Contributed by Vermeer
Efficiency is more than drilling fast
“Efficiency” is a word that gets used a lot in the horizontal directional drilling world.
However, if your sole focus is on improving efficiency while drilling, you’re already operating inefficiently.
That’s because inefficient use of time during setup and cleanup, mud mixing and potholing cuts into margins the same way that as a prolonged bore does.
“The more efficient you are on a jobsite, the more opportunities you’re going to have to help reduce costs, whether it’s machine costs like fuel or maintenance, or manpower expenses,” says Lee Schroeder, applications specialist for the Underground segment at Vermeer.
With that in mind, he offers some tips on how to assist in improving jobsite efficiency.
SETUP
Jobsite setup is going to depend on many factors, including the location and the project. Are you using a smaller drill or a maxi rig? Is it an urban or a rural setting? Are you operating near traffic? Regardless, have a plan before you arrive.
“No two jobsites are going to be the same,” Schroeder says. “It all ties around the project location and the type of product they’re installing.”
BE PREPARED
The drilling in horizontal directional drilling gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. But Schroeder has seen a lack of preparedness related to overall planning of the job, including mud mixing and exposing utilities.
Have the proper mud mixed for the soil conditions at that jobsite and ready to go for when it’s time to drill. Same thing for exposing utilities. Get the local One Call service to come to the jobsite a few days before the drilling is to begin so your crew can have time to expose the utilities. Many contractors are turning to reclaimers to minimize delays in disposing of drilling spoils. Also, have your crew prepare all tooling (for example, reamers, swivels, bits and product) during the pilot bore so it is ready to use as soon as the pilot bore is complete.
“Probably the biggest factor in maximizing jobsite efficiency is communication,” Schroeder says. “If a crew member knows what needs to be done and can anticipate what will happen next, they’ll be more proficient on a jobsite.”
CLEANUP
Everyone wants to wrap up the current job and move on to the next one, but it’s important to plan for the cleanup of the jobsite by making sure everyone has a defined role in tearing down the jobsite and performing any necessary rehab work.
EFFICIENCY PAYS
At a time when margins and deadlines are getting tighter, running a more efficient operation from start to finish may help a company achieve project goals. It also can benefit crew members who get bonuses for reaching certain footage goals.
To read more articles like this, visit the Vermeer Navigator Nation blog, an educational site for HDD operators.