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DRILLING ASSEMBLY HANDBOOK

DRILLING ASSEMBLY HANDBOOK

The following are marks of Schlumberger: Drilco, Grant, Ezy-Change, RWP, Shock Sub, Hevi-Wate, Ezy-Torq and Drilcolog.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bottom-Hole Assemblies .............................. 1 Differential Pressure Sticking ........................ 27 Bit Stabilization ........................................... 31

Drill Collar ................................................... 37 Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe ................................... 105 Tool Joints ................................................... 117 Kellys .......................................................... 135 Inspection .................................................... 143 Rotating Drilling Heads ................................ 159 Additional Information ................................. 173 Index ........................................................... 179

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PREFACE
This handbook was prepared by Smith Services engineers to help rig personnel do a better job. It summarizes proven drilling techniques and technical data that, hopefully, will enable you to drill a usable hole at the lowest possible cost. Carry it in your hip pocket for easy reference. If there are any questions about the Drilling Handbook, just call your nearest Smith Services representative or talk with our service people when they visit your rig.
The Field Operations, Sales, Business Development and Engineering Departments.

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HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK


The Drilling Assembly Handbook is broken down into eleven (11) major sections, as described in the table of contents. A detailed index is provided starting on page 179. The topics in the index will give the page numbers of information relating to specific drilling problems which you might face on the rig floor. If you have any suggestions on how we can make this handbook work better for you, please send them to us or tell your Smith representative. Refer suggestions to: Reader Service Dept. Smith International P.O. Box 60068 Houston, Texas 77205-0068

SECTION ONE

BOTTOM-HOLE ASSEMBLIES

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

BOTTOM-HOLE ASSEMBLIES
Introductory Comments on Bottom-Hole Assemblies The title of this publication is Drilling Assembly Handbook and most of the pages are devoted to the entire drilling assembly, from the swivel to the bit. We have included useful information about the rotary shouldered connections (pins and boxes) that are used on every drill stem member. In this section, however, we are primarily interested in the bottom-hole assembly the tools between the bit and the drill pipe. Over the years, the bottom-hole assembly has grown from one or two simple drill collars to quite a complex array of tools, stacking up above the bit about 500 to 1,000 ft (150 to 300 m). Our job in this rig floor pocketbook is to simplify the complexities of all these tools. Well explain the purposes of each one and how to select and assemble them for maximum effectiveness and minimum trouble. Today the bottom-hole assembly serves several useful purposes, in addition to the simple need to effectively load the bit with drill collar weight. Correctly designed, they can: Prevent doglegs and key seats. Produce a smooth bore and full size hole. Improve bit performance. Minimize drilling problems. Minimize harmful vibrations. Minimize differential pressure sticking. Reduce production problems. In the following pages we explain how these desirable objectives can be attained.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING


A better title would probably be Controlled Deviation Drilling because it has been learned through the years that a perfectly straight hole is virtually impossible to drill. No one knows the exact cause of holes going crooked but some logical theories have been presented. It has been confirmed that the drilling bit will try to climb uphill or updip in laminar formations with dips up to 40 (see Figure No. 1).

Figure No. 1

Another factor to consider is the bending characteristic of the drill stem. With no weight on the bit, the only force acting on the bit is the result of the weight of the portion of the string between the bit and the tangency point. This force tends to bring the hole toward vertical. When weight is applied, there is another force on the bit which tends to direct the hole away from vertical. The resultant of these two forces may be in such a direction as to increase angle, to decrease angle or to maintain constant angle. This was stated by Arthur Lubinski (research engineer for Amoco) at the spring meeting of the Mid-Continent District, Division of Production, in Tulsa, March 1953, and was based upon the assumption that the drill stem lies on the low side of an inclined hole (see Figure No. 2). In general, it is easier to drill a hole in soft formations than in hard formations. In particular, the effect of the drill stem bending may be much less when drilling soft formations, while the hard formations require high bit weights.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

Figure No. 2

In a straight hole drilling contract, many of the possible troubles can be prevented by obtaining satisfactory contract terms on deviation and doglegs. It is extremely important, when negotiating the contract itself, that the operator be aware of the advantages in giving the broadest possible limits for deviation. By relaxing deviation clauses to reasonable limits, it is possible to drill a so-called straight hole at high rates of penetration and avoid the costly operations of plugging back and straightening the hole. In addition to the operators deviation limits, it may be possible to work with him to select a location so that the well may be allowed to drift into the target area. If it is desired to reach a certain point on the structure, and it is known that the well will drift in a certain direction up-structure, it is desirable to move the location down-dip so, when drilling normally, the bottom of the well will drift into the target area. From the contractors standpoint, valuable time can be spent in planning the drill stem and the bit program along with the hydraulics. Drift planning will include obtaining the largest drill collars that may be safely run in a given hole size and planning for optimum bit weights to get the best rate of penetration. If it is anticipated that there will be a problem maintaining the deviation within the contract limits, there are more extreme methods available which will assure a more nearly vertical hole and still allow relatively high rates of penetration.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Arthur Lubinski and Henry Woods (research engineer for Hughes Tool Co.) were among the first to apply mathematics to drilling. They stated in the early 1950s that the size of the bottom drill collars would be the limiting factor for lateral movement of the bit, and the Minimum Effective Hole Diameter (MEHD) could be calculated by the following equation: Bit size + drill collar OD MEHD = 2 Robert S. Hoch (engineer for Phillips Petroleum Company) theorized that, while drilling with an unstable bit, an abrupt change can occur if hard ledges are encountered (see Figure No. 3). He pointed out that a dogleg of this nature would cause an undersized hole, making it difficult or maybe impossible to run casing. Hoch rewrote Lubinskis equation to solve for the Minimum Permissible Bottom-Hole Drill Collar Outside Diameter (MPBHDCOD), as follows: MPBHDCOD = 2 (casing coupling OD) - bit OD For example: Data: 121/4 in. bit 95/8 in. casing (coupling OD = 10.625 in.) Minimum drill collar size = 2 (10.625 in.) - 12.250 in. = 9 in. OD Data: 311.2 mm bit 244.5 mm casing (coupling OD = 269.9 mm) Minimum drill collar size = 2 (269.9 mm) - 311.2 mm = 228.6 mm OD
Drill Collar Size Limits Lateral Bit Movement
Robert S. Hoch

Minimum permissible drill collar OD = 2 (casing coupling OD) Bit OD Bit OD + collar OD 2

Drift diameter =

Woods and Lubinski

Figure No. 3

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

WHY RESTRICT TOTAL HOLE ANGLE?


