December 2014, Vol. 69, No. 12
New Products
Small Recycler, Mud Clean-Up Vac Highlight New DW Fluid Products
Two new products – both directly related to fluids used for horizontal direction drilling (HDD) operations – have been added to the Ditch Witch product line.
The MR90 fluid recycling system is specifically designed for use with small to medium-sized drill rigs which make up the majority of HDD units on the job today.
The MV800 mud vacuum is an economical, durable portable vacuum system specifically developed for cleaning up drilling fluids on directional drilling sites.
Both are available now through the worldwide Ditch Witch dealer organization.
MR90 Fluid Recycling System
This new drilling fluid recycling system fills a void in available support equipment for small-to-medium size HDD equipment used for utility construction, said Ditch Witch Product Manager Seth Matthesen.
“The MR90, Matthesen said, “is designed specifically for drill units with pullback ratings from 20,000 to 60,000 pounds, the most widely used drill rigs in service today. Yet, most mud systems available are for large units that require large quantities of fluid making recycling and reuse an important economic factor.”
However, mud recycling also has significant benefits for smaller drilling units, he continued. In addition to savings on fluid and disposal costs, using clean fluids reduces wear on downhole tools and the machine itself.
The compact, trailer-mounted unit is a self-contained drilling fluid mixing and recycling system and is the only unit in its class with an integrated rear spoil hopper with mixer for drying additives.
Powered by a 25-horsepower Tier 4 diesel engine, the MR90 has a 340-gallon first-pass mud tank and 110-gallon clean tank with 3-inch vacuum connections. It is a two-screen system and also is the only unit in its class with six 2 ½-inch de-sander cones. An optional 300-gallon fresh water tank with transfer pump provides additional drilling fluid capacity and high pressure water for clean-up.
Maximum recycle flow rate and pumping cleaned fluid to the drill unit are 90 gpm. Shaker screen area is 1,218 square inches with course and fine screen options. The system’s design facilitates fast screen replacement
The MR90 is the only compact recycling system towable when tanks are full. Hydraulic tongue jack and shaker assembly speeds set up and single-location controls simplify operation.
MV800 Mud Vacuum
In most cases today, directional drilling work sites are required to keep the area clear of escaping drilling fluids. That job typically is done by a vacuum excavator or a small vacuum unit which may not be designed for such work.
“Input from customers made us aware there is a demand for a vacuum-only system specifically for mud clean-up,” said Ditch Witch Product Manager Jason Proctor. The result is the Ditch Witch MV800.
“Many contractors don’t want to tie-up a vacuum excavator doing cleanup work,” Proctor continued. “They need them for potholing and other soft excavation. We developed a less expensive vacuum system, the MV800, to fill that need.”
Mounted on a dual-axel trailer, the system incorporates the same heavy-duty components of Ditch Witch vacuum excavators. It has an 800-gallon spoil tank and curbside controls of all functions for operation by one person away from the traffic side of the machine when working along roadways.
Powered by a 31-horsepower gasoline engine, the MV800 has a belt-driven, 2-lobe blower with maximum displacement of 543 cfm and maximum vacuum of 15 inches of mercury.
An optional water system is available to expand the machine’s capabilities for potholing and equipment clean-up. The water system utilizes a 100-gallon water tank and is capable of 4 gpm with adjustable pressures to 3,000 psi.
“Price is an important consideration when evaluating portable vacuum systems,” concluded Proctor. “But it is important not to compromise quality to pay less for a machine. The MV800 has proven Ditch Witch quality and the durability for a long service life, combining competitive initial cost for a solid long-term investment.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ditch Witch, (800) 654-6481, www.ditchwitch.com
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