HDD Drilling Fluid Programs
NorthStar prepares project-specific drilling fluid programs for horizontal directional drilling crossings — from short residential utility bores to large-diameter pipeline projects. Each program reviews available geology, bore geometry, and rig capability to estimate fluid volumes, product requirements, and mix ratios before drilling begins.
Two support paths are available depending on the scope of your project:
Request an Engineered Fluid Program
For crossings requiring detailed geotechnical review, volume estimates, fluid specifications, and documented contingency planning. Suited to medium and large bores, regulated crossings, and competitive tenders.
Get Product & Mixing Recommendations
For contractors who know their ground conditions and need product selection, mix ratios, and advancement rate guidance. Suited to shorter or routine bores.
What Is Included
Prepared by NorthStar's technical team. Suited to medium and large bores, regulated crossings, challenging geology, and competitive tenders — for any project where a thorough fluid plan is needed.
- Bore path geological walkthrough — formation-by-formation review based on available soil borings or geotechnical reports
- Fluid specifications — target funnel viscosity, PV, yield point, and filtration control by bore phase
- Volume estimates — annular volume calculations per phase with estimated loss allowances
- Product quantities and mix ratios — additive types, amounts, and mixing sequence
- Advancement rate guidance — recommended ROP benchmarks by formation type
- Risk identification — review of foreseeable fluid-related risks based on available project information, and recommended contingency measures
- Field application guide — mixing, recycling, and fluid testing instructions for the crew
- Troubleshooting reference — common fluid problems, likely causes, and recommended corrective actions
Program accuracy depends on the quality of available project information. Geotechnical reports and soil borings improve the analysis. The program identifies risks that are foreseeable from available data.
Additional Services
A concise one-page written report for shorter or routine bores where product selection and mix guidance are the primary need. No geotechnical report required — a general soil description and bore dimensions are sufficient to begin.
- Recommended fluid volumes by phase
- Product selection and amounts
- Recommended advancement rates based on described soil conditions
NorthStar's technical team is available to visit your project site to test fluid properties, monitor performance, and troubleshoot in real time. On-site support is a separate service and is subject to availability — contact NorthStar to discuss your project timeline and location.
Email: bmcguire@northstarfluids.com
What to Prepare Before Requesting
Providing complete information produces a more accurate program. You can submit an inquiry with partial information — NorthStar will identify what else is needed and can issue a preliminary or conditional program where information is pending.
- Project location (region or municipality) Required
- Bore length Required
- Maximum bore diameter (final reaming diameter) Required
- Product pipe type and outer diameter Required
- Entry and exit angles Required
- Target project start date or bid due date Required
- Geotechnical report or soil borings Optional
- Rig make/model and maximum pullback force Optional
- Pump output and liner size Optional
- Mixing and recycling equipment on site Optional
- Water source and quality data (pH, hardness, chlorides if known) Optional
- Crossing type (river, road, railway, utility corridor) Optional
- Environmental or project-specific requirements Optional
- Soil data from adjacent bores, if available Optional
If geotechnical data is pending, note the expected availability date. NorthStar can begin the review and issue the program once data is received.
Program Availability
Engineered Fluid Programs are available to current NorthStar customers and contractors who source NorthStar products through an active NorthStar distributor. If you are not currently a NorthStar customer, a program can still be prepared — contact NorthStar to discuss customer account options.
Programs are provided at no charge to current NorthStar customers and to contractors sourcing NorthStar products through an active distributor. For non-customers, a program fee applies — contact NorthStar to discuss pricing or to ask about a customer account before the program is prepared.
Typically completed within up to 3 business days when all required project data is submitted at once. Rush requests are available for active NorthStar customers — contact bmcguire@northstarfluids.com to discuss your timeline.
Revisions are included at no additional charge for active customers. If bore geometry, soil data, or project parameters change before or during drilling, contact NorthStar to request an updated program.
What a Program Looks Like
The following is an excerpt from a NorthStar Engineered Fluid Program. Client name and project identifiers have been removed. All technical values are from an actual completed program.
| Length | 484 m |
| Pilot Hole Diameter | 12.25 in |
| Product Pipe | NPS 16 |
| Reaming Stages | 24", Swab |
| Formation | Clay, Sandstone, Mudstone, Shale |
| Rig | 240K |
| Tank Volume | 70 m³ |
| Total Mud to Mix | 273 m³ |
| Phase | Funnel Viscosity (sec/L) | PV (cP) | YP (Pa) | Fluid Loss (mL) | pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.25" Pilot | 70–75 | 13–15 | 14–16 | 10–12 | 8–9 |
| 24" Ream | 75–85 | 13–15 | 16–18 | 10–12 | 8–9 |
| 24" Swab | 75–85 | 13–15 | 16–18 | 10–12 | 8–9 |
| Product | Qty | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Star Gel Premium | 4,516 kg | 199 bags |
| Trol Star LV | 266 kg | 12 bags |
| Clay Star MT | 199 L | 10 pails |
| Star Plex (contingency) | 100 kg | 9 bags |
Volume calculations, additive concentrations per joint, mixing instructions, contingency additive guidance, troubleshooting, LCM protocols, disposal estimates, and a field application guide are also included in the full program.
The figures in this program are estimates based on available project information and assume best drilling practices and optimum fluid recycling. Actual volumes and requirements may vary.
Request a Program
For crossings requiring detailed fluid planning and documentation. Download the fillable entry sheet in your preferred units, complete it with your project data, and email it to NorthStar's technical team.
Email completed entry sheets to: bmcguire@northstarfluids.com
Allow up to 3 business days from receipt of a complete entry sheet.
For shorter or routine bores. Download the same entry sheet, describe your bore and soil conditions, and email it to NorthStar's technical team.
Email to: bmcguire@northstarfluids.com
Key Products for HDD
Commonly used additives for Horizontal Directional Drilling fluid systems.