Michels has used horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install two 30-inch natural gas pipelines, replacing damaged sections along a steep, 3200-foot hillside in central US.
To ensure stability going forward in the event of a land slide, the new pipes were drilled 85.344m under the hillside, offset by 4.572m to further reduce risk.
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like gyro steering, intersect drilling, and surface casing, Michels ensured precision and stability.
The project required the use of large-diameter surface casing to protect the drilling process in the unstable terrain, while gyro steering technology ensured precise directional control. Intersect drilling techniques were also applied for improved efficiency.
The project faced additional challenges due to the rugged right-of-way, which included a significant elevation change. To facilitate the operation, a winch cat was used to move equipment across the hilly landscape.
Both the entry and exit points required the installation of a 54-inch surface casing to secure the drilling path through varying soil conditions, ensuring the successful installation of the new gas lines.
Michels is a proud, family-owned and operated company. It is guided by its core values and committed to principles developed by the Michels family since 1959.
Michels believes in providing solutions and continuously improving the quality and scope of its work. With each passing year, it purses new and more ways to build and maintain the world’s infrastructure, tackling the largest projects. It has the experience, structure, stability, and grit to deliver safe, reliable results.
Michels is proud to be ranked as the 34th largest contractor on the 2024 Engineering News-Record Top 400 Contractors List, maintaining its consistent position in the top 10 per cent.
Do you have news for the international trenchless industry? Contact Journalist Joseph Misuraca at joseph.misuraca@primecreative.com.au
