Macau, 18 October 2023

The "Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology and Trenchless Repair Technology" seminar, co-organized by CEM and the Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association (APMCCM), was held yesterday at the Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association. The seminar attracted the active participation of approximately 90 local professionals, including civil engineers, electrical engineers, and electrical and mechanical engineers.

The seminar focused on Macau's unique geographical environment, which includes small land area, dense population, narrow roads in most areas, and a significant number of old buildings in the city. It discussed the application of trenchless repair technology in the maintenance and renewal of underground infrastructure. The seminar featured industry experts as speakers, including Huang Sheng, Associate Professor from Sun Yat-Sen University; Tian Yanbin, Senior Engineer and Class I Constructor (Mechanical and Electrical/Municipal); Ma Baosong, Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor from Sun Yat-Sen University and Lawrence Sun, Senior Manager of the Cable and Underground Facilities Unit of CEM Transmission and Distribution Department. 

The speakers shared insights from different perspectives on horizontal directional drilling technology for pipeline crossing, related applications, trenchless repair technology for municipal pipelines and project quality control, and an overview of underground power cable detection. Trenchless renewal technology is a non-destructive method that allows for the repair, replacement, or upgrading of existing pipelines, sewage systems, and other underground facilities. It is faster than traditional excavation methods and minimizes disturbances to the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

Associate Professor Huang Sheng provided a detailed introduction on the horizontal directional drilling technology for pipeline installation. It is a construction method that involves using underground power drilling tools to achieve directional drilling. It allows for the excavation of small entry and exit areas on the surface while laying underground pipelines. He also pointed out common technical problems, control methods and application aspects of the technology, etc.

Professor Ma Baosong introduced mainstream trenchless repair technologies for municipal pipeline networks in different regions of China, including thermoplastic forming, centrifugal spray for pipeline repair, pipe bursting method for pipeline renewal and thin-walled stainless steel lining for repair, among others. He also provided detailed explanations of the standards and quality control methods for trenchless repair technologies.

Senior Engineer Tian Yanbin shared the horizontal directional drilling technology for trenchless construction, which involves laying various underground public facilities (pipelines and cables, etc.) through underground drilling without excavation. The entire construction process was explained in detail using Hong Kong and Macau projects as cases.

Senior Manager Lawrence Sun highlighted in his introduction that detecting and protecting underground power cables helps to ensure stable power supply and enables better planning, design, and implementation of project plans, thereby facilitating smooth project execution. In addition, detecting underground pipelines can provide detailed and accurate information to help construction personnel develop scientific and safe construction plans. 

The seminar provided valuable learning and networking opportunities for participants and further promoted technological development in the maintenance and renewal of underground infrastructure in Macau.