Hammers offer faster penetration, longer service life
Epiroc introduced a new range of down-the-hole (DTH) hammers this year that’s designed for all drilling applications. According to Epiroc, its DTH 5 hammers feature an exceptional rate of penetration and longer service life that set a new standard for performance and cost-effectiveness. The company says the DTH 5 hammers are ideal for high- and low-impact energy scenarios, handling any rock formation. Additionally, Epiroc says drill operators can boost productivity with fewer interruptions and quicker task changes.
Redesigned DTH hammers deliver higher impact energy
Kovai Drilling Applications’ KH650R series features 6-in. down-the-hole (DTH) hammers designed for drill-and-blast operations in aggregates and mining. As Kovai describes, the KH650R series is an evolution of its KH600 series that was originally developed for water well drilling. The KH650R line features a redesigned long-stroke piston that delivers higher impact energy per blow, resulting in faster penetration rates. According to Kovai, updates to the design include a heavier piston with a larger surface area, a thicker guide tube and a groove-free, reversible-wear sleeve that’s intended to extend the hammer’s service life. With only 14 parts, Kovai says the KH650R is positioned as one of the more service-friendly hammers in its class.
Soft rock drilling bit offers key gains
Brunner & Lay’s QW bit is designed for surface drilling in soft rock formations. The bit, which is designed with 16 carbides, has an increased insert profile to aid the formation of large chips and clearance for flushing. According to Brunner & Lay, this helps the bit to penetrate deeper into the rock with each hammer stroke. Improvements in flushing capacity made through the focus of flush media and larger chip channels aid the removal of the cuttings at the bit face. During tests in sandstone and limestone formations in North America, the company says QW bits realized as much as a 30 percent decrease in bit consumption with up to 40 percent faster penetration rates.
Sustainable, low-emission drill with minimal maintenance
The DCRL130 from FRD USA is an environmentally friendly and compliant down-the-hole rock drill with market-specific emission regulations. According to the company, the drill is proven in soft, medium and hard rock conditions, with end users and applications providing deep holes from 3.5 to 6.5 in. in diameter at fast drilling rates with low-maintenance requirements. FRD USA says the DCRL130 uses a clean engine that complies with Tier 4 Final emission regulations, reducing fuel consumption.