Total hole angle should be restricted (1) to stay on a particular lease and not drift over into adjacent property; (2) to ensure drilling into a specific pay zone like a stratigraphic trap, a lensing sand, a fault block, etc.; or (3) to drill a near vertical hole to meet legal requirements from regulatory agencies, field rules, etc. The restriction of total hole angle may solve some problems but it is not a cure-all. As can be seen in Figure No. 4, the typical 5 limit does not assure a wellbore free of troublesome doglegs.

Figure No. 4

WHY RESTRICT RATE OF HOLE ANGLE CHANGE?


Lubinski pointed out in his work in the early 1960s that the rate of hole angle change should be the main concern, not necessarily the maximum hole angle. He expressed this rate of hole angle change in degrees per 100 ft. In 1961 an API study group published a tabular method of determining maximum permissible doglegs that would be acceptable in rotary drilling and completions. Therefore, the main objective is to drill a useful hole with a fullgage, smooth bore, free from doglegs, key seats, offsets, spirals and ledges. A key seat is formed after part of the drill pipe string has passed through the dogleg. Since the drill pipe is in tension, it is trying to straighten itself while going around the dogleg. This creates a lateral force that causes the drill pipe to cut into the center of the bow as it is rotated (see Figure No. 5). This force is proportional to the amount of weight hanging below the dogleg. A key seat will be formed only if the formation is soft enough and the lateral force great enough to allow penetration of the drill pipe. When severe doglegs and key seats are formed, many problems can develop.

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Dogleg
Tension

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Key seat
Tension Top view of key seat section

Lateral force

Tension

Figure No. 5

Tension

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOGLEGS AND KEY SEATS


Drill Pipe Fatigue Lubinski presented guidelines in 1961 for the rate of change of hole angles. He said that if a program is designed in such a way that drill pipe damage is avoided while drilling the hole, then the hole will be acceptable for conventional designs of casing, tubing and sucker rod strings as far as dogleg severity is concerned. A classical example of a severe dogleg condition which produces fatigue failures in drill pipe can be seen in Figure No. 5. The stress at Point B is greater than the stress at Point A; but as the pipe is rotated, Point A moves from the inside of the bend to the outside and back to the inside again. Every fiber on the pipe goes from minimum tension to maximum tension and back to minimum tension again. Cyclic stress reversals of this nature cause fatigue failures in drill pipe, usually within the first two feet of the body adjacent to the tool joint, because of the abrupt change of cross section. Lubinski suggested that to avoid rapid fatigue failure of pipe, the rate of change of the hole angle must be controlled. Suggested limits can be seen in Figure No. 6. This graph is a plot of the tension in the pipe versus change in hole angle in degrees per 100 ft (30.5 m). This curve is designed for 41/2 in., 16.60 lb/ft (114.3 mm, 24.7 kg/m) Grade E drill pipe in 10 lb/gal (1.2 g/cc) mud. It represents stress endurance limits of the drill pipe under various tensile loads and in various rates of change in hole angle. If conditions fall to the left of this curve, fatigue damage to the drill pipe will be avoided. To the right of the curve, fatigue damage will

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
build up rapidly and failure of the pipe is likely. It can be seen from this plot that if a dogleg is high in the hole, with high tension in the pipe, only a small change in angle can be tolerated. Conversely, if the dogleg is close to total depth, tension in the pipe will be low and a larger change in angle can be tolerated.
Endurance Limit for 41/2 in., 16.60 lb/ft Grade E Drill Pipe in 10 lb/gal Mud (Gradual Dogleg)

Figure No. 6

If the stress endurance limit of the drill pipe is exceeded because of rotation through a dogleg, an expensive fishing job or a junked hole might develop. Stuck Pipe Sticking can occur by sloughing or heaving of the hole and by pulling the large OD drill collars into a key seat while pulling the drill stem out of the hole. Logging Logging tools and wirelines can become stuck in key seats. The wall of the hole can also be damaged, causing hole problems. Running Casing Running casing through a dogleg can be a very serious problem. If the casing becomes stuck in the dogleg, it will not extend through the productive zone. This would make it necessary to drill out the shoe and set a smaller size casing through the productive interval. Even if running the casing to the bottom through the dogleg is successful, the casing might be severely damaged, thereby preventing the running of production equipment. Cementing The dogleg will force the casing over tightly against the wall of the hole, preventing a good cement bond because no cement can circulate between the wall of the hole and the casing at this point.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Casing Wear While Drilling The lateral force of the drill pipe rotating against the casing in the dogleg or dragging through it while tripping can cause a hole to wear through the casing. This could cause drilling problems and/or possible serious blowouts. Production Problems It is better to have a smooth string of casing to produce through. Rod wear and tubing leaks associated with doglegs can cause expensive repair jobs. It may be difficult to run packers and tools in and out of the well without getting stuck because of distorted or collapsed casing.

HOW DO WE CONTROL HOLE ANGLE?


Now that we have some ideas as to the possible causes of bit deviation and the problems associated with crooked holes, lets look at two possible solutions using the pendulum and the packed hole concepts. Pendulum Theory In the early 1950s, Woods and Lubinski collaborated in mathematical examination of the forces on a rock bit when drilling in an inclined hole. In order to make their calculations, they made three basic assumptions: 1. The bit is like a ball and socket joint, free to turn, but laterally restrained. 2. The drill collars lie on the low side of the hole and will remain stable on the low side of the hole. 3. The bit will drill in the direction in which it is pushed, not necessarily in the direction in which it is aimed. Consequently, the forces which act upon the bit can be resolved into: 1. The axial load supplied by the weight of the drill collars. 2. The lateral force the weight of the drill collar between the bit and the first point of contact with the wall of the hole by the drill collar (pendulum force). Pendulum force is the tendency of the unsupported length of drill collar to swing over against the low side of the hole because of gravity. It is the only force that tends to bring the hole back toward vertical (see Figure No. 7).

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

(Pendulum force) Restoring force of drill collar weight Reaction of formation

Height to point of tangency

Figure No. 7

3. The reaction of the formation to these loads may be resolved into two forces one parallel to the axis of the hole and one perpendicular to the axis of the hole. This work made it possible to utilize gravity as a means of controlling change in the hole angle. Special tables were prepared to show the necessary weight for the bit to maintain a certain hole angle. These tables also show the proper placement of a stabilizer to give the maximum pendulum force and the maximum weight for the bit. The effects of using larger drill collars can also be determined. These tables or graphs may be obtained from your Smith representative. They are called Drilling Straight Holes in Crooked Hole Country, Publication No. 59 (see page 174 for details). Packed Hole Theory Most people today use a packed hole assembly to overcome crooked hole problems and the pendulum is used only as a corrective measure to reduce angle when the maximum permissible deviation has been reached. The packed hole assembly is sometimes referred to as the gun barrel approach because a series of stabilizers is used in the hole already drilled to guide the bit straight ahead. The objective is to select a bottom-hole assembly to be run above the bit with the necessary stiffness and wall contact tools to force the bit to drill in the general direction of the hole already drilled. If the proper selection of drill collars and bottom-hole tools is made, only gradual changes in hole angle

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
will develop. This should create a useful hole with a full-gage and smooth bore, free from doglegs, key seats, offsets, spirals and ledges, thereby making it possible to complete and produce the well (see Figure No. 8).

