A high-pressure DTH drill rig designed for larger hole sizes, the Leopard DI650i is described by Sandvik as balancing proven engineering solutions and innovative new components to offer excellent fuel efficiency, improved safety and higher productivity in challenging rock conditions.
The new down-the-hole rig is designed for demanding high-capacity production drilling applications in surface mining, as well as large-scale quarry applications. In addition to a powerful engine and compressor, Leopard DI1650i incorporates a highly-ergonomic iCAB cabin, excellent serviceability, mobility and fuel economy, along with scalable automation packages to offer excellent overall productivity.
The Leopard DI650i comes with a range of new or re-designed components to boost its productivity. The standard rotary head option, HTRH6, has performed successfully on existing Sandvik DTH rigs, whereas the new heavy-duty option, MRH6, is a good fit with Sandvik's powerful new RH560-series DTH hammers.
Pipe sizes range from 89 to 140mm (3.5-5in), depending on the size of the hammer. The maximum hole depth is 53.6m (175ft 10in) when utilising the carousel option with pipe sizes from 89 to 114mm. The capacity range of 403kW Tier 3 CAT C15 diesel engine and compressor is adequate for high-pressure drilling with 4-6.5in DTH hammer sizes.
Intelligent control technology applied in both the compressor and the hydraulic system's cooler fan is said to be able to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent compared with conventional DTH rigs. The DI650i's fuel efficiency is further boosted by the flow-controlled drilling control system that eliminates fluctuations in airflow, instead allowing the pressure level to fluctuate in response to more difficult ground conditions and increased back pressure (for example, due to groundwater or collapsing holes). This makes maximum flushing pressure and penetration rates available in the most challenging of rock conditions, while still retaining the low fuel consumption of the traditional pressure control approach in easy ground conditions.
