Are you still using magnetometers for horizontal directional drilling?

In current horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations, directional accuracy and stability directly determine the success or failure of the project. For a long time, fluxgate magnetization has been widely used as the mainstream directional drilling solution. However, with the increasing complexity of the construction environment—especially in densely populated urban underground pipe networks, casing wells, and environments with strong magnetic interference—the limitations of fluxgate magnetization are becoming increasingly apparent.

Issues such as magnetic interference, well inclination limitations, and data instability have made traditional methods increasingly unable to meet the demands of high-precision construction. As a result, more and more construction teams are turning to gyro orientation.

Why are more and more people using gyro?

The ER-Gyro-19 MEMS Gyroscopic Directional Module for Gyro Tools was developed in this context. Based on MEMS technology, it uses a combination of a three-axis navigation-grade MEMS gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer to achieve complete attitude calculation, and can directly output azimuth angle, well inclination angle, and tool face data.

From an engineering practice perspective, the widespread adoption of gyroscope-based orientation is not accidental, but driven by its technological advantages.

Fluxgates rely on the Earth's magnetic field to operate, and will produce serious errors when they encounter steel structures, casings, or complex strata. Gyroscope systems, based on inertial measurement principles, are unaffected by external magnetic fields and can operate stably even in complex environments.

Furthermore, they have a wider range of applications, continuously expanding from oil and gas wells to trenchless construction.

Stable Operation Even with Small Well Inclination

Traditionally, gyroscope orientation was considered to have limitations under small well inclination conditions, a major reason why some users were hesitant to switch. However, with the development of MEMS technology, this problem has been significantly improved.

The ER-Gyro-19 can still provide effective azimuth and tool face data under small well inclination conditions, with accuracy controllable within 3°. This means that gyroscopes can also perform well in many operating conditions that previously required fluxgate magnetization.

Seamless Replacement of Fluxgates, Lowering the Upgrade Barrier

During equipment upgrades, modification costs are often one of the most pressing concerns for users.

The ER-Gyro-19 is designed with this in mind. Its mechanical dimensions and electrical interfaces are fully compatible with existing fluxgate modules, allowing direct installation into existing systems. No hardware redesign or changes to communication interfaces or software architecture are required, truly achieving "plug and play."

This seamless replacement capability significantly lowers the barrier to transition from magnetic measurement to inertial measurement, enabling users to complete the technology upgrade without affecting their existing construction systems.

Strong earthquake and impact resistance, better adapted to construction site. The construction environment of horizontal directional drilling is complex, and vibration and impact are unavoidable, which puts extremely high requirements on the stability of the equipment.

The ER-Gyro-19 employs an all-solid-state MEMS structure design, with no mechanical rotating parts, offering significant advantages in shock and vibration resistance. It maintains stable operation even under strong random vibration environments.

Furthermore, its wide operating temperature range allows it to adapt to various extreme conditions, further enhancing its field adaptability.