Trenchless technology in action

Part 1 The “moling” process

A Workman sets up the compressor and piping to feed the mole

Lining up the entry point to ensure that the new pipe will arrive in the correct position when it exits the tunnel.

Preparing the moling machine itself.

Guide stays have now been set to ensure the moling machine remains on course during its tunneling

The moling machine exits from under the obstruction, being moled under, leaving a clear tunnel in its wake

The open tunnel created by the moling machine can be clearly seen.

Workmen carefully lever the new pipe through the tunnel.

A workman guides the pipe along, as it is levered through the tunnel, so as to ensure it will meet up with the existing pipe.

And the pipe is through, safely under the obstruction with no open trenching required other than the short trenches on either side of the obstruction.

Moling can only be undertaken in certain types of soil and is not feasible, in rocky conditions.