Horizontal Directional Drilling Basics and More
Yeah, hands-on training is the way to go, especially for construction. But before you send a newbie out there, it's super useful to give them a quick rundown on Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), the tools, and equipment used to bury utilities safely and efficiently underground.
Peter Melsheimer, the founder of Equappment and 3rd generation, co-owner of Melfred Borzall does just that in this HDD 101 webinar.
Click here to watch the webinar.
Scroll down to see the highlights of what was covered ...
1. Why HDD is a Big Deal - Peter kicked things off by explaining why HDD is so crucial for installing underground utilities like fiber optics and water pipes. He highlighted how HDD helps keep our everyday services running smoothly with minimal disruption.
2. The Evolution of HDD - Peter gave us a quick history lesson on HDD, showing how it’s evolved from old-school, manual methods to today’s high-tech, steerable drill rigs. This evolution showcases how innovation keeps making HDD more efficient and precise.
3. The Gear You Need - We covered the essential equipment for HDD jobs: drill rigs, locating systems, mud systems, and vacuum excavators. Knowing your gear is key to setting up a successful HDD site.
4. Picking the Right Tools - Choosing the right tools can make or break your HDD project. Peter and Rocky talked about the basics of cutting, mixing, and flow, and how to select the best bits and reamers for different ground conditions.
5. Practical Tips from the Field - Rocky shared some real-world tips from his years of field experience. His advice on steering techniques and managing various ground conditions was pure gold for anyone looking to up their HDD game.
6. Tackling Common Challenges - We also dove into some common HDD challenges, like dealing with tricky soils and picking the right drilling fluid mix. Rocky’s tips on monitoring cuttings and adjusting your approach were super helpful for keeping things running smoothly.
Importance of Training New Hires
It's super important to get new hires up to speed fast! Training helps them work better, be safe, and become rock stars like Peter said. Understanding why we do HDD and mastering skills are key for new team members.
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