Conventional offshore pipeline installation methods have become more difficult because of the growing demand for bigger diameter pipelines with longer installation runs, deeper water depths and greater bottom-hole pressures. Therefore, there is a need to develop unconventional methods in order to allow its use in deeper waters.

The HDD method was developed by the geotechnical engineers for installation of the pipeline in place of conventional methods by using an open-trench excavation method. 

A number of research studies have shown that it is more environmentally-friendly compared to conventional open-trench methods. This is due to the fact that HDD method can be designed in a way which limits environmental impact during pipeline installation process by using specialised drilling fluids and minimising damage to surface.

Horizontal directional drilling is also gradually being used for installation of offshore pipelines. Researchers have identified that the environmental risks associated with HDD pipeline installation are low compared to other open-trench methods. It has been also noted that soil conditions can affect the outcome of this type of installation technique and site specific evaluation needs to be carried out before design of HDD method is finalised.

What are the Advantages of the HDD Method?

The horizontal directional drilling method allows for installation of pipelines in environmentally sensitive areas where the soil conditions are unstable. This method requires that the soil conditions are stable enough to support the pipeline wall against pressure by means of bearing on the bottom of the trench. 

It also makes it possible to install pipelines under bodies of water or marshland, where traditional installation methods would be impossible because long conventional open-trench crossings require that the trench needs to be empty before excavation. With this conventional method, crossings cannot be dug through water or marshland because the trench will immediately fill up with water and construction of crossing will turn into a major engineering project. 

HDD allows for installation of pipelines in environmentally sensitive areas where the soil conditions could not support heavy machinery involved in conventional methods.

Moreover, this method is the most promising technology for installing pipelines in deep, soft soils especially when there are environmental concerns. However, it may become more challenging with increasing depth and longer crossing because of the complicated geotechnical engineering problems. 

HDD design has to be carried out by taking into account various factors affecting pipe stability during installation. This includes soil properties, fluid pressure in the trench, potential caving or burying of the pipe

A typical HDD installation is done by excavating a trench in the seabed, laying the pipe inside the trench and filling up the hole with backfill material. The design criteria for  horizontal directional drilling method include proper site evaluation, covering soil conditions, depth of water, current flow, selection of pipe and backfill materials, and pipe installation.

What About Risks?

The main issues that need to be considered in HDD design include: soil properties, pipe sticking during installation, caving or burying of the trench walls, leakage from broken pipes and fluid pressure inside the trench. The geotechnical engineering challenges include accurate evaluation of soil strata stability such as sedimentary sequence, water content, geotechnical investigation to determine soil strata properties which are contained in the final design.

During drilling of the hole into the seabed, piping can get stuck if they are not rigid enough or large enough. Also when the pipe is installed in partially fluid-saturated ground it may collapse due to liquefaction, which means that the material loses its strength and behaves like a fluid. This can be prevented by adopting appropriate excavation and grouting procedures which ensure that the soil is sound enough to support pipe walls without problem.

Broken or damaged pipelines during HDD installation result not only in damage of pipes but also can contaminate ground water with oil and other chemicals, which can harm the environment. This risk can be minimised by adopting appropriate construction procedures which ensure that the pipe is properly supported during drilling and grouting phases.

As fluids inside HDD pipes are under pressure it may cause leakage into surrounding soils. If there are any defects in the welds or other structural parts of tubing this may result in breakage. This can be prevented by adhering to the construction specification and obeying the pressure limitations.

The main purpose of HDD is to reduce environmental impact during pipeline installation process. However, in some cases HDD may damage the environment due to unknown soil conditions which are not discovered until excavation starts. If there are any hazardous materials hidden under the ground there is high risk of contamination.

If the installation process goes wrong or if drilling fluid enters into ground water then this will contaminate the surrounding ecosystem due to oil spillage. If the pipe fails during operation then leakage may occur which can be hazardous for aquatic life and other forms of marine life. It has been recommended that HDD methods be used when conventional open-trench methods are not feasible.

https://www.boretherockies.com/2018/09/12/advantages-using-horizontal-directional-drilling-for-utility-placement/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267607371_Pipeline_Shore_Approach_Installation_by_Horizontal_Directional_Drilling

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313545963_Project_for_Offshore_Horizontal_Directional_Drilling_HDD_for_Pipeline_Crossing_in_Bukit_Tua_Indonesia

There are lots of stores and enterprises that acquire a workforce in their daily operations. Some even got thousands of them locally and internationally. Thus, to have a proper way of giving them the benefits they need, they need to have an established system for their work, including having a payroll. But did you know how vital payroll for your companies is? Discussion is along the way.

