HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL

File no. 18173

DRILLING DESIGN CALCULATION
REPORT
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PIPE PULLING LOAD CALCULATION

5.1 Methodology
The pulling force calculation is based on elementary finite difference calculation of the pull
force required to install the complete pipeline section from entry point to exit point of the
pipeline in the reamed hole. The total pull force required to install the pipe is determined by
summing the individual forces required to pull the pipe through each of the straight and
curved sections defined in the “drilling hole profile”.

The required pull force for pulling the pipe string is calculated as the force required to
overcome combined effects of the following:

− Frictional force
− Drag force
− Force due to change in elevation (potential) of pipe section

5.2 Frictional Force

Frictional force shall be overcome by the pulling force applied by the rig in order to pull the
pipe inside the drilled hole. Frictional force acting on the pipe string is classified as following:

− the frictional force acting between rollers and pipe

− the frictional force acting between soil and pipe down hole

5.2.1 Frictional force acting between the rollers and the pipe:

It is calculated as per the following formula:

𝐹𝐹𝑟,𝑅 = 𝑊𝑒 ∙ 𝜇𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 ∙ 𝐿𝑟

Where,
We = Weight of empty pipe
µroller = Co-efficient of friction on roller support
Lr = Length of pipe string remaining on roller supports

TABLE 5.2.1 FRICTIONAL FORCE BETWEEN ROLLERS AND PIPE

Pipe on Pipe on Frictional

Location of Frictional force Location of
rollers rollers force due to
Pipe End on rollers Pipe End
(m) (m) rollers

Point A 300.890 14.392 MT Point D 97.444 4.661 MT

Point B 285.460 13.654 MT Point E 11.050 0.529 MT

Point C 208.666 9.981 MT Point F 0.0 0.0 MT

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REPORT
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5.2.2 Frictional force acting between soil and pipe:

The methodology for calculation of frictional force acting between soil and pipe string down
the drilled hole depends upon the drilling profile i.e. the location is straight or curved.

Straight Section

The frictional force acting between soil and pipe string downhole in the straight section is
given by the following equation:

𝐹𝐹𝑟,𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 𝑊𝑠 ∙ 𝐿 ∙ 𝜇𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ∙ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Where,

Ws = Submerged weight of pipe

µsoil = Co-efficient of friction

θ = Angle between pipe direction and horizon

Curved Section

The frictional force acting between soil and pipe string downhole in the curved section is
given by the following equation:

𝐹𝐹𝑟,𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 𝜇𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 × 𝑁

Where,

N = Average normal contact force in the curved section

= [Fav × h − Ws cos (θ/2) × Y]⁄X

Fav = Average pulling force in the curved section

(Calculated iteratively)

h = 𝑅 [1 − cos 𝜃⁄2]

R = Radius of curvature of the curved section

𝐿𝑎𝑟𝑐⁄ 𝐽 U
X = 4 − ( ⁄2) × tanh ( ⁄2)

Larc = Curved length of the section

Y = (𝐿𝑎𝑟𝑐 2 ⁄8) − 𝑗 2 [1 − 1⁄𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ(𝑈⁄2)]

J = √(𝐸𝑠 × 𝐼⁄𝐹 )
𝑎𝑣

I = Moment of inertia
𝑡
= 𝜋(𝐷𝑠 − 𝑡𝑠 )3 × 𝑠⁄8

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REPORT
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TABLE 5.2.2 FRICTIONAL FORCE BETWEEN SOIL AND PIPE

Section Frictional Section Frictional

Description length down force down Description length down force down
hole (m) hole hole (m) hole

At Point A 0.0 0.0 MT Section CD 111.222 4.619 MT

Section AB 15.430 0.635 MT Section DE 86.394 6.982 MT

Section BC 76.794 5.879 MT Section EF 11.050 0.453 MT

5.3 Drag Force

The drag force is generated due to fluidic drag between pipe and viscous drilling fluid i.e.
bentonite mud. It is directly proportional to the external surface area of the pipe and co-
efficient of drag between the pipe and bentonite mud.

The drag force is calculated as per the following equation:

𝐹𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑔 = 𝜋 ∙ 𝐷 ∙ 𝐿 ∙ 𝜇𝑚𝑢𝑑

D = Outside diameter of pipe

L = Length of pipe in the drilled section

TABLE 5.3.1 DRAG FORCE DUE TO BENTONITE MUD

Section Section
Drag force Drag force
Description length down Description length down
down hole down hole
hole (m) hole (m)

At Point A 0.0 0.000 MT Section CD 111.222 6.305 MT

Section AB 15.430 0.875 MT Section DE 86.394 4.897 MT

Section BC 76.794 4.353 MT Section EF 11.050 0.453 MT

5.4 Force due to change in elevation (potential) of pipe section

The change in elevation of the pipe section either supports the pulling operation or obstruct
the pipe movement depending upon the pipe is pulled down the drilled hole or up the drill
hole. It also depends upon that the submerged weight of pipe is acting downwards or is
buoyant upwards. In case, the drilled hole section is horizontal, then there will be no change
in elevation and this force will be zero.

The force due to change in elevation (potential) of pipe section is calculated as per following
equation:

𝐹𝑃 = 𝑊𝑠 × 𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

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