Atlas Copco Blasthole Drills

The Pit Viper series

Large diameter blasthole drilling

Rotary drilling: 6 in – 16 in (152 – 406 mm)
High pressure DTH drilling: 6 in – 9 7/8 in (152 – 251 mm)
Single pass drilling: 35 ft – 65 ft (10.7 – 19.8 m)
Multi pass drilling: down to 240 ft (73.2 m)
Weight on bit: 65,000 lbs – 125,000 lbs (29.5 – 56.7 tonnes)
 Built for sustainable productivity
With a multitude of models and configurations to choose from, Atlas Copco can offer reliable and top performing
solutions while matching your requirements for blasthole drilling in open pit mining. Our Pit Viper drill rigs are well
known for their durability, mobility, and speed. They cover the hole diameter range from 6" up to 16", and many
models can be configured with low or high pressure compressors for rotary or DTH drilling. Different tower options
are available: up to 65 ft for single-pass drilling, or 240 ft for multi-pass drilling. With our automated Rig Control
System (RCS) you can start with a basic concept and still have the flexibility to add advanced functions later.

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 3
Safety from
ground level
and up
Mining companies and equipment manufacturers are working hard to increase safety, and for
Atlas Copco safety has always been a major concern. We have used our know-how to continuously
develop new, innovative products that make the working environment as safe as possible. A rotary
drill sits and works in its waste, heat, and dust and the operator’s cabin is the safest place to be.
A multi-skilled operator will be exposed for risks when leaving this safe zone to perform other
tasks like managing drilling consumables.

The longer we can keep the operator in the cab – the safe zone
– the better it is for all concerned. Today, our cabs offer FOPS
protection and are all designed with smooth edges. They also
offer a sound insulated, air conditioned workplace with large
window space for improved visibility. Camera or laser technology
options can be used for supervision of areas where visibility is
restricted.

A number of systems have been developed to improve safety

during operation and maintenance:
• Tower access restraint system for safe maintenance in the tower
• Stairs, ladder, or ramp provides safe access to the deck and cab
• Decking options for 360° access around the machine
• Energy isolation for battery starter and hydraulic energy
• Ease of maintenance, a multitude of options to improve access
and safety in maintenance operations

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 The RCS safety interlocks
The Atlas Copco RCS (Rig Control System) is
based on standard PC-computer and CAN-bus
technology and provides the drill rig with additional
standard interlocks, compared to conventional
drills using electric-over-hydraulic control systems.
RCS is optional on the Pit Viper 270 series, but
standard on the rest of the Pit Viper series.

A few of the interlocks created with the RCS

software are:
• Tram interlocks
• Jack interlocks
• Pipe in-the-hole interlocks
• Rod support interlock
• Breakout wrench protection
• Carousel no-bump

