Calhoun: The NPS Institutional Archive

Theses and Dissertations Thesis Collection

1999

Overview of horizontal directional drilling for utility construction

Barlas, Alexander W.
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

http://hdl.handle.net/10945/8796
Overview of Horizontal Directional

Drilling for Utility Construction

Prepared by:

Alexander W. Bar las

Lieutenant, Civil Engineer Corps

United States Navy

A Master's Report Presented to the Graduate Committee

of the Department of Civil Engineering as Partial

Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Engineering

University of Florida

Summer Semester 1999

SgB S '^SCHOOL
 DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
MONTEREY, CA 93943-5101

Overview of Horizontal Directional

Drilling for Utility Construction

Prepared by:

Alexander W. Barlas
n
Lieutenant, Civil Engineer Corps

United States Navy

A Master's Report Presented to the Graduate Committee

of the Department of Civil Engineering as Partial

Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Engineering

University of Florida

Summer Semester 1999

 1
3
6 ....

DUDLE^ X LIBRARY
RADU ATE SCHOOL
MONTERJY CA 93943-5101

Table of Contents

Abstract pg. 1

Chapter 1 : Introduction pg. 2

Chapter 2: Design Information, Construction Process pg- 6

2.1 Geotechnical and Design Data pg. 6

2.2 Construction Process pg. 8

Chapter 3: Major Components pg 14

3 . Drill Rig pg 14
3.2 Drill Pipe pg 15
3 . Slurry pg 16
3.4 Slurry Recycling/Mixing Systems pg 18
3.5 Survey Systems pg. 19
3 . Drill Bits pg. 21
3.7 Reamers pg 23
3.8 Pipeline Materials pg 24

Chapter 4: Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling, pg. 27

4.1 Construction Costs pg 28

4.2 Environmental Benefits pg. 33
4.3 Feasible Option in Congested Areas pg. 37
4.4 Social Benefits pg. 39

Chapter 5: Challenges and Risks pg 42

5.1 Soil Information and Existing Utilities pg. 43

5.2 Subsurface Conditions pg 44
5.3 Training pg. 46
5.4 Drilling Fluids pg 48
5.5 Binding of Drill Pipe and Bit pg 50

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations pg 53

Bibliography pg 56

Appendix pg 58

li
 :

List of Figures & Tables

Figure 1 HDD North American Growth pg 3

Figure 2 HDD Breakdown pg 4
Figure 3 Rig Side Work Space pg 9
Figure 4 Pipe Side Work Space pg 10
Figure 5 Pilot Hole pg n
Figure 6 Preream pg 12
Figure 7 Pullback pg 12

Table 1 Rig Characteristics pg 14

Table 2 Recommended Steel Pipe Thickness pg 25
Table 3 Wichita, Kansas Cost Data pg 29
Table 4 1998 European Installation Costs pg 31
Table 5 North America HDD Installation Costs pg 31
Table 6 Summary of Cost Factors for Open-Cut
And Directional Drilling Operations pg. 32

in
 Abstract

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a versatile form

of utility construction and has seen enormous growth in the

last decade as it offers a clear alternative to

conventional methods. Drilling is conducted in both the

vertical and horizontal direction and can be steered within

limits, dependent upon subsurface conditions. HDD can

install utilities from 1" to 48" in diameter and up to 6000

feet in length. The major utilities (gas, electric,

telecommunications and water/sewer) can be installed with

this technology. The construction process (pilot hole,

reaming and pullback) along with the major components

(drill rig, drill pipe, slurry, slurry recycling, survey

equipment, drill bits, reamers and pipeline materials) will

be discussed. The advantages of cost reduction, and

environmental, social and time benefits will be examined in

the context of numerous case studies. The challenges of

proper soils information, subsurface conditions, training

and knowledge, drilling fluids and binding of the drill

pipe and reamer /bit will be discussed. Through constant

innovation, HDD should remain state of the art for some

time, and should be a consideration for the construction of

any new utility within the size parameters.

 .

Chapter 1: Introduction

New utility installation in North America amounted to

over $16 billion dollars in 1998. Since so much land has

been developed, it has become harder to place new lines.

It is also often necessary to install utilities in areas

once considered undesireable, undevelopable or cost

prohibitive. Environmental agencies now make it very

difficult, if not impossible to construct utilities by open

cutting under waterways and through wetlands. This being

the case, it is clear that alternative methods to

conventional methods (open cut, pipeline bridges) need to

be promoted and enhanced. The alternative methods which

have been greatly developed in the 1990 's are trenchless

technologies. One main trenchless technology is horizontal

directional drilling (HDD) . Also referred to as directional

drilling, HDD is only used for the construction of new

lines

HDD is a process which is similar to vertical drilling

of oil and water wells; although HDD is much more

versatile. It allows for drilling to be conducted in both

the vertical and horizontal direction and also allows for

some steering, dependent upon subsurface conditions. There

is minimal disruption to the ground surface. The bore is

made at an angle and levels out at a specified depth. Once

 depth has been achieved, the bore is advanced horizontally

until it is redirected for exiting.

Utilities have been built by HDD under rivers,

highways, railroads, airport runways, shore approaches and

areas congested with buildings. This technology has seen

remarkable growth in the 1990 's as evidenced by Figure 1.

(Gokhale, pg. 21)

Figure 1: HDD North American Growth

3500

3000

2500

2000

Lineal Ft Installed (x 1000)

1500

1000

500

1960-84 1989-92 1993-96

Horizontal directional drilling has proven to be

reliable and cost effective for numerous installations of

utilities all over the world. This will be evidenced best

in the Benefits chapter of this paper. The longest

crossing to date has been 6000 feet. The largest diameter

pipe installation has been 48", while the greatest depth

achieved has been 200 feet. In 1998, 89% of installations

were under 4" in diameter, 10% were for installations from

4-12", and 1% were for pipelines over 12 inches. Many-

different utilities can be installed using this technology

A breakdown of the installations in 1998 is seen in Figure

2 . (Gokhale, pg. 22)

Figure 2: HDD Breakdown

environmental
wells -lOther
4% I 1%
gas distribution
16%
telecommunicatio
n

force main and

46%
sewer
15%

gravity sewer
4 °/° electric
14%

The technology continues to revolutionize the underground

utility industry. The confidence of the industry and the

development of locator technology have progressed to the

point where sewer lines can be installed on grade. As late

of 1995, this was not thought to be possible with this

technology.

While this paper will focus specifically on the HDD

industry for the installation of utilities, it is important

to note that this technology is also becoming prevalent for

the sampling and monitoring of suspected contaminated soils

and groundwater. It offers an alternative to the

traditional method of vertical drilling as it can promote

sampling under roads, rivers and other obstacles.

Chapter 2 : Design Information, Construction Process

2 : 1 Geotechnical and Design Data

Before construction can begin, it is very important to

have performed a proper site survey and geotechnical

analysis of the area. It is even more important to do this

for directional drilling than for normal cut and cover

operations since the obstructions and soil will be hidden

from the driller completely. He will essentially be

drilling "in the blind". A proper geotechnical analysis

can ultimately save much time and money for both the

contractor and the owner. Boreholes should be drilled a

maximum of 3 00 feet apart, 25-50 feet from the centerline

of the crossing to prevent drilling fluid loss during the

installation, and 16-32 feet deeper than the lowest

elevation proposed for the pipeline. For river crossings,

boreholes should be made, at a minimum, on each side of the

river. (ASCE, pg . 63) The term pipeline is used in the

next few chapters. Conduit (normally high density

polyethylene - HDPE) for both the electrical and

telecommunications industry is installed in the same

fashion as water, sewer, gas and oil pipelines.

The geotechnical report should include:

• Detailed bore logs

• Standard soil classification (gravelly sand, silty

gravel, etc)

• Sieve analysis of granular materials

• Unconfined compressive strength of soil and rock

samples

If rock is found, the contractors should be able to

view it at a pre-bid conference. It is very important to

know where rock is located, what kind it is and what

compressive strength it has. Rock and soil conditions

affect the size of the rig, and the types of reamers and

drill bits used. In fact, if a medium size rig was

specified, and significant rock was found, a large rig

would then be necessary. Other soils information can be

found from:

• Past and present construction sites, daily reports

• Review of glacial geology

• Local and state highway departments

• Army Corps of Engineers

The final design should include a plan view depicting

soil borehole locations, proposed crossing centerline,

water or obstacle limits, adjacent pipelines and

 .

structures, topography, entry and exit locations, and

pipeline right-of way. A profile view showing soil

stratigraphy, borehole locations, proposed drill path,

surface elevations, pipeline radius of curvature, channel

bottom profile, and entry and exit angles should be

included. (ASCE, pg.64) Entry angles are normally

specified to be between 8-20 degrees, with 12 degrees being

ideal, while exit angles are usually between 5-12 degrees

with 10 degrees being ideal.

2.2 Construction Process

The construction process of HDD involves 5 steps:

1 . Set up of the equipment

2 . Drilling the pilot hole

3 . Reaming of the hole

4 . Pullback

5. Tie -in.

Set up of the equipment involves a rig side and a pipe

side. The rig side contains such items as the drilling rig,

slurry mixing and separation equipment, storage of

bentonite, an entry point and a cuttings settlement pit.

An example of a medium or large rig side layout can be seen

in Figure 3
 Figure 2. Rig Side Work Space
1 Rig Unit 8. Bentonrte Storage
2. Control Cab Power Unit 9. Power Generators
3. Drill Pipe 1 0. Spares Storage
Water Pump
4.

5. Slurry
6.
Mixing Tank
1 1 . Site Office
12. Site Office
Cuttings Separation Eqpt 13. Entry Point Slurry Containment
Vf
7. Slurry Pump 1 4. Cuttings Settlement Pit

Picture downloaded from site http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

Rig side sizes and layouts differ for each project,

depending on such things as location (urban or rural) ,

space available, and size of the rig. Rig size depends

upon the diameter and length of the pipe to be installed

along with the soil conditions. Some rig side layouts can

be 50 feet by 100 feet, with some larger than that. Small

projects can utilize rig sides which only have a rig and

equipment for the slurry and can essentially fit in the

right-of-way beside a highway. Sometimes because of space

available, the rig side is constructed in a linear fashion.

The pipe side contains an exit pit, pipeline rollers

and a cuttings settlement pit. An example of a typical pipe

side layout is shown in Figure 4. The pipe side should be

 .

a minimum of 15 feet wide and hopefully allow for enough

length for the pipeline to be fabricated in 1 continuous

string. Sometimes, it is quite a luxury to have enough

room to construct the new pipeline in 1 string, but

contractors are leary of having the pipe bind (get stuck)

in the bore if they do not.

Figure 3. Pipe Side Work Space

1 Cuttings Settlement Pit

2. Exit Point Slurry Containment Pit

3. Pipeline Rollers
4. Product Pipehne
5. Construction Equipment
6. Drill Pipe
7. Spares Storage

Picture downloaded from site http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

The drilling of the pilot hole is the most important

part of the project. A general picture of this process can

be seen in Figure 5. The pilot hole (4" -12" in diameter)

is dug by thrusting and turning the drill pipe (1" - 6" in

diameter) or wash pipe and cutting tool from the rig side

to the pipe side, where the pilot string is the entire

length of drill string (drill pipe or wash pipe + survey

10
tool + drill bit) . Wash pipes are drill pipes with extra

casing (steel or HDPE) for unstable soils. They provide a

better ability to back the bit out of the hole, if

necessary. Different bits are used for different soils.

