Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is quickly becoming the preferred method of choice for many industries requiring underground construction. Alberta is no exception, as drilling companies across the province are increasingly turning to complete Horizontal Directional Drilling services to meet their needs. It’s easy to see why – this innovative technology has revolutionized the way we construct pipelines and other underground structures, significantly reducing the time, money, and environmental impact associated with traditional trenching methods.
Not only that, but HDD also provides superior accuracy compared to other methods of drilling.
This blog post will provide an overview of how does HDD work, its applications and benefits, the types of services available in Alberta, and how they can be used to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
What Is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is an efficient and cost-effective method of installing underground pipes, conduits, and cables. It has become a popular option for many industries due to its ability to drill under roads, rivers, or any other obstructions without disrupting the surface.
HDD is also used for projects such as oil and gas pipelines, water lines, sewer systems, telecommunications systems, and more.
How Is Horizontal Directional Drilling Done?
The process involves drilling a borehole from one point to another with minimal surface disturbance.
This method of drilling offers many advantages over traditional open-cut methods which we will be going to explore below, including less environmental impact and cost savings.
The horizontal directional drilling process begins with the planning phase – mapping out the path between two points. This includes evaluating soil conditions and the position of existing utilities to ensure safety on the job site.
Once this step is complete a pilot hole is drilled along the planned route before installing a reamer at the end of it to make room for larger-diameter pipe installation. The operator then navigates this pilot hole along a predetermined path until reaching its final destination.
As they proceed, they must also maintain pressure and ensure that the hole remains in line with their desired trajectory while avoiding any potential obstructions like rocks or groundwater pockets.
Wondering how this will be achieved?
With the use of tracking devices that monitor progress throughout all stages of HDD operations, along with precision engineering and navigation techniques. Ultimately drillers can accurately guide their equipment through difficult terrain or obstacles without changing course.
This allows them to avoid areas with clay soils or bedrock that could damage the drill string during installation while taking control over several factors such as rotational speed, mud flow rate, and cutting head design to achieve success.
HDD Benefits
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a method used for underground pipeline installation.
HDD offers many advantages compared to traditional methods of underground construction.
Here are five of the biggest benefits that HDD can bring to any project:
1. Versatility
HDD can be used in a wide range of situations, including crossing roads, railways, and other obstacles where surface access may be impossible or impractical. This makes it an ideal choice for projects involving difficult terrain or when underground services must remain undisturbed during construction works.
2. Cost Savings
HDD requires less surface disruption than traditional open-cut methods, saving time and money on overall construction costs. Additionally, HDD eliminates the need for several backfill layers, further reducing costs associated with labor and materials.
3. Reduced Environmental Impact
Since it requires minimal surface disruption, HDD is an environmentally friendly solution that can be used in highly sensitive areas such as urban locations or areas with delicate ecosystems or wildlife habitats without damaging them.
4. A Convenient Process
Multiple down holes can be drilled from the same rig. Also, these boreholes can extend up to a mile down, and for more than five miles at shallower angles. By using existing pathways from the point of entry to the exit point below ground level, HDD eliminates the need for large excavation sites that can destroy ecosystems and disrupts nearby structures.
This makes HDD a great choice for environmentally sensitive projects as well as projects located near important buildings or facilities.
5. It Maximizes Extraction
Drilling horizontally is quickly becoming the go-to method for maximizing extraction in geological reservoirs. Horizontal directional drilling, can reach more sections of a given reservoir than any other form of extraction and has many benefits to offer over traditional drilling techniques.
It also increases the accuracy of good placement and ensures that operators can target deeper sections with ease, leading to greater efficiency overall.
How to Choose HDD Contractors?
Choosing the right HDD contractor is an important step for any project that involves horizontal directional drilling (HDD). When deciding on an HDD contractor, there are several factors you should consider:
First, you should research the different types of HDD contractors available. Different contractors offer different services and expertise so it’s important to find one that suits your needs best.
Second, you should make sure they have a solid track record of successful projects in their portfolio as this will give you peace of mind that they know what they’re doing and can deliver quality results.
Last but not least, it is important to research the company’s safety record and certifications; these credentials can provide valuable insight into their proficiency with complex drilling operations. Making sure they possess adequate liability insurance coverage and appropriate workers’ compensation benefits; will protect both parties if anything goes wrong on-site during operations.
Introducing Double M Construction Group Ltd.
Are you facing the challenge of installing underground infrastructure with limited environmental disruption and minimal disruption to surface activities?
Are you looking for a reliable and efficient underground drilling service that meets your project timelines?
Do you value high-quality workmanship, safety, and environmental responsibility?
