According to Adam Bates, product manager for Vermeer Corporation, the cost associated with properly disposing of used drilling fluid and hydro-excavation spoils are on the rise because of higher fees, reduced number of facilities accepting drilling slurry and increased travel time for offloading vacuum excavators. “Fluid disposal can have a substantial impact on a project’s success,” Bates said. “At Vermeer, we are committed to producing cost-effective solutions for fluid management. In addition to the Vermeer line of reclaimers for larger-diameter pipeline work, we now have the MUD Hub for contractors doing utility work.”
With the MUD Hub, vacuum excavator operators drive over the swing-open hatch above the 2,000-gal (7,570.8 L) ST2000 slat tank, designed for vacuum excavator dumping, to empty their tanks — no backing up to a pit required. A swing-open hatch helps to make the process more efficient and reduces excess splattering. The slurry mixture is then routed up the 84” (213.4 cm) variable speed conveyor, where it is then loaded into the 750-gallon (2,839.1 L) infeed hopper of the STS FL-243 solidification mixer. The STS FL-243 solidification mixer combines slurry from drilling fluid or hydro-excavation with a superabsorbent polymer before being discharged onto the ground or into a roll-off dumpster. In as little as 15 minutes, the slurry will begin to set up as a stackable material that is convenient to transport and may now be disposed of at a landfill, used as ground cover or added to composting mixes, depending on what additives were used in the drilling fluid.
The MUD Hub can be operated by one person from multiple control station locations for jobsite flexibility, and feed and dosage rates are made from the STS FL-243 solidification mixer’s control center. The ST2000 slat tank has a self-cleaning tank design, as well as slip-resistant floors.
With integrated lift points and a convenient setup design, the MUD Hub is convenient to transport with minimal preparation to begin running on a jobsite.
For more information about the Vermeer Mud Hub system, visit vermeer.com or contact your local Vermeer dealer.
About Vermeer
Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality tree care, environmental, underground construction, surface mining, and agricultural equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer Corporation, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com.
The FL-243 is a product designed and produced by Surface to Surface Inc., and is exclusively available from Vermeer dealers. The ST2000 is a product designed and produced by Vermeer Corporation, and is exclusively available from Vermeer dealers. Changes in product engineering, design and specifications; improvements; or manufacturing and distribution may be made at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional or global-region specific features, accessories or components. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2018 Surface to Surface Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2018 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