Different types of surveying tools are available to inform

the driller where the head of the drill bit is located.

The type of survey tool used is dependent upon depth and

resources of the contractor. After the cutting tool reaches

the pipe side, the bit and the bottom hole assembly (survey

tool and bit) are removed, and a reamer is installed.

I.D.1. Pilot Hole

Wash Pipe Bel pjio, S!ring BiS

Survey Tool - - - ""_- •
"
—
I

=g^ .
gg- .
•""" Dn 1 Profle

Plot Suing

Picture downloaded from site http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

The reamer is then pulled from the pipe side to the

rig side (Figure 6), with pipe added at the pipe side to

ensure a continuous line in the hole.

11
 I.D.2. Preream

Picture downloaded from site http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

The reamer's job is to enlarge the hole, and if

needed, numerous reamers of gradually larger diameters are

used to ensure the hole is large enough for the final

pipeline. As with the cutting tool, there are different

types of reamers for different soils. Once the hole is

approximately 1.5 times the size of the pipe, the pipeline

is ready to be pulled. (Figure 7)

I.D.3. Pullback

Picture downloaded from site http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

To prevent the turning of the drill pipe from twisting

the pipeline, a swivel is inserted between the reamer and

the pipe. Swivels are not the insignificant size that a

12
 .

layman would think. The larger ones are the size of a

grown man and can withstand over 500,000 pounds of force.

Now that the general process has been described, the

different major components will be described in more

detail

13
 Chapter 3: Major Components

3.1 Drill Rig

The drilling rig is used for all phases - pilot hole,

reaming and pullback. Drilling rigs are also referred to

as boring machines and drills. Important characteristics to

be aware of for the drilling rig are forward thrust,

pullback and rotational torque. Thrust and pullback rate

the size of the rig. Rigs are generally classified as

large, mid size (medium), and small. Mid sized rigs

generally complete projects in the 500 ft - 2000 ft range

and pipelines from 4" to 24" in diameter. A comparison for

small, medium and large rigs is as follows:

Table 1: Rig Characteristics

Rig Size Push/Pull (lbs) Pump Rate(gpm of slurry)

Small to 25,000 40 and less

Medium 25,000 - 100,000 40 - 200

Large 100,000 and more 150 and up

A sampling of different sizes of rigs and their

specifications, can be found in the Appendix.

Another way to classify drilling rigs is whether it is

self contained or remote. Self contained units have the

power unit, drill pipe and rack all on board, whereas

14
remote units have a power unit attached permanently to a

truck bed. Self contained rigs have the benefit of reduced

setup time, and remote units have the advantage of being

more adaptable to urban areas since the overall components

can be separated.

3.2 Drill Pipe

The drill pipe (also referred to as drill stem, drill

rod) which is used for the bore is dependent on the size of

rig. Typical sizes for the drill pipe are an outside

diameter between 1 and 6 inches and a total length of

between 6 and 3 feet. The pipe has to withstand severe

stresses related to rotational torque, pushing, pulling,

and bending. The pipe is also hollow, allowing the

drillers mud to be pumped through to the head for cutting

of the soil. The most common type of pipe is a one-piece

forged steel pipe with machined threads. An example of

drill pipe can be found in the Appendix. Generally

speaking, larger diameter drill pipe cannot bend safely in

a short distance, so small bores cannot be completed with

large drill pipe, while smaller diameter drill pipe is more

flexible and better suited for short bores. In general, the

planned radius or curvature of the bore should be at least

100 times the diameter of the drill pipe. (Trenchless Data

15
 ,

Service) As the pipe progresses, additional drill pipes are

added. One key maintenance item for the drill pipe is

proper cleaning of soil particles and dirt from the threads

of the drill pipe. This is often not done, which of

course, causes problems.

3 . 3 Slurry

The slurry is mixed in a mixing tank by a "mud man"

and then flexible hoses carry the slurry to the rig, where

slurry is pumped through the drill pipe. The slurry

(drilling fluid, drillers mud) provides many necessary

functions in the pilot hole process. It

• Establishes and maintains hole integrity

• Provides cooling for the drill head

• Lubricates the drill string

• Suspends cuttings in the hole and helps to float

them out

• Retains drilling fluid in the hole without having it

dissipate into the surrounding formation

• Provides hydraulic horsepower for mud motors in hard

soils

The process of fluid assisted drilling or jetting

accomplishes the above functions by water alone (very

16
 .

seldom) , bentonite slurry (bentonite with water) , or a

mixture of bentonite and polymer. In real sticky clays, a

biodegradable, nonfoaming detergent (surfactant) is added.

The detergent leaves a thin film on the drill stem, keeping

the material from sticking.

Bentonite is non-hazardous aluminum silicate clay,

with Wyoming bentonite being the premium quality.

Bentonite should be used in most soils, definitely with

coarse soils - sands and gravels; where polymers are best

suited for finer soils - clays and shales. It is usually

best to use a combination of bentonite and polymers in the

bore since there is invariably some coarse and some fines.

When added to water, bentonite breaks up into microscopic

platelets and has a shingling effect on the hole,

preventing fluid from escaping and helping to maintain hole

integrity. Typically, 15-25 pounds of bentonite are used

per 100 gallons of water.

Polymers are used when clay is present as the polymers

wrap themselves around the clay cuttings, limiting the

clay's intake of water and reducing the clay's ability to

swell. Normally, 1 quart of polymer is used per 100

gallons

The water source is also very important. Salt water

is not desirable due to its abrasive nature and poor mixing

17
characteristics when combined with bentonite. Since so much

water is used in the HDD process, impacts to the source

should be considered.

3.4 Slurry Recycling /Mixing Systems

These systems should be a vital part of any HDD (large

or small) operation as when the job is going smoothly,

there should be a return of slurry from the entry or exit

pit. A recycling system cleans the returned slurry,

allowing the liquid phase to be reused and discards the

cuttings. A highly efficient system can clean the returned

fluid down to less than 1% sand. (Clayton, pg. 46) There

are many benefits to using a recycling or cleaning system.

These include:

• Cleaner, safer drilling location

• Reduced disposal costs

• Reduced drilling fluid costs (Slurry costs an

average of 10 cents/gallon)

• Reduced water hauling

• Environmental considerations

• Reduced overall project costs

18
 .

Many types of these systems are available. Some

of these systems are listed in the Appendix. Four main

elements comprise the system - slurry pump, fluids tank,

shaker and mud cleaner. The slurry pump routes the slurry

from the entry or exit pit to the recycling system for

processing. The fluids tank doubles as a mixing tank with

the cleaning equipment on the top of the tank. The shaker

is the first part of the cleaning process where large

cuttings are removed. The slurry and remaining smaller

cuttings are redirected to a mud cleaner, which has an

additional shaker with desander/desilter cones mounted over

the top. The slurry is then discharged into the mixing

tank portion of the fluids tank. These units require a

dedicated crew member or "mud man"

3 . 5 Survey Systems

Two basic forms of survey systems exist. These are

the walkover system and the wireline steering tool system.

The most recent development - wire less steering - will be

utilized in 1999 for the first time. Wire less steering

eliminates the need for a person to physically walk over

the line to determine either depth or alignment.

The walkover system is exactly what the name implies.

A person with a receiver has to walk over the position of

19
the drill head, where the survey instrument or transmitter

(sonde) is located. The receiver processes the signal from

the transmitter and calculates the pitch, roll and depth.

Transmitter specifications are contained in the Appendix.

These 3 pieces of information are then conveyed to the

driller or sent to a remote display at the drill rack,

where the driller can then make appropriate adjustments, if

necessary.

Readings should be taken no more than 3 feet apart.

Pitch indicates whether the drill head is level, pointing

up or pointing down. Roll tells the rotational position of

the drill head with position of the drill head calculated

according to time on a clock. Three general classes of

transmitters are used for the walkover system - these are

short range (depth to 15 ft) , medium range (depth to 40 ft)

and long range (depths to 7 ft) . These transmitters are

battery powered and are only good to 70 feet. Past this

depth, it is necessary to use the wireline steering system.

The wireline steering tool system has the advantage of

increased depth as the transmitter is connected to a

surface computer that gives continuous readouts of pitch

and roll to the operator at the drill rig. This is done as

a wireline is connected from the transmitter to the surface

computer by running it inside of the drill pipe. The

20
similarity to the walkover system is that a locator is

still needed to determine the depth. The wireline steering

is less easily influenced by buried trash and metal in the

ground, but it is also more expensive than the walkover

system.

3.6 Drill Bits

The selection of the proper drill bit depends upon the

soil which will be encountered. The drill bit is part of

the tooling assembly or bottom hole assembly. The bottom

hole assembly also houses the transmitter. The entire

bottom hole assembly threads into the drill pipe. Drill

bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

In soft soils, a bit referred to as a steering shoe is

used. It is actually not a bit in the conventional sense

as it relies on the jetting action of the slurry to

accomplish the cutting. Based upon which direction the

shoe is inclined is what position it will head. The 12

o'clock position (fluid sent off the angled shoe) allows

the head to go up. Down, left and right capabilities are

provided by having the shoe and jetting at 6, 9 or 3

o'clock positions. To make course corrections, it is

necessary to stop rotating, rotate the jet to a new course,

21
and thrust forward. Once the new course has been

established, rotation can resume.

For medium (harder packed coarse and fine) and hard

soils (rock), a bent sub is used directly before the bit.

The bent sub provides steerability and directional ability

just as the shoe did for the soft soils. Different types of

bits for medium hard soils are milled tooth bits, diamond

bits, and tricone roller bits. Diamond bits are best used

in homogenous soils, are very expensive ($4000) and are

destroyed by cobbles. Tricone roller bits and milltooth

bits tend to work best and are the most popular. Hard

soils (rock formations) are drilled with tricone roller bits

with tungsten carbide inserts. These bits are very rugged

and do well in rock formations. Their cost is anywhere

between $3,000 and $10,000. Mud motors must be used to

power the above listed bits when drilling medium to hard

formations . These motors are used to rotate the cutting

head and are directly in front of the bit. The motor is

powered by the flow of drilling fluid (minimum of 40

gpm) which is forced through it. This automatically means

that at least a mid size rig should be used to properly run

the mud motor.

Thankfully, in the last couple years, bits have been

produced by companies that are "all soils bits" . These

22
bits can usually accomplish a complete bore by themselves,

without being pulled out - a huge benefit. The "all soils

bits" only nemesis is medium to hard rock, or in other

words, rock above 6000 psi. The great benefit to "all

soils bits" is that they don't require a mud motor and thus

can be used with small sized rigs. These bits evolved from

the steering shoe design. Unlike the traditional steering

shoe, these bits are designed with more secure transmitter

housings and rock point tips.

