Record-breaking 700-metre borehole for APK Drilling
700 metres Less Nuisance in Hengelhoef
Invisible to the eye of the recreational user, an impressive feat of engineering was recently completed under the Hengelhoef nature and recreation park in Houthalen-Helchteren. Commissioned by Aquafin, APK Drilling laid an additional pressure pipeline via a directional drilling of no less than 700 metres - a record in APK history!
The construction of a new pumping station commissioned by Aquafin required the laying of an additional pressure pipeline through the Hengelhoef nature and recreation area in Houthalen-Helchteren. To minimise the impact on visitors, nature and fauna, APK Drilling opted for a horizontal directional drilling of no less than 700 m and a diameter of 400 mm. A further 500 m of trenching was then carried out behind the estate by partner APK Wegenbouw.
The HDPE pipes, each between 12 and 20 metres long, were transported to the site and expertly welded on site by our team - an intensive process that took seven days. Using a Vermeer D100 drilling machine, this was a project balanced on the edge of machine capacity. Nevertheless, our experienced team managed to complete this challenge with flying colours. More than that, the pilot drilling of 700 metres was completed in just two working days - an absolute record!
Technical highlights
This guided drilling of 700 metres and a diameter of 400 mm with Vermeer D100 is the longest HDD bore that APK Drilling has realised so far.
The pilot drilling was within two working days completed, with a drill length of no less than 700 metres on the second day. An absolute record!
