Horizontal Directional Drilling
The exit pit of a horizontal directional drilling operation is a particularly hazardous location.
Go to article
FM13X Fluid Management
Make Short Work of Mixing
Though oftentimes overlooked, fluid management is a critical part of the full horizontal directional drilling (HDD) process. It is critical in following certain safety regulations, but also to help keep costs down and productivity up. The updated line of Ditch Witch fluid management systems sets the standards for fluid management in the HDD industry. The updated systems incorporate new design features to meet the high-standards for drill productivity, improve drilling fluid flow, increase durability and provide faster mixing cycle times and yield times. The Ditch Witch family of fluid management systems includes the FT5, FM5X, FM13X and FM25X to meet the needs of any small- to mid-sized HDD project.
FM13X
Features and Benefits
The FM13X is powered by a 11.7-hp engine and equipped with an optional 400-gallon (1514.1-L), 500-gallon (1,892.7-L) or 950-gallon (3,596.14-L) tank to match the needs of mid-size utility-installation jobs. The unit supports all sizes of HDD drill units.
A high-performance Flomax® pump delivers 200-gpm (757-L/min) of 42-viscosity drilling fluid.
A one-piece mixing jet handles 8 bags, yielding up to 950 gallons (3785 L) of fluid in fewer than 8 minutes.
A new wet hopper design increases the venturi inlet from 1.25- to 2-inches - a 60 percent larger opening for material flow and superior fluid mixing. And, steep sides incorporated into the design help speed mixing cycles.
An updated, internal venturi design optimizes fluid velocity, increasing overall system productivity.
Designed with a powder-coated finish, the unit is more durable, economical and resistant to chips, rusting or fading.
FM13X
SUPERIOR SUPPORT
Your Ditch Witch equipment is backed by a worldwide network of dealers you can count on for unmatched commitment to your success. From genuine Ditch Witch parts to factory-trained service to expert advice, your Ditch Witch dealer has it all for you.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Dimensions | U.S | Metric | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing system w/400-gallon tank | |||
| Height | 69 in | 1.75 m | |
| Width | 20 in | 510 mm | |
| Length | 100 in | 2.54 m | |
| Weight, full of water | 3,803 lb | 1725 kg | |
| Weight, empty | 955 lb | 433 kg | |
| Mixing unit | 450 lb | 204 kg | |
| Mixing system w/500-gallon tank | |||
| Length | 150 in | 3810 mm | |
| Width | 31 in | 787 mm | |
| Height | |||
| Tank assembly w/out fill pipe | 68 in | 1727 mm | |
| Tank assembly w/fill pipe | 75 in | 1905 mm | |
| Mixing unit | 450 lb | 205 kg | |
| Weight, empty | 550 lb | 250 kg | |
| Weight, full of water | 5,160 lb | 2345 kg | |
| Mixing system w/1,000-gallon tank | |||
| Length | 180 in | 4572 mm | |
| Width | 42 in | 1067 mm | |
| Height | |||
| Tank assembly w/out fill pipe | 72 in | 1829 mm | |
| Tank assembly w/fill pipe | 80 in | 2032 mm | |
| Mixing unit | 450 lb | 205 kg | |
| Weight, empty | 1,050 lb | 477 kg | |
| Weight, full of water | 9,840 lb | 4473 kg |
Fluid/Mixing System
| Fluid/Mixing System | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal pumps | |||
| Suction port diameter | 3 in | 76 mm | |
| Discharge port diameter | 3 in | 76 mm | |
| Fluid pressure, max | 50 psi | 3.4 bar | |
| Pump discharge rate, water, max | 270 gpm | 1020 l/min | |
| Flow rate to boring unit, max | 220 gpm | 830 l/min | |
| Drilling fluid tank capacity | 500/1,000 gal | 1893/3785 L | |
| Solids addition rate, w/metering plate | 30 lb/min | 14 kg/m | |
| Solids addition rate, w/out metering plate | 75 lb/min | 34 kg/m | |
| Mixing hopper capacity (each hopper) | 1 ft3 | 28 L | |
| Typical tank mixing time | 7-10 mm |
Power
| Power | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Honda® GX390 | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | ||
| Cooling medium | Air | ||
| Number of cylinders | 1 | ||
| Displacement | 23.7 in3 | 0.39 L | |
| Bore | 3.46 in | 88 mm | |
| Stroke | 2.52 in | 64 mm | |
| Manufacturer's gross power rating | 11.7 hp | 8.7 kW | |
| Rated speed | 3,600 rpm | ||
| Emissions compliance | EPA Phase 2 | EU Stage II |
Fluid Capacities
| Fluid Capacities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank | 6 gal | 23 L | |
| Engine lubrications oil, including filter | 1.2 qt | 1.1 L | |
| Specifications are general and subject to change without notice. If exact measurements are required, equipment should be weighed and measured. Due to selected options, delivered equipment may not necessarily match that shown. | |||
We’ve made a wide variety of valuable safety information available in one convenient location. Ditch Witch Safe is dedicated to providing the resources you need to operate your equipment safely.