Figure No. 8

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY


Length of Tool Assembly It is important that wall contact assemblies provide sufficient length of contact to assure alignment with the hole already drilled. Experience confirms that a single stabilizer just above the bit generally acts as a fulcrum or pivot point. This will build angle because the lateral force of the unstabilized collars above will cause the bit to push to one side as weight is applied. Another stabilizing point, for example, at 30 ft (10 m) above the bit will nullify some of the fulcrum effect. With these two points, this assembly will stabilize the bit and reduce the tendency to build hole angle. It is, however, not considered the best packed hole assembly. As shown in Figure No. 9, two points will contact and follow a curved line. But add one more point with a stiff assembly, and there is no way you can get three points to contact and follow a sharp curve. Therefore, three or more stabilizing points are needed to form a packed hole assembly.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

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Figure No. 9

Stiffness Stiffness is probably the most misunderstood of all the points to be considered about drill collars. Few people realize the importance of diameter and its relationship to stiffness. If you double the diameter of a bar, its stiffness is increased 16 times. For example, if an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter bar is deflected 1 in. (25.4 mm) under a certain load, a 4 in. (101.6 mm) diameter bar will deflect 16 in. (406.4 mm) under the same load. Here are some numbers for moments of Inertia (I), proportional to stiffness. They represent the stiffness of popular drill collars of various diameters.
OD ID (in.) (in.) 51/4 21/4 1 6 /4 21/4 1 6 /2 21/4 I 29 74 86 OD ID (in.) (in.) 63/4 21/4 1 7 /4 213/16 81/4 213/16 I 100 115 198 OD (in.) 9 10 11 ID (in.) 213/16 313/16 313/16 I 318 486 713

Large diameter drill collars will help provide the ultimate in stiffness, so it is important to select the maximum diameter collars that can be safely run. Drill collars increase in stiffness by the fourth power of the diameter. For example, a 91/2 in. (241.3 mm) diameter drill collar is four times stiffer than a 7 in. (177.8 mm) diameter drill collar and is two times stiffer than an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter drill collar while all three sizes may be considered appropriate for drilling a 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole. Clearance There needs to be a minimum clearance between the wall of the hole and the stabilizers. The closer the stabilizer is to the bit, the more exacting the clearance requirements are. If, for example, 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) undergage from hole diameter is satisfactory just above the bit, then 60 ft (18.3 m) above the bit, 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) clearance may be close enough.

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
In some areas, wear on contact tools and clearance can be a critical factor for a packed hole assembly. Wall Support and the Length of Contact Tool Bottom-hole assemblies must adequately contact the wall of the hole to stabilize the bit and centralize the drill collars. The length of contact needed between the tool and the wall of the hole will be determined by the formation. The surface area in contact must be sufficient to prevent the stabilizing tool from digging into the wall of the hole. If this should happen, stabilization would be lost and the hole would drift. If the formation is strong, hard and uniform, a short narrow contact surface is adequate and will ensure proper stabilization. On the other hand, if the formation is soft and unconsolidated, a long blade stabilizer may be required. Hole enlargements in formations that erode quickly tend to reduce effective alignment of the bottom-hole assembly. This problem can be reduced by controlling the annular velocity and mud properties.

PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLIES


Proper design of a packed hole assembly requires a knowledge of the crooked hole tendencies and drillability of the formations to be drilled in each particular area. For basic design practices, the following are considered pertinent parameters: Crooked hole drilling tendencies: Mild crooked hole country. Medium crooked hole country. Severe crooked hole country. Formation firmness: Hard to medium-hard formations. Abrasive. Non-abrasive. Medium-hard to soft formations. Mild Crooked Hole Country The packed hole assembly shown in Figure No. 10 for mild crooked hole country is considered the minimal assembly for straight hole drilling and bit stabilization. Three points or zones of stabilization are provided by Zone 1 immediately above the bit, Zone 2 above the large diameter short drill collar and Zone 3 atop a standard length large diameter collar. A vibration dampener, when used, should be placed above Zone 2 for the best performance. In very mild crooked hole country the vibration dampener may be run in the place of the short drill

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
collar between Zone 1 and Zone 2. When rough drilling conditions are encountered, a vibration dampener will increase penetration rate and add life to the drill bit. Wear and tear on the drilling rig and drill stem will also be reduced.
Mild Crooked Hole Country (Minimal Assembly)
Zone 3 String stabilizer

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30 foot large diameter drill collar Vibration dampener (when used) String stabilizer Large diameter short drill collar

Zone 2 Zone 1

Bottom hole stabilizer Bit Note: In very mild crooked hole country the vibration dampener may be run in place of the short drill collar.

Figure No. 10

Medium Crooked Hole Country A packed hole assembly for medium crooked hole country is similar to that for mild crooked hole conditions but with the addition of a second stabilizing tool in Zone 1. The two tools run in tandem provide increased stabilization of the bit and add stiffness to limit angle changes caused by lateral forces (see Figure No. 11).
Medium Crooked Hole Country
Zone 3 String stabilizer

30 foot large diameter drill collar Vibration dampener (when used) String stabilizer Large diameter short drill collar

Dual stabilizers

Zone 2

Zone 1

String stabilizer Bottom hole stabilizer Bit

Figure No. 11

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Severe Crooked Hole Country In severe crooked hole country three stabilization tools are run in tandem in Zone 1 to provide maximum stiffness and wall contact to aim and guide the bit. In 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) and smaller hole sizes, it is also recommended that a large diameter short collar be used between Zone 2 and Zone 3. This will increase stiffness by reducing the deflection of the total assembly. It will allow the tools in Zone 1 and Zone 2 to perform their function without excessive wear due to lateral thrust or side-loading from excess deflection above (see Figure No. 12).
Severe Crooked Hole Country
Zone 3 * String stabilizer

30 foot large diameter drill collar Vibration dampener (when used)

String stabilizer Large diameter Tandem stabilizers short drill collar String stabilizer Zone 1 String stabilizer Bottom hole stabilizer Bit 3 *Note: Use short drill collar in 8 /4 in. and smaller holes. Zone 2

Figure No. 12

Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Figure No. 13 shows all three basic assemblies required to provide the necessary stiffness and stabilization for a packed hole assembly. A short drill collar is used between Zone 1 and Zone 2 to reduce the amount of deflection caused by the drill collar weight. As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar length in feet is approximately equal to the hole size in inches, plus or minus 2 ft. For example: a short collar length of 6 to 10 ft would be satisfactory in an 8 in. hole.
Mild Medium Severe Zone 3

Zone 2 * Short drill collar Zone 1

* The short drill collar length is determined by the hole size. Hole size (in.) = short drill collar (ft) 2 ft. Example: Use approximately an 8 ft collar in an 8 in. diameter hole.

