Optimal parameters selection of pipe lifting project in horizontal directional drilling

In recent years, Horizontal Directional Drilling has been the first choice in non-excavation project. To reduce the resistance force and avoid damage of pipeline in construction, the angle formed by the axis of pipeline and axis of hole need to be lessened by lifting the pipeline to a certain height. However, there is not any mathematical method for engineer to choose the best lifting position and lifting height rapidly. In this paper, a mathematical model is established to find out the optimal lifting height and lifting position parameters. In the end, according to the actual parameters, which came from Jiangdu–Rudong gas pipeline engineering project, the best combination, including the distance between the first lifting machine and the front end of the pipe which is a = 15 and the hanging point spacing which is b = 16, is found for the pipeline to be installed safely.