Blog, Industry News, trenchless products
Truck vacs offer power, scalable tank capacity and reliability for high-production contractors
GREENVILLE, S.C. — June 7, 2017 — McLaughlin has extended its Vermeer MEGA VAC vacuum excavator product line with new PTO-driven options. The Vermeer VXT truck series was developed in response to industry requests for a productive vacuum excavator that meets weight regulations and that is backed by the support of the Vermeer dealer network.
Ideal for utility and distribution contractors, the VXT Series is a reliable, cost-effective solution for high-production potholing crews. The new MEGA VAC PTO-driven vacuum excavators come in three standard spoil capacity options: the VXT6 (6-yard), the VXT8 (8-yard), and the VXT10 (10-yard).
“The new VXT truck series is designed for the production-minded utility contractor who is focused on maximizing uptime and maintaining a safe and productive jobsite,” said Jeff Wage, vice president at McLaughlin. “These machines fit that niche of being able to do the work that’s required at a price point high-production contractors can justify.”
Proven for potholing
The VXT series is a 6-inch (15.2 cm) system featuring spoil tank capacities ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 gallons (4542.5 to 7570.8 L) and a standard option of 800 gallons (3028.3 L) of fresh water. For off-road applications, larger spoil tank capacities are available from 2,200, 2,600 and 3,000 gallons (8327.9, 9842.1 and 11,356.2 L).
“Contractors asked for a 6-inch vacuum excavator for potholing performance and the ability to work in certain rocky and granular ground conditions,” said Wage.
The VXT Series is powered by the industry-proven OMSI Gearbox and a ROOTS 3200 CFM (91 m3/min) blower. When the truck is put into PTO mode, the rear axle is disengaged and the OMSI gearbox becomes live to drive the ROOTS blower at 18 inches of mercury and 3200 cfm. The OMSI gearbox hydraulically provides the power to drive the 10 gpm/3,000 psi water pump as well.
The new CAN Control system allows for two-way communication between the remote control and the vacuum excavator. With the CAN Control system operators can start the MEGA VAC, control the idle speed, dump spoils, open the rear door and control full boom operation, which helps contractors increase jobsite productivity. The controls also give a full readout on performance of the engine, the blower and the water pump.
The new Vacuum Neutral feature adds to operator safety and productivity on the jobsite. In Vacuum Neutral mode, the blower breathes free air and stops suction without the need to close the hydraulic gate valve in the boom. This allows an operator to work safely near the boom without having to shut the vacuum off.
Capacity that will scale
Utility contractors, gas distribution contractors and the large contractors building fiber optic networks must balance the need for maximum spoil tank capacity with increasingly stringent weight regulations and restrictions. The VXT6 and the VXT8 MEGA VACs were designed with scalability as a top priority. Built on a 10-wheel Peterbilt chassis, the VXT6 has a 1,200-gallon (4542.4 L) spoil tank capacity and can carry up to 410 gallons (1552 L) of water and still meet weight regulations. The VXT8 has a 1,600-gallon (6056.7 L) tank capacity and can carry up to 800 gallons (3028.3 L) of fresh water. With a standard drop axle, the VXT8 weighs only 33,000 pounds (14,968.5 kg) empty on the Peterbilt 348 chassis.
“Time and time again, we hear concerns from contractors regarding overweight vehicles on the highway. Allowing units to run overweight puts both their employees and their company at risk for financial and legal repercussions,” said Wage. “By selecting the VXT6 or the VXT8, a contractor can reduce the risks and improve working conditions for their employees.”
For reassurance that the vacuum meets weight regulations, the VXT Series features the new optional Air-Weigh scale system. Incorporated into the chassis and the CAN Controls, the Air-Weigh scale system informs the operator when a truck hits its preprogrammed maximum axle weights. At the point that the truck reaches a preprogramed axle capacity, the unit will automatically enter Vacuum Neutral mode. The control panel message will allow the operator to “override” the Vacuum Neutral mode or can be programed with a security code so only a manager may authorize a system override.
All McLaughlin vacuum excavators are backed by the Vermeer dealer network. The worldwide dealer network means consistent parts availability and a knowledgeable staff wherever the job takes contractors. To learn more, visit mclaughlinunderground.com or email McLaughlin at mmole@mightymole.com.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor, CIPP Corporation.
CIPP Corp. has been an innovator in pipeline rehabilitation for many years, providing an affordable, long-term solution to aging sewer, water and industrial pipelines. Cured-in-place materials seamlessly mold to the host pipe, preventing infiltration and exfiltration, restoring the structural integrity of the pipeline, and eliminating weakening joints.
