Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology Research Articles

Borehole TV Imaging Technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling Based on an Optimization Algorithm for Structural Planes

The horizontal directional drilling technology combined with the borehole TV imaging technology can be used to obtain most of the geological information in conventional adit exploration. This combination has little impact on the environment and is free from topographic constraints, thus contributing to green exploration. However, conventional algorithms for structural planes fail to accurately extract information on the attitudes of incomplete structural planes in boreholes of any azimuth. Moreover, existing borehole TV devices are mostly cable-based and, thus, difficult to put in place in horizontal drilling. They are prone to get stuck in the collapse section of boreholes, thus damaging the devices. Given these challenges, this study develops an optimization algorithm for structural planes: (1) first, information on multiple points in the 2D unfolded view is fitted using a sinusoidal function curve, three arbitrary points are constructed using the fitted curve, and the normal vector of the plane determined by the three points is calculated; (2) the normal vector in the geodetic coordinate system is obtained after two rotations of the spatial coordinate system based on the theory of transformation of Cartesian coordinate system; (3) finally, the dip angle and dip direction of a structural plane are calculated using the normal vector in the geodetic coordinate system. By making the best use of the information on multiple points in the 2D unfolded view, the optimization algorithm can overcome the defect that is difficult for conventional two-point methods to locate the highest and lowest points of discontinuous structural planes. Therefore, the optimization algorithm applies to calculating the attitudes of structural planes in boreholes of any azimuth. Based on this optimization algorithm, this study successfully develops a cable-free, storage-based TV device for boreholes of any azimuth. This device was employed for laboratory experiments on 20 complete structural planes and 32 incomplete structural planes. As indicated by the experiment results, the optimization algorithm proposed in this study is applicable to many types of structural planes, with a dip direction error of less than 10° and a dip angle error of less than 5°, thus meeting the production requirements.

External Risk Factors Evaluation in Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

External Risk Factors Evaluation in Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

Mechanical Analysis of DS in Horizontal Directional Drilling

In recent years, trenchless horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology has developed rapidly towards the direction of large pipe diameter and long span. During construction, the buckling deformation and large drag torque of the drillstring (DS) are the key problems restricting the development of the HDD technology. In order to understand the buckling deformation law of the DS in horizontal directional drilling engineering, as well as the transfer and the distribution of the drag torque, and the relationship between the buckling deformation and drag torque, the dynamic model of the DS system in drilling engineering is applied to HDD engineering. The dynamics model of HDD at a long distance (5200 m) is established and calculated. The research indicates (1) when the buckling deformation of the DS is small, priority should be given to reducing the friction and torsion at the bending position; (2) excessive inlet thrust is the main reason for the buckling deformation of the DS, and the smaller the hole diameter, the more serious the buckling deformation; (3) severe buckling deformation of the DS will lead to an increase in the frictional resistance at the deformed part, and even local self-locking, resulting in the inability to continue to increase the weight on bit (WOB). The research results preliminarily reveal the relationship between DS buckling deformation and drag torque in ultra-long distance HDD engineering and point out the phenomenon law of drag torque and buckling deformation, which has reference value for the development of HDD technology.

Predicting Tunnel Groundwater Inflow by Geological Investigation Using Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology

To improve the prediction accuracy of tunnel excavation groundwater inflow, a prediction method based on a horizontal directional drilling geological survey is proposed. It relies on the monitoring and statistical analysis of groundwater inflow into a horizontal directional drilling survey borehole. Moreover, it is based on Goodman’s empirical back‐calculation for the surrounding rock penetration coefficient and uses the groundwater dynamics method to predict the amount of inflow into the tunnel excavation. On the basis of an analysis of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the following conclusions were obtained: the tunnel excavation groundwater inflow prediction method based on a horizontal directional drilling geological survey borehole can be used to obtain the permeability coefficient value of the surrounding rock, which can be used in the groundwater dynamics method to improve the prediction accuracy; the groundwater runoff modulus method and the atmospheric precipitation infiltration method underestimate the prediction results for tunnel groundwater inflow; and the groundwater dynamics calculation results based on the horizontal survey hole prediction method are more reliable. Goodman’s empirical formula was used to predict normal groundwater inflow within the 2,271 m length from the tunnel entrance: the normal groundwater inflow into the right tunnel was approximately 6,441 m3/d, and the maximum groundwater inflow was approximately 19,323 m3/d. When the tunnel crosses the fault zone, the groundwater inflow increases significantly. The normal groundwater inflow per unit footage is approximately 7.30 m3/(d·m), and the portion of the tunnel that crosses the fault zone is a medium to strong water‐rich section.

