Modern Mining September 2018

PRODUCT News

Sandvik launches ‘intelligent’ drill rig at Electra

new or re-designed components to boost its productivity. The standard rotary head option HTRH6 has a proven track record on current Sandvik DTH rigs. For the Leopard DI650i, Sandvik also offers a new heavy- duty option MRH6, which is designed to perform in the most robust environ- ments and larger hole sizes. It is said to be a perfect fit for Sandvik’s new powerful RH560-series DTH hammers. Pipe sizes range from 89 to 140 mm, depending on the size of the hammer. The maximum hole depth is 53,6 m when utilising the carousel option with pipe sizes from 89 to 114 mm. Thanks to excellent visibility to the drilling area and a single integrated touch screen for all monitoring, diagnostics and mining automation displays, the DI650i’s silent, ergonomic iCAB cabin provides the rig operator with a safer, productive work- ing environment. The maintenance crew can carry out all daily servicing tasks at ground level on both sides of the machine. The serviceability and reliability features can increase the DI650i’s availability by up to 20 % compared with conventional DTH rigs at a similar technology level. Intelligent control technology applied in both the compressor and the hydrau- lic system’s cooler fan can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 % compared with conventional DTH rigs. The rig’s fuel efficiency is further boosted by the flow- controlled drilling control system that eliminates fluctuations in airflow, instead allowing the pressure level to fluctuate in response to more difficult ground con- ditions and increased back pressure (for example, due to groundwater or collaps- ing holes). The DI650i joins Sandvik’s other i-series drilling rigs in its compatibility with the newest scalable automation solutions. The latest onboard options include TIM3D drill navigation with wireless data trans- fer, My Sandvik fleet monitoring system and full-cycle drilling automatics, which merge functionalities such as uncoupling, feed auto aligning and feed auto position- ing into a single efficient sequence. These capabilities can be further upgraded with more advanced modules such as single- rig or fleet remote control systems by

Visitors to Electra Mining Africa view the Leopard DI650i drill rig shortly after its unveiling (photo: Arthur Tassell).

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has expanded its high-pressure DTH drill rig offering with a new model, the Sandvik Leopard DI650i, designed for larger hole sizes. Balancing proven engineering solu- tions and innovative new components, the new DTH drill rig is said to offer excel- lent fuel efficiency, improved safety and higher productivity in challenging rock conditions. The machine was launched at the recent Electra Mining Africa exhibition in Johannesburg. The unveiling was per- formed by Stuart White, MD of Moolmans, the mining unit of Aveng. The machine on

“The articulated truck has been a key member of Caterpillar’s core product line since it was developed in Peterlee, which has always been its proud home. I thank the entire team for their focus and dedication to continually improve the design, manufac- ture and support of these great trucks for our customers,” says Brent Losey, Product Manager for Articulated Trucks. “Cat articulated trucks are helping our customers meet their objectives on con- struction and mine sites around the world. We are proud to see the 50 000th truck drive off the assembly line, and we look forward to the next 50 000!” Trader Construction Company of New Bern, North Carolina, USA, received the 50 000th unit during a ceremony held at the Peterlee facility recently. The DI650i down-the-hole (DTH) drill rig is designed for demanding high-capacity production drilling applications in surface mining, as well as large-scale quarry appli- cations. In addition to a powerful engine and compressor, it incorporates a highly ergonomic iCAB cabin, excellent service- ability, mobility and fuel economy, along with scalable automation packages to offer excellent overall productivity, says Sandvik. The machine comes with a range of show at the exhibition will soon be enter- ing service on a Moolmans contract in the Northern Cape.

Caterpillar produces 50 000th Cat® articulated truck In a year of multiple milestones for Cat® trucks, Caterpillar has announced the manufacture and delivery of its 50 000th articulated truck. Since the start of Cat- branded articulated truck manufacturing in Peterlee in the UK in 1985, Caterpillar has become a leader in articulated truck design and manufacture.

Automine® Surface Drilling. Sandvik Mining, tel (+27 11) 929-5300

A Cat 745 articulated truck climbs a muddy ramp.

48  MODERN MINING  September 2018