Applying Radio Direction Finding System for Improvement of Horizontal Directional Drilling Method

This study improves the horizontal directional drilling method (HDD) by using an autonomous land vehicle (ALV) with a radio directional finding (RDF) system. The ALV with an RDF system carrying a digital positioning device can locate a moving or static underground drill bit and track it. Not limited to a pre-determined track or path, the ALV system utilizes its on board RDF system instantaneously to seek and to track a moving or static drill bit. Compared to conventional systems, the system reduces the number of operators, minimizes costs, prevents accidents, and enhances the degree of automation.