3 . 7 Reamers

The reamer is used to enlarge the pilot hole so that

the hole is large enough to accommodate the new line. For

smaller lines, the pilot hole is large enough for the

pipeline. For larger lines, the process has to be repeated

with larger and larger reamers until the bore is roughly

1.5 times the size of the pipe. The hole needs to be this

large to allow for the bend radius of the pipe, for movement

of drilling fluids and spoils, and to limit gouging of the

pipe by rocks in the soil. For example, during

construction which allowed the Gloucester sewer force main

to be built under the York River in Norfolk in 1992, 6

reaming passes were needed. The soils encountered were

23
sand and silt and this number of passes were necessary to

provide a firm and stable base for pullback.

Different soils require different types of reamers.

Generally speaking, the blade reamer performs best in soft

soils; the barrel reamer performs well in medium soils and

a rock reamer is used in rock formations. A rock reamer

with tungsten carbide inserts is used in very hard rock.

Some types of reamers can be seen in the Appendix. Many

contractors manufacture their own reamers; other standard

types of reamers are the:

• Spiral reamer - used for obstacles such as rocks,

gravel, tree roots, not very good in dry clay or

compacted sand

• Wing cutter - works well in dry clay and compacted

sand

• Helical - does not hold up well under rocky or

abrasive conditions

• Fluted reamer - used in sand and hard packed sand

with rock, balls up in sticky clay conditions

3.8 Pipeline Materials

The pipe materials need to withstand some severe

bending and pulling stresses. The stresses result from the

24
pulling into the hole, bending when subjected to the

curvature of the bore, overburden pressure in the hole, and

working pressure of the line. For this reason, brittle

materials cannot be used. The two main materials which are

used are steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) . In

some cases, ductile iron is also used. Steel pipe is

joined by welding, whereas HDPE pipe sections are commonly

connected with couplings that lock tightly with the

precision machined grooves on the pipe. Steel is preferred

because of its greater tensile strength and ability to

resist deformation.

While it is always necessary to calculate the actual

forces to determine the thickness of the pipe, the

following information can be used as a general guide:

Table 2 : Recommended Steel Pipe Thickness

Steel pipe size (D - diameter) wall thickness (t)

6" and less 0.250

6-12" 0.375

12 - 30" 0.500

30" and more D/t <= 6

A general guide for HDPE pipe is that D/t <= 11

(Trenchless Data Service)

25
 The main reason to be concerned about thickness is

deformation. Since HDD operations can also be buried quite

deep, and the anticipated lifespan is a minimum of 50

years, thickness also helps the corrosion part of the

equation, at least for steel pipe. For steel pipe, it is

commonly specified that a 20 mil thickness of liquid epoxy

be applied in order to reduce friction during pullback and

minimize corrosion, particulary at the welds. When steel

and HDPE pipe is installed in rock formations, it is common

to apply a epoxy based polymer to the outside of the pipe

to reduce gouging of the pipe.

26
 . :

Chapter 4 : Benefits of Horizontal

Directional Drilling

The increased use of Horizontal Directional Drilling

in the 1990 's should be no mystery. Numerous projects and

success stories point to the great advantage that HDD

provides over conventional techniques, particulary in built

up areas, rivers and wetlands. The benefits provided can

be grouped into 5 main areas

1. Construction cost savings

2 Friend to the environment

3 . Feasible option for congested areas

4. Social benefits

5 Time

In discussion of the above 5 areas, it will be clear

that HDD technology offers clear advantages in many varying

cases of location, different utilities and sizes of

installed pipe, and varying pipeline lengths. Time will

not be given its own section, rather it will be woven into

the other 4 sections. Actual construction time can usually

be accomplished significantly quicker than conventional

methods. It should also be noted that safety is much

better on a job with horizontal directional drilling as

there is no trench. There have been too many accidents

27
which occur on open cut construction sites because of cave-

ins due to faulty shoring or lack of shoring.

4.1 Construction Costs

In December of 1997, the Water Distribution Division

of Wichita, Kansas purchased its own directional drilling

rig. Comparing costs for open trenching with the cost of

purchasing a directional drilling rig convinced city

officials that HDD would be less expensive over the life of

the boring machine. They purchased a Ditch Witch, Model

JT172 0, which is capable of 17,000 pounds of thrust and

pullback, or in other words, a small rig for $120,000. The

original estimates showed projected yearly savings of

$25,000 based upon 30 four inch and larger domestic and

fire service installations each year.

In actual practice during the first year of service,

the drill was instead used for the installation of five 1"

domestic service lines, 2,000 feet of 8" water main and

20,000 feet of 1.25" and 4" fiberoptic conduit. Savings,

after deducting $8,000 amortization cost, were $29,510 for

the first year. For depreciation purposes, the rig is

assumed to have a 15 year lifespan. The following data

28
 .

provided by Mr. Joe Botinelly of the Wichita Water and

Sewer Department provides justification for the savings.

Table 3: Wichita, Kansas Cost Data

water mains service lines fiberoptic

feet installed 2,000 250 20,000
HDD installation (actual) $17,950 $1,900 $60,800
trenching installation (estimate) $22,000 $2, 800 $56,000
paving replacement saved (yds) 53 50
paving replacement cost saved $4,120 $3,900
landscape replacement saved (yds) 1320 13,330
landscape replacement cost saved $2,640 $26,700
net savings $10,810 $4,800 $21,900

As is seen by the above information, the savings is

not always directly attributable to the actual

installation, but to the savings related to paving and

restoration of the landscape.

On July 10, 1997, the Massachusetts Legislature

enacted a bill declaring a public health emergency in

Braintree and Weymouth as sewage overflows had been

routinely occurring in moderately wet weather. These

overflows had been causing wastewater discharges to occur

from manholes in streets in Weymouth and at Smith Beach in

Braintree. Both areas are in the greater Boston area and a

part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)

The problem resulted from the fact that the 42" interceptor

sewer was no longer capable of supporting the flow from the

29
tributaries because of the growth in the community. The

solution was to provide a redundant 42" line to backup the

54 year old 42" cast iron line. The redundant line would

span over 2000 feet and be constructed under Mill Cove in

the Weymouth Fore River between the two congested urban

areas. Two options were investigated - open cut and HDD.

The open cut option was estimated to cost $10.9 million,

with an estimated duration for design and construction of

24 months. The HDD option was estimated at $3.9 million

with a duration of 17 months . The HDD option was selected

based on these figures. Ultimately, this work was awarded

for $2.67 million, and actual construction was completed in

3 months, with the HDD installation of a 42" HDPE pipe to

backup the existing. Whereas the Wichita example showed

that HDD was beneficial in an urban area for small diameter

installations, this example undoubtedly shows cost and time

benefits for larger installations. The environmental and

social impacts of this project will be discussed in the

appropriate sections.

Horizontal directional drilling is also very popular

in Europe. Costs for small diameter installations of

pressure pipe and cable duct in Europe in 1998 are listed

in the following table.

30
Table 4:1998 Europe HDD installation costs (Thomson, pg. 25)

diameter open -cut ($/ft) HDD ($/ft)

(in.)
2.5 $23.40 $12.30
3.5 $25.50 $13.50
5 $27.60 $16.50
7 $34.50 $22.50

While the costs for the European installation are

higher than the Wichita data, the above information takes

into account all known HDD installations throughout 1998.

It certainly shows that the application of HDD is much more

cost effective than open cutting.

In the introduction of this paper, it was shown that

HDD has recently become a more popular use of technology

for utility construction in North America. A cost

comparison for the years 1988 and 1998 for pressure pipe

and cable duct installation reveals some interesting

information.

Table 5: North America HDD Cost Data (Thomson, pg.25)

diameter (in.) HDD ($/ft) -1988 HDD ($/ft) - 1998

2.5 $15.00 $10.50
3.5 $17.40 $12.60
5 $19.50 $15
7 $25.50 $21.60

As can be seen from the above data, the cost to

install pipelines using HDD in North America has actually

31
decreased in the last 10 years. This is due to greater

competition, improved equipment, and better training

programs. It is important to note that in the same span of

10 years, Engineering News Record indicates that the

construction cost index has increased 3 0%.

A cost comparison for open cut and directional

drilling can be summarized into the following factors.

Table 6: Summary of Cost Factors for Open Cut and

Directional Drilling Operations (Thomson, pg. 26)

Factor Open-Cut Directional Drilling

Depth Major Minor

Diameter > 6" Moderate Major

Soil Conditions Major Moderate

Obstructions Minor Moderate

Water Table Major Moderate

Existing Utilities Major Moderate

Re-Instatement Major Minor

(Soil, Pavement)

Traffic Major Minor

Design Moderate Major

Ultimately, savings can be attributed to lack of

requirement for shoring, trenching, and dewatering, the

32
 .

lack of replacement of soil, pavement and landscape and the

overall speed in which HDD can accomplished. A standard 3-

5 man crew can easily accomplish 350 feet of work in soils

not containing large amounts of rock.

4.2 Environmental Benefits

There are numerous environmental benefits to using

HDD. In fact, for some parts of the United States, this

technology has become the only acceptable solution for

crossing under waterways and wetlands. Since HDD provides

for limited disturbance of land and water, it is indeed an

ideal technology as there is no excavation except for the

entry and exit pit.

The numerous benefits provided are:

• No disturbance to wetland and wildlife habitat

• Minimal water and land pollution

• Minimal impact, if any, to steep slopes and sediment

• Decreased need to dispose of unsuitable material

• Minimal impact to historical and cultural sites

A few examples will be able to illustrate these

points

33
 In 1992, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD)

was extending its Gloucester interceptor force sewer main

by 20 miles from historic Yorktown to the Gloucester

Courthouse. This new pipeline extension would provide

regional wastewater service to an area previously only

served by septic tanks. The challenging part of the

project would be the design and construction of 3500 feet

of 30" steel pipe under the York River. HDD was chosen as

the method of construction and was ultimately successful.

The environmental and cultural benefits enjoyed from

using this method of construction were numerous. The

active shellfish beds and wetlands were left undisturbed.

There was no need to get involved with the underground soil

and groundwater contamination since a minimum of 3 feet of

cover below the river bottom was specified, and HDD could

achieve that without a problem. On the historic side, the

application of trenchless technology was able to leave the

remains of Lord Cornwallis' fleet intact. He had scuttled

his fleet in that area of the York River in 1781.

Additionally, there was a lack of suitable staging areas

because of mainly National Park Service land. Fortunately,

a small parcel was available for the rig side. Since the

rig side setup can be flexible, the space was sufficient.

34
 .

The town of Sarasota, Florida was looking to expand

its urban reclaimed water reuse system to allow for more

flexibility in its effluent disposal options. In order to

complete the southern loop would require an 18 inch

pipeline crossing of environmentally sensitive Hudson

Bayou, which is a tributary of Sarasota Bay. Sarasota Bay

was chosen as a National Estuary Program waterbody in 19 8 8

by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency. (Veith, pg

95) In the preliminary design, 5 pipeline crossings were

considered with the following criteria in mind:

constructability, permitability, aesthetics, estimated cost

of construction, estimated future maintenance and

replacement costs, and navigability of waterway during

construction. The 5 options which were investigated were

directional drilling, jack and bore, a new pipe bridge,

conventional open cut, and use of the existing bridge.

