ROCK TOOLS
Mincon introduced its next-generation rotary drill bit range , the XP + Series , at this year ’ s MINExpo in Las Vegas
cones , designed to further enhance performance in abrasive environments . n Shirttail gauge carbides , using advanced tungsten carbide inserts to combat wear . n Bespoke tungsten carbide grades , engineered to resist chipping and fracturing under extreme conditions . For ultra-demanding ground conditions , cone hard-facing is available as an option on certain XP + models , offering an extra layer of protection to extend the service life of the cones .
Rob Fournier , Global Product Manager for Rotary Drill Bits at Mincon , said : “ The XP + Series represents a significant leap forward for Mincon in rotary drill bit technology . We have listened to customer feedback and refined the performance characteristics of our XP line . The new standard durability package in XP + increases bit life and reduces operational costs for our customers , through minimised downtime and higher drilling efficiency .”
Mincon ’ s XP + rotary drill bits are manufactured at its cutting-edge facility in North Bay , Canada . This advanced production environment uses
state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and Mincon ’ s proprietary in-house heat-treatment to ensure the highest levels of precision and quality control , enabling the XP + Series to deliver outstanding performance in even the harshest drilling conditions .
Deliveries of the XP + rotary drill bits will begin in Q1 2025 , providing customers worldwide with the next-generation solution for improving drilling efficiency and reducing costs .
Terelion ’ s 3rd Generation Rotary Percussion System
Also at MINExpo 2024 , Terelion launched its 3rd Generation patented Terelion RPS Rotary Percussion System which it says improves productivity by combining the best advantages of rotary drilling and percussive drilling . Aimed at medium and hard rock , Terelion RPS increases ROP , “ maximises drilled metres per shift and reduces drilling costs . Terelion RPS works by combining low pressure percussion and rotary drilling to create a smoother and more efficient drilling operation while reducing drill vibration and drill steel torque . The plug and play tool design makes it easy to fit the RPS tool on your existing rotary drills .”
Terelion adds : “ Access to the choke through the top sub without any disassembly of the tool enables easy changing of the choke to better match the air compressor . Just separate the tool from the drill string .”
The combined RPS action also drills without problem in consolidated or broken formations and transitional hard or soft formation changes . The system works as a rotary drill bit when a percussive action is not possible , such as when encountering groundwater A patented dual tube vent feature channels bypass air directly to the bit and assures all air is available at the bit face for bailing the cuttings .
The plug and play design to fit on your existing rotary drills effectively makes the RPS a broad application tool for the blast hole market . RPS will operate efficiently on any air rotary drill rig with 85 psi available .
A high quality , energy focused bit is necessary to ensure the best drilling results possible . The RP bit series is designed specifically for use with the RPS tool to maximise ROP and minimise TDC . Switching out bits is easy – all RPS tools are built with API bit connections .
Robit ’ s H-Series DTH hammers plus Extreme Carbide for TH
A simple fact affects all manufacturers of drilling consumables - no two drill sites are the same . Consequently , they need to provide the market with a vast range of tools eg hammers to meet all variations in needs . Robit says it is looking to change this with its new H-Series of DTH hammers . The new series has been designed with performance and versatility as guiding principles .
The goal was to develop a hammer range that the customers could use in different environments with minimal breakages and maximised utility for each operator ’ s circumstances . Customer feedback led Robit to develop a new modular design , offering increased flexibility and adaptability to varying conditions . With a few simple changes in the assembly , the hammer can be customised for varying needs ; whether you want to run them with improved productivity in mind or need to be able to use a lower-capacity compressor , the H- Series hammers can adapt to these requirements .
The modular design of the H-Series allows Robit to offer up to 16 hammers in one base design . The assemblies will include the standard
Heavy Duty ( HD ) and the custom turned Slime Line ( SL ) versions , the only difference being the outer diameter of the external parts . They will
In TH bits , Robit ' s latest innovation is the Extreme Carbide button
also be available in the QL and the DHD shanks for all sizes . The hammer operation selection includes the conventional version ( FV ) using bits fitted with foot valves and the tubeless version ( TL ) to be used with bits without the foot valves . All the above versions can be fitted with a quick swap high power ( HP ) or low volume ( LV ) inner cylinders for airflow optimisation . The high power assembly offers high blow energy and air volume , resulting in a fast penetration rate , and is suitable for deep hole drilling . On the other hand , the low volume assembly provides lower blow energy and air consumption which is ideal for soft ground , while keeping the hammer energy efficient by being suitable for drill rigs with smaller compressor output .
Robit concludes by saying the H-Series hammer promises better fuel efficiency , penetration rate and reliability , and easier handling and control – all compelling selling points in the DTH market .
In top hammer bits , Robit ’ s latest innovation is the Extreme Carbide button . Its core is the asme material as Robit ’ s tried and tested standard TH button , but it is coated with a new , more wear resistant carbide alloy , giving it more drill metres before sharpening is needed . “ Robit has been developing Extreme Carbide buttons for some two years in Lempaala , Finland , in cooperation with our long-standing button suppliers ,” said R & D Engineer Lauri Soderberg .
Field tests are naturally an integral part of the product development of drilling components and the first tests were carried out in Sweden in the autumn of 2023 with the cooperation of Euro Drilling Center ( EDC ), a distributor of Robit ’ s products in Sweden . “ EDC is an essential partner for us , and we wanted to leverage their deep expertise . They also found suitable test sites on short notice ,” says Soderberg . The tests involved 76 , 83 and 89 mm TH bits that were evaluated for diameter wear , sharpening interval and penetration speed . “ The tests demonstrated that the new button adds value to our product . Especially in harder and more abrasive rock
conditions , Extreme Carbide outperforms our proven standard TH bit ,” says Soderberg . The testing phase was completed in April 2024 , and the new Extreme Carbide TH bits are currently available .
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International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024