Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology launches its new bolter for 5 m x 5 m size headings combining a safe, ergonomic working environment with high levels of performance. Equipped with a completely new carrier, high frequency rock drill, control system and ergonomic cabin, the Sandvik DS512i offers high levels of safety and efficiency for all rock reinforcement operations (Figure 1).

The safe and efficient new Sandvik DS512i is equipped with the new FOPS/ROPS cabin as standard, providing a safe, comfortable working environment for the operator. This reduces noise, vibration and dust levels and improves visibility while drilling and tramming. Furthermore, the spacious and ergonomic operating environment has an interactive graphic user interface enabling all bolting operations to be performed by a single operator in safety and comfort.

Intelligent control systems assist during drilling, grouting and bolt tightening, delivering high levels of automation. Machine efficiency is further maximized through easy to access service points from ground level, providing rapid maintenance and trouble shooting. The new DS512i comes ready for the AutoMine® fleet and information management system and has multiple levels of automation, enabling the correct choice of rig for the specific application.

High levels of drilling performance are ensured, thanks to the use of the Sandvik RD314 high frequency rock drill and the drilling control system which optimizes drilling penetration rates. The one bolt automation function of the DS512i provides improved drilling productivity and extends operating lifetime of the drilling tools.

The new DS512i provides the ultimate peace of mind in rock support. With up to 55 % increased operator visibility and 35 % higher penetration rates for greater productivity, performance and safety are seamlessly combined. An upgraded bolting head comes with different bolt lengths providing an extensive bolt selection, whilst the eight-rock bolt carousel ensures that the DS512i is capable of installing different types of rock bolts ranging from 1.6 m (5′) to 6 m (20′) in length. An automatic resin shooting and cement mixing system further guarantees a high quality rock reinforcement process.

Able to carry a 1,200 kg cement silo, the DS512i delivers increased meshing as well as hole angle measurement and an advanced boom manipulator. Bolting head movement is further optimized with new assistive and automatic features.

Designed specifically for tunneling and mining, the DS512i has been developed based on a modularized concept leading to high levels of parts commonality with the Sandvik DT922i, enabling lower levels of total cost of ownership. The bolter has been designed for the integration of subsequent actions involved in the drill and blast process.

As well as being the ideal bolter for tunneling, the new DS512i comes complete with certain features that make it the perfect choice for mining bolting operations. It possesses several types of bolt length and varieties within the same machine and an automatic cement mixer in parallel with automatic resin injection. Ideal for small and large headings, it enables high bolting and meshing coverage, with efficient operations being ensured through sharing high commonality of parts with other members of the 400i carrier series.

As well as its leading performance features, at the heart of the new DS512i are the high levels of automation. These have been developed to suit the specific needs of the customers and come in two packages: Silver and Gold.

The Silver package comprises of “one bolt” automation (collaring, drilling, grouting, bolt handling, tensioning) and hole angle measurement. The boom is fully instrumented with indicators for hole angles, tilt and rotation, as well as an advanced boom manipulator, automatic cement mixing and basic remote monitoring, amongst other features.

The Gold package has full instrumentation and fan bolt locations to show one or more bolt fans to the specific mine or tunnel coordinates. iSURE comes as standard along with MWD, Total Station Navigation, Tele-Remote bolting, “planned versus actual” bolting – which can be transferred to the control system – and full remote monitoring.

With its many purpose designed safety features, in-built levels of efficiency for high levels of operational productivity and automation to suit, the new DS512i from Sandvik is set to provide miners and tunnelers with peace of mind in rock support.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik continues to be a leader in mining automation with the introduction of the mining industry’s first interoperability platform for autonomous underground loaders and trucks: The AutoMine® Access API. Delivering on the promise made earlier this year at Goldcorp’s #DisruptMining event, the AutoMine^® Access API specification is now available and is the next step in Sandvik’s continued journey to set the industry standard for mine automation and digitalization.

The AutoMine^® Access API gives mines the power to connect non-Sandvik equipment to AutoMine^® – moving underground mining digitalization even further.

“As a world leader in underground automation, we have a responsibility to make this game-changing technology easier to implement for the mining industry,” said Patrick Murphy, President Rock Drills & Technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “While we think customers will achieve the highest performance with Sandvik equipment, we recognize the need to unlock automation’s full potential for all equipment regardless of manufacturer. Customers with mixed fleets will now have the full power of AutoMine^® behind them.”

How it Works
The AutoMine^® Access API is a standard set of pre-defined interfaces for connecting third-party loaders and trucks to AutoMine^®. This means a mixed fleet of underground loaders and trucks can now be managed and controlled with one seamless system.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of functions and procedures that allows the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service.

The third-party equipment is also required to meet the AutoMine^® safety standards.

