The Energy Information Administration says that in 2021, 81% of well completions in the United States were from horizontal or directional drills. The other 19% of wells were drilled vertically.
There is a significant shift toward horizontal directional drills, and for a good reason. The benefits of HDD far outweigh any advantages of drilling vertically. The decision is simple, and here is why.
Faster Installation
Trenchless drilling methods do the job quickly because they drill horizontally under the ground without digging down. Then it goes across like it does in a traditional open cut. Less dirt is displaced.
There is less to dispose of and less to rebury. All these benefits lead to multiple ways you can save time.
Durability
Horizontal directional drilling equipment has a longer lifespan and uses more robust materials. HDD gets better accuracy in its placements. Not only that, but it prevents property damage that can occur during installation.
Take areas like where a pipe would run under a bridge and across a river. In these cases, some elements lead to wear and tear, cutting the lifespan of the pipes installed. HDD, however, improves durability with easier installations under driveways, rivers, and any other location you want to bury utility and pipelines.
Less Disruption
With traditional drilling, two factors can disrupt the project: time and landscaping. Since horizontal directional drills displace less soil by not digging down, it preserves the earth above, including grass, trees, plants, and more. Further, buildings and man-made items are safe.
HDD does dig down where it starts the pipe. Beyond that, it will not ruin landscaping. You can return the job site to normal once the job is complete, as everything is the same.
Lower Cost
Since it is faster, it is less expensive. Plus, since there is no property damage and no displaced soil, this saves time from cleaning up afterward.
Further, HDD needs fewer operators than other drilling methods. You save money on manpower.
Additionally, there is less equipment that horizontal directional drilling requires. For instance, you don’t need a backhoe. There is less heavy equipment to rent.
Here, you can get excellent prices on battery chargers for DigiTrak. Just about everything about HDD is less expensive than open-cut drilling.
Flexible With Locations
When you have a place where obstacles are seemingly an issue, HDD is a perfect drilling method because it is agile. Under a road, ditch, etc., it is not challenging when you need a pipe, water, and sewer line. Horizontal directional drilling can also handle areas where a pipe must curve.
Before HDD, it may have been too expensive for consideration. Now, no location is impossible. This is highly beneficial for both businesses and homeowners.
Reduces Soil Contamination
Since this drilling method does not bring soil to the surface but pushes it to the side, the probability of contamination above ground dramatically reduces. Plus, soil that is contaminated will not permeate the pipes.
That is because their connections preserve their integrity as they are long-lasting. There is a much more significant risk of contamination with traditional vertical drilling methods.
Less Extensive Permitting
Regardless of whether it is for commercial or residential purposes, horizontal directional drilling has fewer permit issues. That is because of how it works. This drilling method produces less debris, creates less disturbance, and does not need to block traffic.
Not only that, but fewer workers are necessary. There is less equipment, too. Therefore, it is simpler to get approval for performing the job.
Works Well in Tight Spaces
Technology is continuously developing. The equipment used today is more compact than ever before. This means you can use horizontal drilling even in a tight space.
Little spaces like yard gates are no obstacle for HDD. Get the versatility you need to accommodate even the most challenging jobs.
Enhanced Safety
For workers, the excavation process can be risky in terms of safety. Particularly, operating the equipment has its safety challenges.
With an open-cut drilling method, crews are digging deep trenches. This increases the possibility of worksite accidents.
HDD, however, only requires a few small-bore pits. They are placed on one end of the pipe. When there are fewer open holes, there is less risk of injury.
Further, it is less likely that the equipment will get damaged. Horizontal directional drilling is a safer option with drilling methods.
Accuracy
This is a tremendous advantage. It is overwhelmingly accurate. Plotted by engineers and with a predetermined path, horizontal directional drilling methods work with precision. It is as precise as 0.01 and 0.04 degrees.
Since that is a higher level of accuracy, it is less likely that you will encounter a miscalculation. When your calculations are incorrect, it will drive the project cost up beyond what you had budgeted. This is one more reason HDD is used so often.
How Far Can HDD Go?
It depends on a few things. The environment is one factor, and the equipment is another factor. As there is no simple formula, getting with a professional and discussing your specific project is best.
Horizontal Directional Drills
You get more advantages from horizontal directional drills than vertical ones. They are faster, cost less, and avoid property damage and contamination. The choice is clear.
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