DRILLING: Epiroc’s new underground bit is packed with power

SWEDEN – Epiroc is unleashing a new power in the underground drilling industry – a drill bit designed to match the capacity of the latest technology in drill rigs. The new Powerbit for underground drilling offers a higher penetration rate, longer service life and more drill meters per day. [caption id="attachment_1003730555" align="alignleft" width="221"] Epiroc’s new Powerbit underground offers faster penetration and longer service life.[/caption] The new bit will boost the productivity of both new and older rigs. Every miner can look forward to a bit with a higher penetration rate and longer service life. This will improve their productivity and reduce their cost per meter drilled. Powerbit underground has by far outperformed all standard bits during substantial testing carried out around the world, resulting in remarkable productivity improvement. In tests it showed a higher penetration rate and longer intervals between regrinds, so miners will benefit from a more trouble-free, uninterrupted drilling. “The new bit averaged 37% more drill meters before being discarded, peaking at a whopping 82% in one test round,” says Johan Thenór, product line manager for Tophammer products at Epiroc. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting maximum capacity from your drill rig, and we are sure customers will be happy to see what Powerbit underground can deliver.” Powerbit underground is a firm response to market demand for a bit that matches the high drilling speeds enabled by ever stronger rigs and rock drills. With that said, it will prove just as game changing for customers using older rigs with lower water pressure, if not more. The excellent productivity is partly explained by the bit’s optimized flushing capacity, made possible by the hole configuration. Flushing efficiency is key to a high penetration rate. Epiroc chose the hardest steel it has ever used in a drill bit. The configuration of the bit face is such that cuttings are removed faster than ever before. Customers will also be making their acquaintance with Trubbnos, Epiroc's new and innovative trapezoid shaped buttons, which increase penetration rate and service life compared to conventional, semi-ballistic buttons. The first launch of Powerbit underground is the 45 mm dimension, followed by 48 mm and 51 mm and then gradually several more dimensions. Visit www.Epiroc.com/en-ca to learn more about Epiroc’s drilling expertise.