In modern energy infrastructure construction, oil and gas pipeline crossing projects play a vital role. Whether crossing rivers, highways, railways or urban areas, safe and efficient pipeline installation requires professional trenchless horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment. For oil and gas pipeline crossing projects involving long distances and large diameters, how to select the right equipment? How to ensure compliance with international safety standards?

This article provides an in-depth analysis of selection criteria for large crawler-mounted HDD and shares key construction standards for oil and gas pipeline crossing projects to help you complete projects efficiently.

Challenges in Oil & Gas Pipeline Crossing Projects and Equipment Selection Criteria

1. Long-Distance Crossings: Ensuring Construction Stability

Challenge: Oil and gas pipeline crossing projects exceeding 300m require equipment with exceptional continuous operation capability and steering accuracy.

Solutions:

(1) High-torque power head - Hengwang HWF460 delivers 19,000N·m torque for stable drilling in complex geology

(2) High-flow mud system - 450L/min mud pump flow maintains borehole stability

(3) Intelligent guidance system - Electromagnetic positioning + gyroscope technology achieves ±0.3m accuracy

(4) Recommended equipment: Hengwang HWF460 (max. construction distance 450m, suitable for rock hardness 6-20 grade)

2. Large-Diameter Pipelines: Improving Reaming Efficiency

Challenge: Oil and gas pipeline crossing projects for pipes above DN1000mm require powerful pullback force and staged reaming capability.

Solutions:

(1) Multi-stage reaming technology - Hengwang HWF135 supports Ø200-700mm staged reaming

(2) Hydraulic auto-anchoring - Prevents equipment displacement (standard 1600kN anchoring force)

(3) Heavy-duty crawler chassis - Ground pressure ≤0.05MPa, suitable for soft soil

Recommended equipment: Hengwang HWF135 (max. reaming diameter 700mm, pullback force 135kN)

3. Special Geology: Handling Rock and Quicksand Layers

Challenge: Oil and gas pipeline crossing projects often encounter unstable formations like hard rock and quicksand.

Solutions:

(4) Rock drilling tools - Optional tungsten carbide insert bits (for 200MPa compressive strength rock)

(5) Polymer mud formula - Bentonite + CMC additives enhance borehole wall support

(6) Real-time parameter monitoring - Cab display shows drilling pressure, rotation speed and other key data

Key Construction Standards for Oil & Gas Pipeline Crossing Projects

1. Preliminary Survey

(1) Conduct 3D underground scanning with ground-penetrating radar

(2) Test soil bearing capacity and permeability coefficient

2. Pilot Hole Drilling

(1) Control drilling speed ≤1.5m/min (≤0.5m/min in hard rock)

(2) Verify trajectory with magnetic target every 30m

3. Staged Reaming

(1) Determine final hole diameter at 120% of pipe diameter

(2) Limit each reaming stage to ≤200mm increment

4. Pipe Pullback

(1) Use swivel joints to prevent PE pipe twisting

(2) Maintain pullback speed at 6-12m/min

Hengwang Group HDD Rigs: Reliable Partners for Oil & Gas Pipeline Crossing Projects

For special requirements of oil and gas pipeline crossing projects, Hengwang Group offers a complete HDD equipment series:

HWF50

(1) Compact design for crossings under DN300mm

(2) Standard auto hydraulic pressure adjustment system

HWF135

(1) Dual-motor drive with 3,200N·m torque

(2) CE certified, compliant with EU safety standards

HWF460

(1) Industry-leading 460kN pullback force

(2) Optional semi-automatic navigation system

All models feature:

(1) Cummins/Weichai high-pressure common rail engines

(2) Rexroth hydraulic systems

(3) Explosion-proof electrical control cabinets

Conclusion

Successful oil and gas pipeline crossing projects require the perfect combination of professional equipment + standardized construction. Hengwang HDD equipment has participated in national projects like West-East Gas Pipeline and China-Russia Eastern Route, completing 800+ km of pipeline installation.

Planning an oil & gas pipeline crossing project?

Get one-on-one equipment selection consultation with Hengwang engineers!

Choose Hengwang - Make every crossing an industry benchmark!