Horizontal Directional Drilling Research Articles

Pipeline Lifting Mechanics Research of Horizontal Directional Drilling

During lifting pipeline of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), the rotation angle of pipeline is determined by such parameters as the location of lifting point, axial force, and length of pipeline. The continuous beam theory is used to analyze the mechanical behaviour of pipeline during lifting construction, and the mechanical model of pipeline during lifting construction process is established. The analysis results show that the lifting height of gondola 1 varies linearly with the length of pipeline. The lifting height of gondola 2 varies linearly with axial force and pipe gravity. The longer the spanning pipeline is, the higher the lifting height is. The lifting height of gondola 2 varies curve trend with the axial force and pipe stiffness. When the length of pipeline is small, the lifting height of gondola 2 is approximately 0.

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) alignment optimization using ant colony optimization

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method that consists in drilling an inclined and curved bore from an entry point to an exit point. In practice, HDD is designed iteratively by trial and error, to minimize the cost under geometric and mechanical constraints. In this paper, we optimize the drill path with continuous implementations of an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm that sets the depth of the alignment and its entry and exit angles as the design parameters to optimize, to ensure minimal drill path length (cost), avoid collapse or instability (mechanical constraints) and remain in the construction domain (geometric constraint). We compare the ACO results to the drill paths designed in practice in two different scenarios: one in which the entry and exit points are fixed, and one in which the geometry of the central segment is constrained. Results show that ACO can be used to automate the otherwise time-consuming design process while minimizing the drill path length and the costs associated to it.

Rheological Properties of Clay-Based Drilling Fluids and Evaluation of Their Hole-Cleaning Performances in Horizontal Directional Drilling

AbstractHole cleaning is a significant issue in well drilling, and this problem becomes more severe in horizontal directional drilling (HDD). One of the main functions of the drilling fluid is to t...

Evaluating Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling Compared to Open-Cut: Case Study in the City of Enid, OK

AbstractThe process of installing and maintaining buried pipelines can be disruptive to the local traffic along with other undesirable impacts such as airborne emissions from the construction equip...

Pipeline shore crossing approaches in Arctic conditions

The development of the Arctic region will entail the construction of new infrastructure, in particular, subsea pipelines. Considering the lack of actual field practice, ecosystem vulnerability and lack of common Arctic international standards, their development will be a big challenge, in particular, in the shore crossing zone. The design and construction ofpipelines in the shore crossing area require a special approach that takes into account environmental and technological aspects of development. This work is aimed at analysing and determining environmental and technological factors influencing the design of offshore pipelines in the Arctic coastline. The paper presents theoretical and analytical work and the research isapplied to a specific case study (pipelines from the Leningraskoye field to shore), through engineering calculations. Currently, there are five Arctic projects with shore transition areas for which trenching has been implemented. In order to determine the best shore crossing approach, it is important to consider the following environmental conditions: ice encroachment; ice ridges; shoreline erosion; permafrost thawing. Environmental characteristics should predetermine the choice of approach. Among three existing methods: trenching, tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), the micro-tunnelling method is recommended for the Leningradskoye field in combination with a cofferdam corridor to protect the buried pipe from waves and ice in the nearshore area. In order to protect the surrounded permafrost from melting seasonal cooling-device is recommendedto be used. The burial depth is determined to be more than 3.52 m in accordance with Force model calculations of ice ridges scouring depth. On the basis of research, the general choice-making diagram was proposed for Arctic shore crossing areas.

The Catenary Method as an Alternative to the Horizontal Directional Drilling Trajectory Design in 2D Space

An increase in demand for energy natural resources has stimulated the development of gas pipeline networks in Europe, as well as globally. Also, in Poland in recent years there has been a significant increase in natural gas consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to build new pipelines networks using dig and no–dig techniques. Horizontal Directional Drilling is one of the most popular trenchless technologies. The aim of this article is to present a new approach in the design of HDD trajectories in two–dimensional space (2D). A review of the trajectories used so far has been provided, offering calculation algorithms to determine their well path. Then, the original catenary method is proposed, taking into account natural deflection of casing pipes. Applicable formulas and computational algorithms have been given, together with a computational example which enables comparison of the classical design methodology with the new one. According to the authors, due to natural stress distribution, the catenary method allows the use of smaller pulling forces during installation and ensures longer pipeline life. Therefore, it should be used in industrial practice as an alternative to current designing methods.

