Horizontal Directional Boring services are slowly becoming the standard in the underground drilling industry. The global directional drilling market is expected to reach $14.95 billion by 2020, growing at a CARG of 14.0%. North America accounts for 30% of the HDD revenue as more players join into the lucrative industry. High demand for utility installations within telecommunications, gas, water and electricity companies continue to fuel the upsurge.
Telecommunication is a huge contributor to the directional boring market as more premises are connected with fiber optic. The digital trend craze has led to more fiber and cable deployments as cable companies fight for the tight niche. The directional drilling services are a better option to open trench systems that require digging up of the landscape to lay the cables.
The process involves digging up a pilot hole as a kick-off point. The pilot hole holds the drilling fluid that lubricates the drill bits at it bores through the soil. The underground boring contractor then expands the entrance pit through a pre-reaming process.
At the end of the line, the drill bit is swapped out for a reamer that enlarges the bore to accommodate the diameter of the communications line conduits. Finally, the drilling rig then pulls the product piping from the bore end until it emerges from the pilot hole. The construction project is complete when the contractor seals the entry and exit holes. Here are five key factors to consider during the drilling process.
1. Drill Route
The first step in trenchless boring is conducting a proper geotechnical feasibility study that determines the drilling path. The assessment of the project site allows you to determine the entry and exit pits for your communications line. The pilot hole and the exit pit should be at least no more than 50 feet in elevation drop and preferably with a clear line of sight. Ensure there are no underground utilities that may block your path leading to cross boring.
2. Pilot Hole Curvature
One of the vital factors you need to keep in mind is the radius of your curvature. The surface-launched drilling rig should enter at an angle that reduces the stress exerted on the bore by the overlying soil. Too much bending may lead to the collapse of the hole as the conduit is pulled through.
3. Size of the Back Reamer
As you expand the entry pit, the size of your product cable determines the diameter of the reamer to use. Choosing the right reamer ensures that the conduit doesn’t get stuck during the final process.
4. The Viscosity of the Drilling Fluid
Drilling fluids play a critical role in the functionality of the drilling bits. The mixture cools the drill heads as well as suspend the solid chippings. Bentonite and Polymer additives clean the bore and increase the stability of the surrounding soil layer. Maintaining the correct viscosity ensures that the pump isn’t overworked during the drilling process.
5. Pipe handling
The communication line pipes should be handled with care to prevent breakages. The necessary inspection and fusion welding should be meticulously done to ensure project success.
In Conclusion
Horizontal directional boring presents an attractive option for laying a communications line with minimal surface disruptions. Are you looking for a Texas directional drilling contractor? The team at American Directional Boring is ready to discuss your project needs.
