Michels Corporation has been recognised as the runner-up in the IPLOCA Excellence in Project Execution Awards for the company’s work on the Snowy 2.0 horizontal directional drill (HDD) in New South Wales.
The project included a 2248m drill with a 563m vertical elevation change, and saw the drill and pipe installation completed by Michels Trenchless Pty Ltd, a branch of Michels Corporation.
Completing the project safely while maintaining strict environmental standards required Michels to innovate all phases of planning and construction.
Rather than perform a conventional one-rig pilot hole, Michels determined the pilot hole intersect method would be a better way to achieve the customer’s project goals.
The pilot hole intersect method deploys two drill rigs, one drilling from the entry side and one from the exit side, to meet at a predetermined location along the alignment.
The team used two Michels-designed and fabricated rigs, each with 880,000 pounds of push/pull force.
The pilot hole intersect method allowed the team to manage fluid pressure in the drilling column and from returns; contend with a high water table, minimise push forces; and facilitate steerability through hard and fractured rock.
The HDD project supports Snowy 2.0, the largest renewable energy project under construction in Australia.
Michels highlighted the importance of advancements in trenchless construction practices which it says allow customers and the industry to continue to advance and build sustainable projects now and into the future.
“I’m proud of our team in Australia and the collaboration across the Michels Family of Companies,” Dean Cowling, president of Michels International said.
“By working together, we are able to execute these types of projects safely, exceeding our customers’ expectations in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.”
The IPLOCA Excellence in Project Execution Award is presented for outstanding project execution.
“We are honoured to be recognised for our work on a project like the Snowy 2.0 HDD because it shows our customers that not only is the trenchless construction industry safe and reliable, but it is also forward-thinking and innovative,” added Pat Michels, president of Michels Corporation.
