The planned underground route a drill bit follows during horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Subcontractors use bore path data to plan equipment placement, crew positioning, and utility clearances. Deviations from the bore path can trigger rework costs and schedule delays.
Bore Path
Related Terms
ESP (Electric Submersible Pump)
IndustryA downhole pump system installed inside a wellbore to lift fluids to surface when natural reservoir pressure is insufficient. Subcontractors are commonly engaged for ESP installation, pulling, and maintenance work. Specialised lifting equipment and electrical certifications are typically required on these jobs.
Sonic Stimulation
IndustryA well enhancement technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge scale, paraffin, and debris from perforations and near-wellbore formations. Subcontractors deploy specialised downhole tools to transmit sonic energy, improving flow rates without chemical treatments. Crews require training on tool handling and wellhead pressure protocols before mobilising.
Hydrocyclone
IndustryA cone-shaped separation device that removes solids or liquids from drilling fluids using centrifugal force. Subcontractors service and maintain these units on drilling rigs and fluid processing systems. Proper handling requires familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems and waste disposal regulations.
Cold-Milled Asphalt
IndustryReclaimed pavement material produced by grinding existing asphalt surfaces without heat. Subcontractors encounter it during road restoration work on well pads, pipeline rights-of-way, and industrial sites. It is commonly reused as base material, reducing disposal costs and material haul-off requirements.
Predictive Maintenance
IndustryA maintenance approach that uses equipment data and monitoring to forecast failures before they occur. Subcontractors may be dispatched for targeted repairs based on sensor alerts rather than fixed schedules. This reduces emergency callouts and helps crews plan mobilisation more efficiently.
IMR (Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair)
IndustryA category of ongoing field service work covering routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on infrastructure or equipment, often awarded to subcontractors through standing agreements or blanket contracts. For field service companies, IMR scopes provide a reliable stream of recurring work but typically require crews to mobilise quickly and hold multiple trade certifications to meet operator requirements.
Latest Industry News
Allseas Wins Subsea Pipelay Contract for BC's PRGT-Ksi Lisims LNG Link
Western LNG has tapped offshore contractor Allseas to install a 50-kilometer subsea pipeline segment linking the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission line to the Ksi Lisims LNG export terminal, with work slated to start in 2029.
21 hours agoIndustryAmtrak Trims Scope on $6B Baltimore Tunnel Project as Construction Advances
Amtrak has adjusted the design of its $6 billion B&P Tunnel Replacement in Baltimore, cutting a ventilation facility and raising the track alignment, while tunnel boring and bridge work continue toward a 2036 opening.
21 hours agoIndustryBP Boosts Atlantis Output by 10,000 BOE/D in Gulf of Mexico
BP has expanded production at its Atlantis deepwater field in the Gulf of Mexico by 10,000 boe/d through new subsea water injection wells, extending the asset's producing life.
21 hours agoIndustryDulles' $20B Expansion Sets Up Phased Bid Calendar for Subs
USDOT's selection of a $20 billion Dulles Airport redevelopment plan expands MWAA's modernization program and puts a $4.5B-$5B design-build package on a fall RFP timeline, with construction targeted to start next spring.
21 hours agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideHow Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It
Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
