CUTTING EDGE > OIL&GAS FRONTIERS 27

HDD RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is an alternative construction method in the trenchless industry that has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. It represents a significant improvement over traditional open cut methods for installing pipelines beneath obstructions such as rivers, highways, railroads and other obstacles. However, HDD is a complex procedure not well understood by most contractors. This 2011 joint industry project (JIP) engages DNV with the affected industry. The result will be a set of internationally acceptable requirements and recommended practices for HDD construction. HDD IN PRACTICE HDD installations have been completed in nearly every conceivable subsurface condition. They are also being utilized increasingly in the shore approach of offshore pipelines, primarily because they present a lower environmental impact in certain cases than alternative construction methods. In contrast, shore crossing installations using HDD are much more complex and challenging than typical surface to surface installations. Many factors determine the success of an HDD project, and all are under evaluation for the new requirements and recommendations. Existing guidelines have failed in establishing clear parameters, limits and criteria for essential issues related to HDD projects. DNVs current work fills a void and offers a solution in this important area. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Our objective is to elaborate a set of requirements and recommendations in order to guarantee the quality of an HDD project and the success of HDD operations. All relevant aspects in an HDD project are being addressed to ensure that site investigation, engineering, planning and execution of pipeline installation by HDD are performed in accordance with minimum requirements and best practices. LEADERSHIP IN ACTION This is the first time operators, contractors and drilling companies have joined to discuss best practices and minimum requirements for successful pipeline installations by HDD, keeping in mind not only important issues related to the borehole but also aspects related to the pipeline to be installed. This is an ambitious project, but we are confident that the objectives will be accomplished, resulting in many benefits to the participants and industry, states Danilo Machado, Project Manager. Project participants include Petrobras, Subsea 7, Sinopec, Brasfix, DrillTec, Intech Engenharia, Laney Directional Drilling, Polidrill, Megadrill South America, Superpesa/MGI and Herrenknecht. Internationally recognized drilling companies are working with HDD specialists with many years of experience at projects worldwide. The resulting standards will provide first-time company benefits: clear guidance on HDD projects, and a reduction in the risks and costs of HDD works.

PROJECT MANAGER DANILO MACHADO Doctor of Science, The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, COPPE/UFRJ, 2009 Danilo Machado completed the MSc degree in 2005, and the DSc degree in 2009, both at COPPE/ UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). The MSc thesis was related to the definition of initial configurations of flexible lines, and the DSc thesis was about non-linear dynamic simulation of offshore pipeline installation. Before joining DNV in 2008, Danilo worked for 5 years in cooperation projects between CENPES (Research Centre of Petrobras) and COPPE/UFRJ. In his current position as a Senior Engineer, Danilo is part of the SURF&Pipeline Section, Rio de Janeiro office. His work involves design verification of pipeline projects with focus on pipeline and equipment installation analysis. Danilo Machado is the Project Manager of the HDD Joint Industry Project Recommended Practices for Onshore and Shore Approaching HDD Projects.

+
FACTS: Many problems have been faced in HDD operations: the industry is aware that there is a long-term benefit if they invest in the development of application standards and designs for techniques that will provide a successful job and specify the acceptable range of conditions. That is the idea of this JIP our first JIP in Brazil.