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Impact Moling Essex

Trenchless technology provides an environmental and cost-effective solution to your underground project.

Trenchless Technology has revolutionised underground installation

EPS Trenchless Installations advocates this revolutionary approach, offering a range of innovative solutions that remove the need for disruptive excavations. By leveraging state-of-the-art techniques such as Moling and Directional Drilling, EPS Trenchless Installations delivers efficient and cost-effective alternatives for laying and repairing underground utilities.

Impact Moling Essex

Impact Moling is a way of installing new pipes, cables and ducts under the ground without the need to dig continuous trenches. Instead, pits are dug at intervals in the ground and the mole is lowered inside.

The mole then tunnels through the earth, from the first pit through to the destination pit leaving a clear narrow tunnel large enough for the required utility to be pulled through.

The mole in reality is a steel pneumatic cylinder, with compressed air that hammers through the soil creating a bore hole for the new pipe to be laid. This massively reduces installation time, disturbance to the surface and the cost.

What is Impact Moling?

Originally designed for installing small-diameter pipes, Moling excels in navigating through compressible soils over short distances. Our Moling services effortlessly replace damaged or old pipes or install new lines, electric cables, gas pipes and ducting.

Moling is used for;

Moling is employable in a range of locations. It is an incredibly versatile and non-invasive method for use in environmentally sensitive areas such as SSSIs, and under roads, existing structures, congested areas, railways, waterways, and much more.

Installation sizes and rates

INSTALLATION RATES

Metres/day
1

dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions

distances

Metre pipe lengths
1

(perfect ground conditions required)

ACCURACY

+/- mm
1

ground dependent

MOLING SERVICES FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN Essex

Our impact moling services are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for many underground installation projects. Instead of digging trenches to lay pipes, ducts, and cables, EPS Trenchless Installations apply a technique called moling.

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About Essex

Essex in the southeastern part of England is known for its history, diverse landscapes, and close proximity to London. It is bordered by Suffolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the northwest, Hertfordshire to the west, and Kent to the south, across the Thames Estuary. The county has a long coastline along the North Sea, with many picturesque seaside towns such as Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea. Essex has a rich historical heritage, dating back to ancient times. It was one of the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England and later became an important part of the Kingdom of England. The name “Essex” comes from “East Saxons,” referring to the Saxons who settled in the eastern part of the country.

Essex has strong sectors in services, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. The proximity to London makes Essex a central location for commuters working in the capital. Retail and tourism are also important to the local economy, with popular destinations such as Southend-on-Sea attracting visitors for its beaches and entertainment.  Essex benefits from excellent transport links, including major roads like the M25, and the M11, which connects Essex to Cambridge and the north. There are several rail links into London, with stations such as Essex, Colchester, and Brentwood being popular commuter hotspots.

Construction in Essex plays a key role in the region’s economy and development, with a range of projects spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. The construction industry in Essex is supported by its proximity to London, a growing population, and significant investments in infrastructure and regeneration. Here are some key points about construction in Essex:

Essex has seen substantial residential development due to its proximity to London and increasing demand for housing. Many people choose to live in Essex because of its relatively more affordable housing compared to the capital. Areas like Essex, Colchester, and Basildon have seen major new housing developments, with a focus on building new homes, including large-scale housing estates, apartment complexes, and mixed-use developments. Essex has been involved in a number of regeneration projects to rejuvenate former industrial or underdeveloped areas. For example, Southend-on-Sea and Basildon have experienced regeneration with new residential buildings and commercial spaces.

The county has also seen significant retail development with large shopping centres and retail parks, particularly in towns like Essex, Basildon, and Colchester. These areas attract both regional shoppers and those commuting from London. Essex is home to growing office spaces catering to businesses that want proximity to London without the high costs. Towns such as Brentwood, Colchester, and Basildon have seen development of modern office complexes.

The region’s transport infrastructure is crucial for economic growth. Construction projects related to road and rail networks are ongoing to accommodate the growing population. The M25, M11, A12, and A13 are key motorways running through Essex, and there have been ongoing improvements to roads, including road widening, junction upgrades, and new bypasses to ease congestion. Essex is well connected by rail to London, with ongoing upgrades to train stations and lines, such as the Crossrail project (the Elizabeth Line), which extends into Essex, enhancing rail access to central London.

Ground Conditions in Essex for Moling and Directional Drilling

When considering directional drilling in Essex, ground conditions play a crucial role in determining the feasibility, cost, and method of drilling. Essex has varied geology, which influences the ground conditions, and the drilling techniques required. Essex has a diverse geological makeup, which can vary significantly depending on the location. London Clay is one of the most prominent formations in Essex, especially in the central and southern parts of the county. London Clay is typically soft to firm, making it relatively easy to drill through but can be challenging due to its cohesion.. In parts of Essex, especially near river valleys (e.g., around the Thames Estuary and Colchester), the ground can consist of sands and gravels. These materials tend to be loose and may pose challenges in maintaining borehole stability, particularly in shallow sections. However, they can be easier to drill through compared to clay when the right techniques are employed.

In the northern and western parts of Essex, such as near the Colne Valley and the borders with Hertfordshire, the ground may contain harder limestone or chalk layers. These types of formations are harder to drill through and may require specialised equipment. Essex, particularly along the coast and in river valleys, can have a relatively high water table. This is especially true in areas like the Thames Estuary and the northern parts of the county, where groundwater levels can affect drilling operations. When drilling through saturated layers, there is a risk of groundwater ingress into the borehole, which can cause difficulties with drilling fluids or even lead to borehole collapse.

Several factors specific to Essex’s ground conditions can complicate directional drilling operations. While soft layers like clay are easier to penetrate, they may cause problems with directional control, as they can lead to the borehole deviating more than expected. Areas with harder rock formations, such as chalk, limestone, or fractured rock, can increase the cost and difficulty of directional drilling. More specialized tools and techniques may be required. In Essex, directional drilling can be used for shallow utility installations (such as for gas, water, and telecom lines) and deeper boreholes. Both types of drilling face unique challenges based on ground conditions, such as maintaining borehole stability and ensuring precise directional control.

Understanding these conditions is critical for selecting the appropriate drilling methods and ensuring the success of the project. Careful planning, use of appropriate drilling fluids, and consideration of groundwater and aquifer protection are essential elements for effective and safe directional drilling operations in Essex.

About EPS Trenchless Installations

EPS provide underground utility installation that is fast, efficient and environmentally friendly.

Using Moling and Directional Drilling technology, our streamlined process requires minimal space which avoids unnecessary disruption and inconvenience.

There is no need for extensive surface cutting or digging long trenches. ‘No-dig’ techniques are very adaptable to various soil conditions and protected locations.

This technique provides accurate utility installation, which also protects wildlife and any ecologically sensitive locations. It is an incredibly cost-effective method of replacing old utility systems or installing new utilities.