Directional Drilling Technology Research Articles

DRILLING AGENT RATE FOR UNDERWATER PIPELINES CONSTRUCTION. PART II. DETERMINATION OF DRILLING AGENT VOLUME

The paper considers determination of drilling agent volume for the underwater crossing construction of main oil pipeline by directional drilling method of including in the absorption solution. The need to determine the volume of the solution is due to the technology of drilling, the discrete preparation of drilling agent during drilling, the lack of the possibility of creating a closed circulation system. A common technical approach used by the contractors leading the construction of underwater crossings by directional drilling, is the determination of the volume of drilling agent while safe drilling. Construction of underwater crossing well is possible using different technologies. In the first case there used drilling without significant cleaning of well bore (under reduced of drilling agent) with support on softening (liquefaction) of the soil and the pushing tool. In the second case, the formation of a stable well bore is provided, which requires the use of a large volume of drilling agent. The disadvantages of the implemented technical approaches is that this does not take into account the qualifications of the drilling contractor, his work experience, the rock-cutting tool used and many other factors. Finally, an improperly implemented technical approach leads to a significant increase in the cost of constructing underwater crossing, limits the possibilities and spread of directional drilling technology for constructing of underwater crossings.

The Detection Method of Fire Abnormal Based on Directional Drilling in Complex Conditions of Mine

In the light of more and more urgent hidden fire abnormal detection problem in complex conditions of mine, a method which is used directional drilling technology is put forward. The method can avoid the obstacles in mine, and complete the fire abnormal detection. This paper based on analyzing the trajectory control of directional drilling, measurement while drilling and the characteristic of open branch process, the project of the directional drilling is formulated combination with a complex condition mine, and the detection of fire abnormal is implemented. This method can provide technical support for fire prevention, which also can provide a new way for fire anomaly detection in the similar mine.

Cuttings transport in maxi HDD boreholes with front reaming and one way drilling mud return technologies

Cuttings transport becomes critical important when horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology has been used more often in long distance and large diameter oil and gas pipeline construction in rocks. Front reaming (FR) and one way drilling mud return (OWDMR) were not new in oil and gas well drilling, but they were rarely used in HDD industry compared to the traditional back reaming (BR) and two way drilling mud return (TWDMR). FR and OWDMR technologies, when they were used in HDD, were designed mainly for highly non-leveled HDD projects to overcome some difficulties such as the recycling of drilling mud. Along with these technologies is that the cuttings need to travel longer distance to the ground surface. In addition, the effect of the drill rod rotation on the cuttings transport does not exist because hole bottom mud motor is usually used in FR. To find a solution for this problem, the cuttings transport mechanism was analyzed based on the drilling mud hydraulics, and then, an equation of cuttings transport distance was derived. It found that the average drilling mud velocity in the annulus and the consistency index of drilling mud are the two most important factors related to the cuttings transport distance. To help with the cuttings transport, a new MMH drilling mud system, which provides a high consistency index and a low flow index, was used in rock HDD projects, instead of the common Bentonite-water drilling mud system.

The Application of Numerical Analysis in Determining the State of the Rock Mass Around Directional Wells

Drilling directional and horizontal wellbores plays an important role in the exploitation of hydrocarbons. In the case of long operated and unconventional fields the importance of this type of drilling is fundamental. The horizontal and directional drilling technologies are also applicable in other fields. Directional and horizontal holes are among other various types of drilling under buildings, microtunnels, injection and storage holes. This technology is also used in obtaining coal-bed methane and in underground coal gasification methods.Compared to holes with vertical axes, directional drilling is a much more complex issue. The curvature of the wellbore's axis, passing through the horizontally stratified rock mass, causes the conditions around its cross section to be strongly anisotropic. Not infrequently, the same rock material of each layer exhibits anisotropic properties. Ensuring the stability of the well is very difficult under such conditions.The proper determination of the state of stress, strain and displacement of the rock mass around the hole is critical in the design of directional holes. Numerical analysis tools which take into account the structure of the rock mass and the mechanical properties of rocks along the well trajectory are used for this purpose.The article presents numerical simulations of changes of the rock mass state around a directional well. The calculations were conducted with various material models of rock: the linear-elastic model, the linear-elastic with regard to pore fluid flow model, the elastic – plastic model, the Drucker-Prager cap model with pore fluid flow, the concrete damage plasticity model (CDP), and the cracked material model. The impact of primary pressure, lamination and anisotropy of the rock mass are also included in the calculation. Based on the results of the calculations we analyze the impact of the behavior of rocks on the wellbore's stability.

