Direct Pipe® provides a one pass installation solution with a high degree of steering accuracy. This method combines the advantages of microtunneling and HDD technology to excavate the required borehole and install prefabricated pipelines at the same time. Calculated thrust force is used to push the microtunneling machine forward with the pipeline allowing projects to be completed quickly and with minimal impact.
The Trenchless Company offers pipeline installations to clients throughout North America. Our experienced crews are able to complete installations both safely and efficiently using our fleet of Direct Pipe® equipment.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
With the Direct Pipe® approach, the soil is excavated using a guided slurry-supported microtunneling boring machine (MTBM). A pipeline is welded to the end of the MTBM, and a pipe thruster is used to push the entire assembly forward into the borehole as excavation takes place. The excavated material is then pumped through a slurry circuit inside the prefabricated pipeline to a separation plant located aboveground.
CAPABILITIES
The Direct Pipe® method can be used in various ground conditions, including soft ground, heterogeneous ground, and rock. The entire job infrastructure is located at one side of the crossing, significantly reducing the footprint on the receiving end. Close-to-the-surface launch and reception pits are also sufficient, further reducing the required footprint. This makes Direct Pipe® ideal for situations that require speed, accuracy, and minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
1,500 m (4,921 ft)
Max. Drilling Length
0.8-1.5 m (30-60 in)
Max. Hole Diameter
We can install prefabricated pipelines spanning distances up to 1,500 m (4,921 ft). Need to complete an installation in one pass? We can do that.
Tunnel Boring and Pipe Jacking Systems are used to hydraulically install underground pipelines up to 4.2 m (168 in) in OD range within strict alignment and grade tolerances. The likelihood of settling or sloughing is very low. Wheel machines are equipped with various cutter heads and sand shelves. A closed-face attachment is available for boring in unstable ground conditions. This versatile system can be easily adapted to work with any jacking pipe, in any pipe joint length. It can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.
Tunnel Boring Machines are used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata. They can bore through hard rock, sand, and almost anything in between. Tunnel diameters can range from 1 m and exceed 15 m (3 ft to 49 ft).
SLIP BORING
A boring technique commonly used for installing oil & gas pipelines ranging from 51 mm to 1067 mm (2 in to 42 in) in diameter without leaving casing in the ground. Product pipe is welded to steel casings and either pushed or pulled through the ground in sections. The casing is cut off and removed, leaving just the product pipe. Maximum installation length is 150 m (492 ft).
DOWN THE HOLE HAMMER
A pneumatic hammer is attached to the inside edge of the casing. The front of the DTH breaks cobles, boulders and even solid rock into small pebbles or dust. The spoil makes its way through the hammer and into the casing, where it is removed by airway augers.
GUIDED BORING
A Guided Boring Machine (GBM) is used to install 305 mm to 3.6 m diameter pipe (12 in to 144 in) with grade and alignment precision. It is commonly used for installations 50 m to 150 m in length (164 ft to 492 ft) or when line and grade accuracy is critical in displaceable soil. Our GBM is extremely versatile and our customers continually approach us with new applications.
The pipe installation involves a two-step process where launch and reception shafts are strategically located to minimize surface disruption. A pilot tube with a theodolite guidance system is then pushed through the ground at the precise grade and alignment specified in the design into the reception shaft. A reaming head is welded to the pilot tube and the casing and the pilot tube is used as a guide to install casing. The GBM can be used in conjunction with auger boring or pipe ramming methodologies.
PNEUMATIC PIPE RAMMING
Pipe Ramming is used in a wide variety of soil types including gravel, cobble or sand. A pneumatic hammer is attached to the back of the casing pipe and driven through the material at any angle: from horizontal to vertical. The material is cleaned out of the pipe using an auger boring machine. Pipe Ramming methods are used for pipe diameters of 305 mm to 3.6 m (12 in to 144 in).