Directional Drilling specialists in the UK
Directional drilling is a method of installing pipes and ducts underground as an alternative to traditional open cut techniques, or in circumstances where these methods are not practical. By utilising directional drilling, it minimises disruption to the public and the environment. Directional drilling can be utilised in various ground conditions ranging from cohesive to rock.
Installations can be carried out under road, rails, rivers or other areas where traditional methods are not suitable. Installation lengths of in excess of 1000m have been achieved and diameters of up to 1000mm have been successfully completed.
Benefits of Directional Drilling
Pipes
MDPE/HDPE and steel pipes.
Pipe lengths of 20m - excess of 1000m
Diameters of 63-1000mm
Ducts
Single or multi ducts installation
Accuracy
Location system with an accuracy of +/-2% can be achieved
Variety of ground conditions
Suitable for a variety of ground conditions ranging from clays, sands, ballast, rock and more
Minimal disruption
Minimal disruption to the public and the environment
Waste
Less waste to landfill
Part attendance
Drill and labour only
Full attendance
Consultation and feasibility, digging of launch and reception pits and Drill & Labour
For more information call us on 01754 766 499 or
For more information call us on 01754 766 499 or
What is
Directional Drilling?
The method of directional drilling is capable of 4-way dimensional steer allowing the operator to complete the first stage pilot bore to a pre-determined bore path and allow them to correct and make any changes where necessary. The hole is opened to a size suitable to install the product pipe, this is termed as back reaming and this process can take place in various stages. Once the reaming has been completed the product pipe is pulled back to the machine and the job completed.
Horizontal directional drilling is carried out by jetting and pumping of fluids throughout the whole process, this is aided by adding bentonite, bentonite substitutes and polymers which removes the cuttings while the hole is being reamed. Bentonite and Polymers also add bore stability and lubrication to enable a smooth pulling of the product pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method of installing underground pipelines, cables, and conduits in a minimally invasive way by drilling a pilot hole along a specified path.
HDD services offer a trenchless solution, meaning they don’t require extensive excavation, reducing surface disruption, environmental impact, and project time, making it ideal for sensitive or populated areas.
Trenchless technology refers to construction techniques for installing or rehabilitating underground utilities without the need for continuous open trenches. It includes methods like HDD, pipe bursting, and microtunneling.
HDD is commonly used for the installation of pipelines (water, gas, oil), fibre optic cables, telecommunications, and utility conduits across roads, rivers, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Directional boring is a technique used to install underground pipelines, cables, or conduits with minimal surface disruption. It’s particularly useful for crossing obstacles like rivers, roads, and buildings.
HDD is used to drill a precise underground path for pipelines, pulling the pipe through the drilled hole without the need for surface trenches. It’s commonly used for installing water, gas, and oil pipelines.
We use specialised equipment such as drilling rigs, reamers, drill pipes, mud pumps, and guidance systems to ensure precision drilling and safe installation of utilities.
No-dig technology, like HDD, offers minimal environmental disruption, cost-effectiveness, faster project completion, and reduced need for surface restoration compared to traditional digging methods.
HDD drilling projects are planned by conducting geotechnical surveys, designing a drilling path, selecting the appropriate drilling equipment, and ensuring all safety and environmental regulations are met.
Utility installation HDD refers to using HDD techniques to install underground utilities, such as electricity cables, water pipelines, and telecommunications infrastructure, without digging open trenches.
Trenchless pipe installation using HDD involves drilling a pilot hole, reaming it to the desired diameter, and pulling the pipe through the hole. This technique allows for pipe installation without surface disruption.
HDD drilling machines are specialised rigs designed for horizontal drilling operations. They use drill pipes, reamers, and high-pressure fluids to drill a borehole, allowing the installation of underground utilities.
Hiring directional drilling contractors ensures expertise in handling complex underground utility installations, reducing risks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations.
HDD borehole drilling involves drilling horizontal boreholes for the installation of pipelines, conduits, or cables. It’s commonly used for utility installations under roads, rivers, or other obstacles.
Underground utility construction with HDD involves installing utilities such as pipelines, cables, and conduits below the ground without surface disruption, often crossing roads, rivers, or urban environments.
Horizontal boring services include the installation of underground pipelines, utilities, and cables using HDD techniques for projects such as water mains, gas lines, and fibre optic cables.
The HDD installation process involves planning the drill path, drilling a pilot hole, reaming the hole to the required diameter, and pulling the utility (pipeline or cable) through the borehole.
HDD is an ideal method for installing fibre optic cables as it allows for precision installation underground without disrupting roads, rivers, or populated areas.
Yes, HDD is commonly used to install water pipelines, especially when crossing obstacles like roads, rivers, or sensitive environmental areas without disrupting the surface.
Trenchless sewer installation involves using HDD to install or replace sewer lines underground without digging trenches, reducing surface disruption and project time.
Yes, HDD is an effective method for telecom installations, including the placement of fibre optic cables and telecommunications conduits, allowing for seamless underground installation.
HDD minimises environmental impact by reducing surface disruption, avoiding sensitive ecosystems, and lowering the risk of soil and water contamination compared to traditional trenching methods.
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For more information call us on 01754 766 499 or
For more information call us on 01754 766 499 or