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Built for
productivity
The Pit Viper blasthole drills have earned a well-deserved reputation
for dependability and productivity. From the ground up, they are
robust and highly capable drill rigs. The high tramming speed,
combined with the optional GPS hole navigation and auto-leveling
systems contribute to reduce non-drilling time and increased
productivity.
Single-pass drilling
Single pass drilling is one of the easiest ways to get more holes
per day and it has many advantages. Adding a rod may take 45
to 60 seconds, and taking the rod back off may take 60 to 90
seconds. The time saving effect with single- pass drilling is
dramatic, up to 25%, when drilling in very soft coal overburden.
In extremely hard rock the savings might only be 3%, but there
are other benefits. Eliminating rod changes reduces the risk for
operator errors and simplifies bit changes in the middle of a hole,
or to clear out cuttings when reaming a hole. There are also
savings in maintenance of high wear items like the carousel and
wrench system, since they see much lower duty cycle during
single-pass operation.
Patented feed system
The efficient and smooth operating feed system is powered by
a single or dual hydraulic feed cylinder that raises and lowers the
rotary head by cables. The cable feed allows an overall weight
reduction in the design of the tower and feed system, along with
easier wear detection. An automatic cable tensioning ensures
accurate rotary head alignment, improved cable life, and de-
creased downtime. The feed cylinders are designed for high pull
down and retract speeds, in order to decrease non-drill time and
provide more time for drilling. The combination of cables and
hydraulic cylinders provides an even, smooth feed force that
helps prolong the life of the drill sting and bits.
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Live tower operation
The Pit Viper tower is an open-front construction fabricated from
rectangular steel tubing by certified welders. The design retains
the unique “live tower” concept, which enables the operator to
raise and lower the tower with the rotary head at the top and
with the rods in place, a feature that typically saves 4 – 10 hours
of work when moving a rig to a new area. The hydraulic tophead
rotary head supplies rotation. The use of variable displacement
pump and motors allows the operator an infinite selection of
rotation speeds at variable torque values.
A heavy duty platform
The platform starts with the one or two-speed excavator style
undercarriage. Each main frame has been designed using finite
element analysis and has been subject to dynamic strain gage
testing, all to ensure a long life without rebuilds. The frame is also
housing large fuel and water tanks. A “walking beam” oscillation
yoke allows the rig to propel over uneven ground with reduced
torsional stresses on the main frame. The power pack consists of
a diesel engine (optionally an electric motor) directly coupled to
an air compressor on one end, and a hydraulic pump drive
gearbox on the other end. This complete power pack assembly is
mounted on its own sub-base, which is then mounted to the rig
main frame. This mounting arrangement isolates torsional
vibrations from the mainframe.
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Automation
ready
When Atlas Copco introduced its Rig Control System (RCS) based on
standard PC-computer technology it revolutionized the mining industry.
Now in its fifth generation RCS continues to keep Atlas Copco in the
forefront of blasthole drilling technology development. RCS is based off
time proven CAN-bus technology. System upgrades and add-ons can
be done without major machine rebuilds. An integrated control system
governs and monitors the rig, sending all required information and
executed orders to the operator. This flexible technology continues to
power RCS and tackle automation goals.

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Add-on features
As a modular control system, field and factory installed add-on features are
all possible as your mining requirements grow.

Surface Manager
Surface Manager is a software tool to view and create customized decision
based metrics, graphs, and charts for a mine’s Pit Viper fleet. It utilizes the
production logs created by RCS and is transmitted by USB or wirelessly
through the RRA server.

Rig Remote Access

The Rig Remote Access (RRA) software is loaded on the mine server and
gives a customer the ability to wirelessly send files to and from the drill rig,
simplifying the work-flow process.

Common Communications Interface

The Common Communications Interface (CCI) allows RCS to pass data to
third parties and/or integrate in to a mine’s wireless network to transmit
files to and from the office, such as drill plans.

Desktop Viewer
Through a software installation on the mine’s network, the mine office can
use the Desktop Viewer to view all the RCS screens as if they were in the
cab on the drill rig.

GPS Hole navigation

Drill plans are imported to the RCS and the GPS hole navigation system,
ensuring that each blasthole is precisely positioned.

Auto-level
In normal conditions auto-leveling is done within 35 seconds, with an
accuracy of 0.2 degrees in pitch and roll.

Auto-drill
This feature executes and monitors the drilling process in a consistent way,
from collaring to the correct hole depth, to the return of the bit to a tramming
safe position.

Teleremote
An operator’s panel and a four camera system operate over the mine
network , providing the ability for remote operations either through the
mine’s WLAN or an optional point-to-point network. The operator station
coupled with the live feed from three static cameras and one pan/tilt/zoom
camera, provide an adaptable working environment for the remote operator.

Wireless Remote Tramming

This enables the operator to tram a Pit Viper within a 60 m distance of the
bench.

A combination of any or all of these features are available to fulfill a mine’s

needs for automation. With PC and CAN-bus technology providing the
backbone, ease of system upgrades and add-ons without major machine
rebuilds are testaments to the RCS’s flexibility and agility. To learn more
about RCS for the Pit Viper series visit www.rcspitviper.com.

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Diesel or
electric
Efficient, profitable operations rely on the right
equipment for the job. One of the basic questions is
to evaluate if an electric-powered or diesel-powered
rig will be the most cost-effective solution. The drill
rigs in the Pit Viper series offer both alternatives.

