New life for Canadian mine - Atlas Copco

pet for operatorslatest SmartROC version. These includeda lightweight, easy-to-use radio remotecontrol unit, an updated, more userfriendlyversion of the rig software ROCManager and a new type of circuit boardthat eliminates the conventional fuse boxand is more durable and easier to see andmanage.Fuel costs cut by halfEqually impressive was the effect ofSmartROC technology on fuel consumption.According to Mats Birkestål, ProductManager, it can cut fuel costs by up to 50per cent – a claim that has been provenby drillers in five countries who report anaverage fuel consumption of around 15liters of diesel per hour.“This is possible due to a combination ofcontributing factors,” he said. “For example,we are able to regulate and fine-tune functionslike compressed air and water mist, the dustcollector fan and so on, so that only the minimumamount of power is required from theengine. The compressor can even be closeddown when it is not needed which causes theengine revs to drop immediately, saving fuel.We have also reduced the amount of hydraulicoil required by 65 per cent. In other words, weonly generate the energy that we need.”Based on an average working cycle andthe price of diesel fuel in Europe today,Birkestål said he had calculated that theSmartROC, compared to its predecessors,was able to return a saving of approximately17 000 euros per year.Per Olofsson of Parts & Services continuedthe theme by pointing out that furthe rsavings can be realized through lessdowntime thanks to the upgraded serviceprograms such as ROC Care, COP Careand Crush Care (if crushing is involved),service contracts and operator trainingusing simulators provided by the AtlasCopco Master Driller program.During the event the operators got thechance to try out the rigs for themselvesand their opinions were unanimous.Mining & Construction – 3 / 2011 23