Application analysis of digital twin model in horizontal directional drilling

As an emerging technology, digital twinning has received extensive attention at home and abroad, and has been applied to various fields. More and more experts and scholars have invested in the application research of this technology. With the rapid development of domestic urban construction, the demand for pipelines in cities is increasing. Horizontal directional drilling pipe laying technology with green, low carbon, convenient and efficient has been widely marketed. Based on the three common problems in the horizontal directional drilling process, such as the deviation of the guide hole trajectory, the sinking of the diffuser and the damage of the laying pipeline, the model is established by using the existing survey data and the object parameters obtained by laboratory experiments. The historical data and theoretical data are used as criteria to predict the problems that will be encountered in the drilling process, and then optimize the project in time. Through demonstration, it is believed that digital twinning can be applied to horizontal directional drilling technology. This paper mainly focuses on theoretical exploration, hoping to provide some ideas and methods for the application of digital twinning in horizontal directional drilling.

Human and Equipment Risk Factors Evaluation in Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

Human and Equipment Risk Factors Evaluation in Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

Prevention and Control of Water Inrushes from Subseam Karstic Ordovician Limestone During Coal Mining Above Ultra-thin Aquitards

Horizontal directional drilling technology was used to prevent and control water inrushes from the Ordovician limestone strata at the Sangshuping coal mine in the Hancheng mining area by drilling and grouting the contact zone along the top of the aquifer. Considering the hydraulic conductivity of the floor failure zone, we used the modified water inrush coefficient method to estimate the critical thickness of Ordovician limestone that had to be grouted. We carried out directional borehole exploration from both ends of the mining face and combined the results with borehole water pressure tests to determine appropriate grouting techniques and parameters; we then analysed the effectiveness of the grouting. 3-D seismic and ground transient electromagnetics (TEM) were used to detect areas of anomalous resistivity and geologic structure in the mining area, while DC and TEM geophysics were used to detect water-bearing areas ahead of the roadway. After the roadway was developed, TEM, DC resistivity sounding, and audio-magnetotellurics were used to explore water-bearing areas under the roadway and the mine floor. Radio waves were used to detect the structure of the mining face and changes in coal thickness. Finally, based on the results of exploration, an inspection program was devised using conventional boreholes supplemented by directional boreholes to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of mining under pressure. The study showed that the failure depth of the floor was 15 m and that the top of the Ordovician limestone was no longer water-bearing and was now a relative aquitard. The water inrush coefficient was reduced to less than 0.073 MPa/m, which will ensure safe mining and extend the lower limit of safe mining in the area. This provides a technical reference for prevention and control of Ordovician limestone water disasters in similar coal mines.

Numerical Methods for Optimization of the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Well Path Trajectory

Advances in the field of material engineering, computerization, automation, and equipment miniaturization enable modernization of the existing technologies and development of new solutions for construction, inspection, and renovation of underground pipelines. Underground pipe installations are used in the energy sector, gas industry, telecommunications, water and sewage transport, heating, chemical industry, and environmental engineering. In order to build new pipeline networks, dig and no-dig techniques are used. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is one of the most popular trenchless technologies. The effectiveness of HDD technology application is mostly determined by its properly designed trajectory. Drilling failures and complications, which often accompany the application of the HDD technology, result from poor design of the well path in relation to the existing geological and drilling conditions. The article presented two concepts of Horizontal Directional Drilling well path trajectory design: Classic sectional, which is a combination of straight and curvilinear sections, and a single-section chain curve trajectory (catenary). Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the catenary trajectory relative to the sectional trajectory, the author’s solution was presented, which was the implementation of the sectional trajectory with a maximum shape similarity to the catenary trajectory. The new approach allowed us to take advantage of a chain curve trajectory and was easier to implement using the available technology. The least squares method, based on deviations from a catenary trajectory, was set as the matching criterion. The process of searching for a trajectory, being a combination of straight and curvilinear sections as similar as possible to a catenary-type trajectory, was carried out using two methodologies: State space search and a genetic algorithm. The article shows the pros and cons of both optimization methodologies. Taking into account the technical and technological limitations of HDD drilling devices, a new approach was proposed, combining the methodology of state space search with the genetic algorithm. A calculation example showed the application of the proposed methodology in an engineering design process.

