Sandvik says it has launched its first automation-ready underground ITH longhole drill for production drilling, service support and mechanised slot raising.
The DU412i is a “truly versatile automated ITH longhole drill for a wide range of ITH applications”, it said.
For the first time in the global market, the DU412i introduces mechanised pipe handling in V–30 slot raising applications, according to Sandvik.
Its first fully automated ITH longhole drill, the DU412i has a drilling module for fan or parallel Ø90-216 mm longhole drilling, using 3-8 in ITH hammers. Equipped with the V-30 head, the drill provides mechanised reaming of Ø30 in slot raises, it says.
The DU412i is available with high capacity on-board boosters and hammer pressure up to 28 bar. “This ensures higher penetration rates, drilling capacity and supports hammers up to 8 in at 24 bar pressure,” it said. “The increased boom offset of parallel holes to 3,000 mm allows more holes to be drilled each set-up.”
The DU412i has automation packages for repeating drilling cycles with speed and precision, Sandvik says. Unmanned drilling through breaks and shift changes increases fleet utilisation; one operator can supervise multiple units, improving product safety and productivity.
The drill is also equipped with a new, improved user interface on the drill or in the remote-controlled location.
The standard Silver drilling automation package features single-hole automation (including uncoupling of pipes), while the optional Platinum package delivers fan automation, drill plan management and as-drilled data download.
Teleremote drilling operation on the DU412i improves productivity and product safety, according to the company. “Radio-remote tramming gives the operator excellent visibility of the work area to safely tram the unit between fans and set it up very precisely without being in the operation area.” The tramming is possible on either diesel power or using the electric power pack, it said.
The FOPS/ROPS cabin on the DU412i is the safest and the most comfortable working environment in underground drilling, Sandvik claims. It offers a more open and spacious environment for the operator with increased visibility and low sound pressure level during drilling of <75 dBA.
An adjustable drilling control panel and seat improve operating comfort during operation, while tramming teleremote cameras are available, it said.
In the V-30 slot raising configuration, the unit is delivered with blind bore feed and split centraliser, spaced out RH6250 rotation head and PC225 carousel. The storing capacity of the carousel allows up to 40 m of continuous drilling and slot raising.
The unit is fitted with KSU34 on-board booster (34 m³/min at 28 bar) and single-hole automation for Ø6.5 in pilot hole drilling, while, for reaming, the pilot to Ø10 in can be used. Pipe handling during reaming the raise to Ø30 in with the V–30 head is mechanised, meanwhile.
The layout of the carrier allows ground access to all service points, while swing-out frames offer ease of access to other components and safety in service, Sandvik concludes.