Industry News, trenchless people
It is with deep sadness that The Robbins Company announces the passing of Richard James Robbins, President and CEO from 1958 to 1993. Dick passed away surrounded by family on Thursday May 30, 2019 in Seattle, Washington, USA. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Jim and daughter Jennifer.
Dick Robbins was widely regarded as a titan of the tunneling industry and built The Robbins Company into an industry leader, from the first Double Shield machine to modern-day disc cutters for hard rock, to his notable TBM innovations at the Channel Tunnel connecting the U.K. and France. In total he filed 11 U.S. patents and 56 foreign patents in the field of underground mechanical excavation, and ultimately won the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Engineering for his contributions. He accomplished all of this after taking over the company at the age of 25 following the untimely passing of his father James S. Robbins in a plane crash.
“In 1968 when I first had the chance to work for what was then known as James S. Robbins Co., I did not fully appreciate that I was getting a chance to work with the greatest innovator in the tunneling industry,” said Robbins President Lok Home. “Dick was a great mentor as a boss and as a person. He was always pushing the limits of what could be done with TBMs. Dick’s integrity, energy, and passion improved the worldwide tunneling industry, and his creations set many of the industry standards. It has been an honor to further the great name of Robbins in the industry.”
“Dick unselfishly gave back to his industry and to his community,” said consultant and former ITA President Harvey Parker, a long-time friend of the Robbins family. “He was very active in our industry’s professional associations both here in the United States and internationally. I was honored to work closely with Dick during his significant involvement in the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) where he served on the Executive Council for years, was elected First Vice President, and was a leader for the ITA Working Group on Mechanized Tunnelling.” Dick’s many awards garnered over the years included numerous honorary degrees, memberships and directorships in a wide variety of organizations ranging from Virginia Mason Medical Center to the Board of Trustees at his alma mater Michigan Technological University. In 1999, the Engineering News-Record selected him as one of the “125 Top People of the Past 125 Years,” an equipment innovator who “helped shape this nation and the world.”
He was well-known in Seattle for his active contributions in community organizations and sports. “Dick was a wonderful family man,” said Parker. “He was a great personal and professional friend who was always charming and pleasant. He designed and lived in his own innovative floating home (houseboat) on Lake Union in Seattle. He was an avid and very competitive sailor who designed a state-of-the-art sailboat in which he raced worldwide in races such as the famous Sydney-Hobart race. Dick was also very active and competitive in water sports, particularly in rowing crew races. Dick will be sorely missed, not only by those of us in the tunneling industry but also by those in the many other fields of endeavor that he touched during his active life.”
Industry News, trenchless projects
Completion of Excavation a Landmark Event for High-Profile Wastewater Line
On May 23, 2019, a celebration was in order: The last of six 8.93 m (29.3 ft) diameter EPBs had completed excavation at Lot 4 of Mexico City’s Tύnel Emisor Oriente (TEO), a feat marking the completion of ten years and 62.1 km (38.6 mi) of tunneling. “We are proud of having successfully finished the excavation, despite all the adversities we faced, such as large inflows of water, hydraulic loads and constant changes in geology. We solved these by adapting the excavation mode according to each type of geology found,” said Hector Arturo Carrillo, Machinery Manager for Lot 4 contractor Carso Infraestructura y Construcción (CARSO).
Despite multiple challenges, the operation achieved a project record of 30 m (98 ft) in one day, and a high of 528 m (1,732 ft) in one month. It’s a result that, Carillo says, has much to do with the continuous conveyor system being used for muck removal: “It should be noted that our advance rates were achieved thanks to the great Robbins conveyor design. The tunnel conveyor was composed with elements such as the booster, vertical belt, curve idlers, and advancing tail piece, as well as elements on the surface. Personally, I think it is a great, admirable system that has helped us achieve the TBM’s performance.”
The breakthrough was the latest and greatest milestone for an urgently needed wastewater project that spanned some of the most difficult geology ever encountered by EPBs. The 10.2 km (6.3 mi) long Lot 4, running from Shaft 17 to Shaft 13 at depths of up to 85 m (280 ft), included sections of basalt rock interspersed with permeable sands with high water pressure. “Our machines had to go through the worst geology, but they were designed for it,” said Roberto Gonzalez Ramirez, General Manager for Robbins Mexico, of the three Robbins EPBs and continuous conveyor systems used on Lots 3, 4, and 5 of the project.
