Ditch Witch Fluid Mixing System Offers Dual Tanks, Auxiliary Power

The model FM50 is the largest of four stand-alone, modular fluid systems for efficiently mixing drrilling fluid additives with water and delivering the drilling fluid to directional drilling units for drilling, backreaming and product pullback.

The unit is powered by a 20-kW generator whick is driven by a 50-horsepower (37-kW) Kubota diesel engine. The unit can operate at 50Hz or 60Hz to match the customer”s needs. The engine”s sound-reducing enclosure makes the model FM50 the quietest unit in the industry. It produces just 79 decibels of sound pressure and 100 decibels of sound power at full throttle. Auxiliary power outlets offer the ability to run a battery charger, heaters, lights and other electric tools without the need of a seperate jobsite generator. At the same time, this innovative power plant/generator configuration is the most maintenance-free unit in its class. Fuel capacity for the system allows up to eight hours of operation at high speed and up to 14 hours at low speed.

The unit comes equipped with two 1000-gallon (3786 L) mixing tanks. Independently driven mixing/transfer pumps offer simultaneous mixing, transferring and fluid delivery to the directional drilling unit. The electric-powered transfer pumps eliminate the posibility of hydraulic spills, making it environmentally safe. The two-tank system is capable of adding a 50-pound (23-kg) bag of dry additive in 30 seconds. Operating simutaneously, each tank can mix a 1000-gallon (3786-L) tank of 42 viscosity drilling fluid in six to eight minutes.

The unit comes equipped with two mixing stations. Each station has a hopper for dry fluid additives, and another for liquid additives and enhancers. A convenient “rinse-down” feature offers easy hopper cleaning and can also be used to quickly draw a drilling fluid sample for inspection.

Tanks, engine and hoppers can be configured to meet individual requirements for mounting on a trailer or truck. Additionally, the power plant can be located away from the mixing station to help reduce noise and the amount of foreign materials introduced into engine components.

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The FM50 system is designed to be used with Ditch Witch Jet Trac ® directional drilling systems, and it also works with other brands of directional drilling equipment. The Ditch Witch organization specializes in the design and maufacture of high-quality underground construction equipment. The company is a one-stop source for trenchers, vibratory plows, pneumatic piercing tools, backhoes, electronic tracking and locating tools, horizontal directional drilling systems, drill pipe, downhole tools, vacuum excavation systems, excavator-tool carriers, mini skid steers and pipebursting systems.

The Ditch Witch name is one you can trust for your equipment and financial needs. Ditch Witch Financial Services (DWFS) is a full-service provider, offering a wide variety of finance and lease options to meet your individual requirements.

All of these products are recognized around the world for their advanced design, rugged construction, long-term durability, ease of use, and reliability. This product line represents the most complete range of equipment for installing utilities underground. For more information about the FM50, please call 800-654-6481 or visit ditchwitch.com