Driving a Digital Ecosystem
The AutoMine^® Access API is another step in Sandvik’s journey to drive a digital ecosystem that makes mining smarter, safer and more productive.

In 2018, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology released its Interoperability Policy outlining the how Sandvik systems can communicate within a digital ecosystem including data accessibility, fleet data compatibility, data rights and control, and data privacy.

The momentum continued in 2019 with the acquisition of Newtrax, a leader in wireless IoT connectivity for underground hard rock mining, and the announcement that My Sandvik, Sandvik’s telemetry solution for machine health and productivity data, would also be available for non-Sandvik equipment.

“Sandvik has been leading the market in underground digitalization for years, with thousands of pieces of equipment around the world connected to our digital technology,” said Murphy. “As more customers embark on their digital journeys, interoperability will be a requirement. We are proud to leverage our experience to drive digitalization further in the mining industry.”

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik is preparing to deliver its renewed giant, the Sandvik LH625iE electric loader, to field testing to the Kiruna mine in Northern Sweden. The unit to be tested is the 600^th electric loader from Sandvik, and is custom-designed to meet the needs of the Kiruna mine (Figure 2).

The giant underground loader, which features a 9.5 m³ bucket and 25,000 kg payload capacity, is designed to operate in the world’s largest underground iron ore mine, located in Kiruna, Sweden. The basic design of Sandvik LH625iE is well-proven, as Sandvik has been delivering electric loaders powered by a trailing cable for more than 35 years. In addition to utilizing the proven design and robust structures, today’s Sandvik LH625iE belongs to its i-series, featuring advanced technology, latest digital solutions and smart connectivity. As examples of the loader’s intelligence, the new Sandvik LH625iE is equipped with Sandvik Intelligent Control System and My Sandvik Digital Services Knowledge Box™ as standard, and to fully utilize the enormous capacity it offers, the loader can be fitted with Sandvik’s Integrated Weighing System (IWS), as well as AutoMine® and OptiMine® solutions.

Due to the impressive dimensions of the Sandvik LH625iE (total length 14 m, bucket width 4 m, cabin height 3 m), the operator’s compartment is also able to benefit from a roomy, ergonomic design: for example, the spacious cabin is equipped with a unique 180 degree turning seat which significantly improves operator ergonomics because it can be turned to face in the direction of travel rather than requiring over-the-shoulder visibility. The upgraded Sandvik LH625iE has an IE4 classified energy-efficient electric motor, with a further significant improvement being the totally new, low-tension reeling system to increase the trailing cable’s lifetime.

The collaboration between Sandvik and LKAB’s mine in Kiruna dates back 20 years, during which time Sandvik has delivered a total of 28 loaders. “We are satisfied with the loaders delivered from Sandvik, with 14 still in production today. We have had a long and good collaboration and look forward to a good continuation”, says Michael Palo, Senior Vice President, Northern Division at LKAB.

Sandvik LH625iE is living proof that it is possible to achieve enormous carrying capacity and productivity without the use of traditional diesel engines and fossil fuel. The newcomers, battery-electric loaders, also reinforce that message, with Sandvik receiving positive results from its testing of Artisan A10 battery-electric loaders in Canada. Artisan A10 is the most capable loader in its size class, able to carry 10 tonnes whilst retaining its outer dimensions equal to those of current 7 tonne diesel loaders.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology presents two years’ worth of upgrades on the remote-controlled Dino^TM DC400Ri surface top hammer drill rig for urban areas and other applications calling for excellent mobility. The upgraded rig, renamed Dino™ DC410Ri, offers significant improvements in electrical and mechanical reliability, 15% higher tramming power and a large number of smaller but nonetheless important updates for improved reliability and productivity.

Dino DC410Ri is a major all-around upgrade from its predecessor Dino DC400Ri, originally launched in 2014. A compact machine for 51 to 76 mm (2 to 3”) hole sizes, Dino DC410Ri continues to offer mobility and stability for contractors tackling cramped urban construction sites, as well as for demanding quarry and infrastructure applications. The remote radio control, 14 kW RD414 rock drill, advanced i-series torque control system and up to 18 square meter (193 sq ft) coverage area add up to a cost-effective and productive solution for demanding jobs.

While retaining the basic design of the original machine, Dino DC410Ri features a number of significant upgrades for improved reliability. Its entirely new electrical system responds to challenges with components such as I/O boards. Several mechanical details have been reinforced, including a steel-framed tramming support for the feed beam and ruggedized rod-handler arms.

The upgraded Dino DC410Ri offers enhanced mobility thanks to 15% higher tramming power compared with the previous model. Other features contributing to excellent mobility include low tramming height, low center of gravity and high ground clearance.

