Over the last decade, reclaimers (recyclers, mud recycling systems) have become a staple for large-diameter pipeline horizontal directional drilling (HDD) installation work. Given the volume of drilling fluid required on large-diameter pipeline bores, recycling returns can be a beneficial option compared to disposing of the fluids after a single use. According to Adam Bates, product manager for fluid management at Vermeer, using a reclaimer can be cost-effective and help crews operate more efficiently, too.
“The key to getting peak performance from a reclaimer is choosing a unit that can keep up with the maximum rate of the fluid being pumped down the drill string,” Bates explained. “For large-diameter pipeline HDD projects that require higher fluid volume, Vermeer recently introduced the R600T reclaimer, which is capable of cleaning up to 600 gallons per minute (2,271.2 L/min) of used drilling fluid.” This model is designed to keep pace with maxi rigs using high-pressure mud pumps like the Vermeer SA400 high-pressure mud pump, which can pump up to 550 gallons per minute (2,082 L/min).”
Latest reclaimers
This Vermeer reclaimer is the successor to the popular Vermeer R9x12T reclaimer widely used in the pipeline industry. It is part of the latest generation of reclaimers from Vermeer, starting with the R250C reclaimer. Bates said the R600T reclaimer is an ideal machine for pipeline HDD work because it is so efficient and thorough at separating sand and coarse silts from drilling fluids. “The R600T also offers excellent jobsite flexibility with its ability to work in conjunction with a range of maxi rig drill sizes,” he added.
The three-tank (scalped, middle and clean) R600T reclaimer has a total fluid capacity of 7,729 gallons (29,257.4 L), and it can process 1,100 gallons per minute (4,163.9 L/min) of drilling slurry for a true cleaning capacity suited for HDD projects in the 600-gallons-per-minute (2,271.2-L/min) range. The drilling slurry cycles through two 10-inch (25.4-cm) desanders and a desilter manifold with 16 5-inch (12.7-cm) desilters to help remove sand and coarse material before being deposited onto the unit’s linear motion shaker decks. The unique design of the desilter manifold reduces turbulence when the liquid exits the hydrocyclone to help minimize recycled sand content and keep spoil/soil moisture levels low.
Choice of power source
Also, contractors can choose their own power source for the R600T reclaimer. They can configure the reclaimer with an onboard generator set or connect it to another power source they are already using on the job. “Many contractors prefer to rent support equipment on large-diameter pipeline HDD projects,” explained Bates. “Equipped with quick-connect electrical cables, crews can quickly connect the reclaimer to a rented generator or even a shared gen set that may also be powering the drill’s operator cabin.”
With a one-level working deck, fast deploying walkway and centralized main controls area, the R600T sets up quickly and is efficient to operate.
Efficient, serviceable design
To help reduce the number of parts contractors need to keep on hand, the team at Vermeer designed the Vermeer R600T reclaimer to use the same pumps and motors across the entire mud recycling system. The reclaimer also used standard pre-tension screens to help minimize replacement costs.
Right reclaimer selection
The size of the Vermeer R600T reclaimer complements a wide range of maxi rig drills and mud motors. If you need help determining if this reclaimer is right for your next large-diameter pipeline HDD project, contact your local Vermeer dealer. Learn more about the R600T reclaimer’s features today.
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