Service Training Manual ECM 580

Rotation Circuits

For normal drilling the rotation of the drifter is supplied from hydraulic
pump #1. This pump supplies 60 LPM (15.8 GPM) to the rotation
circuit. The rotation is adjustable to 5 different speed settings. This
is done by changing the position of the rotary rotation control valve
found on the drifter. A 5/8” hex wrench is required. The system also
provides a “Super Rotation” circuit. If “Super Rotation” is selected,
the rotation system valves direct rotation fluid as well as percussion
fluid through the rotation motor prior to supplying the percussion.
“Super Rotation” should not be used in normal drilling conditions
however, because high rotation speeds will drastically shorten the life
of the bit and can be detrimental to the rotation mechanism in the
drifter.

As discussed in a previous chapter, the ∆P across the rotation motor

(pressure difference between rotation and percussion) is the main
factor that regulates the Strata-Sense drilling system.

Drilling is controlled by the levers on the drill console. The position of

the percussion and rotation levers selects the drilling mode. That is;
automatic or manual drilling or super rotation. The cab control levers
are pilot operators. Pilot pressure is supplied by the # 4 hydraulic
pump.

During the rod changing cycle, the rotation is limited by relief valve #6
(PG3 in the relief valve manifold). There is a pilot to open check
valve connected to the forward rotation circuit. This valve is piloted to
open ARC pressure when the selector in the cab is placed in the ARC
(rod changer) position. At that time relief valve #6, which is set at 870
PSI (60 Bar) is connected to the rotation circuit and limits the forward
rotation pressure. This is done to prevent spinning the rod in the
ARC clamps while tightening the top coupling during rod removal.

When rattling to loosen the couplings, a small amount of fluid is

allowed to pass through the drifter rotation motor in the reverse
direction. This means that the shank or striking bar will rotate very
slowly in reverse while rattling is taking place.

Chapter 6 Page 1 Rotation Circuits

Service Training Manual ECM 580

Adjustments:

Relief valve #6 (PG3), found in the relief valve manifold, limits the
rotation pressure while in the rod changing mode. To check the
setting of this valve perform the following steps.

1. Install a 200 Kg/cm2 (3000 PSI) (200 Bar) test gauge on the #6
(PG3) relief valve test port. The test port is found on the back side of
the relief valve manifold.

2. Start the unit and place and place the engine speed switch in the
drilling position. Place the ARC/dust collector switch in the ARC
position.

3. Operate the forward rotation control with the rotation in a stalled

condition (close the centralizers on the bit).

4. Observe the test gauge at relief #3. The test gauge should
indicate 60 Kg/cm2 (670 PSI).

5. If the pressure is not correct, adjust the valve accordingly. Turn

the adjustment screw in (CW) to raise the pressure and out (CCW) to
lower the pressure.

Main Rotation Relief Valve:

The main rotation relief valve is factory preset at 140 Kg/cm2 (1990
PSI) and is not adjustable.

Rotation Speed:

Rotation speed is adjustable at the drifter. Locate the hose inlet block
at the side of the drifter. There is a round valve with a 5/8” hex key
slot. The adjustment allows 5 different rotation speed settings. The
drilling rotation speed will only be applicable while the unit is drilling.
In the rod changing cycle, rotation is always at maximum speed.

Chapter 6 Page 2 Rotation Circuits

 To R1 Port of Drifter To R2 Port of Drifter
Forward Rotation Reverse Rotation

"R1" "R2"

Chapter 6
Pressure signal
from inlet of
drifter valve

Rotation Percussion
Service Training Manual

Logic
Valves

"P1"

Page 3
"P2"

V3 Cut valve
Pilot to open Check Valve

Pilot pressure to
V3 valve in
Stratasense
Relief Valve #6 (PG3)
Drill Hour Manifold
60 Kg/cm 2 (670 PSI)
meter

Drill Rotate Feed

Pressure signal from

ARC circuit only when
in ARC mode

Rotation Circuits
ECM 580

Drill controls in the cab

Service Training Manual ECM 580

Chapter 6 Page 4 Rotation Circuits

Service Training Manual ECM 580

The diagrams on the following pages show the operation of the logic
valves in different operational modes.

R1 R2 Automatic Drilling
R1=Rotation
R2=Percussion
T
V2

P2
P1

Manual Drilling R1 R2
R1=Rotation
R2=Percussion
T
V2

P2
P1

Chapter 6 Page 5 Rotation Circuits

Service Training Manual ECM 580

Rattling R1 R2
R1=Rotation
R2=Percussion
T
V2

P2
P1

R1 R2 Unthreading
R1=Rotation
R2=Percussion
T

V2

P2
P1

Chapter 6 Page 6 Rotation Circuits

Service Training Manual ECM 580

R1 R2 Threading
R1=Rotation
R2=Percussion
T

V2

P2
P1

100 %

40 % X

60 % X

Logic valve operation

Chapter 6 Page 7 Rotation Circuits

Service Training Manual ECM 580

Notes:

Chapter 6 Page 8 Rotation Circuits