Trenchless technology provides an environmental and cost-effective solution to your underground project.
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 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.
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 RATES
dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions
distances
(perfect ground conditions required)
ACCURACY
ground dependent
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.
Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!
Braintree in Essex is a historic town located about 10 miles northeast of Chelmsford and approximately 45 miles northeast of London. It is known for its history, charming rural surroundings, and as a commuter town. Braintree’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of Roman settlement in the area. The name “Braintree” is thought to derive from the Old English “bran” (a stream) and “treow” (a tree), reflecting the town’s location near a stream or river. In the 19th century, Braintree became a centre for the silk and textile industries, particularly due to the establishment of the Warner & Sons silk mills.
Braintree has a population of approximately 45,000 people. While the town itself has a relatively small population, the broader Braintree district, which includes surrounding villages, has a larger population. The town has experienced population growth due to its appeal as a commuter town, with many people choosing to live in Braintree and commute to London or Chelmsford for work.
Braintree is served by the railway station, which offers connections to London Liverpool Street through the Greater Anglia network. The journey to London takes about 60 to 70 minutes, making it a popular choice for commuters. The town is well-connected by road, with the A120 running through it, linking Braintree to the M11 motorway and A12, which provides easy access to London and other parts of Essex. Braintree has a thriving town centre with a variety of shops, national retailers, and local markets. The George Yard Shopping Centre and Braintree Village (an outlet shopping centre) are popular destinations for shopping and entertainment.
With its proximity to London and excellent transport links, many of Braintree’s residents work in London or Chelmsford, contributing to the town’s economic growth. As such, Braintree’s economy benefits from a mix of local businesses and commuters who work in other parts of Essex and London. Like many towns in Essex, Braintree has seen a significant increase in housing developments, particularly as it serves as a commuter town for London. New housing estates and apartments have been built to accommodate the growing population. Braintree Village and the surrounding retail areas continue to attract investment, making it an increasingly popular location for shopping and leisure.
Directional drilling in Braintree, is influenced by the local ground conditions. Understanding the geology and geotechnical characteristics of the area is crucial for any directional drilling operation. Braintree is situated in a region with a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and silt. The mix of these soils is typical of Essex, and their characteristics play a key role in drilling operations. Clay is relatively dense and sticky, which can make drilling slower and more challenging, as it requires more force to penetrate. Clay soils tend to hold water, leading to potential issues with wellbore stability and the need for specialized drilling fluids (e.g., bentonite or polymer-based fluids) to help lubricate the drill bit and stabilise the borehole. Sandy soils are generally easier to drill through, though they can be prone to instability, particularly if the sand is loose or poorly consolidated. In directional drilling, it’s important to monitor the drill path to ensure the borehole doesn’t collapse. Special measures, like casing or drilling fluid, might be needed to prevent this. Silt is finer than sand and can cause problems like borehole collapse if not properly managed. Its behaviour in directional drilling is like clay in that it requires careful handling to maintain borehole integrity.
Braintree lies in an area where the water table can be relatively high, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Groundwater presents challenges for directional drilling because it can cause the borehole to become unstable, leading to issues such as caving or collapse. Some parts of Braintree may fall into flood-prone areas, especially near the River Blackwater and other watercourses. Ground conditions in these areas might have a higher moisture content, increasing the risk of borehole instability and requiring careful monitoring during drilling operations.
Some areas of Braintree, especially near watercourses or parks, may be subject to environmental protection regulations. Drilling in such areas may require permits and environmental assessments to ensure that the work does not negatively affect the local ecosystem. Ground conditions, such as the presence of clay or silty soils, could affect water runoff, which needs to be managed during drilling. To ensure that groundwater and surrounding environments are not contaminated, it’s essential to implement appropriate monitoring techniques and use eco-friendly drilling fluids, especially in areas close to water bodies.
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.
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