Figure No. 13

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar length in meters is equal to 12 times the diameter of the hole in meters, plus or minus 0.6 m. For example: a short collar length of 1.8 to 3.0 m would be satisfactory in a 203.2 mm hole.

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STABILIZING TOOLS
There are three basic types of stabilizing tools: (1) rotating blade, (2) non-rotating sleeve and (3) rolling cutter reamer. Some variations of these tools are as follows: 1. Rotating Blade A rotating blade stabilizer can be a straight blade or spiral blade configuration, and in both cases the blades can be short or long (see Figure No. 14). The rotating blade stabilizers shown in Figure No. 14 are available in two types: (a) shop repairable and (b) rig repairable.
Stg. rig replaceable sleeve

Stg. I.B.

Stg. welded blade

Figure No. 14

a. Shop Repairable The shop repairable tools are either integral blade, welded blade or shrunk on sleeve construction. Welded blade stabilizers are popular in soft formations but are not recommended in hard formations because of rapid fatigue damage in the weld area. b. Rig Repairable Rig repairable stabilizers have a replaceable metal sleeve like the Ezy-Change stabilizer. These tools were originally developed for remote locations but are now used in most areas of the world.

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
All rotating stabilizers have fairly good reaming ability and because of recent improvements in hardfacing, have very good wear life. Some of the hardfacing materials used today are: Granular tungsten carbide. Crushed sintered tungsten carbide. Sintered tungsten carbide (inlaid). Pressed-in sintered tungsten carbide compacts. Diamond-enhanced pressed-in carbide compacts. 2. Rig Replaceable Non-Rotating Sleeve Stabilizer The non-rotating sleeve tool is a very popular stabilizer because it is the safest tool to run from the standpoint of sticking and washover. This type of stabilizer is most effective in areas of hard formations such as lime and dolomite. Since the sleeve is stationary, it acts like a drill bushing and, therefore, will not dig into and damage the wall of the hole. It does have some limitations. The sleeve is not recommended to be used in temperatures over 250F (121C). It has no reaming ability and sleeve life may be short in holes with rough walls (see Figure No. 15).

Figure No. 15

Non-rotating stabilizer

3. Rolling Cutter Reamer Rolling cutter reamers are used for reaming and added stabilization in hard formations. Wall contact area is very small, but it is the only tool that can ream hard rock effectively. Anytime rock bit gage problems are encountered, the lowest contact tool should definitely be a rolling cutter reamer (see Figure No. 16).

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

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Figure No. 16

3 point BH reamer

MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED HOLE COUNTRY IN HARD TO MEDIUM-HARD FORMATIONS
In Zone 1-A (directly above the bit), a rolling cutter reamer (see Figure No. 17) should be used when bit gage is a problem in hard and abrasive formations. A six-point tool is required for extreme conditions. In non-abrasive formations, some type of rotating blade tool with hardfacing is desirable.
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Hard to Medium-Hard Formations
Zone 3 6 point BH reamer 3 point BH rig BH I.B. replaceable BH reamer sleeve Or Mild Med. Sev. Or

Zone 2 Zone 1

Zone 1-A Zone 1-A (abrasive) (non-abrasive) Note: Use a reamer if the bit gage is a problem. Use a 6 point in extremely hard and abrasive formations.

Figure No. 17

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Rotating blade-type tools are effective in Zone 2 for all three conditions of crooked hole tendencies. In very mild crooked hole country, a non-rotating sleeve-type tool will be all right (see Figure No. 18).
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Hard to Medium-Hard Formations
Zone 3 Stg. rig Stg. I.B. replaceable sleeve Or

Zone 2 Zone 1

Mild Med. Sev. Zone 2 Note: In very mild crooked hole country, a non-rotating stabilizer may be used in Zone 2.

Figure No. 18

With the slightest deviation from vertical, drill collars will lie on the low side of the hole because of their enormous weight. Therefore, the function of Zone 3 is to centralize the drill collars above Zone 2. Both the rotating blade and the non-rotating sleeve stabilizers may be used for this job in hard to medium-hard formations (see Figure No. 19).
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Hard to Medium-Hard Formations
Zone 3 Non-rotating Stg. rig replaceable Stg. I.B. sleeve Or

Zone 2 Zone 1 Mild Med. Sev.

Or

Zone 3

Figure No. 19

Any stabilizers run above Zone 3 are used only to prevent the drill collars from buckling or becoming wall stuck, and in most cases, will have very little effect on directing the bit.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

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MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED HOLE COUNTRY IN HARD TO MEDIUM-HARD FORMATIONS


In Figure No. 20, it is shown that some type of rotating blade stabilizer is recommended in Zone 1-B with hard to medium-hard formations and medium to severe crooked hole tendencies. For severe crooked hole drilling, one of the same types of tools can be used in Zone 1-C.
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Hard to Medium-Hard Formations
Zone 3 Stg. rig replaceable Stg. I.B. sleeve Or Zone 1-B Med. Sev. Note: The same tools would be used in Zone 1-C for severe crooked hole country.

Zone 2 Zone 1

Figure No. 20

MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED HOLE COUNTRY IN MEDIUM-HARD TO SOFT FORMATIONS
Tools for use in medium-hard to soft formations, where the bit gage is no problem, must provide maximum length of wall contact to provide proper stabilization to the drill collars and bit. For all degrees of crooked hole tendencies, rotating blade stabilizers are recommended (see Figure No. 21).
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country Medium-Hard to Soft Formations
Zone 3 Stg. I.B. BH I.B. BH rig Stg. rig replaceable replaceable sleeve sleeve Or Or

Zone 2 Zone 1

Mild Med. Sev. Zone 1-A Zone 1-B & C Zone 2 Zone 3

Figure No. 21

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Modern packed hole assemblies, when properly designed and used, will: 1. Reduce rate of the hole angle change. A smooth walled hole with gradual angle change is more convenient to work through than one drilled at minimum hole angle with many ledges, offsets and sharp angle changes. 2. Improve bit performance and life by forcing the bit to rotate on a true axis about its design center, thus loading all cones equally. 3. Improve hole conditions for drilling, logging and running casing. Maximum size casing can be run to bottom. 4. Allow use of more drilling weight through formations which cause abnormal drift. 5. Maintain desired hole angle and course in directional drilling. In these controlled situations, high angles can be drilled with minimum danger of key seating or excessive pipe wear.