Development of a Novel Hybrid-Type Rotary Steerable System for Directional Drilling

Unlike conventional resources, unconventional resources, such as shale gas and coal bed methane, are situated horizontally under geological formations. To exploit these resources, directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies are required. In directional drilling, the dog leg severity (DLS), which indicates how much the angle changes while drilling 100 ft, is a major issue with respect to the cost and time of drilling. In this paper, we briefly review different types of directional drilling methods and propose a new hybrid-type rotary steerable system (RSS). DLS calculations based on three-point geometry for these systems are suggested. This hybrid RSS combining two conventional types of RSSs: point-the-bit and push-the-bit systems, achieves better steerability. The hybrid mechanism is implemented using hybrid pads with hydraulic cylinders and a spherical joint. The advantages of the proposed system are demonstrated by performing small-scale prototype and cement block drilling tests.

Finding the Displacement of Elastically Bent Pipeline Disposed on Roller Supports Under the Action of the Axial Shear Force

The authors of this article have developed a spatial position determination method of a real steel pipeline free segment located above the ground surface during pipeline pullback using a pipeline pusher for the horizontal directional drilling technology. Values of elastically bent pipeline displacement were found in different points of the pipeline profile with the aim of defining the admissible values of the shear force applied to the pipeline by additional equipment during the pipeline pullback process. The developed methods allow finding the points of the curved pipeline profile in which it is necessary to place additional fixing connections above the pipeline, as this will expand the range of the shear force applied to the pipeline.

The technology improvement and development of the new design-engineering principles of pilot bore directional drilling

This paper addresses the effectiveness of impact energy use in pilot bore directional drilling at pipe driving. We establish and develop new design-engineering principles for this method. These principles are based on a drill string construction with a new nipple thread connection and a generator construction of strain waves transferred through the drill string. The experiment was conducted on a test bench. Strain measurement is used to estimate compression, tensile, shear and bending stresses in the drill string during the propagation of elastic waves. Finally, the main directions of pilot bore directional drilling improvement during pipe driving are determinated. The new engineering design, as components of the pilot bore directional drilling technology are presented.

Design of in-pipe robot based on inertial positioning and visual detection

The horizontal directional drilling technology is widely used to lay the underground pipelines. These pipelines are of small or medium diameters with a dip angle ranging from 10° to 20°, special pipelines to 30°. In-pipe robot is commonly used to detect the pipeline fault. A new type of telescopic in-pipe robot is designed in this article, which is driven by step motor and screw, and supported by wheels. The robot has advantages of waterproof grade of IP68, stable motion state, and larger traction force. The speed is between telescopic robots and wheeled robots. Through force analysis and calculation, its maximum climbing angle is larger than 35°. The robot has good passing ability through the pipelines with bends. The inertial technology is used to locate the robot under the condition of disturbances. The pipeline fault detection algorithm based on the visual identification technology is designed to detect the pipeline fault. It can not only achieve autonomic positioning but also detect the pipeline fault.

Development of small diameter pilot hole directional drilling for trenchless utility installation

The paper overviews trenchless utility installation techniques and prospects of further development of horizontal directional drilling technology to drill small diameter pilot holes. The improved design is suggested for the thread connection of drill pipes and hydraulic system to generate power pulses.

Overview on vertical and directional drilling technologies for the exploration and exploitation of deep petroleum resources

The vertical and directional drilling are the key technologies for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources in deep formations. Meanwhile, they are also the very important ways to exploit deep geothermal energy and geo-resources, conduct international continental scientific drilling program. The aim of the present overview is to review and discuss the vertical and directional drilling technologies and their recent developments since the pioneering work in 1890s. It starts with the historical development and classification of main drilling methods for petroleum extraction, such as the vertical drilling, directional drilling and horizontal drilling, and the main application scopes of these methods are also discussed. Then, the developments of the directional techniques, the main directional tools (deflection tools, down-hole motor, rotary steerable drilling system and vertical drilling system), the directional survey techniques (measuring and transmission techniques), the main drill bits (roller cone bits, fixed cutter bits and hybrid bits), and the main drilling fluids (gas-base drilling fluid, water-based drilling fluid and oil-based drilling fluid) are summarized and analyzed. The top 15+ deepest and top 20+ longest wells all over the world are collected from related literatures to analyze the achievements of vertical and directional drilling in petroleum industry, the challenges of vertical and directional drilling are also discussed. Finally, a brief summary and prospect of vertical and directional drilling are presented.

