New FlexiROC D55 drill rig for EPC-UK

Company’s commitment to innovation and safety continues with new addition to drill rig fleet

EPC-UK, specialists in the manufacture, storage and distribution of commercial explosives, and drilling and blasting services, have made a further investment in their drilling capabilities with the acquisition of a new FlexiROC D55 rig from Atlas Copco.

Selected for its high-performance capabilities in both quarry and mine environments, EPC-UK say the technologically advanced drill rig meets their high standards for innovation and safety, whilst also delivering in terms of economy and productivity.

General manager Ian Davies explained: ‘We consider ourselves to be specialists within the drilling and blasting sector, and we have a competent team with the knowledge to select and utilize the most innovative, efficient and safe solutions wherever we operate.

‘Successfully working within the hazardous explosives, chemical, civil, quarry and mining sectors, a culture of operational health and safety has long been considered central and fundamental to every aspect of our work.’

EPC-UK, who pride themselves on being registered with LRQA and assessed against the Occupational Health & Safety Management Standard OHSAS 18001, say they constantly conduct internal audits across all their operations to certify safety.

‘We perform modern blasting procedures with meticulous skill and expertise, and place considerable focus on our customers’ specific requirements,’ added Mr Davies. ‘To consistently achieve our exacting standards, we only invest in the most suitable, efficient equipment.

‘We selected the Atlas Copco D55 rig after careful research and consideration, and believe the equipment’s extensive capabilities, which allow it to drill 4–5in diameter holes…to depths of up to 40m, will effectively meet our expectations.’

With free air delivery of 729 cubic feet per minute (345 litres/s) at 30-bar pressure, the D55 is designed to deliver a 20% faster penetration rate than a 25-bar drill rig, thereby providing greater fuel efficiency and more cost-effective results.

‘With its compact footprint, it’s an easily transportable machine, designed with safety and innovation at the forefront,’ continued Mr Davies.

With regard to innovation, the rig’s robust aluminium feed system ensures that harmful vibrations are reduced to a minimum, thereby allowing optimum transmission of each percussive blow. Air is not wasted and, as a result, drilling productivity is increased.

The drill rig is also technologically advanced, featuring an integral GPS compass and real-time connectivity, together with down-the-hole technology to help deliver straight, smooth holes.

Rig manager John Mellor (centre of photo) is impressed with the machine’s technology and its safety features, such as the noise-reducing ROPS/FOPS cabin with its HEPA-filtered air-conditioning and seat sensor interlock system, designed to prevent the rig from functioning without an operator at the controls.

‘At EPC-UK, safety and productivity sit alongside one another as our key deliverables to clients – a mindset we believe is matched with that of Atlas Copco,’ said Mr Mellor.

‘The company has proved itself to be an excellent supplier; reliable, informed and equipped with superb customer backup and a fast parts delivery service. It’s a firm that believes in the benefits of constantly reinvesting in new technologies and education, which has impressed us considerably.’