Solid Rock Drilling
Rock drilling is quantified by a rock’s PSI. Rock density ranges from the highest hard rock PSIs (marble, granite, coral) to the lowest PSIs soft rock (cobble). It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the soil conditions and any rock formations along the bore path before you start. For softer rock formations (8,000 psi compressive strength and lower) milled tooth bits offer the fastest penetration rates at a lower cost.
Mixed faces - (soil conditions that present two or more different types of material in the path of the bore) which include rock - are often encountered over the path of a bore. When rock is encountered, different drilling heads will need to be used from tri-cone bits to railheads depending on the type of rock encountered. To drill in rock, a mud motor, which converts the hydraulic pressure of the drilling fluid into mechanical rotation, is used to rotate the drill bit and the drill pipe is not continuously rotated. Steerage is accomplished by aligning the angle of the mud motor to the desired direction.
Rock auger boring is similar to auger boring in that rock boring utilizes a standard auger boring machine and augers for spoil removal. The difference is in the cutterhead attachment. Standard auger boring cutter heads are not equipped to cut through rock greater than 3,000 psi. However our rock disc cutter heads and mixed ground cutter heads provide the capability to tackle the most challenging rock bores.
For rock formations that are harder than 8,000 psi, our tri-cone bit with tungsten carbide inserts (TCI) is often the go-to bit. In these extreme conditions, the type of bit insert is determined by the hardness (PSI) of the rock. The harder the rock the more conical or rounded the TCI inserts well use.
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Testimonials
Hard working crew! Very polite and customer service focused. The safety officer even came to the job site and was just as pleasant as Nick and the crew. I hope they all are recognized for a job well done and how they carry themselves on the job. They represented ClearPath with utmost professionalism!
Scott ShroyerPrivate/Individual Customer
Clearpath was very professional in their operations and service to Buckeye Water District. The employees were very professional and informative throughout the job. What we liked about working with ClearPath was their professional workmanship and how quickly the job was completed.
Al DeAngelisBuckeye Water District
Clearpath performed a very difficult project for us (boring at extreme angle, through rock, in adverse conditions). When issues arose in the field they worked diligently to find a solution so as not to delay the project. They got the job done on time, always kept me informed on the progress. Very Professional.
Bob FisherWB Koester Construction
Just an awesome group of guys both in Management and the field. Love working with ClearPath. In this industry it comes down to people and service. ClearPath excels in both aspects. Our company and ClearPath have an excellent working relationship. Couldn't have asked for better guys on the ground. The cooperation, communication, and performance is what we have come to consider the norm for ClearPath but exceeds others we work with.
AnonymousGas Company Customer
Clearpath is our go to contractor for boring. They are great to work with and provide exceptional service. From initial communication to the finished product, Clearpaths employees are always willing to work with Efficient's employees in whatever way possible to get the job done. The ClearPath team is truly viewed as a partner with Efficient Pipeline. They have assisted us on small road and creek bores to larger complex HDD's. The knowledge in both design and execution is above industry standard.
Josh RachelEfficient Pipeline
Great company! Have worked here for a couple years, they saw my areas where I could improve and do better and they really helped me achieve my goals. Able to travel and experience new environments and people is great.
J KilneClearPath Employee
Great people, nice place to work.
R ShepherdClearPath Employee
Wonderful Place. The employees and team are great to work with.
K KlausClearPath Employee
An amazing Team that is willing to go the extra mile for their customers.
D HillClearPath Employee
Great place to work!!!
B KlausClearPath Employee
ClearPath offers a friendly working environment. They hold true to core values and strive to be the best in the directional drilling industry.
N FinckClearPath Employee
Great place to work and grow with. Good atmosphere and good people.
D RileyClearPath Employee
Positivity, driven to succeed, teamwork, professional, dedicated to being the best.
M KnightClearPath Employee
I have been here for a little over two years and like how they try and give back to the employees when they can.
A TablerClearPath Employee