Client Case Study

Trenchless Gas Main Installation

BGS Utilities

Directional Drilling Gas Main Installation, Northampton

EPS Trenchless Installations, on behalf of BGS Utilities, successfully installed a 63mm SDR11 gas main beneath a busy dual carriageway in Northampton. Using directional drilling to minimise disruption to traffic and road users, the project was completed quickly in a single morning despite very challenging weather conditions.

Project Type

Gas Main Installation Under Major Road

Trenchless Installation Method

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Requirements

Installation of new gas main for industrial unit

Location

Northampton

Distance

50 Meters

Crossing

Busy Dual carriageway near to roundabout

Drilling Suggestion

1 x 63mm SDR11 Gas Main

Constraints

Busy main road with high volume traffic
Existing services present

Rig used

Ditch Witch JT3020 Directional Drill

Ground Conditions

Clay

Installation time

1 Day

BGS Utilities, a leading UK provider of comprehensive utility solutions, excels in project management, ensuring safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction across commercial, housing, and industrial sectors. With over 15 years of experience and recognition from industry governing bodies, they offer tailored services, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Recently, they partnered with EPS Trenchless Installations Ltd for a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) project, chosen for their unparalleled HDD expertise, promising precision and technical excellence for optimal project outcomes.

Challenges and Objectives:

The project faced the dual challenges of executing the installation under adverse weather conditions and ensuring minimal disruption to the busy carriageway. The objectives were clear:

Efficient installation of the gas main

Minimal surface disturbance

Completion within a tight timeframe

Project Highlights

Scope of work

The task involved installing a 63mm SDR11 gas main using a Vermeer D9x13 directional drilling rig, known for its precision and reliability.

Utilisation of Advanced GPRS, Permissions, and Planning

The project required meticulous planning, including obtaining the necessary permissions and employing GPRS technology to ensure accurate drilling paths and avoid underground utilities.

Bore Path Design and Execution:

The bore path was strategically designed to navigate the undercarriage of the dual carriageway, utilizing the rig’s capabilities to overcome the good clay ground conditions, which were ideal for the operation.

expertise in HDD

The use of a Ditch Witch JT3020 drill was pivotal, chosen for its suitability in cohesive clay conditions—ideal for the gravity installation method.

Outcomes

The installation was completed in just one morning, with the EPS team overcoming poor weather conditions to ensure the project’s success. BGS Utilities was extremely satisfied with the outcome, highlighting the project’s efficiency and the minimal disruption caused to the local area.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies the benefits of HDD in urban utility installations, particularly in challenging environments. EPS Trenchless Installations demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, completing the work swiftly despite adverse conditions. This case study underscores the importance of expertise, advanced technology, and thorough planning in achieving successful outcomes in the utility sector.

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