Comparison of Reconstruction Options for Water Supply Network of Small Village

The article is aimed at comparative analysis of options for reconstructing water supply network of small village. To this end, two methods of replacing the pipeline are considered - horizontal directional drilling technology and open method. To achieve the task for each of the options, the scope of work on laying polyethylene pipes was determined, estimated cost of work was calculated, schedule for reconstruction of water supply networks was developed, plans and schedules for funds inflow for reconstruction of water supply network were presented.

Sustainable Replacement of Aging Drinking Water Lines Using Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology

Background: Due to deterioration from aging, the City of Yuma, Arizona undertook the replacement of approximately 5800 L.F. (1767 m) of existing aging and undersized asbestos cement water lines in the vicinity of the downtown core to reduce maintenance and repairs and improve water service levels. Installed between 1938 and 1940, six line segments of existing 2-inch (50 mm) to 6-inch (150 mm) asbestos cement water lines were replaced by 6-inch (150 mm) diameter PVC pipe. Methods: To study advantages and disadvantages of traditional open-cut construction compared to Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), the City separated the project into approximately 2000 L.F. (609 m) of HDD and 3800 L.F. (1158 m) of open-cut. Analyzing the same project provided an opportunity to study a true head-to-head comparison of the two methods. PVC C900 DR18 was installed using open-cut, while Fusible PVC (FPVC) DR18 was installed by HDD. Data was collected in the field over a two-month period with factors analyzed including comparison of: (1) environmental impacts; (2) traffic impacts; and (3) productivity. Results: The results found HDD to have inherent advantages in all three areas when compared to traditional open-cut. The HDD option emitted approximately 23% of airborne emissions compared to open cut. Traffic was restricted in the sections involving open-cut construction, while the HDD sections had continuous traffic flow due to the closure of only one lane. HDD achieved an average productivity of 1.91 L.F./min (0.58 m/min) compared to traditional open-cut, which achieved an average productivity of 0.43 L.F./min (0.13 m/min). This translates to HDD achieving a production rate greater than four times that of open-cut. Conclusions: The adoption of trenchless technologies such as HDD will continue to increase as municipalities turn to sustainable solutions for replacing and/or rehabilitating their existing water pipe line infrastructure. HDD has proven to be superior to open-cut construction in environmental, traffic control and productivity.

Evaluation of utilizing horizontal directional drilling technology for ground source heat pumps

The drilling cost of Ground Heat Exchangers (GHEs), which increases the capital cost, is one of the main obstacles to their widespread development. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a lower cost no-dig drilling technology commonly used for drilling tunnels or for the installation of urban infrastructure such as pipes, cables, etc., using the prescribed underground path. Thus, using HDD technology for horizontal GHE (HGHE) is expected to improve the competitiveness of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems, since its drilling cost and the requirement of surface land area are significantly smaller than those of conventional excavation.In this research, a horizontal U-shaped hole was drilled as an experimental GHE in Saga City, western Japan. This hole with diameter of 230 mm, length 63 m, and a maximum depth of 8 m was used to place a polyethylene pipe with a 52 mm ID as GHE, inside. The thermal response test (TRT) with a heat load of 35−45 W/m effectively demonstrated the good heat exchange ability of the HGHE due to the larger heat exchange surface and the lack of thermal interference between pipes. The developed numerical model in FEFLOW and based on GHE design as well as the field’s geological condition were validated through the history matching of the heat medium temperatures measured during the TRT. This model was then used to carry out a sensitivity analysis under different design conditions. The results showed that the heat exchange rates were significantly enhanced in larger diameter of GHEs, while the unit heat exchange rates declined in longer lengths of GHE. The deeper installation of GHE was found to be insignificant due to the delayed seasonal change of the ground temperature, not to mention the consequent higher drilling cost. In addition, the effect of groundwater flow indicated that faster groundwater velocities, and in perpendicular direction, show the maximum system improvement.Finally, an economic and comparative study was performed to calculate and compare the merits of HDD with equivalent conventional GSHPs including single and double U-tube, coaxial and slinky GHE. The results of economic analysis showed that HDD technology can reduce GHSP cost up to a maximum of 78 %.

