Finns take the first Silenced SmartRig from Atlas Copco
Rudus Murskaus Oy are one of Finland’s largest quarrying firms, producing approximately 14 million tonnes of aggregates each year.
With environmental demands becoming increasingly strict in the Finnish quarrying industry, the company is keen to embrace any new developments that allow them to stay ahead of the competition. Consequently, they have become the first company in the world to invest in the silenced version of Atlas Copco’s SmartRig ROC D7C drill rig.
The Silenced SmartRig has an effective noise-dampening system that reduces noise levels by 10dB(A), compared to conventional rigs. A 6–8dB(A) reduction is generally considered to equal a 50% reduction in the overall noise level experienced. In addition, there are fewer hydraulic hoses and electric cables, and the cab is also much quieter and more spacious, which further improves the working environment for the operator.
The SmartRig concept includes on-board functionality for data recording and intelligent rig monitoring, as well as support for self-diagnostics and troubleshooting. Any changes in drilling parameters or rig control software upgrades can be easily downloaded to the rig’s memory unit.
The SmartRig ROC D7C has been put to work at a number of different quarries in southern Finland, some of which are very close to urban areas. Production manager Ari Rahkonen said: ‘We already have three ROC D7 rigs and get good results with them so the new Silenced SmartRig was a natural choice for us. The silencing kit is extremely good as it allows us to have a discussion at a distance of just 15m from the rig; the noise level is lower in the cab too.
‘Just as important is the fact that the silencing does not affect the rig’s capacity. Our driller has drilled as much as 570m in a 13h shift, drilling 76mm holes to a depth of 18m.’
The SmartRig is also proving to be more fuel-efficient. According to Mr Rahkonen, refuelling intervals are now much longer. An added bonus is stability.
‘Atlas Copco have also managed to make this crawler more stable despite the extra weight of the silenced feed, so the terrain ability is also much better,’ he said.
