Since 1962, TRACTO-TECHNIK has transformed from a small garage operation with four employees into a global leader in trenchless technology, now employing more than 500 people worldwide. With over 350 patents securing its innovations, the company stands at the forefront of underground construction solutions.
The company's comprehensive product range includes the advanced GRUNDODRILL systems and horizontal directional drilling equipment, designed for precise underground pipeline installation and renewal. Their latest innovation showcases this commitment to excellence - a specialized bore rig operating from a mere 65-centimeter keyhole diameter, significantly reducing surface disruption.
Supporting over 60 global partners across countries including England, France, the United States, and Australia, TRACTO-TECHNIK continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions for complex underground projects while maintaining strong environmental protection standards recognized by the nature protection board (NABU).
Core Technologies Behind GRUNDODRILL Systems
GRUNDODRILL systems incorporate sophisticated engineering that powers their advanced drilling capabilities. The foundation rests upon an intelligent control concept that optimally transfers power to individual components based on specific drilling requirements.
Advanced Hydraulic Control Systems
The hydraulic system features variable torque adjustment technology that adapts to different geological conditions and drilling tools. A rack and pinion drive mechanism delivers increased idle stroke speeds, consequently reducing cycle times during push operations and rod exchanges. Furthermore, the system includes an anti-stall valve paired with adjustable thrust and pulling force limitations, ensuring equipment protection and operator safety.
Precision Steering Mechanisms
The steering system accommodates various soil conditions through specialized drill heads and plates. For non-cohesive soils, the Soft Drill Head (SDH) enables optimal bore spoil reflux, additionally offering exchangeable steering plates for different ground compositions. The Medium Drill Head (MDH) excels in cohesive soils, whereas the Hard Drill Head (HDH) manages debris and aggressive soil conditions.
Real-time Data Processing Capabilities
The control interface presents operational data through a 7-inch all-weather touch screen. The system offers three distinct operating modes:
Manual Mode: Provides complete operator control over machine functions
Semi-automatic Mode: Features memory functions for rotation and thrust
Fully Automatic Mode: Manages drilling operations, rod exchange, and lubrication
Moreover, the system integrates DCI location technology, centralizing all relevant drilling data on a single screen. This integration enables remote drilling capabilities and simplifies operator training through an intuitive interface. The control system monitors critical parameters such as thrust force, rotation speed, and fluid flow, automatically adjusting these values based on ground conditions.
An integrated camera system automatically provides operators with comprehensive views of all crucial drilling rig areas. Additionally, through a downloadable mobile application, operators can connect with the machine to identify performance issues or technical problems.
Engineering Solutions for Common Underground Challenges
Underground construction demands specialized solutions for diverse geological challenges. The GRUNDODRILL series addresses these complexities through advanced engineering approaches.
Soil Displacement Technologies
The GRUNDODRILL system adapts to various soil conditions through specialized displacement methods. Initially, the drill head creates precise pathways using a two-stroke principle, where the internal piston strikes the chisel head to forge through obstacles. For extremely dry or asphalted terrains, preliminary ground watering ensures optimal drilling conditions.
The system's advanced soil handling capabilities include:
Soft Drill Head (SDH) for non-cohesive soils
Medium Drill Head (MDH) for cohesive materials
Hard Drill Head (HDH) for aggressive ground conditions
Particularly noteworthy is the high-pressure drill fluid system, offering up to 650 l/min capacity, enabling swift drilling progress even in challenging soil compositions. The rubber track system operates quietly on lawns and landscapes, notably minimizing potential damage to concrete surfaces.
Rock Drilling Innovations
Rock drilling capabilities showcase substantial advancements through the ELICON twin-tube rod system. This innovative design positions the inner tube within the outer tube using specialized wear elements. Subsequently, the tubes connect through efficient plug-and-twist connectors, allowing maximum fluid volumes even in extended drilling operations.
The system achieves peak performance through its powerful drive, delivering 13,000 Nm torque. The drilling mechanism maintains precise control through stepless adjustment of torque and speed, ensuring optimal adaptation to ground conditions.
A sophisticated Bentonite mixing system supports these operations, preparing drilling fluids specifically tailored to soil conditions. Professional measuring equipment monitors fluid quality, while efficient recycling systems reduce water and Bentonite consumption. The automated rod exchange system accelerates drilling operations, with the largest rod magazine containing 288 meters of drill rods.
