Ditch Witch FM13V, Operator'S Manual

Page: 28 / 65

FM13V/FM13X Operator’s Manual
Operation Overview - 27
Mixing Fluid
4. Start engine.
• For electric start units, turn ignition switch to start position and release when engine starts.
• For rope start units, turn engine stop switch to ON and pull rope.
5. Open choke after engine is warm.
6. Open tank jet valve (3) and mixing venturi valve (6).
7. Start engine on mixing pump.
8. Partially open dry chemical hopper valve (4). Listen for a noticeable “suction” sound.
9. For dry chemicals, open sack using bag ripper located inside dry chemical hopper and pour chemicals
into hopper.
10. Open dry chemical valve (4) slowly.
11. For liquid polymer and other liquid chemicals, pour needed amount of additive into a suitable container,
insert wand into container.
12. Open liquid chemical valve (3) slowly.
13. Open fillwell on top of tank and check fluid in tank to ensure that chemicals are mixed correctly.
14. If clumps of chemical or polymer can be seen in fluid tank, reduce the rate at which materials are
added.
IMPORTANT: On electric start units, if battery is dead, turn key to ON and pull start
rope.
IMPORTANT:
• If chemicals are added in the wrong order, they will not mix properly and will form clumps.
See “Mixtures” in Preparation.
• If tank contains bentonite/polymer mix and more drilling fluid is needed, completely empty
tank and start with fresh water before mixing another batch.
IMPORTANT: Add polymers at a very slow rate.
IMPORTANT: Metering plate can be seated in bottom of dry chemical hopper to allow dry
chemicals to be added at a slower rate.
• Approximate feed rate with metering plate, 50 lb : 1.5 minutes.
• Approximate feed rate without metering plate, 50 lb : 0.7 minutes.