Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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longer cable and sheave life; as well as design elements focused on higher produc- tivity. These include faster feed/retract speeds, larger fuel and water tanks that result in less time spent refilling, and a comfortable ergonomically designed cab. Atlas Copco's Rig Control System (RCS) is standard equipment on the PV-311. RCS provides a number of safety and interlock features, and serves as a foundation to build in more technology options if desired in the future, according to the company. Optional RCS packages are offered, includ- ing: AutoLevel, Auto-Drill, high precision GPS, and teleremote control. The PV-311's feed system uses dual hydraulic feed cylinders to raise and lower the rotary head smoothly and positively, using cables for both pulldown and pull- back, running on large-diameter sheaves for longer cable life. Bit load capacity is 110,000 lb (50,000 kg). An optional hydraulically operated automatic wet clutch can be configured to perform a vari- ety of drilling operations, and is designed to significantly save on fuel costs. The standard diesel fuel tank has a capacity of 700 U.S. gallons and provides sufficient fuel for 12 operating hours. An optional 1,200-gal fuel tank makes it pos- sible to drill up to 24 hours before refuel- ing. Various fuel/water tank combinations are available. Engine options listed by Atlas Copco include EPA Tier III diesels from Caterpillar (C32 - 1,125 hp / 839 kW@1,800 rpm), Cummins (QSK 38 - 1,260 hp / 940 kW @1,800 rpm) and MTU (16V2000 - 1,205 hp / 899 kW@1,800 rpm). Tier IV-com- pliant engine options include Cat's C32 (1,125 hp / 839 kW) and MTU's 16V2000 (1,300 hp / 969 kW). In December 2013, Atlas Copco also introduced the latest model in its well- known Drillmaster (DM) rotary drill line. The DM 30 Mark II, developed using technology taken from the company's workhorse DM 45 and DML rigs, is manufactured in Nanjing, China, and is suited for both rotary and DTH applications, with low- and high-pressure compressor options available. The compo- nent layout and electric over hydraulic cab are taken directly from its stable mates in the DM line, employing the same hydraulic system components, feed system and rotary head that have been proven over almost three decades of use on the DM 30. Design improvements on the Mark II include a robust I-beam frame, expanded decking and easier component access, and improved rod handling and breakout. Standard features now include auto thread lube, head-up tram interlock and grease manifold, plus a wider range of options offered in response to customers' specific requests. In a related development, Atlas Copco expanded the capabilities of its DM45/50 and DML blasthole drill rigs with a new reverse circulation (RC) kit. The system features a hydraulic upper knife valve and pneumatic lower knife valve for collecting and isolating samples. It has a hydraulic hinge between the dump box and the cone splitter that allows for easy cleaning and a fixed cone splitter with primary and dupli- cate sample chutes. All cyclone and sam- ple functions are controlled from the oper- ator's cab. The kit can be retrofitted on rigs currently in the field. Joy Global added a new rig in its rotary drill product line to provide a wider range of solutions for hard-rock applications, filling the gap between its 250XPC and 320XPC models. The new P&H; 285XPC provides up to 118,000 lb (53,524 kg) of bit loading, and is designed for sinking 270- and 311- mm (10-5/8- and 12-1∕4-in.) diameter holes, making it well suited for the majori- ty of copper and iron applications. The new rig also features the Universal Drill Cab (UDC) utilized on other P&H; drills. This commonality of controls, according to Joy Global, will allow experi- enced operators to quickly and easily tran- sition to a P&H; 285XPC. The UDC pro- vides the operator with a clear, unobstruct- ed view of the drilling area and the sur- rounding environment. Expansive windows and video cameras provide what is claimed to be the best visibility in the industry and ensure that the operator is able to maintain complete situational awareness while drilling and propelling. Additionally, the FOPS Level II certified structure combined with shatter-resistant glass protects the operator from harsh mining conditions. Progress in Percussive Drilling Sandvik Mining has a new Pantera percus- sive drill platform—designed specifically for mining and available for both DTH and TH applications—that is claimed to deliver increased drilling capacity, lower fuel con- sumption and improved safety. The new platform has been developed in response to mining industry trends toward fully autonomous operation, with options allow- ing owners to take advantage of automation technology as needs and mining operations change. The first two new models are the Pantera DI6400 (DTH) and Pantera DP2000 (TH). The Pantera DI6400 was introduced in late 2013, and the DP2000 will be released in 2014. Designed for wall control, pit develop- ment and production drilling, all Pantera variants share the same control system and automation infrastructure, further reducing the cost of training, maintenance and own- ership in surface drilling applications. The new Panteras offer an innovative approach to surface drilling with Sandvik's SICA (Sandvik Integrated Control Architecture) control system technology. The Pantera DI6400 is designed for 115- to 203-mm-diameter blastholes up to 45 m deep, while the Pantera DP2000 can drill 152- to 178-mm-diameter holes 36 m deep. The DI6400 delivers up 35 bar operating pressure in DTH drilling, and also marks an industry first with the introduction of 25-ft (7.5-m) drill pipes, in diameters from 89- 140 mm, for boom-based operation. Sandvik said the Pantera TH configura- tion, featuring its new RD2045C 45-kW hydraulic rock drill, will offer superior drilling capacity in the 152- to 178-mm range. The Pantera DTH configuration is claimed to offer the industry's highest operating pres- sures for faster, more efficient drilling. MARCH 2014 • E&MJ; 39 www.e-mj.com S U R FA C E D R I L L I N G Joy Global's P&H; 285XPC rotary drill. EMJ_pg38-41_EMJ_pg38-41 3/3/14 12:15 PM Page 39