Microtunneling - TBSS 225



TBSS-225 System with DE-7200 Centrifuge

The performance of a micro-tunneling operation is directly related to the overall cleaning performance of the slurry separation system. Solids that remain within the slurry adversely affect slurry excavation processes. Benefits of proper and efficient separation of the drilled solids from a drilling fluid include:

• Increased Rate of Penetration (Production)
• Reduced Drilling Fluids Costs
• Reduced Water Usage
• Reduced Water Hauling Costs
• Reduced Hauling and Disposal Costs of Dirty Fluid
• Reduced Downstream Wear on Pumps, Plumbing, etc.

All of the above translates to increased production at reduced costs to the contractor.

A contractor based out of Wisconsin is utilizing a Derrick TBSS-225 Separation Plant (225 m3/hr) in conjunction with a Derrick DE-7200 VFD Controlled “Big-Bowl” Centrifuge.

Primary separation in the separation plant is accomplished in 2 stages: first by a Belt Scalper, for coarse solids and sticky gumbo clay removal, that is mounted over a FLC-2000 high G screening machine that offers over 7.0 G’s of consistent acceleration. Secondary separation is accomplished by another FLC-2000 screening machine outfitted with desanding and desilting cones that allow fine solids recovery down to 25-30 microns.

Overflow from the separation plant is directed to a secondary “working tank” that is utilizing a DE-7200 Centrifuge with volumetric capacity up to 500 GPM and 10-15 t/hr of dry solids. The addition of the big bowl centrifuge allows the contractor to effectively process fine silts and clays in their working system at a high rate, even on some of their larger MTBM’s that are up to 90” in diameter. Prior to the installation of the centrifuge, the contractor had to haul off up to 4 tanker trucks a day of dirty fluid when tunneling in clay formations. The need for tanker trucks has now been eliminated which has led to a major cost savings in their bottom line.
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