directional drilling, installation of underground utilities, horizontal directional drilling

Horizontal directional drilling is a method used for the installation of underground utilities, ranging from gas, electric and communication ducts to sewer systems, without the need for excavation. The directional drill is carried out from a surface launch, the main drill head has transmitting equipment inside which enables a receiver on the surface to monitor the bore line. This equipment is accurate to within 40mm which enables the line and level to be adjusted throughout the drilling operation. When the bore is completed the drill head is replaced with a reamer of appropriate size which is pulled back through the bore to increase the diameter. The pipe is then attached using a swivel and towing head and pulled back through the bore to the reception pit where the reamer and towing head are removed. Directional drilling is commonly used for installations such as motorways, roads, canals, rivers, railways and airport runways and ensures minimum or no environmental or public disruption.

This method can be used in most ground conditions using specialist equipment and products and call install duct up to 800mm in diameter.