Atlas Copco has launched a new 30kW hydraulic rock drill specifically for face drilling in tunnelling and drifting environments. After extensive testing, including field trials with prospective end-users, the new COP 3038 was shown to drill 50% faster than the model it will replace, the COP 1838 ME.
The COP 3038 delivers the same energy per percussive blow as the COP 1838 ME, but the frequency has been increased almost two-fold to 100Hz. The faster piston movements are due to a new spool valve system, redesigned hydraulic flow channels, redesign of the impact piston and a patented system that allows rapid turn of the piston in its rear position. Andreas Nordbrandt, product portfolio manager for the COP 3038, said: “It could be described as a bouncing chamber.”
The COP 3038 does require higher water pressure to efficiently flush drill cuttings than the COP 1838 ME. In the region of 20 to 40 bar is recommended.
At a recent press demonstration of the drillÕs capabilities, Atlas Copco was keen to claim a major capital saving associated with the new drill, saying that a two-boom drill jumbo can now accomplish the same productivity as existing three-boom rigs due to the increased penetration rates and faster drill times. The opportunity to have only two booms in harsh underground environments, yet equal three-boom productivity cannot be underestimated for maintenance considerations. The drill itself has 10% fewer parts than the COP 1838 ME and overhaul times are 25% faster for the COP 3038.
The 3038 has been designed for 43mm to 64mm diameter holes using a T38 shank adaptor. It is not envisaged that the drill will be used to upgrade existing Atlas Copco Rocket Boomer drill jumbos. Instead new Rocket Boomer L2 C and L3 C rigs will be equipped with the COP 3038 as an option.
