Directional Drilling
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a technique by which pipe, duct or cable can be installed underground without disturbing surface structures and thereby avoiding the disruption caused by traditional open trenching methods.
The cost savings resulting from the application of this technology, in both direct and consequential terms, can be very significant. HDD is fast, efficient and environmentally friendly.
TCU SURESHOT L.L.C has a long history of providing safe, powerful and environmentally friendly methods for subsurface construction. In addition to our core competencies in pneumatic hammer drilling and other traditional drilling and excavation methods, TCU SURESHOT L.L.C has expertise in advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). This technology allows us to install pipelines under roads, rivers and existing structures without disrupting the surface. HDD is also ideal for pipe rehabilitation and other applications where safety, efficiency, and risk management are important.
1st Stage - Pilot Hole
A pilot hole is drilled horizontally and continues under and across the obstacle along a predetermined design path. An electronic transmitter is placed in a housing which is directly behind the cutting head. The transmitter sends a signal to the surface which is read by the receiver, which then transmits the information back to the drill rig operator. The driller then, by using the relayed information, can steer the bore path in any desired direction.
2nd Stage - Pre-ream
Once the pilot hole is complete, the hole must be enlarged to a suitable diameter for the product pipeline. This is accomplished by "prereaming" the hole to successively larger diameters. Generally, the reamer is attached to the drill string on the opposite end of the borehole from the drill and pulled back into the pilot hole. Slurry is pumped into the hole to maintain the integrity of the hole and to flush out cuttings.
3rd Stage - Pullback
Once the drilled hole is enlarged, the product can be pulled through it. The pipeline is prefabricated at the end of the bore opposite the drill rig. A reamer is attached to the drill string, and then connected to the product by a pulling head and swivel. The swivel allows for the reamer to turn without the product turning. The drilling rig then begins the pullback operation, rotating and pulling on the drill string as well as circulating drilling fluids. The pullback continues until the reamer exits the bore path by the drill rig and the pipeline is in place.
