FLEETS

Sandvik launches DU412i ITH longhole drill

Sandvik has launched the DU412i, its first automation-ready underground in-the-hole (ITH) longhole drill for production drilling, service support and mechanised slot raising

Staff reporter
The DU412i has introduced mechanised pipe handling in V–30 slot raising applications

The DU412i has introduced mechanised pipe handling in V–30 slot raising applications

The company called it "a truly versatile automated ITH longhole drill for a wide range of ITH applications".

The DU412i has introduced mechanised pipe handling in V-30 slot raising applications. According to Sandvik, it is highly versatile, fitted with an onboard booster and a drilling module for fan or parallel 90-216mm diameter longhole drilling, using 3in to 8in (76mm to 203mm) ITH hammers. Equipped with the V-30 head, the drill provides mechanised reaming of 30in (762mm) diameter slot raises.

The DU412i is available with high-capacity onboard boosters and hammer pressure up to 28 bar. This allows higher penetration rates, drilling capacity and supports hammers up to 8in (203mm) at 24 bar pressure. The increased boom offset of parallel holes to 3,000mm allows more holes to be drilled each set-up.

The DU412i has automation packages for repeating drilling cycles with speed and precision. Unmanned drilling through breaks and shift changes increases fleet utilisation; one operator can supervise multiple units, improving product safety and productivity. The drill is equipped with a new, improved user interface on the drill or in the remote-control location. The standard Silver drilling package features single-hole automation (including uncoupling of pipes), while the optional Platinum delivers fan automation, drill plan management and as-drilled data download.

Teleremote drilling operation on the DU412i can improve productivity and product safety. Radio-remote tramming gives the operator excellent visibility of the work area to safely tram the unit between fans and set it up very precisely without being in the operation area. The tramming is possible on either diesel power or using the electric power pack.

According to Sandvik, the FOPS/ROPS cabin on the DU412i is one of the safest and the most comfortable working environments in underground drilling. It offers more open and spacious environment for the operator with increased visibility as well as low sound pressure level during drilling of <75 dBA. An adjustable drilling control panel and seat improve operating comfort during operation, while tramming teleremote cameras are available.

In the V-30 slot raising configuration, the unit is delivered with blind bore feed and split centraliser, spaced out RH6250 rotation head and PC225 carousel. The storing capacity of the carousel allows up to 40m of continuous drilling and slot raising. The unit is fitted with KSU34 onboard booster (34m³/min at 28 bar) and single-hole automation for 6½in (165mm) diameter pilot hole drilling and for reaming the pilot to 10in (254mm) diameter can be utilised. Pipe handling during reaming the raise to 30in (762mm) diameter with the V-30 head is mechanised.

The layout of the carrier allows ground access to all service points, while swing-out frames offer ease of access to other components and safety in service.

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