Optimizing Recycled HDD & NDD Muds for Trenchless Utility Installations

Abstract

This paper relates to recycling HDD and NDD muds, and how they can be optimized within the work site by using the drilled geology within the fluid and re – using the native sand and soils for pipe bedding and final surface reinstatement. A project to renew 1.2km section of 125mm pressure watermain within the Central Goldfields region of Barkers Creek. The area was heavily mined in the 1800’s for gold and was subsequently named “Specimen Gully”. The geology consisted of hard sandstone, mine tailings, gravels and clays and the terrain was a single lane winding road with dense native vegetation and trees. We found that using this method we could target a sustainable solution by increasing drill fluid performance, reducing HDD water use by more than 150,000 liters, and recovering over 100 tons of bentonite drilling mud and bedding sands.