Many companies offer directional drilling services. If you are thinking of availing of these services, the first thing you would probably ask is how to choose the right company. Before trying to answer this question, though, it is advisable to know first what to expect from directional drilling service providers. You can’t correctly contemplate how to choose the right company without understanding the essential things to expect from them.
The services offered
Directional drilling companies usually provide more than just horizontal directional drilling. They can also provide many other related services. These additional services may include trenching, mole ploughing, and guided auger boring.
Horizontal directional drilling. This service is intended for digging holes through the ground without having to create a trench. The drilling equipment used works underground, controlled from the surface. It’s an efficient way of drilling holes or tunnels especially in locations where there are numerous obstacles such as existing cables, utility pipes, and human activities.
Trenching and mole ploughing. These are considered environmentally friendly and effective methods for the installation of cables and pipes underground. They are slightly different from each other, though. Trenching entails the digging of a wide trench (maximum of 500mm) with a depth of around 2.2 metres.
Mole ploughing is similar to trenching except that it results in a narrower trench. This method is intended for the installation or the repair of water, gas, and telecommunication utilities. Some companies employ innovative techniques that allow them to drill with a diameter of up to 125mm and a maximum depth of 1.2 metres without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Guided auger boring. This service is a precise drilling method for subterranean installations. Unlike trenching and mole ploughing, it does away with the trench cutting step. Operators control the machinery used for auger boring from a pit. Hence, it leaves a minimal footprint and causes minimal onsite disruption.
Emphasis on expertise and experience
It is important to emphasise that you can’t just assume that every horizontal drilling company has the knowledge and expertise to provide the excellent service you need. Not every drilling service company can competently undertake drilling projects. You have to carefully evaluate their track record to make sure that they are worth choosing.
Moreover, you cannot entrust projects that require horizontal directional drilling to companies that lack the right equipment for the job. They should have the appropriate and reliable equipment or machinery. These are things you may not be able to properly evaluate on your own, especially if you are new to the technical aspects of drilling solutions. You may need advice or guidance from someone in the know.
Your choices for directional drilling companies should have several years of experience mainly in the specific type of drilling job you need. At the same time, it should have up-to-date technologies and a highly trained workforce. Don’t randomly decide on a drilling service provider and carefully evaluate your options.
