Improved methods of laying mainline pipelines
Underground piping is the most common and provides for laying in the ground to a depth exceeding the diameter of the pipe. Underground pipelines for oil and gas are characterized by a considerable length, large diameter (up to 1420 mm) and a working pressure of 7.5 MPa or more. The technology of building of underground pipelines has a high level of mechanization, the use of high-performance tools and technological processes. At the department of mining transport machines of the National Mineral Resources University (University of Mines) the improved methods of underground laying of oil and gas pipelines in seismic areas were designed. Developed technical solutions allow laying underground pipeline under the simplified scheme with decreasing time-consuming and labour intensity during pipe repair and also to improve reliability of fixing pipeline placed in the trench. The improved design of mobile complex for trenching, which minimizes the amount of excavated materials, penetration time and energy, and increases the rate of penetration of the trench was suggested.