ROCK TOOLS
The new Mincon MP40 DTH hammer
minute achieved with the site ’ s previous equipment on the same Epiroc D50 drill rig .”
In this instance , the MP40-MQ result was able
to reliably perform at a higher air pressure ( 30 bar , vs 24 bar ) without compromising reliability . During testing no failures were reported by the customer and performance was maintained even after more than 5,000 m of drilling .
At a separate independent test at a gold mine in Senegal , the MP40 was pitted against its class-leading Mincon 4HRTD DTH hammer . “ In this instance the MP40-MQ delivered a speed increased of 12 %, with average penetration rates of up to 18 m per hour in the hard , gold orebearing rock . However , this improved performance doesn ’ t come at the expense of fuel consumption . At a quarry in Leicestershire , UK , the MP40-MQ delivered 12 % higher penetration rates compared to the Mincon 4HRTD when drilling in extremely abrasive granite rock . Additionally , the MP40-MQ saw an 8 % decrease in engine load on the drill rig , which resulted in an 11.5 % improvement in fuel consumption .”
Despite the harsh drilling conditions at the granite quarry , the internals of the MP40-MQ showed minimal wear after more than 10,000 m of drilling – resulting in ongoing savings for the customer .
Mincon concludes : “ With an increasing focus on emissions , drillers will increasingly look to use equipment and suppliers that will help reduce their carbon footprint , as well as lower costs . With exhaustive testing at sites around the world , Mincon ’ s next-generation tools have been proven to get work done faster while using less fuel and offering higher durability .”
Halco rolls out new hammer series
UK-based Halco Brighouse Ltd recently introduced its new GP400TL ( TD40 ), GP500TL ( QL50 ) & GP600TL ( QL60 ) Series Hammers . The new tubeless range of high-performance DTH hammers is designed to tackle applications where footvalve breakage can be a cause of downtime . They are particularly recommended in ground conditions with high volumes of water or in soft unconsolidated ground where typical footvalve failures occur . The series is aimed at drillers in both blast hole and well drilling applications .
In its other blasthole products , the Halco Super Dominator 450 and Super Dominator 450HD have been specifically designed for high production drilling in blast hole applications . The hammer is robust and has few parts , making it user friendly and reliable . The Super Dominator 450 / 450HD are fitted with a NRV ( Non Return Valve ) in the top adaptor for a quick , easy inspection and maintenance operation . A fixed air distributor in the top adaptor means the 450 / 450HD require no shimming which simplifies servicing . They also have no liner which increases the piston power output . The hammers utilise Halco ’ s 12 spline shank which has a simplistic robust geometry combined with increased drive contact area .
Moving up the scale , the Super Dominator 600 is one of the fastest 6 in hammers and again is for high production blasthole drilling . The unique one piece top-adaptor with NRV makes it easy to maintain and service the hammer - it requires only few tools to service and maintain the hammer . It is suitable for operation at air pressures of 100-500 psi and drilling diameters of 152-241 mm .
At the largest end the Dominator 850 high performance has been achieved with a larger piston and valveless air cycle providing 50 % increase in stroke . The Dominator 850 has a reversible cylinder for prolonged hammer life and also benefits from a one piece top adaptor with NRV .
Halco also has one of the widest bit selections in the industry . “ We pride ourselves on having a comprehensive range of drill bits on offer so you can be sure that you will definitely find a suitable bit for any project you are undertaking . Our carburised drill bits are among the best in the world providing outstanding performance and durability . We produce all our drill bits at our specialised plant where they are made out of high quality nickel chrome alloy steel , carburised and heat-treated to offer extra protection against wear and fatigue . Every hole in the bit head is machined to within microns and fitted with carbide inserts which provide the cutting action of the rock .”
Halco has three different bit heads on offer , Flat Face , Concave and Convex , which are available with three different inserts . “ We guarantee that we have a drill bit that can tackle any challenge and rock face formation . The two most important factors in choosing the right drill bit are productivity and reliability . For soft to medium rock formations where penetration rates are high , the ballistic and semi-ballistic inserts coupled with flat face or concave bit heads are more suitable .”
Finally , Halco ’ s eccentric Sim-Cas system it says is still one of the most cost effective solutions for casing installation when drilling in difficult ground conditions . The eccentric system negates the need to leave expensive ring bits in the hole when installing permanent casing . The updated Sim-CasX solution has several benefits over its predecessor including a two piece pilot and reamer , allowing high wear reamers to be replaced more often ; a larger pilot bit so the reamer does less work resulting in longer reamer life ; and a stronger pilot bit shaft for better impact energy transfer . An internal drive lug with pressurised cleaning channels , ensures the reamer is always in the correct drilling position ; it also has a ball bearing retaining system to ensure nothing comes adrift down the hole .
IM
Halco has introduced a new tubeless range of high-performance DTH hammers designed to tackle applications where footvalve breakage can be a cause of downtime
18 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021