Interview with John Patterson, Project Consultant and Sales, Word Rock Drills
The Viper™ Diesel Rotary Screw Air Compressor proves its versatility as a solution for applications, from landscaping to mining and drilling. See what John has to say about the Viper™ Diesel for his company’s drilling operations.
Question: What does Word Rock Drills specialize in?
Answer: We make drilling attachments to go on skid steers and excavators, and we’re just looking for holes in the ground. Vanair® has really helped us as far as getting the cuttings out of the hole in particular in those settings.
Q: What Vanair® system has helped in drilling operations with skid steers?
A: In particular, the [Viper™ Diesel Rotary Screw Air Compressor] has been really good for cleaning out the holes—let’s say, two inches and under in different scenarios. The other use is on excavators to compete with percussion drills, and then again, cleaning the holes. But, those two scenarios have been mostly diesel driven.
Q: How are you looking to expand your mobile compressed air solutions?
A: We hope to add more with the [Vanair® Drill Modules] that I’m learning more about. I really like the look of the [DR 600XP], 200 PSI. It’s a marriage, you have to have air for drilling. Where we’ve done a lot with all this is in the solar industry. There’s lots of solar projects going on in the mining field. That’s probably the biggest thing I see. It was 12% of our business four years ago, and this year it’s 53% right now. I would never have predicted that – but, if you’re going to open up a new energy plant, it’s going to cost 10 to 20 years of permits and everything, and they can open a solar field in two years. Big difference.
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Built to meet today’s demanding applications, Vanair’s Viper™ Diesel 80 CFM Rotary Screw Air Compressor is tough enough to drive 90 lb. jackhammers and 1 1/2” impact wrenches. The Viper™ Diesel utilizes Smart Start Technology™ that senses air demand to reduce fuel consumption, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. With the Viper™ Diesel, get all the air power you need and get the job done. Designed with a simple push-start control panel, the Viper™ is compact enough to fit into even the smallest pickup truck bed.