A range of new options available for Dino DC410Ri create even more possibilities to customize the rig for various applications. NoiseShield-DC is a simple and compact noise-reduction solution for Dino DC410Ri, offering up to a −7.5 dB reduction in A-weighted sound pressure within a 16-meter radius of the drill rig. The isolation panels of this patent-pending system are easy and quick to install simply by replacing the standard mesh panels of the safety cage.

Contractors aiming for minimum set-up times can select the feed auto-aligning option, which maintains the alignment of the feed beam at the preset angle even if the position of the boom changes from one hole to the next. Water flushing can be a useful option for applications requiring optimal dust suppression, such as tunneling jobs.

A tangible improvement likely to be appreciated by many operators is the new remote-control unit (Figure 2). It has redesigned joysticks for easier handling with work gloves on, the plastic wiring connectors have been replaced with metallic military-grade components, and the control unit is better protected against moisture leaks in tough, cold environments.

Another practical feature is the possibility to duplicate the drilling control display on an Android phone or tablet. The remote screen, attached to the remote-control unit, gives a perfect view of the drill rig alignment and displays the drilling and tramming parameters for easy and accurate control, even if the rig itself is on the bottom of a deep trench or close to the edge of a hazardous bench.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, Tampere/Finland, introduces two new innovative solutions to reduce noise emissions in surface top hammer drilling (Figure 1). The new options for Ranger™ DXi series and Dino™ DC410Ri surface drill rigs help to mitigate harmful noise at construction worksites and quarries.

Many contractors and quarries face increasingly restrictive noise limits, particularly in urban areas. Effective solutions are necessary to cut out harmful noise to improve work safety and to maintain neighborly relations with local communities. The new solutions introduced by Sandvik are not only beneficial to the surrounding areas, they also reduce operators’ and worksite personnel’s exposure to harmful noise levels, thereby offering a more comfortable working environment.

The main source of noise from a top hammer drill rig is the rock drill itself, which accounts for up to 75 % of the total sound power level from a drill rig. Both new Sandvik solutions reduce the sound level around the drill rig by isolating the rock drill and rod handling system inside a noise-suppressing structure. These solutions are especially effective at suppressing the most disturbing drilling noise frequencies, between 2,500 and 10,000 Hz.

NoiseGuard-DXi reduces noise emissions from Ranger™ DXi series drill rigs (max. 27 kW rock drill, recommeded hole diameter 51 to 27 mm / 2″ to 5″) designed for construction applications and quarries. NoiseGuard-DXi is a fully enclosed structure that provides up to 12.9 dB noise reduction in A-weighted sound pressure within a 16 m radius of the rig. In this measuring distance, the noise reduction compared to unmitigated sound pressure is up to 95 %. The NoiseGuard-DXi option comes with a camera system that provides visually aided drilling when the structure doors are closed. Additionally, it has an innovative single-bolt dismantling design for fast and easy maintenance on the feed system.

Another Sandvik innovation, NoiseShield-DC, is a simple, compact solution for the smaller, cabinless Dino™ DC410Ri drill rigs (14 kW rock drill, recommeded hole diameter 51 to 76 mm / 2″ to 3″) that excel in urban worksites. While not fully enclosed, NoiseShield-DC offers up to a 7.5 dB reduction in A-weighted sound pressure by directing the drilling noise upwards through an open top, away from the operator and surrounding areas. This reduction translates to an 82 % mitigation in noise pressure within a 16 m radius of the drill rig.

For noise reduction for the classic Ranger™ DX series drill rigs, a solution called NoiseGuard-DX has been successful in the market for several years.

Requirements to limit noise from drilling machinery stem from several international and national sources, such as EU directives, various safety standards, occupational health and safety legislation and environmental regulations. The measurements above represent the A-weighted sound pressure (LpAd) levels according to the EN 16228-1 safety standard, which applies the methods standardized in SFS EN ISO 3744:2010 for determining the sound power level of a noise source.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

The new Sandvik 800i series of premium cone crushers (Figure 1) features mechanical upgrades, connectivity, advanced automation and rebuild possibilities to predict performance, maximize uptime and offer the best in sustainability at the lowest possible cost.

Including three new models, CH830i, CH840i and CS840i, the 800i crusher series has been improved and extended to offer reliable, intelligent crushing to any mining or aggregate application. Connected to My Sandvik, Sandvik 800i crushers enable managers and operators to make decisions based on facts, and see areas for improvement directly, increasing uptime and availability.

The 800i connected crusher series features the new generation Automation and Connectivity System (ACS) as standard. The system continuously monitors and optimizes crusher performance and controls the complete lubrication system, increasing uptime and reliability. The 800i series has been toughened and improved to offer greater reliability, higher availability and a low risk of critical failure.