A systems engineering approach for realizing sustainability in infrastructure projects

Sustainability is very quickly becoming a fundamental requirement of the construction industry as it delivers its projects; whether buildings or infrastructures. Throughout more than two decades, a plethora of modeling schemes, evaluation tools and rating systems have been introduced en route to realizing sustainable construction. Many of these, however, lack consensus on evaluation criteria, a robust scientific model that captures the logic behind their sustainability performance evaluation, and therefore experience discrepancies between rated results and actual performance. Moreover, very few of the evaluation tools available satisfactorily address infrastructure projects.This paper introduces a systems model that abstracts the environment, the construction product, and its production system as three interacting systems that basically exchange materials, energy and information. The model utilizes this setup to capture and quantify essential flows exchanged between such three systems, with the objective of evaluating sustainability. The paper walks through the development of a generic case of the model, and then demonstrates its utility in evaluating the sustainability performance of civil infrastructure projects using a typical water pipeline installation project that uses horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology as a trenchless installation method.The developed model addresses an identified gap within the current body of knowledge by considering infrastructure projects. Through the ability to simulate different scenarios, the model enables identifying which activities, products, and processes impact the environment more, and hence potential areas for optimization and improvement.

REQUIREMENTS TOWARDS THE TECHNOLOGY OF CONSTRUCTION OF PIPELINES CROSSINGS BY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING METHOD

A problem of construction of pipeline crossings through different obstacles using directional drilling technology is considered. Based on the results of the study of pipeline crossings construction the basic requirements towards the drilling technology, the used drilling tool, drilling muds and the wastes disposal are analyzed.

The qualitative risk assessment of MINI, MIDI and MAXI horizontal directional drilling projects

The differences between uncertainty, risk and hazard in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology were described in this paper. Various types of uncertainty in HDD technology were shown on the chosen examples. Due to the increasing complexity of HDD projects, the continuous development in HDD technology, the optional possibility of applying various tools and machines and the diversity in the installation size (MINI, MIDI and MAXI), it was needed to consider the additional risks in HDD projects, as well as identify those risks which have not been considered in previous works. Literature study, scenario analysis, risk interviews with HDD contractors, manufacturers of HDD equipment and mud services, risk brainstorm sessions, expert surveys among HDD contractors and own observations of HDD installations supported the risk identification process. Various types of risks connected with the carrying out of HDD installations were presented. The feedback from expert surveys from 5940 HDD projects carried out in 5 countries, allowed to assess the frequency of occurrence and the influence on project failure of 38 risks in HDD technology and, therefore, proved the need to include them in the risk assessment. Additionally, the survey results allowed to assess the frequency of the occurrence of various types of problems with: the product pipe installation, rig failures, drill pipe failures, the importance of the reasons of drill rig failures and drill pipe failures. The survey results were a basis for the qualitative risk assessment, which was carried out applying Ishikawa diagram.

Quality Control for Weathered Rock Directional Drilling Pilot Hole Construction

Directional Drilling Technology originated from the oil drilling industry, combining industrial and public utility construction technology, after the evolution of modern horizontal directional drilling technology, which is widely used in the construction of municipal pipelines, oil and gas pipeline industry, and is a kind of trenchless surface through the construction technology. At present, there is more weathering rock to pass through in the oil and gas pipeline construction, so a higher requirements for the construction of directional drilling mud. The weathering degree of heterogeneity of the rock at the same time and also caused great difficulties to construction, and the guide hole construction in the construction of directional drilling is the key control to the key working procedure, after the guide hole is dragged back reaming and pipe at all levels, the basis of the guide hole quality directly affects the pipeline back to success, is the most important factor in engineering which can be successfully completed, so how to control the construction quality of directional drill guide hole is particularly important. Key words : Weathered rock; Directional drilling; Pilot hole; Mud

Consolidation grouting using horizontal directional drilling technology in the Praga district of Warsaw prior to TBM tunnelling

AbstractThe central section of the Warsaw 2nd Metro Line required preventive measures to protect buildings located in the Praga district above the tunnel alignment. The sections passing below buildings with EPB machines were certainly one of the most critical points. It was decided to carry out ground treatment in order to consolidate the subsoil around the tunnels. For this purpose grouting holes up to 261 m long were drilled by HDD following the tunnel path. Tunnelling did not affect the structures located above the ground, which always remained under close supervision with the use of specialist and multithreaded monitoring.