Directional drilling was ultimately chosen because

this option allowed the construction of the 18" pipe under

the bottom of the Bayou. This would allow the aquatic

wildlife to include the endangered manatees, the channel

bottom and navigation to remain unaffected. While the Army

Corps of Engineers required a general permit, the Florida

Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) did not

require a permit. This was very different from open

35
cutting as it seemed doubtful that FDEP would permit that

type of construction. The new pipe bridge would require

removal of dense vegetation, mangroves and other vegetation

along each bank and would require extensive permitting.

The jack and bore method would require 2 foot depths for

sending and receiving pits, which made extensive

dewatering, trenching and shoring necessary. It was

determined that the existing Osprey Avenue Bridge already

had reached its limit with carrying utilities as it had 5

different utilities attached to it.

Construction of the pipeline was started and completed

in the Fall of 1996 in 10 construction days. No way would

this amount of time be sufficient to have performed the

other methods discussed. The successful completion of the

project and proof that it had not affected the manatee make

HDD the best option for pipeline work in aquatic areas.

The environmental benefit of the new 42" sewer

interceptor which was completed in south Boston and

discussed in the cost section needs to be addressed. The

benefits of it being constructed under the waterbody of

Mill Cove should be clear because of the prior 2 examples.

The speed in which HDD can be accomplished provided another

environmental benefit. When the Massachusetts Legislature

enacted that bill on July 10, 1997, it required that the

36
dual interceptor be in place by January 6, 1998. On July

10, the project was in the design phase. The design was

fast tracked, and construction started in late August. The

new line was tied into the existing interceptor system on

December 17, 1997, which was 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

The open cut option would have taken at least 7 more months

of work. The relief line provided immediate improvements

to water quality in the Weymouth Fore River. Hydraulic

modeling performed during the design indicated that there

would be 7 8% reduction in overflow volume for any

particular year. (Spearin, pg.38)

4.3 Feasible Option for Congested Areas

Modern society has built its infrastructure and urban

environment to the point where it is highly difficult to

construct new utilities in these developed areas. This

section will give a few examples of projects which were

completed by HDD, not necessarily because of cost,

environmental or social reasons, but because there was no

other option which was really possible.

In late 1998 and 1999, the city of Des Moines, Iowa

used directional drilling for the installation of numerous

water mains. The job was the first in Iowa where

directional drilling was used for a project of this type

37
 .

that included major urban construction. In all, 11 bores

were completed, with 6 between 500 and 600 feet, and 5

between 100 and 150 feet. The average depth for the mains,

which ranged in size from 8" to 12", was 10 feet. It is

becoming more popular to use HDD to install force water

mains

Directional drilling was selected for the project

because of numerous reasons. These include:

• Many buried utilities in the area, including

fiberoptic cable - HDD is capable of going lower

than them without interruption

• Avoid interrupting traffic on 2 of the busiest

streets in Des Moines

• Eliminate damage to retaining walls and other

structures on the right-of-way

As can be seen, it would have been highly complex to

undertake the route of open cutting, which would have been

very difficult in this area.

Another example is an 18" natural gas pipeline

crossing of the Cape Cod Canal. The Canal Electric

Company, located on Cape Cod, decided in 1992 to change

from an oil fired boiler to the burning of natural gas. To

do so meant that a 4.5 mile pipeline would have to be built

38
from Algonquin Gas Transmission Company's existing supply-

main. This would require a crossing of the Cape Cod Canal.

Original options included using 1 of the 2 highway-

bridges, constructing an aerial crossing, and direct

underwater installation. The Army Corps of Engineers

evaluated the options since it is in charge of the Canal.

It was determined that each of highway bridges was already

carrying its capacity, and no additional loads would be

allowed. An aerial crossing was eliminated since the line

would have to be 13 5 feet above mean high water (to allow

for passage of ships) , and the design was too complex.

Shallow underwater installation was too risky because of

maintenance dredging of the canal. In the end, the only

possible method of construction was HDD, which could be

constructed below the dredge and scour line of the canal.

The 18" steel pipeline crossing was completed in 5 days in

July, 1995 and was 1454 feet long and 20 feet below the

dredge line.

4.4 Social Benefits

Social benefits are a definite advantage of HDD. With

the relatively minor obstruction and digging required with

the entry and exit pits, there is usually no disruption to

39
roadways, waterways, public and private property. These

types of benefits are definitely a soft truth rather than a

hard truth like cost savings. Nevertheless, the social

benefits alone could be reason to use HDD.

Many references can be drawn from previously cited

examples. In Wichita, Kansas and Des Moines, Iowa, there

was great social benefit. It is clearly better to not have

to look at a torn up landscape due to open cutting. A

tattered landscape can detract from tourism. A torn up

road in front of a retail store or business can limit

sales. The traffic benefits of no delays, less accidents

and no construction zone are obvious. A paper entitled

"User Costs at the Work Zone" by Dr. Fazil Najafi showed

that a 6.8% increase in accident rates was observed during

construction at 79 work sites. Invariably, after a road or

pavement surface is cut and repaved, it settles, causing a

rut for motorists. In the Boston interceptor project, it is

clear that HDD, because of its shorter construction

timeframe than open cutting, allowed for a quicker end to

the potential health problem caused by wastewater

overflowing from manholes during storm events. In the HRSD

Gloucester example, open cutting would create a difficult

situation for the US Navy, which uses the York River as

ships go into and out of the Yorktown area. Navigation was

40
also a concern for the US Coast Guard when other options

other than HDD were discussed for crossing the Hudson Bayou

in Sarasota, Florida. It is clear that directional

drilling reduces the social costs when it is used.

41
 Chapter 5: Challenges and Risks

While the many benefits of horizontal directional

drilling were just explained, there is indeed many

challenges associated with this work. There is the concern

that the soil information and the existing utilities are

indicated in the field and on the drawings completely and

correctly. This is one reason that contracts for this work

should be written so that contractor and owner share the

risk. In fact, some projects are written in 2 contracts -

one for the pilot hole and then one for the remainder of

the work. Subsurface conditions can be a concern,

particulary if there is cobbles, flowing groundwater, or a

gravel bed. Proper training is key as locating and

mastering control of the drill rig and the drill bit

through different soils takes time to learn. The proper

use and knowledge of drilling fluids can also be a

challenge. Binding of the drill pipe and bit or reamer in

the hole can occur. Deformation of the pipeline can still

occur when pulled into the hole if standards are not

followed. Deformation is not a common occurrence for steel

pipe anymore, but it can be for HDPE pipe, particulary when

the contractor ignores the diameter/thickness requirements.

Besides concern for their equipment, these ideas were the

main concerns indicated by a poll of 117 directional

42
 .

drilling contractors in late 1998. The results were

published in the February, 1999 issue of Directional

Drilling magazine. The challenges and risks and the

actions taken to counteract them will now be examined in

more detail.

5.1 Soil Information and Existing Utilities

While it seems clear that planning, design and

geotechnical evaluation of a HDD project (described in

Chapter 2) are performed better than for conventional

construction, there can still be mistakes and unknowns.

For example, numerous HDD projects caused utility damages

to utilities which were improperly marked. Drill cores,

which are the typical analysis of the soil, are narrow

column samples and cannot always provide reliable

assumptions of the lateral continuity of the soil

throughout the length of the drill path. So, if it is

unclear where all of the utilities are, and the typical

geotechnical analysis is not enough, the answer could be to

use a method such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar is the most common method of

analyzing soil from the ground surface. GPR is capable of

detecting changes between sands, silts, clays and gravels,

identifying voids in the grounds, and the identification of

43
utilities. GPR involves the transmission of radio waves

into the ground and the reception of reflected energy back

to the surface. In the field, both transmitter and receiver

are pulled over the surface and the reflected energy from

underground objects is continuously recorded. This

continuous recording enables the profile of the subsurface

to be seen. The radar wave reflections are a result of the

different bulk electrical properties of the soil. The main

properties which cause the reflections are soil grain size,

compaction and water content. GPR can be effective to 150

feet. GPR has difficulty with thick clay soils as they tend

to absorb the energy and not return it. GPR and other

methods (EM induction, magnetics) are located on the

ground, which causes problems because of the absorptive

properties of some soil. As a result, current efforts and

research are being accomplished to mount sensors on the

drill bit, which will transmit information to the surface.

5.2 Subsurface Conditions

The main subsurface conditions which can inhibit a HDD

project are flowing groundwater, gravel beds and cobbles.

Flowing groundwater has the ability to ruin the bore.

Gravel beds cause the slurry to be lost to the existing

soil structure rather than creating a mud cake and

44
providing borehole stability. If the bore cannot be

constructed in a fashion to limit these 2 items, it is

possible that HDD would not be used.

Cobbles present an interesting dilemma. Drilling

though them has been likened to trying to ram a fist

through a bucket of golf balls. If the drill head is

forced, the drill bit and the bottom hole assembly can be

lost. It is highly difficult to maintain a course when the

drill bit cannot find a solid surface in which to bite

into. According to the United Soil Classification System

(USCS), cobbles are rocks which are from 3" to 12" in size.

For example, the fear of hitting cobbles on the 18"

gas pipeline crossing of the Cape Cod Canal prohibited the

Canal Electric Company and Algonquin Gas from having a long

term contract until the HDD portion of the pipeline was

completed. Fortunately, because of prior planning, cobbles

were not encountered, and the project was completed.

Travis Wilde of MasTec, a directional drilling firm

located in Miami, has said that he has had success with

drilling in cobbles. On a recent project in Wyoming, he

said," Rather than try to force it, which would send the

head off in a direction we didn't want it to go, we would

use a slow rotation with low thrust pressure to feel the

lie of the rocks downhole . Depending on the situation, you

45
could drill through it or deflect and correct, thus

enabling us to gradually bore through the cobbles." (Oakes,

pg.21) So, while cobbles are a definite challenge, some

contractors have completed jobs with them in the bore path.

5 . 3 Training

Companies are constantly concerned whether their

personnel are qualified and trained properly. Operating a

drill rig is not as simple as operating other construction

equipment. It takes a lot of experience to know how much

push and torque to use with various drill bits in different

soils. Since the transmitter is located behind the drill

bit and the bent sub, the driller must be aware of the

position of the drill head in relation to the transmitter

when he gets the pitch and roll information since it is the

drill bit location he is concerned with. The driller also

needs to be versed in some mathematics since in most river

crossings and busy highway crossings, a receiver will not

be used to determine depth with the wireline. He will be

required to calculate the depth based upon the number of

feet of drill rod used and the pitch of the transmitter.

He should also be versed in basic hydraulics, basic soil

mechanics and also understand drilling fluid flow. For many

years, there was not a comprehensive training course

46
available. On-the-job training and 2-3 day seminars were

the norm. There is no requirement for an operator of a

drill rig to have a license to operate it.

To account for this lack of comprehensive training,

the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) and Division of

Continuing Education at Missouri Western State College

offered the first comprehensive HDD certification and

training course (80 hours) in the United States in August,

1998. The course focused on the needs of the drilling

operators and was based in the classroom and in the field.

