What Does
Drill Path Mean?
The drill path, as it pertains to Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), is defined as the pre-determined alignment or trajectory of a horizontal bore. A drill head enters the soil from the ground level by a surface-launched drilling rig and is manipulated to follow the drill path from the entry point to the exit pit.
Deviations can occur during a trenchless drilling project for which quick adjustments must be made to avoid costly damage to the drilling rod and project.
The drill path is sometimes referred to as the bore path.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Drill Path
The drill path can be either straight or curved and the direction of the drilling head can be adjusted at any point during drilling to avoid obstacles. However, the radius of curvature of the drill path may be limited by the pipe’s allowable bending radius.
Determining the drill path is usually the first step in directional boring and entails drilling a pilot bore in the designed path. Once the drill path has been outlined by the pilot bore, the second step involves reaming.
Reaming enlarges the pilot hole along the drill path using a tool called a back-reamer. During the final stage, the pipe is attached to the reamer and is pulled through and installed through the enlarged bore.