Joint provides zero-weld solution for horizontal directional drill crossing
Problem: The Champlain Hudson Power Express required more than 10,000 feet of steel casing pipe to complete a dual horizontal directional drill crossing beneath New York’s East River. But the dense urban setting on the launch and exit sides made traditional HDD pipe string-out impossible. Contractor Kiewit, along with trenchless subcontractor Michels, sought a steel casing solution that minimized the job site footprint while maintaining reliability and performance to meet the project’s demanding specifications and installation timeline.
Solution: NWPX Infrastructure’s Permalok HDD Joint offered a solution to overcome these project challenges. It features a press-fit connection that allows for the steel casing pipe to be cartridge-fed from the launch rig side, eliminating the need for string out on the exit side. The HDD Joint profile incorporates an additional locking key on the male connection side to increase pull-apart resistance while requiring less force to push joints together. Permalok reps were on site during the initial push of both HDD drives to offer guidance and support and ensure a smooth installation process.
RESULT: The Permalok HDD Joint provided a zero-string out, weld-free casing solution that significantly increased installation speed, efficiency and cost savings by eliminating the need for welding crews and equipment, and enabling all work to occur within a compact footprint. Michels completed the first 5,200-foot drive in under 2.5 days at an average rate of 100 feet per hour, with the second drive finished even faster. 281-630-0780; www.permalok.com
