Electronic air compressor improves drilling efficiencies

Atlas Copco recently added the V900 and V1200 electronic air compressors to its DrillAir range of large high-pressure compressors. The machines are engineered with technology for deep drilling and are said to offer benefits such as better penetration.

The company says that a key customer that has been operating an Atlas Copco XRV1200 electronic compressor recently purchased a V900 electronic compressor and has reported benefits such as improvements in production and a reduction in fuel costs.        

“When our customer approached us for another XRV1200, we in fact recommended the V900 Pressure Adjusted Cognitive Electronics (PACE) as a more productive and sustainable solution,” states Atlas Copco Power Technique APE sales engineer Jonathan Cassell. “While boasting similar drilling capabilities as the mechanical XRV1200, the V900 also brings improved efficiencies, reduced fuel consumption and environmental advantages associated with its advanced electronic PACE technology.”

The PACE software package is an intuitive system that offers a dynamic optimisation feature that allows the user to tap into the electric engine to control pressure and flow. The technology enables multiple pressure and flow settings, ensuring that operators match air flow and pressure to application needs. Cassell also points out that having multiple pressures out of a single machine eliminates the need for more machines, offering a significant saving in capital purchase.

Cassel explains that the company’s representatives were on site with the customer’s drilling team during machine commissioning to share safety and operating instructions, including correct start up and stop procedures, to ensure maximum machine performance, reliability, and efficiency as well as extended service life.

In addition to unpacking the benefits of the electronic PACE system, the Atlas Copco team also provided some insight into their smart telematics fleet management solution, Fleetlink. “To make it more convenient for the customer who will be purchasing their machine parts online, we shared information on our convenient and user-friendly Parts Online and Spare Parts Web Shop platforms,” notes Cassell.

Going forward the customer will operate the V900 and XRV1200 compressors as both these two machines deliver high performance, fast drilling rates, increased productivity, and overall seamless operation for ultimate lowest total cost of ownership and business sustainability, he concludes.