Explorac 100 and Explorac 235 – Two new exploration rigs for RC drilling

2013 Mar 25

Global demand for Reverse Circulation drilling (RC) is rising steadily. Here, Atlas Copco presents two new RC rigs: The Explorac 100 and Explorac 235.

Global demand for Reverse Circulation drilling (RC) is rising steadily, largely thanks to the arrival of equipment that is more versatile, cost effective and far reaching in terms of exploration capacity.

Atlas Copco confirms its strong commitment to the market and RC drilling technology through the launch of two new rigs ? the Explorac 100 and Explorac 235. Both rigs offer modern and unique benefits with a strong focus on improved efficiency, personal safety, reliability, service and environmental friendliness.

?The simultaneous launch of two new Explorac rigs is a firm statement of our strong commitment to the Reverse Circulation industry segment,? says Martin Sommers, Vice President, Marketing, at Atlas Copco?s Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration division. ?They mark the beginning of an increased focus from Atlas Copco on RC drilling with more models in the pipeline over the coming years.?

Compact and easy to transport from site to site, yet powerful enough to work in challenging environments, the Explorac 100 is suitable for both RC and down-the-hole drilling (DTH) applications at depths of 100?200 m.

Loaded with improved features, the Explorac 100 is presented on a crawler chassis with a new, automated rod handling system, a mechanized breakout table, remote control, and more.

There is an upgraded version of the well known Explorac 220RC. Suitable for depths of 300?400 m it was developed in cooperation with the pioneers of Reverse Circulation technology in Australia. Other features include a new compressor with higher air pressure, an improved pipe handling system and the Atlas Copco Rig Control System, RCS.

Sommers concludes: ?This launch is a strong response to increasing market demand for personal safety and environmental care. Both rigs offer the efficiency and performance required by contractors such as fast setup and drilling speeds, easy maintenance, reduced noise levels, a minimum of oil spillage and the high-quality samples requested by geologists.?

The Explorac 100 can be seen at ExpoNor 2013, the international exhibition for Latin American mining, to be held in Antofagasta, Chile, June 17?24.

Epiroc operated under the trademark “Atlas Copco” prior to January 1, 2018.

Committed to RC drilling: the new Explorac 100 is compact yet powerful, featuring an automated rod handling system and benefits for personal safety in the field.