ABOUT US
IAN JAMES LOGAN
CEO/Owner of Scorpion Arabia for Contracting Service
“With over 15 years of experience in running my own HDD and cabling company in the UK, I made the decision to expand my career internationally and moved to Saudi Arabia. My journey in the Kingdom began in 2001, where I worked on pioneering and leading innovative projects in the HDD industry. Through strategic partnerships and extensive investments. I helped shape the direction of HDD technology in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Aramco sector.”
Our main principle and strategy, is to offer a full range of Thrust Boring and Pipeline services to Middle East Market.
We have succeeded in introducing these technologies to Saudi Arabia in specialized fields because our goal is to make Scorpion Arabia one of the Middle East’s most respected specialized drilling & pipeline services companies; providing our clients with the reliable and professional services needed to succeed in the specialized services they require.
- Quality product, on time and within budget.
- Competitive price.
- Improved performance.
- Excellent working relationships for smooth running projects.
Certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
General Questions
HDD is a trenchless method of installing underground pipes, conduits, and cables using a surface-launched drilling rig. It minimizes surface disruption.
HDD is used for installing pipelines under roads, rivers, railways, buildings, and environmentally sensitive areas.
HDD is less invasive, requires less surface excavation, reduces environmental impact, and allows installation in areas where open-cut methods are not feasible.
Technical Questions
- Pilot Hole Drilling
- Reaming (enlarging the bore)
- Pullback (pulling the pipe into place)
Most soil types, including clay, sand, silt, and soft rock. However, very hard rock or cobble can present challenges.
Depending on equipment and soil conditions, HDD can achieve lengths over 2,000 meters and diameters exceeding 48 inches.
Directional drilling rigs, drill bits, reamers, mud mixing systems, tracking systems, and pipe handling equipment.
Drilling fluid (usually bentonite-based) lubricates the drill, stabilizes the borehole, and carries cuttings to the surface.
Environmental and Safety Questions
Yes, HDD has minimal surface impact and is preferred in environmentally sensitive or urban areas.
Risks include frac-outs (fluid escapes), borehole collapse, pipe damage, and misalignment.
A frac-out occurs when drilling fluid escapes into the surrounding ground. It is managed through proper monitoring, containment plans, and immediate response procedures.
Planning and Regulatory Questions
Yes, permits may be required depending on local, state, or national regulations, especially if crossing public or protected land.
It is based on subsurface investigations, avoiding obstacles, and ensuring minimal environmental and structural impact.
- Geotechnical studies
- Utility locating surveys
- Environmental impact assessments
Cost and Timeline Questions
The upfront cost may be higher, but overall savings can occur due to reduced restoration, faster installation, and less disruption.
Depends on length, diameter, soil conditions, and permitting – can range from a few days to several weeks.
- Bore length and diameter
- Ground conditions
- Depth and complexity (Settlement Calculation)
- Stress Analysis & Pulling Load Calculation
- Permitting and access