Epiroc is relaunching an updated version of its innovative Rod Handling System (RHS), making it available for the Boyles C6/C rig.
When asked about why this latest variant of the Rod Handling System was developed, Paulo Dinis, acting product manager, Christensen at Epiroc, explained: "At Epiroc, we always listen to the needs of our customers and react accordingly. However, we also try to be proactive and develop our own ideas for future implementation. In this specific case, one of our customers was experiencing difficulties maintaining consistency in production due to working in very specific weather conditions.
We always listen to the needs of our customers and react accordingly
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"We are continuously improving our equipment, and the Rod Handling System is no exception. This system was developed with safety in mind for all of our core drilling customers all around the globe."
Out of harm's way
The Rod Handling System is designed to keep the drilling crew out of harm's way while performing core drilling. The product improves safety and crew comfort and has now been updated with recent inputs from the field.
Dinis elaborated on the latest development: "This is a specific version of the Rod Handling System for surface core drilling exploration rigs. Besides the Christensen family, that can already use the RHS, we are adding the use of RHS, for the first time, to a new model from the Boyles' range, namely the Boyles C6.
"We have made important changes to the shuttle that greatly improve the operation. The system will work more consistently in all weather conditions."
Explaining the most significant change to the system, Dinis noted the development of the travel shutter. "We used to have a rubber wheel that moved the rod to the machine but we have one customer in a very specific environment with heavy rain and humidity and we realised that in that case, the wheel could slip.
This meant that the process of taking the rod to the machine, which should be a smooth operation, was having hiccups. We have to find a solution and that was to put on a sprocket and chain in instead of a rubber wheel, and now it's guaranteed to go smoothly with no slipping."
Seamless rod addition and removal
The revised Rod Handling System, available as an option, allows for a seamless addition and removal of drill rods, and the core barrel inner tubes. Thanks to hands-free rod tripping, the operator assistant uses an assistant control panel instead of manually adding the rods. As there is no need to manually add or remove rods by hand, "this solution reduces fatigue for the operator assistant and minimises the risk of injuries during the rod-loading process," Dinis said.
The Rod Handling System has been available as an option for Christensen CT20 and Christensen 140 for some time. Epiroc is now adding BoylesC6/C to the list of applicable products and it will be available for orders as of November 20, 2025.
"I'm very glad to add the BoylesC6/C core drilling rig to this list. This solution will strengthen the Boyles product family and be beneficial for Boyles customers around the world", Seven Geng, product manager, Boyles, at Epiroc, said.
Key features of the Rod Handler System
· Enhanced safety: The automated rod handling process eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
· Reduce operator fatigue: The system ensures consistent and efficient operations, leading to reduced downtime.
· Operator comfort: The hands-free operation provides a more comfortable working environment for operators, reducing physical strain and fatigue.
