Pipe bursting and horizontal directional drilling are important items in any municipality’s trenchless repair tool kit. Here is a look at some of the more recent innovations in systems, tools and accessories from industry manufacturers.

 

Difficult soils

The Model PD-6 directional thrust boring machine from Pow-R Mole is designed to install new pipe or cable through virgin ground and also may be used for pipe bursting. The device operates from a pit 56 inches long and has a thrust force of 84,822 pounds at 3,000 psi. The maximum push rate is 7 fpm. The device is designed for use in difficult soil conditions under roads or in areas that cannot be dug. The dry-bore system does not require drilling fluids. It uses a digital transmitter in a housing at the front of the rod string. 800/344-6653; www.warriorworldwide.com.

 

Adjusts to conditions

The D20x22 Series II Navigator horizontal directional drill from Vermeer Corporation is powered by an 83 hp Kubota diesel engine and provides 2,200 foot-pounds of torque for turning cutting tools and pulling large backreamers. The standard AutoDrill feature allows operators to pre-set rotation, thrust and pullback pressure. Then the drill adjusts to the conditions it encounters during the bore.

 

The Rock Adaptable Terrain Tool (RATT) system lets operators drill and steer through many soil conditions without specialized machines. Fingertip controls are mounted on two joysticks within the ergonomically designed operator’s station. 888/837-6337; www.vermeer.com.

 

Travels under obstructions

An all-new generation of Hole-Hog piercing tools from Allied Construction Products provide underground pipe or service replacement in construction and installation work. The tools travel under obstructions such as roads, driveways, parking lots, runways and foundations without disturbing surfaces and landscaping. When impassible conditions are encountered, the tool is easily reversed with a quarter-turn reverse mechanism. The tools make holes from 1 7/8 to 6 inches in diameter. With 18 parts including only one moving part, maintenance costs are minimal. 216/431-2600; www.alliedcp.com.

 

40,000-pound thrust

The EarthPro DD-4045 from Astec Industries Inc. delivers a 40,000-pound thrust/pullback and 4,500 foot-pounds of rotary torque. It has a two-speed carriage and a Cummins QSB4.5 turbocharged Tier 3 Stage IIIA diesel engine that produces 156 hp. A multi-function color LCD display provides a clear view of the drill’s performance and functions. Dual joystick control and cruise control are standard. 800/527-6020; www.astecunderground.com.

 

Heavy duty

TA-30 and TA-40 pipe bursting systems from Pipe Genie Mfg. are designed for tough jobs. The TA-30 can pull up to 6-inch pipe through any soil conditions. It comes standard with a 9 hp hydraulic power supply and two chain carts containing 100 feet of 5/8-inch chain to pull high-density polyethylene pipe.

 

The TA-40 pipe pulling unit handles a wide variety of general jobs and can pull 4- to 6-inch pipe in any soil conditions. It includes a 9 hp hydraulic power supply and three chain carts containing 5/8-inch chain. 877/411-7473; www.pipegenie.com.

 

Size and power

The M50 bursting system from TRIC Tools Inc. provides a combination of size and power for easements and other tight spots where bigger equipment won’t fit. The device is strong enough to burst 8-inch mainlines, yet portable enough to set up by hand. It can operate from a backhoe or a dedicated high-flow hydraulic pump.

The unit’s pulling force is 48 tons at 5,000 psi. Piston area is 19.24 square inches. The suggested flow rate is 10 to 20 gpm. The puller weight is 135 pounds, the 12-inch pulley base is 95 pounds, the 10-inch pulley base is 60 pounds, and the 24-inch resistance plate is 50 pounds. 888/883-8742; www.trictools.com.