PACKED PENDULUM
Because all packed hole assemblies will bend, however small the amount of deflection, a perfectly vertical hole is not possible. The rate of hole angle change will be kept to a minimum but occasionally conditions will arise where total hole deviation must be reduced. When this condition occurs, the pendulum technique is employed. If it is anticipated that the packed hole assembly will be required after reduction of the hole angle, the packed pendulum technique is recommended. In the packed pendulum technique, the pendulum collars are swung below the regular packed hole assembly. When the hole deviation has been reduced to an acceptable limit, the pendulum collars are removed and the packed hole assembly again is run above the bit. It is only necessary to ream the length of the pendulum collars prior to resuming normal drilling. If a vibration dampening device is used in the packed pendulum assembly, it should remain in its original position during the pendulum operations (see Figure No. 22).

Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Packed Pendulum

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Packed hole assembly Drill collars Bit

Vibration dampener

Pendulum

Figure No. 22

REDUCED BIT WEIGHTS


One of the oldest techniques for straightening the hole is to reduce the weight on the bit and speed up the rotary table. By reducing the weight on the bit, the bending characteristics of the drill stem are changed and the hole tends to be straighter. In recent years it has been found that this is not always the best procedure because reducing the bit weight sacrifices considerable penetration rate. Worse, it frequently brings about doglegs as illustrated in Figure No. 23. As a point of caution, the straightening of a hole by reducing bit weight should be done very gradually so the hole will tend to return to vertical without sharp bends and will be much safer for future drilling. A reduction of bit weight is usually required when changing from a packed hole assembly to a pendulum or packed pendulum drilling operation. An under-gage stabilizer is sometimes run immediately above the bit to prevent dropping angle too quickly.

Figure No. 23

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Bottom-Hole Assemblies

CONCLUSION
In summation, a well-engineered bottom-hole assembly, with the proper selection of stabilizing tools in all three zones, should produce a useful hole with a full-gage, smooth bore free from doglegs, key seats, offsets, spirals and ledges, thereby making it possible to complete and produce the well. Both the drilling contractor and oil company operator should realize additional profits from a well-planned program. Careful planning will usually result in the best drill stem for a given job.

DOWNHOLE VIBRATIONS?
Back in 1959, Smith began to market the first successful downhole vibration dampener to meet a very obvious need. Drillers were having 10 to 15 drill collar failures per well in 121/4-in. (311.2 mm) holes going to 6,000 ft (1,830 m) in a rough-running area. Ordinary measures failed to solve the problem. The Shock Sub or vibration dampener was introduced into the drill stem and the drill collar failures were reduced. A second benefit was increased bit life. A third benefit was then achieved by increasing both rotary speed and bit weight and further stepping up daily drilling depth. In rough-running areas, the downhole vibration dampener has become a way of life. Its use has been extended to many areas, worldwide. Downhole data collected by a major oil company, provided a glimpse of what really goes on at the bottom of the hole. Using a downhole instrumentation sub, they measured among other things bit weight, rotary speed, vertical vibrations and bending stress in the sub. Without even being aware of it at the surface, small changes in such things as rotary speed, bit weight or formation can cause fantastic gyrations to occur at the bottom of the hole. Vibrations develop that cause impact loads on the bit several times the load indicated at the surface. Bending loads in the sub increase by perhaps 10 times. These events indicate how vague our knowledge of downhole dynamics really is. Weve learned to cope with them to some degree.

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

23

IMPROVE HOLE OPENER PERFORMANCE BY USING A VIBRATION DAMPENER AND STABILIZERS


Hole opening performance can improve with the use of a vibration dampener and a stabilizer. 1. Stabilizer A stabilizer placed at 60 ft (18.3 m) and 90 ft (27.4 m) in the drill stem will help to minimize drill collar bending. 2. Drill Collar Higher stress concentrations exist in the connection. Add to this the bouncing of the drill stem caused by rough running and the result can be drill collar connection failures. 3. Stabilizers A stabilizer will center the collars in the hole above the hole opener and make the load on the cutters more uniformly distributed. 4. Vibration Dampener A vibration dampener will minimize vibrations caused by the hole opener stumbling over broken formations and reduce the shock loads on the cutters and the drill collars. 5. Hole Openers The collars are so much smaller than the hole, they bend and whip, loading first one cutter, and then the next. They put a terrific side load on the pilot bit, and the hole opener body. The vibration dampener, with the stabilizer can help eliminate this.

24
Notes

Bottom-Hole Assemblies

SECTION TWO

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING

Differential Pressure Sticking

27

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING OF DRILL PIPE AND DRILL COLLARS


Differential wall sticking is caused by the drill pipe or drill collars blocking the flow of fluid from the borehole into the formation. In a permeable formation, where the mud column hydrostatic head is higher than the pressure in the formation, the fluid loss can be considerable. Associated with the flow of fluid into the formation is a filtering of solids at the wall of the hole and a resultant build up of filter cake. The smooth surfaces of the tools, assisted by the sealing effect of the filter cake, form an effective block to fluid losses into the formation. Depending on length of blocked area, and differences in borehole and formation pressures, this blockage of fluid flow may permit extremely high forces to build up against the tools in the hole, and thus the drill stem becomes differentially wall stuck. The use of a packed hole assembly will eliminate many of the conditions which result in sticking of the drill stem by holding the drill stem off the wall of the hole. Such bit stabilizing assemblies also help prevent sudden hole angle changes, offsets and doglegs which lead to sticking the drill stem in key seats.

REDUCING DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING


Can Be Effectively Reduced By Using the Following Tools: Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe (see Figure No. 24) The tool joints at the ends and the integral upset in the center of the tube act as centralizers to hold the heavy-wall tube sections off the wall of the hole. (For more information see page 105.) Spiral or Grooved Drill Collars (see Figure No. 24) This tool presents a smaller contact area with the wall of the hole. The spiral also allows fluid passage and equalizing of bore pressure around the collars. The box end of all sizes of spiral drill collars is left uncut for a distance of no less than 18 in. (457 mm) and no more than 24 in. (610 mm) below the shoulder. The pin end of all sizes of drill collars is left uncut for a distance of no less than 12 in. (305 mm) and no more than 22 in. (559 mm) above the shoulder.

