Directional Drilling Hemel Hempstead

Directional Drilling Services by Atlas Gas

Our Services

What does it involve?

Directional drilling is a trenchless method used to install new pipes and cables without the need for long, open trenches. At Atlas Gas, we operate compact, fluid-assisted drilling equipment that allows us to accurately guide services beneath the ground while keeping surface disruption to a minimum.

Whether you require a new utility connection, a replacement for an existing line, or a short run beneath an obstacle, our directional drilling service provides a clean and controlled approach, with far less mess and disruption than traditional excavation methods.

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What is Directional Drilling?

Directional drilling, often referred to as horizontal directional drilling, is a technique used to install pipes and ducts along a carefully planned underground route. The process starts with a small launch pit, followed by a guided pilot bore along the intended alignment. Once the bore is complete, the new pipe is pulled back through and positioned accordingly.

Modern compact drilling rigs are particularly suited to property connections and smaller diameter utility services, including gas, water, electricity, fibre broadband and pressurised drainage systems. This method allows the bore to curve, adjust depth, and navigate around existing underground services where required.

Our Trenchless Drilling Capability

Atlas Gas operates a compact, highly manoeuvrable directional drilling rig that is ideal for confined urban environments and locations where reducing environmental impact is a priority. This setup is particularly well suited to:

  • Trenchless house connections for gas, water, power, fibre optics and sewage pressure systems
  • Parallel bores installed alongside roads, footpaths and waterways
  • Short crossings beneath roads, driveways, gardens, rail embankments and small watercourses

Because the equipment works from small entry and exit pits, often no larger than a section of pavement or a garden space, the level of excavation is kept to a minimum. This not only speeds up reinstatement but also allows work to be completed in areas where larger machinery would not be practical.

Our drilling process relies on carefully controlled fluids, including water, polymer mixes or bentonite. These fluids help support the bore, remove spoil and reduce friction during installation, helping to achieve a steady and reliable result even in more challenging ground conditions.

Typical Applications for Directional Drilling

Our Hemel Hempstead directional drilling services are designed for:

  • New domestic and commercial utility connections
  • Replacement or upsizing of existing small diameter services
  • Installing services beneath roads without full road closures
  • Crossing under driveways, patios, landscaped areas and trees
  • Installing services along footpaths or verges where trenching would cause disruption
  • Working in difficult ground conditions, sloping sites or areas with dense existing service networks

Subject to ground conditions, short to medium length bores can be carried out, including straight runs of up to around 100 metres for suitable pipe sizes.

How Our Directional Drilling Process Works

1. Survey and planning

We evaluate the proposed route, locate any existing underground services, and consider surface constraints. From there, we plan the bore profile and choose the most appropriate equipment setup.

2. Launch and reception pits

Small pits are created at the start and end points, or at intermediate positions if needed. These are carefully located to reduce disruption and maintain safe working conditions.

3. Guided pilot bore

The drilling rig creates a steerable pilot bore along the planned route. A locating system tracks the drill head position and depth, allowing constant adjustment to maintain accuracy and avoid existing utilities.

4. Bore enlargement

Where larger pipe diameters are required, reaming tools are used to enlarge the pilot bore. Drilling fluid is circulated to remove spoil and stabilise the bore.

5. Pipe installation

The new pipe, duct or protective sleeve is attached to the drill string and carefully pulled back through the bore into its final position.

6. Connection and reinstatement

Once installed, the service is connected, tested and commissioned. All pits are reinstated to a high standard, leaving the surface clean and tidy.

Need Advice?

If you are unsure whether testing, purging or decommissioning is required for your project in Hemel Hempstead, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to talk through your requirements and guide you towards the safest and most appropriate approach.

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