Project Planning and Execution Framework
Successful underground drilling projects begin with meticulous planning and precise execution. The QUICKPLANNER3D software forms the cornerstone of modern project planning, calculating optimal drill paths within seconds.
Site Analysis Methods
Proper geological assessment stands as the primary foundation for both design and drilling operations. Accurate soil condition analysis determines the drilling method selection and execution strategy. The planning process incorporates multiple data sources, including geoscientific maps and existing construction files, to generate comprehensive soil information.
Equipment Selection Process
The equipment selection phase requires careful consideration of several critical factors:
Project scale and complexity
Soil composition and geological challenges
Required drilling accuracy and depth
Site accessibility and space constraints
At this point, the QUICKPLANNER3D system proves invaluable, offering three-dimensional visualization of complex drilling routes. Rather than relying on manual calculations, this digital solution enables quick feasibility checks and precise planning adjustments.
Safety Protocol Implementation
Safety protocols encompass comprehensive operator training and certification requirements. Accordingly, certified trainers deliver specialized instruction covering:
Ground displacement techniques and uncontrolled soil displacement hammers remain essential components of operator training. Whether working with experienced teams or new operators, the training program provides theoretical foundations coupled with practical applications in horizontal directional drilling.
The precision of installations depends primarily on the measuring systems utilized and operator expertise. Until operators master various aspects - from drilling effects on geological strata to computer data interpretation - continuous training remains mandatory.
The planning framework essentially integrates digital solutions to streamline operations. The Wizard digital assistant, paired with an intuitive interface, enables even inexperienced users to navigate complex planning processes. This systematic approach to project planning and execution ensures optimal results across diverse underground installation scenarios.
Performance Metrics and Quality Standards
Precision engineering demands exacting standards for measuring and maintaining drilling performance. The GRUNDODRILL system sets rigorous benchmarks through advanced monitoring and control mechanisms.
Drilling Accuracy Measurements
The drilling system's precision relies on specialized survey equipment that transmits radio signals from the drill head sensor to surface displays. In effect, computer systems interpret this data to maintain exact positioning throughout operations. The accuracy levels typically show deviations of less than 1% of the total drilling length.
First of all, the speed control mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining accuracy. The system automatically adjusts drilling rates to prevent deviation from planned paths. In fact, if the drill veers offline, operators can execute controlled pullbacks and precise redrilling procedures to maintain position.
The GRUNDODRILL's monitoring capabilities include:
Real-time drill head positioning data
Continuous pressure and flow rate tracking
Automated drilling fluid volume control
Precise torque and speed measurements
Project Timeline Optimization
Project efficiency stems from the integration of automated processes and intelligent control systems. The GRUNDODRILL platform features variable torque control that primarily increases rig productivity by optimizing performance based on geological conditions. As a result, the system achieves remarkable efficiency, as demonstrated in a recent project where approximately 1,000 house connections were completed in just 11 hours.
The platform's automated rod exchange system minimizes downtime, in conjunction with increased idle stroke speeds that reduce cycle times during push operations. Through intelligent stockkeeping and fleet management capabilities, the COMMANDER system enables comprehensive monitoring of location, performance, and consumption data.
The QUICKPLANNER3D software automatically calculates optimal bore paths, ensuring efficient project execution. This self-optimizing planner determines the shortest viable drilling route based on input parameters, thereby reducing overall project duration.
Quality control measures remain paramount throughout operations. A competent person must inspect all drilling equipment before each use, with regular assessments of:
Ground stability at work areas
Equipment functionality and safety features
Drilling fluid composition and pressure levels
Rod torque specifications
The system's sophisticated control interface presents operational data through an all-weather touch screen, enabling operators to maintain consistent quality standards across various drilling conditions. Through cloud-based software solutions, project managers can efficiently monitor execution, documentation, and service requirements.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Measures
Trenchless technology stands as an environmentally conscious approach to underground construction. First and foremost, this method demonstrates remarkable ecological advantages through its minimal impact on surroundings and natural resources.
Minimal Surface Disruption Techniques
The GRUNDODRILL system's precise boring capabilities work effectively across diverse soil types and jobsite conditions. In comparison to traditional open construction methods, this approach eliminates the need for extensive surface excavation. A recent project demonstrated this efficiency by eliminating 30,000 truck movements, thereby reducing both traffic disruption and carbon emissions.
