Research on key technologies and engineering applications of pipe pushers for large-diameter， long-distance pipeline installation

Abstract:

To address the technical challenge of insufficient pulling force in large-diameter， long-distance pipeline installation， the Institute of Exploration Techniques， CAGS， developed the PT-500 pipe pusher. Based on actual engineering requirements， the research proposed a comprehensive design scheme for the pipe pusher， including main structural design， electrical control system and hydraulic power system. Key technological breakthroughs were achieved in gripping jaw design， vulcanized rubber parameter determination， and pipe-holding head strength verification. The PT-500 pipe pusher has been successfully applied in the Guangdong Natural Gas Pipeline Network and Changbei Gas Transmission projects， assisting drilling rigs in completing pipeline pulls through complex strata （sand-rock transition layers and pure sand formations）. This effectively solved the problems of insufficient pulling force and borehole collapse associated with conventional methods.Field applications demonstrate that the equipment features reliable performance， user-friendly operation and strong adaptability. It provides an innovative solution for large-diameter， long-distance pipeline installation， significantly reducing construction risks and advancing horizontal directional drilling technology.