India has achieved a remarkable milestone with the completion of the longest horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore to date.
Spanning an impressive 4102m beneath the Brahmaputra River, this record-breaking installation was part of the North East Gas Grid Pipeline Project.
The project highlights the growing importance of HDD technology for complex infrastructure development.
While not directly contributing to this job in India, JB Trenchless stands as Australia premier supplier of HDD rigs, tooling, and equipment. Whether tackling local or large-scale projects, JB Trenchless is your trusted partner in trenchless technology.
The North East Gas Grid Pipeline Project
Designed to meet the growing energy demands of India’s northeastern region, the North East Gas Grid Pipeline Project promises to deliver clean fuel to domestic, industrial, and commercial sectors. This ambitious initiative will not only enhance access to sustainable energy but also boost industrial and economic growth in the region.
The project’s standout achievement was the installation of twin pipelines beneath the Brahmaputra River, executed by NRP Projects Private Limited (NRP).
With a 4102m crossing at a depth of 47m, the HDD installation demonstrated cutting-edge engineering and environmental stewardship by preserving the integrity of the river ecosystem.
Why HDD technology?
HDD was selected for this project for its precision, efficiency, and ability to navigate environmentally sensitive terrains. Unlike traditional open-cut methods, HDD minimises environmental disruption by drilling a pilot bore beneath the riverbed, progressively enlarging it to accommodate the required pipeline diameter.
This particular installation utilised the intersect method, where two pilot bores were drilled from opposite sides of the river to meet at a central point. This technique ensured accuracy over the record-setting distance while maintaining the riverbed’s natural state.
As a leading supplier of HDD equipment in Australia, JB Trenchless offers the same innovative technology and expertise to help you achieve success in complex projects. From advanced HDD rigs to precision tooling, they provide solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
Equipment and tools: Enabling success
For the Brahmaputra River project, NRP deployed advanced equipment, including two XCMG XZ6600 rigs for pilot and reaming operations and a Goodeng GS8000-LS HDD rig for the main pipeline pull. These rigs, with pullback capacities of 660 and 800 tons, respectively, were critical to the operation’s success.
JB Trenchless is proud to be the Australian and New Zealand dealer for Goodeng Equipment, a global leader in HDD technology.
Goodeng offers a versatile range of HDD rigs, from compact 5-ton machines to powerful 1200-ton maxi rigs, designed to handle projects of any scale with precision and reliability.
Overcoming challenges: Precision and persistence
Executing a project of this magnitude came with challenges, including limited site access, frequent rains, and the need to work within a narrow four-month window to avoid monsoon season. NRP invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades and deploying additional excavators to accelerate progress.
Despite these obstacles, the HDD team completed the twin bores within the stipulated timeline, achieving the 4102m record.
The project involved installing a 6-inch conduit pipe and a 24-inch gas main. The conduit pipe pilot bore began on October 28, 2022, and was completed in 55 days. The gas main bore started on January 7, 2023, and concluded in 86 days, with the final pull-in operation lasting an impressive 56 continuous hours.
JB Trenchless: Your HDD partner
JB Trenchless delivers expertise and innovation to HDD projects across Australia.
As your one-stop shop, we supply Goodeng HDD rigs, mud pumps, tooling, and consumables to tackle any terrain. More than a supplier, we’re your partner, offering customised solutions to ensure your project’s success, no matter the size or complexity.
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