Product Overview
The reliability of sensors is a critical factor for the successful operation of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) contractors. Sensor failures can lead to reduced productivity and project delays. Therefore, DCI has recently improved the design of the DigiTrak® F5® sensor to provide greater resistance to shock loads. The improved performance includes DCI’s newly patented dual accelerometer technology (pending patent), which increases the durability of the sensor.The successful completion of drilling operations by operators depends on the drilling equipment used.
Special Sensors
XRange® Mode (x) —— XR Mode can significantly expand the face angle/inclination angle data range, doubling the range in some cases①
Fluid Pressure Sensor (p) —— Measures the circulating fluid pressure outside the drill bit
TensiTrak® System —— Can monitor both circulating fluid pressure and pipe pullback tension
SST® Geomagnetic Sensor —— Provides accurate guiding data without the need for expensive wire grid devices
Basic Performance Parameters
| Inclination Accuracy (Standard/) | ±0.1/0.2% (Horizontal Position) |
| Face Angle Data (Standard/X) | 4/12 Clock Positions |
| Maximum Temperature | 104°C |
Standard Face Angle/Inclination Data Range: 0.5m
XRange / XR Maximum Data Range: 1.8/61.0m
Fluid Pressure Function②
Pressure Range: 0–1725 kPa
Pressure Accuracy:
0–517 kPa: 7 kPa
517–1725 kPa: 34 kPa
① XRange requires F5 receiver software version: v3.04 or later. XRange function may affect other performance parameters and depends on the operating site environment.
② The sensor does not transmit fluid pressure data when XRange mode is enabled.
Detailed Specifications of Sensor Models
| F5X 18 | F5X 8 | F5D 12/1.3 | F5Dp 12/1.3 | F5D 19/12 | F5Dpx 19/12 | F5DLpx 19/12 | |
| Frequency | 18.5 kHz | 8.4 kHz | 12 & 1.3 kHz | 12 & 1.3 kHz | 19.2 or 12.0 kHz | 19.2 or 12.0 kHz | 19.2 or 12.0 kHz |
| Depth/Data Range (Standard) | 19.8m | 19.8m | 19.8m | 19.8m | 19.8m | 19.8m | 30.5m |
| Data Range (XR/XR Max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 32.0/36.6m | 51.8/61.0m |
Operating Characteristics
XRange® (XR®) Mode can provide additional face angle/inclination angle range for challenging operation sites. The F5D/F5Dp12/1.3 dual-frequency sensor can transmit signals at 12 and 1.3 kHz simultaneously, or transmit higher power signals at 12 kHz alone. The 19/12 sensor can transmit signals at 19.2 or 12.0 kHz. XR Mode (if applicable) and frequency can be selected during drilling operations.
Battery Life (Awake/Sleep Mode)
General Sensors:
Two C-cell alkaline batteries: 20/200 hours
Single SuperCell™ battery: 70/400 hours
Two SAFT LSH14 batteries: 40/400 hours
Extended Range 19-inch F5DLpx 19/12 Sensor:
SuperCell battery: 40/400 hours
SAFT battery: 30/400 hours
Note: Alkaline batteries are not recommended due to higher power requirements.
Fluid Pressure Sensor (p) Description
The DigiTrak® F5 Fluid Pressure Transducer (FPT) is an innovative patent of DCI for the HDD industry, designed for real-time measurement and recording of fluid pressure during underground drilling operations. The extended range DigiTrak Fluid Pressure Transducer (FPT) is DCI’s exclusive walk-behind positioning technology used to instantly read the pressure value of drilling fluid around the annular pilot hole drill bit.
The Fluid Pressure Sensor (p) is available in three dual-frequency configurations, providing all the same standard data as our other sensors, including face angle, inclination angle, depth and temperature data.
Sensor Housing Requirements
| A | B* | C |
| 22.9CM | 2.5CM | 38.1CM |
| 33.0CM | 2.5CM | 48.3CM |
For optimal signal sensing and maximum battery life of DCI sensors, three notches should be equally spaced around the circumference of the drill bit housing. When checking notch length, measurements must start from the inner layer of the drilling tool, and each notch should be at least 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) wide. DCI sensors can be installed in standard housings, but a battery cap adapter may be required in some cases.
DigiTrak FPT sensors are compatible with most drilling tool housings, allowing drilling fluid from the outer ring of the housing to flow to the four sensing ports on the front end cap. Notches on the sensor housing facilitate the directional flow of drilling fluid. The housing with epoxy notches requires a 3 mm (1/8 inch) diameter hole to allow fluid to reach the sensor detection ports.
Compatibility
The F5 system is compatible with the following F Series sensors: FX extended range sensors, FXL ultra-extended range sensors, FC cable sensors, FS short range sensors, and DucTrak™ pipe tracking sensors.
