Directional Drilling: Explained

Directional Drilling: Explained

Horizontal directional drilling has helped improve options to bore underground pipework for homeowners and commercial entities alike who require additional utility installations from wastewater, power to broadband and gas over the past few years. With help from a professional horizontal directional drilling company, it’s possible to install all types of pipework, nearly anywhere, at a heavily reduced cost and with reduced disruption to the surrounding areas than using traditional trenching techniques.

Directional Drilling: Explained

To put it simply, horizontal directional drilling allows completely trenchless underground pipework without any need to dig across the path of the pipe, allowing new possibilities for placing pipes for utilities. Previously, the only option for boring pipework was to rip apart the entire path, while a large, disruptive crew and their equipment took over the property and a large surrounding area, spending weeks digging trenches. Directional drilling has changed this process.

How does horizontal directional drilling work?

The dramatically reduced size of equipment allows a small crew comprised of just one drill and one tracking operator to quickly set up a small site to start the drilling. The technology within the drill includes an electronically tracked wire, so that it can be tracked beneath ground and guided by an operator. As the drill bores into the ground, it is held securely. Once the drill bit has created an semi-circular arc underground, a reamer is pushed through to make sure the whole is large enough to accommodate the piping, and if not it will widen. Finally, the crew will fused lengths of pipe together to make it the required length, it’s warmed until a seamless connection is created along the length of the pipework.

Some of the biggest advantages of using horizontal directional drilling include:

• The strength of the pipes will ensure they last years
• A fuss-free, quicker installation requiring less disruptive measures to the local community
• Costs are reduced, due to the smaller crew size and less intrusive work
• The system allows installation of pipework almost anywhere
• Soil is less contaminated, producing less waste
• Fragile ecosystems can be identified and saved from damage

Directional Drilling is a Simple Solution

Asking an expert on horizontal directional drilling is always the best way to ensure the job is done right. Directional drilling companies allow ease for customers, often offering a full service from planning to completion of the project, including help with any planning consent or permit that may be required to carry out the work. They are experts in the field so will be able to guide you throughout the entire process. Always check reviews of any tradespeople you employ to complete any work, including in the horizontal directional drilling market.

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Jordan2020 Joined: April 30th, 2020