Sandvik commissions biggest surface top hammer drill rig in Africa

dpi.jpgThe first of Sandvik’s revolutionary new DPi Series surface top hammer drill rigs – the biggest top hammer of its kind in Africa – has been commissioned at Independent Quarries in East London, South Africa and two more are on order. The intelligent self-propelled, self-contained crawler has been introduced to meet the rigorous demands of production drilling, quarry and mine development, pre-splitting and dewatering. There are already 15 DPi rigs operating in other parts of the world.“The new DPi Series reflects 20 years of experience in quarrying and open pit mining in the hole range of 76 to 152 mm, drilling deeper holes more accurately than ever before,” Cornel Burger, Sandvik’s General Manager Operations & Construction, says. The machine’s 33 kW rock drill is now the biggest available on the market.

“A big advantage of this machine’s rock tools is the shoulder drive system on the couples, which results in a far more rigid string. This, in turn, makes for straighter holes and more efficient use of energy from rod to rod. The DPi Series is our response to the changing business environment, where modern machinery is required to address issues of increasing energy costs, diminishing fossil fuel resources, skills shortages and environmental concerns. The technology answers many of these issues through its ability to boost productivity, reduce fuel consumption by 15% compared with the previous model and generate valuable real time information. The new generation machine also extends the rand per linear metre life of the rock tools.”

The Sandvik DPi rig is capable of practical intelligence that puts an end to the guesswork conventionally associated with this technology. Via an advanced user interface with simple screen views, the rig provides the operator with information on drilled metres and holes, diesel and percussion hours, the amount of fuel burned, as well as the condition of the drill. This allows the operator to develop accurate work and service schedules and minimise unwanted downtime through optimal use of the drill.

Operators can select a straight hole drilling option that harnesses 87 mm diameter tubes to achieve accurate and straight holes, increased bailing of drill chips, extended rock tool life and easy coupling and uncoupling of drilling tubes.

Joysticks are integrated into the arm rests, which greatly increases operator comfort. The cabin features advanced air conditioning with efficient air filtration and a double roof to keep the cabin temperature at a comfortable level. The quiet, pressurised and ROPS/FOPS certified cabin exceeds safety regulations.

Wide tracks and an optimised centre of gravity guarantee excellent stability, keeping the rig balance unchanged even when oscillation is unlocked.

Ambient-controlled oil cooler fans and a fuel cooler as well as long cleaning intervals guarantee continuous performance in any temperature. A clear, component layout and gullwing service doors make it easy to reach components during a service. All oil removals in the machine are centralised. Daily and weekly service points are accessible from ground level, which improves the safety of maintenance crews.

The Sandvik DPi Series incorporates a self-diagnostics system that excludes the non-functioning circuits and indicates where the fault is. The rigs also offer smart and practical step-by-step troubleshooting instructions.

In another first for Sandvik, the company is able to provide training to operators of the new DPi Series on a simulator, either at the Sandvik Training Academy or on-site at customer operations. This operator training is conducted by authorised trainers and is based on a modular, fit for purpose curriculum. Operators can practice their skills in the simulator without any risk to the rig. The training is in line with current legislation and operators leave the course with a certificate of competency.

As an optional extra coming in at a nominal cost, the Sandvik SanRemo service system includes a productivity gauge and a GPS locator. The system indicates the load put on the machine and allows the owner to plan production, services, schedules and transportations well ahead of time.

Sandvik in South Africa has also received its first order for the mid-range DP1100i drill rig in the same series.