About the COP 1838 Rock Drill Family
The Atlas Copco COP 1838 is a hydraulic percussive rock drill (drifter) designed for underground face drilling in hard-rock mining and tunneling. First introduced as part of the COP (Computer Optimized Percussion) line, the 1838 platform has evolved through multiple variants to address different drilling conditions, rock types, and productivity targets. Following the 2018 demerger, Epiroc now manufactures and supports the COP 1838 series under its underground drilling equipment division.
All COP 1838 variants share the same fundamental percussion mechanism: a hydraulically driven piston that strikes the drill steel shank adapter at high frequency to transmit percussive energy into the rock. The hydraulic accumulator system — which uses the 3115182200 diaphragm — is common to every variant in the family, making this membrane one of the most universally needed spare parts across COP 1838 applications worldwide.
COP 1838 rock drills are typically mounted on Atlas Copco / Epiroc Boomer face drilling rigs including the Boomer E3, Boomer M1D, and Boomer M2D. These carrier machines are used in development headings, tunnel faces, and production stopes in mines ranging from small-scale gold operations to large base-metal mines.
COP 1838 Variants and Their Applications
COP 1838+
The base high-performance variant of the 1838 platform. Designed for general-purpose face drilling in medium to hard rock. Provides a balance of percussion power, drilling speed, and component longevity. This model is the default choice for most standard underground development drilling operations.
COP 1838HD
The Heavy-Duty variant engineered for consistently hard and abrasive rock formations. Features reinforced internal components and optimized percussion parameters for sustained operation in challenging geological conditions such as granite, quartzite, and high-silica formations.
COP 1838HD+
An enhanced version of the HD model incorporating further improvements to percussion frequency tuning and internal wear component materials. Targets operations demanding maximum penetration rates in very hard rock while maintaining acceptable service intervals.
COP 1838HE+
The High-Efficiency variant optimized for energy transfer ratio. This model converts a greater percentage of input hydraulic power into useful percussion energy at the drill bit, resulting in lower fuel consumption per meter drilled and reduced thermal load on the hydraulic system.
COP 1838ME
The Medium-Energy configuration for applications where moderate percussion power is sufficient. Used in softer rock formations or where hole deviation control takes priority over penetration rate. The lower percussion energy reduces wear on drill steels and bits.
COP 1838MUX / MUX+
The Multi-Purpose (MUX) variants designed for operations encountering variable rock conditions. Features adaptive percussion control that adjusts blow energy based on rock feedback, making it ideal for mines with heterogeneous geology or alternating hard and soft ground.
The Accumulator System in COP 1838 Drills
Every COP 1838 variant contains at least one hydraulic accumulator that relies on the 3115182200 rubber diaphragm. The accumulator is positioned within the drifter body close to the percussion piston chamber where pressure pulsations are most severe. Its primary functions in the COP 1838 include:
- Pressure pulsation damping — absorbing the hydraulic shock waves generated by each percussion blow to protect downstream components
- Energy storage — storing hydraulic energy during low-demand phases of the percussion cycle and releasing it during peak demand, improving efficiency
- Cavitation prevention — maintaining minimum pressure in the hydraulic circuit to prevent vapor bubble formation that causes accelerated erosion
- Noise reduction — dampening pressure oscillations that transmit as vibration and noise through the hydraulic hoses and carrier rig structure
When the 3115182200 diaphragm degrades or fails in a COP 1838, the symptoms are typically immediate and measurable: reduced penetration rate, increased hydraulic oil temperature, elevated noise and vibration levels, and in severe cases, rapid failure of seals and hoses throughout the hydraulic circuit. For a complete guide to recognizing these symptoms, see our article on 5 signs your rock drill diaphragm needs replacing.
Ordering the 3115182200 Diaphragm for COP 1838
| Part Number | 3115182200 (revised: 3115182201) |
| Description | Accumulator Rubber Diaphragm / Membrane |
| Fits All COP 1838 | 1838+, 1838HD, 1838HD+, 1838HE+, 1838ME, 1838MUX, 1838MUX+ |
| Material Options | NBR (standard) or Polyurethane (heavy-duty) |
| Pressure Rating | Up to 230 bar |
| Manufacturer | Babacan Rubber — ISO 9001:2015 |
| Lead Time | In stock — ships within 24 hours |
For complete technical specifications, installation instructions, and maintenance intervals, visit the main 3115182200 product page. To understand the difference between NBR and polyurethane material options, read our material comparison guide.
Related Part Numbers
The COP 1838 rock drill uses many rubber and polymer components that wear over time. While we specialize in the accumulator diaphragm (3115182200 / 3115182201), maintenance teams working on COP 1838 drifters should also monitor the condition of:
- Percussion piston seals and guide rings
- Control valve seals and O-rings
- Rotation motor seals
- Flushing head water seals
- Hydraulic hose assemblies on the drill feed
For a comprehensive mapping of Atlas Copco and Epiroc part numbers across the COP series, see our COP series part number cross-reference guide.