The Bosch Rexroth operator interface, a VSP40.3 15" colour touch screen with embedded Windows and four VCP02.2 auxiliary displays, and master PLC is a L20.1 with ProfiBus.

The new purpose-designed rock drill test bench that Hytec and Tectra Automation designed, installed and commissioned for a rock drill refurbishment and repair centre.

Boasting the latest electronic control technology, the new rock drill test bench enables manual and full sequence testing and verifies the quality of the rebuild with automatic certification.

Hytec and Tectra Automation completed the in-house design, installation and commissioning of the seamless hydraulic and electronic integration of a new test bench for Atlas Copco’s  rock drill refurbishment and repair centre.

This new purpose-designed test bench, which replaces a 30-year old functionality-limited and technologically-outdated bench, boasts the latest hydraulic and electronic control technology. Atlas Copco is now able to perform manual and full sequence testing on its complete range of rock drills - by the nature of their operating environments subjected to the harshest working conditions - from a recipe-driven database. Once the test is complete, a certificate to verify the quality of the rebuild is issued automatically.

“We supplied the power pack using two hydraulic pumps on the test bench, one for percussion and one for rotation. Constant pressure control eliminates pressure shocks to a great extent, and the close-loop speed and torque control allows brake energy to be recouped to drive the test unit, which in turn translates into a power saving,” explains Maurice Bloemendal, Technical Manager, Hytec. It also allows for a stepless control of impact resistance (simulating real load), precise speed control that mimics real working conditions and compares the output to see if the rock drill performs to all specifications under test conditions. Furthermore, the power pack has monitoring equipment ensuring that the cleanliness, temperatures, pressures and flows of the oil are maintained.

All sensors, flow meters, pressure transducers, temperature and speed sensors, as well as impact and frequency sensing were supplied by Hytec and Tectra Automation.

“The Bosch Rexroth operator interface we supplied is a VSP40.3 15" colour touch screen with embedded Windows and four VCP02.2 auxiliary displays, while the master PLC is a L20.1 with ProfiBus controls a remote panel for the hydraulics,” says Georg Venter, Divisional Manager, Tectra Automation.

“Parameter checking and capturing in real time under full working conditions prove that the repair and performance has been carried out according to OEM specifications and ensure the lowest possible lifecycle costs,” concludes Bloemendal.