Sandvik launches DT1132i tunneling jumbo

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has launched its latest development for tunneling excavation, the brand new Sandvik DT1132i jumbo.

This large and highly productive underground drill rig is the latest addition to Sandvik’s already extensive range of underground drill rigs. Together with the new high frequency rock drill Sandvik RD535 and rock tools designed for high speed drilling, it provides users with a heavy duty solution for their underground drilling needs.

All Sandvik DTi tunneling jumbos have been developed with a special modular design that makes them highly flexible and versatile. Suitable for fast face drilling or mechanized long-hole drilling and bolting, they are proving be highly productive, reliable and effective across the world. Furthermore, they use the latest developments in automated drilling solutions such as the iSURE® tunnel management software and SICA intelligent control system.

The new Sandvik DT1132i tunneling jumbo itself is a three-boom, electro-hydraulic jumbo that has been purpose-designed for fast and accurate drilling in tunneling and cavern excavation. The computer-controlled rig possesses both operator-controlled boom positioning and full-face automatic drilling functions. As well as incorporating some of Sandvik’s latest developments in digital solutions, the new rig uses Sandvik’s new high frequency RD535 rock drill, robust booms and advanced drill string guides, making it a complete and new high-speed drilling solution.

New rig, new features

The RD535 rock drill, automated drilling features and new rock tools mean that that the DT1132i delivers the results required, but with 40% less exhaust particles, up to 20% higher penetration rate and with 25% more side coverage (3 x SB160i 190m2 -19,400m x 12,200m).

The essential premise behind the development of the new DT1132i is to provide users with increased drilling performance and accuracy, thanks to its fast and adaptive drilling control capabilities, able to account for changing rock conditions. The rig design also maximizing operator safety and ergonomics, with improved fleet standardization (high parts commonality) enabling extended rig usage across different work sites.

Amongst the many new features on the new rig is a new 3m telescopic TB160i boom, optimized with a front wrist structure that provides 1 m additional side coverage as standard, and 4 m side coverage with telescopic adjustment. The new boom also uses a new fully proportional boom control for accurate and fast manual boom handling (automated boom controls come with the optional Platinum package), with intelligent compensation models to give accuracy in all operating conditions.

New cabin for safety and comfort

An ergonomic vibration-dampened cabin has been designed for the new rig. This provides the operator with excellent all-round visibility, low noise level inside the cab thanks to its acoustic windows, a filtration system to minimize dust inside the cab (according to standard EU6/7) and an open and spacious operator environment. Doorways have been located in the rear of the cab to minimize any disturbance for the operator, whilst safety has been maximized with a FOPS-compliant cabin.

To further boost the efficiency of the rig and the operator, comprehensive diagnostics information is integrated into one display. These include drilling diagnostics for boom instrumentation, drilling control system and shank lubrication, together with carrier diagnostics for electric motors, pumps (hydraulics and water), transmission system, diesel engines, brake system, jacks and cable reels. The rig also has durable covers and incorporates a new cover design, in which all sides are covered and all service points are easy to access.

Power and efficiency

The new RD535 is a high performance and high frequency rock drill. This new rock drill has maximized power transfer capabilities leading to a high drilling speed without compromising hole quality. It has an efficient and powerful patented percussion mechanism, as well as a tool-saving, efficient and patented stabilizer structure for increased reliability. These features, together with improved flushing and efficient cooling, provide uninterrupted high-speed drilling.

The DT1132i possesses a highly powerful transmission system with a Cummins B6.7, 168kW diesel engine (stage 5) which can be operated up to 5,000m above sea level without any modifications. The new engine provides up to a 90% reduction in NOx emissions (when compared to stage 3 engines), with more than 90% mass reduction for DPM. The rig utilizes a new carrier which uses more efficient hydraulic and water systems. These include separate circuits for both drilling and tramming hydraulics, proportional flushing valves to adjust the flushing flow and inlet/outlet pressure monitoring.

The rig steers by hydraulic rear wheel steering and its electric current reducer unit provides electric reactive power element (kVar) from an onboard capacitor, reducing electric current draw by up to 20%. The 3 x 90kW IE3 electric motors require 2.5% less energy, with all working lights based on LED technology, automatically controlled based on tramming direction and with directional lights available where needed.

A new feed - TF535i - also provides increased feed force for high power drilling, whilst a saving hose reel structure gives longer service life for the hoses which are of an increased size. A hose support structure enables the independent tightening of every single hose, thereby reducing any pressure drop. An integrated accurate linear sensor ensures accurate rock drill positioning and a new slide piece design enables 50% less wear and friction.

Automated drilling

The DT1132i is available with some of the latest developments in automation, including a SICA control system for intelligent torque control/feed percussion, with monitoring and fleet management for My Sandvik. To further improve the excavation process, remote access via WLAN can be chosen which allows web-based data transfer as well as online MWD.

As ‘Gold’ standard, the DT1132i comes with torque based semi-automated drilling, manual boom control and rod handling, all enabling drilling to a predefined depth with feed angle measurement and drill bit location measurement. Drill plan visualization and rig navigation are also included. In addition to these standard features, the rig is also available as part of the ‘Platinum’ package with automatic long hole drilling and fully automatic face drilling.

New drilling tools

An underground drill rig is only as effective as the rock tools, rock drills and bits it uses. For face drilling, the DT1132i comes with the new Sandvik Alpha 360 drilling system for the RD535 rock drill. This delivers features such as an optimized rod diameter with increased flushing hole size, increased flushing and higher penetration rates, as well as a new Sandvik Alpha 360 connection. The latter possesses a new larger bit thread for increased drilling power and straighter holes which gives higher advance rate per blast. For grouting, the GT38 system provides 50% less deviation and increased service life.