All of the machines were designed for water pressures from 4 to 6 bars, with mixed ground, back-loading cutterheads to tackle variable ground conditions. High pressure, tungsten carbide knife bits could be interchanged with 17-inch diameter carbide disc cutters depending on the geology. Other features included man locks and material locks designed to withstand pressures up to 7 bar, a redesigned bulkhead, and Hardox plates to reinforce the screw conveyors as well as removable wear plates to further strengthen each screw conveyor flight. The rotary union joint was redesigned to improve cutter change times during cutterhead interventions, while a new scraper design offered more impact resistance in mixed ground conditions with rock.
The Lot 4 TBM was assembled in the launch shaft no. 17 and commissioned in August 2012, with the bridge and all the back-up gantries at the surface. Two months later in October 2012, after advancing 150 m (490 ft), the machine and its back-up were completely assembled in the tunnel. One month later, the continuous conveyor system was installed and running.
After 405 m (1,328 ft) of excavation, the presence of rocks, scrapers, parts of the mixing bars and other wear materials in the excavated muck prompted a cutterhead inspection. With high pressure up to 3.5 bars, it was determined that a hyperbaric intervention was necessary, and on June 2nd, 2013 the first hyperbaric intervention through an EPB in a tunnel was performed in Mexico. However, these interventions were done at great cost and proved to be time-consuming. After about 50 hyperbaric interventions the remainder of the project’s interventions were done in open air. “The interventions carried out in atmospheric mode were the biggest challenge. The great influx of water tested the limits, because we were excavating on a decline. In all of these interventions we had to implement a double pumping system, at both the TBM and the shaft,” said Carrillo. Despite the challenges of pumping water at volumes up to 180 l (48 gal) per second and cleaning fines from the tunnel each time the operation was performed, atmospheric interventions were still lower in cost and quicker than those done at hyperbaric pressure.
Even when conditions were tough, Carrillo felt his operation was well-supported by Robbins Field Service: “Robbins were always present giving ideas and contributing all their experience to solve the problems. One of the most recent examples, almost at the end of this project, was where the machine encountered a blockage to the shield and could not move forward. It became necessary to implement the exceptional pressure hydraulic system, reaching a pressure range of 596 bar on 28 thrust cylinders. Robbins personnel helped us during all that time and we were able to get through it.”
Image 1: On May 23, 2019, a Robbins 8.93 m (29.3 ft) diameter EPB completed the final lot of Mexico City’s Tύnel Emisor Oriente (TEO). Capping 62.1 km (38.6 mi) of tunneling.
Image 2: The Robbins crew celebrates the breakthrough of the Robbins EPB at Lot 4 of TEO, after boring 10.2 km in some of the most difficult geology in Mexico.
Visit the Robbins website for more information.
Industry News, trenchless people
THOMPSON, CONNECTICUT USA, May 1, 2019:
Numa, the world’s leading drilling technology provider, has announced the appointment of Mark Stickney to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mark will succeed Joe Tokarz, who served as CFO for over 30 years and retired in April 2019.
Mark is a finance leader with a proven track record of driving performance and process improvements in highly diversified manufacturing businesses. He brings over 25 years of top level financial experience and leadership to the organization. This is Mark’s second stint with Numa as he was previously a Senior Cost Accountant for the company in the late 1990’s.
“We are very pleased to welcome back Mark as our new CFO,” said Numa President, Ralph Leonard. “Mark’s past experience with Numa and his deep expertise in operational finance makes him uniquely qualified for this role. We look forward to him joining our leadership team and helping us execute on our growth plans while maximizing profitability.”
Prior to joining Numa, Mark served in various finance and accounting management roles for Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. (Euronext: ISIN FR0000125007), a multinational corporation that produces a variety of construction and high-performance materials. In his most recent role, he was Director of Finance Worldwide where he supported a multi-million dollar manufacturing division with multiple global locations. His responsibilities focused on business outcomes and efficient and effective business processes. He holds both a MBA and Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from the Nichols College.
