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No dig construction machine

(847 products available)

About no dig construction machine

Types of no-dig construction machines

A no-dig construction machine comes in a variety of types for different applications in trenchless technology.

  • Directional drilling machine:

    A directional drilling machine does precise horizontal drilling. It is suitable for drilling under obstacles like roads, rivers, and buildings. The key components of the machine include an oscillator, a drill head, a drill pipe, a mud pump, and a receiver. It uses a pilot bit to make the first hole. On the receiver side, the drill string is pulled back. During this process, the rest of the hole is reamed and expanded to the right size for the new object to be put in.

  • Micro tunneling machine:

    Micro tunneling machines are controlled remotely. They can dig small-diameter tunnels using a pushing system. In addition, the machine can excavate soil or rock. A hydromachine works with a slurry pipeline to remove the material. Micro tunneling works well for creating pipelines under roads, rivers, or in urban areas.

  • Pipe bursting machine:

    Pipe bursting machines are used to replace old pipes with new ones. The size of the new pipe can be the same or larger than the old one. This type of machine breaks the old pipe up and pushes the pieces into the soil. At the same time, it pulls in a new pipe at the front. A pipe bursting machine helps to lay water, sewage, or gas pipelines in a fast and efficient way.

  • Auger boring machine:

    An auger boring machine (ABM) excavates soil to install pipes, conduits, or tunnels. The ABM consists of a cutting head, an auger flight, a thrust system, and a jacking system. It is commonly used for making straight holes in soft to hard soils. An auger boring machine works well under roads, railways, and riverbanks.

  • Cross Laser Drilling Machine:

    A Laser Drill Machine offers a non-contact method of drilling precise holes or micro-holes in small diameter pipes. It uses high-power energy beams to vaporize material and create the desired geometry and location of holes. The diameter of holes can range from tenths of millimeters to microns. The machine is good for industries like making automotive parts, electronics, medical devices, or fuel injectors.

  • Plasma Drill machine:

    A Plasma Drill Machine utilizes the plasma arc to melt and vaporize material. It creates a wide range of holes with different shapes and sizes. The plasma drill uses a gun-like torch that fires an electric arc containing hot plasma. This generates heat to do the drilling. The machine can be used in making wells in aerospace, oil and gas extraction, and geothermal energy.

Specifications & Maintenance of no-dig construction machines

Specifications

No-dig construction machines generally have the following specifications.

  • Size and Weight: Typical no-dig equipment weighs anywhere from a few hundred kilograms to 5,000 kg, depending on its type, size, and power. Machine sizes can vary, but they usually range from 2.0m x 0.9m x 1.5m to 4.0m x 2.0m x 2.5m.
  • Power Source: A typical HDD machine's power comes from diesel engines that range from 50 kW to over 200 kW. Small machines can use electric power of up to 10 kW, but bigger ones may include hydraulic and pneumatic power.
  • Drilling Diameter: Drilling machines generally have different drilling diameters. DP-100 models, for instance, have a diameter of 70mm, whereas DP-200 models have a diameter of 100mm. Bigger models, like DP-300, can even support a diameter of 300mm.
  • Drilling Depth: Depending on the drill pipe's length and the quality of the machine's hydraulic system, the depth of no-dig drilling can vary. Machines with a standard drill pipe length of 3m may reach depth of at least 3m but offset drilling can achieve depths of over 100m.

Maintenance

The smooth operation and longevity of no-dig machines depend on regular maintenance.

  • Daily Checks: Each day before beginning work, operators should do visual inspections of the machine. They should look for normal things like loose parts or signs of abnormal wear. Operators should check the hydraulic oil, water, and fuel levels. They should ensure that filters are clean and controls are functional.
  • Weekly Maintenance: Every week, after about five days of use, machines should have more thorough checks. Hydraulic hoses should be inspected for leaks or damages. Belts and chains should be checked for the right tension and adjusted as necessary. All moving parts should be lubricated according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Monthly Service: Every month, after 20 to 25 days of use, more extensive servicing should be done. Air and fuel filters should be inspected and replaced if they are dirty. The cooling system should be checked for any issues like leaks or clogs. Engine parts like the spark plugs and battery terminals should be cleaned and checked.

Scenarios

  • Trenchless technology

    No-dig construction machines are a significant part of the trenchless technology field. This technology solves problems related to pipe laying and repair, as well as those of other subsurface utility management without digging open trenches. The options of the no-dig technique range from boring holes to directional drilling, which creates a path for new pipes to be installed in the ground.

  • Urban areas

    In busy urban areas where streets and sidewalks are in constant use and other structures are nearby, no-dig construction allows utilities like water, gas, or fiber optic lines to be installed or upgraded without the need for large surface disruption.

  • Landscaped areas

    No-dig methods are useful when there are fragile or valuable landscapes to preserve, as in the case of landscaping and tree root systems. Here, no-dig construction will provide for utility installations or repairs under or around these areas with minimal environmental impact or disturbance.

  • Crossing obstacles

    No-dig construction offers solutions in scenarios where traditional digging is not feasible due to existing structures and obstacles. Examples include huge buildings, other underground utilities, or watercourses. In such cases, no-dig methods will provide for horizontal drilling or micro-tunneling to create new utility corridors without the imposition of large surface excavation.

  • Remote access

    In remote access scenarios where established utility corridors are already set, no-dig construction offers solutions without the need for extensive access. Through situational methods such as the lateral connection, jetting, or water jetting, new utilities can be installed or existing ones repaired through already established utility corridors.

How to choose no dig construction machines

  • Scope of work:

    The type and size of the machine chosen will largely depend on the scale of the work. For instance, in the case of a simple pipe repair or replacement, a no dig construction tool like a core drill or trenchless liner may be sufficient.

  • Ease of use:

    Machines that come with detailed manuals and training programs are preferable. Additionally, the availability of local technicians for repair and service can be another important facilitation in training programs.

  • Technology features:

    It could be helpful to pick a machine with additional technological features like a digital control panel or a self-contained operation to make the process easier and more efficient.

  • Attachment options:

    It can be important to choose a machine that has different attachment options. This allows business buyers to use one machine for different kinds of tasks.

  • Eco-friendly options:

    With the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, it may be worth considering trenchless technologies that use no dig machines powered by renewable energy sources or that minimize environmental impact.

  • Budget:

    Finally, the budget will play a key role in deciding the kind of no-dig construction technology that is ultimately selected. Buying in bulk may allow for a slightly larger budget if several machines are needed. Leasing options or trenchless machine rental services may be a more cost-effective solution for finding a large number of machines in the short term.

No dig construction machine FAQ

Q1: How does the no dig construction method impact the flow of traffic during construction?

A1: One of the main benefits of the no dig construction technique is minimal disruption to traffic and the public. Traditional construction methods, such as large open cut techniques, would create significant traffic diversions. However, no dig techniques would only create point or line diversions at excavation sites.

Q2: Are no dig construction methods cost-effective for large-scale projects?

A2: The cost effectiveness of no dig construction methods depends on the scale and complexity of a project. Machine rental fees for trenchless methods may be higher than for conventional techniques. However, these are usually offset by savings from reduced digging, quicker completion, and lower disruption costs.

Q3: Can no dig methods be used in environmentally sensitive areas without damaging them?

A3: The no dig methods are very useful in protecting delicate landscapes. Techniques such as pipe bursting or moling can allow new services to be installed through close proximity to protected sites, like those with trees. This is without disturbing the root systems. Furthermore, inserting new pipelines via horizontal directional drilling is possible from a single site over several miles. It means that intricate light or low impact access can be used in ecologically sensitive areas.