Mining, infrastructure and natural resources equipment group Epiroc has introduced an underground drill bit that will match the capacity of the latest technology in drill rigs and boost the productivity of both new and older rigs.
The new Powerbit Underground will allow customers to capitalise more on their rig investment, while offering a higher penetration rate, longer service life and more drill metres a day.
“Powerbit Underground is a firm response to market demand for a bit that matches the high drilling speeds enabled by ever-stronger rigs and rock drills. That said, it will prove just as game changing for customers using older rigs with lower water pressure, if not more,” says Epiroc Tophammer product line manager Johan Thenór.
Results from testing reveal that the new bit averaged 37% more drill metres before being discarded – with one test round peaking at 82%.
This means that miners will benefit from more-trouble-free, uninterrupted drilling, along with reduced cost per metre drilled.
“The hole configuration maximises flushing efficiency, which is key to the high penetration rate,” explains Epiroc Tophammer senior product specialist Robert Arnoldsson.
“Customers will also be making their acquaintance with Trubbnos, Epiroc’s new and innovative trapezoid-shaped buttons, which increase penetration rates and service life, compared with conventional, semiballistic buttons.”