“I’m very excited to re-join Numa,” Mark stated. “Numa is well known for its industry-leading products and service, which make it possible for its customers to quickly solve complex drilling challenges. I look forward to applying my experience to help drive growth and profit for the business.”
ABOUT NUMA
Numa is the world’s leading drilling technology provider, dedicated to ongoing product innovation and results-oriented consistency. We’ve built a strong legacy of high quality, U.S. made hammers and bits for drilling holes 3½ – 50½ inches (89 -1283 mm) in diameter. With over 100 hammer and bit products serving 11 different industries, our products are capable of drilling vertical, horizontal, and reverse circulation holes in hard rock and unconsolidated formations.
Industry News, trenchless people
Jason Dewitt joins the Vermeer team with 12 years of experience of various equipment industry roles
GREENVILLE, South Carolina, May 28, 2019 — Vermeer MV Solutions is building upon its already strong customer service in the drilling industry with the addition of Jason Dewitt as the new west coast regional sales manager based out of Exeter, California. In his new role, Dewitt will manage sales activities within his region and provide quality support to the dealers in those territories by determining dealer sales and marketing needs.
Over the years, Dewitt has held various equipment sales roles with increasing responsibilities — including previous positions with Vermeer Pacific and Vermeer Rocky Mountain. He has also served in the United States Air Force and as a police officer in Billings, Montana, and Visalia, California.
“Jason’s previous roles in equipment sales and his career as a police officer have molded him into an efficient leader with a team-oriented mindset,” said Vermeer MV Solutions director of sales Brian Showley. “We have no doubt that he will be able to hit the ground running with his passions for building strong relationships and providing quality customer service.”
Learn more about Vermeer MV Solutions by visiting Vermeer.com.
Industry News, trenchless people, trenchless projects
The Northeast Chapter of NASTT has launched a magazine that will be beneficial to the gas industry across the United States.
The inaugural issue of Trenchless for Gas Infrastructure magazine is now available as a complementary download. Trenchless for Gas Infrastructure magazine provides understanding, knowledge and technical innovations regarding the specific application of trenchless technology methods for gas distribution and transmission networks.
Trenchless for Gas Infrastructure is focused on the utility and application of trenchless methods in gas distribution pipeline repair and new construction programs. Content includes articles and case studies demonstrating the benefits of using trenchless technology to repair replace and upgrade gas distribution networks.
The magazine is distributed to senior gas operations and construction executives, engineers and consultants, reaching gas utility LDCs across the US. It is also available as a free download on the NASTT website.
Industry News, trenchless products
KOBUS SERVICES are delighted to announce that the business has won the Abbott Award for Innovative Products & Services for their KPP400 series Pipe Puller at the recent NASTT No-Dig Show in Chicago.
The award, bestowed by a specially selected judging panel, was given during the show in appreciation of the truly ground-breaking and innovative nature of the product.
The Kobus Pipe Puller KPP400 series has been recognized as the next generation in efficient and effective trenchless rehabilitation pipe repair and replacement technology.
The award recognizes the effort and investment that has been placed into the development of a system designed to help significantly impact the global problem of old service pipes falling into disrepair, leaking, reaching end of life or creating water quality issues.
Kobus Pipe Puller enables the trenchless replacement of gas and water service pipes connecting mains to properties the world over. Now in use in UK, North America, and Australasia, the benefits of the system include less disruption before, during and after works, lower reinstatement costs, higher productivity and overall reduced cost.
There are also compelling ecological and environmental benefits in completely removing the old pipes from the ground, something other techniques cannot guarantee, eliminating the potential environmental damage leaving it in situ may cause.
Tom Atienza and Simon Drain gratefully received the Award during the show and were mentioned during a presentation at the Gala Dinner.
“The Award was a big surprise as this was our first time visiting and exhibiting at the No Dig Show. NASTT have been enthusiastic supporters of Kobus Pipe Puller and we’ve been working hard to build a North America customer base, which obviously has huge potential and has been very welcoming” said Tom Atienza, operations director.
“We’re grateful to NASTT, sponsors and Benjamin Media for a well-organized No-Dig Show, and congratulations to the other entrants in the Innovative Products Award category”.
Visit kobuspipepuller.com to learn more how Kobus Pipe Puller 300 series (free standing) and 400 series (excavator mounted) can significantly enhance your pipe removal operation.