Risk Assessments of Water Inrush from Coal Seam Floor during Deep Mining Using a Data Fusion Approach Based on Grey System Theory

With the increase in depth of coal mining, the hydrogeological complexity largely increases and water inrush accidents happen more frequently. For the safety of coal mining, horizontal directional drilling and grouting techniques have been implemented to detect and plug the fractures and conduits that deliver high-pressure groundwater to coal mine. Taking the grouting engineering performed at Xingdong coal mine at 980 m below sea level as an example, we collected the data of grouting quantity, the loss of drilling fluid, gamma value, water temperature, average water absorption, distance between grouting loss points, water pressure on coal seam floor, and aquifuge thickness at 90 boreholes in the mine to conduct grey relational analysis, first. The analysis showed that the grouting quantity was highly correlated with all other factors. Subsequently, grey system evaluation was used to evaluate the risk of water inrush from the coal seam floor. The results of risk analysis illustrated that three water inrushes from Ordovician limestone occurred in mining face 2127, 2125, and 2222 in the study area were all located in the area with a risk score higher than 65. Through grouting, the identified cracks were effectively blocked and waterproof layers beneath the coal seam floors were constructed to reduce the threat of water inrush. By comparing the risk assessment results with three water inrush cases before grouting operation, we found that water inrush areas were consistent with the area of higher risk.

Comprehensive Risk Management in Horizontal Directional Drilling Projects

AbstractNowadays, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology is one of the most popular trenchless construction methods for installing pipelines under obstacles. Both risk analysis and risk m...

Investigating the use of no-dig technologies for underground utilities in developing countries

Major cities in most of the developing countries are becoming increasingly crowded. Conventional open-trench methods are expensive and lead to traffic disruption. The domestic government is looking at alternative approaches to install and rehabilitate aging underground utilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of awareness and utilization of no-dig (i.e., trenchless technology) methods, the potential of their future growth, and their impact on social costs in a developing country. A survey was first conducted to investigate the use of trenchless technology methods in new construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure projects. The pertaining impact on social costs was then examined. Survey data were analyzed, and the potential of future growth of using trenchless technology methods was investigated. It has been found that “horizontal directional drilling” is the prevalent trenchless method used, while “robotic spot repair” is the least utilized one among all the methods used for new construction or rehabilitation of underground utilities. The results also revealed that using trenchless construction has a maximum impact on the “travel/traffic delay” type of social costs. The “horizontal directional drilling” method has the highest potential of future growth in new construction, while the “lining of pipe” was ranked first among rehabilitation methods. The data analysis results have also revealed that a critical social implication of using trenchless construction methods is their limited disruptions to the society when installing or rehabilitating underground utilities. Such social disruptions include road closures, traffic delays, and detours resulting in noise and loss of access to homes/businesses.

The hybrid Fuzzy Fault and Event Tree analysis in the geotechnical risk management in HDD projects

ABSTRACT Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology is one of the most popular trenchless construction methods for installing pipelines under various obstacles. The geotechnical risk level of HDD projects is one of the key parameters when assessing the project feasibility and making costing of the project. It is also a starting point for introducing the geotechnical risk management strategy which aims to reduce the number of installation failures and their negative consequences. The objective of this work was to develop a new geotechnical risk management model for HDD projects. The risk management process was carried out applying the hybrid Fuzzy Fault and Event Tree analysis. Applying the fuzzy set theory in the proposed model made it possible to decrease the lack of precision and difficulties with gaining the crisp values of the basic events probability, which occur in the conventional Fault Tree Analysis. It allowed to model risk management actions clearly and effectively. Forty-seven risk remediation strategies for all the identified geotechnical risks were proposed. Four types of risk response strategies were considered: risk retention, risk transfer, risk elimination and risk reduction. The practical application of the proposed risk management model for HDD projects was shown on four examples.

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.

Numerical Modeling of the Annular Failure Pressure during HDD in Noncohesive Soils

AbstractOne of the critical issues that engineers, contractors, and owners encounter during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is inadvertent return of drilling fluid (frac-out or hydraulic frac...

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.

A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Orbit Pipeline Project Jefferson, Liberty, and Chambers Counties, Texas

A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Orbit Pipeline Project Jefferson, Liberty, and Chambers Counties, Texas

Choosing injectable solution for auger technology of underground space protection against pollution

