High-pressure compressors support hammer drilling for water extraction

2019年4月4日

Dead Sea, Israel: when inhabitants of the Ein Gedi oasis kibbutz wanted to install a new water extraction well, they contacted Belgian specialist in underground techniques Smet Group. As the latter has been working with us for several years now, they asked Atlas Copco Rental to deliver compressed air for the drilling installation. And with that, they were about to meet our newest powerhouse in drilling: the DrillAir Y35!

Smet Group and the Ein Gedi project

Y35 high-pressure compressors supporting hammer drilling for water extraction

Y35 high-pressure compressors supporting hammer drilling for water extraction

Smet Group is a leading expert in market segments such as dewatering, vertical drilling, water treatment, soil energy, microtunneling, tunnel drilling etc. They have been making a mark for years now, home and abroad, in applications concerning underground techniques. So it’s no wonder they were asked to drill a water extraction well in the Ein Gedi oasis by the Dead Sea, by the inhabitants of the local kibbutz. The water would be used as drinking water for the community. A 200 meters deep vertical pit needed to be drilled. They decided to use hammer drilling which immediately did the job.

This is a very special project.In a beautiful region with many challenges. From the even platform that we had built on the slope, you could see the Dead Sea in the distance. And because we were stationed in a nature reserve, no additives such as foam were to be used. The high ambient temperature also proved a challenge for our technicians, who were encouraged to drink sufficient amounts of water throughout the day.

Ann Smeyers , Smet Group Operations Manager

Why Y35?

Atlas Copco Rental and Smet Group have been working together splendidly for years now. “Anytime we need 25 bar compressors, we will contact Atlas Copco Rental. After all, this pressure is ideal for drilling techniques at larger diameters like 580mm which was the case here,” Ann Smeyers adds.

In the past, it had always been the oil-injected XRVS compressor who had driven the drilling installation. But as a flow of 40m³/min was now needed, we advised our newest DrillAir Y35 instead. “We had never used the Y35 before, but it was an immediate success as it started up perfectly – in spite of those high ambient temperatures.”

Extra services on top

To transport the Y35 from Belgium to Israel, Smet Group worked closely together with our logistical department. In May of 2018, the compressor headed to Ravenna, to then set sail for Israel by boat. “In 14 days’ time the machine was on-site, with all certificates in place. Now that’s a nice way of doing business,” says Ann Smeyers.

Connectors with internal reinforcement, especially designed for his project, were delivered as well. They will be used as standard material by Smet Group from now on.

A full service package was also included to maintain the machines locally. Wherever the Drill Air Y35 comes it makes an impression, as proven by the next set of orders. “The Y35 has exceeded our expectations in a big way. We used to combine compressors to get the same flow, where we ultimately lost pressure. But from now on, it’s Y35 all the way!”

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Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers through its innovative compressors, vacuum solutions, generators, pumps, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and services focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2017, Atlas Copco (excluding Epiroc AB) had revenues of BSEK 86 (BEUR 9) and about 34 000 employees. Learn more at www.atlascopcogroup.com. Specialty Rental is a division within Atlas Copco’s Power Technique business area. It serves customers in all industry segments around the world with temporary air, power, flow, steam and nitrogen rental solutions. The specialty rental services are offered under several brands. The divisional headquarters is located in Belgium.