By the year 2022, the global horizontal directional drilling market is expected to reach $14.95 billion. Horizontal directional drilling has made its impact on the drilling industry and this technology is only expanding and growing both regionally and geographically. As a drill master, you should be up-to-speed on the technologies you use. We will cover some basics on drill bits.
Know the Drill Bits in Your Toolbox
Just as a good golfer does not use a driver for every tee shot, neither does a drill master pull out “Big Bertha” for every drilling job. The wrong drill bit can cause damage to the site as well as wear out your equipment.
Using the right drill bit for the job is key, but first you must understand the workspace and conditions under which you will work. The following are two of the most important things to remember.
- Know your ground. Inspect and find out beforehand, if possible, which type of soil you will be drilling through for your horizontal directional drilling job. At the job site, you may do a physical check. Use your best judgment. Every job offers its own set of unique challenges.
- Use the right tool in the right area. Select the bit that will match the size and amount of the pipe to be installed. Be aware of existing utilities as you plan your drill path. Will you be able to avoid them? Drill a hole that is the right size for the job, but also one that takes into account in-ground barriers.
Job Site and Tools
You want the correct tool to do the right job with as little complications as possible. Next, we’ll take a look at some of your choices.
- Clay: You’ll want to use a blade that is wider for soft clay. This will help you steer more effectively. Hard clay requires a sharper point. A carbide may be a good choice here.
- Hardpan and gravel: A frequent problem, dealing with hardpan and gravel is a challenge. However, a tool at your disposal with an adequate surface area that can grind through the soil without slowing down is a rock saw blade.
- Rock: A steep taper bit or conical carbide blades work well in cutting through stubborn rock.
- Sand: To drill through sand you will need a pointed carbide drill bit to help you navigate your way through the slippery yet abrasive soil. Steering is always a challenge in sand.
The Best Tools for the Toughest Horizontal Directional Drilling Jobs
Have the right tool for the job and your job will be much easier. No matter the type of soil you need to drill, there are drill bits that can get the job done. You do not need to reinvent the wheel. There are bits for every type of soil and every type of drill job.
Whether you need a reverse circulation bit, mud motors, hole openers, completion bits, HDD reamers and HDD bits, among other drilling products, you will find them at Torquato Drilling.
