CUSTOMER STORY: Xsite® DRILL RD reliably hits the mark

The Xsite® DRILL RD by Novatron is a satellite-based drilling and hole navigation system that facilitates precise and efficient drilling operations using cabinless surface drills. Kjell Foss, a Norwegian company specializing in blasting and drilling services, works in demanding conditions that put the capabilities of the Xsite® DRILL RD to the test.

Novatron is a Finnish technology company that drives advanced earthmoving automation in the construction industry by developing and manufacturing intelligent Xsite® machine control systems and software based on open interfaces – enabling efficient, safe and sustainable infrastructure construction. Hella Maskin AS is Novatron’s strategic partner and Xsite® reseller in Norway, specializing in construction technology, machine control, scales, hand-held measuring equipment, data flow and documentation. They serve Kjell Foss locally and are dedicated to delivering advanced solutions for demanding infrastructure projects.

– Our product development department has worked hard to bring the best possible features for high-precision satellite-based drilling applications. It is important to us that our customers can do their demanding work effortlessly on large worksites like Bodø, says Marko Tasala, CCO at Novatron.

Kjell Foss, which has around 115 employees, operates throughout Norway. The company has a landslide prevention project along National Road 80 in Bodø. The goal is to remove around 30,000 cubic meters of solid rock to eliminate the risk of landslides in the area. Anders Sætre Torp, Project Manager and Blasting Manager for Kjell Foss, says the company chose Novatron’s solution for the project due the practical considerations on the site.

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We had high expectations for the collaboration with Novatron, and for us overall, they have been the best partner for GPS rig systems.

Anders Sætre Torp, Project Manager and Blasting Manager for Kjell Foss

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– We chose the Xsite DRILL RD system due to the project’s complexity and the many contour lines that need to be drilled with precision to create barriers to stop landslides, Torp explains.

Contour blasting is used for bench, trench, and tunnel blasting. This reduces the cracking of the remaining rock surface, thereby reducing overburden and the need for reinforcement and creating an aesthetically pleasing surface. As an alternative to contour blasting, seam drilling can be used, which involves uncharged boreholes in a line with small hole spacing. The Xsite DRILL RD enables the precise and effective manipulation of these areas.

Working with Xsite DRILL RD. The goal is to remove around 30,000 cubic meters of solid rock to eliminate the risk of landslides in the Bodø area.

Adding to the tools of the trade

The Xsite DRILL RD’s performance is enhanced by various advanced features. The impressive feature set is not just for show, either, as it translates into a number of practical, real-world advantages.

Surface models, design models, and drill plans can be wirelessly uploaded to the system or created on-site using the integrated Drill Plan Wizard. The system also includes a reach indicator to determine the optimal positioning of the equipment quickly. Furthermore, the versatile drilling view provides real-time metrics, such as speed and penetration rates, while the auto-stop function ensures better safety and precision.

The system’s operation panel is a reliable and durable piece of equipment offering an intuitive interface for the operator. Meanwhile, the system has broad support for different file formats and industry-standard correction formats. Data can be transferred via USB, third-party services, or the secure Xsite MANAGE cloud service.

Christoffer Bodum works as a drill rig operator for Kjell Foss. Using the Xsite DRILL RD system on the job, he appreciates the way it allows a quick and good overview of the surface or contour line being worked on. He also points to the seamless documentation of the project, which frees him to focus on his main task: drilling as efficiently as possible and finding the best way to do it.

– What I really like is that you can see the live data from the drilling while you drill, and it gets documented directly into the system, he says, summing up his experience.

A perfect match

Blasting work manages one of the greatest risks in a project, requiring great precision and control from any equipment used when executing blasting work. Accurate documentation is also essential, as following regulations and plans reduces the risks inherent in this type of work. This ensures the safety of everyone involved and leads to the perfect result when carrying out the job. Additionally, Torp notes the Xsite DRILL RD’s smooth integration with systems already in place on the drilling rig before the installation of Novatron’s solution.

It is very important to control and document all executions. We also integrate with Blast Manager, our quality and blasting reporting systems, to document everything we do. Everything must be carefully documented in the smallest detail.

Torp goes on to add the increased precision and accuracy of drilling patterns and drilling depth to the list of practical benefits from installing the solution on the company’s drill rigs.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to achieving high performance without compromising safety, and the Xsite DRILL RD enables Kjell Foss to excel in both. From Torp’s point of view, this makes the system too good to pass up for those in the industry looking for a way to take their operations to the next level.

– We had high expectations for the collaboration with Novatron, and for us overall, they have been the best partner for GPS rig systems.

”We are thrilled that our customer Kjell Foss found perfect solution from Novatron’s Xsite DRILL product family. In addition to providing relevant equipment, Hella Maskin also offers consulting services regarding project data management”, says Glenn Asdal, Sales Manager of Hella Maskin.

“We have had the privilege of serving them for four years now, and we look forward to further developing the system and its use with one of Norway’s largest drilling and blasting companies,”, he adds.