Posted on January 14, 2019 by Patrick Ferringer

Pipeline relocation is emerging as a common solution to accommodate road expansion projects. In areas of strong growth many commuters spend rush hour bumper to bumper on roads unsuited for the increased population. New highways ease the commute, but the new construction in congested areas often runs into conflicts with previously existing infrastructure.

One such interstate bypass in the Carolina’s conflicts with several petroleum pipelines. The planned new interstate crossed an existing 6″ pipeline installed at a depth that conflicted with the planned road cut, so project engineers decided to install a replacement 50 feet deeper than the existing pipeline.

HDD Used for Deep Pipeline Relocation

DTD participated in the project by completing a 1,250′ long bore for the pullback of the 6″ diameter pipeline relocation. Partnering with a pipeline company on the project, the DTD crew operated our American Augers DD210 rig using wireline navigation.  Site constraints, including private residences in close proximity, complicated the pullback process. As a result of these constraints, the crew had to move the rig to the exit side of the bore for pullback.  Once the rig was setup at exit, the rig pulled the 6″ pipeline back in just over a few hours. The project was completed within three weeks under strict regulatory oversight and with multiple logistical challenges.

DTD is a recognized expert in the installation of pipelines and utility lines in challenging locations or adverse drilling conditions. We operate crews throughout the entire continental United States. With our full inventory of drill rigs from mini to mid sized, we can install a 200 foot conveyance line for your treatment system up to a 2500 foot, 18-inch pipeline for natural gas transmission. Click here for more information about our pipeline and utility installation services.

Tags: directional drilling, HDD, pipeline, pipeline relocation, utility installation, wireline navigation

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