ROCK TOOLS
Sandvik has introduced the Malleo RH570 DTH hammer family for faster , reliable drilling
Bit parts
The level of R & D and innovation in rock tools if anything is increasing – because of the potential it has to reduce drilling costs , increase drilling productivity as well as keep up with new drill rig designs , reports Paul Moore
The recent MINExpo 2024 show in Las Vegas in September saw a lot of significant announcements related to rock tools , especially in the area of innovation and productivity . Sandvik as an example showcased its recent Golden Shank addition . The patented corrosion protection coating helps increase service life and reduce drilling cost per metre . The shank adapter encounters harsh conditions in many underground mines due to the use of highly corrosive water as flushing media . During its lifetime it must endure challenges such as reduced fatigue properties , stress corrosion cracking and embrittlement .
Introduced in February 2024 , Sandvik ’ s Golden Shank is equipped with a patented , low-friction , nickel-plated coating with a polymer top sealant for improved corrosion resistance . Applied throughout the entire shank and flushing slot , except for the striking area , this unique coating minimises wear on flushing seals and rock drill parts and reduces breakages on other rig and tool machine parts .
Field tests Sandvik says confirm 30-100 % longer product life . “ Reaching further between service intervals enables customers to proactively schedule shank adapter replacements during intended service stops , and mitigate timeconsuming and costly occurrences of unexpected breakage during ongoing drilling operations . Even at mine sites where corrosion is not prevalent , Golden Shank field tests have consistently demonstrated 2-3 times longer performance life than other similar market options .”
The extended service life of the shank adapter enhances safety and sustainability for customers by reducing operator handling and heavy lifting , inventory needs and emissions from transportation . A coating with less environmental impact also improves the sustainability footprint in manufacturing .
“ Prioritising operator safety and minimising environmental impact through reduced tool replacements are critical considerations in our product development process ,” said Thomas Blomfeldt , Product Manager Top Hammer at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions . “ The Golden Shank will enable some customers to potentially double efficiency .”
Sandvik ’ s Centrevo™ unifies enhanced rock tools digital solutions suite
Sandvik also introduced an umbrella concept for its comprehensive suite of digital rock tools solutions at MINExpo 2024 . Centrevo™
combines Sandvik ’ s Track , Report , Drill and Analyze solutions to empower customers .
“ Sandvik is committed to transforming the industry through safer , more productive and more sustainable drilling solutions . Its
Centrevo™ digital suite empowers customers through a vast array of rock tools performance data , business insights and expert support . By enabling connected collaborations , with easyaccess data and less time-consuming paperwork , customers can make fact-based and optimised decisions .”
A core component of Centrevo™ is Track , a digital application for capturing real-time tool performance data in a user-friendly and flexible way . Benefits include more accurate decisionmaking , gathered insights and analytics and both on-site and remote problem solving .
Historically , key customer data such as cost per metre , number of tools used and tool performance has been collected manually . Track supports the digital transformation by capturing important rock tools parameters and creating full visibility across drilling operations . Track also enables Sandvik customer representatives to spend more time on business support such as continuous improvements , benchmarking and training , helping customers increase productivity and efficiency .
" We are proud to offer our customers such a powerful digital solution ,” said Rickard Andreasson , Acting Vice President Rock Tools Services at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions . “ Track enhances our global service offering , improving productivity , logistics and contract support . Track optimises the number of datacollecting visits to a site , which leads to improvements in terms of both safety and our environmental impact .”
Drill is another key component of the Centrevo™ digital suite . Using a mobile interface , this interactive simulator supports a deeper understanding of how correct drilling parameters impact both rock tool life and performance . It is available for top hammer , down-the-hole and rotary applications and educationally demonstrates how to maximize productivity in different ground conditions .
" Drill effectively showcases how rock tool performance can be enhanced through classroom or remote training ,” said Andreas Rahm Yhr , Transformation and Contract Manager Rock Tools Services at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions . “ Customers coached with this solution gain a deeper understanding of how different practices and drilling conditions impact productivity and drilling costs ."
And a new DTH hammer family
The mining industry ’ s ever-growing need to increase productivity and reduce drilling costs requires higher-performing DTH tools . Hammers and bits need to endure higher stresses from
International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024