Atlas Copco’s rugged and flexible DrillAir compressor range has been scientifically designed around pressure and flow to offer a superior quality compressed air solution for a wide range of high capacity drilling applications.

The DrillAir range which includes the XATS 1200, XAVS 1000, V900, X1300 as well as the two most recent additions, the V1200 and Y1300, is ideal for geothermal drilling and construction, blast hole drilling and exploration (mining) and pipeline, well services as well as aerated drilling (oil & gas). Boasting a compact footprint, these machines can be transported easily between drilling sites. 

“One-size-fits-all has never been part of our DNA and choosing the right compressor to match hole depth and hammer size is critical to ensure efficient drilling,” notes David Stanford, Power Technique Business Line Manager- Portable Products.

“And this is exactly what the Drill Air range offers; end-users can choose the right compressor for their core business and have the flexibility to adapt to changes in well depth and hammer size for any custom application.”

Stanford explains how DrillAir compressors can achieve maximum air flow at any pressure setting. “The focus of the DrillAir compressor design is on the relationship between pressure and flow and to create the ideal combination of these two variables to achieve the most effective utilisation of air. The objective is to improve the efficiency aspect of the time spent and fuel utilised.”

Advanced PACE and DrillAirXpert technologies differentiate the robust DrillAir range in the market place, putting end-users in complete control. Stanford is quick to point out that these technologies are extremely simple to use.

“Take PACE (Pressure Adjusted through Cognitive Electronics) technology for example, a simple software package requiring no additional hardware which is incorporated into all our large compressors (V900, XATS 1200 and XAVS 1000). The intuitive PACE is a dynamic optimisation feature that allows the end-user to tap into the electric engine to control pressure and flow. “Our compressors’ Tier 2 and 3 electric engines are ideally suited to PACE presenting the perfect combination between engine and technology,” notes Stanford.

This pioneering technology enables multiple pressure and flow settings, ensuring that operators match air flow and pressure to their application needs. The capability of having multiple pressures out of a single machine eliminates the need for multiple machines to dispatch several variants, a significant saving in capital purchase.

DrillAirXpert offers up to 30% improved drilling speeds. This performance management system includes software (Dynamic Flow Boost, Dynamic Control and XPR) as well as hardware (Xc4003 controller, electronically controlled inlet valve and a variable minimum pressure valve).

The Dynamic Flow Boost provides up to 4 m3/min additional flow when flushing and during drill stem refill and is capable of achieving 10% more flow at lower working pressure for larger diameter drilling.

Key benefits include quicker flushing, faster stem refill and a shorter time to complete drilling, providing customers and end-users enhanced control on site. Based on patented technology, Atlas Copco XPR (Extended Pressure Range) extends the working pressure range whilst setting it as low as 15 bar.

Stanford points out that the combination of DrillAirXpert technology, the Atlas Copco screw element and the Cummins Stage III engine provides high efficiency for a wide range of pressure and flow settings. “The FuelXpert system ensures efficiency at partial load with an additional fuel filter for better engine protection,” he adds.

With a 500-hour service interval, the DrillAir range is defined by hassle-free service, quick maintenance and low operational costs. The machines’ centralised drain and air filtration systems facilitate servicing while the design of the new oil separator system reduces maintenance time by over an hour. A dedicated service door allows for convenient oil level observation and oil filling. The three-layer protective coating covering all bodywork offers over a decade of corrosion-free service, further contributing to low operational costs.

Incorporating state-of-the-art, cost and time saving technologies, the compact, rugged, flexible, and efficient Atlas Copco DrillAir compressor is the ultimate long-term partner that makes a significant contribution to the sustainable productivity of end-users.