Internally restrained Socket-and-Spigot PVC pipe used for horizontal directional drilling

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) Technology originated in the oil fields of the western United States in the 1970’s. HDD technology was developed by merging the installation know-how of a water utility with that of a water well drilling company. Now HDD is a common installation method in the USA, Europe, and other developed countries. HDD has revolutionized the way piping systems are installed in congested urban environments. It allows the pipe to be installed with minimum surface disruption, in less time, and at lower cost. However, this technology is not static. The industry is constantly improving the equipment, the drilling mud, and the piping systems. One such improvement is a patented, internally restrained, push-together PVC pipe system. The new product allows the HDD contractor to assemble the pipe string more quickly and with less effort. The high-strength restrained joint has proven to be ideal for the demanding HDD environment. This paper explains the benefits of this installation method, this pipe system, and how this technology could be implemented.