Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) has revolutionized trenchless underground construction by providing a minimally invasive method for installing new pipelines, communications conduits, power cables, and more. However, successfully implementing HDD requires understanding its intricacies from start to finish.
This comprehensive guide will break down the HDD industrial process step-by-step.
Site Assessment and Planning
Proper planning begins with an in-depth site assessment to analyze soil conditions, locate buried utilities, and mark out the desired drill path accounting for surface access and minimum clearance depths. Critical data on the surface situation, rig placements and permitting/notifications are compiled into a detailed HDD design and project plan for approval.
Drilling Rig Selection
The size and capabilities of the drilling rig equipment are selected based on factors like the depth, diameter, and material of the planned pipeline/conduit. Larger HDD rigs offer more torque and pullback capacity for heavier installations at greater depths/lengths, whereas compact rigs work well for shallower, smaller-scale projects.
Drill Pipe and Tooling
Specialized composite drill pipe sections are assembled and connected to withstand HDD installation pressures/impacts. A drilling fluid swivel, drill head/bit, steering tool, and required tools like back reamers are attached to complete the pilot string for directional control. Pullback assemblies are also configured for the final pipe installation phase.
Utility Locates and Drill Path Marking
Non-destructive digging (NDD) techniques precisely locate and map any buried utilities along or near the planned drill path. The marked path corridor is then cleared and readied for rig set up and drilling operations to commence safely.
Drilling Mud Preparation
The drilling fluid (usually a bentonite mud slurry) is mixed on-site to the proper viscosity and density per project engineering specifications. Mud is a lubricant and spoils removal system crucial to successful horizontal drilling operations.
Drilling and Pilot Hole Formation
The mud motor turns the drill bit from the rig-mounted power source to grind/push the pilot hole along the intended underground path. Drillers control pipe rotation, thrust and steering tool orientation using a specialized digital control console to form the curving bore gradually.
Reaming and enlarging
Following pilot hole completion, the remaining tools are attached and pulled back through to widen the drilled path to the final pipe diameter. Depending on bore length, soil conditions, and pipe size, multiple staged reaming passes may be needed.
Product Pipe Pullback
Rig harnesses are connected to pull the prepared product pipe or conduit through the pre-bored reamed hole. Constant monitoring ensures it progresses smoothly without binding or stress fractures. The tube is fusion jointed, welded, or otherwise fitted together as it is installed.
Drill Path Verification
After project completion, final locator stations or logs confirm the as-built path alignment to engineered design tolerances. HDD drill records provide an auditable construction record.
Site Restoration
Disturbed soil is backfilled and compacted, drill entry/exit areas are restored, and all equipment/debris is removed. Notifications verify work conclusions to stakeholders, leaving job sites in pre-construction condition.
Discover Why Horizontal Directional Drilling Is the Solution
With the proper planning, equipment, qualified crews, and adherence to safety/quality protocols – horizontal directional drilling can deliver efficient, minimally invasive underground installations across many industries. Proper understanding and implementation of each phase in the HDD process guides successful project outcomes.