What Exactly Is Payroll?

Any business with higher than a few employees is required to have a payroll system in place. Paying workers timely and regularly has a positive effect on their satisfaction, but it also shows well on their financial health. It is very beneficial for workers to have payroll software in their businesses and adhere to some policies such as the CIS payroll. 

Furthermore, it is a necessity for complying with state and federal rules and regulations. 

The payroll administration process refers to treating an employee’s financial information, which includes the management of compensation, salaries, gratuities, write-offs, net pay, and the administration of other financial records. The employer is responsible for maintaining and retaining these data following federal regulations and for the employees’ benefit.

Importance Of Having a Systematic Payroll Approach

Many companies implement their way of conducting a sound system internally, especially those complying with the CIS Payroll.  Like the said scheme, CIS Payroll establishes the standards that contractors must follow regarding how they pay their subcontractors for the job they are doing. This is one example also of how computation differs from many industries.

Computing payroll may seem to be as simple as adding up the number of hours worked and multiplying the result by the employee’s hourly rate. Considering variables like the holiday season, overtime pay, perks, or other additional expenses makes it more complex. Furthermore, the federal taxes, as well as their regulations, must be applied to every paycheck. To be successful in the company, the accounting department must implement payroll software.

In manual payroll processing, automated systems that invest in payroll software may have a strong possibility of reducing labor costs while also eliminating mistakes and avoiding compliance problems because the automation itself should minimize human error. 

Processes may be performed in a fraction of the time, freeing up workers’ time to engage in more conducive tasks to produce a beneficial impact on the company, focusing on the long payroll process. 

This new technique Makes it more straightforward for a business to adjust and hire additional workers as it expands another benefit of having a payroll system.

Therefore, companies that really are smaller and therefore do not anticipate fast growth may find it more cost-effective to enroll in the less costly payroll software. That is, there are quite limitations to just payroll-related tasks. On the other hand, firms experiencing fast growth are looking for payroll software solutions that can connect with other planning and human resource management areas. It is also critical to examine the number of workers that a payroll software system can accommodate and factor in.

A company’s culture is crucial for many businesses. It integrates employees’ engagement through different elements including, management, values, and work environment. But, to make it work, a core department is needed. – a payroll.

The payroll department is a central contributor to the brand’s success. It manages the financial stability and productivity of the business while maintaining its reputation. Typically, their role was to encourage a healthy attitude and work ethics by offering help to address the employee’s needs and focusing on giving resolutions to meet the company’s values. 

A payroll team function was to give proper benefits and compensation for employees’ work performance. Once it caters to worker’s concerns, it results in a positive work-life balance.

Because the goal of each corporation was to retain its valuable employees, the need for payroll solutions that regulate the employee’s paycheck and compensation is essential. From the taxes to other benefits, it ensures the correct salary compliance for the worker’s performance. So, to motivate their work engagement, a qualified payroll team is required.

A company that promotes work-life balance through a set of programs and benefits attracts employees. But a trusted payroll department that secures and administers their needs offers satisfaction that can lead to efficient work completion. 

For businesses to utilize a positive culture in their workplace, a kind of payroll team is needed. There are ways to know the importance of payroll on the company’s culture. One of these is their contribution to its reputation. 

A payroll department that manages to maintain and submits important documents in time without any questionable activity compliance secures the company’s reputation. By ensuring that any payroll process has no mistakes, the prevention of any problems that can affect the relationship of stakeholders and staff will reduce.

Meanwhile, a good payroll team that encourages employees’ progression by providing monetary recognition and benefits is a practice that enhances a positive culture and builds determination for workers. Their improved skill will later result in promotion which can bring competence and growth to the company. 

Also, a reliable payroll team that consistently pays employees on time with a correct salary motivates them to work efficiently. With this, work engagement and compliance with the company’s culture will increase.

A laborer’s trust and confidence to address their queries are important to strengthen the corporate value.  Thus, a good payroll that can communicate well to help worker’s needs can bring a positive impression. 

Indeed, businesses with flexible payroll teams can provide worker compensation Fort Myers FL. However, with payroll software, employees can easily access their previous and current payslips information. This process will minimize the need for daily fill-in of slips while increasing the time savings, management, and reporting. 

Once businesses utilize payroll software that offers mobile app access to the employees’ paycheck, they will know their target-based bonuses and benefits that are to receive in line with their work efforts. 

Payroll teams are essential for the building of positive culture. Without them, companies will be subject to minimal work involvement or employee’s early resignment. 

So, if you are thinking of investing in a business payroll, We at Entrust Payroll Solutions can offer support services for your needs. Contact our customer team today at (239)-208-8788.