Drilling FAQs
We answer some of the most frequently asked
questions related to our drilling services with a
particular focus on Horizontal Directional Drilling.
Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQs
Our clients, project stakeholders and wider partners often have questions about our drilling services. Below we have tried to answer many of the frequently asked questions we get asked; from what is horizontal directional drilling to how far can we drill, you’ll learn more about the process and our HDD service below.
If your question isn’t listed below, please use the contact button below to get in touch with our team directly.
Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQS
Q1: What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a method which enables the installation of underground pipes, cables, conduits, fiber optic cables by creating the necessary path to insert the required system.
Q2: What is a HDD drill?
An HDD drill is a steerable trenchless machine used for installing pipe, conduits and cables along a bore path with minimal impact on the surrounding area above and below ground level.
Q3: What distance and diameters can we drill?
Our team and equipment can accomplish up to 1000metre bores and a diameter of up to 1000mm, depending on geotechnical conditions.
Q4: What is size of pipe is required?
The size of pipe depends on the diameter we are installing, cable, fiber optic or other pipelines. We drill 150% the size of the pipe needed up to 900mm diameter.
Q5: Do you use any type of drilling fluids?
Drilling Fluid is project specific and designed by a mud engineer. These systems consist of a bentonite base with a selection of polymers and additives added depending on the geotechnical conditions and desired outcome.
Q6: What space is needed for entry and exit pits?
The entry pit is the starting point, and the exit pit is the end of the base path. There will be some surface disruptions with the emergence of drilling mud and underground material. The area required is project specific for the two pits.
Q7: What size drill rig and equipment are required?
MDL will determine the best suited rig and tooling for the project by assessing pipe sizes, ground conditions, surface space and surrounding environment.
Q8: How do you manage ground water?
Ground water is managed by utilizing a mud vacuum extraction system.
Q9: How much does Horizontal Directional Drilling cost?
The exact cost of HDD is project specific with many variables at play and it is not only down to money. One should always consider time cost, environmental cost, however all is determined by the complexity of the job, the location and ground we are required to drill through.
Q10: Can Markey Drilling design and plan?
At MDL we have the know-how to design and plan the bore in consultation with the client designers, engineers and project consultants. We believe that working collaboratively with all stakeholders achieves the best outcomes.
Q11: What information do you need for an initial quote for HDD?
For an initial quote we require the following information:
- Type of crossing, under river, road, canal, car park etc.
- Length of drill shots
- Location address
- Core sample/ soil type
- Product pipe size
- Start date
- Plans and specifications
Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQS
Q1: What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a method which enables the installation of underground pipes, cables, conduits, fiber optic cables by creating the necessary path to insert the required system.
Q2: What is a HDD drill?
An HDD drill is a steerable trenchless machine used for installing pipe, conduits and cables along a bore path with minimal impact on the surrounding area above and below ground level.
Q3: How far can Markey Drilling's HDD drill?
Our team and equipment can accomplish up to 1000metre bores and a diameter of up to 1000mm, depending on geotechnical conditions.
Q4: What is size of pipe is required
The size of pipe depends on the diameter we are installing, cable, fiber optic or other pipelines. We drill 150% the size of the pipe needed up to 900mm diameter.
Q5: Do you use any type of drilling fluids?
Drilling Fluid is project specific and designed by a mud engineer. These systems consist of a bentonite base with a selection of polymers and additives added depending on the geotechnical conditions and desired outcome.
Q6: What space is needed for entry and exit pits?
The entry pit is the starting point, and the exit pit is the end of the base path. There will be some surface disruptions with the emergence of drilling mud and underground material. The area required is project specific for the two pits.
Q7: What size drill rig and equipment are required?
MDL will determine the best suited rig and tooling for the project by assessing pipe sizes, ground conditions, surface space and surrounding environment.
Q8: How do you manage ground water?
Ground water is managed by utilizing a mud vacuum extraction system.
Q9: How much does Horizontal Directional Drilling cost?
The exact cost of HDD is project specific with many variables at play and it is not only down to money. One should always consider time cost, environmental cost, however all is determined by the complexity of the job, the location and ground we are required to drill through.
Q10: Can Markey Drilling design and plan?
At MDL we have the know-how to design and plan the bore in consultation with the client designers, engineers and project consultants. We believe that working collaboratively with all stakeholders achieves the best outcomes.
Q11: What information do you need for an initial quote for HDD?
For an initial quote we require the following information:
- Type of crossing, under river, road, canal, car park etc.
- Length of drill shots
- Location address
- Core sample/ soil type
- Product pipe size
- Start date
- Plans and specifications
Want to discuss your drilling project?
If you would like to discuss how Markey Drilling could plan and deliver your project, please get in touch. Our expert team possess the knowledge, experience and expertise to guide you from project planning to successful completion.