Boart Longyear launches new flyable exploration drill rig

Boart Longyear describes its new flyable SC11 rig as “the only compact and modular rig in its class that offers 5,456 Nm of torque and can manage PQ-size rods. The drill is a surface exploration rig targeted at the 1,300 m to 1,500 m NQ market, and can be broken down into compact flyable modules. “The SC11 is built from Boart Longyear’s proven LM® technology and designed for use in surface applications where access is limited and drill footprint is a critical consideration.”

Craig Mayman, Boart Longyear Global Product Manager for Capital Equipment, continues, “It’s extremely flexible – conveniently assembling and disassembling in flyable, compact modules – while delivering best-in-class power at a cost-competitive value. And, in colder regions, its compact size enables operation inside a drill shack.”

The SC11 delivers large-diameter and deep-hole drilling capacity with a 132 kN pullback rating and PQ handling capacity. The rig features a variable-speed motor that provides a low-end torque output of 5,456 Nm at the head for tri-cone drilling and a 1,230-rpm speed for diamond drilling. Whether low- or high-torque applications, the SC11 features high-efficiency hydraulics to easily make or break rod joints and transport rods safely.

Hydraulic actuators also control the rig’s rod handler, providing smooth and efficient movement in three dimensions. The rod handler uses proven LM rod-handling technology and features proximity sensors to protect the operator by preventing rod drops when operators are nearby. A laser beam system positioned between the helper and rod handler control panel stops movement when drillers enter the operating area. Once the beam is interrupted, the rod handler immediately stops and can only be restarted when the driller resets it.

Boart Longyear’s patented Nitro Chuck® with gas-charged springs actuates the jaws holding the rods to provide fail-safe operation. The control panel also uses lift-to-shift rotation and feed levers to deliver constant speed and protect the operator against accidental actuation.

The SC11 has been designed to easily break down into flyable modules, with the heaviest lift being only 680 kg. Lifting points are easy to identify and are positioned at the module’s centre of gravity to provide a balanced load, while quick-connect hydraulic couplings further accelerate assembly and disassembly and prevent oil spills. All modules use easy-to-see guides to help operators quickly align and assemble the rig, speeding up the landing process.

Pressed steel framing with male-female joints help the modules drop into position and highly visible jacking and lifting points make assembly and disassembly safe and easy.