WorldWide Drilling Resource®

Reducing HDD Risks Adapted from Information by DNV GL A new standard, DNVGl-ST-F121, provides guidance and requirements for all phases of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) project, including installing pipelines beneath obstructions such as rivers and highways, and offshore pipelines approaching the shoreline. it was created by DNV Gl through a joint industry project to provide a series of min- imum requirements and best practices for all HDD phases, from site investigation, engineering, and planning, to execution of pipeline installation to reduce the risk associated with HDD crossings. The use of HDD installation techniques has grown significantly over the past decades. HDD crossings are complex in na- ture and always very challenging. it is not uncommon to face problems during execution that have significant impact on cost and schedule. The best way to overcome this is to ensure proper investigation, engineering, planning, and execution of all drilling-related activities. Additionally, without a method for in situ repair of damaged pipelines installed by HDD, it makes it even more important to ensure the quality of pipeline design, construction, and installation. The earlier potential risks and problems are identified for an HDD project, the better for the delivery and completion of the project. All these challenges led the joint industry project to consolidate the knowledge and experience of HDD. Operators, engi- neering, procurement, and construction companies, as well as drilling contrac- tors were brought together to address not only borehole stability and drilling activities’ perspective, but also the aspects related to the pipeline integrity. “DNV Gl brought together a multi- disciplinary group of experts that resulted in a new standard that has established clear parameters, limits, and criteria for essential issues related to HDD projects. We are confident that this standard will bring long-term benefit to HDD opera- tions, reducing risk, and improving quality,” said Frank Ketelaars, regional manager, Americas, DNV Gl - Oil & Gas. The document also serves as a contractual reference agreement between a pipeline operator and its subcontractors for the design, con- struction, and installation of pipelines using HDD. DNVGl-ST-F121 is part of a portfolio of nearly 80 DNV Gl stan- dards and recommended practices for the oil and gas industry. For the link , visit worldwidedrillingresource.com 25 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MARCH 2020 Did you know broccoli is a flower? if harvested later, the little flower buds would open and be yellow. DIR