A series of tests on the new Ranger DX800 hydraulic drill rig were recently undertaken at quarry sites in Turkey.
Throughout the tests the DX800 delivered high levels of performance with lower fuel consumption and deeper penetration with each shift the machine was used on.
Test data indicated the Ranger DX800 has a fuel consumption level of 22 to 23 litres per hour, with a drill depth of 62 metres per hour, meaning fuel consumption by depth was 0.36m per litre. (The tests were performed at limestone quarries upon moderately broken ground. Operator experience levels were normal.)
These results were well received by the quarries’ owners, who believe the Ranger DX800 has a great future considering the reasonable levels of initial investment and after sales costs.
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
As a result of the intense research and testing process, Sandvik has brought together a series of features to ensure the Ranger DX800 operates in the most efficient way possible. The Ranger DX series delivers increased performance with minimal fuel consumption and enhanced overall performance that does not require the use of electronic systems or any inter-system complexities. High performance and low fuel consumption have been combined to ensure the drill rig offers enhanced productivity in a simple and reliable design.
EGE DEL-TAS
One company participating in the tests was Ege Del-Tas, which provides drilling and detonation services, explosives procurement, project based field applications and consulting services.
Proprietor Emre Atasoy said the company closely followed the development of technology in the sector, working with the core values of innovation, scientific development and discipline in completing important projects with a team of expert engineers and staff, while prioritising occupational health and safety.
TEST IN LIMESTONE QUARRY
Atasoy explained why the company jumped at the opportunity to conduct drilling tests.
“We believe that companies must be aware of developments in the sector in order to ensure self-development,” he said.
“For this reason, it was important for us to observe the efficiency of the Ranger DX series in comparison with our existing machinery and processes, as drilling operations are an important part of our activities. This started with a conversation with Erdinç Çetin, Sandvik Construction’s Turkey surface driller and tunnelling group manager, about the new Ranger DX series.
“We informed him that we wanted to take part in the field tests and our request was approved. The test machine was sent by Sandvik to our limestone quarry located in Torbali, Dzmir, in a very short space of time. Three mining engineers who work at our Torbali site, three drilling operators and some of the Sandvik sales and after sales service staff took part in the tests.”
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Atasoy also commented on the innovations and advantages of the new Ranger DX800 model’s fuel consumption and drilling speed.
“We had some concerns about the accuracy of the machinery performance data, as the formations in which the machine had previously been tested were unknown. However, during the test carried out at our facility, we were pleased to see that the performance was true to the data that had previously been reported.
“The Sandvik Ranger DX series’ hydraulic gun pressure and impact setting, the high drilling power despite low energy consumption and 60 to 65 metres per hour drilling performance with fuel consumption of 22 to 23 litres per hour – meaning that fuel consumption per metre was as low as 0.38m – creates a significant advantage for us in terms of drilling costs.
“Furthermore, we think that the rotary structure of the machine, as with the previous DX series, has an important contribution to drilling performance.
“The most significant innovation seemed to be the optimisation of compressor performance and when we asked about this feature, we were told that the company had moved onto dual stage compression, which plays a significant role in creating the drilling depth and fuel consumption advantages as mentioned above.
“When faced with obstacles such as cracks, caves or cavities, the Rock Pilot automatic control system comes online, assisting the machine in rapidly overcoming such obstacles and minimising the usage of expendables.”
DRILLING DEPTH
Throughout the 10-day test process, the Ranger DX consistently offered high performance drilling with low fuel consumption, much to Atasoy’s delight.
“When choosing a new machine, we consider the volume of work to be performed. The machinery in the designated segment is evaluated according to the initial investment and operating costs dimensions.
“Naturally, for drilling machinery, the drilling speed, diesel fuel consumption, maintenance costs and service quality are very important. When we evaluate the Ranger DX series according to our criteria, I can easily say that throughout the test the performance of the machine and the technical services exceeded our expectations.”
Source: Sandvik Construction