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Mixing the Fluid
WARNING
If you run the engine when the mixing valves
are not adjusted as directed, the pump can
direct fluid out through the hopper and push
the grate into the air.
Ensure that the mixing valves are adjusted
appropriately and that the grate is tethered to
the hopper, before starting the engine.
WARNING
Drilling fluid can be very slippery. If there are
drilling-fluid components on the ground or
other surfaces, someone could slip and fall,
resulting in serious personal injury.
Wear slip-resistant footwear and use caution
while working in areas with drilling-fluid
components.
There is a variety of materials available for creating
different types of drilling fluid. Match the drilling fluid
to suit the needs of the soil conditions, and follow the
manufacturer's instructions that are printed on the
packaging of the product.
Note:
The order in which you add the components
of the fluid is important. Follow the instructions of the
manufacturers.
1.
Ensure that the grate is tethered to the hopper
and that the valves are adjusted appropriately;
refer to
Adjusting the Valves (page
2.
Add the appropriate amount of water to the tank
through the hatch
If you are using water from a ditch or a pond,
place a very fine screen over the inlet of the
hose to prevent unwanted material from entering
the mixing system.
Ensure that there is enough room for additives
in the mixing system.
3.
Start the engine; refer to
(page
12).
4.
Test the pH of the water. If it is below 8, add
soda ash until the pH is 8 or higher.
Note:
Supplies for testing pH are available
where swimming-pool supplies are sold.
5.
Slightly open the valve at the bottom of the
hopper.
Note:
The valve works more effectively when it
is open only slightly; it creates a vacuum effect
10).
(Figure
8).
Starting the Engine
that allows the dry components to enter the
mixer at a faster rate.
6.
Add the appropriate amount of bentonite to the
hopper.
Note:
Add the bentonite slowly to avoid
clumping—1 bag in approximately 3 to 5
minutes. Open the tank cover and look to ensure
that the fluid components are mixing correctly.
If you see any clumps, add the components at
a slower rate.
7.
After you have added the appropriate amount of
bentonite, add any polymers that the particular
soil conditions require.
8.
Lastly, add any other liquids that the soil
conditions require.
9.
Close the hopper valve.
10.
Allow the machine to thoroughly mix the fluid for
several minutes.
Pumping the Fluid to the
Drill
DANGER
The fluid mixer will be electrified if the hose
is attached to the drill and the drill strikes
an electrical line. Contacting the fluid mixer
during an electrical strike may cause bodily
harm.
• Ensure that the fluid-mixer frame and the
tank frame are bonded to the ground rod.
• If a strike occurs, stay away from the fluid
mixer and the drill. Do not contact the
mixer until the electrical strike has been
corrected.
1.
Use the transfer hose (provided) to connect the
mixer and the drill.
Note:
The mixer has a male camlock fitting
(Figure
17) located after the transfer valve.
13
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