What Is Limited Access Drilling?

Limited access drilling is the ability to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. This makes it ideal for projects in environments where space is limited. Common applications of limited access drilling include foundation repair, geotechnical investigations, and environmental projects. It allows us to complete these tasks without having to demolish existing structures or disrupt the surrounding area. This type of drilling requires specialized drill rigs and adaptations to overcome the constraints encountered during drilling operations.  

Some of the techniques used in limited-access drilling include directional drilling, multilateral drilling, horizontal drilling, and extended-reach drilling.  The equipment used in limited access drilling includes specialized drill rigs, measuring equipment such as MWD and LWD, and drilling fluids.

A perfect example is the video summary below of one of our latest limited-access drilling jobs to help stabilize a bridge-supporting structure. The environmentally sensitive work area, adjacent to a naturally flowing stream with endangered fish species, required the choice of limited access drilling.

At Piedmont Foundation Repair, we take pride in our 30+ years of experience in limited-access drilling. As a team, we’ve honed our skills to become the go-to contractors for complex drilling projects in Charlotte. Our commitment to excellence sets us apart, as we use state-of-the-art equipment and a highly-trained crew. Chris Murrmann, the owner of PFR, is a perfectionist to the point is we have never had one warranty issue. We’ve built strong relationships with local engineering firms who trust us for their limited access drilling needs. With us, you can be confident your project will be handled with professionalism, efficiency, and expertise.

Limited Access and Restricted Access – What’s the difference?

Limited access drilling and restricted access drilling are both specialized drilling techniques used in situations where conventional drilling equipment may not be easily deployable due to space constraints or other restrictions. While they share some similarities, frequently used interchangeably,  there are distinct differences between the two:

Limited Access Drilling:

Limited access drilling refers to drilling operations in areas with restricted space or limited maneuverability, where specialized equipment is used to access and drill in tight or confined spaces. Some key characteristics and examples of limited access drilling include:

a. Space Constraints: Limited access drilling often takes place in areas with limited vertical or horizontal space, such as urban environments, basements, or areas with overhead obstructions.

b. Specialized Equipment: Specialized drilling rigs or equipment are designed to fit into confined spaces and access drilling locations that are otherwise challenging to reach.c.

Examples:

Microtunneling: Used for the installation of small-diameter tunnels for utilities like water and sewer lines in urban areas.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD): Used for drilling utility lines beneath obstacles like roads, rivers, and buildings.

Caisson Drilling: Employed in building foundations, bridges, and other structures to create deep, narrow shafts.

Restricted Access Drilling:

Restricted access drilling is a subset of limited access drilling, focusing specifically on drilling operations where access is not only limited but also subject to additional restrictions, such as environmental, safety, or regulatory concerns. Examples of restricted access drilling include:

a. Environmental Restrictions: Drilling in environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands, wildlife habitats, or protected zones.

b. Safety Restrictions: Drilling in hazardous environments, such as nuclear facilities or contaminated sites, where safety precautions and specialized equipment are essential.

c. Regulatory Restrictions: Compliance with strict regulations, such as those governing offshore drilling in protected marine sanctuaries.

d. Examples:

• • Offshore Platform Drilling: Drilling for oil and gas in offshore platforms, where access is restricted due to distance from shore and environmental regulations.
  • Environmental Remediation Drilling: Used to clean up contaminated sites, where access is restricted due to safety and environmental concerns.
  • Mining in Protected Areas: Drilling for minerals or resources within protected natural reserves, subject to strict regulatory oversight.