UNDERGROUND DRILLING
Continuing battery electric evolution in underground drills
Finally , Sandvik is continuing to grow its batteryelectric equipment offering , launching its fully automated and electric driveline-equipped DL422iE top hammer longhole drill . The driveline system on the new rig eliminates diesel emissions while tramming , increasing productivity while reducing environmental impact and fostering a healthier work environment , the company says .
Back in October 2020 after Sandvik ’ s Innovation in Mining virtual event , the company confirmed to IM that it was testing a batteryequipped prototype DL422iE unit in Canada ahead of a planned launch in the March quarter of 2021 .
The zero-emission Sandvik DL422iE joins the Sandvik DD422iE as the company ’ s second battery-driven underground drill , with the company expecting to offer a full range of battery-tramming rigs covering all underground drilling applications by the end of 2021 .
The new Sandvik DL422iE is designed for underground mass mining in 4 x 4 m or larger production drifts . It features the latest intelligent technology to enable continuous and unmanned operation , with automation and teleremote for drilling during shift changes and breaks , Sandvik says . Through these and other features , combined with data collection and transfer through wireless networks , the Sandvik DL422iE helps to ensure improved equipment utilisation and productivity .
The new longhole drill is capable of drilling vertical and inclined fans and single or parallel Ø89-127 mm long holes up to 54 m in depth using ST58 and ST68 tube rods . It is equipped with the powerful 33 kW HF1560ST longhole rock drill , which is based on a proven concept in terms of drilling capacity , reliability and operating cost , the company said .
With an impact frequency of 40-45 Hz and optimised percussion dynamics for ST68 tubes ,
the Sandvik DL422iE delivers optimal bit-to-rock contact for improved energy transfer , according to Sandvik . This leads to decreased stress level in rock tools , lower coupling / front housing temperatures and extended service life for shank adaptor and tube .
As standard , the Sandvik DL422iE is equipped with Sandvik ’ s Platinum drilling automation package for continuous and automated production drilling . This is combined with the i-Class iSOLO drilling control system to maximise productivity and enhance accuracy in drilling fans and parallel long holes . “ It acts as a full-time stinger control and is used in uploading drill plans to the control system , with drill plan management direct at the user interface to ensure one-hole automation drilling to a predefined depth ,” Sandvik says . “ Furthermore , feed and boom positioning to the next hole are automatic , while data is transferred via WLAN ethernet connection .”
In addition to the standard Platinum package , the Sandvik DL422iE can be equipped with an optional automatic bit changer , enabling autonomous drilling of complete fans and working through shift changes .
On top of being equipped with MySandvik remote monitoring , units can also be integrated with AutoMine ® and OptiMine ® , providing multiunit control and fan-to-fan remote tramming , Sandvik says . “ As the industry ’ s focus on sustainability increases , Sandvik ’ s latest drilling solutions specifically address the challenge of providing enhanced operational drilling performance combined with reduced emissions ,”
The Epiroc Boomer M20 ’ s heavy duty hose-less boom design minimises unplanned stops for hose repairs the company explained .
The Sandvik DL422iE is mounted on a C400E 4-wheel drive frame steered carrier equipped with an electric driveline system ( battery package and electric motor ) for zero diesel emissions and reduced operating costs . The batteries can be charged during drilling in a newly patented feature , while electric power can be drawn from the electrical supply system from
the mine ’ s network .
Epiroc takes its Boomers to the next level
Epiroc has taken what Niklas Berggren , Global Product Manager for Face Drilling Equipment , says is the next logical development step in underground face drilling design by creating a new Boomer with protected hydraulics , sensors and cables .
The Epiroc Boomer M20 is designed and built to minimise unplanned stops and maximise uptime and performance in highly demanding operations by removing what is thought to be the biggest downtime drain in underground face drilling – the need to stop production for hose changes .
Epiroc explains : “ A challenging part of underground work is the everyday wear and tear
Battery Jumbo
� � Diesel-free equipment �
� Zero underground emissions emissions � �
100 electric tramming � 100 % electric tramming �
2 hours of battery life
�� 3 hours of battery life �
Battery charging while drilling
�� Battery charging while �
Uninterrupted drilling productivity
� �
Lower ventilation costs � Lower ventilation costs
www . resemin . com
JUNE 2021 | International Mining 41