Why HDD?
5 Reasons Horizontal Directional Drilling is the perfect choice for your next utility installation project.
Horizontal Directional Drilling is a relatively new method of installing utilities underground. Tracing its origins back as early as the 1960’s HDD has grown in popularity over the last two decades. As drill head locating technology and drill-rig capabilities have advanced, HDD has become more widely adopted for projects of all sizes.
For those who are unfamiliar with the benefits of HDD we have compiled this list of five of our favorite reasons that Horizontal Directional Drilling may be the best choice for your next utility installation project.
HDD is Fast
Compared to some alternatives such as open trenching or installing overhead power-lines. Horizontal Directional Drilling, especially in ideal soil conditions, can be completed in a fraction of the time.
2. HDD is Cost Effective
Installing utilities underground can be expensive. For example, a homeowner wants to install new fiber optic cable to his home, but the nearest connection is across the street. Prior to the advent of HDD a project like this would be both cost and time prohibitive.
With the advent of HDD and advancements in recent years, Horizontal Directional Drilling can, in many cases, connect utilities from one side of the road to the other in a matter of hours. Without needlessly tearing up and closing the road. Saving significant time and restoration costs.
3. HDD is Precise
Smaller scale Horizontal Directional Drilling operations are most often guided by a walkover drill-head locating system. The most common of which is the American Made DigiTrak line, the exclusive locating system of Modern Drilling Co.
The DigiTrak HDD Locating systems are accurate within inches and allows the Modern Drilling team to take precise readings and hit exact targets, always insuring a trouble-free bore.
4. HDD is Environmentally Friendly
Horizontal Directional Drilling is easier on the environment than traditional utility installation methods like trenching or open-cutting which can be both disruptive to humans and destructive to natural areas.
Responsible HDD Contractors like Modern Drilling Co. take great care to minimize the impact projects have on the surrounding environment. Some techniques used include things as simple as laying down padding to protect the lawn of a homeowner. To consulting with drilling fluid experts Pro Action Fluids and conducting soil analysis to ensure responsible use and remediation of all fluids.
5. HDD is SAFE
Horizontal Directional Drilling is widely accepted as safe both for those performing the work and the structures and people in the immediate area.
With minimal need for digging (typically only an entry and exit pit is required) HDD minimizes risks associated with open trenches. HDD also allows utilities to be safely installed in areas where obstacles may be an issue for other installation methods. For example, an HDD contractor can easily install pipe under a river or even under your house.
Operator safety is also paramount with HDD. Typically hazardous areas, such as road or rail crossings can be navigated without the need for operators to stand in harms way thanks to enhancements in range and capabilities of HDD Locating systems in recent years.
