Sandvik introduces Top Hammer XL, a fully optimized top hammer system for large hole size drilling in surface mining

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Top Hammer XL is the latest innovation in surface top hammer drilling from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. The new, groundbreaking drilling system, targeting large-scale quarry and surface mining customers, offers a faster, more fuel-efficient and more cost-effective way to drill holes 140 to 178 millimeters (5.5 to 7 inches) in diameter. The components of the system – a new Pantera DP1600i drill rig, new RD1840C rock drill and new LT90 rock tools – are all optimized to work together seamlessly for exceptional drilling results.

Higher productivity – lower fuel consumption
Sandvik is challenging the industry by introducing a groundbreaking top hammer drilling innovation that offers the benefits of top hammer drilling technology as a viable alternative to down-the-hole (DTH) drilling, on a much larger scale than before. The Top Hammer XL drilling system expands the hole size range of top hammer drilling to up to 178 millimeters (7 inches) and provides a faster and more fuel-efficient drilling method. It is part of Sandvik’s commitment to use engineering and innovation to make the shift that will drive safer and more sustainable business. In addition to excellent drilling results, it offers an effective solution to reduce fuel consumption and, ultimately, CO2 emissions. This more fuel-efficient yet productive drilling method can help Sandvik customers grow their business in a more sustainable way.

A fully optimized system
The heart of the Top Hammer XL system lies in Sandviken, Sweden, and Tampere, Finland, where all the components have been designed and manufactured. They work seamlessly together and provide smooth operation and a highly productive system with optimum drilling results. “A key asset of the Top Hammer XL drilling system is that all three main components – the drill rig, rock drill and rock tools – have been reviewed, redesigned and mutually optimized,” says Jukka Siltanen, Product Line Manager, Rock Drills at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

Proven efficiency that makes a difference
The efficiency of the new Top Hammer XL drilling system stems from the three components. The proven carrier offers a solid base for the extremely powerful rock drill that generates an optimum pulse for the effective tooling system, which in turn transfers the high-energy shock wave with minimum losses to the rock. The Top Hammer XL system has been thoroughly tested and proven in several field tests by drilling more than 100,000 meters in challenging rock conditions. The test results in the given conditions show a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption, 25 percent reduction in total drilling costs and 15 percent increase in productivity compared with the DTH drilling method.

Pantera DP1600i – next level choice
Pantera DP1600i is the newest member of the Pantera DPi series family of intelligent top hammer drill rigs, characterized by high penetration rates and advanced automation options for data-based fleet management and drilling performance optimization. Designed for large hole size drilling, the Pantera DP1600i, with its practical intelligence and support for higher-level automation solutions, is ideally suited for production drilling in large quarries or open pit mines.

The new Pantera DP1600i is based on the reliable and proven Pantera DPi series platform, with upgraded key components to meet the needs of the Top Hammer XL system. Together with the powerful RD1840C rock drill and robust LT90 rock tools, the end result is extreme capacity for a larger hole size, without increasing the actual physical drill rig footprint. Pantera DP1600i offers the highest power in its class and can be customized with a variety of options to meet special requirements.

With a long track record and proven performance in top hammer drilling, Pantera DP1600i will bring a true productivity boost to surface mining customers, featuring next-level technical solutions that provide power, fuel economy, more uptime and smooth flow of operation. “The Pantera DPi platform has proven itself over the years, starting as far back as 2008, so it was a natural choice to upgrade the existing platform to the next level for this new solution,” explains Jarno Viitaniemi, Product Manager, Surface Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
Pantera DP1600i drill rig is available with Tier 3 and Stage 5 engine emission versions.