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.

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.

Jörgen Appelgren in the R&D department at Örebro:
The potential of an integrated computer-based control system was identified and an intensive recruiting
programme built up a strong team of electronics
and software designers.
For more information please contact
thord.wikstrom@atlascopco.com