A New Project Of Microtunneling Slurry Separation System

April 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Recently we are studying microtunneling slurry separation system. This is a new project for GN solids control, but the work principle is similar to the slurry separation system used for other project. Our rich experience of design and manufacture help us a lot in the study.

A world famous company MICROTUNNELING INC.done the same thing with us- providers of equipment and consulting to the microtunneling industry.

http://www.gn-desander-desilter.com/

As the name implies, microtunneling is used to construct small tunnels. These small diameter tunnels make it impossible to have an operator in the machine itself. Instead, the microtunnel boring machine or MTBM must be operated remotely. Usually the operator controls the machine from a control room on the surface of the ground. The operator is given constant feedback about the machine’s location, orientation and hydraulic devices via a computer console. Most machines also have video cameras set up to give the operator more information. The operator can then control the MTBM and the jacking frame from the safety of the control room.

In most microtunneling operations the pipe is inserted from the entry and pushed behind the machine. This is a process often called Pipe Jacking. As the machine advances, more tunnel liner is pushed from the entrance. Thus, the speed of the advancing machine is controlled by the speed at which the pipe is inserted into the entrance.
A case of microtunneling slurry separation system project.

http://www.gnsolidscontrol.com/drilling-fluids/slurry-sep...

As the length of tunnel increases, the friction of the ground around the pipe increases as well. Usually, two practices are used to minimize this friction. First, over-cutting is used to give a slight gap between the inner edge of the tunnel and the outer edge of the liner. Usually this is achieved by using a cutter wheel with a diameter ½ inch (12mm) to 4 inches (100mm) larger than the outside diameter of the liner. Secondly, an economical and ecologically friendly lubricant, often bentonite slurry, is injected into this gap. In addition to lubrication, the pressure of the lubricant prevents the gap from collapsing.

While friction can be reduced, it can never be eliminated, and so hundreds of tons of force are required to push the machine and liner into the ground. A large “jacking frame” is required to produce these forces. In most cases the entrance must be modified to support this frame and the forces it generates.

In addition to the jacking frame, smaller jacks, called “interjacks”, may be inserted between sections of tunnel liner. These push the two sections of liner apart. Friction on the liner sections between the interjack and the tunnel entrance helps to prevent the liner from sliding out backwards. So while the liner behind the interjack does not move, those sections in front of it receive additional pushing force.

http://oilfield.gnsolidscontrol.com/dredged-slurry-separa...

Although the above requirement takes the microtunneling design for reference, but GN chief engineer has his own opinion. If our design can reach the same target, no matter what model/brand equipment we use in the system. So we take the treating capacity and tank capacity as the main parameter, use our GN solids control equipment to assemble a complete set slurry separation system. After adjustment, we thought the target has reached our as-designed configuration.

If you have better suggestion for GN solids control, welcome to share your opinion with us.

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GN-Solids control is a China solids control equipments professional manufacturer.Our solids control equipments can be used in both onshore and offshore oilfield for oil gas well drilling fluids circulation-Drilling mud complete solids control.