C20 Rock Splitter – a Safe, Low-Noise Alternative to Explosives and Hydraulic Breakers
Darda GmbH – a German subsidiary of Brokk AB, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote controlled demolition robots from Sweden – manufactures the C20 rock splitter, a carrier-operated attachment that is a safe, low-noise alternative to explosives and hydraulic breakers, suitable for a wide range of applications in rock excavation. They are also suitable for working in confined spaces in mining and shaft construction, as well as for driving cross passages in tunnel construction, because they can work in any position within the working radius, including overhead.
Four Models for Vertical and Horizontal Operation
The C20 rock splitter comes in four models. Depending on the type of rock and rock composition, two possible lengths of wedge set can be selected. Darda offers two models for vertical operation with a total lengths of 165 and 183 cm (64 and 72 in), as well as two models for horizontal operation with total lengths of 179 and 215 cm (70 and 83 in).
The rock splitters quickly break large boulders and solid rock. To insert the wedge set, a borehole with a diameter of 76 mm (3 in) is first drilled into the rock. The carrier-operated splitter produces up to 1800 tons of force against the hole wall and splits the rock independently of the carrier input pressure. Due to the automatic lubrication system, there is no need to grease the wedge set manually.
The rock splitters can be mounted on all carriers from 5–7 tons. When paired with a Brokk demolition robot, the operator can also work with remote control and carrying strap from a safe distance – typically 10–20 m. Overall, the C20 rock splitters significantly increase productivity in industries such as mining, quarrying, tunneling, construction and demolition.
