Sandvik

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced its AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill, the company’s second technology demonstrator for its future autonomous mining vision.

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is a fully autonomous, twin-boom development drill rig capable of drilling without human interaction. The cabinless battery-electric drill can plan and execute the entire drilling cycle from tramming to the face, setting up for drilling, drilling the pattern and returning home to charge for the next cycle.

Less than two years after introducing the AutoMine^® Concept Loader – the first fully autonomous underground mining machine built specifically for automation – Sandvik has expanded its vision from autonomous mucking to autonomous drilling with its AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill.

“We’re continuing to push the boundaries of mining automation and demonstrate what will be the reality in the near future,” said David Hallett, Vice President, Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We chose a development drill as our next Concept Vehicle to demonstrate that autonomy can also work effectively in a mine’s development phase, in constantly changing environments.”

Unveiled and demonstrated for the first time at a customer event at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ test mine in Tampere, Finland on Wednesday, the fully functional AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill, referred to internally during the lead-up to its introduction as “Amelia,” showcases next-generation intelligent automation and other new technologies and features that will be introduced for current and future Sandvik offerings. Some features will be available as standalone products and others as upgrades or options for existing products or equipment.

“Our AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is not intended to be introduced as a commercial product,” said Johannes Välivaara, Vice President, Product Development and Product Management at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Rather, it will become our in-house platform for testing and developing new technologies our customers identify as crucial to their operations.”

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill has no operator cabin, creating space for onboard water and battery storage and eliminating the need for supply cables or water hoses during operation. The self-contained drill uses and optimizes power and electricity based on need, making onboard supply last even longer.

The drill only needs to know which tunnel and face it should tram to and can plan the rest of its mission autonomously, using data from the preferred mine planning software. Tunnel lines and profiles are planned and defined into drilling and blasting patterns in iSURE that ensure optimal hole placement, detonation and profile quality. The drill also has access to 3D models of a site, which are automatically merged from survey and mapping results. It can update and optimize the 3D model of the mine in real time based on feedback from its onboard cameras and scanners.

The drill learns and adapts to the ever-changing environment in a development heading to safely complete entire missions from entry to exit. It navigates tight spaces with agility, enabling effective use of large machines in small spaces. Once it has arrived at its destination, it uses automatic drill plan adjustment to optimize the drilling pattern and drill the full round.

“Our vision is that in the near future, thanks to the rapid advancement of battery technologies, equipment like this will be able to drill entire rounds fully on battery power, eliminating the need to plug in to a grid and improving flexibility underground,” Jussi Puura, Digitalization Research Lead at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

During drilling, the AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill uses an AI-guided automatic drill bit changer to identify when bits are worn and changes them automatically. The drill is also equipped with a lifter tube installer that simplifies the face charging procedure. Drilling data is then reported back to iSURE or Deswik to optimize the next round. The drill also uses Rock Pulse^® AI for continuous rock mass feedback to optimize drilling performance.

The AutoMine^® Concept Underground Drill is compatible with traditional safety gate systems but is also capable of working without area isolation. It asks for assistance when re-filling consumables and recharging, and can request intervention by an operator if it is unsure of changes to its environment.

Further information:
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
www.rocktechnology.sandvik

The need to “reduce, reuse and recycle” is now widely accepted – but did you know that equipment rebuilds can also reduce fuel consumption, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), downtime and accidents, in addition to carbon footprint? Francois Nell, Portfolio Manager Rebuilds & Upgrades at Sandvik explains why even the industry’s wealthiest players are keen to keep their machines out of the scrapyard. 

If you’ve ever been to a classic car show, you have probably marveled at the rows of spotless vintage vehicles, many of them in better condition than when they left the factory thanks to the hundreds of hours and large amounts invested in tenderly coaxing each one of them back to life. Incredibly though, the market value of most of those cars will only be a fraction of what was spent on them (although few enthusiasts care about such things).

The mining industry can’t afford to be so sentimental. Nevertheless, professional rebuild services do exist. Sandvik, e.g., is able to completely refurbish virtually any of its older machines to the latest spec at a significant discount to what customers would pay for an equivalent new model.

Rebuilds are not a “second best” alternative

“From any of our 70 workshop facilities around the world, Sandvik’s certified technicians are able to provide a rebuild service to precisely match the customer’s needs and budget,” says Francois Nell. “While it’s true that a lot of our business traditionally comes from markets where there is an emphasis on keeping equipment running for as long as possible, it’s important to remember that our solutions aren’t just for those machines that are nearing the end of their life.”

In fact, rebuilds can be most effective when they are undertaken as mid-life services that ensure greater reliability in the long-term, while immediately helping to boost performance, increase safety and slash total cost of ownership (TCO). And it’s the growing recognition of the value these services offer that explains why major players are jumping on the rebuild bandwagon, rather than automatically trading up.

Planning is key

If we go back two decades, the industry rarely promoted rebuilds and customers themselves would just react as and when necessary, rather than having a strategy. With rebuild workshops becoming busier and increased lead times for components large and small, much more forward planning is required nowadays. This also ensures customers can select the least disruptive time for the work to be carried out, minimizing unplanned shutdowns.

