Directional drilling, also called directional boring, is a drilling technique used in trenchless excavation for various subterranean renovation and reduces environmental impact.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Applications
There are two primary applications for a directional drill: utility installation and oilfield installation/expansion.
Utility installation directional drilling, also called horizontal directional drilling or HDD, replaces traditional open cut excavation, also called trenching, when existing roads, structures or other obstacles are in the path of underground utilities. Horizontal directional drilling is often used to install new, make repairs to, or replace existing pipes, cables, and conduit for various utilities. Utilities may include water, electric, cable, natural gas transport, fiber optics lines, etc. HDD has minimal environmental impact on the surrounding area and is more cost-effective than traditional excavation.
How Does Directional Drilling Work?
First, a pilot hole or pilot bore is drilled into the ground using a drill bit. The angle of the drill bit is controlled using real-time technologies to increase accuracy and efficiency when facing various drilling challenges. Once the drill bit is at a specified depth, it’s leveled off into a horizontal path.
For the installation of utilities, the drill is redirected to exit the ground at the destination point. The drill head is removed and a back reamer attached, which is used to pull the necessary cable, pipe, conduit, etc., back through the underground trench.
Earthworkz has been one of the top directional drilling contractors in the Greater Kansas City area since 2011. We specialize in directional boring for utility installations, on-grade bores, steel casing bores, and rock bores. Our highly trained and experienced team has the skill set to get the job done. Contact us at 816-355-0280 to discuss your directional drilling needs today.
