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Automated operation boosts productivity on Atlas Copco’s new SmartRig

Automated operation is said to boost productivity for Atlas Copco's new ROC F9C SmartRig. This innovative machine allows operators to lay out shot patterns on a computer and can help them follow through with GPS-guided, automated drilling for higher accuracy and speed. Documentation of performance is kept for better planning and accountability and the ROC F9C rock drill can adjust impact power and feed pressure to suit rock conditions, for smoother drilling and reduced stress on the drill string.
February 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
ROC F9C drill rig
Atlas Copco's sophisticated ROC F9C drill rig offers a high degree of automation for higher accuracy and productivity
Automated operation is said to boost productivity for 161 Atlas Copco's new ROC F9C SmartRig. This innovative machine allows operators to lay out shot patterns on a computer and can help them follow through with GPS-guided, automated drilling for higher accuracy and speed. Documentation of performance is kept for better planning and accountability and the ROC F9C rock drill can adjust impact power and feed pressure to suit rock conditions, for smoother drilling and reduced stress on the drill string.

An operator can pre-plan a shot by entering hole spacing, burden, depth and blast angle on a computer program that comes with the rig. A memory card slotted into the ROC F9C allows the machine to follow the plan accurately and in all weathers, while hole deviation is said to be less than 50mm. The computer means that there is no need to manually site the drill, or mark holes on the ground. The ROC F9C drills holes from 89-127mm in diameter and up to 30m deep.

Using this machine is said to speed drilling operations, reduces the risk of errors and cuts operating costs. It also improves blasting performance by allowing more consistency, reducing overbreak, fines generation, oversized material and flyrock as well as delivering a smoother floor for the blasted area.

The drill is able to add steel, adjust parameters to suit unconsolidated rock formations and completes a hole to the predetermined depth without the operator touching the controls. In addition the machine offers lower fuel consumption as it operates at optimum performance throughout and the company offers a low noise silencing kits as an option.

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