With both systems available, CIPP Corp. will fully assess your pipeline needs, providing the best recommendation for rehabilitation. Cured-in-place pipeline forms a much smoother surface than concrete and clay pipe and actually increases the flow capacity. This piping eliminates joints, effectively preventing root intrusion and environmental corrosion, while stopping leaks. Additionally, cured-in-place pipeline is installed using trenchless technology, eliminating costly and time-consuming excavation.
Millions of linear cured-in-place materials have been installed worldwide and have withstood every corrosive environmental factor and the test of time. The CIPP Difference is a commitment to providing the most innovative pipeline rehabilitation technology available with the least amount of environmental disruption. CIPP Corp. offers an affordable, long-term, less disruptive solution to all your pipeline rehabilitation needs.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless projects
Ceremony with Georgian Prime Minister commissions Green Power Station
In April 2017, a ceremony was held to celebrate the commissioning of the Dariali Hydropower Project in the Republic of Georgia. Many attended the ceremony marking the first carbon-neutral hydropower project in the world, including Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The power station, an independent power project (IPP) developed through Dariali Energy Ltd, was a joint venture involving three other firms: Georgian private companies Peri Ltd and Energy LLC, and state-owned Georgian Energy Development Fund (GEDF). The Dariali HPP gathers water from the Tergi River and directs it through the headrace tunnel to the power house located near the Russian—Georgian border. Each year, the site will generate 500 GWhs of carbon-neutral energy, with 70 percent of power production occurring during the country’s summer months.
Robbins also invested in the project by gaining equity through supplying tunneling equipment and services in consortium with contractor Peri. “Robbins understood the risk in the tunneling portion of the project and we were compensated for taking on part of the risk. Peri is a long-time customer, as we supplied a TBM to them 15 years ago for a small project in Georgia. It was great to be invited to invest and risk share on this project, and to work together again,” said Robbins President Lok Home. The 5 km (3 mi) long headrace tunnel for the power station was bored with the use of a 5.5 m (18 ft) diameter Robbins Main Beam TBM starting in February 2012.
Due to the remote and mountainous location of the jobsite 160 km (100 mi) from the capital Tbilisi, the machine was shipped in pieces to contractor Peri’s workshop, where they were refurbished under Robbins supervision and then delivered to the site to be assembled. Each piece was transported by truck down narrow, winding roads that eventually gave way to dirt paths. Assembly at the jobsite was difficult, as the project site at a 1,700 m (1.0 mi) altitude was blanketed in snow and components arrived in December. Bone-chilling temperatures often reached negative 15 degrees Celsius (5ºF), and 40 below with the wind chill factor. Once the machine had launched, it encountered difficult ground including slate, sandstone, limestone and malms with fault zones.
“The main challenges we faced were boring the tunnel at a 6 percent incline and having restricted access to service the machine. There were also two major landslides that delayed the project for over a year,” said Home. After the first landslide, the access tunnel, which had allowed mud and water to enter the power station, had to be relocated at a higher elevation and facing away from the river valley. When the machine was nearing the end of its bore, a second landslide blocked the exit portal for the machine as well as access to the main highway. Despite these challenges, tunneling crews persevered and the machine successfully holed through in October 2014.
Throughout the construction process, careful steps were taken to minimize the carbon footprint. Although the plant’s energy production is carbon emission free, construction of the plant was not. To offset these emissions, 7,000 seedlings are being planted all around the area in a reforestation effort. In years to come, the trees will absorb enough carbon dioxide to compensate for the emissions produced during the construction of the hydropower plant.
Overall, said Home, there is much to celebrate as the project has immense benefits: “Not only does it provide affordable electrical power for the country with essentially no pollution effects, but it also provided jobs during construction and will continue providing jobs during its operation and maintenance.”
Image 1: Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili marked the startup of the world’s first carbon-neutral hydropower project.
Image 2: In April 2017, the Dariali HPP became operational in the Republic of Georgia.
Image 3: Robbins supplied a 5.5 m (18 ft) diameter Main Beam TBM to bore the 5 km (3 mi) headrace tunnel.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor BOS Solutions.
BOS Solutions has proven to be a reliable partner and service provider in municipal settings for disaster relief and waste water management, providing cost effective and environmentally friendly dewatering solutions.
