Quick switch, no downtime
On this job, a rental mixing unit is temporarily in use. The original setup – a SiteTec mixing unit in operation for around 12 years – was in the workshop for maintenance. A quick switch was needed. Friday evening the call came in, Monday morning the unit was loaded and on its way.
At the jobsite, we meet Ger, a seasoned HDD operator who has worked for years with Hanab’s SiteTec mixing system with two compartments. He notices the difference immediately. "With two tanks, you can run the active system in one while mixing a controlled batch in the other. It makes it easier to keep your fluid recipe consistent. This temporary setup works differently: no pre-charge pump and a single tank."
Working with what the ground gives you
During the visit, we go through the setup together and look at possible improvements. Think about positioning of the unit on site or the hopper design. "A wider edge and more central positioning could help reduce bentonite loss during filling," Ger suggests.
At the same time, this jobsite shows how important flexibility is. Steel slag in the soil causes interference with the tracking systems, making steering difficult. An attempt was made to go deeper, but a gravel layer was encountered at eight metres. The team is now drilling at eleven metres to move forward. To keep up the pace, the crew is working in shifts and running 24/7.
Fine-tuning in practice
Afterwards, the conversation continues. A photo of a new build M2000 unit with access steps and an operator platform with safety rail is shared, matching the kind of additions Ger would like to see. And after some more time on the single tank unit and a hands-on explanation, Ger confirms the temporary setup is mixing well by simply controlling the valves as designed. Two tanks make batch mixing easier, while a single tank keeps things straightforward with fewer valves to operate.
Thanks to the team for the warm welcome!