If so, our horizontal directional drilling (HDD) services can provide you with effective solutions. At Double M, we take immense pride in delivering top-grade services for all of your needs related to directional drilling, without compromising on quality.
With our vast experience and cutting-edge equipment, we can ensure that your work is done quickly and safely to a high standard.
As a leading construction company in Edmonton, Calgary, Alberta, and Grand Prairie, we are well known for our specialization in horizontal directional drilling, hydrovac, excavation, and consulting services.
Our horizontal directional drilling company has the experience, technology, and commitment that you need. We have completed many successful projects in a wide variety of terrains and site conditions.
We guarantee unmatched quality and precision with the services that you receive, and we pledge to execute a successful drilling job without exceeding the allocated budget.
Our team of experienced professionals is well-trained in providing efficient and reliable drilling services on large and small projects alike. Furthermore, we use cutting-edge tools and specialized equipment for larger ecosystems.
Hire Double M Construction Group Ltd. today to get the best results and ensure high-quality standards.
Navigate your underground construction needs with ease and efficiency – our experience is unmatched when it comes to this specialized technique.
Double M Construction Group – Your HDD Expert
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Do you have a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) job that you’re trying to complete?
Double M is here to provide the expertise and knowledge needed to guarantee quality performance and hassle-free drilling completion.
We understand the importance of getting your job done quickly, efficiently, and with precision.
That’s why we take pride in offering excellent customer service, top-notch accuracy, FAST delivery times, and competitive prices.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Industries Can Benefit from Horizontal Directional Drilling Services?
HDD services are often used by telecommunications companies to install fiber-optic cables and conduits, as well as other communications lines with minimal disruption to roadways, landscapes, and structures. In addition, this service is also beneficial for municipalities that require underground piping systems such as sewer and water lines.
Oil pipeline installations can also be accomplished with horizontal directional drilling services since they do not require an open trench excavation along the route of the pipe.
What Are the Benefits of HDD Services Over Other Types of Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) services provide a unique and efficient means for the installation of underground infrastructure in areas that are otherwise hard to access. It is a trenchless method of installing pipelines and cables beneath existing surfaces, such as roads, grounds, or water bodies, making it an environmentally friendly option for many projects.
HDD services offer specific advantages over other types of drilling which make them especially suitable for certain jobs. The major benefit of HDD services over other types of drilling is the reduced level of disruption caused to the surface during the installation process.
By using specialized steering and tracking technologies, operators can accurately guide their drills below ground without having to break through the surface, eliminating any need for digging or excavating along a pipeline’s route.
This makes HDD particularly suitable for areas with high levels of traffic or sensitive environments where traditional excavation methods may not be feasible.
What Equipment Is Used for Horizontal Directional Drilling Jobs?
The primary component for HDD jobs is the drill rig itself; this typically includes an engine, transmission, and steering mechanism that control the power unit.
This robust machine can be customized depending on the project requirements and typically includes a self-propelled unit with mounted hydraulic power packs, pumps, and other components that are used to drive the cutting head into the ground. In addition to the drill rig, other pieces of equipment are needed to properly perform horizontal directional drillings such as down-hole motors, mud pumps, reaming tools, and bits.
Furthermore, auxiliary items like pipe handling equipment or jacking frames may also be required depending on the scope of work involved.
What Causes a Bend on a Directional Drilling?
Directional drilling uses an electronic guidance system that relies on constant feedback from sensors to accurately control the steering of the drill head. When this system fails or runs into interference, it can cause deviation from the intended path which can lead to bends in the drilled hole. Other potential causes of bends include hard obstacles like rocks or boulders that are encountered by the drill head, or changes in soil composition causing unexpected shifts in direction of the borehole’s progress.
Additionally, if there is significant friction between the borehole wall and piping, this can also contribute to bends in directionally drilled pipes.
How Far Can Directional Drilling Go?
The process of directional drilling begins with a vertical borehole which is then steered in a specific direction. And with modern technological advancements such as horizontal drilling, this method can be used to dive deep beneath the surface, reaching depths beyond what is achievable with traditional means.
These technologies are capable of reaching 10,000–15,000 ft (3000–4500 m) and may reach 25,000 ft (7500 m) when used under favorable conditions.
Directional Drilling Services in Alberta & Western Canada
Double M Construction Group Ltd. is a 100% indigenous-owned company and is your premier directional drilling service provider in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and across Western Canada. Don’t let frequent pipeline installation roadblocks slow your progress any longer – get in touch with our expert team straight away to start saving yourself time, money, and hassle.
Ready to Start Your Next Project?
Book your construction project today with our dedicated team, or call today to inquire about further details (403) 554-9739.