BOS Solutions has had great success in sand recovery projects, digester clean out, lagoon dewatering, and lagoon discharge mitigation. Their approach is focused on reducing disposal costs, by reducing or eliminating vacuum trucks and the associated transportation costs, and the recycling of reusable material collected. BOS is able to process waste slurry to produce a dry, stackable solid that is easily removed from site and clean water. This clean water can be reused in operation or discharged in an environmentally friendly manner. Their technology and expertise produces cost effective solutions for dewatering municipal wastewater sludge and storm water catch basins. By minimizing liquid waste disposal and maximizing cost savings for our customers, BOS has made significant positive impacts on sewage dewatering projects, storm water catch basin clean outs and other municipal projects.
In addition to the municipal and utility industry, BOS Solutions has a tremendous impact on oil and gas, construction, industrial and trenchless technology areas as well.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor and Corporate Member AOC Resins.
AOC is a leading global supplier of resin chemistries for composites and cast polymers which have revolutionized the industries they serve with superior strength, durability and resistance.
Their comprehensive offering of specialty resins, colorants, and gel coats has transformed their industry with exceptional quality, flexibility and efficiency. AOC continues to customize technologies for emerging economies and identify new applications in frontier markets.
AOC’s foundation began in 1961 with the Alpha Corporation of Tennessee. In 1994, a joint venture between The Alpha Corporation and Owens Corning’s resins division created the new company, which was named Alpha Owens-Corning (AOC).
In 1998, the Alpha Corporation purchased Owens Corning’s interest in the joint venture to become the sole parent company of AOC. The same year, AOC acquired UK-based Hawk Ltd, now AOC UK, to expand its global presence and begin contract manufacturing relationships overseas.
Today, AOC’s products are manufactured in facilities strategically located in North America, Europe and Asia. Their comprehensive product offering is supported by a global logistic network, which provides customers worldwide with efficient service, customized solutions and complete supply chain management.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless products
Alternative Lining Technologies (ALT) announces Ace Pipe Cleaning, a subsidiary of Carylon Corporation, as a certified installer of their cured-in-place manhole lining systems throughout the Central United States. Based out of Kansas City, MO, Ace Pipe Cleaning is one of the oldest and largest sewer contractors in the country. While their services and expertise are varied, they focus on sewer cleaning, inspection, and rehabilitation.
For 20 years Ace Pipe Cleaning has been the premier contractor for these services in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. During that time, they have maintained expertise in a rapidly advancing industry. Aging infrastructure and growing communities have forced the sewer industry to innovate products and technology that seek to maintain collection systems more efficiently. Trenchless technologies, like CIPP, have revolutionized the way communities approach rehab and the associated costs. Similarly, ALT is partnering with contractors, like Ace, to introduce a unique system for rehabilitating manholes and other vertical sewer structures.
Based on the concept of cured-in-place pipe, CIPM liners utilize coated felt and fiberglass combined with epoxy to rehabilitate structures, while stopping I/I and preventing further corrosion. The AltLiner is constructed of panels of felt, which are coated with PVC. These panels are thermally fused to form a sealed liner, custom made for each structure. Fiberglass panels are added for the structural component. The liner is then wet-out onsite and cured under steam and air pressure to conform the liner to the manhole. This creates a strong, corrosion resistant rim-to-invert liner that extends structure life by 50 years or more. Every liner is backed with a 20-year non-prorated warranty.
Alternative Lining Technologies is excited to partner with such a capable and reputable company, like Ace. ALT General Manager, Jim Rouse stated “We believe our system is the best solution for the immense corrosion problem in manholes and pump stations. We are focused partnering with respected installers, like Ace, to prove the value of the system to engineers and
collection systems.” Ace Pipe Cleaning executive, Steve Hontz, echoed Jim’s enthusiasm saying “This is a great solution for structural and hydrogen sulfide protection.”
Ace and ALT are planning demos and presentations in Missouri and Texas this summer to educate the industry about CIPM lining systems. If you’d like more information or to request a
presentation for your organization, contact Bryan Dobson at Ace Pipe Cleaning by calling 800-325-9372.
Truck vacs offer power, scalable tank capacity and reliability for high-production contractors
“The new VXT truck series is designed for the production-minded utility contractor who is focused on maximizing uptime and maintaining a safe and productive jobsite,” said Jeff Wage, vice president at McLaughlin. “These machines fit that niche of being able to do the work that’s required at a price point high-production contractors can justify.”
The VXT Series is powered by the industry-proven OMSI Gearbox and a ROOTS 3200 CFM (91 m3/min) blower. When the truck is put into PTO mode, the rear axle is disengaged and the OMSI gearbox becomes live to drive the ROOTS blower at 18 inches of mercury and 3200 cfm. The OMSI gearbox hydraulically provides the power to drive the 10 gpm/3,000 psi water pump as well.