Classroom work included many topics, such as job safety,

basic mathematics, hydraulics, pumps and motors, pipe and

bore locating, wireline navigation, pipe fusion, soil

mechanics, surveying, pipe stresses, job drawings, job

management, planning, supervision and control, rig

maintenance, electronics, tool selection, mud mixing, site

selection, and rig set-up. In the field training consisted

of installing 1500 feet of 2" HDPE pipe. After 300 hours of

documented practical work in actual job conditions under

the supervision of a HDD operator, the training certificate

earned at the school is replaced with an HDD operator

license. The school has been a success and is attempting

to make the operator license industry practice.

47
 .

5.4 Drilling Fluids

Much has been learned about drilling fluids over time.

In the early days, contractors tried to get away with a

minimal amount of slurry in order to reduce costs. Over

time, it has been proven that slurry needs to be flowing at

either the entry or exit hole, and that a minimum amount of

slurry is needed to ensure smooth operation within the

bore. When not enough slurry is used, a condition called

hydralock can result where slurry is not flowing, and the

drill pipe or reamer locks up in the bore. Another

condition called frac-out can occur when the natural

fissures in the soil allow for the slurry to return to the

surface. This will happen more often in fractured rock

structures. A common misconception might be that drilling

fluids pose an environmental problem, but in actuality,

they do not

The components of drilling fluid all pose no risk to

the environment. Bentonite poses no risk to the

environment. During the pullback of a 12" gas pipeline by

Baltimore Gas and Electric in the Summer of 1997, a frac-

out occurred under the wetland which they were pulling

under. While there was initial panic and the job was

temporarily shut down, it turned out that there was no

problem. According to Dr. Eileen McLellan, the Director of

48
 .

Environmental Studies from the University of Maryland

stated," Bentonite is no threat to the environment. In

fact, the EPA does not even consider it as a hazardous

material for drilling operations." (Agnes, pg . 31)

Surprisingly enough, the polymers which are used are also

no threat to the environment. The most common polymers

which are used - guar gum and xanthum gum - are both common

ingredients in ice cream.

While the ingredients in the slurry are not hazardous,

it is required that the spoils and slurry are accounted for

and not allowed to flow unimpeded on and off the jobsite.

Sedimentation control is required on projects, and while

bentonite does not pose a risk on river crossings, some

studies have shown that introducing suspended solids into

clearwater streams has a negative impact on the ecosystem.

The best way to account for slurry is by use of a recycling

system. In urban areas, pump trucks are sometimes used.

Used slurry is usually disposed of by land farming

(distributed over open area and tilled under) . Spoils

which are the result of recycling are disposed of as dry

spoils

The problem of frac-out has been mentioned. Frac-out

is not a common occurrence, but it can happen without

warning. The inadvertant fluid return is usually no more

49
than an annoyance to an urban area, river crossing or

wetland, such as the project by Baltimore Gas and Electric;

although, on rare occasions, frac-outs have washed out

embankments and buckled streets. A frac -out would also

cause a suspended solids problem if it occurred under a

clearwater stream. While frac-outs occur naturally most of

the time, they can be the result of hydralock.

Hydralock occurs when there is not a flowable slurry.

This occurs because the cuttings are not being properly

carried away and bind the bore. This causes pressure to

build up and the drill pipe to become locked in place. The

pipe does not move until the slurry finds an escape route.

It can do that by causing a frac-out or by simply entering

the surrounding soil without harming the surface. If the

pressure does not subside on its own, a burp hole must be

dug to relieve the fluid. This phenomenon of hydralock can

occur in any phase of the operation - pilot hole, ream,

pullback, and it is the result of not using enough drilling

fluid. It has been found that a flowable slurry requires a

minimum of 50/50 ratio of drilling fluid to solids.

5.5 Binding of Drill Pipe and Bit

There are times when the drill pipe can become stuck

in the bore. This can occur in any phase of the operation.

50
Numerous ways to unlodge the drill pipe have been

performed. Some examples of this will be given.

During the aforementioned installation of the 12" gas

pipeline by Baltimore Gas & Electric in the Summer of

1997, the reamer which was used became stuck. This occurred

after the 6" diameter pilot bore had gone smoothly. The

24" reamer became stuck 200 feet downhole and 2 feet deep.

To remove the reamer and drill string, the direction was

reversed, and the reamer came out. A new reamer of the

same size was attached, and it again became stuck in the

dense black clay. Once again, the direction was reversed,

but the reamer was stuck this time. Since the reamer was

outside the wetland limits, it was decided to dig up the

reamer and proceed with a smaller reamer. This strategy

worked.

A similar problem occurred when crossing the Hudson

Bayou in Sarasota, Florida. According to the boring logs

for this project, a layer of rock was present at 7-12 feet

below sea level. This covered a layer of clay, which would

be the medium in which the pipe would ultimately reside in,

under the Bayou. The 6" pilot bore commenced from the rig

area (small sized rig) on the south side, penetrated the

rock layer and bored under the Bayou with relative ease. A

real problem occurred when the bore tried to penetrate the

51
 .

rock layer on the north side. The rock layer could not be

penetrated, and the contractor feared that the drill string

was taking the path of least resistance into the clay

layer. The article never said which type of drill bit was

used. Ultimately, a second small sized drill rig was

brought to the jobsite and placed on the north side, the

pipe side. It punctured the rock, and entered the original

bore. The contractor was then able to push the original

drill string back to the original sending pit. After the

troubles encountered with this pilot bore, there was little

difficulty in the backreaming and pipeline pullback

operations

52
 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations

It seems clear that horizontal directional drilling

should be one of the first choices when considering

construction of a utility under 6000 feet in length and 48"

in diameter. While some limitations of frac-outs, flowing

groundwater, cobbles and gravel beds may take time to be

conquered by advancing technology, these situations can be

avoided at times by selecting alternate pipe routes. New

and in-progress ideas and innovations will continue to

allow HDD to be state of the art for some time.

In 1996, sewer lines on grade began to be installed

using HDD as surveying instruments were improved to detect

pitch to an accuracy of less than 0.1%. The recent

formation of the Directional Crossing Contractors

Association (DCCA) along with efforts of the Trenchless

Technology Center and Missouri Western State College should

continue to help share knowledge about the industry and

promote professionalism through perhaps an eventual

licensing program for all directional drill rig operators.

Wire less steering is being developed by different

companies and should be on the market this year. Wire less

steering will eliminate the need for a wire and a receiver.

The transmitter and base station at the drill rig will

communicate via antennas which will be mounted on tripods

53
and will be located along the drill path. As mentioned in

the Challenges chapter, work is being done to mount a

sensor on the drill bit to indicate whether utilities are

near and what soil conditions are. Compressed air is being

studied to evaluate whether it can take the place of

drilling fluids. Of course, new drill rigs are developed

all of the time - specifically to meet the needs of any-

type of crossing. These types of ideas should continue to

keep the cost of horizontal directional drilling beneath

the Engineering News Record construction cost index

increase for some time.

It is recommended that HDD be the first alternative

when crossing any waterway or wetland. Not every

environmental agency requires its use yet, but the cost,

time, environmental and social benefits cannot be

overlooked. It should also be the first choice when

planning for utility construction in smaller urban and

suburban areas, with limits being size of line, soil

conditions, and whether there is room for equipment set up.

Currently, HDD is more capable of servicing smaller towns

like Wichita, Kansas (1996 population of 320,000) and Des

Moines, Iowa (1996 population of 193,000). Larger cities

and urban areas should not be ruled out; however, the size

of many lines would be too large and the space required by

54
a large rig area could also be a restrictive factor. That

being the case, directional drilling should still be looked

at for use on lateral lines and in areas surrounding the

city.

Overall, the evidence in this paper supports the use

of horizontal directional drilling. It is still a

relatively new application, and there are users who are

still unaware of the benefits provided by this technology.

Those who are knowledgeable of the subject should continue

to promote it and its various applications.

55
 .

Bibl iogr aphy

Agnes, Douglas C. and Phoebe Flowers.
, "Baltimore Gas &
Electric Addresses Environmental Needs." Directional
Drilling December 1998, pp. 30-31.
.

American Society of Civil Engineers. Pipeline Crossings .

New York, New York, 1996.

Ariaratnam, Samuel T., Erez Allouche, and Jason Lueke

"Identification of Risk in Horizontal Directional
st nd
Drilling Operations." No-Dig Engineering 1 and . 2
Quarters, 1998, pp. 21-24.

Clayton, Ray. "Drilling Fluids Recycling." Directional

Drilling , April 1998, p. 46.

Conner, Randall C. "Horizontal Directional Drilling with

Ductile Iron Pipes." Pipelines in the Constructed
Environment American Society of Civil Engineers,
,

August 1998, pp. 494-505.

Ellis, Elizabeth, Tom Hargis, Iver Skavdal, and Mike

Wegener. "Directional Drilling for Small Projects. A
Resource for Meeting Schedule, Budget and
Environmental Goals." Trenchless Pipeline Projects ,

American Society of Civil Engineers, June 1997, pp.

65-71.

Gokhale, Sanjiu, Rebecca Hamm, and Ray Sterling.

"Comprehensive Survey on the State of Horizontal
Directional Drilling in North America." Directional
Drilling, February 1999, pp. 20-23.

Hair, J.D. "Directional Drilling Demands Practical Fluids

Knowledge." Pipe Line and Gas Industry August 1996, .

pp. 37-43.

Hoekstra, Pieter. " So You Want to Know What's Down

There?" Directional Drilling August 1998, pp. 34- .

38.

http://www.no-dig.com/hdd.html

http://www.trenchlessdataservice.com/dirdrill/ddtecovr.htm

56
 "

Husselbee, Bruce W. ,and Richard M. Norman. "Environmental

Benefits of Horizontally Controlled Directional
Drilling." Public Works December 1992, pp. 36-37.
,

Jeyapalan, Jey K. " Pipeline Market - 20 Billion Dollars

for 1998 - Would You Like Some of This Work?"
Pipelines in the Constructed Environment American
,

Society of Civil Engineers, August 1998, pp. 763-781.

Oakes, David. "Stepping Up to the Plate - MasTec Becomes

Major Player in HDD Market." Directional Drilling ,

June 1998, pp. 20-23.

Pickering, Charles A. "Crossing the Cape Cod Canal, A

Natural Gas Pipeline Interconnection." Pipeline
Crossings 1996 American Society of Civil Engineers,
,

June 1996, pp. 48-55.

Public Works. "Award-Winning Trenchless Water Line

Replacement." Public Works May 1999, pp. 24-26.
,

Public Works. "City Does Its Own Directional Boring

Work. Public Works November 1998, pp. 2 6-27.
,

Spearin, Thomas A. "How Does Massachusetts Spell

Relief. HDD.
..
" Directional Drilling October 1998, pp.
,

36-38.

Tarrant, Paul M. "The Application of Ground Penetrating

Radar Technology as Part of Geotechnical Assessments
of Proposed HDD Pipeline River Crossings " Trenchless
.

Pipeline Projects American Society of Civil

,

Engineers, June 1997, pp. 35-42.

Thomson, James, Tom Sangster, and Steven Kramer. "An

Overview of the Economics of Trenchless Technology."
No-Dig Engineering 3 rd and 4 th Quarters, 1998, pp. 21-
,

28.

