In March 2025, Brownline surveyed an HDD crossing in Bornerbroek for the installation of high voltage and fiber optic cables. The presence of a protected nature reserve and a challenging exit meant that absolute accuracy was key.
In the Twente region, work is being done in various places to expand and strengthen the high-voltage network. This drilling is part of a 17.5 km / 11 mi long trajectory between high voltage stations in Almelo and Hengelo.
Brownline was commissioned by Klever Boor- en Perstechniek to survey this HDD. The 463 m / 1519 ft long bore crossed a wetland, a protected nature reserve, and a road with a lot of underground infrastructure. To guide the drill properly, it was measured with the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool, in combination with GPS track.
Protecting nature with Pressure-While-Drilling
The wetland was located near the entry point. After passing this area, the drill crossed the protected nature reserve De Doorbraak. The drill crossed a stream and one of its branches in this area.
Under these natural areas, it was crucial to prevent inadvertent returns of drilling fluid. With Brownline’s Pressure-While-Drilling service, the pressure in the borehole was closely monitored throughout the drilling. Thanks to precise pressure sensors in the Drillguide GST, there was complete control over the fluid pressure, minimizing the risk of blow-outs.
Highly accurate punch-out
For this project, GPS track was also used near the entry and exit points. This allowed independent checks to be carried out from the surface. Combined with the measurements from the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool, this reduced risks and added extra assurance.
This was necessary for this project because a road was crossed just before the exit point and there was a lot of underground infrastructure. Thanks to the combination of the Drillguide GST and GPS track, the drill punched out exactly as planned.