All 800i crushers come with the new generation ACS, and are connected to the My Sandvik portal. This allows managers and operators to access and manage all the vital information they need to make informed decisions. My Sandvik can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Bolted rather than welded top and bottom shell liners make changing 90 % faster. The over-pressure system keeps dust out, and the standard offline filter keeps oil cleaner, extending oil life by up to five times. More power output from less energy and more uptime through intelligent crushing make the 800i series a safer, more sustainable choice.

The 800i crusher series can be purchased as a completely new crusher, or you can choose a Sandvik REBORN solution, replacing an existing crusher and reutilizing existing auxiliaries and infrastructure. This plug and play installation minimizes disruption and maximizes productivity, while offering up to 40 % cost savings compared to a complete crusher system.

Sandvik´s service agreements provide customers with safer operations, low operating costs and long service life, unlocking the full potential of their crushing plant 365 days a year. It increases productivity by up to 10 %.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

iSURE^® underground rock excavation software is a purpose-developed excavation process control tool for providing instrumented face drilling rigs with all the necessary information for optimized drilling & blasting (Figure 1). iSURE^® works seamlessly with Sandvik’s iSERIES drilling rigs, combining pull-out analysis with the rig’s data collection tools and providing an accurate analysis functionality to improve the work cycle and process. The latest version, iSURE^® 8.0, has many new features and tools to further assist geological interpretation.

iSURE^® software (Intelligent Sandvik Underground Rock Excavation software) is a computer program for tunneling, construction and mining drill and blast process control, producing all the data needed for optimizing the drilling and blasting cycle.

Among other design tools, iSURE^® 8.0 has a template-based drill plan generation tool that takes into account rock blastability, tunnel profile, quality target and explosives used. The key lies in the fact that successful operations consist of four essential points – quality, cost, schedule and safety – and iSURE^® 8.0 is designed to help ensure that the best results are achieved, by making drilling and blasting even more accurate.

Optimization of drill and blast means taking into consideration the changes in rock blastability and other changes in the environment. An effectively-controlled blast results in good pull-out, a restricted fracture zone and greater rock strength around the tunnel. Furthermore, rounds’ length and detonation can be tuned to the permitted vibration level and geology. iSURE^® 8.0 helps to achieve this, as it provides a set of plan templates for editing and feedback functions to achieve the best possible result from the blast, with blast patterns being easily edited to match the design parameter.

iSURE^® 8.0 enables drill rig usage and drilling process efficiency to be maximized, assessed and measured on a round-by-round basis. Counters for percussion, power pack, drilled meters and net penetration, as well as average and gross drilling capacity (m/h/boom), are collected for each boom. A round’s duration is divided into main categories for navigation, drilling, boom control, idle time, or booms not finishing the job at the same time, further allocating them into sub-categories for drilling and boom. This provides valuable feedback that helps to finetune the rig’s behavior, while also acting as a learning tool for operators.

The program further assists in the analyzing of data collected along tunnel line, which reveals the trends of various KPIs. In addition, analyzing the “measure while drilling” (MWD) items give a histogram report of the achieved penetration rate for the used drilling power, flushing sufficiency or disturbances in drilling, both in general terms and each boom.

All of these features are achieved through the full-featured iSURE^® 8.0 software utilizing the drill rig’s data collection, thereby improving the work cycle and the drill and blast excavation process. It also has an optional toolset for geological analysis (iSURE^® GEO), a tunnel profile 3D scanning system (iSURE^® 3D SCAN) and an interface to a third-party blasting vibration feedback system.

Optional onboard scanner records the tunnel profile at the face. iSURE^® 8.0. creates surfaces based on scanned point clouds with a 3D view with under/overbreak visualization and a 2D view for feedback to drill and blast design optimization, along with production in numbers (realized, theoretical, under/overbreak m³).

GEO option includes rig and iSURE calculation and produces geological mapping information based on the drilling data. Parameters like Sandvik drilling resistance factors (MPa), rock mass fracture indicator, rock classification are calculated and extrapolated. 2D tunnel map views and 3D with cut planes are presented.

Sandvik’s avowed aim is to provide drill and blast tunneling and mining professionals with an updated version of iSURE^® each year. This is being done to reflect the constant changes faced on a daily basis, as well as to reflect Sandvik’s close, integrated relationship with its customers. Based on feedback from users and experience gained during operations throughout the world, the new version of iSURE^® 8.0 now comes complete with:

• wizard-tool to select ready-made drilling templates for drill plan creation;
• cloud system to share data;
• new user interface;
• new license system;
• excavated profile target quality;
• drilling rate index based estimate calculation for cycle (round) time.

New inbuilt cloud based data sharing helps to spread the project data between the group members. Cloud data is owned and controlled by rig owner, defining roles and access rights for members.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology
www.rocktechnology.sandvik