Atlas Copco air compressor provides drilling power for Quebec quarry
Forexplo, Quebec-based drill and blast contractors, have taken delivery of a second Atlas Copco XRVS 1000 D6 portable air compressor after winning a second quarry contract, attributing the order to the ‘exceptional fuel consumption of the compressor’.
Formed at the beginning of 2010, Forexplo have quickly established themselves as drill and blast specialists in Canada’s Quebec Province, winning a reputation for meeting clean and efficient production targets, on schedule and within budget.
A key factor in meeting the production targets, according to vice-president Robert Bilodeau, is the on-demand high-pressure air provided by the two Atlas Copco compressors for two 750hp drill rigs.
The XRVS 1000, rated with a free air delivery of 1,000 cfm at 25 bar (365 lb/in2) is powered by a Caterpillar C13 Acert T3 diesel engine and Atlas Copco FuelExpert to provide fuel consumption figures of just 60-62 litres/h.
‘This exceptional figure compares with 90 litres/h from our previous American compressors. Over a year this represents a significant cost saving.’ said Robert Bilodeau.
The Ange Gardien Quarry was first established in the 1960s and was acquired by Beauval in 1981 to offer a broader diversity of crushed stone resources serving the Monteregie and Eastern townships. With reserves for at least another 25 years, the quarry rock features micritic limestone and a black argillaceous slate.
Featuring three bench levels along the 1km long quarry, Forexplo are drilling and blasting 8-12m deep bench heights. Depending on Beauval’s requirements, Forexplo are typically drilling 56 holes for a blast to provide approximately 20,000 tonnes of material.
Using Atlas Copco standard or Speedbit 140mm diameter drill bits and hammer, Forexplo can drill up to 30m/h.
Guy Gouthier, rig operator, commented: ‘Use of the Speedbit in the harder rock ensures a 10% faster production rate. This, together with the Atlas Copco compressor giving me air power on demand, makes a great combination.’
For the second contract in Herbertville, north of Quebec City, Forexplo had no hesitation in ordering the second Atlas Copco compressor.
Mr Bilodeau said: ‘It is already achieving the same fuel consumption savings even though the rig is working in harder granite rock conditions.’
