Dr. David Bennett, Bennett Trenchless Engineers
Matthew Wallin, Bennett Trenchless Engineers
Training is a growing focus for HDD contractors, especially as underground networks are increasingly more congested and safety is a top priority. With workforce shortages, these contractors are relying on novice operators to fill workforce gaps. Training programs and technology are evolving to help better prepare operators before they jump behind a drill cab – such as the Ditch Witch HDD Virtual Reality Training Simulator. This session will talk through training programs focused on promoting a new workforce and retaining the current workforce using new methods, including new digital technologies to help engage and train today’s tech-savvy operators.
Tom Marti, Underground Solutions
DCI’s presentation will detail the world’s leading technology developed to combat the two biggest problems facing walk-over HDD guidance: Active interference and Passive Interference. Identifying and efficiently dealing with drill site interferences is paramount to increase safety, accuracy and production.
Drill data acquisition (Data logging) and distribution will also be a focus. The kind of data that is recorded and the reports available will be discussed as well as some of the products and services that are now available to bring HDD contractors into the digital age to more accurately install and protect their client’s underground assets.
Enrico Boi, IDS North America
Jason will present this year on the three time award winning TONGHAND and is excited to announce the two new products that will roll out beginning of 2019, the DHXS and the THXS!
This presentation will help you understand what functions are important in HDD drilling fluids and discuss several of the common drilling fluid components and how they impact those functions.
Drilled solids can be extremely detrimental and a financial drain on HDD drilling operations if not properly managed. Solids Control Equipment is the most cost-effective way to remove drilled solids. This presentation guides attendees through an entire Mud Recycling System and the implications related to drilled solids. Emphasis is placed on maximizing solids removal at each stage of separation. Overall this presentation aims to enhance an individual’s knowledge of solids control operations and how a properly designed Mud Recycling System can have a major positive impact on a contractors bottom line.
(James Russell, Ditch Witch)
Rising regulations and increasing environmental pressures are creating negative pressure on bottom line performance for HDD contractors. A great deal of this is centered around drilling fluid containment, transport and disposal. Additionally, pothole spoils create challenges for disposal causing increased costs. This session will examine solutions to these challenges and ways to improve margin in the future.
Adam Bates, Vermeer Corporation
Dr. Gerhard Lang, Herrenknecht
In this presentation, you will learn about new laser cladding technology used to minimize wear of directional drilling bits and components, as well as how it performs against other applications like hard face welding. With a patent pending for carbide seat belting, Kondex is using its laser additive expertise to identify better ways to keep the steering of directional drilling bits. You’ll get a metallurgical look at the microstructure of laser cladding, learn how it works, what sets it apart, and see field data of HDD components that were enhanced with laser cladding.
Topics: Workforce Development, Technology Innovations, and Market Trends