Horizontal Directional drilling is a way for installing underground pipes and utilities such as gas pipes, waterpipes and electricity cables. HDD removes the need to dig open trenches making it fast, cost effective and more environmentally friendly.
Horizontal Directional Drilling is carried out using a drill rig and a guided drilling process to install pipes, conduits, or cables underground without the need for trenching. HDD means we can navigate various types of ground conditions with precision and efficiency making it one of the most economical methods for installing utilities
Directional drilling causes minimal disruption to the surface, with only small excavations needed at key pointes along the installation route.
Horizontal Directional Drilling, (HDD), is a steered boring technique that we use to install underground pipes, ducts, and cables along a predetermined bore path. This allows for the installation or replacement of underground utilities. HDD typically involves drilling a borehole underground at a horizontal angle to navigate obstacles or sensitive areas with minimal disturbance.
Directional drilling can be used across the UK for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential purposes such as road networks and railways, rivers and canals, and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI’s).
No matter how large, small, or complex your underground installation project, we will provide an innovative Directional Drilling service to ensure the fastest, most cost-effective and efficient installation.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Installation Rates
100
metres per day
dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions
Horizontal Directional Drilling Distances:
20
Metre pipe lengths
(subject to pipe size and ground conditions)
Horizontal Directional Drilling Accuracy:
25
+/- mm
(depending on ground conditions)
Directional drilling is an environmentally friendly method for aunderground installations because it minimises the need for extensive digging.
HDD reduces disruption to natural habitats and ecosystems. As directional drilling contractors we avoid disturbing environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, rivers, and forests. This preference for directional drilling in projects is due to its reduced environmental footprint.
Before carrying out any drilling, a comprehensive environmental impact study is performed to assess the potential implications on areas of special interest:
Underground Pipe installations at Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Protected areas are rife with unique ecosystems, rare species, geological formations, or habitats, and they are often protected by law. With the use of trenchless technology, a non-invasive approach is applied, ensuring the protection of special conservation interests.
Underground installations in Root Protection Zones (RPZ)
Damaging or cutting tree roots can threaten tree health and stability, potentially resulting in decline or even death. HDD drilling provides a non-invasive approach and a fully planned, precise path that can avoid the roots. This effectively reduces the risk of root damage in these specialised zones.
Installing pipes or cables underground in Ancient Woodlands
This type of conservation area provides a specialist approach, and directional drilling provides the ability to accurately determine subterranean trajectories, allowing successful installation without affecting the ground cover, damaging tree roots, or disturbing habitats.
Low carbon footprint Underground Installation
Our turnkey horizontal directional drilling techniques use minimal machinery, heavy equipment and low fuel usage which provides minimal disruption to the environment, reducing environmental impact.
Horizontal directional drilling, often referred to as HDD or trenchless technology, is a modern method for laying underground utilities such as pipes, cables, ducts, and conduits. This method starts with a pilot hole that is drilled diagonally from the surface toward a desired endpoint.
After the initial hole is made, drilling equipment enlarges and steers the hole in the desired direction underground. This smooth process provides minimal damage to the surface of the ground and is not as invasive as conventional methods. This saves money and the hassle of restoring the area after large excavation work.
The procedure starts by drilling a pilot borehole that follows a predetermined route. We then expand the hole along the trajectory established by the pilot bore, a process referred to as back reaming. Finally, the product pipe is pulled through the enlarged passage.
The machine we will choose for your project is dependent on your site and location. For our smaller and more fragile ecological sites, we will select our smaller HDD machine to ensure that we minimise disruption to the environment and protect delicate ecosystems. This smaller HDD machine is designed to navigate tight spaces and sensitive terrain with precision and care, allowing us to complete the job while minimising impact on the surrounding area.
For larger sites that require greater power and capacity, we have larger HDD machines equipped to handle more demanding projects, whilst still maintaining little impact at your location. These machines can tackle larger bore diameters and longer distances, providing the necessary strength and efficiency to complete the job effectively.
No matter the size or complexity of your project, we have the expertise and equipment to ensure successful horizontal directional drilling while prioritising environmental conservation and minimising disruption to sensitive areas.
Directional drilling is utilised for laying utility lines and conduits, providing a more economical and minimally invasive option compared to conventional vertical drilling methods.
This approach provides many advantages over conventional drilling as it is possible to lay or repair utility pipes, ducts, or cables, without excavations of large amounts of ground and provides options for laying pipes in sensitive or protected areas.
There are many advantages to employing horizontal and directional drilling. These are, minimal disturbances to surfaces, reduced environmental impact, cost savings, enhanced safety, and provides minimal disruption to utilities.
This is entirely dependent on the machine used for your location and ground conditions and/or obstructions. We will conduct a site visit and discuss the plan of action. Pipes from 25mm to 355mm diameters can be installed over distances of up to 200 metres in a single shot. Ducting, cables, and pipework can also be installed in either straight or curved lines.
No, it won’t. Our methods and trenchless technology will minimise disturbance in your location. Our approach ensures that we can carry out our work efficiently and effectively while keeping the impact on your surroundings to an absolute minimum. We will conduct a site visit before work takes place, talk through your requirements and we will evaluate the area to identify any obstacles or obstructions that may be present.
If you require work in protected or specialist areas, we can provide minimal disruption to the natural environment, ensure compliance with any relevant regulations or restrictions, and respect the integrity of the site.
We provide our trenchless drilling for all type of industries across the UK. Typical industries include environmental remediation, water management, utility services, civil engineering and construction, and more.
As leading directional drilling specialists in the UK, we are proud to work with some of the most renowned brands in the industry. From the iconic Santa Pod Raceway to industry giants like the NHS, BAE, and BMW, plus countless others. We’ve been entrusted to improve systems and services with our cutting-edge trenchless technology and no-dig methods.
With minimal impact on your site and the surrounding environment, we will survey, plan, and complete your required operation to the highest standards in new pipe, cable, or duct installations. We operate to strict Health and Safety protocols and maintain continuous ‘good housekeeping’ standards, right from conception to completion.
Whether you require the installation of new services or are upgrading existing underground utility services, EPS Trenchless Installations provide a variety of cost-effective solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements.
When considering whether to opt for directional drilling, our customers often pose the important question ‘So how does directional drilling work?’. By understanding how this trenchless method of laying or replacing pipeline works, it’s easier to assess the benefits.
Here’s how the process of directional drilling works.
Our engineers will study the project area to assess the soil type, and any surface structures or existing utilities. They will identify the best drilling path and map out the underground route, avoiding any obstacles or environmental features.
A precise path will be planned to ensure the pipework, ducting or conduit is installed without disrupting other infrastructure. This will include entry and exit points, depth, and curvature, to avoid obstacles and maintain required clearances. The path can be vertical, curved, or horizontal, depending on the target and geological conditions.
A drilling rig is positioned at the entry point. A drill bit, attached to a drill string, is then used to bore an initial pilot hole. This is equipped with an adjustable slanted face or steerable mechanism to control the direction along the designed route.
Our directional drill operators will monitor the position and orientation of the drill bit to ensure accuracy. This is done using surface-based tools, known as walkover locators. Gyroscopic or magnetic sensors inside the drill head will also provide real-time feedback on its location, angle, and depth to help navigate the subsurface.
A drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string to cool and lubricate the drill bit, stabilise the borehole walls, and remove soil or rock fragments.
Once the pilot hole has been drilled, a large cutting tool known as a reamer is attached to the drill string. The reamer is then pulled back through the hole to enlarge it to the required diameter to accommodate the pipework, ducting or conduit.
During the reaming process, drilling fluid continues to stabilise the hole, and transport cuttings and debris back to the site surface.
Pre-assembling the pipework: The pipeline, ducting or conduit is pre-assembled and placed on rollers near the drill exit point.
A pulling head is attached to one end of the pipe, duct or conduit, which is connected to the drill string. The pipe, or other assembly, is then pulled back through the reamed hole from the exit point to the entry point.
Use of drill fluid
Drilling fluid is again used, this time to reduce friction and prevent damage to the pre-assembled pipeline during pulling.
Site clearance: Excess drilling fluid and cuttings are thoroughly cleaned up, the drilling rig is dismantled, and the site is restored to its original condition.
The installed pipe is carefully inspected for alignment and integrity.
No matter how large, small, or complex your underground installation project, we will provide an innovative Directional Drilling service to ensure the fastest, most cost-effective and efficient installation.