Tag Archive: mud motor

1. Inrock: Hydraulics Calculator app is now available

   June 11, 2025 9:18 pm Leave a Comment

   Inrock HDD Hydraulics Calculator is a designed specifically for professionals in the Horizontal Directional Drilling industry. The app enables users to perform calculations to use the available hydraulic energy efficiently to clear cuttings from the bottom of the hole. This improves tool-cleaning, reduces cuttings re-grind to increase the cutting action efficiency and reduces pack-off and balling-up risk. By minimizing mechanical wear on the shirttail and cutting structure, the tool can achieve its full bearing life potential (kRevs).

   Key features:

   • Comprehensive calculations. Instantly compute Delta P, Jet Velocity and material displacement by inputting pilot hole diameter, reaming diameter(s), mud weight, flow rate, and jet sizes (nominal size & count).
   • Case comparison. Perform two simultaneous calculations using Case 1 and Case 2 to compare different scenarios side by side.
   • Dynamic charting and summaries. Visualize results with interactive charts and view a summary of inputs and outputs for better analysis.
   • Unit conversion flexibility. Switch between metric and US customary units effortlessly. All input and output values automatically convert when toggling between units.
   • User-friendly interface. Navigate through three intuitive screens: Calculator, Chart, and Settings, designed for efficiency and accuracy.

   Enhance your HDD operations with Inrock: Hydraulics Calculator. Developed by Inrock – over 30 years of HDD expertise.
   Engineered for precision, built for performance.
   Download on the App Store and Google Play now and streamline your drilling calculations!

2. Maximizing Directional Motor Performance in HDD

   October 24, 2024 1:08 pm Leave a Comment

   Directional motors have been essential in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for drilling pilot holes in rock. Over the years, motors have evolved significantly, now capable of handling much larger bit sizes. However, understanding motor limitations, especially regarding bend radius, is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring optimal performance.

   Motor capabilities and key radius guidelines

   Different motor sizes require specific minimum bend radii to avoid excessive stress:

   • 5-in. and 6-3/4-in. motors: Minimum radius of 1,200 ft (0.75 degrees per 15-ft joint)
   • 8-in. motors: Minimum radius of 2,000 ft (0.85 degrees per 30-ft joint)

   Ignoring these limits leads to increased wear, costly repairs, or even catastrophic motor failures, such as broken threaded connections.

   

   Optimizing motor performance

   The effectiveness of a directional motor depends on mud flow—higher flow results in better horsepower, faster bit speeds, and overall efficiency. Additionally, choosing the right lobe configuration and power section based on the formation is key to maximizing rate of penetration (ROP) and motor performance.

   Respecting motor limitations and optimizing key parameters such as mud flow and motor configuration are critical to improving performance and reducing risks in HDD projects.

   Read the full article in Trenchless Technology Magazine