If the pictures below look familiar, then you know how frustrating – AND EXPENSIVE – it is when this happens to your HDD hole opener.
PDC Cutter Damage
The most common cause of damage to HDD hole openers is a lack of stabilization. A non-stabilized tool will drill eccentrically – or not symmetrical with respect to the center. This phenomenon is similar to bit whirl in oilfield drilling applications.
Once the tool begins to drill off-center, damage occurs rapidly because the workload becomes unevenly distributed. Because of the small diameter pipe and heavy tools, this problem is especially prevalent in horizontal directional drilling.
Damage to the tool or cutters then decreases the rate of penetration and affects your bottom line in more ways than one.
HDD Hole Openers Need Stabilization
We’ve solved this problem with a proprietary Cross Guard stabilizer ring that keeps the tool centralized in the hole. This means you will drill more efficiently AND avoid costly repairs.
When paired with a Pre-Ream near bit stabilizer in front of the hole opener, the result is a very stable assembly that drills faster with less damage.
The Pre-Ream near bit stabilizer placed directly in front of the hole opener stabilizes the tool in front, and the Cross Guard stabilizer ring stabilizes it in back.
Plus, the bit itself was designed to be stable. All our reamers have a long blade profile and gage pad – features that naturally stabilize for on-center drilling.
Special Design for HDD – Modular Hole Openers
Evolution Drilling Tools takes costs seriously and intentionally designed their tools to save you money. But even with stabilization damage happens.
Evolution’s hole openers are a modular design. This means that a damaged blade can be removed and replaced without having to replace the entire tool.
In addition, Evolution’s proprietary repair method of their tools allows full repair of cutter pockets – even if they’re completely worn away.
If you want to take your horizontal directional drilling to the next level, give us a call at 940-839-8857. Quotes are free and we like to talk bits!