What Does
Slick Boring Mean?
Slick boring is a method of horizontal directional drilling that uses a slurry mixture as an aid to the drilling process. The liquid is pumped into the borehole to increase the speed and effectiveness of the drilling and to evacuate the excavated material.
Slick boring is also known as slurry boring or wet boring.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Slick Boring
Slurry has many uses in trenchless construction. It can lubricate drilling tools to reduce friction. It can provide pressure to the walls of the borehole. And it can remove the spoil from the excavation. Slick boring uses slurry, usually a semi-liquid bentonite mixture, to apply pressure and stabilize the borehole until the pipe can be completely installed.
The method is generally used for smaller diameter bores. A mechanical cutter excavates the borehole. Then, a boring machine uses a pressurized jet of water to improve the drilling. The borehole can be reamed larger following the initial excavation in a process called borehole enlargement/expansion.