Look-Ahead Technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling #2967

Project Summary: Designs, fabricates, and tests a prototype sensor system for detecting metallic, plastic, or ceramic obstacles in front of or around the head of a horizontal directional drilling rig. Also demonstrates obstacle detection under field conditions. Research partner: GTI. Published in 2009. Foundation subscribers can download this Web-only report.

Project Details Participants Supporting Resources Order Report Project Profile / Order Report

Contractor: Gas Technology Institute

Collaborative Partners: Gas Technology Institute  

Project Manager: Traci Case

Funded: 2003              Completion Year: 2009              Funding Amount: $351,900.00

Goal Area: Infrastructure

Related Topics: Distribution Systems Operations,  Location Techniques,  Management

Benefits to the Drinking Water Supply Community:
Development of advanced sensing capabilities to detect pipes or other obstacles ahead of directional drilling equipment is a priority for both the gas and water industries. The benefits of increased safety, operational speed, and damage reduction are driving the need for the technology. This project will develop the technology and a path to commercialization that meets the needs of the gas and water industries.