ABOUT TEAM NEWS FAQ LITERATURE AND MANUALS SELECT LANGUAGE ENGLISH PORTUGUESE SPANISH + 1 (800) 533.0386 EQUIPMENT HOME / EQUIPMENT / HIGH PRESSURE LUBRICATION SYSTEMS Tunnel lubrication plays a pivotal role in the success of all trenchless methods while improving the performance of tunneling, pipe jacking, microtunneling, guided boring, and horizontal directional drilling systems. The right lubrication system not only reduces frictional forces along the pipe string, but today’s advanced systems also incorporate variable flows, pressures, and additional pumping strategies that enhance material flow and maximize the mechanical properties of the trenchless equipment design. A common misconception in the trenchless industry is that the lubricant, often referred to as bentonite slurry, coats the jacking pipe and makes it slippery. While a well‐designed mixture will seem to have these results, lubrication mixtures are formulated based on the site’s geology, trenchless equipment design, and lubrication system capacity to maintain the open annulus created between the cutter head and the jacking pipe. In certain ground conditions, the use of an improper mixture or misapplication can lead to increased jacking loads or even failure. High Pressure Lubrication Systems Below is a general guideline, given as a starting point for your next project. We always recommend consulting with a mud engineer for an on‐site evaluation of your geology. Ground Type Ground Conditions Reactivity Lubrication Mix Coarse Soils Sands, Gravel, Rock Non-Reactive. Does not swell. Does not get sticky. Water (pH-controlled), Bentonite. Addition of PAC or Xantham Gum may be required Fine Soils Clay & Shale Reactive. Tendency to swell with water. Can get sticky. Water (pH-controlled), Bentonite with clay inhibitor. Surfactant to reduce stickiness Mixed Soils Variable Ground may react differently depending on the ratio of coarse/fine material Mixture of Bentonite, Flocculant, or clay Inhibitor Akkerman produces a complete family of lubrication/mud pumps suited for the trenchless industry’s rigorous demands. High‐pressure lubrication pumps are the perfect complement to extend distances during pilot tube installations. These same systems are versatile and mobile for any trenchless project, like pipe jacking, microtunneling, auger boring, directional drilling, and vertical drilling applications, to name a few. PRINT THIS PAGE TESTIMONIALS Since the very first time we contacted Akkerman in 2006 they have been nothing but helpful! We did a RPO on a pilot tube system for a project and the rest is history. We have 3 pilot tube systems and other Akkerman equipment now and would not change a thing. They are a high-quality manufacturer, and they provide excellent after the sale support (to include supporting us on Akkerman equipment bought from other contractors) with in stock parts and technical assistance. SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY + 1 (800) 533.0386 58256 266th Street Brownsdale, MN 55918 CAREERS JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER