Horizontal directional boring, also known as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD for short) is a method which enables the installation of underground pipes, cables, conduits, fiber optics and more, by creating the necessary path to insert the needed system.

A horizontal directioal drill is a steerable trenchless machine used for installing underground pipe, conduit, or cables in a shallow arc along a bore path by using a drilling rig, with minimal impact on the surrounding area.

Maximum lengths and hole diameters are determined by project specific geotechnical conditions. Our machines can accomplish 500' per day in good soil conditions and up to a 36" diameter tunnel.

Horizontal drilling is the process of drilling straight down into the earth, usually for locating water, oil, natural gas, information or other subsurface objectives. However, drilling at an angle other than vertical can obtain information, hit targets, and stimulate reservoirs in ways that cannot be achieved with a vertical well; also known as horizontal directional drilling. In such cases, the expertise to accurately tunnel in directions and angles that depart from the vertical is a valuable ability performed by Empire HDD.

There are many directional drilling jobs and we would welcome your interest in a career in directional drilling. Drilling work can include Directional Drill Operators, Locators and General Groundsmen to support the directional drilling operation. To see what directional drilling jobs are available at Empire HDD, follow this link: Directional Drilling Jobs

The size of pipe required depends on whether we're laying cable, fiber optics or other lines. We drill 150% the size of the pipe needed, up to 36" diameter. For example, if (4) 2" conduits are needed, we'll drill a 12" tunnel. Sizing of the pipe used also determines the rig that will be used for the job.

Each drilling fluid program is job specific, designed by a Mud Engineer. Most systems consist of a bentonite base with a variety of polymers and additives added to the base system depending on the geotechnical conditions and the desired outcome.

Empire HDD determines the best suited drilling rigs for the job by assessing soil conditions, pipe size and available surface space.

Horizontal directional drilling works by directing the drill bit in a different direction from the wellbore axis while the entire drillstring is not rotating, which is achieved by pumping drilling fluid through the mud motor. A newer type of directional drilling, horizontal drilling, perfected by Empire HDD, is used to drastically increase production.

The entry pit is the starting point of the bore and the exit pit is the end of the bore. At both the entry and exit points, there will be some surface disruption with the emergence of drilling mud and underground material. Therefore, how much room is needed to accommodate the pits is job specific.

Tunneling allows for access to the tunneling face itself. Obstacles that can’t be processed by the machine will be dismantled and removed by hand.

Groundwater can be managed by using our Mud Vacuum.

Like anything else, the exact cost of directional boring (such as drilling cost per foot) is job specific with many variables in play, including and most important is the material we are required to drill through. You're encouraged to contact Empire HDD below.

Empire HDD would be happy to provide you with a quote on your project. The following information would be most helpful:

• Type of Crossing (under a river, road, parking lot, or environmentally sensitive area)
• Location address
• Soil type or Core Samples
• Length of run
• Diameter of product to be placed
• Preferred start date
• Any Plans or Specs you may have