“Our offering ranges in complexity from the base Custom Rebuilds, via Life Extension, up to Reborn and Reborn+ scopes,” says Nell. “We begin with a thorough assessment, to decide what components are required to meet the brief. This allows us to order the parts in advance, so that the real work can begin as soon as we receive the machine.The whole process typically takes 6-7 months, although 2-3 months isn’t unheard of when the need is urgent.”

This, of course, assumes the intervention is carried out at a Sandvik facility, enabling the company to use the highest levels of standard operational procedures, tools and cleanliness, etc. By rebuilding to a set of fixed standards, Sandvik can offer the customer an ‘as new’ or standard warranty depending on the scope, which could not be guaranteed if the work was done at the customer’s site. Some equipment, however, may be irretrievably situated below ground, in which case exceptions need to be made.

Tearing it down to build it back up again

So what can a customer expect once their machine arrives at a rebuild workshop? In Sandvik’s case, over 1,000 measurements, diagnostics and check points are analyzed before the restoration even begins. After the machine has had a full stripdown, the company’s experienced engineers carry out non-destructive testing to determine the extent of any metal fatigue and ensure that a rebuild is indeed viable. Once it’s been approved and repainted, it’s effectively a full ‘nut and bolt’ restoration, using only genuine parts.

Often using pre-assembled kits to speed up turnaround time, all major components will usually be replaced. Older machines will frequently be rebuilt to new generation spec, such as the latest engine technologies where appropriate, or upgrades in terms of hardware and software – most notably Sandvik’s Knowledge Box technology or the latest safety features.

Testing for functionality then follows, before the machines are once again put back into service with their operators. A further benefit of this approach is that, unlike when a 10-year-old machine is replaced with a new model, there is no need to retrain the operator. They can simply get in and immediately begin providing the same (if not higher) levels of productivity as they previously did – albeit in greater comfort and safety.

A new lease of life

“With rebooted machines typically offering at least 90% of the lifespan of new equipment, the economic advantages to mine owners are clear – and we haven’t even touched on the environmental benefits that result from the huge reduction in energy consumption enabled by this reduce-and-reuse philosophy,” concludes Nell.

Although the majority of underground equipment is rebuilt no more than once due to structural fatigue, machines such as rotary surface drills can quite easily have their components replaced two or three times, operating well over 100,000 machine hours before they’re put out to pasture.

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

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is challenging the industry by introducing a groundbreaking top hammer drilling innovation that offers the benefits of top hammer drilling technology as a viable alternative to down-the-hole (DTH) drilling, on a much larger scale than before. The Top Hammer XL drilling system (Figure 1) expands the hole size range of top hammer drilling to up to 178 mm and provides a faster and more fuel-efficient drilling method. It is part of Sandvik’s commitment to use engineering and innovation to make the shift that will drive safer and more sustainable business. In addition to excellent drilling results, it offers an effective solution to reduce fuel consumption and, ultimately, CO₂ emissions. This more fuel-efficient yet productive drilling method can help Sandvik customers grow their business in a more sustainable way.

The heart of the Top Hammer XL system lies in Sandviken/Sweden, and Tampere/Finland, where all the components have been designed and manufactured. They work seamlessly together and provide smooth operation and a highly productive system with optimum drilling results.

The efficiency of the new Top Hammer XL drilling system stems from the three components drill rig, rock drill and rock tools. The proven carrier offers a solid base for the powerful rock drill that generates an optimum pulse for the effective tooling system, which in turn transfers the high-energy shock wave with minimum losses to the rock. The Top Hammer XL system has been thoroughly tested and proven in several field tests by drilling more than 100,000 m in challenging rock conditions. The test results in the given conditions show a 50 % reduction in fuel consumption, 25 % reduction in total drilling costs and 15 % increase in productivity compared with the DTH drilling method. Estimations are based on field test results under specific controlled conditions. The results may vary depending on the actual drilling conditions and thus Sandvik does not guarantee the same outcome in any other conditions.

Pantera™ DP1600i is the newest member of the Pantera™ DPi series family of intelligent top hammer drill rigs, characterized by high penetration rates and advanced automation options for data-based fleet management and drilling performance optimization. Designed for large hole size drilling, the Pantera™ DP1600i, with its practical intelligence and support for higher-level automation solutions, is suited for production drilling in large quarries or open pit mines.

The new Pantera™ DP1600i is based on the reliable and proven Pantera™ DPi series platform, with upgraded key components to meet the needs of the Top Hammer XL system. Together with the RD1840C rock drill and LT90 rock tools, the result is extreme capacity for a larger hole size, without increasing the actual physical drill rig footprint. Pantera™ DP1600i offers the highest power in its class and can be customized with a variety of options to meet special requirements. Pantera™ DP1600i drill rig is available with Tier 3 and Stage 5 engine emission versions.

