When open excavations aren’t feasible and experience matters, UUL provide expert horizontal direction drilling services for the installation of utility pipelines and conduits.
UUL has successfully completed Horizontal Directional Drilling crossings across New Zealand and our record-setting Waitakare Ranges project is a testament to our highly respected Horizontal Directional Drilling staff.
Regardless of scope, size or location, our trenchless technology ensures we can install underground utilities, such as gas, water, sewer, and fibre optic lines, with minimal environmental disturbance. With unparalleled service, our team will strive to ensure your project exceeds expectations, delivered on time and budget.
What is Directional Drilling?
Directional drilling is a trenchless construction method that involves drilling horizontally through the ground to install underground pipelines and conduits. This method is used to minimise disruptions to the environment and surface structures, and it can be used to install pipelines under rivers, roads, and other obstacles.
The process of directional drilling begins with the installation of a surface-mounted directional drilling rig. The rig is used to push, rotate, and pull a string of steel drilling rods through the ground. The drill string is guided along a predetermined bore path using a guidance system that tracks the position of the drilling head.
Once the drilling head reaches the desired location, it is removed and a hole opener (reamer) is attached to the end of the drill string. The reamer is used to enlarge the borehole to the desired diameter. The pipeline or conduit is then pulled through the borehole and connected to the reamer.
The drilling fluid plays an important role in the directional drilling process. The drilling fluid is a mixture of water and bentonite clay that is pumped down the drill string to cool and lubricate the drilling bit and to transport the cuttings out of the borehole. The drilling fluid also helps to stabilise the walls of the borehole.
Directional drilling is a versatile and environmentally friendly construction method that can be used to install pipelines and conduits in a variety of applications.