Kwik-PDU (Pattern Display Unit)
Can save mining industry millions
By superimposing a drill pattern onto the rock face with a press of a button
NOTE: The KWIK-PDU is designed for tunnels up to 6m x 6m for both Underground and Aboveground environments.
The KWIK-PDU (Pattern Display Unit) is an advanced solution set to transform the marking-off of tunnels in development ends, delivering greater accuracy and efficiency. The KWIK-PDU is compact, robust and easy to operate.
The first production batch successfully underwent rigorous testing, including shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, water, and salt spray conditions – demonstrating its durability in demanding underground environments.
The system utilises a principle similar to that used in fighter aircraft, where both predetermined and adjustable patterns are projected into the operator’s field of view. The KWIK-PDU projects a precise drilling pattern directly onto the rock face (superimposed), ensuring accurate face hole positioning. This technology has been refined over several years of development.
Traditionally, tunnel faces have been marked using paintbrushes or spray cans, which can result in inaccuracies, wasted materials, and significant time delays. The KWIK-PDU eliminates these challenges by providing a fast, clean, and highly accurate alternative.
DRILL PATTERN (Gradicule) (Patent No 2016/08591)
Using KWIKMARK’s sspecially developed software, any drill pattern can be converted and displayed via a drill pattern (gradicule) within the unit. These patterns can be customised to suit specific mining conditions and are typically designed and verified by the mine’s blasting engineer, taking into account factors such as rock conditions, hanging wall strength and the need to minimise secondary blasting.
Once the Kwik-PDU is fitted to the clamping bracket on the canopy of the drill rig, the operator simply inserts the custom made drill pattern (gradicule) into the unit, aligns it with the direction and grade lines onto the underground rock face (or surface rock) and locks it into position to ensure stability throughout the drilling procedure. This will show a 3D effect.
The unit is also flexible by using different coloured Perspex filters, enabling the drill holes and direction lines to be displayed in various colours for improved clarity and visibility underground.
Once drilling is complete, the miner can verify the hole positioning by viewing the pattern through the KWIK-PDU which gives a 3D effect.
Typical accuracies achieved are within 50mm of the intended position, resulting in controlled over break, improved tunnel profiles, faster haulage advancement and reduced cleaning time.
As no physical marking of the rock face is required, time saving of up to 45 minutes can be achieved, allowing for more efficient underground activity, management and supervision.
Additionally, scaling of the rock face during drilling, does not affect the projected pattern, ensuring consistency throughout the process. Controlled blasting also reduces socket lengths, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
The lightening system uses 1 x AAA rechargeable battery. At a drilling distance of 9m from the cab to the rock face, the single pattern will cover an area of 6m high by 6m wide.
