September 2011, Vol. 66 No. 9
Equipment Spotlight
Tracking Systems: Equipment Spotlight
Walkover and wireline locators from Digital Control Inc., Radiodetection/SPX Corp., Ditch Witch, Underground Tools Inc., Sharewell, INROCK and Horizontal Technology.
Walkover Locators
Digital Control Inc.
Ease of use, speed and accuracy are the hallmarks of the new line of DCI locators and most of the challenges faced by contractors today can be answered by one or more from this new line. The F Series includes the new five-frequency F5, the dual frequency F2, and the streamlined SE locators. Characteristic of all three systems are DCI’s patented 3D antenna technology, target-in-the-box locating, and the intuitive icon-driven menus. 800.288.3610, digitrak.com
Radiodetection/SPX Corp.
The itrack system provides accurate walkover guidance information for HDD machines. The system comprises an itrack receiver, a DataView unit, one or more DataSondes and Radiodetection’s Borelog software. The itrack DataView uses a row of nine LEDs to provide remote steering information to the machine operator. The large LCD also displays real-time data transmitted from the DataSonde via the itrack Receiver. This provides machine operators with accurate information on tilt angle, roll position, depth, remote left/ right steering and alarm conditions. The DataSonde, when housed in the drill head, emits a locate signal and transmits information about its position and status, including tilt angle, roll position and temperature information. The Borelog software package allows the user to download drilling data stored in the itrack Receiver. 877.247.3797, radiodetection.com
Ditch Witch
The 8500 –consists of an 8500T tracker, 8500D display and 850-series beacons – is an advanced, electronic guidance system for HDD operations. The 8500’s intuitive interface has easy-to-understand graphics – no cryptic symbols that require additional training time. The 8500 provides true depth readings on inclines of up to 20 percent, so you can track up the sides of ditches and over uneven terrain. Icon- and menu-driven screens are intuitive and easy to navigate; straightforward onscreen graphics reduce training time. 800.645.6481, ditchwitch.com
Wireline Systems
Underground Tools Inc.
Underground Tools’ sonde housing showcases a ¾-inch thick access door on the sonde housing for superior protection of valuable electronics. The thick housing features a slightly larger body diameter for greater wear resistance and durability. The housing incorporates a 7-hole Vermeer pattern that is compatible with UTI pilot bits, including UTI Gold Series bits or Vermeer pilot bits. Custom adapters allow the housing to be used with all makes and models of drill rigs. 866.488.3478, undergroundtools.com
Sharewell
Sharewell’s steering tool is a directional guidance system specifically designed for HDD applications that provides both directional survey information and annular pressure while drilling. The system operates with TruTracker to provide drilling information including inclination; tool face; azimuth; position; temperature; and annular pressure. The system can be operated with or without the pressure sensor. When operating with pressure, a special pressure sub is required for the bottom hole assembly. Steering tool components include the probe, drillers console, interface, computer and printer. 800.637.6461, sharewell.com
INROCK
The ParaTrack Guidance System utilizes an all angle, high resolution system that provides the driller with single guide wire tracking (surface or underground tacking); magnetic field tracking; parallel tracking (underground tracking of multiple parallel bores); intersections (tracking of two separate or multiple boreholes from varying directions); beacon tracking (wireless tracking); and pressure while drilling (measures annular and drill pipe pressures). 713.690.5600, inrock.com
Horizontal Technology
The DataTraX guidance system is accurate and automates records with ease. DataTraX offers the protection of detailed documentation of lines drilled in position with the HDD industry’s most accurate guidance and tracking method. DTX system can often exceed, plus or minus 1 percent of the depth. The recorded data can be converted to auto-cad and is GIS compatible. Perhaps the best feature is that there are no footage fees, saving the contractor many thousands of dollars annually. 888.556.5511, horizontaltech.com
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