Introducing Bentonite into the Environment in the Construction Stage of Linear Underground Investment Using the HDD Method

The study discusses the issue of introducing drilling fluid (bentonite) into the environment during the construction of linear underground investments, considering the example of the construction of the high-pressure gas pipeline, Czeszów—Kiełczów DN1000, which involved the use of the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method. The analyses concern the drilling stage as a low-waste technology, indicating the use and management of bentonite drilling fluid in a closed circulation cycle in the area of Pęciszów, poviat Trzebnica (Poland). The loss of drilling fluid in valuable natural areas during the construction stage of the gas pipeline has been analyzed. Drilling fluid is an element of the horizontal directional drilling technology (HDD). The analyzed area included a section of the route of the strategic gas pipeline, realized in June–July 2017 in an area of lowland ash and alder forest 91E0-3, a probable breeding site of the Bluethroat for a detailed description and common frog. The loss of the drilling fluid used in the drilling phase has been determined, depending on the type of soil and the related fraction as well as the possibility of treating the drilling fluid used to construct the drilling.

Methodology for reducing energy and resource costs in construction of trenchless crossover of pipelines

The paper suggests a set of measures to select the equipment and its components in order to reduce energy costs in the process of pulling the pipeline into the well in the constructing the trenchless pipeline crossings of various materials using horizontal directional drilling technology. A methodology for reducing energy costs has been developed by regulating the operation modes of equipment during the process of pulling the working pipeline into a drilled and pre-expanded well. Since the power of the drilling rig is the most important criterion in the selection of equipment for the construction of a trenchless crossover, an algorithm is proposed for calculating the required capacity of the rig when operating in different modes in the process of pulling the pipeline into the well.

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.

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.

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.

Failure analysis and solution studies on drill pipe thread gluing at the exit side of horizontal directional drilling

With its advantages of a shorter construction period, fewer external constraints, and higher construction quality, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology has become widespread throughout the world’s trenchless industries. However, thread gluing accidents have often occurred at the exit side during construction. Not only has this caused an excessive number of drill pipe failures, but it has also significantly extended the construction time, thus greatly limiting the development of HDD technology. In order to reveal the failure causes, the authors of this study researched the construction conditions of the Lanzhou-Zhengzhou-Changsha third crossing of the Yangtze River. Then, material tensile property tests and make-up and break-out tests of the same batch of drill pipe were performed to observe the material properties and structural parameters. A 3D drill pipe thread finite element model (FEM) was established based on principles of virtual work, nonlinear contact theory, and the elastic–plastic yield criterion, which may be loaded by various combining loads, such as make-up torque and bending moment, which cannot be loaded on a 2D model. Analysis of the construction situations with this FEM showed that insufficient make-up torque was the main predisposition factor and bending moment generated by the drill pipes hanging were the immediate causes of the failure accidents. Some improvement measures have been proposed according to the failure causes, and successfully applied in engineering. A beveled shoulder thread (BST) was proposed, which is superior to the API thread by having a higher bending strength, larger flexural rigidity and a stronger seal performance withstand bending load, and is thus suitable for HDD. The work presented in this paper is a reliable guideline for reducing thread gluing accidents and thus reducing construction time in HDD projects.