The new RD1840C rock drill is designed for large hole drilling with high drilling power (49 kW). Its robust design and balanced long piston percussion package are made especially for demanding circumstances. The new layout of pressure accumulators maximizes efficiency and minimizes hose vibrations. The state-of-the-art manufacturing process ensures the required high quality of the rock drill components.

The long piston technology generates high-impact energy with optimum pulse form, optimizing performance in large hole drilling without compromising the rock tools’ service life. The geometry and physical dimensions of the new RD1840C rock drill have been optimized for the entire Top Hammer XL drilling system.

As an additional option, RD1840C will be available with the Sandvik RockPulse™ tool stress monitoring system later in 2021. The system offers the drill operator real-time measurement data on three key drilling parameters: drill bit response, tools load and feed level. The system measures the stress waves and guides the operator to find the right drilling parameters for the best rock contact and performance.

The LT90 rock tools are developed to match the other components in the Top Hammer XL system. The tools – consisting of a shank adapter, MF tube rods and drill bits – offer the best possible drilling dynamics and rock-breaking efficiency.

The LT90 shank adapter, using high-quality steel, is designed for optimal energy transfer from the rock drill piston into the drill string and is developed in close collaboration between Sandvik’s experts on both rock tools and rock drills to ensure ideal performance.

With the new MF tube rods, developed to convey high-energy shock waves with minimal energy loss in the threads, Top Hammer XL customers will get a higher rate of penetration, straighter holes and increased service life for the whole drill string. The optimized thread design minimizes stress levels from bending, and excellent coupling characteristics are seen in the double-pass thread of this tool system. Premium steel grades and heat-treatment processes further improve its durability.

Sandvik’s patented retrac design form the base for the LT90 drill bits, with a strong gauge row, excellent flushing, high rock-breaking capabilities and reduced hole deviation. The drill bits are available from 140 to 178 mm and can be delivered with standard carbide grades as well as PowerCarbide™, depending on the rock formation.

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

Sandvik Automation has yet again showed the world that they are the technological leaders in mining automation and continue to set the industry standard. The firsthand glimpse of the next generation of intelligent technologies was shown to the world during a live reveal and demonstration at the Innovation in Mining Virtual Event, hosted by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology on 29th September 2020.

The fully working and autonomous AutoMine^® Concept vehicle is based on the latest technologies and equipped with completely new sensing capabilities and artificial intelligence to enhance mining operations (Figure 1). AutoMine^® Concept perceives its surroundings and environment in 3D and reacts to it in real-time. These technologies provide clear customer advantages by allowing vehicles to adapt and plan their own routes, and to find the most suitable paths even in continuously changing environments. The obstacle detection, collision avoidance and 3D online mapping capabilities improve adaptability and increase flexibility.

“The AutoMine^® Concept is unique, because it has been designed ground-up for autonomous use. It is the world’s first fully autonomous underground mining machine built specifically for automation,” says Riku Pulli, Vice President Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “This technology raises ease-of-use, effectiveness of asset utilization and adaptability to a new level, resulting in higher productivity. These technologies will truly change the face and pace of autonomous mining.”

This game-changing platform is a foundation for using the AutoMine^® technology in various equipment types and can be applied to any vehicle. The AutoMine^® Concept vehicle also has a completely new industrial design without a cabin, and with built-in components for high reliability and productivity. This autonomy platform allows for equipment design that is optimized for its primary production tasks without compromises. Furthermore, being fully battery-electric, it drives sustainability in mining without carbon emissions.

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

Peak Screening is a complete package offer and performance concept designed to ensure every square meter of a customer’s screening is as productive as it can be for their unique operation.

Most screening operations, even when they look fine, are capable of more, often much more. Peak Screening is Sandvik’s term for a complete screening solution, including the right screen, screening media and warranty/service program for any customer budget or need, all working together towards one goal – maximizing the full potential of the customer’s screening operation.

Sandvik screening equipment, screening media and services are designed to work optimally with each other and ensure the screening operation is as productive as it can possibly be. Sandvik’s customers will also benefit from having ongoing access to experienced Sandvik specialists who can help with the right configuration, optimization, troubleshooting, and much more.

Sandvik now introduce three brand new ranges of maintenance friendly, high performing modular screens that are more versatile, more reliable, faster to get on-site and safer to operate (Figure 1).

Sandvik screens come with high quality Sandvik screening media as standard, unless otherwise specified. Sandvik works closely with customers to determine the right solution for their applications, including Sandvik exclusive options such as the WX6500 tensioned rubber screening media with up to 15x longer wear life than standard wire mesh, but with the same screening accuracy for better productivity and uptime.

Sandvik’s Reliability & Performance (R&P) package protects the customer’s investment. R&P includes two years extended equipment warranty, regular inspections, maintenance recommendations, troubleshooting and performance analyses that can help optimize service intervals and avoid costly breakdowns.

Sandvik’s screening solutions also come with a performance guarantee where Sandvik guarantees that the solution achieves the performance that has been agreed on together with the customer – or Sandvik will work with the solution until it does.

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

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