Rock Drilling Rig Dual Compressor Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rock drilling rigs face challenges with large, high-power compressors that cause layout issues, unnecessary fuel consumption, and difficult cold starts due to fixed transmission connections, which are not efficiently managed in varying drilling conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a flushing system with two compressors of different powers, where one is fixedly connected to the driving engine and the other is disconnectable as needed, using a mechanical transmission device with a clutch for efficient power management, allowing for flexible operation and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-power compressor is used to meet maximum flushing requirements, then flushing performance is improved, but device complexity and carrier layout difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushing performanceVSAvoidcarrier layout difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single high-power compressor is segmented into multiple lower-power compressors (typically two). This segmentation reduces the size and weight of each individual compressor, making them easier to position and integrate onto the carrier without compromising the total flushing capacity when all compressors operate together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a compressor is fixedly connected to the driving engine, then power transmission is simplified, but fuel consumption increases during non-drilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission connection simplicityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission connection is made dynamic rather than fixed. Each compressor can be independently connected to or disconnected from the driving engine via the transmission device based on operational needs. During non-drilling operations, compressors can be disconnected to eliminate unnecessary fuel consumption, while during drilling operations, they can be connected to provide required flushing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a high-power compressor is fixedly connected to the engine, then compressed air supply is ensured, but cold start of the combustion engine becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air supplyVSAvoidcold start difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic connection allows the compressor to be disconnected during cold start operations. When the engine is difficult to start due to cold conditions, the compressor can be decoupled from the transmission system, reducing the load on the engine and facilitating easier starting. Once the engine is running, the compressor can be reconnected to ensure reliable compressed air supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the compressor size is reduced to improve carrier layout, then device compactness is improved, but flushing capacity may be insufficient under maximum conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor sizeVSAvoidflushing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one large compressor that would be difficult to position, the system uses multiple smaller compressors whose individual capacities sum up to meet or exceed the maximum flushing requirement. This allows each compressor to be compact and easy to position on the carrier, while the combined output of all compressors provides sufficient flushing capacity under maximum drilling conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for a more compact rig design, reduced energy and fuel consumption, easier engine starting, and lower operational costs by disconnecting compressors when not needed, while maintaining efficient compressed air generation for flushing and maintenance tasks.

Implementation Method 1

a compressor generating compressed air that is conveyed along a flushing duct to the tool and further into the drill hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a transmission device for transmitting rotation power between the driving engine and the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2220336B1Rock drilling rig and method for drilling
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP2220336B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2220336B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rock drilling rigand a method of drilling rock. The rock drilling rig (2) comprises a flushing system with two or more compressors (9a, 9b) for generating the required compressed air for the flushing. The flushing air is conveyed along a flushing duct (11) to a rock drill machine (5) and further along a tool (12) into a drill hole (10). The rock drilling rig comprises a driving engine (8) arranged via a transmission device (16) to operate the compressors. Transmission to one or more compressors can be disconnected when the need forflushing air is small.