The economic impact proves equally impressive. Given these points, traditional open construction methods cost €40,228, as opposed to trenchless construction with GRUNDODRILL technology at just €1,662 - representing only 4% of conventional method costs. The system's efficient engine technology also uses less fuel while cutting operating costs.
Groundwater Protection Methods
The GRUNDODRILL system incorporates advanced groundwater protection features. Above all, the technology eliminates the need for groundwater lowering during operations. This preservation approach maintains natural water table levels and protects surrounding ecosystems.
The fluid-assisted horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method requires precise soil condition knowledge for success. A dedicated geoservice team provides expert guidance for different soil types, ensuring optimal drilling fluid management and groundwater protection. The system can handle installations up to 500 meters, even under rivers and water bodies, without compromising water quality.
Resource Conservation Strategies
The GRUNDODRILL platform achieves resource conservation through multiple approaches:
Surfaces between drilling start and end points remain untouched
Interventions in ecological environments reduce to minimum levels
Construction times shorten dramatically, as evidenced by a broadband expansion project connecting 1,000 houses in just 11 hours
The system's design focuses on reducing wear and downtime while preserving resources. Through proper maintenance and drilling fluid technique optimization, the machine maintains peak efficiency throughout operations. The engine meets all environmental emissions specifications, supporting sustainable construction practices.
Inner-city areas benefit from this approach due to:
Minimal traffic impact
Reduced noise and dust emissions
Undisturbed flow of regular activities
The environmental benefits extend beyond immediate construction impacts. Valuable surfaces receive protection, residents experience significantly less stress from noise and dust emissions, and traffic flows remain largely undisturbed on trenchless construction sites. This method proves particularly valuable in ecologically sensitive areas where minimal environmental impact becomes paramount.
Conclusion
TRACTO-TECHNIK's GRUNDODRILL systems represent a significant advancement in underground construction technology. Their sophisticated engineering combines precision control systems, specialized drilling mechanisms, and real-time data processing capabilities to tackle complex underground projects effectively.
These systems demonstrate remarkable versatility through their ability to handle diverse soil conditions while maintaining high accuracy levels. The integration of QUICKPLANNER3D software with advanced monitoring systems ensures optimal project execution, significantly reducing both time and costs. Traditional open construction methods cost €40,228, while GRUNDODRILL technology accomplishes the same task for €1,662 - a mere 4% of conventional costs.
The environmental benefits prove equally impressive. GRUNDODRILL systems eliminate extensive surface disruption, protect groundwater resources, and reduce carbon emissions through decreased truck movements. Their success spans various applications, demonstrated by projects such as connecting 1,000 houses in just 11 hours.
TRACTO-TECHNIK's commitment to precision engineering, coupled with their comprehensive project planning framework and strict quality standards, positions them as leaders in sustainable underground construction solutions. Their technology continues to set new benchmarks for efficiency, environmental protection, and cost-effectiveness in trenchless construction projects worldwide.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main advantages of using GRUNDODRILL systems for underground projects? GRUNDODRILL systems offer precision engineering, minimal surface disruption, and cost-effectiveness. They can handle diverse soil conditions, protect groundwater resources, and significantly reduce project costs compared to traditional open construction methods.
Q2. How does TRACTO-TECHNIK's technology contribute to environmental protection? The technology minimizes surface disruption, eliminates the need for groundwater lowering, and reduces carbon emissions by decreasing truck movements. It also protects valuable surfaces and ecosystems, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.
Q3. What role does the QUICKPLANNER3D software play in project planning? QUICKPLANNER3D software calculates optimal drill paths within seconds, offering three-dimensional visualization of complex drilling routes. It enables quick feasibility checks and precise planning adjustments, streamlining the project planning process.
Q4. How accurate are GRUNDODRILL systems in underground drilling? GRUNDODRILL systems achieve high accuracy levels, typically showing deviations of less than 1% of the total drilling length. They use specialized survey equipment and real-time monitoring to maintain precise positioning throughout operations.
Q5. What safety measures are implemented in TRACTO-TECHNIK's drilling operations? Safety protocols include comprehensive operator training and certification requirements. The training covers ground displacement techniques, computer data interpretation, and practical applications in horizontal directional drilling. Regular equipment inspections and monitoring of drilling conditions are also part of the safety measures.
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