Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, introduces the Automatic Bit Changer (ABC) for hands-free bit changes on Pit Viper 270 and Pit Viper 290 series drill rigs used in rotary drilling. The Automatic Bit Changer option is designed to change rotary tricone bits significantly faster than manual exchanges and eliminates human interaction with the drill string for a safer, more efficient way to operate a drill fleet.
The Automatic Bit Changer makes it possible for operators to complete hands-free drill bit changes with the single touch of a button and to stay informed on their screen. Operators can make or break joints, select drill bits, and add or remove them. This can be done from either a remotely-based control room or from the comfort of the cab. The Automatic Bit Changer optimizes productivity and efficiency of the drilling operation and improves safety by eliminating exposure to live work environments.
“The early collaboration with customers and cross-functional teams resulted in an auto bit changer that is repeatable, keeps the operator out of the line of fire, and improves machine uptime,” said Matthew Fosler, Senior Design Engineer, Surface division.
Read the full press release here.
