Though it’s easily overlooked, fluid management is a critical part of the horizontal directional drilling process. Not only is it an important part of following certain safety regulations, but it can also help keep costs down and productivity up.
That’s why Ditch Witch has updated its line of fluid management systems to increase productivity and reduce costs on HDD job sites. These advanced models incorporate new design features to meet the highest standards for job site productivity, improved drilling fluid flow, increased durability, and faster mixing cycles and yield times.
“Fluid management is a critical part of the HDD process,” says Cory Maker, Ditch Witch product manager, drill pipe and fluid systems. “Helping operators not only meet safety regulations, but increase productivity and yield, our updated line of fluid management systems set the standards for fluid management throughout the industry.”
The full line of fluid management systems includes the FT5, FM5X, FM13X and FM25X to meet the needs of any small to midsized HDD project. The systems are equipped with tanks ranging from 200- to 950-gallon capacity, as well as powerful engines that supply up to 25 hp, depending on the model.
The FM5X, FM13X and FM25X models feature an updated, internal venturi design that optimizes fluid velocity and increases overall system productivity. Additionally, a wet hopper design increases the venturi inlet from 1.25 to 2 inches — a 60 percent larger opening for material flow and superior fluid mixing. The tank on these units is designed with a sloping bottom to ensure all drilling fluid flows through the pump and is thoroughly mixed. A powder-coat finish provides durability and helps with chipping, rust and fading resistance for a longer useful life.
The FM25X system offers multiple configuration options — including curbside and street side — to accommodate a variety of setups for easier transport and offers fuel configurations from both sides of the unit to meet any job site need. The model utilizes a hydraulic circuit, providing operators the ability to run two tank systems simultaneously. By mixing one tank while a drill on site is using mud from the other tank, the unit eliminates the need to stop a bore to mix fluid, further enhancing productivity and increasing uptime. 800-654-6481; www.ditchwitch.com.
