Atlas Copco’s Rig Control System (RCS) continues its legacy of enabling automation to promote safe, lean and productive mining with the patent-pending Auto Rod Change technology.
The Auto Rod Change (ARC) system is a milestone for Atlas Copco’s Pit Viper blasthole drill product line, seamlessly integrating into the existing AutoDrill for a complete multi-pass product. ARC is a patent-pending technology and throughout the AutoDrill process the system reliably and efficiently adds rods to reach target depth and removes rods during retract and cleaning phases.
Atlas Copco’s primary goal with the ARC system was to build a fast, repeatable and reliable system. Taking a holistic approach, the seamless multi-tasking software controls are coupled with a redesigned mechanical breakout system and sensor suite to deliver a mine-ready solution. ARC has been tested and run in a variety of mine conditions to ensure it is ready for the demanding environments an Atlas Copco blasthole drill will face.
“I have plenty of experience with changing pipe in multi-pass operations, and while I may beat the system over a couple of holes, it usually beats me over the course of a few hours of drilling,” said Atlas Copco Drill Master Bryan Scoggin. “The Auto Rod Change is one of the smoothest, most consistent automations that I have had the opportunity to work with.”
This proven system works in a vertical or angled tower position, and has an updated mechanical system and hardened sensor suite that work together while drilling. The ARC system has undergone several field tests, already drilling more than 361,000 ft.
This system will be available in the coming months.
Atlas Copco, www.atlascopco.com/blastholedrills