Introduction to Remote Control Technology

The operator can see the rig or vehicle, and has instrumentation on the radio remote control (RRC) unit corresponding to the set-up in the cabin. The RRC-system consists of two hardware units: one for the operator with all controls and indicators, and the other mounted on the machine, integrating the RRC-unit to its electrical system.

Some RRC-units are also available with a cable, but this is a limited system which can only be used for control of rig tramming and not for drilling.

For line of sight applications, standardized RRC-solutions are available, and customization to the actual application is a matter of defining how joysticks, indicators and pushbuttons should be positioned.

The integration of RRC-units to the rig governs the cost and performance of the system. The new generation of Atlas Copco drillrigs are equipped with RCS Rig Control Systems, which offer a clean, straightforward CAN-bus interface between the rig and the RRC-unit.

Control information, such as joy-stick positions, activated pushbuttons, and alarms, is transmitted as serial data messages on the CAN-bus to the rig. The information is then interpreted by RCS, and executed.

On a rig without an electronic control system, the RRC-unit has to be interfaced to the dashboard and the electro-hydraulic system, and logic must be programmed in the RRC-unit. This integration means a more extensive wiring and programming of the RRC-unit.

Radio Remote Controlled Drillrigs

Improved operator safety and increased productivity were the most important reasons for developing RRC drillrigs. Both of these goals have been fully realized in the new Atlas Copco ROC D5 RRC, with a hole range of 35-89 mm, and the ROC D7 RRC, with a hole range of 64-115 mm.

These two rigs belong to the same family, but are equipped with rock drills that provide different production capabilities. Their principle strength lies in combining radio remote control with a well balanced design that has excellent stability and high productiv­ity in all types of terrain.

The new design is well thought through. The boom is centrally placed, with a low mounting point for opti­mum stability and maximum cover­age. Ground clearance is a full 455 mm (17.5 in) to provide great manoeuvrability in the roughest of conditions. These features, combined with the onboard Atlas Copco com­pressor and rock drill, driven by a powerful Caterpillar diesel engine, produce a remarkably capable drillrig.

Tramming, Positioning and Drilling

Both the Atlas Copco ROC D5 RRC and ROC D7 RRC are fully radio remote controlled.

The operator is able to manoeuvre the drillrig from a safe distance, choosing the best possible view. All principal functions, such as tramming, drilling and rod handling, are controlled from the RRC, and stepless controls allow smooth positioning of the rig. A new feature of both these drillrigs is the Atlas Copco patented Automatic Drill Stop. This function automatically stops the drilling at a preset depth, and loosens the rod threads. This increases the overall quality of the drilling, while reducing the time required to retract the rods and move to the next setup.

Atlas Copco's unique tubular fold­ing boom provides both the ROC D5 RRC and ROC D7 RRC with excep­tional reach and coverage. The versa­tile boom head permits the drill feed to be positioned to drill rockbolt holes to secure unstable side walls, or to carry out horizontal drilling operations.

The ROC D5 is fitted with a Caterpillar CAT 3126 B diesel engine with 131 kW (178 hp) of power, while the ROC D7 engine has an output of 149 kW (203 hp). Both engines have been sized with generous power reserves, to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise. The extra power also allows the rig to work in a wider range of conditions, and increases the life of the engine

Remote in Norway

Treacherous autumn conditions at Lindesnes, on the southernmost tip of Norway, are being overcome by Terrengtransport AS, one of the first contractors to adopt radio remote con­trol technology for surface drilling operations. With a workforce of 110 people, the company specializes ir. drilling and blasting for roadbuilding. trenching, preparation of construction and property sites, industrial contracting and even small-scale tunnelling. Expansion means they have invest in productive equipment and new technology, and they have been interested in the concept of radio remote control from inception.

At Lindens, Terrengtransport preparing the ground for a new chemicals production facility. Here, they recently took delivery of an Atlas Copco ROC D7 RRC radio-controllec crawler, equipped with a COF 1838HE rock drill and 127 lit/sec compressor, for drilling 76 mm holes.

Many of their jobs include both drilling and blasting, and radio remote control allows the driller to charge holes, or prepare for blasting, while the actual drilling is in progress. Another benefit is that the driller car. stand at a safe distance away from the rig when driving it into position, using superior line of sight to negotiate the best route over rough ground.

Terrengtransport has ordered a second RRC rig, and others are on their way to contractors in Sweden. Finland and the USA.

Lists of words

1. remote –дистанційний

2. available – що є в наявності

3. rig - пристосування, обладнання

4. wiring –електропроводка

5. terrain – місцевість

6. manoeuvre – маневр

7. view – огляд

8. benefit – користь

9. superior – начальник

10. negotiate – вести переговори

11. progress - прогрес

12. emission – емісія, поширення

13. com­pressor - компресор

14. automatically - автоматично

15. productive - продуктивний

16. generation - покоління

17. technology - технологія

18. function - функція

19. hardware – апаратне забезпечення

20. capabilities –здібності

^Exercises:

1) Give the definitions of the following terms :

Automation, safety, ergonomics.

2) Read and give Ukrainian equivalents of the following international words:

Automation, operation, theoretical, plan, position, construction, view, positive, instrumentation, cabin, control.

3) Match a word in column

A with a definition in column В :

1. radio remote control

2. available

3. limited system

4. electronic control system

5. equipped with rock drills

6. provide manoeuvrability

7. safe distance

8. adapt technology

9. charge holes

10. life of engine

1. гранична система

2. електронно контрольна система

3. радіо дистанційне керування

4. безпечна відстань

5. бути у наявності

6. використовувати технологию 7.оснащені бурами

8. заряджати свердловини

9. строк служби двигуна

10. забезпечувати маневреність

4) Complete the following sentences :

1. Automation of surface drilling operations

2. Safety is required to

3. The operator can see the rig

4. Control information such as

5. The new design is

5) Tell what you know about:

1. Automation

2. Radio Remote Controlled Drillings

3. Tramming, Positioning and Drilling

4. Remote in Norway

5. Remote in Ukraine