Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology has rolled out a new mobile-device-based connectivity solution for its surface drill rigs. The free app, SanRemo Mobile, makes it easier than ever to connect to a drill rig and transfer drill plans, reports and other fleet management and drilling data timely and cost-effectively using a smartphone or tablet.

SanRemo Mobile improves the connectivity of surface drill rigs by allowing mobile devices to be used for data transfer. This eliminates the dependence on USB drives or network coverage at worksites. The system converts a standard mobile device, i.e. phone or tablet, into a data carrier that can easily move drill plans from email, cloud, instant messaging or other supported source to the drill rig. Conversely, as-drilled data and production reports from the drill rig can be sent onward for further use. Utilising wireless or cellular networks, the system has no additional connectivity fees and also works off-line by storing data until a network connection is available.

SanRemo Mobile is compatible with common mobile applications, such as email, WhatsApp, Dropbox and OneDrive, for transferring data. A drill plan can be emailed to the drill rig operator – from office, home or on the road – and the operator can simply use the SanRemo Mobile app to transfer the plan to the rig through an automatic connection based on bluetooth technology. This flexible, fast and transparent exchange of data allows the operator to confirm that the required information is available for the drilling process.

Quality reports and MWD (measurement-while-drilling) data from the Sandvik TIM3D drill navigation system can be uploaded via the SanRemo Mobile app for sharing or storing. The data can be examined using, for example, Sandvik Driller’s Office or other compatible design software. Additionally, production reports from the drill rig are automatically uploaded into the My Sandvik fleet management portal. The My Sandvik portal offers a powerful digital solution for collecting equipment and process data from Sandvik surface drill rigs for cost-effective fleet management routines and actionable improvement insights.

As an OEM solution that is fully integrated into the drill rig’s control system, SanRemo Mobile is simple and straightforward to put into use. The system has already been pre-installed in hundreds of delivered Sandvik surface drill rigs and can be enabled with a software update. Simple retrofits are available for compatible machines that do not have the factory-installed feature.

Connectivity is available by downloading the SanRemo Mobile app on a smart phone or tablet. Both Android and iOS versions of the app are available in Google Play and App Store in selected countries.

The system is first launched for Leopard DI650i and Ranger DXi series drill rigs, as well as for Ranger DX and DXR rigs equipped with the Sandvik TIM3D system.