Stainless Steel Wire

Stainless Steel HDD Wire: The Facts

Stainless Steel Tracer Wire is a single conductor wire that has been specifically developed for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) applications. Its name, single steel HDD wire, also signifies the specification of the wire, as it describes a stranded stainless steel conductor with a high density-high molecular weight (HD-HMWPE or HDPE) insulation. 

The stainless steel conductor fits many applications, and it boasts impressive tensile strength. Moreover, the HDPE insulation surrounding the wire provides excellent abrasion, crush, chemical, oil, and moisture resistance.

Construction

Material: 49 strands of 304 Stainless Steel Alloy

Insulating Jacket: 45 mil wall of high molecular weight polyethylene (HMW-HDPE)

Rating: 30 Volts maximum

Applications

Stainless Steel HDD Wire is used for locating natural gas pipes. It is also used for direct burial and horizontal directional drilling purposes. Additionally, stainless steel HDD wire is also used for:

• Cranes
• Dredging
• Excavating
• Logging
• As a locating wire in natural gas polyethylene (PE) pipes

Features

Stainless Steel Wire offers resistance to:

• Abrasions
• Crushing
• Chemicals
• Moisture

Temperature

70 degrees Celsius

Rating

30V

Packaging

• 500 ft
• 1000 ft
• 2500 ft
• Custom lengths available upon request
• Custom print legends are available upon request as identified by surface printing indicating manufacturer, conductor size, and insulation type.

Stainless steel cable and stainless steel wire are made from a stainless steel conductor with a high molecular weight and high-density polyethylene (HMWPE/HDPE) insulator. Strong, long-lasting, and resistant, they boast numerous benefits compared to their counterparts.

Stainless Steel HDD Wire Applications

Stainless steel wire is primarily used to locate natural gas polyethylene (PE) pipes. Designed specifically for direct burial in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), this conductor has 30-volt voltage rating. It is offered in spools of 500 ft, 1000 ft, and 2500 ft, with custom lengths available upon request from Performance Wire & Cable. The wire’s high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) insulated coating provides exceptional resistance to crushing, abrasion, chemicals, and moisture, making it highly versatile for various applications. 

Why Choose Stainless Steel Wire and Cable?

Stainless steel is used in an assortment of industrial and commercial applications thanks largely to its favorable traits. It possesses many strong qualities that make it a popular choice for an array of uses. 

Stainless steel is the ideal choice for wire or cable in outdoor or underground systems due to its rust resistance and high resistance to corrosion. Whether exposed to moisture, dirt, or chemicals, stainless steel maintains its durability and longevity in both wet and dry conditions. 

About Horizontal Directional Drilling

The primary application of stainless steel wire and cable is evident in its name: HDD, or horizontal directional drilling. This method involves installing underground pipelines, wires, cables, and service conduits without traditional trenching. HDD utilizes a directional drilling matching to create pathways for these materials underground. 

Horizontal Directional Drilling Process

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) involves several sequential steps to install underground pipelines and conduits efficiently:

1. Technicians begin by using a pilot drill to thread a hollow pipe through the ground.
2. Drilling fluid is then pumped through the hollow pipe to prevent collapse under surface weight.
3. A cleaning device clears the pipe, ensuring proper passage.
4. Drilling fluid is continually applied through the hollow pipe to maintain hold integrity, often repeated for the desired pipe diameter.
5. Finally, the permanent production pipe is drawn through the pilot pipe.
6. Engineers clear the pipe of drilling fluid to complete the process.

Horizontal directional drilling offers significant advantages, primarily by eliminating the need for trenching. This method minimizes surface disturbance, making it environmentally friendly. What’s more, these horizontal directional drillings can be performed under existing structures and conditions, including:

• Any other obstacles that may make it impossible to dig a trench
• Buildings and other infrastructure
• Dikes and bridges
• Watercourses

Stainless steel wire and cable are integral to this process through the use of tracer wire systems. These systems are essential in the final stages of horizontal directional drilling, enabling locators to send underground signals to pinpoint the drill head’s exact location. The reliability and longevity of stainless steel wire and cable are crucial factors, ensuring uninterrupted communication and accurate tracing throughout the drilling operation. This underscores the importance of readily available, durable stainless steel wire and cable for successfully completing HDD projects. 

What Sets Stainless Steel Cable and Wire Apart from Other Materials?

Stainless steel HDD wire and cables are favored for their 10.5% chromium content, which gives them their anti-corrosive outer layer. This durable steel alloy ensures a long lifespan, making stainless steel HDD wire and cables ideal for various applications.  

Stainless steel HDD wire and cable also boast impressive tensile strength. They are non-flammable, making them suitable for high-risk environments. Additionally, stainless steel HDD wire is often preferred for its excellent dielectric properties, which include:

• A low coefficient of friction
• Chemical inertness
• Heat resistance
• Toughness and flexibility
• Weather resistance

Ready to stock up on all your Stainless Steel HDD Wire needs? 

Performance Wire & Cable is here for you! Get a quote today.