Pilot Tube Guided Boring - Guided Boring Machine - Trenchless Small Diameter Pipe Installation HD

Guided Boring Machine (GBM) equipment is used with pipe with outside diameters from 4 to 48 inches. The Guided Boring Method is a trenchless installation method for small diameter pipes with the grade and alignment precision the gravity sewer and water industry demand. The pipe installation involves a three-step process starting with launch and reception shafts strategically located to minimize surface disruption.
For gravity sewer installation, where line and grade accuracy are paramount, the Akkerman Guided Boring Machine provides the precision needed for consistent success.
The first step in the Guided Boring Method is the installation of the pilot tubes on line and grade.
The pilot tubes are inserted through the ground from the launch shaft to the reception shaft.
On the leading end of the pilot tube is the steering head with an angled tip.
In the steering head is a battery powered LED illuminated target that is visible to the operator by means of a theodolite, camera, and monitor.
The theodolite is set on line and grade and is positioned to view the target through the bore of the pilot tube with the cross hairs of the theodolite visible on the monitor along with the illuminated target. The operator rotates the steering head as needed to maintain the desired line and grade. This step is complete when the steering head reaches the reception shaft.
The pilot tubes are a dual walled tube design. This provides a means to lubricate the pilot shaft as it passes through the ground. This lubrication reduces the force required to thrust and rotate during installation.
The second step is to follow the pilot tube with a reaming head and or a bearing swivel joint to match the diameter of the product pipe. The GBM installs pipe from 4 inch to 48 inch OD.
Different types of tooling are available to work in various ground conditions.
The reaming head and auger casings are attached to the pilot tubes and the jacking
frame advances the reaming head and casings into the ground.
With the addition of each section of auger and casings in the launch shaft, a section of pilot tube is removed from the reception shaft. The process continues until the auger and casings reach the reception shaft at which point all the pilot tube sections have been removed.
If a Powered Cutter Head (PCH) or Powered Reaming Head (PRH) is used, it is placed behind the casings and augers and before the final product pipe. The auger spoil flow is reversed toward the reception shaft for removal.
The third step is installation of the product pipe. A pipe adapter is installed on the last section of auger casing to match the product pipe.
As the pipe is thrust into place, the auger casings are removed from the reception shaft. This process continues until the product pipe reaches the reception shaft.
With the installation of the product pipe, the job is complete with minimal impact and disruption to activities in the immediate area.