Horizontal directional drills (HDDs) come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate the various diameters and weights of products they are used to install, as well as the environments they are operating in. Between small HDDs used for fiber conduit and electrical lines to the maxi rigs used to pull back steel casings in the oilfields, there are versatile 100,000-pound to 500,000-pound (45,350-kg to 226,796-kg) rig options This class of drills is used in city and rural environments, installing water and sewer lines, gas and oil pipe casings, and electrical transmission conduits. To accommodate the variety of work these rigs are used in, many manufacturers, including Vermeer, offer various configuration options to help your crews work efficiently and productively based on your line of work and jobsite.
Configuring your rig
Tod Michael, product manager for trenchless products at Vermeer, said that up until recently, there had been limited configuration options available on HDDs. “Large manufacturers, including Vermeer, have offered several different models of maxi rigs that may have the option of adding a crane or onboard mud pump,” he explained. “Some small manufacturers may build custom drills, but the drawback for contractors is they have not been able to get reliable service support after the sale.”
But, Michael said, the future of maxi rig drills would give contractors more configurable options to accommodate the specific ways they are using the machine. For example, the introduction of the Vermeer D220x500 S3 Navigator® horizontal directional drill is changing the options available for contractors. “Available space on a jobsite is a significant factor to consider when selecting a drill because it can vary greatly between urban environments and rural areas. Rigs like the D220x500 S3 are powerful enough for oil and gas pipeline work but can also be built to handle the space constraints of working in urban areas,” he explained.
In today’s market, available options and your ability to choose your own configuration — as well as the size of the drill you’re looking to purchase — can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. Also, most configuration work is done during the manufacturing process, so you need to take the time to explore your options before buying a new rig. Onboard cabs or stand-alone operator cabins, various rack sizes, rod stagers or a catwalk, scissor lifts and cranes are among the many configuration options you should be thinking about when investing in a maxi rig HDD.
Operator environment
Onboard cabs are a staple of the small utility drill market, but stand-alone operator cabins are preferred in the pipeline market by many contractors. If you’re weighing each option’s pros and cons, you should consider the space available and the time you spend on most jobs.
Michael said onboard cabs are an excellent option for urban work or short bores because they require less working space, are faster to set up and require fewer transportation loads than rigs with a stand-alone operator cabin. “When crews are doing shorter bore shots and are frequently moving, mobility is essential for their overall operations, and an onboard cab is an efficient setup for those needs.”
The cons of the onboard cab are operator space constraints and comfort. “There are a lot of people involved with large-diameter drill projects. The drill operator is normally working alongside a steering hand who is relaying information about any adjustments that need to be made downhole,” Michael explained. “Stand-alone cabins can usually accommodate two people, along with several monitors and computers. They are also comfortable for the operator since they don’t have to experience the vibration from the rig working.”
Rod rack size
Choosing between a 20-foot and 30-foot (6.1-m and 9.1-m) rod rack is another option you will want to consider. While most of the maxi rigs on the market today only offer one rack size option, the Vermeer D220x500 S3 can be outfitted with either size. Michael said rack sizing aligns with jobsite requirements and transport costs. “A 20-foot (6.1-m) rod rack requires significantly less space than a unit with a 30-foot (9.1-m) rack and is efficient to transport. However, the tradeoff is in drill pipe costs and time.”
Michael explained that since most 30-foot (9.1-m) rod rack rigs can accommodate Range 2 drill pipe, that typically ranges between 27 feet and 32 feet (8.2 m and 9.8 m) in length. “Contractors can reuse a lot of the pipe they already own or purchase it from various sources that produce it for vertical drilling in the oil and gas industry,” he explained. “The cost difference between 20-foot (6.1-m) rods and Range 2 pipe can be substantiated, so unless a contractor doesn’t have the space for the larger rack on the job, or is frequently relocating, a longer 30-foot (9.1-m) rack will be a more cost-efficient option for drill rod. Also, crews will save time because they don’t have to make and break as many connections.”
Rod handling
The next thing you want to consider is whether you want a rig with a catwalk or a rod stager. “Most maxi rigs are equipped with catwalks, so workers don’t have to climb a ladder to aid with adding drill pipe and threading wirelines,” said Michael. “However, rod stagers are a great option to consider because they can help free up an excavator for hours at a time, as well as help cut down on the labor of slinging one rod at a time into position.”
Michael also said that rod stagers are a good option for jobsites where there is limited working room and when crews do not need to employ a wireline for steering. “Rod stagers pair very well with rigs equipped with a 20-foot (6.1-m) rod rack and cab,” he said. “For the type of work these drills are used for, quick setup times and efficient transportability are the two key factors for efficiency.“
Other configuration options
Of course, if you’re using a rod stager with a wireline, you still need to have a way to quickly thread wirelines with minimal effort. An optional built-in scissor lift comes in handy here. “Trips up and down ladders all day can be taxing on crew members, which is why adding a scissor lift with a stager can be a good investment.”
Many maxi rig drills can also be outfitted with an optional crane. Michael said cranes are another great way to minimize your overall footprint on a job and reduce your dependence on excavators. “Using an excavator to help with tooling connections by the vise and another excavator for adding drill pipe is a pretty common setup on large-diameter projects. A crane can help eliminate the need for the excavator assisting with tooling connections, and depending on the rig model, contractors may be able to use the crane to add rods to the stager. Using less equipment helps keep a crew’s overall footprint compact and reduces transportation costs.”
Informed decision
There are many configuration options you should be considering when it’s time to add your next HDD. Even with a better understanding of the benefits each option brings with it, you are likely still going to have some questions. Your local Vermeer dealer can answer your questions and help you get into a rig that will suit your needs.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in product engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing or distribution at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Navigator are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2020 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.