Direct Horizontal Drilling

Every crossing is planned by selecting the most effective entry and exit points. We can manage geological studies to collect all the data needed to optimize your directional drill. We can manage certified aquatics specialists to perform hydrological studies to minimize adverse affects on the environment.

• Route Selected

Every crossing begins by selecting the most effective entry and exit points for the crossing, as well as determining the safest site access and egress for equipment and personnel. Our experts analyze the rig setup and drag section areas before we arrive so as to avoid any costly delays during construction.

• Geotechnical Survey

With the route selected, we work closely with independent geological engineers to gain all the geological data needed to optimize your directional drill. This data helps our engineers select the most appropriate drill path, the best mud program to optimize penetration rates, and design surface casing requirements in the event of unconsolidated materials at the drill path's entry and exit points.

• Hydrological Survey

By law, all major crossings require hydrological study to be performed by an independent, certified aquatics specialist. Working closely with them, we aim to minimize any adverse affect on the environment. In house modeling of Annular Pressure occurrences and real time monitoring on all our rigs that is recorded directly onto the Electronic Data Recorders.

From the entry to exit location, we optimize the drill path design to take into account the unique geological formations of your crossing. In designing the drill path, Direct will take into account several important factors:

• Drill Path Design

To further our already industry leading understanding of proper drill path design we are now able to offer casing-to-casing drill paths, intersecting pilot holes is opening up projects that were previously considered un-drillable.

• Surface Casing Design

Direct knows the importance and what it takes to install surface casing right once. From materials used to the equipment and experience when its time to install and clean casing from sizes up to 60 inches.

• Product Pipe Stress Calculations

To ensure for ease of product installation, analysis of the drill path trajectory  to make sure that the pull stresses do not exceed the manufacturer's allowable stress recommendations on the product to be installed.

• Annular Pressure Analysis

As the first company to implement Annular Pressure (AP) monitoring, our AP Chart Design becomes our benchmark for success by minimizing the risk of fluid migration during the directional drill.

• Mud Management Programs

Every crossing requires a mud program that mitigates environmental risks and optimizes drilling efficiencies. From the geotechnical data, Direct develops an advanced mud program that significantly reduces the risk of fluid migration.

All our mud products are environmentally safe and owner approved. We can also arrange for proper mud disposal in accordance with G50 requirements.

• Safe Site Access & Egress

The rigorous planning and thorough design stages provide Direct's on-site crew the information they need to perform a successful crossing. With the data gained from the geological survey, and a complete drill path design in hand, we are able to optimize our rigs for the most cost effective crossing.

To start construction, we install surface casing from 10" to 60" to remove the potential for fluid migration through unconsolidated entry or exit materials. Next we drill our pilot hole, paying close attention to the annular pressure (AP) readings vs. expected AP chart values. Values below the expected range may indicate fractured formations while readings above indicate possible hole blockage. The pilot hole is then reamed out to the desired width before pulling your product through. For larger diameter projects, we can implement a buoyancy control solution, with or without liners that will ensure for a stress-free line pull allowing your product to maintain neutral buoyancy.

Each of our rigs is equipped with the right tools for the job, including the latest directional drilling technologies and Electronic Data Recorders for complete on-site accountability.

• Reporting/Documentation

Each crossing has all the documentation to ensure recording of events. These recordings account for Direct's ongoing Safety program thru to day to day operations. All this information is available for Direct's staff and Project owner for accountability. Also these tools provide forward thinking improvements to every project Direct participates.