28

Differential Pressure Sticking


Stabilizers (see Figure No. 24) Stabilizers positioned throughout the drill stem are another positive way of preventing differential sticking. Rotating blade, welded blade and nonrotating sleeve-type stabilizers are used to keep the drill collars centered in the hole. Selection of the type of stabilizers and their spacing in the drill stem varies with the formation being drilled, the size of the hole, etc. Your Smith representative can provide field data for your area.
Conventional drill collar

Hevi-Wate drill pipe IB stabilizer Spiral drill collar Hydra-shock IB stabilizer (Integral blade)

Stuck area

Spiral equalizes pressure in stuck area

Near Bit IB stabilizer

Figure No. 24

SECTION THREE

BIT STABILIZATION

Bit Stabilization

31

BIT STABILIZATION PAYS OFF


About 55 years ago, bit engineers wondered why 77/8 in. (200.0 mm) bits performed better than 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) bits. Then they realized both sizes of bits were run with 61/4 in. (158.8 mm) drill collars. The 77/8 in. (200.0 mm) bits were clearly better stabilized than the 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) bits. Since that time the art of bit stabilization has continued to improve. About 40 years ago a case developed where a certain section in offset wells required 2,000 hours to drill in one case, and only 1,200 hours in the other. All of the normally recorded conditions on the bit records were the same. Then it was realized that small limber drill collars were used in the first case and a fairly well-stabilized bottom assembly in the other. More recently drillers have been employing bottom-hole assemblies described on pages 12 through 20 to get the very most out of every bit. The better the bit is stabilized, the better it performs. Large size bits have been notoriously neglected in the application of stabilization techniques. For example, it has been common practice to dull 171/2 in. (444.5 mm) bits with unstabilized 8 in. (203.2 mm) drill collars. Thats like trying to drill a 77/8 in. (200.2 mm) hole with slick 37/8 in. (98.4 mm) drill collars! People got by with this in years gone by, because they only drilled very soft formations with such large bits. Now, in coping with hard formations in these hole sizes, it is becoming quite apparent that the principles developed for smaller holes should also be extended to the larger ones. We suggest you employ the stiff, stabilizing assemblies described in this book with every bit you dull. Theyve been proven in hole sizes all the way up to 120 in. (3,048 mm)!

STABILIZATION IMPROVES BIT PERFORMANCE


Rock bits are designed to rotate about the axis of the hole. Their service life is shortened when the axis is misaligned. This misalignment may be parallel or angular. When the axis at the bottom of the hole shifts in a parallel manner, the bit runs off center (see Figure No. 25). This causes the cutting structure to wear pick-shaped. Rings of uncut bottom develop and bit life is drastically reduced.

32

Bit Stabilization
If the drill collar directly above the bit leans against the hole wall, angular misalignment occurs. The penalty on bit performance depends on the degree of misalignment. For example, in an 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) hole, 7 in. (177.8 mm) collars reduce the effect to some degree, but misalignment still exists. Angular misalignment permits two very harmful effects to exist. First, the full weight on the bit is shifted from one cone to the other, causing rapid breakdown of tooth structure and bearings. Weight should be evenly distributed on all three cones. The second bad effect is the breakdown of the vital gage cutting surfaces at the tops of the outer tooth rows. Apple-shape cones result and bit life suffers greatly (see Figure No. 27). Dramatic improvements in bit life have been observed in shifting from non-stabilized to stabilized bottom-hole assemblies, particularly when diamond bits, PDC bits, journal bearing or sealed bearing bits are being run. Avoid both angular and parallel misalignment with properly selected stabilizing assemblies. The higher the degree of stabilization, the greater the benefits.

Figure No. 25

Figure No. 26

Parallel Misalignment Parallel misalignment is caused by the use of small drill collars (in relation to the hole size) and no stabilization. The bit can move off center until the drill collars OD contacts the wall of the hole. This results in an offset due to drilling off center.

Angular Misalignment Angular misalignment is caused by the use of small drill collars (in relation to the hole size) and no stabilization. Most or all of the bit load is applied to one cone at a time, causing rapid breakdown and failure of both the cutting structure and bearing structure of the bit.

Bit Stabilization

33

Figure No. 27

Figure No. 27 shows a photograph of a broken medium, soft to medium formation bit that has run off center. Note the cone shell, between rows of cutting structure, has been grooved by the rings of uncut bottom-hole formations.

Figure No. 28

Figure No. 28 shows a photograph of a medium formation bit that has suffered gage wear and gage rounding due to angular misalignment.

Figure No. 29

Figure No. 29 shows a photograph of a bit that has suffered severe damage to the gage and OD of the bit itself. The lugs have worn so badly that the shirttails are gone and some of the roller bearings are missing. The bit was run too long in an abrasive formation. When the bit is pulled like this, the last portion of the hole was drilled undergage. The entire tapered portion of the hole must be reamed out to the new bit gage.

34

Bit Stabilization

Figure No. 30

Figure No. 30 shows a photograph of a broken medium, soft to medium bit that has been run without the support of a dampening device. A vibration dampener run in the bottom-hole assembly will help obtain a faster rate of penetration and increased bit life. When drilling in broken hard formations, excessive vibration, bit bounce and shock loading can cause tooth and tungsten carbide insert breakage and rapid bearing failure. Because of rough-running in some formations, the desired weight and rotating speed cannot be utilized. The use of a vibration dampener will eliminate the damaging shock loading and help maintain a faster rate of penetration and longer bit life.

SECTION FOUR

DRILL COLLAR

Drill Collar

37

DRILL COLLAR CARE AND MAINTENANCE


Dont Ruin Those New Drill Collars Read the following statement. It may save you many headaches in the months ahead. A new string of drill collars should give many months of trouble-free service, but they can be ruined on the first trip down the hole if they arent properly cleaned and lubricated, and made up with measured and controlled makeup torque. In fact, the threads or shoulders can be damaged in picking up or on initial makeup, and be ruined before they are ever run into the hole. Proper makeup torque, consistently measured and applied, is essential to satisfactory drill collar joint performance. Nothing that is done in design and manufacture can obviate the necessity for riglevel makeup torque control. It has to be done on the rig! The above statement is quoted from a series of articles published in the March 1966, Oil & Gas Journal.

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DRILL COLLAR PIN AND BOX CONNECTIONS


Drill collar manufacturers recommend connection sizes based on the balance of pin and box bending strength ratios. The formula for this calculation is in the API RP 7G. The drill collar connection, more correctly called a rotary shouldered connection, must perform several necessary functions. The connection is a tapered threaded jack screw that forces the shoulders together to form the only seal, and acts as a structural member to make the pin equally as strong, in bending, as the box when made up to the recommended torque. The threads do not form a seal. By design, there is an open channel from the bore to the shoulder seal. This space is there to

38

Drill Collar
accommodate excess thread compound, foreign matter and thread wear (see Figure No. 31).

Figure No. 31

See the guides and tips for proper selection of connections for various ODs and IDs on pages 78 through 95.

