How Important Is A Sonde Transmitter In Any Underground Drilling Work?

Construction & Contractors Blog

When you're involved in a major construction project and need to install an underground conduit beneath some existing infrastructure, HDD may be the answer. Horizontal directional drilling is the perfect solution as an underground trench can be run from one point to another with high precision and with low disruption. Yet as you look further into this idea, you may hear of a certain part known as a sonde transmitter. What is this, and how important is it in the overall scheme of things?

Guiding the Work

The sonde transmitter is a probe fitted to the drill head and moves along at the front of the drilling operation. As work goes on, this probe transmits a magnetic field to the monitoring station and provides the exact location of the drill head with a very high degree of accuracy.

Types of Transmitter

There are different types of sonde transmitters, but most of them provide crucial data such as the pitch of the drill head, the depth, the operating temperature, and the battery life.

Transmitter in Action

The sonde is crucial in helping to guide the operator of the drill, especially when they are developing a pilot hole. The operator will typically hold the location device and walk behind the drilling mechanism to ensure that the work is proceeding as it should. Should any alterations need to be made, they will have the precise data at hand, as provided by the sonde transmitter.

Calibrated Equipment

Before work begins, the technician will need to calibrate the sonde transmitter. This will help ensure that all data is accurate and that depth readings are always in line with projections.

Monitor Performance

A skilled operator will also monitor the temperature of the drilling device and ensure it does not overheat. If it does so, this can cause the sonde to malfunction, so it may be necessary to suspend work from time to time to allow temperatures to regulate. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to damage a sonde transmitter if it is exposed to a high temperature for a short time. This is why it's important to bring in technicians who are familiar with best practices and proper drilling techniques.

Work with the Best

The sonde transmitter is one of the most crucial components in any HDD operation. To achieve the best outcome, entrust the work to a knowledgeable team who will work with your objectives and get everything done on time.

For more information on how a sonde transmitter can help directional drilling, contact a professional near you.

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9 February 2023