Veith, Bryan T., and Douglas H. Taylor. "Protecting the

Environment - Directional Bore Crosses Hudson Bayou."
Trenchless Pipeline Projects American Society of
,

Civil Engineers, June 1997, pp. 95-102.

Watson, Jerry. "The Dollars & Sense of Mud Recovery and

Cleaning." Directional Drilling, October 1998, p. 44

57
 Appendix

The Appendix includes a sampling of equipment

specifications for the entire range of major components

required by horizontal directional drilling. It is ordered

as follows:

Vermeer small and mid-size directional drills

American Directional Drill small, mid-size and large

directional drills

Texas Pup drill pipe

Parchem drilling fluid

American Directional Drill recycling/mixing/pumping

systems

Surface to Surface stand alone mixing systems

DCI transmitter specifications

Sharewell tungsten carbide inserts, milled tooth bits

Sharewell mud motors

Surface to Surface reamers

Sharewell lo-torque hole openers

Surface to Surface pipe rollers

Sharewell swivels

58
 <

c
r-l
1/1

X
~c eX
2 a

0>
Tf
E
- u
N
-r
«*
OJ
•* «
^£ ^5 aDn £
fi e £ E o u
o n
P

E a £
oo oo
— a 2
r- i- ©

© © $ op £ OB E &
i§J — .

JO
Q.
"i
E 13 E2

_ M M
J«!
|
J*
55 ^ — ^ to
JO "
©&
© o
2 o OO
in
OO
o->'©
r~.
© (N
(N ~

O
© ©
s
@ © © © © © @ ©
z Z ? s ° 3
O
o Z E
z
E E I ? ?
vo —

m a.
§5 o^£5 Mu z
Sg Z
si
Z Z
©5 o5
i
u
Z
©S
Z z Z
- s *S
2* 04
oo
g
a.
§|
rr OS
•o £

jO
jO
u
> Q
—

T3
T3
C3

c '£
— IT)
r)

OK X w
f^ -
-*
a
 AMERICAN
DIRECTIONAL
DRILL

-
v £*£^-'^ "
;

American Directional Drill has units on every continent except Antarctica. Pipeliners in

China, Australia, Russia, Argentina, Nigeria and Germany are among the foreign users of
our larger drills. American Augers pioneered large directional drills for river crossings. A

DD-550, with 550,000 pounds of pullback force, was delivered in March, 1991. Small
directional drills are the newest part of the companys American Directional Drill product
line. Much of the drills uniqueness and many of their innovations come from American

Directional Drills experience with larger drills. The company was the first manufacturer to
eliminate chain and use rack and pinion for its carriage drive. No other manufacturer
delivers as much fluid and rotary downhole horsepower. Just like our auger boring
machines, the small drill specifications are conservative. The drills are rated for

simultaneous maximum pullback, torque and drilling fluid flow.

Rotary
Configuration
Model | Thrust Pull back! Tor que

DD-1 10,000 lb 1,300 ft-lb Self Contained, 54 HP engine

DD-15 15,000 lb 1,800 ft-lb Modular with mud system & trailer
DD-25 25,000 lb 2,500 ft-lb Modular with mud system & trailer

Modular, 54" wide, diesel tramming

DD-50 50,000 lb 6,300 ft-lb engine

DD-5 50,000 lb 10,000 ft-lb Self contained, rubber track, pipe loader

Self contained, track mounted, uses 20'

DD-60R1 60,000 lb 12,000 ft-lb pipe

Self contained, uses 30' pipe, Cat 3126

DD-60R2 60,000 lb 12,000 ft-lb engine, 260 HP
Self contained, dozens in service around
DD-90B 100,000 lb 20,000 ft-lb the world

Self contained, track mounted, Cat 3306

DD-140B 140,0001b 25,000 ft-lb engine, 300 HP
Self contained, 100 metric tonnes, Cat
DD-220 220,000 lb 45,000 ft-lb 3412 engine, 750 HP
River crossing maxi-rigs from the world's foremost builder of large directional drills.

1998 marks our tenth year in the directional drill business. A high degree of
customization is also available, including trailer type, electric power in lieu of diesel,
etc.

6/1/99 9:03 AM
 Thrust Fullback I Rotary Torque I Configuration

DD-180 180,0001b 30,000 ft-lb Trailer mount

DD-330HP 330,000 lb 48,000 ft-lb Skid, track or trailer mount

DD-550 550,000 lb 88,500 ft-lb Skid, track or trailer mount

DD-660 660,000 lb 88,500 ft-lb Skid, track or trailer mount

DD-1300 1,300,0001b 100,000 ft-lb Skid, track or trailer mount

trwi ^HHfc r^^

What's New Auger Horizontal Mud Cleaning & Feedback Contact Us Financing
Boring Machines Directional Drills Pumping Systems
 TEXAS PUP Forged Strength for High Performance
** INCORPORATED
Voice: 800-645-4213
nirortinnal R (

Fax: 318-367-1529
Hiialitx/ Mam if;

Email: [email protected] Anatnmu nf a I

Main Pat Ronnoct Ctnr

Looking for a competitive edge in Any Size. Any Connection

directional boring? Replace your worn Bulldog pipe is fit any
available to
drill strings with rugged, long-life from 1.660 through
drilling rig, in sizes
Bulldog trenchless drill pipe. No matter 27/8 inches OD in standard and metric
what kind of drilling rig you use, lengths. We'll match your specifications
Bulldog forged pipe gives you the and connections - and give you
performance you need to improve stronger, more durable forged
efficiency, reliability and construction.
cost-effectiveness:

OD - 65™ Connections
• Strength to handle the extreme Only Texas Pup gives you the option of
torque, pushing and pulling forces choosing robust QD-65 connections -
of your toughest boring and designed specifically for the demands of
backreaming applications directional boring:
• Flexibility for effective steering
• Rigidity to resist bending • Allows fast make-up and
• Durability, in both the pipe body break-out
and connections, for longer • High torque and tensile strength
service life • Deep threads for ruggedness and
durability
Bulldog pipe gives you a drill string you • Re-threadable for maximum
can rely on in any application - and a economy
drill string that lasts longer than any • Easy-to-install conversion kits
other in the field. So you get greater allow any drilling rig to use
overall economy and lower boring cost Bulldog pipe with QD-65
per foot. connections.

Why Forging is Better

Bulldog pipe is made only by
high-temperature forging. That's
because pipe with welded connections
has weak areas - the heatlines - where
the chemical structure of the pipe and
weld material are different. Since the
connection is where working stresses

are greatest, this is where most failures QD-65 Conversion Kit

occur.

Many Drilling Contractors

Forged pipe is formed from a single prefer Flush- Joint Pipe. The
piece of premium steel. Smooth profile has less drag
High-temperature forging moves during pullback. Plus, the long
internal connection adapts to
material to the pin and box ends of the
multiple break-out systems.
pipe without changing the
microstructure of the metal. So the pipe
body and connections are uniformly
strong.

6/3/99 9: 18 AM
PAR^CHEM. INC./ PARGEL-220
mtm^mmmmmm0 (VISCOSIFIER) nsf®

Description: Pargel-220 is a polymer-extended, high yield (typical

Technical Data sample:min. 220 bbl./ton) sodium bentonite. Pargel-220 acts as
Chemical Analysis a viscosifier and filtrate reducer in freshwater based drilling
fluids. Pargel-220 has been used on more than 2.5 million feet
of horizontal bores.

Recommended Uses: For use where a specially formulated high yield bentonite is
required, such as where river crossing, pipeline, utilities and
other infrastructure reconditioning is being performed.

Features and Benefits: Quick mixing and high yielding.

Improved bore cleaning.
° Maximum cuttings suspension.
° Insures greater bore hole stability in unconsolidated
formations.
Forms a thin, impermeable filter cake to reduce fluid
loss.
° NSF® approved.
° Environmentally friendly, therefore non-fermenting and
non-toxic.
° Typical sample yields 220 bbl./ton.

Recommended Treatment: ° Pargel-220 can be mixed at 8-20 lb./bbl. in fresh water:

° 20-25 lbs. per 100 gallons of make up water for "normal"

soil conditions.

35-50 lbs. per 100 gallons of make up water when heavy

cuttings are encountered, such as excess sand and gravel.

Note: Parchem recommends mixing 2 lbs. Soda Ash per 100

make up water before mixing Pargel-220, where
gallons of
make up water is hard (elevated calcium/magnesium).

Packaging: Pargel-220 is packaged in 50 lb. sacks (22.7kg), 60 sx. per

pallet, and also bulk sacks in 2,000 to 3,500 lbs.

Availability: Pargel-220 can be purchased by calling 800-731-7331, 24

hours per day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the country.

PARGEL-220 TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (NSF® Approved)

Description: Polymer Extended Sodium Bentonite

Application: Specially modified for Horizontal Drilling or wherever a

minimum 220 barrel yield is required. Pargel-220 is rapid
response material especially noticable in cases of high volume
requirements or where blending facilities are limited.

Typical Yield: Pargel-220 will yield a minimum of 220 barrels of API 1 5cp
fluid to one ton of material.

Specifications Typical analysis

Fann @ 600 rpm 30.0 (Min.)

6/3/99 8:50 AM
 Filtrate 16 -20 ml.

Moisture 10.0 maximum

Dry Sieve Analysis 75 - 80% (-200 mesh)

Wet Sieve Analysis 2.5 - 3.5% (-200 mesh)

pH 7-9

Note: Suspension, 9.2 grams Pargel-220 mixed to 350 ml. of distilled water. NSF® is the
registered trademark of the National Sanitation Foundation.

The information contained herein is based on tests believed to be reliable, however, no warranty is
implied.

PARGEL-220 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

Chemical Name: Sodium Bentonite-Polymer Extended

Product Use: Designed specifically for Horizontal Drilling, Water Well

Drilling, Seismological Drilling orwhere a specially selected,
fast response, high yield, Premium Wyoming Bentonite is
required.

Tvpical Chemical Analysis

Silica (Si02) 61.37%

Alumina (A 1203) 21.35%

Ferric Oxide (Fe203) 3.10%

Ferroud Oxide (FeO) .13%

Lime (CaO) .45%

Magnesia (MgO) 2.65%

Soda (Na20) 2.39%

Potash (K20) .31%

Water (H20+)
(chemically bonded) 4.84%

Water (H20+)
(mechanically held) 8.00-9.50%

Titanium Dioxide (Ti02) .12%

Ignition Loss 6.21%

Fusion Point 2440 degrees F.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product is available.

To tht . Top

6/3/99 8:50 AM
 AMERICAN
DIRECTIONAL
DRILL

Our American Directional Drill division designs and manufactures mud pumping and
mud cleaning systems. Systems are supplied with our smaller directional drills. Large
capacity systems are available for use with any brand of drilling equipment. All
modern state-of-the-art directional drills use a drilling fluid system. American Augers
pioneered the use of drilling mud in trenchless construction in the late 1970s.
(Bentonite, drilling fluid and mud are all terms for the same thing.) In smaller diameter
holes under certain job conditions, some contractors have been able to use water alone.
But it is becoming increasingly
clear through the experiences of directional drill
contractors all over the world that the proper use of drilling mud is a very
important to
being consistently successful in directional drilling. It can greatly increase boring
distances, especially in sand. Bentonite is a clay-like mineral that can be dissolved in
water form a slippery liquid for use by drillers. Special bentonite pumps force this
to
mixture underground through the drill pipe to help ease friction and allow for
longer
bores. not only serves as a lubricant but helps control the loss of water from the
It

drilling fluid into the surrounding soil,and flushes cuttings out of the bore. Re-use of
the fluid reduces the cost of adding bentonite and prolongs the life of
components due
to reduced abrasion. The solid material removed from the mud has a very low moisture
content, reducing its volume and making it eligible for disposal in
most landfills.
Therefore, the contractor can benefit from the liberal use of drilling mud without being
penalized with excessive bentonite or disposal costs.