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Electric-powered
As an alternative to a diesel engine as the main power source,
several drill models can be configured with an electric power
package consisting of an electric motor, starter, and transformer.
Electric versions are usually less costly to operate due to fewer
lubricants, having an integrated cooling system, and no diesel
fuel costs. In some cases, the operating cost advantage will, in
one year, cover the additional investment cost for ordering an
electric version. The service life of an electric motor is consider-
ably longer, compared to the diesel engine, and can have quieter
operation.

Electric motor options are available for: DML, DM-M3, PV-235,

PV-271, PV-275, PV-351

Diesel-powered
The diesel- and electric-powered Pit Viper rigs operate more or
less identically. The main difference is the time-saving, independ-
ent mobility of the diesel rig. The savings in operating costs with
electric units is, in many cases, more than compensated for by
the more versatile and mobile diesel rigs. They can easily be
moved wherever needed in a mine. Depending on the number
of pits and the layout of the mining operations, a combined fleet
including both electric- and diesel-powered rigs might be the
best choice.

Fuel efficiency
Fuel consumption has become an important topic in today’s
world because of rising diesel prices, the need to cut our carbon
footprints, as well as the time required to refill the rig. An optional
feature to reduce fuel consumption – first developed for the Pit
Viper 235 - is the automatic hydraulic clutch. This system allows
the operator to turn off (and on) the compressor with the push of
a button. This disengages the compressor during tramming,
leveling, changing of drill pipe, or idling the engine, which all lead
to less fuel consumption. Component life can also be extended
by changing the service intervals to the actual hours on the
compressor. Large diesel and water tanks provide fuel for
12 hours of operations. Optional tanks are available on some
models allowing for up to 24 hours of operation.

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Rotary or
DTH drilling

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Each rock is unique and the drillability depends
on the properties of the rock, like the compres-
sive strength, elasticity, structure, joints, fissures,
foliation, as well as its constituent minerals (grain
size, etc.). Since every drilling application is diffe-
rent, we can not recommend specified break-
points where you should transition between
drilling methods. However, our drills are designed
to be flexible and are built to handle the toughest
geological conditions.

Drilling of hole diameters above 6 inches (152 mm) are typically

done by rotary drills. For hard rock conditions with a compressive
strength, around maybe 100 MPa (15,000 psi) the DTH method is
usually faster than pure rotary drilling, provided there is enough
air pressure on-board. For blasthole drilling above 8 inches (203
mm) there is rarely enough air on-board for high pressure DTH to
be a cost effective alternative. The Secoroc Percussion Assisted
Rotary Drilling (PARD) system is a new interesting alternative
for low-pressure DTH drilling of large diameter holes in hard rock.
Mounted on a standard rotary drill string this unique, high fre-
quency, low impact DTH hammer with its specially designed
tricone drill bit will provide significant increases in the rate of
penetration. There are two models currently available: PARD 10
and PARD 12, operating on pressures from 50 to 100 psi, and
the hole diameters ranges from 9 7⁄8"-12 ¼" ( 251-311 mm).

Compressor alternatives
For each drill rig there are different engine and compressor
combinations available. Mounted on its own sub-base, the power
pack consists of a diesel engine (or an electric motor) directly
coupled to an air compressor on one end and the hydraulic pump
package on the other end. A key parameter of rotary drilling is
flushing the cuttings from the bottom of the hole. The amount of
air required to lift the cuttings depend on the density of the
material and the size of the cuttings. For DTH drilling a high
pressure of 350 psi (24 bar) is required, while for most rotary
applications 110 psi (7.6 bar) will be sufficient. The Electronic Air
Regulation System (EARS) is a standard feature on the Pit Viper
series. This system is designed to deliver variable air volume
control (within system capacity), while still maintaining constant
air pressure. This allows for a reduction in power, and savings in
fuel consumption.

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Cold weather
and high
altitudes
The spread of mining to inhospitable parts of the world has
posed a major challenge in the design of mining equipment,
both in terms of basic machine functions and the operator’s
environment. Operating drill rigs in artic temperatures
requires a significant degree of redesign.

