Pit & Quarry, January 2013

Drilling Blasting Rigs rotary head provides maximum torque The DI550 down the hole drill rig is a match for 5 in hammer drilling but Sandvik says the rig is also productive with 4 in and 6 in hammers The DI550 is equipped with a 328 kw diesel engine and a 244 cu meter compressor airflow at 24 bar pressure Sandvik says the DI550 includes smart automation features that prevent human errors improve drilling efficiency and machine performance Among the features is automatic systems control that supervises all machine functions and one pipe automatic drilling that makes the machine easier to use The DI550 is equipped with Tier 4 or Tier 3 engine technology An ambient dependent control for compressor running temperature prevents condensate and thereby rusting Furthermore the rig is equipped with a new kind of heavy duty rotary head for maximum rotary torque www sandvik com Third edition of blasthole drilling reference book released Atlas Copco has released the latest addition to the ongoing reference book Blasthole Drilling in Open Pit Mining The third edition was written to provide comprehensive reference on the use of rotary drills in surface mining applications Twenty one technical articles have been included to offer information that both experienced drill operators and industry novices can use To provide real world scenarios 25 case studies highlight a variety of successful mining operations around the world Blasthole Drilling in Open Pit Mining is available through local Atlas Copco customer centers and distributors It can also be downloaded online In addition Atlas Copco recently introduced the PowerROC T35 E a new surface drill rig The T35 E is an extendable boom version of the T35 drilling rig currently in use www atlascopco com Track drill to reduce cycle time improve productivity The MD5150 track drill a customer inspired design that drills holes up to 6 in in diameter incorporates a proven rock drill a carousel rod changer a new cab and other features that are designed to boost productivity and reduce operating costs Caterpillar says the MD5150 reduces setup time thanks to the rod changer that holds six rods and accommodates multiple lengths and diameters of drill steel Powerful dual rod grippers and a unique gate design let the rod and gate move simultaneously The rod changer is supported by a sturdy feed and 8 ft boom that extends to 11 ft for larger pattern coverage with fewer setups Because the carousel rod changer weighs less and holds more rods than linear models the boom extension can reach farther and drill deeper while maintaining stability Holes can be drilled within 24 in of the high wall which according to Cat is 50 percent closer than with a linear rod changer www cat com 22 PIT QUARRY January 2013 www pitandquarry com