiroc’s new generation of SmartROC and FlexiROC drill rigs. With its unique platform design which incorporates a solid bit with no centre flushing hole and no exhaust tube, the hammer is 30 % shorter, lighter and faster than its predecessor. The COP 66 also boasts 15% faster penetration compared to its pre- decessor, the COP 64 Gold, which is due to reduced air consumption. The hammer incorporates design features that are geared to mak- ing life easier for the operator which not only has a positive impact on productivity but also improves worker safety. Simple to handle operate, these hammers are more easily adjustable for feed force and rotation. “Servicing of the COP66 can be best described as quick, easy and hassle-free,” notes Nel. “Innovations like E-kit allow the COP 66 to be rebuilt twice over its lifetime in normal abrasive conditions which delivers tremendous savings for the end-user.” The T-WiZ60 has been engineered to offer up to 30 % longer ser- vice life. Components such as the rods and shank adapters of this rugged T-thread system have been designed even tougher. Benefits include reduced risk of breakage and greater thread stability, as well as improved drilling reliability and drilling capacity. The unit is also extremely easy to uncouple and change while fewer rod and shank changes increase drill utilisation and minimise stock. The T-WiZ60 uses the optimised Powerbit T-WiZ60 (92 –152 mm) drill bit range and is said to be ideal for bench and production drill- ing for surface mining sectors as well for construction, coping easily with difficult rock formations and fractured rock. Nel confirms that the versatile unit can be used on all drilling rig brands within each applica- tion area. Epiroc South Africa, tel (+27 11) 821-9000 The COP 66 has 15 % faster penetration compared to its predecessor. tomers and end-users are under extreme pressure to increase output while lower-

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