Complex HDD crossings: accurately drilling up steep slopes
In the winter of 2025-2026, Brownline Canada contributed to seven complex HDD crossings in the forests of western Alberta. A new pipeline system with a total length of 13 km (8 mi) is being constructed and the pipeline route included a number of challenging sections. This is where the accuracy of the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool and the competence of the Brownline Canada team made the difference.
Project background
When oil or gas is extracted from the ground, brackish water is often pumped to the surface as a byproduct. This is called produced water and it may contain oil residue, metals or bacteria. It needs to be treated before it can be reused or disposed of. A pipeline is being constructed to safely transport the produced water.
For the completion of the pipeline route, Brownline Canada contributed by providing gyro steering services for seven HDD crossings between December 2025 and March 2026.
Challenging crossings requiring high-tech solutions
Lengths for these seven crossings varied between 287 m (941 ft) and 990 m (3248 ft). The project presented a number of challenges, including:
Crossing creeks and small rivers. The largest being the Cutback River (roughly 75 m / 250 ft wide).
Drilling up steep slopes. On each of the seven crossings, the exit point was higher in elevation than the entry point. The most striking example was an elevation difference of 65 m (213 ft) between entry and exit, on a bore with a total length of 503 m (1650 ft). In several crossings, reverse vertical builds were drilled to help with slope stability. This resulted in complex drilling trajectories.
The soil formations encountered while drilling included mostly clay, but also mudstone, sandstone and siltstone. Because the ground conditions were so varied, a number of crossings were drilled alternately with a jetting assembly and a mud motor. These challenging ground conditions also required annular pressure to be monitored constantly during operations.
All work needed to be completed within Right-of-Way boundaries and at sufficient depth below designated no-drill zones.
To overcome all of these challenges and drill the pilot bores accurately and efficiently, a high-tech steering solution was required.
Accurate results in challenging HDDs with Drillguide GST
Our client Double M Construction Group Ltd. drilled these crossings using their Vermeer D220x300 rig. They were able to rely on the accuracy of the most advanced steering system in the HDD industry: the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool. By surveying the pilot bores with the Drillguide GST, the highest accuracy was assured.
Brownline Canada’s experts assisted by interpreting the measured data and giving steering advice to navigate in the varied soil. This enabled the contractor to drill the complex trajectories efficiently and with minimal deviations, despite the challenges.
The Pressure-While-Drilling (PWD) module in the Drillguide GST was used for annular pressure monitoring throughout the pilot bores. Closely observing downhole pressure measurements in real time helped with fluid management in the diverse soil. This contributed to the safe completion of the project, as it strongly reduced the risk of inadvertent returns of drilling fluid in the sensitive environment.
Thanks to expert guidance and good collaboration, the client was very satisfied with the result of the pilot bores.
"We use many different steering companies throughout western Canada. Browline's tooling, experience and professionalism sets them above the rest."
