The DrillAirX28 provides improved versatility and drilling speed, Atlas Copco claimed, in addition to a new engine, enabling users to drill two 200m holes in a single day at 30bar of pressure.
The X28 has a nominal flow of 28.3m3/min, but crucially has a pressure rating of 30bar. As the X28 is designed for geothermal drilling, where back pressure is typically higher than in water-well drilling, the additional five bar of pressure helps to overcome this while giving enough flow to drive the hammer.
The DrillAir X28 comes with Dynamic Flow Boost as standard, providing additional air when the compressor is working at lower pressures. This results in users being provided with 30m3/min at 25bar, 31.6m3/min at 21bar and a maximum flow of 33m3/min at 16bar, which leads to faster drilling completion rates.
Dmitry Karablinov, product marketing manager at Atlas Copco Portable Energy, explained: "The X28 is designed to balance the relationship between pressure and flow and for the compressor to find the right combination for the application. By equipping the compressor with DrillAirXpert technology, users can accurately set the air output based on their drilling requirements, helping to reduce fuel dependency."
The DrillAirXpert performance management system is fully electronic, increasing precision and reliability, Atlas Copco said. The system is freeze resistant, ensuring it can be deployed in the harshest of environments. The compressor features a 13L Scania engine, compliant with Stage IV emissions standards. With a large fuel tank and a focus on efficiency, the compressor is capable of running multiple shifts before refuelling.
