Advancements in trenchless construction practices allow our customers and the industry to continue to advance and build sustainable projects now and into the future.
We are proud to be recognized as runner-up in the IPLOCA Excellence in Project Execution Award for the Snowy 2.0 Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) in New South Wales, Australia which included a 2,248-meter drill with a 563-meter vertical elevation change. The drill and pipe installation were completed by Michels Trenchless Pty. Ltd.
Completing the project safely while maintaining strict environmental standards required Michels to innovate all phases of planning and construction. Rather than perform a conventional one-rig pilot hole, Michels determined the pilot hole intersect method would be a better way to achieve the customer’s project goals. The pilot hole intersect method deploys two drill rigs, one drilling from the entry side and one from the exit side, to meet at a predetermined location along the alignment. The team used two Michels-designed and fabricated rigs, each with 880,000 pounds of push/pull force.
The pilot hole intersect method allowed the team to:
- Manage fluid pressure inside the drilling column.
- Manage fluid pressure from returns.
- Contend with a high water table.
- Minimize push forces from the lower side toward the top.
- Facilitate steerability through hard and fractured rock.
The HDD project supports Snowy 2.0, the largest renewable energy project under construction in Australia.
“I’m proud of our team in Australia and the collaboration across the Michels Family of Companies,” said Dean Cowling, President, Michels International. “By working together, we are able to execute these types of projects safely, exceeding our customers’ expectations in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.”
The IPLOCA Excellence in Project Execution Award is presented for outstanding project execution. The award recognizes Michels’ commitment to providing safe, innovative solutions in challenging conditions.
“We are honored to be recognized for our work on a project like the Snowy 2.0 HDD because it shows our customers that not only is the trenchless construction industry safe and reliable, but it is also forward-thinking and innovative,” said Pat Michels, President, Michels Corporation.