RECOMMENDED DRILL COLLAR CARE AND MAINTENANCE


Three points that are a must for good drill collar performance are: 1. Must properly lubricate shoulders and threads with drill collar compound. 2. Must use proper torque; must be measured. 3. Must immediately repair minor damage. Picking Up Drill Collars 1. Cast-steel thread protectors with a lifting bail, provide a means of dragging the collar into the V door and protecting the shoulders and threads. Remember that the pin should also be protected. 2. Connections should be cleaned thoroughly with a solvent and wiped dry with a clean rag. Inspect carefully for any burrs or marks on the shoulders. 3. A good grade of drill collar compound, containing powdered metallic zinc in the amount of 40 to 60% by weight should be applied to the threads and shoulders on both pin and box. Drill pipe lubricants without a minimum of 40 to 50% zinc are not recommended because they normally are made with lead oxide which does not have sufficient body for the high shoulder loads necessary in drill collar makeup.

Drill Collar
4. Lift sub pins should be cleaned, inspected and lubricated on each trip. If these pins have been damaged and go unnoticed, they will eventually damage all of the drill collar boxes. Initial Makeup of New Drill Collars 1. A new joint should be very carefully lubricated. Any metal-to-metal contact may cause a gall. Application should be generous on shoulders, threads and in the pin relief grooves. 2. Good rig practice is to walk in the drill collar joint using chain tongs. 3. Make up to proper torque. 4. Break out connection and inspect for and repair minor damage. 5. Relubricate and make up to proper torque. Torque Control 1. Torque is the measure of the amount of twist applied to members as they are screwed together. The length of the tong arm in feet multiplied by the line pull in pounds is foot-pounds (ft-lb) of torque. Use feet and tenths of a foot. 1. The length of the tong arm in meters multiplied by the line pull in kilograms is kilogram-meters (kg-m) of torque. 2. A 4.2 ft tong arm and 2,000 lb of line pull at the end of the tong, will produce 4.2 ft times 2,000 lb, or a total of 8,400 ft-lb of torque (see Figure No. 32). 1. A 1.28 m tong arm and 907 kg of line pull at the end of the tong, will produce a 1.28 m times 907 kg or a total of 1,161 kg-m of torque (see Figure No. 32).

39

40

Drill Collar

2,000 lb line pull Fully effective tong arm Torque = 4.2 ft x 2,000 lb = 8,400 ft-lb

4.2 ft

90

3,000 lb line pull Fully effective tong arm Torque = 4.2 ft x 3,000 lb = 12,600 ft-lb

4.2 ft

90

45

45

ft

2 4.

4. 2

ft

3 ft

3,000 lb line pull

Ineffective tong arm Torque = 3 ft x 3,000 lb = 9,000 ft-lb

3,000 lb line pull

3 ft

Figure No. 32

3. A line pull measuring device must be used in making up drill collars. It is important that line pull be measured when the line is at right angles (90) to the tong handle. 4. When applying line pull to the tongs, it is better to apply a long steady pull rather than to jerk the line. Hold pull momentarily to make sure all slack is taken up. 5. The proper torque required for a specific drill collar should be taken from a table of recommended torques for drill collars. For a 63/4 in. (171.5 mm) OD x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm) ID with a NC 50 connection, the table indicates a torque of 32,200 ft-lb (4,460 kg-m) (see pages 54 through 65).

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Torque (ft-lb)
Bore of Drill Collar (in.) Connection OD Type (in.) 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 NC 50 63/4 36,700 35,800 32,200 30,000 26,600

41

6. It should be emphasized that the torque values shown in the table are minimum requirements. The normal torque range is from the tabulated figure to 10% higher. 1. From the example above, the required torque range is 32,200 to 35,400 ft-lb; (32,200 ft-lb) + (32,200 ft-lb x .10) = 35,400 ft-lb. Rig Maintenance of Drill Collars 1. It is recommended practice to break a different joint on each trip, giving the crew an opportunity to inspect each pin and box every third trip. Inspect the shoulders for signs of loose connections, galls and possible washouts. 2. Thread protectors should be used on both pin and box when picking up or laying down the drill collars. 3. Periodically, based on drilling conditions and experience, a magnetic particle inspection should be performed, using a wet fluorescent and black light method. 4. Before storing the drill collars, they should be cleaned. If necessary, reface the shoulders with a shoulder refacing tool, and remove the fins on the shoulders by beveling. A good rust preventative or drill collar compound should be applied to the connections liberally, and thread protectors installed.

HERE IS THE WAY TO FIGURE THE DRILL COLLAR MAKEUP TORQUE YOU NEED
As discussed on pages 38 through 41, you must use the recommended makeup torque and this torque must be measured with an accurate device. There are two steps that must be worked out for all hookups: Step No. 1 Look in the torque tables, pages 54 to 65, and find the minimum torque recommended for the size drill collars (OD and ID) and type of connection.

42

Drill Collar
Step No. 2 Divide the torque value by the effective length of the tong arm (see Figure No. 33). This will give the total line pull required.
Effective tong arm length

90

Figure No. 33

Cathead pull

Example: For 42 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 3.5 ft For 48 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 4 ft For 50 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 4.2 ft For 54 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 4.5 ft For collars with 63/4 in. OD x 21/4 in. ID and NC 50 (41/2 in. IF) connections, the tables recommended 36,741 ft-lb of makeup torque. Say the effective tong arm length is 50 in. then: 50 in. = 4.2 ft 12 in. 36,741 ft-lb = 8,748 lb of line pull 4.2 ft Example: For 42 in. tongs, multiply by .0254 = 1.07 m For 48 in. tongs, multiply by .0254 = 1.22 m For 50 in. tongs, multiply by .0254 = 1.27 m For 54 in. tongs, multiply by .0254 = 1.37 m For collars with 171.4 mm OD x 57.1 mm ID and NC 50 (41/2 in. IF) connections, the tables recommend 5,080 kg-m of makeup torque. Say the effective tong arm length is 50 in. then: (50 in.) x (.0254) = 1.27 m 5,080 kg-m = 4,000 kg of line pull 1.27 m

Drill Collar
The 8,748 lb (4,000 kg) of line pull is the total pull required on the end of this 4.2 ft (1.27 m) tong. This may or may not be the amount of line pull reading on the torque indicator, as this depends on the location of the indicator. The following pages show 15 examples of hookups used to make up drill collar connections. Select the one being used and follow the steps outlined. Note: In the 15 examples on the following pages, the heavy black arrow is used to indicate cathead pull. Caution: Before torquing, be sure the tongs are of sufficient strength.
The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

43

Snub line

Torque indicator

90

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Figure No. 34

44

Drill Collar
Torque indicator 90

The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Figure No. 35
Torque indicator Snub line 90

The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Figure No. 36

Drill Collar
Torque indicator 90

45

The amount of cathead pull will be 1/2 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 37

The amount of cathead pull will be 1/3 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Torque indicator 90

