What’s ahead for the next generation of drillers

By Kevin Yanik| May 23, 2023

Sandvik says its electric concept drill demonstrates the advanced technologies that will be introduced on future series drill rigs, supporting more sustainable and energy-efficient surface drilling. Photo: P&Q Staff

Sustainability was an underlying theme of this year’s ConExpo-Con/Agg, with commercialized equipment and futuristic concepts reflecting the trend on the trade show floor.

One concept promoted in Las Vegas was an electric drill rig from Sandvik, which aimed to demonstrate the advanced technologies that will be introduced on future series drill rigs. According to Sandvik, the rigs of the future for surface operations will support more sustainable and energy-efficient drilling.

“We have a vision and target that, by 2030, we are going to have a full product offering [in electric],” says Eva-Leena Varpe, surface drilling product manager at Sandvik. “By 2030, we will cover all hole sizes that we cover now with our current offering of diesel machines.”

As Varpe describes, the changing world is ultimately the factor driving the development of equipment fueled by alternative energy.

“New values are coming to the surface mining and construction business,” she says. “[Sustainability] is far ahead with underground operations. We’re seeing the trend and the importance of sustainability coming to surface mining and the construction business. But cost efficiency is also a value. Fuel is very expensive. So, of course, if there is an alternative option, that’s a big benefit for our customers.”

The electric concept drill rig Sandvik showcased at ConExpo-Con/Agg can be powered in three different ways, according to Varpe. Batteries are one such source, cable is a second and a diesel genset is a third option.

“It’s beneficial to use cable while operating,” she says. “But in case a site is basically in the middle of nowhere, the diesel genset might be the good option. Of course, then it’s not CO2 free because you need diesel and fuel to operate that.”

Enabling drill operators

Aside from fuel, Sandvik offered a glimpse at drilling’s future during ConExpo-Con/Agg with its RockPulse technology.

RockPulse utilizes sensors to provide drill operators a look inside the rock while they’re drilling. The system analyzes the efficiency and quality of the drilling, suggesting adjustments to feed pressure and providing immediate feedback about the drill’s settings.

The system enables operators to quickly adapt to changing rock conditions and, in effect, increase their productivity and efficiency.

“It is the latest technology we have, and it is the only available technology that can be used to monitor top hammer drilling directly,” says Matleena Melasaari, product manager for digital rock drill products at Sandvik. “We can measure the phenomena of the drilling itself. It’s working quite well. It’s very delicate and detailed information that we can gather. But we are using it to provide indicators.”

RockPulse is currently available for Sandvik’s Ranger DX800i and DX900i with RD920 series rock drills.

“Now, we have a tool where we can monitor, measure, adjust and analyze drilling while it happens,” Melasaari says. “We can see if something changes in the rock conditions while we drill inside the rock. If something changes, we can immediately see a reaction.

This is the only available tool for the operators to see something visual. Before, when we didn’t have this kind of a tool, it was the operators’ expertise to tune by ear. They could hear and feel how the drilling is going and whether the drilling adjustments are optimal for the drilling conditions.”