A prominent drilling company in South Africa’s North West province operating a V900 electronic compressor recently purchased from Atlas Copco Power Technique reports significant improvements in its production and fuel costs.
The company is familiar with Atlas Copco air compressors, using a XRV1200 unit supplied by Power Technique in 2022 for its drilling application. The machine’s performance and reliability impressed the client to such an extent that when they were again in the market for a new compressor, they wanted a second XRV1200 unit.
The XRV1200 is part of Atlas Copco’s DrillAir range of large high-pressure compressors that are engineered with technology for deep drilling (waterwell). These machines deliver a range of benefits such as better penetration. Always at the forefront of innovation to the benefit of customers and the environment, the forward-thinking organisation recently added the V900 and V1200 electronic air compressors to its DrillAir range.
“When our customer approached us for another XRV1200, we in fact recommended the V900 PACE (Pressure Adjusted Cognitive Electronics) as a more productive and sustainable solution,” states Jonathan Cassell, APE sales engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “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 intuitive PACE system (a simple software package) is a dynamic optimisation feature that allows the user to tap into the electric engine to control pressure and flow. This pioneering technology enables multiple pressure and flow settings, ensuring that operators match air flow and pressure to their 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.
The customer recognised the positive impact that the significant fuel savings and efficient operation of the V900 will have on their drilling operations, and requested a quotation. The V900’s value adding benefits and good return on investment resonated with the customer who placed the order.
The machine was delivered to the customer on 2 August 2023, meeting the customer’s urgent deadline. “As a solutions supplier, we partner with our customers throughout the lifecycle of their machines,” notes Cassell. “So, during machine commissioning we joined our customer on site, bringing together their entire drilling team. We shared all aspects of safety and operating instructions with them, 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,” concludes Cassell.
