17 AUGUST 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Horizontal Directional Drilling Innovations by Ronald B. Peterson Drilling Products Specialist, Mountainland Supply Company The horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market continues to grow to match societal needs. The current expansion of fiber optics, driven by our appetite for more readily available technology at all levels, has created a bit of a boom in the HDD market. This has resulted in an increase in all segments, including short connection drops. The longer the bore, the more critical a properly designed drilling fluid becomes. On short drops, it is often possible to shoot the bore and pull the product line using just water, but it must be done quickly. Remember, luck is not a strategy; make sure you understand the limitations of the bore, your equipment, and personnel. The understanding of HDD drilling fluids and equipment limitations is improving. There are many single-sack drilling fluid products on the market that are very effective, especially in short drops. The length of the bore, lithology of the ground, and the design of the bore will determine the drilling fluid and tooling required. While most projects can be completed with the same old methods, drilling fluid and tooling advancements may reduce problems and shorten your time on the bore. Enhancements in tooling and drilling fluids can improve penetration rates and reduce borehole stability issues. This may result in fewer problems, less time on the bore, and better profitability. Advancements in tracking devices have improved accuracy of borehole monitoring and made it easier to measure and manage the bore. As the HDD market continues to grow and expand, there is a greater demand for personnel. The experience level of industry personnel is improving, but not fast enough to keep up with industry demand. Technological advancements continue to improve at an ever-accelerating rate. One of the most significant advancements is the availability of online training. Check with your supplier, be aware of what training is available, and use it to train yourself and your personnel. Contact your vendor to find out what is available and how to access it. Make sure you take advantage of any in-person training. The investment in your own knowledge and the knowledge of your personnel will pay off. Greater knowledge of our job requirements and the safest, best way to achieve them will result in better performance at all levels. Always remember to cultivate and stress a culture of safety in the workplace. There are many innovations in safety. We have come a long way. Always remember, “A man has to know his limitations,” but he doesn’t have to be defined by them. He can raise the bar. Working together, it is amazing where we can go. Enjoy the journey. If you have any questions on drilling fluids or if you have another topic you would like to have addressed, please remember this column is ours, your feedback helps me make it of value to you. It needs to be an interactive tool. I need your feedback. Please send your suggestions to Michele (below) and she will let get them to me. Ron Ron Peterson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com DIR eranhenderson@gmail.com New & Used Tricones PDCs Drag & Claw Bits Drill Collars Bit Tipping Subs & Stabilizers HDD Bits & Reamers DTH Hammer & Bits Custom Fabrication Junk Mills / Fishing Tools Rod Henderson 661-201-6259 Eran Henderson 661-330-0790
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