Conceptual Design - If a trenchless crossing seems to be feasible, the required steps how to get sufficient information for draft engineering and for decision making have to be defined. x-plan helps to minimise the number of unknowns.

Evaluation of Variants - In certain circumstances different variants or different trenchless technologies are applicable and have to be evaluated under technical and economic aspects. x-plan keeps track under a variety of solutions.

Budgeting - Every construction project is related to costs. Especially the cost estimation for underground construction works is difficult, respectively is hardly possible without extensive practical experience. x-plan helps to avoid nasty surprises.

Drillpath design - Angles, radii, depths, coverages and many other parameters of a drilling are related to geology, pipe specifications, rig size, steering system and all of such are interdependent. All aspects and interdependencies have to be considered for the determination of a feasible drill path. Quite a challenge for Everyman.

Design Calculations -Pulling forces, tensile and bending stresses, penetration rates, pump rates, mud volumes and pressures, disposal volumes etc. – Calculations help, respectively are required to confirm the feasibility of the actual design, to show any need for action, to set targets and to get a data basis for monitoring. Dry stuff – but creates confidence.

Drilling fluid pressure calculation - Not applicable or required for every HDD, but essential when and where sensitive surfaces or subjects have to be protected from mud blow outs. Minimum required and maximum allowable mud pressures are calculated and show whether any actions have to be taken. Provides for stress-reliefed conditions on the drillsite.

Approval procedures can be complex and time consuming. Especially, if in the application documents any aspects have been addressed insufficiently, incorrectly or inaccurately. Furthermore, permits based on incomplete or poor design engineering can lead to severe headaches onsite, when the planning turns out to be infeasible, and revisions of design or related delays are not acceptable. x-plan can help to „lock the stable door before the horse has bolted“.

The more precisely works are described and interfaces are defined, the higher are quality and safety. And the lower the risk of inefficient contractual claim conflicts. Room for interpretation and speculation is only good for artists.

Sometimes technical relationships, procedures, technologies etc. have to be put down on paper under consideration of the reader’s technical background. Bringing light into the dark is one of our tasks.

The different quotations for drilling works on the same project can have a variety like bunches of flowers and be difficult to see through. The apparently biggest and most beautiful bunch might already be withered the next day. Quality often can be assessed only at the second, professional view.

„All is dark ahead of the pick... What does not fit, is made to fit... Geological risk is client’s risk... Learning by doing... Trial and error... YOU are the specialist contractor!...“

Like this, or alike, incidents in drilling execution can also be described. However, more effective it is to find the roots of the problems and to help get things back on track by developing suitable measures together with all involved parties. Hollow phrases are nothing for xperts.

Even if engineering and execution is done in a professional manner, complications can arise that lead to a controversy between involved parties. Then it might become necessary to get an independent and unemotional analysis of the situation.

„The cleverer gives in!“ –  this  is no acceptable alternative for anyone.

In the course of every project a lot of documents, drawings, reports etc. are prepared. Essential for evaluation is the content, not the extent nor the look. A thorough analysis is needed to discover any mistake, contradiction, incompleteness or misinterpretation. Respectively better: to certify an excellent performance. “Who writes is who stays”... but “who hits the spot is who wins”.

No one knows all. In fact, it is important to know who to ask regarding certain topics. As far as HDD is concerned, feel free to ask x-plan.