In 1995, Trenchless Specialties was started as a division of Groundwater Protection (GPI), a national contractor specializing in vertical environmental drilling. GPI was an established industry leader in environmental drilling and had been in existence since 1986 serving the southeast United States. Trenchless Specialties was started to provide Horizontal Directional Drilling as a supplement to GPI’s drilling capabilities. Due to its growth, Trenchless Specialties was spun off into its own corporation, Trenchless Specialties (TSI). TSI is available to provide utility related, guided boring services for Communications, Power and Water/Sewer/Wastewater applications. In addition, TSI is one of the few HDD contractors licensed to install Horizontal Wells for environmental applications.

TSI ensures the achievement of the objectives through a commitment to on-going education and training and the use of systems designed to produce uniform and superior results. What this means to you, the client, is that we not only intend to "do it right the first time" but we have a plan to make it happen consistently!

In performing directional drilling services we have three objectives:

1. Safety
2. Consistent Quality
3. Efficiency

As part of our approach to ensuring consistent quality, TSI has had a strong focus on team building. This approach involves careful hiring and a heavy investment in training. Our training program minimizes turnover and avoids inefficiencies, which are caused by inexperienced crews. As a result of these programs, you will come to know exactly what performance to expect from any of our helpers, drillers or trackers.

TSI understands that efficiency saves money. We accomplish this by arriving on time, prepared with all the necessary tools and materials, providing trained crews with a sense of urgency, and having equipment, which is well maintained.

In drilling, it's not whether you will encounter unexpected difficulties, but how you deal with that difficulty that makes the difference. TSI provides strong support personnel ready to solve problems and keep jobs on track. We are known for our resourcefulness in responding to and solving difficulties in the field.

HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

Horizontal directional drilling is a mud rotary method of guided drilling that is used to install pipe, conduit and well screen underground. It is an alternative method to jack-and-bore and augur drilling with unique advantages over those methods. It can be used to install a single pipe or multiple pipes of varying sizes in one borehole, and many types of materials can be installed including PVC, HDPE, and Ductile Iron pipe for sewer, water, product, gas, electrical, or air transmission. TSI uses various directional drilling equipment (depending on project requirements) to complete many different types of installation. The drilling process begins at land surface at a small entrance pit with the drill head entering the ground at between 10 and 30 degrees. The drill string (bit and drill pipe) continues down to the target depth where it then transitions to the horizontal portion of the bore. The drill string is advanced across the site until it is directed to ascend into a small exit pit on land surface. Drilling mud is circulated down the drill string and out the drill bit to clear cuttings, lubricate and cool the drill bit and to stabilize the borehole from collapse.

The drilling process is guided by utilizing a special, slanted drill bit which when pushed in the bore without rotation causes the drill string to curve in the direction of the slanted head of the bit. Once the appropriate course correction is achieved, rotation begins again and the borepath is further advanced in a straight line.

Tracking of this process is accomplished through capturing the signals from a transmitter located in the drill head which gives the tracker (person with a handheld device receiving transmitted data) information on depth, lateral location, inclination and declination, and the orientation of the slanted drill bit head. The orientation of the slanted drill head is important to aid the steering process described above. Tracking of the borepath at 5’ to 30’ intervals allows for accurate installation wi2px a few inches of the desired course and for producing useful record drawings upon completion of the bore. Once the pilot hole has been completed, the drill bit is removed and a reaming bit is attached to the drill string followed by a swivel and the pipe, conduit or well material. Then the drill string is rotated and the hole is enlarged by pulling the reamer back through the pilot hole followed by the pipe material. Once the reaming bit emerges from the entrance pit, it is removed and the installation is complete.

The advantage of this installation process is that it is non-destructive to the site, no large pits or dewatering is required, it can be steered, hence avoiding underground obstacles such as utilities, and long distances can be drilled in one "shot".

CONSIDERATIONS

1.Location of Starting Point
Room for rig and support equipment
Proximity of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
Noise level

2.Location of exit point (for continuous bore)
Room to lay-out piping materials
Room for support equipment

3.Location of existing utilities
Depth of utility
Will bore cross or parallel
Can all utilities be identified
Who will take responsibility for unknown

4.Tracking of bore
Depth needed
Subsurface obstructions
Possible areas of interference

5.Disposal of drill cuttings/fluids
Contaminated or un-contaminated
Drums, roll-off or spread on site
Storage space during drilling

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

With any of our services we will do the following:

We realize that these are the basics that you expect from any contractor. Unfortunately, consistent delivery in these areas is lacking in the industry - which is exactly what separates TSI from the competition. We realize how important it is to do things right the first time. We have a plan and systems in place which causes this to happen consistently. The basis of this plan is significant focus and investment in the following areas:

These results are designed to help you impress your client and to save you money. You will be proud to have us on your team.

SAFETY TSI safety program is designed to fully address the risks related to horizontal directional drilling. We have a ZERO Accident Policy based on our philosophy that All Accidents Are Preventable. Our Safety Program focuses on accountability, training, effective safety policy and reward systems. We have a drug free workplace. This approach not only protects our employees but we minimize the potential liability of our client. QUALITY TSI’s commitment to quality is consistent, with the emphasis on completing the project on time and within budget. With special attention on always leaving the client satisfied.