Fluid (mud) cleaning/recycling/mixing systems

EmBMI BB
MCM-500
imaMHEBHBggiM
lOOgal/min 600 gal (2271 lit)
I

Skid or trailer
/
MCM-1000 250 gal/min 1000 gal (3785 lit) Skid or trailer

MCM- 1 800 250 gal/min 1 800 gal (68 1 3 lit) Skid or trailer

MCM-6000 600 gal/min 6000 gal (227 1 lit) Skid or trailer

6/1/99 9:07 AM
American EWCO
Directional Triplex Bore x Stroke
Drill Model Pump Inch (mm) Engine HP (kW) Estimated Output Estimated Output
W-250-C 5x5 (127x 127) Cat 3306 300 (223.8) 270 GPM @ 1,500 PSI 1000 lit/min @ 105.5 bar
P-250
400 GPM @ 1,000 PSI 1500 lit/min @ 103.4 bar
W-250-C 5x5 (127x 127) Cat 3406 440 (328.2) 400 GPM @ 1,500 PSI 1500 lhVmin @ 105.5 bar

400 GPM @ 1,500 PSI 500 lit/min @ 105.5 bar

W-446 6x6(152x152) Cat 3406 440(328.2) 660 GPM @ 900 PSI 2500 lit/min @ 63.3 bar
P-446 450 GPM @ 1,500 PSI 1700 lit/min @ 105.5 bar
Superforce W-446 6 x 6 (152 x 152) Cat 3408 500 (373) 660 GPM @ 1,000 PSI 2500 lit/min @ 103.4 bar

W-446 6x6(152x152) Cat 3412 750(559.5) 660 GPM @ 1 ,600 PSI 2500 lit/min @ 1 12.5 bar

Fluid (mud) pumping/cleaning/mixing systems

MP- 135 135gal/min

E 2SEH2F 100gal/min 3000 gal (11355 lit) FMC
MP-270 270gal/min 250gal/min 4000 gal (15140 lit) FMC
MP-300 300gal/min 300gal/min 6000 gal (22710 lit) Aplex
MP-400 400gal/min 400gal/min 6000 gal (22710 lit) Ellis Williams

A
[

Ai A!
What's New Auger Horizontal Mud Cleaning & Feedback Contact Us Financing
Boring Machines Directional Drills Pumping Systems

6/1/99 9:07 AM
 % SURFACE ^
3£T~
SURFACE
MMC KIHU WI,LIN»
I lYtTEMt

Stand Alone Mixing Systems

The SAM series of Bentonite mixing systems, were developed for the horizontal directional drilling industry,
primarily
intended for use with the mini, and small drill rigs. The unique shear and mixing at 4 points during
circulation have
proven during testing that the patent pending Venturi / Jetting mixing system works equally well with
the requirements
of the larger drill rigs. Larger mixing systems will be offered on a special order basis tell us what
size you want.
,

SAM - 500 gal. SENIOR

500 gal. Welded Rectangular Polyethelyne Tank c/w 18 inch top manhole and steel tubular frame - Robin EH63
Rated
@ 18.0 hp @ 3600 rpm air cooled gasoline engine, electric start -- Monarch TSP 4 in. cast iron, centrifugal
,
trash pump
capable of 616 gpm @ 30 pounds of head - High Vacuum Anti Bridging Dry Hopper and table
assy. - 4 in. Mixing Tee
and Venturi Jet - Filter / Shear assy, complete with removeable inner stainless steel cartridge for
cleaning - Tank
Mounted Jet Guns.
Dimensions - 61 inches wide x 94 inches long x 76 inches high

SAM - 300 gal. JUNIOR

300 gal. Roto Molded Rectangular Polyethylene tank c/w 18 inch top manhole - Robin EH30D Rated @ 9.0 hp
-

rpm air cooled, gasoline engine, manual start Monarch TSP 3 inch cast iron, centrifugal trash
@ 3600
pump capable of 318
?pm @ 30 lbs. of head - High Vacum Anti Bridging Dry Hopper and table assy. - 3in. Mixing Tee and
Venturi Jet -
Fdter/Shear assy, c/w removeable inner stainless steel cartridge for cleaning - Tank
Mounted Jet Gun.
Dimensions - 46 inches wide x 96 inches long x 60 inches high

Operating

?ill tank with water-open butterfly valve on suction

line-start engine-set speed to run position-open jet gun
/alve-close discharge valve-open hopper butterfly valve-pour bentonite into
hopper-vacuum will introduce dry
natenal into the jet stream-continue adding bentonite until the desired consistency
is achieved. When mixed product is
eady for delivery to the high pressure pump - attach a transfer line to the
discharge valve located on the shear/filter
lousing and open ball valve for delivery of mixed slurry to the high
pressure pump or holding tank.

Mote - We have provided in the mixing tee, located under the hopper, a threaded vacuum port. There is 25 to 30 inches
»f vacuum present at this port, and can be used to add water to the tank or introduce reclaimed slurry to the mix
vithout additional pumps.
Back to Main Pag e

§b
Send us your comments and inquiries HERE
Dealer Inquiries Welcomed

6/3/99 9:04 AM
 ©DIGITAL /

CONTROL
INCORPORATED $*£
lew Developments

'roducts
Mark III Transmitter Specifications

i mumiManML.,1
Model x j Depth Temperature
Tern »

^iameter__
,

LColor. Range ^
: BaJter^y^e^Ji ^Rating
'ustonier Service 1 AA-cell alkaline
8 in. x 1.00 in 15 ft 12 hours awake 180°F

Technical Tins
DS 20 cmx 3.125 cm 4.6 m 50 hours sleep (82°C)
2 C-cell alkaline
15 in. x 1.25 in 40 ft 30 hours awake 220°F
DT 38 cmx 3.125 cm 12.2m 200 hours sleep (104°C)
2 C-cell alkaline
15 in. x 1.25 in 70 ft 20 hours awake 220°F
DX 38 cmx 3.125 cm 21.3 m 200 hours sleep (104°C)
4C-cell alkaline
19 in. x 1.25 in 70 ft 40 hours awake 220°F
D4X 48 cmx 3.125 cm 21.3 m 400 hours sleep (104°C)
iniDiovment
4 C-cell alkaline
19 in. x 1.25 in. 70 ft 40 hours awake 220°F
D4XP 48 cmx 3.125 cm 21.3 m 400 hours sleep (104°C) E

2 C-cell alkaline
15 in. x 1.25 in. 70 ft 20 hours awake 220°F
DXP 38 cmx 3.125 cm 21.3 m 200 hours sleep (104°C)

15 in. x 1.25 in. 140 ft 12V to 28V DC 180°F

DC 38 cmx 3.125 cm 42.7m cable power (82°C) i

15 in. x 1.25 in. 140 ft 12V to 28V DC 180°F

DCP 38 cmx 3.125 cm 42.7 m cable power (82°C) i

Depth Range = 25% less with Mark II Accurary = +/- 5% abs

Frequency = 33 kHz Roll Update = 1/4 secoi

Pitch Update = 2-1/2 seconds DC, DCP Roll and Pitc

from Cable
All achieve Sleep Mode after 15 minutes (except
DC and DCP)
All give digital display of temperature and percent
of battery life remaining

Click here for more details

7/9/99 3:00 PM
 Sharewell s experience in horizontal drilling has resulted in custom designs and

Bits customer satisfaction in drill bit selection. All of Sharewell's premium bits are
manufactured by Walker McDonald to provide the highest penetration rates
and longest life in any formation.

TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INSERT

Tough sintered tungsten carbide inserts resist wear and breakage. Bit types for
formations range from ultra-soft to extremely hard. Close attention to insert
material composition of gage, inner row, and nose areas optimize cutting
structure performance. Sealed journal bearing TCI bits are offered in a wide
range of formation configuration sizes up to 12 VV
inch. Bits can be lugged
for use with motors and in abrasive formations.

SOFT FORMATION
Aggressive, long conical and chisel-shaped, inserts
for soft to medium formations.

MEDIUM FORMATION
Moderate, extension conical and chisel-shaped
inserts for medium to hard formations.

HARD FORMATION
Minimal extension, ovoid-conical and hemispherical
(998
dome for hard formations.

MILLED TOOTH
sr McDonald's steel tooth bits are constructed with the same
standards as our TCI bits. This line of milled tooth bits in sealed
il and open roller bearing types, are designed to provide high

ration rates, durability and low drilling costs.

m SOFT FORMATION
pssive design with deeply intermeshed teeth
naximum cone offset for sands, clays and
I soft formations.

HUM SOFT & MEDIUM FORMATION

Used tooth counts for soft formations with
lim to medium-hard streaks. &
ID

|sd
FORMATION
hard cutting structure for hard, semi-
Ive formations where milled tooth can be
nmically used. ^
iSharewell
Directional Drilling Systems

Western Hemisphere • Phone: 1-800-637-6461 • Fax: (713) 983-9820

Eastern Hemisphere • Phone: ++44-1224-771244 • Fax: ++44-1224-771204
 Sharewell provides the most durable and economical
drilling motors available to pipeline and utility contractors.
We offer a complete line of small (low flow) motors and
i/lud larger (high flow) motors specifically designed to
flow requirements on any size directional rig.
meet

Whether you desire to purchase motors, lease motors or

have a single job application, Sharewell's Rock Drilling

i/lotors Systems Group will assist you to ensure success and

profitability in your directional drilling applications.

2 7/ "
8

5
A

LOW FLOW MODULAR MOTOR

Tool Size Flow R.P.M. Torque Operating
O.D. Connections Bit Size G.P.M. No Load Ft. Lbs. Differential PSI

3" LF Top: 2 3/ "

8 Reg 4" - 5 '/," 45 280 250 ft-lbs 750
Bottom: 2 V8 " Reg
STANDARD MOTORS
Tool Size Flow R.P.M. Torque Operating
O.D. Connections Bit Size G.P.M. No Load Ft. Lbs. Differential PSI

" "
2 3/8 1
1
/4 " Reg 2 78 " - 3 </2 42 850 120 ft-lbs 750
"
2 7." 2 3/8 " Reg 3 1
/4 " - 4 3/4 90 640 265 ft-lbs 750
" "
3 72 2 78 Reg" 3 7
/8 " - 4 3/4 160 375 1050 ft-lbs 500
"
4 3/4 3 V2 " Reg 6 " - 7 V8 " 250 165 2100 ft-lbs 500
" "
6 3/4 4 V2 Reg"
7 5 /e " - 10 5
/8 650 185 6000 ft-lbs 500

mgSharewell, Inc.
j*«iW Directional Drilling Systems

6829 Flintlock Road • Houston. TX 77040 USA • Phone: (800) 637-6461 / (281) 892-9818 • Fax: (281) 892-9820
ilex House • 17 Howe Moss Drive • Kirkhill Industrial Estate • Dyce. Aberdeen AB2 OGL • Scotland • Phone: ++ 44-1224-771244 • Fax: ++ 44-1224-771204
 ^ SURFACE
SURFACE
TO

BMEC TKUWl BUJIt

J
»V STtttt

HOLE OPENER- REAMERS

Tri - Reamers available in 8 inch to 22 inch diameters

The reamers shown here are designed for use in soil conditions with some cobbles and stones, but should not be
confused with rock reamers. We also build numerous other designs including Spiral Compacting Reamers and Fly Cut
Reamers. The perfect reamer to cut all soil types has not been developed, however we are trying. "We can custom build
the reamer you want!"

