Research on Key Technologies for Pullback in Land-to-sea Directional Drilling of Submarine Pipelines for Gas Storage

doi:10.11885/j.issn.1674-5086.2026.05.11.01

Abstract

Abstract: To address the constraints of limited water depth and poor riser safety during the landfall of subsea pipelines for injection, production and transmission of offshore gas storage reservoirs in shallow coastal waters, key control technologies for pipeline pullback in land-to-sea directional drilling are investigated. Three pullback operation modes are classified according to the layout of pipeline prefabrication and traction equipment, and the optimal construction scheme is selected based on site conditions. A novel four-section model for calculating the total length of pullback pipelines is established, with calculation criteria defined for each section. Referencing GB/T 50423 and NEN 3650 standards, a three-stage formula for pullback force is derived by taking full account of resistances on land, inside boreholes and on seabed. The combined prefabrication on land and traction via drilling rig on anchored barge is verified as the optimal solution. Calculations with a safety factor of 3.0 yield a maximum design pullback force of 4 160.92 kN, matching a 500 t offshore drilling rig. Comparison of the applicability of fixed platforms, jack-up platforms and anchored barges confirms the 8-point mooring barge as the preferred operating platform. A calculation method for anchor cable touch-down points is developed based on the catenary equation, alongside comprehensive protection measures for existing subsea facilities. The proposed technologies provide technical support for similar landfall projects of subsea pipelines for offshore gas storage reservoirs via directional drilling in shallow coastal waters.

Key words: land-to-sea directional drilling, pipeline pullback, offshore gas storage, pullback force calculation, moored barge, submarine pipeline

CLC Number:

TE42

HAO Dayong, ZHANG Lingxuan, ZHANG Tao, MAO Qingzhe, ZHANG Guoxing, FAN Jiaxi. Research on Key Technologies for Pullback in Land-to-sea Directional Drilling of Submarine Pipelines for Gas Storage[J]. Journal of Southwest Petroleum University(Science & Technology Edition), 2026, 48(4): 181-187.

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