Caterpillar Launches New Rotary Blasthole Drill
July 18, 2017 - Caterpillar has released the Cat MD6310 blasthole drill which offers increased efficiency and productivity.
One of its key features is being equipped with Cat Electronics, which delivers advanced troubleshooting for efficient drill operation and scalable automation. The system also features drill assist, semi-autonomous and remote control operation and machine health reporting to improve drilling accuracy, reduce fuel consumption and lower total cost of ownership.
Suitable 12 and 15m bench heights, the MD6310 is application-built for single pass drilling down to 13.7m or 17.5m depending on mast configuration. Offering up to 30-degree angle holes for cast blasting, the machine is suitable for numerous mining applications. Reaching deeper hole depths than the MD6420C, the MD6310 better matches specific drill and blast requirements when working with Electric Rope Shovels or other loading tools that require a tall and steep muck pile. Standard on the MD6310 is a drill depth indicator, auto level/retract, auto mast, all of which contribute to cycle time improvement.
Technology Improves Drilling Accuracy
Cat Command for drilling leverages remote and autonomous drill operation and serves as the MD6310 drill’s off-board technology foundation. Scalable solutions allow customers to select the precise level of drilling automation to match operating needs. The Drill Assist option executes all major functions for single pass drilling which automatically adapts and adjusts drill power to match the ground conditions which streamlines the entire drill cycle and lengthens bit life.
Cat Terrain for drilling guides the drill for greater pattern accuracy to ensure every hole is accurately placed and drilled to plan. Cat Terrain’s logging function ensures all production is timed, mapped and recorded. Cat Terrain’s HP GPS ensures accurate hole placement, proper hole depth and proper hole angle.
The MD6310 offers semi-autonomous drilling of single row missions and remote control operation for remote operation missions. One remote operator station allows an operator to manage drill operations and run up to three machines simultaneously.
Standard Cat Product Link improves fleet management, allowing customers to better manage their business and day-to-day operations. VisionLink, a standard feature, grants users secure access to customisable reports and mapping, giving users equipment data critical for better fleet management.
Efficient Drilling Performance
Offering strong performance in down the hole (DTH) and rotary for soft, medium and hard rock applications, the MD6310 drills up to 311mm hole diameters. When equipped with the 13.7m mast, it delivers up to 289.13 kN (65,000 lb) pull-down and hoist capacity to drill hole depths reaching 62.5m. The 17.5m (57.4ft) mast delivers up to 382.5 kN (86,000 lb) pull-down and hoist capacity for drilling hole depths down to 48m.
Built for a variety of extremes, the MD6310 delivers operation at elevations as high as 4750m and subzero temperatures reaching -40°C, when equipped with a cold weather package.
Variable Air Control and Dust Collection
The MD6310 compressors feature variable air control that can be adjusted to 50 percent less volume to meet application requirements. Air flow modulation, load sensing hydraulics, and on demand cooling fan are all geared towards improving fuel efficiency. A 42.2 m3/min @ 34.4 bar (500 psi) compressor is available for DTH drilling, while rotary drilling compressor choices include units offering 56.6 m3/min @ 8.6 bar (125 psi) or 73.6 m3/min @ 7.6 bar (110 psi).
Water injection with tank capacity of 1514L is standard on MD6310 and is integral to Drill Assist for collaring the hole and dust suppression while drilling. A high volume water injection system is available with additional tank for total capacity 3785 L. A 7200 cfm dry dust collector with self-purging filters and dust chute with a clean-out door is optional. Standard static dust curtains on all four machine sides contain cuttings and dust, while hydraulically actuated dust curtain lifters for front and rear are available options.
Operating Comfort and Safety
The MD6310’s new FOPS cab offers 2.8 m2 of floor space and rubber shock-mounts to absorb mechanical drilling vibration. Joystick controls for all drilling functions and dual 254-mm (10-in) colour touch screen displays improve operator productivity. A roof mounted HVAC system provides clean air and efficiently cools or heats the cab, even in demanding environments.
Multiple drill cameras provide a full view of the pipe rack carousel/top drive operation and a 360-degree view from the operator’s seat to improve safety. The cab’s full-length driller window offers unobstructed view of the drill deck, while large cab windows surround the operator to improve work area visibility for safe machine movement.
A new variable grip hydraulic break-out wrench, with additional clamping and break out force, delivers hands-free pipe and bit changes from within the cab. For added protection, the machine features over 40 safety and conditional lock outs and warnings.