how horizontal Directional Drilling works
Trenchless utility installation from planning through completion.
Horizontal Directional Drilling is a controlled, trenchless method of installing underground conduit, pipe and utility systems beneath roads, waterways, developed properties and other areas where traditional excavation may be disruptive or impractical.
See the hdd process
in action
Watch how specialized drilling equipment creates a precise underground pathway while helping reduce surface disruption.
Actual equipment, project requirements and installation methods may vary based on utility type, soil conditions, site access and bore length.
how hdd works
01
Project Planning
Existing utilities , ground conditions, bore length, entry and exit points and required clearances are evaluated before drilling begins.
02
Utility locating
and potholing
Utilities are identified and visually confirmed using locating equipment and vacuum excavation to help establish a safe drilling path.
03
A guided drill head creates the initial underground path while the operator monitors its depth, direction and position
Pilot bore
04
The pilot bore is enlarged to the required diameter. HDPE pipe or conduit is prepared and fused when necessary.
reaming and pipe preparation
05
The conduit or pipe is connected to the drill string and carefully pulled through the completed bore path.
product pullback
When HDD is used
HDD is commonly selected when underground utilities must be installed through areas where open-cut excavation would create significant disruption, restoration costs or access challenges.
Waterway and wetland crossings
Developed or landscaped properties
Electrical and communications conduit
Road and highway crossings
Water, sewer and other utility installations
the advantages of
trenchless Installation
LOWER RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS
Smaller entry and exit areas can reduce the amount of pavement, soil or landscaping that must be restored.
REDUCED SURFACE DISRUPTION
Helps limit excavation across roads, parking areas, landscaping and developed properties.
FLEXIBLE APPLICATIONS
Can accommodate a variety of conduit and pipe sizes depending on project conditions and engineering requirements.
CONTROLLED INSTALLATION
Specialized locating and steering technology allows trained crews to monitor the drill path throughout the bore.
EFFICIENT UTILITY CROSSINGS
Provides a practical way to install utilities beneath obstacles that may be difficult to cross using conventional excavation.
Specialized equipment.
experienced crew.
Successful HDD projects require more than a drill rig. Enterprise Electric deploys specialized equipment to support locating, excavation, pipe preparation, drilling, fluid managment and final installation.
DIRECTIONAL DRILL RIG
hdpe pipe fUSION EQUIPMENT
VACUUM EXCAVATION TRUCK
support trucks & trailers
excavator
