Efficient drilling with Atlas Copco’s high-pressure diesel compressors

4th October 2017

     

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The new Atlas Copco XRH 1100 and XRV 1200 high-pressure portable diesel compressors are designed and engineered to reliably deliver quality air for a range of drilling applications including deep hole, water well and reverse circulation (RC) drilling.

During the development of this high-efficiency XR series of two-stage, rotary screw, oil-injected compressors, Atlas Copco focused on product quality, user-friendliness, serviceability and economical operation to ensure best-in-class cost of ownership for end-users.

Driven by a powerful state-of-the-art liquid-cooled Cummins diesel engine, the XRH 1100 compressor generates 1100 cfm at 21 bar while the larger XRV 1200 is powered by a six-cylinder Cummins and generates 1170 cfm at 23 bar. The XRH 1100 and XRV 1200 compressors are ideal for maximum drilling depths of up to 300m and 350m respectively.

The units owe their exceptionally economic power consumption to the fully automatic step-less speed regulator which adapts engine speed to air demand. Consequently both compressors deliver unmatched fuel efficiency with a reduced fuel consumption of up to 3 litres of diesel per hour compared to their counterparts. Over a ten hour shift this can translate to a saving of up to 30 litres which when taking into account the ever rising cost of diesel will lead to massive cost reductions!

The units’ compact dimensions and consequently small footprint as well as their light weight of 4 300kg makes them ideally suited for mounting onto drilling trucks. “Currently the lightest in their class with comparable units weighing some 5t, the XRH 1100 and XRV 1200 are also suitable for fitment to an excavator with a drilling attachment,” affirms Business Line Manager for Power Technique’s (previously Construction Technique) Portable Energy division, David Stanford.

The screw element, engine, cooling, air/oil separation and control systems are all enclosed within a strong corrosion-protection powder coated steel sound attenuated (85dbA) canopy that meets the most current legal noise level requirements.

Stanford says it is easy to remove the canopy if an even smaller footprint is required and adds that as an open frame the sound levels still remain well within accepted industry standards.

To facilitate maneuverability around the job site, the XRH 1100 and XRV 1200 compressors are also available in a unique wagon-type unit which is supplied with a diesel tank. 

Also included in the XR series is the XRYO 1200 dual pressure open frame compressor. This unit is capable of delivering up to 35 bar at 1200 cfm making it ideal for deep hole, water well and RC drilling to depths of up to 500m. Weighing 4 850kg, this machine’s power to weight ratio is unmatched. According to Stanford, this dual pressure unit offers a flexible and cost effective solution for end users who regularly drill to depths of up to 350m but sometimes need to drill deeper as it eliminates the need for two units.

The cooling system on the XR compressor series consists of an integrated side-by-side aluminium oil cooler with axial fan to ensure optimum cooling and is suitably designed for continuous operation in ambient conditions up to +50°C. The coolers are mounted adjacent to each other to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

Coupled directly to the power pack through a flexible coupling, the efficient air/oil separation system is designed for a higher maximum working pressure and is equipped with a sealed high pressure safety relief valve, minimum pressure valve, automatic blow-down valve and pressure regulator.  The system consumes very little oil leading to low maintenance costs and uptime is maximised by minimal stoppages required to replace oil.

The user-friendly and reliable analogue instrument control panel on these mechanical compressors displays essential information such as compressor status, vessel pressure indication, machine performance data, compressor running processes, etc.

The compressor is equipped standard with safety devices to protect both the compressor as well as the engine. Stanford explains that the unit will be completely turned off automatically in the event that the oil temperature rises too high, the oil pressure drops too low and if fuel levels are low. In addition, the starter motor is protected against overloading that may result from operating for an excessive period.

Not forgetting about serviceability which has a direct impact on productivity, the units have been designed with wide doors to provide fast and easy service access to all components.

The XR series is manufactured in Atlas Copco’s ISO 9001 accredited facility and Stanford points out that the reliability, efficiency and durability of the compressor element is fundamental to a compressor’s quality.

“Our decades of experience and expertise engrained in the design of our compressor elements position us as a market leading single-source supplier of on-site mobile air compressor solutions.

Endeavouring to minimise our own as well as our customers’ carbon footprint, we take cognisance of our own manufacturing processes to minimise environmental impact and we develop energy efficient products and solutions to assist our customers in ‘greening’ their working environment and achieving sustainable productivity.”                                         

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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