ROCK TOOLS
Last year was a big one for Sandvik Rock Tools innovation when it introduced Autobit - an optimised solution towards drilling autonomously over shift changes in long hole drilling underground . This is achieved with a combination of a wear resistant PowerCarbide™ grade and a new front design which drills well even when it is worn .
Since the launch , Sandvik told IM that Autobit has been tested in multiple locations around the world - and says “ the results have been nothing short of extraordinary . The message , where we state that customers can drill twice as many metres up to the first regrind , has been confirmed every single time . But not only that , continuous trials tell us that also the total service life can surpass other premium bits . And , Autobit has proven to provide higher instant penetration rate than standard bits with ballistic buttons .”
“ We named the product ' Autobit ', as its main target application is autonomous drilling , but it has turned out to be much more than that and brings so much value to customers also without an automation program . Given the high total service life and fast penetration rate , this is almost the perfect multi-purpose drill bit ,” says Robert Grandin , Product Manager Underground Top Hammer tools .
From the start , the entire product assortment of Autobit consisted of a single part number : ST68 , 102 mm and regular skirt . This all changes now that it has made a full assortment available to order for both ST58 and ST68 , 89-102 mm , including an option of a Retrac skirt . During next year Autobit will also come in 76 mm .
Within the raise boring application , Sandvik also recently launched a new , even tougher raise boring cutter – the RS410 . With updated features it brings a longer service life - increasing the efficiency of raise bore drilling and offering a safer work setting for operators . “ A longer service life is great for productivity , and with our new RS410 cutter you lower your downtime and reduce the need of maintenance . By increasing
Bit parts
Paul Moore spoke to the leading players in production drilling rock tools , for which sustainability combined with productivity are the focus for new innovations
the service life with up to 20 % compared to current cutter model , you are able to complete your raise more efficiently . With smoother drilling operations comes less wear on your drilling equipment . And equally important , it converts into fewer cutter changes , less time spent in the mine and a significantly reduced risk for operator injuries ,” says Russell Clayton , Product Manager Raise boring .
After extensive R & D , Sandvik ’ s new Charger™ RR450 rotary bit now has the wear life to match the advanced bearing system . Cone steel protection combined with optimised design and PowerCarbide™ the company says make this the
most durable bit on the market today . A key reason for the improved bit life of Charger™ RR450 drill bit is the inclusion of the PowerCarbide™ SH75 grade , part of Sandvik ’ s most advanced cemented carbide range . The selfhardening carbide grade enhances the performance especially in hard and abrasive rock conditions . Protective hard metal is applied to the cone between inserts to increase cone steel life and limit insert loss . Tests have shown increased bit life by up to 90 % whilst maintaining the same high penetration rates .
The new 6 in Tundo™ RH650 Down-The-Hole ( DTH ) hammer is a good example of how Rock Tools products have a reduced fuel consumption with maintained productivity . In a field test , the improved design features on the Tundo™ DTH hammer led to a decrease in diesel usage of 32 % in comparison with other premium brands . “ The new design has a more efficient air cycle and lighter weight compared to other hammers in its class . An efficient air cycle makes it possible to put the hammer on a smaller class drill rig , which generates fuel savings and efficiency benefits . With an average efficiency improvement of 20 %, every fifth tank of diesel can be saved on every drill rig , simply by changing the hammer . For an average mine , that corresponds to an annual saving in diesel consumption of 3.3 million litres . Therefore , by using the Tundo™ Hammer , our
Epiroc ' s new Powerbit X range utilises a protective layer of PCD ( polycrystalline diamond )
customers can drill more with less and reduce their direct GHG emissions .”
The Charger™ RR450 bit and Tundo™ RH650 DTH hammer plus other high efficiency rock tools are part of a wider initiative with Sandvik Rock Tools on making a major sustainability shift – focused on leading the way by improving customers productivity , increasing the service life of products and making sure no tools are lost at the production sites . By doing this , and making a digital shift , the lifetime of its products increases and the total environmental impact decreases .
An interesting aspect of this , outlined in Sandvik Rock Tools ’ recent ‘ Our Way Report ’ is its approach to rock tools and the circular economy . “ Building circularity is our way to make sure that raw material and other resources are used in an efficient and sustainable way and that our products are recycled when they reach end-oflife . Building circularity also means that we work to prolong the service life , use recycled material , design products and develop processes that make recycling easier . The waste hierarchy guides us when improving Rock Tools Waste circularity . Preventing and reducing waste is our first priority and therefore we focus on increasing raw material yield and preventing the emergence of all types of waste .”
The Key Performance Area ( KPA ) “ Return Rate Drill Bits ” is the number of drill bits sold by Sandvik Rock Tools that are returned via its Buyback program for recycling . The Buy-back program is a return system where Sandvik Rock Tools buys back used drills from customers . The tool ’ s steel and carbides are then separated and recycled using different methods . In 2021 , an over 30 % return rate was achieved with a target for 2022 of over 45 % and an aim to reach 90 % by 2025 . “ Supply Circularity Carbides ” is another
Circularity is an increasingly important focus for Sandvik Rock Tools
32 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022