Beyond making necessary changes to base materials like steel, rubber, and
lubricants, subsystem redesign is required to meet the low temperature
challenge. Exposure and constant ground contact subject the crawler undercar-
riage to particular abuse in low temperature and icy conditions. Special
attention has to be given to the start-up and lubrication of diesel engines.
Dust suppression is very difficult in low temperatures and the operators cab
must have additional insulation and heating. To secure trouble-free operation
and a pleasant operator’s environment, there are several cold weather options
available: hydraulic oil and diesel engine heating, tank heaters, arctic hoses,
cold weather fluids and wet dust control system.

When drilling at high altitudes diesel engines face considerable difficulty since
they rely on the oxygen for proper combustion. The large reduction in air
density at high altitudes will also affect the capability as the compressor tries
to deliver sufficient air for effective flushing of the borehole. For best results,
it is preferable to go with a larger displacement engine combined with a larger
compressor. Another alternative may be electric power, but at extremely high
elevations , special electric components may be required. Currently, Atlas Copco
has had considerable success with the Pit Viper series operating at high
altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters.

The marriage of low temperature solutions and advanced technology on Atlas

Copco rotary blasthole drills has been successful. More than 150 drill rigs have
been delivered with cold weather packages operating in coal, gold, copper,
diamond and iron mines where temperatures can drop below -  40C.

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 A Pit Viper 271 and Pit Viper 351 drill at high altitudes in a Chilean copper mine.

Atmospheric Pressure vs. Altitude Air Mass Density vs. Altitude

Atmospheric pressure (kPa) 4 800 m 50 %

110
100 15 750 ft
90
Computed for 15 deg. C and 0% humidity
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10 2 000 4 000 6 000 8 000 Altitude (m)

-10 5 000 10 000 15 000 20 000 Altitude (ft) Sea level 100 %

The primary problem with high altitudes is the decreased mass density of air. There are
fewer molecules for carrying drill cuttings out of the hole and less oxygen available for
humans and engines.

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A selection of features on Pit Viper Series
For a more comprehensive options list, please contact your local Atlas Copco Customer Center.

Rock tools
A number of rock tools are available that are designed to deliver
competitive performance on our Pit Viper product line. Rotary drill
bits are available as Milled Tooth bits or as Tungsten Carbide Insert

© Copyright 2013, Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions LLC, Garland, TX 75040, USA. All product names in this publication are trademarks of Atlas Copco. Any unauthorised use or copying of
the contents or any part thereof is prohibited. This applies in particular to trademarks, model denominations, part numbers and drawings. lllustrations and photos in this brochure may show
(TCI) bits. Milled Tooth bits are designed for soft to medium hard
rock, and the teeth are hard faced with Tungsten Carbide, ideal for
quality wear resistance. TCI bits are available in a multitude of
designs, ranging from long conical inserts for soft sandstone shale,
to Ogive shaped carbide inserts for very hard iron ore formations.

equipment with optional extras. Specifications and equipment subject to change without notice. Consult your Atlas Copco Customer Center for specific information.
Atlas Copco also offers a number of rotary drill string components
that are vital to achieving accurate holes and operation efficiency.

Manufacturing and Testing

Atlas Copco’s Pit Viper product line are manufactured and tested
in Garland, Texas, USA. With a state-of-the-art facility, the Drilling
Solutions factory runs 24/7 producing high quality drills with a
safety first mentality. There are multiple production flow lines,
including mid-range blasthole, large range blasthole, and our
special J4 product line assembly dedicated to producing drills
for Australia. The Drilling Solutions factory has built and designed
seven test bays to ensure our drills meet quality and design
standards before being shipped to the customer.

Maintenance
The Pit Viper series follows a maintenance friendly design. The
structure is laid out to allow for safe, easy movement and good
access to service points. With central service points, increased
ladder and ramp options, increased lighting for night work, and
a variety of other options (dependent upon the model), the
Pit Viper series was built on a platform with maintenance
and service in mind.

Service
Wherever you are in the world, Atlas Copco is there. With loca-
tions in 170-plus countries, Atlas Copco is truly a global company.
As an Atlas Copco customer your service experience will always 5850 2829 March 2013, Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions

be the same. It’s about our commitment, our service promise,

our capability and our quality. We aim to increase your productivity
through parts, service, and customer training.

www.atlascopco.com/blastholedrills