Application of in-seam directional drilling technology for gas drainage with benefits to gas outburst control and greenhouse gas reductions in Daning coal mine, China

Gas outburst disasters are becoming more serious as the underground coal mines become deeper in China, and a thick zone of deformed coal provides conditions favorable to coal and gas outbursts. The Daning coal mine’s main mining seam is the No. 3 coal seam with coal and gas outburst hazard, which often contains two normal coal sub-layers and one deformed sub-layer. Considering both the geological conditions of the coal seam and applications of the in-seam directional longhole drilling technology, a new schematic diagram of in-seam directional longholes for gas drainage is developed. The two borehole layout models of longwall panel and main entries for gas outburst disasters control have been successfully applied. The gas drainage rates of both models are >70 %, and the residual gas contents are both <8 m3/t, which can be considered that the gas outburst disasters were effectively controlled. To better guide gas drainage, gas drainage normal and failure modes have been obtained. Although in-seam directional longhole technology has been successfully applied for regional gas drainage with benefits to gas outburst control, there are also some problems that are detrimental to greenhouse gas reductions in gas drainage and gas utilization. The three main problems are air leakage failure in gas drainage, decreasing gas concentration and a low gas utilization ratio. To address the problems mentioned above, five improvements are suggested.

Animation Design and Production of Kilometer Directional Drilling Technology and Equipment

Combined with the Measure While Drilling (MWD) system of the new kilometers directional drilling rig and the method of directional drilling technology, this paper uses animated video technology of product to simulate the major workflow and the actions of whole technology and equipment which used to construct drilling hole for gas drainage in the coal mine, and the production of the animated videos make the related personnel establish the full visual impression in the practical application course of whole directional drilling technology and equipment, and it also could be used for the propaganda of related technology products and personnel technical training, and help to promote the application of this technology.

Status and Development of Directional Drilling Technology in Coal Mine

By reviewing the development status of the Chinese directional drilling technology in coal mine in recent years, the authors described the performance characteristics and R & D direction of directional drilling equipment at home and abroad, and analyzed the key equipment of directional drilling and drilling technology. And then we summarized the application of directional drilling technology in coal seam geological conditions of our country, such as geological exploration, coal seam gas controlling and water prevention engineering. Finally the authors proposed the development direction and application prospect of directional drilling in the future.

The Finite Element Analysis of the Rollers in a Rotary Steerable Drilling Tool

Rotary steerable system (RSS) is a system complete the oriented features in real-time while a drill string rotary drilling. It is a major change since the 1990s in directional drilling technology. RSSs drilling frictional and torsional resistance is small, has a high drilling speed, low cost, the well trajectory is smooth and easy to control, it is considered to be the development direction of modern steering drilling technology .When the system working ,drilling pressure and torque are passed by the thrust bearings in the controlled bend sub oriented tool; therefore it is necessary to analysis the rollers load distribution to verify the design parameters of variation cardan shaft, thrust bearings and roller are correct or not, This article analyzed thrust bearings rollers by ANSYS. Determine its maximum stress, etc. Providing more intuitive and scientific basis for its structural optimization [1].

Evolution and application of in-seam drilling for gas drainage

The presence of seam gas in the form of methane or carbon dioxide presents a hazard to underground coal mining operations. In-seam drilling has been undertaken for the past three decades for gas drainage to reduce the risk of gas outburst and lower the concentrations of seam gas in the underground ventilation. The drilling practices have reflected the standards of the times and have evolved with the development of technology and equipment and the needs to provide a safe mining environment underground. Early practice was to adapt equipment from other fields, with rotary drilling being the only form of drilling available. This form of drainage allowed various levels of gas drainage coverage but with changing emphasis, research and development within the coal industry has created specific equipment, technology and practices to accurately place in-seam boreholes to provide efficient and effective gas drainage. Research into gas content determination established a standard for the process and safe levels for mining operations to continue. Surveying technology improved from the wire-line, single-shot Eastman survey instruments which was time-dependent on borehole depth to electronic instruments located in the drill string which transmitted accurate survey data to the drilling crew without time delays. This allowed improved directional control and increased drilling rates. Directional drilling technology has now been established as the industry standard to provide effective gas drainage drilling. Exploration was identified as an additional benefit with directional drilling as it has the ability to provide exploration data from long boreholes. The ability of the technology to provide safe and reliable means to investigate the need for inrush protection and water drainage ahead of mining has been established. Directional drilling technology has now been introduced to the Chinese coal industry for gas drainage through a practice of auditing, design, supply, training and ongoing support. Experienced drilling crews can offer site specific gas drainage drilling services utilising the latest equipment and technology.