Technology and innovation
Down to the wire
Global drilling company Boart Longyear, based in Salt Lake City in the US, has launched
the new XQ Wireline Coring Rods, which will be used in drilling and coring applications in
the mining industry. Boart Longyear also introduced the mining industry to the renowned Q
rod, followed by the RQ rod. The company’s XQ rods will create even more value, according
to Chris Lambert, global product manager at Boart Longyear, as they are proven to be
stronger, last longer, and are easier to make and break.
“If a rod doesn’t perform, project costs and hours can quickly add up. The XQ rod provides
many advantages, resulting in productivity and cost efficiencies immediately being realised,”
says Lambert.
The XQ rods have already been trialed at nearly 30 different exploration locations, and
more than 10 000 XQ rods have been delivered. Lambert says that a recent string of well-
maintained XQ rods lasted nearly 20 000m of drilling — double the footage reached by RQ
rods at the same site.
What makes XQ rods so revolutionary are the patented XQ thread joints. Featuring
innovative self-aligning, double-start threads, the XQ rod’s joints engage smoothly, virtually
eliminating wedging or jamming — a common challenge with single-thread rods — so make
and break functions are much easier. Doubling the thread also means double the contact
area for a balanced load response, which translates to no box bulging. The thread design also
includes a minus 20-degree reverse flank angle for even more strength and load capacity.
Boosting productivity
Alongside a thicker drum (28mm) and a 500kg (4.6%) increase in operating weight to 11 350kg,
improved weight distribution sees an increase on the front load to 6 350kg (57% on drum).
Equipment manufacturer JCB has introduced several productivity-boosting improvements to
its JCB VM115 single drum compactor. The machine also has a new name, the JCB 116 D,
and is supplied and serviced by Kemach Equipment.
“JCB took what was good and made it even better to be able to offer a machine that
delivers what really matters most for end users, namely lowest overall total cost of ownership
through productivity, uptime, fuel efficiency, operator comfort and safety, and effortless
servicing,” says Mark Senyard, national support and marketing manager at Kemach
Equipment.
The JCB 116 D delivers a master stroke in compaction: alongside a thicker drum (28mm)
and a 500kg (4.6%) increase in operating weight to 11 350kg, improved weight distribution
sees an increase on the front load to 6 350kg (57% on drum). Vibrating mass has also been
increas ed by 11% to reach 3 610kg, while a 13% increase in centrifugal force ensures very
high performance. Furthermore, drum isolation has been optimised to ensure maximum
energy transfer to the soil.
AUGUST 2018 MINING MIRROR
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