Purpose. The research is devoted to the experimental choice of injection composition for auger technology of installation of underground anti-filtration shields under the source of pollution. The auger technology for the arrangement of an anti-filtration shield consists of pilot holes made by the horizontal directional drilling, which is followed by the arrangement of a waterproof layer by replacing the soil with auger by special concrete solution. Methodology. The main research method is experimental-statistical modeling, which includes conducting laboratory tests; correlation-regression analysis of the obtained data; qualitative, quantitative and graphical analysis of the obtained regularities of the studied indicators change from the varied factors. Findings. The main results of the study are the following: substantiation of the relevance of the development of the auger technology for the protection of underground space; development of methods and conducting laboratory experiments in choosing the injectable solution; analysis of experimental and statistical regularities of changes in water absorption and time of plastic strength setting when varying the composition of the anti-filtration shield (concentration of fiber, bentonite, water glass); development of the concept of technology of the anti-filtration shield arrangement. Originality. Experimental studies made it possible to establish that the minimum water absorption of the shied samples is observed at the lowest concentration of fiber (0.5%), bentonite (1%) and liquid glass (2%) in the injected solution. For structures of small width (1020m), there are suitable compositions with a minimum time of plastic strength setting at a concentration of fiber (3%), bentonite (5%) and water glass (18%). For structures with a large width (4060m), there are suitable compositions with a long time of plastic strength at a concentration of fiber (9%), bentonite (5%) and water glass (6%). Practical value. Experimental results made it possible to develop technological recommendations for construction of anti-filtration shields using the auger technology. Namely: to develop a concept and procedure of works, to calculate the costs of labor and machine time, to compile a list of necessary materials, machinery and equipment.

The design of the guide frame of the tunneling shield for laying communications under the riverbed

The article presents the option of improving the working equipment of the tunnel-boring complex for laying underground utilities, including trunk pipelines. The method of trenchless laying of underground utilities, consisting in a combination of methods of horizontal directional drilling and micro-channeling, is proposed. The proposed technology does not require the construction of a preliminary mine and a site for the installation of a drilling machine and allows one to combine in one working step the drilling of a well, the laying of a pipeline, welding and insulation works. Presents calculations aimed at determining the forces of movement of the shield, the definition of the power of the shield, as well as the calculation of the strength of the shield. The technique of carrying out technological operations is demonstrated taking into account the use of the proposed technical solution.

Rigid-flexible coupled multi-body dynamics analysis of horizontal directional drilling rig system

To reduce the failure probability of gas drainage drilling holes in coal mines, a new modeling method of gas drainage drilling machine is presented. Firstly, each drill pipe is regarded as a flexible body, and the Lagrange’s equation of second kind is used to model it. Secondly, the joint of drill bit, hole wall and drill pipe are regarded as rigid bodies, and the Newton-Euler method is used to model it. Thirdly, the rigid-flexible coupling multi-body dynamic model of drilling rig-drill pipe-hole wall system in medium and short horizontal section of soft coal seam is established by using relative node coordinate method, and the time complexity and operation complexity of modeling are reduced by using ADAMS macro program. Finally, the finite element method is used to discretize the model, and the virtual prototyping technology is used to solve the mathematical model. The simulation results show that the coupling of friction and vibration does not necessarily increase the probability of drilling failure, but sometimes reduces the amplitude of vibration. Compared with the length of each drill pipe, the influence of drilling depth on the system is greater, and the bit-bounce behaviours is more likely to occur in the deep hole. The operating frequency range of the drilling rig is 6.9E-3 to 2.1E+4Hz. When the length of the drill pipe is constant, the natural frequency of the system increases with the increase of the order, while the natural frequency of the deep hole section is almost unaffected by the order. In practical engineering, the vibration excitation of the actuator should be controlled to avoid the natural frequency. Meanwhile, the modal frequency should be avoided as far as possible to reduce the vibration and the failure probability of drilling holes. The model can simulate a series of dynamic responses of drilling rig system in drilling process, and provide theoretical support for subsequent multi-factor coupling modeling.

Determination of optimum installation depth of ground heat exchangers installed using horizontal directional drilling method

Determination of optimum installation depth of ground heat exchangers installed using horizontal directional drilling method

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 %.

The Important of Horizontal Directional Drilling Standard Technical Requirements

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless technology provides an installation alternative that offers a lot of benefit compared to traditional open-cut method. It’s called HDD because its steering ability to avoid existing utilities or other obstacles either horizontally, vertically and even pulled back where she got its name. HDD was developed in California in the 1970s and was introduced in Europe in 1986. Since year 1992 up to 2016 there are more than 40 thousand-unit HDD machine were sold worldwide. The aims of this study are to determine the present local authorities’ technical requirements in HDD works, to determine the factors of HDD good practices and to develop a standard HDD’s technical requirement. This research shall use mixed method in achieving the objectives. A descriptive and exploratory research design will be used for the study. The research design for this study contains the following consist of the research problem and research questions, sampling design, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validation/verification of the HDD standard technical requirements and its’ frameworks. This study shall able to produce a standard HDD technical requirement and its’ framework. With the establishment of a thorough and a standard local authority’ technical requirements it’s will able to educate the HDD contractors and assist them in carrying out their work properly, successfully and safely. It’s will also able to educate the stake holders on how important to follow the stipulated technical requirements that contributed to the project success.