Blog, trenchless products
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor and winner of one of NASTT’s 2017 Innovative Product Awards, Deep Trekker.
Deep Trekker, Inc. is your complete headquarters for high-quality, commercial-grade remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), also called underwater drones, specifically designed and developed to make underwater observation easy and affordable. Deep Trekker offers an extensive selection of submersible robots with cameras that are portable, easy to use and require no maintenance. What’s more, you can deploy our ROVs and Pipe Crawlers from just about anywhere — you don’t have to set up bulky, cumbersome generators or topside boxes.
They offer three complete robotic systems that can meet a variety of needs such as video inspection, light work, etc. Different package options are available so you can further customize the ROV system to your specific requirements.
DTG2: The world’s first fully portable ROV, the DTG2 is a commercial-grade mini ROV equipped with a patented pitching system for maximum maneuverability. The internal ROV camera offers an expansive field of vision you can easily control with the handheld controller device.
DTX2: The DTX2 is the world’s first fully portable vectored ROV — it is equipped with vectored thrusters that facilitate lateral movement and working in higher currents. Based on the same principles of the flagship DTG2 ROV system, the DTX2 ROV provides robust inspections for dives up to 1000 feet.
DT340: A wheeled or track vehicle, the DT340 provides ideal traction for inspecting wet or dry pipes. With internal batteries, the DT340 pipe crawler provides the portability you need and is submersible up to 50 meters.
D
eep Trekker was awarded NASTT’s Abbott Innovative Product Award at the 2017 No-Dig Show for their DT-340 Pipe Crawler! Congratulations Deep Trekker!
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 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.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless products
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor AP/M Permaform!
Action Products Marketing Corp. (AP/M) began rehabilitating manholes in 1975 with their patented PERMAFORM® system for replacement of manholes without digging and without interrupting flows. Their crews were sent throughout the US to perform this unique solution. Cities soon realized that lining sewer pipes without sealing their manholes only transferred the problem but did not eliminate it. Manhole rehabilitation quickly began to receive the attention it deserved and project requests started to come in from all across the country. The work load began to exceed the ability of AP/M to keep up with this ever-expanding market with just its own crews. A network of affiliated contractors and representatives were soon organized.
Since 1975, AP/M has been the industry leader in manhole renewal. It remains committed to developing the best products for the manhole renewal industry applied consistently through the best regional contractors available. AP/M and its network of licensed applicators believe “consistently high quality is the best guarantee for customer satisfaction.”
AP/M believes that successful rehabilitation requires quality products and quality workmanship. The only way to ensure that contractors will perform to the same high standards that they have set for themselves is to train and to license local installers. AP/M has trained and certified more than twenty regional applicators throughout the US and Europe.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people, trenchless products
We are proud to spotlight NASTT’s 2017 No-Dig Show Silver Sponsor and Corporate Member American Augers.
American Augers builds the largest category of horizontal directional drills in the industry and a full range of auger boring machines. Developed and handcrafted in the USA, with the rugged user in mind, American Augers rigs are built to last and backed with 24-hour worldwide support.
Since 1970 American Augers has been the industry leader in auger boring technology and a continual pioneer in design and manufacturing. The one simple goal has been to make sure that customers are given a machine that has an enormous range of thrust, torque, and horsepower to meet the challenges of any working environment. In addition to auger boring machines, American Augers offers maxi-rig directional drills, mid-size directional drills, large scale trenchers, mud pumps and recyclers, product tooling and accessories and surface miners.
American Augers, Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative products and services that meet or exceed the expectations of their global customers while complying with safety and regulatory requirements. The company continually monitors products, processes and customer interactions with the goal of enhancing our customer’s total satisfaction.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless products
Hutchinson, Kansas – StraightLine HDD, Inc. announced the implementation of an upgrade to its popular Performix Mud Mix System. At the heart of the Performix System is the centrifugal pump, which generates the best laminar flow in the industry.
The performance pump now features an upgraded silicon-carbide shaft seal. Compared to traditional ceramic seals, the new seal represents a considerable advancement in resiliency when subjected to the highly abrasive elements present in mud mixing. In field testing, silicon carbide seals improve service life by a factor of three over ceramic seals.
The Performix pump retains its lubricated housing feature, which protects the pump seal from mechanical damage if the pump ever runs dry.
The new seal is a direct, no-modification required, replacement to the existing ceramic seal.
eep Trekker was awarded NASTT’s Abbott Innovative Product Award at the 2017 No-Dig Show for their DT-340 Pipe Crawler! Congratulations Deep Trekker!
