Epiroc is now launching the Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM), a new product that it says will minimise operator fatigue, provide a safer work environment, and boost productivity. The magazine enables drill strings to be tripped out fully automatically to pre-set position, and tripped in with minimal input from the operator.
The release of the Diamec ARM goes hand in hand with Epiroc’s Live Work Elimination efforts and marks a new step forward in exploration core drilling, which underlines the importance of a safe workplace. While the magazine is tripping in drill strings to the Rod Handling System (RHS), the operator does not have to perform monotonous, heavy work, and operative conditions are improved greatly. Valuable time is also made available to perform other tasks while Diamec ARM is working. The magazine is adapted for use with a Diamec Smart 6M with RHS, a Diamec Smart 6 with RHS or a Diamec Smart 8 with RHS.
With Diamec ARM, the operator station is moved further away from the machine, which ensures that the operator is kept away from danger. A camera is mounted on the Diamec Smart 6M/6/8, making it easier to check that rods are correctly threaded, directly from the operator panel. Threading is performed via a joystick-equipped control panel which is connected to the unit by cable. The dual grease brush and grease pump will ensure every pin thread is greased automatically when tripping in rods, which also ensures that the operator can stay out of risk zones.
A full magazine with 84 N-rods can drill up to 252 m, without any extra assistance. The heavier the rods, the more time you can save. Furthermore, the magazine has the ability to handle the water swivel rod and inner tubes, which allows it to help with the daily tasks when drilling the roundtrips. Also, when drilling holes deeper than the magazine capacity allows, cassettes with more rods can be loaded.
“We have a very clear goal for the future. We want to remove operators from the danger zone and make our products as automated as possible. An important step on this journey was to develop our range of Diamec Smart rigs. Now our Diamec ARM is ready to provide the next level of automation. It will make every day work life safer and easier for the operator,” says Indrawan Sukarya, Global Product Manager at Epiroc.
The magazine is equipped with a touch screen control panel. The panel provides the operator with information about settings and enables positions to be programed. It also presents a visual overview of the number of rods left in the cassette – and at what position the magazine is picking the rods. Two Diamec joysticks can be used in case the operator needs to control the magazine manually.
The magazine also has the ability to rotate the gripper arm, which makes the alignment towards the rig flexible and creates an easier setup.
“We are very proud of this new automated magazine. The Diamec ARM saves costs by delivering consistency and also reducing wear on valuable consumables. This keeps downtime to a minimum,” says Indrawan Sukarya, Global Product Manager at Epiroc.
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