HDD Technology

The trenchless installation of pipes and cables using the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method is nowadays a common alternative to installation in open trenches. Environmentally safe materials make directional drilling the method of choice on environmental remediation projects as well as for utility installations in congested urban environments.

Due to the technical advantages of the technology, the minimum adverse effect on the ground surface and its economic efficiency, the HDD method is widely used worldwide. The practice shows, that application of the HDD technology reduces the operating costs and time of a traditional technology significantly while resulting in far less disturbance. This method of operation is considerably faster than conventional methods, which means that the job is completed in many instances without people in the area being aware it has been done.

Nevertheless, trenchless installation still requires a particularly high quality of design, planning and execution, specialized knowledge and the appropriate equipment for the drilling as well as an experienced and motivated team to make every job a success. The specialist skill with which the employees of Flowtex International have successfully installed pipes and cables for many years on a large scale, helps Flowtex International to set a new quality standard for the HDD process.

The FlowTex International planning starts with a “project inquiry” where all necessary information is collected. After receipt of order, the project preparation follows immediately to start the preparation. The geotechnical investigation is the main source for identifying the correct rig size, tools, fluid program and other details for the execution of the task at hand.

In addition to that, all plans for the existing utilities within the construction area which have been already installed should be supplied. During the crossings execution a “Daily Report”, a “Drill-Report” and the “As-Built Documentation” will be generated. After the crossings execution, the “As-Built Documentation” and the “Crossing Profile” will be submitted to the client for approval and acceptance of the works executed.

In conclusion, during the HDD process the following various factors should be taken into consideration at project preparation and execution stages: