This cutting-edge trenchless technique is typically used to install, replace, or maintain underground utilities located in areas not directly beneath the drilling site. It’s also used to increase efficiency, reduce traditional excavation costs, and minimise surface disturbance.
At EPS Trenchless Installations, our commitment to both environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction ensures that each directional drilling project is completed quickly and cost-effectively — with minimal disruption to natural habitats and human infrastructure.
For further detail on the frequently asked question ‘What is directional drilling?’ read on ➡
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 in practice:
Surveying and mapping: Our specialist 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.
Route design: 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.
Setting up and steering: 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.
Monitoring the drill bit: 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.
Use of drill fluid: 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.
Reaming: 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.
Use of drill fluid: 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.
Use of a pulling head: 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.
Inspection: The installed pipe is carefully inspected for alignment and integrity.
When it comes to directional drilling, our customers also often ask ‘What is directional drilling used for?’. Again, by understanding the ways in which this technique can be used, it’s easier to assess the most efficient approach to carry out your pipework project.
Directional drilling is a trenchless method used for utility installations. This includes:
Directional drilling is especially useful in areas where traditional excavation is impractical, such as under roads, rivers, railways, or other urban infrastructure. As such, it’s widely recognised as a critical technique for modern infrastructure projects, allowing for the efficient and sustainable installation of underground utilities, even through complex terrain.
This technique is also widely used to minimise any environmental damage when working on sensitive locations, such as sites of special scientific interest (SSSI’s). Its versatility and low environmental impact make it the ideal technique for underground installations.
There are various key benefits to directional drilling as a method of trenchless digging:
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a type of directional drilling that simply follows a horizontal path. This trenchless drilling technique is often used to navigate underneath roads, rivers and railways, or other surface infrastructure, with minimal disruption.
By drilling horizontally beneath the surface, it’s also possible to install and maintain pipelines in environmentally sensitive areas such as SSSI’s or conservation areas.
The horizontal directional drilling process works in much the same way as any other type of directional drilling. It’s a steered technique to install underground pipes, ducts, and cables along a predetermined bore path. This allows for the installation or replacement of underground utilities without the need for traditional open-cut excavation. However, HDD involves drilling a borehole underground at a horizontal angle to avoid surface obstacles.
Horizontal directional drilling is a trenchless technique typically used for navigating underneath surface obstacles or through complex geological conditions where traditional open-cut excavation methods are not viable. This includes laying pipes, ducts and cables beneath roads, rivers or railways, or where natural habitat needs to be preserved.
HDD for duct installation follows a process similar to that of pipework installation. The key difference lies in the materials being installed and their applications. Ducts, often used for housing telecommunications cables, fibre optics, electrical wires, or other utilities, are usually smaller in diameter and lighter than pipes for fluids. Horizontal directional drilling for cable laying is mostly used to install underground cables for telecommunications or power.
As industry leaders in trenchless technology, we install underground pipework across the UK, providing innovative solutions to minimise surface disruption. Our expert directional drilling contractors can provide the most cost-effective method of completing your pipework installation project with precision and efficiency. We also provide a full installation service — from conception to completion — specifically tailored to your project needs.
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