Blade-Reamer 6 in. to 12 in.

All STSsoil reamers are built to high standards for durability and service life. Our reamers are all built using a full
length mandrel ( no welded on stub ends ), all wear area's are hard surfaced replaceable carbide teeth are used where
,

required. Our standard reamer lines have all been field tested for durability and reliability and are available with the
popular thread patterns ( special threads will require a sample ).

Other reamer designs are available or "We can build a reamer to your particular design", just submit a sketch or
drawing for pricing.
Back to Main Pag e
Send us your comments and inquiries HERE
Dealer Inquiries Welcomed

6/3/99 8:58 AM
o-Torque Hole Opener
FOR UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
• Designed to ream in any formation

• Lowers drill string torque allowing small rigs to ream in

rock formation

• Single tool body can open up to four different hole sizes

• Sealed journal bearing cutters are field replaceable while

on drill string

• Unique body design decreases common repair costs

slick
associated with conventional reamers and hole openers

• Available in push or pull style bodies

• All cutters gage protected for optimum wear resistance

• Cutters are available in milled tooth for soft to medium rock

formations or Tungsten Carbide Inserts (TCI) for hard
rock formation

BODY CJUTTEIIS
Minimum Approx. Approx. Connections Number
Pilot Hole Length Weight Pin Box Of Cutters
Hole Sizes
"
15" 6"
2 1/2 30 1
1
U reg 1
1
la, reg 3

4 V2 " 26" 100 2 3/8 IF 2 3/8 |F 3 8" 10" 12"

6 V2 " 31" 200 3 V2 IF 3 V2 IF 3 12" 14" 16"

8 V2 " 36" 450 4 1/

2 IF 4 V2 IF 3 16" 18" 20" 22"

16" 42" 1000 7 5 /8 reg 7 5 /8 reg 3 24" 26" 28" 30"

24" 42" 1200 7 5 /8 reg 7 5 /8 reg 4 32" 34" 36" 38"

*v~.
32" 42" 1400 7 5 /8 reg 7 5 /8 reg 4 40" 42" 44" 46"
I

40" 42" 1600 7 5 /8 reg 7 5 /8 reg 4 48" 50" 52" 54"

48" 42" 2000 7 5 /8 reg 7 5 /8 reg 5 56" 58" 60" 62"

Sharewell
Directional Drilling Systems

Western Hemisphere • Phone: 1-800-637-6461 • Fax: (713) 983-9820

Eastern Hemisphere • Phone: ++44-1224-771244 • Fax: ++44-1224-771204
 .

SURFACE
mucikuul WLLitu «vma«

PIPE ROLLERS

PR-10/18 PIPE ROLLER

The PR-10/18 pipe roller is a heavy duty roller built for the construction trade, to provide years of trouble free service.
This roller has a load capacity of 3000 lbs. and is built on a sturdy 8 inch steel channel frame, the rollers
are solid
molded urethane with a 2 inch full length mandrel supported on pillow block bearings. This roller design is suitable
for
use with 6 inch to 30 inch diameter plastic or steel pipe.

The PR-3.75/6.75 pipe roller is a heavy duty light weight roller designed for use by the construction trade, to provide
years of trouble free service. This roller has a load capacity of 1000 pounds and is built on a sturdy
channel frame,the
rollers are solid molded urethane with a 1 inch full length mandrel supported on Yas pillow
block bearings. This roller
design is suitable for use with 2 inch to 8 inch plastic or steel pipe and was designed to protect coated
pipe from scaring
due to dragging

Back to Main Page

Send us your comments and inquiries HERE

Dealer Inquiries Welcomed

6/3/99 8:58 AM
 fDCDl
arewell
UUD"0WIVGIS — UUOUO S6TIGS These Pullback Swivels are designed specifically for Directional Drilling applications.

The most important feature of this patented product is the sealing system. The multiple sealing stages become progressively
single
finer such that an oil seal is not required to keep out sand and other coarse particles which can easily destroy
such a simple lip seal. This is done by much sturdier seals designed for use in such applications as cement mixers or military
tanks used in desert conditions.

In addition to the sealing system, these swivels offer a lubrication system complete with relief valve so that the seals cannot be
damaged by over greasing. Grease need only be applied in small quantities since loss of lubricant is almost non-existent.

The type bearings used vary depending on swivel type and size. The Type 1 swivels utilize Spherical, Cylindrical and Tapered
of
Roller Bearings designed to provide an extra measure of side load capacity caused by the threaded or solid connection. The
Type 2 swivels use back to back Tapered Roller Bearings in the smaller sizes, but again the 80,000 lb. and 160,000 lb. units
utilize the same Spherical, Cylindrical and Tapered Roller Bearings as the Type 1 swivels.

All mechanical components are designed to withstand a straight tensile load of 5 times the Safe Working Limit.

DUB-Swivels® DUB- Safe

Ultimate Max API
Type 1 Swivel Working Length Weight Thread
Load Dia.
Part No. Limit Size*
API Box / Clevis
60,000 lb. 300,000 lb. 6" 19-7/16" 98 2-7/8" IF
00508-130 lb.
Type 1 swivels offer an API box
connection at the leading end and 00508-140 80,000 lb 400,000 lb 6-1/2" 26-1/8" 175 1b. 4-1/2" IF
a Clevis connection at the trailing
00508-160 120,000 1b. 600,000 lb. 7-1/2" 28-1/2" 325 lb. 4-1/2" IF
end.
00508-180 160,000 1b. 800,000 lb. 9" 34-3/16" 450 lb. 4-1/2" IF
All these swivels are built with

individually assigned serial

00508-1150 12-1/2" 44-1/8"
300,000 lb. 1,500,000 1b. 848 lb. 6-5/8" REG.
numbers and complete material
traceability for every component. 00508-1250 500, 000 lb 2,500, 000 lb. 16" 54-1/8" 1767 lb. 7-5/8" REG.
* Thread sizes shown are standard, other size available on request.

DUB-Swivels® DUB- Safe

Ultimate Max API
Type 2 Swivel Working Length Weight Thread
Load Dia.
Part No. Limit Size*
Clevis / Clevis
00508-202 5,000 lb. 25,000 lb. 2" 7-11/16" 3.9 lb. 00508-202
Type 2 swivels offer a Clevis
connection at both ends with 00508-205 10,000 1b 50,000 lb 3-1/8" 11-9/16" 15.5 1b. 00508-005
hardened, lockable Clevis Pins.
00508-210 20,000 lb. 100,000 lb. 3-3/4" 13-5/8" 27.5 lb. 00508-010
Swivels 40,000 lb. capacity and
00508-220 40,000 lb. 200,000 lb. 5-3/4" 18-7/16" 82 1b. 00508-020
larger have individually assigned
serial numbers and complete 00508-230 6" 18-1/2"
60,000 lb. 300,000 lb. 84 1b. 00508-020
material traceability for every
component. 00508-240 80, 000 lb 400, 000 lb. 6-1/2" 24-5/16" 152 1b. 00508-040

00508-260 120, 000 lb 600,000 lb. 7-1/2" 26-3/4" 325 lb. 00508-040

00508-280 160, 000 lb 800,000 lb. 9" 33-15/16" 405 lb. 00508-080

(The bearings are designed to provide a lifespan in excess of 700 hours for smaller swivels and for the larger 300,000 and
500,000 lb. units, a lifespan in excess of 2000 hours is expected. These lifespans are based on proper usage of the swivel -
severs side or shock loads may affect these expectations. Close attention must be paid to the product sheets that
accompany each swivel shipped.)

It is our recommendation to always select a swivel larger than the machine capacity. This may cost a little more, but when
this is done and the product is used carefully, lifespans in excess of 3000 hours have been recorded.

Sharewell
Directional Drilling Systems

Western Hemisphere • Phone: 1-800-637-6461 • Fax: (713) 983-9820

Eastern Hemisphere • Phone: ++44-1224-771244 • Fax: ++44-1224-771204
 c
. '
•• •
'." '

. - •

:. .

-
. -. ••

^SsfcasgsJ^sii'

*&&^££&&£&
imensions

Part No. A B C D E F G WT.

0508-202
7-9/16" 5-15/16" 1 -9/32" 11/16" 2" 1-1/64" 2" 3.8 lbs.
5.000 lbs.
22.2 KN. 192.1 mm 150.8 mm 32.5 mm 17.5 mm 50.8 mm 25.8 mm 50.8 mm 1.7 kg.

10508-205
11-17/32" 9-25/32" 1-11/16" 3/4" 3" 1-9/32" 2-9/32" 15 lbs.
10,000 lbs.
44.4 KN 292.9 mm 248.4 mm 42.9 mm 19.1 mm 76.2 mm 32.5 mm 57.9 mm 6.8 kg.

10508-210
13-5/8" 11-1/2" 1-15/16" 1" 3-3/4" 1-17/32" 2-25/32" 27 lbs.
20.000 lbs. B A
88.9 KN 346.1 mm 292.1 mm 49.2 mm 25.4 mm 95.2 mm 38.9 mm 70.6 mm 12.1 kg.

0508-220 i—
18-7/16" 14-15/16" 2-3/4" 1-3/8" 5-3/4" 2" 3-1/2" 83 lbs.
10.000 lbs.
177.9 KN 468.3 mm 279.4 mm 69.9 mm 34.9 mm 146.1 mm 50.8 mm 88.9 mm 37.6 kg.

0508-240
24-1/2" 20" 3-3/8" 1 -3/4" 6-1/2" 2-3/8" 4-5/8" 150 lbs.
10,000 lbs.
355.8 KN 622.3 mm 508.0 mm 85.7 mm 44.5 mm 165.1 mm 60.3 mm 117.5 mm 68.0 kg. U-r
0508-280
33-1/2" 26-1/2" 4-5/8" 2-1/2" 9" 3-5/32" 5-29/32" 380 lbs.
50.000 lbs.
711 7 KN 850.9 mm 673.1 mm 117.5 mm 63.5 mm 228.6 mm 80.2 mm 150.0 mm 172.0 kg.

Sharewell
Directional Drilling Systems

Western Hemisphere • Phone: 1-800-637-6461 • Fax: (713) 983-9820

Eastern Hemisphere • Phone: ++44-1224-771244 • Fax: ++44-1224-771204
 ,

b/02
22527-?nn »