Atlas Copco: new underground rock drills
2010-04-23
Atlas Copco launches new and modified underground rock drills and stopers. The company introduces a range of silenced light rock drills for underground applications. A modified rock drill has passed the ATEX process and now fully complies to ATEX directive. Two versions of a new heavy-duty stoper are introduced.
Sound emission is an issue for surface and underground rock drilling. “Today customers more and more demand a silenced version of their rock drill”, explains Rikard Nordén, Product Line Manager Light Rock Drills at Atlas Copco Construction Tools. To meet the demand, a range of three silenced rock drills is launched. “The sound power levels of our BBC 16 WS, BBD 34 WS and BBD 94 WE have been reduced by 5-8 dB(A), depending on the model”, Nordén adds. “For the human ear this is perceived as a reduction of more than 50 %.”
Some technical modifications have contributed to achieve compliance with ATEX directive for the BBD 94 WS model together with BMK 91RS pusher leg. “Our only Atlas Copco light rock drill that has passed the whole process according to directive 94/9/EC,” explains Rikard Nordén. ATEX (ATmosphère EXplosible) directive consists of two EU directives describing what equipment and work conditions are allowed in an explosive atmosphere.
BBC 34 WS6 and BBC 34 WS8 are new heavy duty stopers which are added to the existing range. They are designed for tough working conditions in drilling, raise driving and bolting applications. They are suitable for medium to hard rock and benefit from a high impact energy blow and a strong rotation mechanism.