When it comes to pipe bursting knowledge, TT Technologies comes through first. In any pipe bursting job, the tool/expander configuration can mean the difference between success and failure. That's why TT offers the most expander choices available and the most launch/exit options. Better yet, we know what works best. Let TT's 35 years of trenchless experience guide you through your next burst.

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Standard Tool

Rear Expander
Rear Expander with Guiding Schnoze and Bentonite Manifold

75% of the tool is inside the host pipe ahead of the fracture zone where bursting and upsizing are taking place.
• Pipe fragments prevented from falling in front of pipe bursting tool.
• Winch cable protected from being cut or damaged by pipe fragments.

Tool functions as a lead to place the new pipe concentrically around the position of the host pipe.
• Helps to maintain line and grade.
• Keeps tool from jumping out of host pipe.
• Better leverage to handle point repairs or misaligned joints.

Tool/expander configuration allows the use of larger, more powerful tools.
• Longer bursts possible when used with rear expander proven up to 1,000+ feet.
• Hard soils are more easily compressed--even with smaller diameter pipe.

Allows for the use of various guide heads. The tool can be better matched to the type of host pipe.

Tool can be used for pipe ramming or pipe bursting, with front or rear expander, depending on job conditions.

Easily allows the use of Bentonite lubricant.

Tool/expander/schnoze configuration allows larger diameter tools to be used in smaller diameter pipes when more power is needed for hard soils.

Front Expander

Advantages:

Because the tool is inside the expander and new pipe, very little of it engages the fracturable host pipe, limiting wear.

Easily allows the use of Bentonite lubricant.

Multiple use tool--can be used for pipe ramming or pipe bursting.

Tool can be used with front and/or rear expanders, depending on job conditions.

Disadvantages:

Tool selection is limited by diameter of host pipe.

Blunt configuration of expander limits tool effectiveness and burst
success.
• Limits upsizing to one size because host pipe fragments can fall in front of expander if too large of an upsize is attempted.
• Head of tool can jump out of host pipe at misaligned point repairs or total collapse areas.
• Not suited to handle host pipe with offset pipe joints or clamps with bolts.

Limited guide head options

Requires a fusion machine to connect pipe.

Requires exit pit for tool retrieval.

Front Expander

Rear removal method limits tool diameter and Bentonite usage.

• No Bentonite limits the length of bursting runs.
• Smaller tool size offers less power and limits burst length or use in hard soils.

Blunt expander configuration limits tool effectiveness and burst success.

• Upsizing more than one size risks host pipe fragments falling and blocking expander.
• Not suited for water lines with bolted clamps or point repairs.

Limited guide head options.

Single use tool--pipe bursting with front expander configuration only.