Invented in the 1920s, directional drilling or Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), as it is now known, is a trenchless technology that was originally used in oil fields to increase oil production. In the 1990’s, the horizontal technology was adapted for utility conduit installations. Horizontal Directional Drilling is also referred to as horizontal drilling, rotary drilling and sideways drilling.

Today, Horizontal Directional Drilling is widely used. HDD allows for conduit placements underneath obstacles and provides maximum protection while, at the same time, minimizing maintenance costs. HDD is used in three major industries: the oil field, the utility industry, and the environmental remediation industry. Directional Technologies, Inc. specializes in the utility industry and the environmental remediation industry.

When HDD is used to install a utility, the size and length of the conduit and the soil conditions will determine the size and push/pull capacity of the directional drilling machine that is needed. Smaller directional drill rigs can be used to efficiently install service connections to homes without the need to dig up lawns and driveways. The larger directional drill rigs can be used to cross rivers and canals. Mid-sized rigs are used to efficiently install underground utilities without disrupting traffic and open cutting roads/highways, wetlands, and streams. Conduit and soil conditions will determine the size and push/pull capacity of the horizontal directional drill rig needed. Horizontal directional drilling project sites that include rock and cobble are evaluated individually. A crew experienced in these conditions would request boring logs and visit the site to determine the appropriate equipment.