Epiroc has released a new generation of the class-leading SmartROC C50, one of its rigs that uses its innovative COPROD rock drilling technology. “We have fine-tuned and improved an already existing top class surface drill rig. The new generation of the SmartROC C50 will be beneficial to mining and quarrying operations all around the globe,” says Ulf Gyllander, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Surface division.
Gyllander told IM: “We have two rigs that you can use with COPROD – the SmartROC C50 and the SmartROC CL. The SmartROC C50 can drill 90-152 mm holes, while the SmartROC CL can drill up to 216 mm. So generally the CL is used by big mines, and the C50 larger quarries as well as small and mid-sized mines. It is popular in limestone mines where you want to have the penetration rate and fuel consumption of top hammer along with the hole straightness of DTH. In Australia, the C50 is seeming strong demand as well in hard rock lithium operations.” Gyllander also said that the model handles fractured rock well. He says it is a favoured choice for contractors and mining customers who require both raw power and precision.
The SmartROC C50 MKI has been around for some time – over seven years – with a sizeable population in Europe, Australasia and the Americas. So why the need for a MKII model? “We wanted to upgrade the model with touch screen technology and rear camera. We have also updated the software on the machine to help it work even better with the COPROD system. We have also worked hard on the engine RPM using our control system to reduce the fuel consumption and therefore emissions, which is very important today for many of our customers. But of course less fuel means cost savings as well.”
Specifically, the new generation of SmartROC C50 is also now fitted with an updated Rig Control System (RCS), which improves fuel efficiency up to 5%. The smart RCS system constantly monitors compressor load and keep tracks on of engine RPM to ensure no fuel is wasted and that environmental impact is kept to a minimum. “Using less fuel has a big impact on cost savings – and the SmartROC C50 offer the lowest fuel consumption on the market.”
The new touch screen provides valuable information – and presents data such as Measure While Drilling to the operator. The updated system will optimise workflow and make it even more easy to navigate. Additionally, the enhanced automation reduces the demands placed on the operator. The new display also assists with troubleshooting, by showing exactly where a problem is located so that downtime is kept to a minimum. The smart technology also boosts productivity thanks to more precise drilling and consistency in operations.
COPROD combines a threaded drill tube with an unthreaded drill rod. The drill tube transmits rotation, while the impact rod, fit in floating suspension inside the tube, transmits impact energy and feed force. The flushing air passes between the tube and the rod, through the bit rod, to the front of the drill bit. When the COPROD sections are joined, the impact rods stand on top of each other inside the drill tube. This means that the impact energy is directly transmitted to the rock mass without passing a single thread. The result is superior energy transmission, reduced fuel consumption and minimised wear on the drill string.
COPROD mainly competes in the market with big top hammer rigs, as well as some DTH models. It performs well where you have a complicated geology with a lot of variation in material. The SmartROC C50 MKII rig is now commercially available, with a number of pre-orders. The MKI will be discontinued, with any new C50 models ordered being delivered as the new version. It has already been trialled in the test area at Epiroc’s Orebro factory.
