KEMTRON HDD™ Prowler™ 400 Track-Mounted Mud Recycling System
Mobile Solids Control for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), Geothermal, and Waterwell Operations
The Astec® KEMTRON HDD™ Prowler™ 400 is a self-propelled, track-mounted mud recycling system engineered for horizontal directional drilling (HDD), geothermal drilling, utility installation, and water well construction. Designed for drilling rigs with pump capacities from approximately 150 to 300 GPM, the Prowler 400 continuously removes drilled solids, recycles drilling fluid, and improves overall drilling efficiency while reducing water consumption, disposal costs, and drilling fluid expenses. Built around Astec’s proven solids control technologies, the Prowler 400 delivers exceptional mobility for contractors working in confined urban jobsites, difficult terrain, and remote construction locations.
What is the KEMTRON HDD Prowler 400?
The KEMTRON HDD Prowler 400 is a track-mounted drilling fluid recycling system used during horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The system separates drilled solids from drilling fluid so the fluid can be reused throughout the drilling operation.
By continuously cleaning and recirculating drilling mud, the Prowler 400 helps contractors:
- Reduce fresh water consumption
- Lower drilling fluid costs
- Improve borehole stability
- Minimize waste disposal
- Increase drilling productivity
- Maintain consistent drilling fluid properties
Industries
The KEMTRON HDD Prowler 400 is commonly used by:
- Horizontal Directional Drilling contractors
- Utility installation contractors
- Pipeline construction companies
- Fiber optic installation contractors
- Municipal utility contractors
- Geothermal drilling contractors
- Water well drilling companies
- Renewable energy infrastructure contractors
Key Features
Rear Cuttings Chute – Solids from the shaker are conveyed off the rear of the unit for easy disposal removal.
Hydrocyclones – Vortex 4 four-inch desilter hydrocyclones with isolation valves for second stage sand and silt removal.
High-Shear Hopper – Jet Shear Hopper with venturi nozzle and foldout table makes chemical loading safe and efficient.
Centrifugal Pumps – Dedicated Vision CS™ Series centrifugal slurry pumps for mud guns, desilter, and transfer operations.
KEMTRON HDD™ Prowler™ Benefits
Self-Propelled, Jobsite-Ready
- Hydraulic-driven track undercarriage makes setup and relocation fast and flexible—no trailer or crane required.
- Navigate urban work zones, narrow easements, and unstable terrain with ease.
Industry-Leading Cleaning Performance
- Multi-pass circulation ensures each fluid cut is recirculated for improved removal of sand, silt, and fine solids.
- Uses Astec’s patented Hyper-G™ linear motion shaker platform with proprietary composite screens for high G-force and maximum cut point efficiency.
Full Range to Match Your Rig
- Prowler 250: For rigs pumping 65–200 gpm (ideal for JT20, JT30, Vermeer 20×22).
- Prowler 400: For rigs pumping 150–300 gpm (ideal for JT60, Vermeer 36×50, DD-110).
Field-Proven Components
- Vision CS™ abrasion-resistant slurry pumps extended life and pressure stability.
- Phenolic-lined tanks resist wear and corrosion from abrasive fluids.
- Fold-out high-shear venturi mixing hoppers for efficient chemical injection.
Operator-Centric Design
- Onboard Tier-3 or Tier-4 Final sound-attenuated generators for quiet, off-grid performance.
- Top-mounted agitators for efficient mixing without high maintenance overhead.
- Compact footprint and intuitive controls reduce crew workload and setup time.
Common Applications
The Prowler 400 supports drilling operations including:
- Fiber optic installation
- Water transmission pipelines
- Gas distribution pipelines
- Electrical conduit installation
- Municipal utility crossings
- River crossings
- Highway crossings
- Railroad crossings
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Geothermal loop installation
- Water well drilling
Part of the Astec Industries Solids Control Portfolio
Resources
How the Prowler 400 Works
- Drilling fluid returns from the bore.
- The Hyper-G™ shaker removes large drilled solids.
- Hydrocyclones remove sand and silt.
- Clean drilling fluid returns to the active system.
- Operators add drilling additives through the integrated venturi mixing hopper.
- Reconditioned drilling fluid is pumped back to the drill.
Lower Operating Costs
The Prowler 400 helps contractors reduce overall drilling costs by:
- Reusing drilling fluid
- Reducing water hauling
- Lowering disposal costs
- Extending drilling fluid life
- Minimizing drilling interruptions
- Reducing labor required for mud management
