Guided Auger Boring with the Akkerman Pilot Tube Guided Boring System - How it Works

Guided Auger Boring is the method of accurately installing pipelines by using a guided boring machine (GBM) system in conjunction with an auger boring machine to:
Ensure bore accuracy,
maximize drive lengths,
expedite installations,
avert downtime associated with failed bores, and
obtain project savings.
[0:21] Pilot Tube Installation
[1:14] Ensure Bore Accuracy with the Akkerman GBM Guidance System
[1:36] Introduce Lubrication Using Dual-Wall Pilot Tubes
[2:32] Increase the Bore Diameter with a Weld-On Reaming Head
[2:51] Pilot Tube Break Out Tool
[3:36] High Thrust Bearing Swivels for Hard Ground
[3:29] Introduce Lubrication to the Cutter Head through the Pilot Tube String
[4:13] Retract the Cutter Head to Remove Obstacles While Pilot Tubes Maintain Alignment
The Akkerman GBM guidance system can maintain line and grade with optical clarity up to 600 linear feet. Line and grade are achieved using a camera-mounted theodolite, an LED target, and an outdoor flat-screen computer monitor.
The target is installed inside the steering head adapter. The theodolite’s crosshairs are aligned to the drive’s line and grade, and the camera relays this data to the computer monitor that is mounted on the jacking frame. Dual-wall pilot tubes are installed behind the steering head adapter, allowing for visibility of the target through the inner tube. As subsequent pilot tubes are installed, the operator monitors the target’s position on the computer monitor and makes steering head corrections as necessary to stay on target.
The GBM jacking frame generates the force and rotational torque needed to push and steer the steering head and pilot tubes through the ground.
When the steering head has reached the reception shaft, line and grade have been established for subsequent tooling and pipe installation with the auger boring machine.
The guidance system and GBM jacking frame are removed from the launch shaft and the auger bore machine is positioned on the track to accommodate the steel casing length. A pilot tube adapter connects to the last pilot tube to the lead casing with cutter bit, increase tooling or reaming head.
The auger boring machine finishes the installation of the steel casing as the interior augers remove the soil. As the tooling string advances, pilot tubes are simultaneously un-threaded in the receiving area.
Akkerman Increase Tooling Options
In soft, non-compacted ground, where the casing can be easily advanced with the thrust of the auger boring machine, a Weld-On Reaming Head (WORH) is used to increase the steel casing diameter. The arms on the WORH cut the soil into chunks, much like a cookie-cutter, which allows it to be enveloped into the casings for removal by the augers. As this process unfolds, the casing follows the line and grade established by the pilot tubes.
In harder ground, a Guide Rod Swivel (GRS) 50 is used to increase to the final casing diameter. The assembly comprises a universal bearing swivel, an interchangeable cutter head, and a pilot tube guide rod. Combined they are able to withstand up to 50 tons of continuous thrust to excavate the stiff and difficult ground. The cutter head features retractable wings cutters, and a bearing swivel that connects to the auger string and can be pulled back from the casing is an obstacle is encountered and reconnected with the guide rod without losing line and grade. Lubrication can be run from the reception shaft through the pilot tubes and guide rod to flush the cutter head.
For more information about our GBM equipment, or any of our other robust and versatile equipment solutions, contact us!
We wish to thank Michael Byrne Manufacturing for the use of the auger boring system featured in this animation.
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58256 266th Street, Brownsdale, MN 55918 | USA
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