Epiroc Launches Automatic Bit Changer for Safer, Faster Drill Operations

The new Automatic Bit Changer enables hands-free rotary bit swaps on Pit Viper rigs, improving safety, uptime, and efficiency by accelerating bit changes fourfold.  www.epiroc.com The Automatic Bit Changer makes it possible for operators to complete hands-free drill bit changes with the single touch of a button and to stay informed on their screen. Operators can make or break joints, select drill bits, and add or remove them. This can be done from either a remotely-based control room or from the comfort of the cab. The Automatic Bit Changer optimizes productivity and efficiency of the drilling operation and improves safety by eliminating exposure to live work environments. “The early collaboration with customers and cross-functional teams resulted in an auto bit changer that is repeatable, keeps the operator out of the line of fire, and improves machine uptime,” said Matthew Fosler, Senior Design Engineer, Surface division. Epiroc’s Automatic Bit Changer decreases downtime and eases operator workloads. The carousel design allows up to four bits to be easily changed significantly faster and safer than a single manual exchange. The removable bit carousel can store rotary tricone bits in varying sizes and cutting structure, for a total of four onboard bits, for flexibility and versatility on a drill site. Featured in the unique carousel design, the Automatic Bit Changer gives users the ability to safely replace the worn drill bits with a range of bit types and sizes from a safe distance without exposure to live work. Available for new drills and retrofit of drills already in the field, the Automatic Bit Changer is easy to maintain, and its compact, above deck design takes up less space in comparison to competitors’ designs. The above deck design ensures maintenance procedures are simpler and safer to perform, operator viewing angles are optimized and retrofits for the working Pit Viper fleet are available. Customizing a Pit Viper 270 or Pit Viper 290 drill rig with the Automatic Bit Changer option offers many benefits for the operator. In addition to easing their workload, it reduces the possibility of human error, injuries related to heavy lifting, lost time on manual adjustments, accidents and exposure to dust and noise. Eliminating these live work tasks is crucial in the mining industry. By eliminating manual drill changes, increasing machine uptime and decreasing worker injuries, Epiroc’s Automatic Bit Changer supports a more productive and profitable operation. "It has been truly an honor to be a part of this product’s development and I cannot wait to see the impact it will make in our industry," said Carla Chaname, Product Manager, Automation, Surface division. www.epiroc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing