"This was one of the more challenging jobs I have done to this day. Hopefully we can go even bigger in the future."
Five years ago, Brownline worked on its longest HDD crossing to date. In North Dakota, Brownline USA worked with Michels Trenchless Inc. to complete a spectacular 4702 m (15,426 ft) drill under Lake Sakakawea, one of the widest parts of the Missouri River.
The pilot bore was executed using the intersect method, as is usual for projects of this size. Guidance during the pilot phase was provided by Brownline USA, utilizing the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool in combination with Radar to complete the intersect of the two boreholes.
Tyler Carey was one of Brownline USA’s surveyors on site in 2021. He remembers huge job sites, a challenging bore, and an unforgettable location.
Impressed by the sheer size
Tyler Carey: “Being in North Dakota, I expected it to be colder, especially during the night. But it was much better than expected and I got to see the sunrise over Lake Sakakawea, which was nice to see.”
Brownline USA was on site from August 10 to September 17, carefully monitoring the position of both BHAs. In addition, controlling annular pressure was extremely important to avoid inadvertent returns of drilling fluid under the lake. Four surveyors worked day and night shifts to monitor the measurements and advise drillers on both sides.
Tyler: “The sheer size and scale of the project and the job sites were impressive. Running a 24-hour operation on both sides made for its own challenges. However, it also showed how well the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool can run for long periods and distances without issues.”
High profile bores
In February 2022, the 24” natural gas pipeline was made operational. The HDD crossing became a widely recognized achievement in trenchless construction, winning Trenchless Technology’s Project of the Year Award. To this day it remains the longest HDD crossing ever in North America, and the longest crossing that Brownline has ever surveyed.
The project followed two years after a similar crossing of Lake Sakakawea with Michels, which held the record at 4037 m (13,244 ft). Brownline USA also provided guidance services on this project.
Tyler: “For me personally I enjoy the high profile, challenging bores and this was one of the more challenging jobs I have done to this day. Hopefully we can go even bigger in the future.”
Brownline proudly looks back on its involvement in this memorable project.
