Pull-Back Force Calculations for a Long Distance Product Pipeline Crossing the Yellow River by Horizontal Directional Drilling

Abstract

Pull-back force data is very important in designing pipeline crossing project by horizontal directional drilling, which is also the basis of choosing drilling machine. Through evaluating the maximum pull-back force, the damage of pipeline can be avoided. There have various factors influencing the pull-back force, such as engineering geological factors and operating conditions. There has no suitable universal mechanics model so far. In this paper the research object is a long distance product pipeline horizontal directional drilling crossing under the bottom of the Yellow River. Based on the research achievements and mechanics theory, the pull-back force has been respectively calculated by four kinds of methods, which are standard formula calculation, unloading arc earth pressure calculation, net buoyancy calculation and winch calculation. Then, the maximum pull-back force is determined by analyzing the applicable conditions and results of these four calculation methods. Finally, a securer, more effective and economical construction and pull-back force calculation method has been obtained, which can also provide valuable references for such kind of projects.