Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology released a new version of its Digital Driller operator training simulator, designed to allow the training of underground drill operators and maintenance personnel from anywhere.
The OEM said the Digital Driller is small and compact with a wheeled carrying case, and can be easily transported by one person from one place to another. It has been developed to improve performance for mining and tunneling underground hard rock drilling.
“It is purpose designed to simulate the operation of a real rig – specifically the DD422i/iE, DT922i, DL432i, DL421 and now the DS422i – using the same control system software as found on the Sandvik drills,” Sandvik said.
“It provides comprehensive technical training, enabling the development and refreshing of operator skill, whilst enabling operators to develop progressively … [ranging] from the skills required by the novice operator to conducting the entire drilling cycle, with all the versions of Digital Driller being fully integrated with Sandvik’s iSURE software – a tunnel and drill plan management tool for accurate drilling, charging and blasting.”
The company noted, too, that Digital Driller can significantly reduce the time needed for rig operators to become fully familiar with their relevant rig from the first day, giving crews a shorter transition period. This, in turn, will result in quicker familiarization, improved efficiency and productivity.
Additionally, there is no risk of equipment damage, as training is virtual, and rock tools and fuel do not need to be used. Zero emissions are created using this technology, and there is no exposure of the trainees to risk.
“Operator training can begin even before the rig has been delivered and commissioned, providing increased levels of operational efficiency, with no learning curve having to be gone through prior to using the rig on site,” the OEM said of Digital Driller,, which includes three levels of drill rig operator ability training: Drillmaster, Professional and Beginner.
The system comes with purpose-developed software for various specific operator exercises that record and measure operator behavior on a specific machine, such as machine faults, incidents or hazards, so that a trainer can train and assess operators and ensure correct responses.
The simulator is available in English, Spanish, Russian, German, Finnish, Portuguese, Swedish and Norwegian, with others upon request.
Sandvik, www.sandvik.com