Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for Storage Tanks & Silos

Trenchless installation method to protect surface and underground services

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is an innovative trenchless method used to install underground services with minimal surface disruption. It is widely used in storage tank and silo projects, such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, where protection of the surface and existing infrastructure is critical. HDD drills a steerable pilot hole along a planned path which is then enlarged to allow pipeline or conduit installation.

Why horizontal directional drilling for tanks and silos

Storage tank and silo projects require installation of services such as pipelines and conduits within or around sensitive areas. Traditional open excavation can disrupt site operations and damage other utilities. HDD reduces surface disruption by drilling below ground from one launch pit to an exit point. The pilot hole follows a controlled path and is then enlarged to install the required service lines, ensuring accurate placement and site protection.

HDD avoids open trenches on tank or silo sites. This protects roads, containment structures and other surface infrastructure.

The pilot hole is steered along a pre-defined trajectory. This enables precise placement of pipelines and conduits.

HDD works under existing structures and utilities. This reduces risk to surface operations and installed systems.

Once the hole is enlarged, the pipeline or conduit is installed in a single pullback operation. This streamlines construction and reduces site congestion.

HDD can be combined with cut-off walls and ground improvement where required.

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VSL’s Horizontal Directional Drilling services

VSL provides a full HDD solution tailored to storage tank and silo projects, supported by geotechnical expertise and specialized execution capability.

HDD planning and route design support

Pilot hole drilling supervision

Enlargement and conduit installation guidance

Pipeline, cable and service installation assistance

Additional steering and control for complex ground conditions

Why choose VSL for Horizontal Directional Drilling?

LNG Tanks at the Port of Barcelona

  • Geotechnical and drilling expertise

    VSL draws on advanced geotechnical understanding to plan HDD with controlled steering and trajectory.

  • Tailored solutions

    Each drilling plan is adapted to soil conditions, site constraints and project needs.

  • Comprehensive support

    From design to execution guidance, VSL supports HDD works across project phases.

  • Global delivery capacity

    VSL and its subsidiary Intrafor have experience delivering HDD solutions worldwide for complex projects.

FAQ about Horizontal Directional Drilling

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

HDD is a trenchless drilling method that creates a pilot hole along a planned path and enlarges it to install pipelines and conduits with minimal surface impact.

HDD reduces surface disturbance, protects existing utilities and supports installation under sensitive areas.

Yes. HDD adapts to different soil types and is controlled to follow the required trajectory.

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Planning a storage tank or silo project with underground service needs?

Contact VSL to explore Horizontal Directional Drilling solutions tailored to your site.