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Drilling
goes digital
By Jörgen Appelgren, Technical Manager Drill
Rigs Systems, Atlas Copco
The
new generation Rig Control System (RCS) was introduced with the
Boomer M2 C and L2 C drill rigs in 1998. It replaced the existing
Electronic Control System (ECS). One of the targets for the RCS
project was to establish a uniform base of hardware and software
components for use with Atlas Copco Boomer drill rigs.
Software
and hardware
To understand the design of the control system and its function,
a comparison can be made with a PC. RCS hardware has similarities
with PC hardware. Both systems have a computer, a communications
network, colour display units and a data input pad.
The operating system in a PC also compares with the basic software
in the RCS base, where the functions for code-loading, trouble-shooting,
communication and other units are found. To use a PC, application
software such as word processing and calculation programs must
be present. The equivalent in RCS is found in the system, with
the ABC (Advanced Boom Control) or MWD (Measure While Drilling)
functions.
Further options
The future development of the system will involve more options
which will give customers increased value for their investment.
The potential number and scalability of options are perhaps the
biggest advantage for RCS customers, who can start at a low level
of automation and, as requirements change, upgrade to more automation.
As an example, a Boomer rig L2 C with ABC Basic can be upgraded
to an ABC Total configuration.
The new rigs with
RCS are in many ways easier to drill with than our ECS rigs, because
the aim is to make the information on screen logical and simple,
using graphic symbols wherever possible. Also, the operator is
supported by RCS throughout the drilling process.
In the most complex
function, ABC Total, the operator aligns the rig to the tunnel
laser and starts drilling a round by pressing a button - and then
sits back to supervise while the rig drills holes planned in the
Tunnel Manager program, the planning and evaluation PC tool. All
this - plus the fact that the hydraulic fluid does not need to
be drawn into the cabin - means that the operator's working environment
has taken a quantum leap forward.
The
workplace of today: The rig operator can simply supervise
while the screen informs him of every phase of operations
that the Rig Control System is carrying out.
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The development
of RCS has meant that the drilling process has further progressed
with automatic functions such as auto-collaring and anti-jamming
protection. And improved regulation of the drill has led to lower
drillsteel costs and increased penetration rate for our customers.
The rig's computer intelligence also makes trouble-shooting easier.
In most cases, faulty electronic units, sensors and valves can
be immediately identified. The service organisation, therefore,
does not require a deep knowledge or specific training of digital
or computer technology. A general understanding of the system
is sufficient.
RCS technology
is relatively new to Atlas Copco's rigs - but not to other industries.
Open a new car's bonnet and you immediately see a number of black
boxes. The level of operational safety in these electronics is
very high and you will only seldom need to change any of these
boxes during the car's life. But you can rest assured that you
will need to change mechanical parts.
Visions of the future
With the development of electronics and software in our products,
we are at the start of a very exciting era. The increased cost
effectiveness of computer technology means that options such as
automated functions will become available for the complete range
of Atlas Copco drill rigs from the smallest to the largest.
Of course I can't reveal every project we are currently working
on. However, the following are a few selected "hints" of the future.
Plug and play. When the rig is
connected to the worksite network, the site's control and management
systems will receive vital information on drilling data and the
rig's internal conditions. The rig will also be able to load new
working orders and information.
The intelligent rig. RCS-based drill rigs will be automation-ready
and 'intelligent', with options such as tele-remote operation,
navigation and autonomous operation as well as a customer application
interface to standardise the exchange of data between rig and
worksite.
Service on-line. The network will offer customers better service
support, with engineers in the Main factory in Örebro, Sweden
carrying out remote troubleshooting on a rig in the USA via the
telephone network and rigs reporting failures, or requesting servicing,
direct to Atlas Copco.
| Learning
your ABCs
There
are three ABC options for the digital functions of the M2
C, L2 C and L3 rigs.
ABC
Basic: The boom operator
controls boom and feed movements. Angle indication of boom
angles is presented on the display.
ABC Regular:
Formerly referred to as Contour Control. Drill plans,
laser lines and tunnel lines can be designed in a PC tool
called Tunnel Manager. The information is loaded into the
drill rig via a PC card. During drilling operations, the
operator receives information on where each boom is and
where each blast hole should be drilled. During drilling,
some logging of the drilled hole is performed. Logged data
can later be evaluated on the Tunnel Manager.
ABC Total: Formerly referred
to as Auto or Robot. Planning and evaluation of data is
done using the same PC tool as with ABC Regular. The difference
is the automation of the drilling process. Boom movement
and drilling is RCS controlled, with the supervising operator
not necessarily involved. Extensive checks on boom collision
and hole-to-hole move strategy has been implemented in the
software.
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For
more information please contact thord.wikstrom@atlascopco.com
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