Modern Quarrying Q3 2018

SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS – DRILLING AND BLASTING

Setting new blast-hole drilling standards

productivity with the entire layout of the rig optimised for ergonomic functionality and safety in line with worldwide standards and guidelines including Mining Design Guidelines (MDG) and Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT). The DR412i is equipped with the Sandvik Compressor Management System (CMS), which effectively isolates the compressor from the motor, saving up to 30% on fuel with a proportional increase in engine and compressor life while reducing carbon emissions. The drill rig offers a host of auto- mation features to further improve performance. These include line of sight remote control options which allow a single operator to control multiple rigs, or more advanced tele-remote-control operations allow- ing operation from a remote location using cameras, sensors, software and vehicle telemetry. l

The Sandvik DR412i is focused on the changing requirements of surface miners and designed to improve con- servation and deliver dependable pen- etration in the world’s harshest mining conditions. Constructed for rotary or down-the-hole drilling, the DR412i is automation-ready and built to guarantee reliability while bringing a new level of safety and productivity to any operation. The DR412i is designed for a hole range of 216-311mm (8 2 ’-12 1/4”) with high and low pressure versions available with a multi-pass maximum hole depth of 75m (246’). The Sandvik DR412i has several unique features that work to protect operators and maintenance employ- ees. Foremost of these features is its emphasis on creating space for acces- sibility and visibility which starts at the operator’s cab and extends to work areas and routine maintenance ports. Work areas are optimised to serve “We understand that customers and end-users are under extreme pressure to increase output while lowering input in order to remain profitable,” says Robert Nel, Business Line Manager of Epiroc’s Rock Drilling Tools (RDT) division. “Subsequently, 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 prede- cessors, the two units have been specially designed and engineered to achieve more holes per shift and per drill rig, keeping productivity to an all-time high.” The COP 66 is specially designed for Epiroc’s new generation of SmartROC and FlexiROC drill rigs and, combining the best drilling

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has delivered and commissioned the first DR461i (now identified as the DR412i) rotary blasthole drill in Africa. The next generation blast-hole drill drastically improves productiv- ity while returning better-than-ever fuel efficiency and vastly improved availability compared with its predecessors.

AT THE DRILLING EDGE

technology with air packages of up to 30 bar, the hammers present an unrivalled drilling solution. With a platform design which incor- porates a solid bit with no centre flushing hole and no exhaust tube, the hammer is 30% shorter, lighter and faster, features that contrib- ute to reduced wear and tear, and consequently greater reliability and improved economy. The COP 66 also boasts 15% faster penetration compared with its predecessor, the COP 64 Gold, due to reduced air consumption. The hammer incorporates design features that are geared at making life easier for the operator, which not only has a positive impact on productivity, but also improves worker safety. Simple to handle, operate, the hammers are more easily adjustable for feed force and rotation. l

The COP 66 hammer for DTH appli- cations and the T-WiZ60 T-thread system for tophammer drilling from Epiroc are are said to champion efficiency and reliability, two factors that are fundamental in reducing operational costs and extending equipment life.

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 3 - 2018