At the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), to be held March 1-4, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, Epiroc says it will unveil its latest advancements in drilling safety and automation, headlined by the Uphole Brake – a new product engineered to improve safety in underground drilling.
The new Uphole Brake is an integrated safety module that is built into the head assembly. It is engineered to automatically stop a free-falling inner tube assembly by deploying its braking elements against the inner surface of the core barrel or rod string whenever downward movement exceeds the speed of the overshot. This ensures immediate engagement and protects the driller and the equipment in the event of a pressure drop.
“Safety has always been a major concern for drilling companies, especially in underground and uphole drilling operations where drillers face specific challenges such as falling equipment,” says Alex Grant, Vice President Marketing OreBody Solutions at Epiroc. “This system is also designed for easy retraction once the brake is activated. The operator can easily retrieve the inner tube at any point of the rod string. Epiroc’s Uphole Brake will make the drilling sites a safer work environment for the drilling crew, without any loss of productivity.”
In addition to the Uphole Brake, Epiroc will also be showcasing the recently launched Diamec Automated Rod Magazine (ARM), a product that it says takes automation to the next level. The ARM minimises operator fatigue, provides safer work environment, and boosts 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.
“At Epiroc, safety is a cornerstone of our innovation efforts. We are dedicated to exploring new designs and techniques that not only enhance our product offerings but improve safety during drilling operations. These products are great examples of our commitment to providing the best possible equipment for our clients, as we continue to accelerate the transformation of our industry,” adds Grant.
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