'innovators
HDD pilot drilling Waddinxveen – construction of medium voltage trajectory
In Waddinxveen, VLST carried out pilot drilling using the HDD-MT22 rig. This was in preparation for construction of a medium voltage trajectory.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Client
Van Voskuilen Infratechniek
Implementation period
May 2024
Bore Lenght
350 m
Bore Cross-section
Ø 160 mm – single pipeline
Activities
The drilling process was conducted over a distance of 350 m, parallel to a neighbouring canal, under a bridge and under a busy traffic junction. The morning started with clear blue skies and bright sunshine, according to plan. The mobile Bentonite unit ensured supply of the appropriate drilling mud, after which the Bentonite tanker collected the wet drilling mud to be returned to our recycling factory.
Special Circumstances
The challenging sandy soil in this region resulted in our team suffering a minor setback over the course of the morning, when the drill became stuck. Simple manoeuvring back and forth did not solve the issue, and the decision was taken to retract the Ø 160 mm pipelines which had already been installed. Another setback was to follow, when the metal claws with which pipelines are released, were found to be worn. The four claws could be replaced on the site, allowing us to resume retraction of the pipelines. The drilling work was concluded in plenty of time that same day. A fantastic example of teamwork by foreman driller Nick’s team!
