The process of directional boring begins with drilling a small pilot hole. This pilot hole is then enlarged to a size that is sufficient for the installation of the desired underground utility. Once the pilot hole has been enlarged, the direction of the bore is changed in order to reach the desired location.
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Directional boring is a relatively new technology, but it has been growing in popularity in recent years due to its many advantages.
Directional boring is often used to install water and gas lines, sewer and storm drains, and even power and communications cables. There are many advantages to using the HDD method, but there are also some disadvantages to keep in mind.
Directional boring has a number of advantages over traditional excavation and trenching methods. It is less disruptive to the surface, so it can be used in areas where traditional digging would not be possible, such as busy streets or fragile ecosystems. It is also less expensive and time-consuming than trenching and can be used to install multiple lines at once.
Directional boring also has some disadvantages. It is a more complex process than trenching, so it requires more training and experience to do it correctly. It also has a higher risk of damaging the underground infrastructure, which can be extensive and expensive to repair.
There are several processes that need to be done when performing HDD operations. Some of these include:
You need to know where all of the existing utilities are before you start to bore. This way, you can avoid them and not cause any damage.
Once the utilities are located, the next step is to survey the site. Usually conducted by a boring foreman or project manager, a site survey helps determine the best route for the bore, taking into account such factors as terrain and underground obstructions.
After the survey is complete, the next step is select the equipment that will be used for the bore. This includes choosing the right drill, deciding on drilling fluid, and selecting reaming equipment.
After choosing the appropriate boring equipment, the pilot hole is drilled first using a smaller diameter drill bit. This helps establish a starting point and makes it easier to pull the larger drill through afterward.
Once the pilot hole is drilled, the reamer is pulled through to widen it out to the final size. This is usually done in several passes, gradually increasing the size of the reamer each time.
Next, the pipe is pulled through the newly created hole. This pipe is usually made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and can be used for various purposes, such as carrying water, gas, or telecommunications cables.
Once everything has been carried out, its time to do site cleanup and restoration. This process involves the removal of extraneous bore mud and spoils using a vacuum excavator. Meanwhile, surface features such as sod, asphalt, and curbing are restored to their initial condition.
Finally, field personnel must submit a report which includes the details of the utilities installed and a bore log that indicates the depth and path information to the customer. A digital log template can simplify this documentation process for field operators.
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Underground construction professionals know that timing is of the essence, especially as demand for new projects continues to increase. And ensuring operators can quickly move from one project to the next with minimal downtime means having reliable equipment. Auger boring machines, which have been a staple in the construction industry for decades, can help contractors efficiently bore through tough ground conditions and promote uptime but only when maintained properly.
From reading the operator manual to performing continuous machine inspections and aftercare routines, operators extend equipment life and get the most from their auger boring machines. Here are three maintenance tips that will support machines functioning at a high level, keep operators safe and help ensure jobsite productivity.
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The most important step with all machinery is for contractors to familiarize themselves with the operator manual. The manual contains all necessary preventative maintenance items and recommended intervals for servicing based on time-related milestones. This is important because the checklist of daily components to inspect after 10-hours of use is different than the components to inspect after 500-hours. For example, daily checks include visually inspecting the hydraulic hoses to see if they are frayed, ensuring the fuel tank level is full and confirming the electrical systems do not have any broken wires. However, draining and replacing the transmission oil is a best practice at the 500-hour maintenance check.
Not only does preventative maintenance help ensure the machine will be working when crews get to the jobsite, it is also a major element in keeping them safe. For example, safety features like the emergency stop button and the tethered stop switch should both be checked daily to ensure they are working properly and can help operators in case of an emergency.
Following the operators manual to adhere to regular maintenance schedules and continuous or daily checks can help alleviate issues that can occur from everyday operation and reduce unwanted downtime.
One of the best ways to extend the life of an auger boring machine is by reducing machine wear and tear. Too often, contractors will try to work through minimal equipment damage, which can lead to premature failure and costly downtime. To help reduce wear and tear, contractors should check the equipment alignment of components and visually inspect the equipment before they start a bore. For example, if the alignment of the gear rack is not properly placed, then the pinion shaft which is pressed up against the gear rack can experience increased wear and tear. It is also important to maintain the proper alignment of the tooling when connected to the auger boring machine. Over time, the alignment of these pieces together can become warped, and the connection unstable, which can increase the risk of equipment damage.
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As a best practice, contractors should bring extra parts that are prone to wear and tear to the jobsite. For example, if the hex drive on the driveshaft gets worn, contractors can immediately stop working and replace it before it causes the machine to break down, which will lead to unplanned downtime.
Additionally, if the machine has any type of water, saturated soil or if the bore pit is flooded, contractors can find themselves with detrimental equipment damage. To help mitigate equipment damage and increase operator safety, contractors should have a drainage tile or pump in the pit to help minimize water damage and maximize jobsite efficiency.
End-of-day maintenance is an important step that is not meant to be skipped. As a best practice, contractors should clean their machines daily to help eliminate any dirt or debris that may hinder the efficiency of the machine. To further protect an auger boring machine, contractors can invest in a vandal cover to help protect the equipment from any jobsite intrusions or unwanted interruptions caused by an outside source.
Every jobsite is different, and most operators know when their equipment is not working properly. If they wait for a piece of equipment to breakdown, instead of doing routine maintenance, they can find themselves underwater. A small investment in time each day to identify these problems helps eliminate downtime, keep crews safe and stay productive on the job site.
Richard Levings is a product manager at American Augers.
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