Sound advice provided through the courtesy of the HDD Consortium.
A wide range of directional drilling units exists in the marketplace. The smallest drilling rigs typically are used for the installation of telecommunication residential service cables. Larger rigs are capable of installing pipelines up to 48 inches. Installation range is determined by many parameters, including rig size, soil conditions and product diameter. Installations exceeding 6,000 feet have been completed successfully.
While the equipment is being set up, the entry and exit areas should be delineated using traffic cones and construction tape or flagging. The work areas should be laid out in accordance with the specifications and traffic control plans. Fencing should be installed to restrict access and ensure public and worker safety. If the equipment cannot fit into the allowable entry area, the owner/engineer should be contacted to resolve the problem. Likewise, the exit area must accommodate the product reel and trailer, or the pipe laid out for welding and fusing. If the specified exit area is insufficient, the contractor should notify the owner/engineer to resolve the problem. Thorough planning and a pre-bid or pre-construction walkover site inspection should avoid potential conflicts such as insufficient work areas.