Epiroc introduce new-generation SmartROC CL
Company to launch MKII version of highly regarded surface drill rig for mines and quarries
EPIROC are about to launch a new generation of the SmartROC CL surface drill rig. The MKII version of the highly regarded SmartROC CL drill rig will be showcased for the first time at the MINExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, from 24–26 September.
‘We are very excited to show this super-efficient rig at MINExpo. I’m convinced that the new generation SmartROC CL will be a great addition to mining and quarrying companies all over the globe,’ said Mattias Hjerpe, global product manager for Epiroc Surface division.
The COPROD technique used on the updated SmartROC CL is said to combine the high penetration rates normally only achieved in top-hammer drilling with the superior hole quality that comes with down-the-hole (DTH) drilling.
Suitable for both production drilling and pre-splitting, the new generation SmartROC CL comes with the new heavy-duty COP QM50CR – a next-generation 50kW rock drill specially designed for the COPROD drilling system. Improvements over its predecessor makes COP QM50CR more reliable and durable with significant total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction.
‘The higher efficiency of the COP QM50CR itself, together with an upgraded rig control system, also makes a significant contribution to overall energy efficiency. In fact, the new-generation SmartROC CL burns 45% less fuel compared with traditional DTH drilling, which makes it a more sustainable alternative,’ said Mr Hjerpe.
The new generation SmartROC CL can drill holes up to 216mm in diameter. To further assist when drilling larger holes, the upgraded COPROD 140 drill string reduces pressure loss, resulting in higher penetration and lower fuel consumption.
Moreover, the improved Rig Control System (RCS) on the SmartROC CL features an intuitive touchscreen display which presents all the necessary information clearly to the operator and offers assistance during troubleshooting, helping to keep downtime to a minimum.
‘The control system fitted to this rig is now the same across all our SmartROC rigs. This means that current operators will feel very at home in a new SmartROC CL,’ said Mr Hjerpe.