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Snub line

Figure No. 38

46
The amount of cathead pull will be 1/2 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Drill Collar

Snub line

Torque indicator 90

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 39
Torque indicator 90

The amount of cathead pull will be 1/3 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Snub line

Figure No. 40

Drill Collar
The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

47

Snub line

90

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be the pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 41
The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Torque indicator

Snub line

90

Snub line

Torque indicator

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be the pounds pull reading for line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 42

48
The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Drill Collar
Snub line 90

Torque indicator

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be the pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 43
Snub line

The amount of cathead pull will be 2/3 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

90

Torque indicator

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be the pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Snub line

Figure No. 44

Drill Collar
The amount of cathead pull will be the same as the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

49

Snub line

Torque indicator 90

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 3. This will be the pounds pull reading for line pull indicator when in this position. tion.
Figure No. 45

The amount of cathead pull will be 1/2 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

90

Snub line

Torque indicator

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 3, and multiply by 2. This will be the pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 46

50
The amount of cathead pull will be 1/4 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator

Drill Collar

Snub line

90

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 Divide this by 5, and multiply by 4. This will be the pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Snub line

Torque indicator

Figure No. 47
Torque indicator 90

The amount of cathead pull will be 1/5 of the line pull reading on your Torque Indicator.

Snub line

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum recommended torque required. Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the effective tong length. Step No. 3 The answer is pounds pull reading for the line pull indicator when in this position.

Snub line

Figure No. 48

Drill Collar

51

HOW DO YOU APPLY AND MEASURE MAKEUP TORQUE?


Rig Catheads Most drilling rigs have catheads on each side of the drawworks which are used to apply line pull to the tongs. The catheads do not have built in devices to measure the amount of line pull. Line pull measuring devices must be added to the lines between the tongs and the catheads to accomplish this task. The driller is required to release the cathead clutch at the appropriate time in order to ensure the desired pull is not exceeded. This often causes errors in application of the torque. Hydraulic Load Cells For measuring the amount of applied line pull, many rigs use hydraulic load cells. Load cells are simple devices that are generally very reliable. A load cell device usually consists of three parts: (1) a small hydraulic cylinder, (2) a pressure gage that reads pounds of pull, and (3) a rubber hose to connect the cylinder and the gage. One must remember that the gage reads in pounds of force and not in foot-pounds of torque. You must measure the length of the tongs in feet. And then you multiply the gage reading (pounds) by the tong length (feet) to get foot-pounds of torque. Automatic Torque Control System Smith provides a system that eliminates the problems associated with using the rig catheads. This product is called the Automatic Torque Control System (ATCS). The ATCS is a highly accurate solidstate electronic control that automatically terminates makeup of the drill stem connections when the prespecified torque is reached. It can be used on any rig that has manual tongs and air-activated cathead clutches. With a few modifications it can be adapted to hydraulic makeup systems. The ATCS includes an intrinsically safe load cell, explosion-proof air controllers and an airpurged control panel for operation in Class 1, Group D, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous environments. For operation in all Division 1 situations, a power time delay unit is required.

52

Drill Collar
How Does the ATCS Help? Safer - The driller is freed from watching hydraulic torque gages for the make up of each connection, thus letting him focus his attention on the rig floor activities. Reduces trip time - Automatic application of makeup torque results in faster and optimum rig floor rhythm of movement. Reduces pin and box damage - Improper torque is the primary cause of swelled boxes, stretched pins, and galled threads and shoulders. Minimizes risk of fishing jobs - Improper makeup torque causes washouts and twistoffs. Reduces rig downtime - By eliminating torquerelated failures, you can avoid the expense of laying down damaged pipe and tools, repair or replacement, and loss of costly rig time. Hydraulic Line Pull Devices Sometimes drilling rigs do not have catheads or have catheads with insufficient capacity or simply do not want to use them for the makeup of large rotary shouldered connections. In these cases, the rig must rely on external devices to supply the line pull to the tongs. These devices take the form of hydraulic cylinders and power sources. Ezy-Torq Hydraulic Cathead In the 1960s Smith developed the Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead for use on large connections that were beyond the capacity of most rig air catheads. Its primary function is to provide a line pull source for connections that require torques ranging from 40,000 to 150,000 ft-lb. When you use the hydraulic cathead on connections requiring less than 40,000 ft-lb, you should always calibrate the unit with a load cell. The Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead is available in two different configurations: 1. One which has its own self-contained power source. 2. One which uses an auxiliary power source supplied by the user. For either source of power, the hydraulic cylinder and cylinder installation/arrangement are the same.

Drill Collar
Give This Some Thought Each torque measuring device has a limit for the total amount of line pull it can accurately measure. Know the limit of the instrument you are using and work within the recommended range (see pages 41 through 50). Multiple line hookups can provide many times the normal makeup line pull. Great care should be taken to see that the lines do not become crossed, twisted or fouled. When it comes time for the big pull*, be sure everyone is in the clear. *Caution: Know the tongs rating before the pull is attempted. The slack in the tong safety line should be sufficient for the tongs to obtain full benefit of the pull from the cathead, but short enough to prevent complete rotation of the tongs.

53

54

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) API NC 23 23/8 Reg. 27/8 PAC 23/8 IF API NC 26 27/8 SH 27/8 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 DSL 27/8 Mod. Open 27/8 IF API NC 31 31/2 SH 31/2 Reg. API NC 35 31/2 XH 4 SH 31/2 Mod. Open 31/2 API IF API NC 38 41/2 SH 31/2 H-90 OD (in.) 3...4 31/8 31/4 33/4 31/8 31/4 33/4 31/8 31/4 31/2 33/4 31/2 33/4 37/8 33/4 37/8 41/8 37/8 41/8 41/4 41/2 41/8 41/4 41/2 41/2 43/4 53/4 41/4 41/2 43/4 53/4 51/4 43/4 53/4 51/4 51/2 43/4 53/4 51/4 51/2 53/4 51/4 51/2 53/4 63/4 51/4 51/2 53/4 63/4 61/4 51/2 53/4 63/4 61/4 53/4 63/4 61/4 61/2 51/2 53/4 63/4 61/4 61/2 53/4 63/4 61/4 61/2 63/4 53/4 63/4 61/4 61/2 63/4 61/4 61/2 63/4 73/4 63/4 73/4 71/4 71/2 63/4 73/4 71/4 71/2 61/4 61/2 63/4 73/4 71/4 71/2 Bore of Drill 1 11/4 2,508 2,508 3,330 3,330 4,000 3,387 2,241 3,028 3,285 3,797 4,966 5,206 4,606 5,501 3,838 5,766 5,766 4,089 5,352 8,059 4,640 7,390 8,858 10,286 6,466 7,886 10,471 Collars (in.) 11/2 13/4 2,508 2,647 2,647 2,241 1,749 2,574 1,749 2,574 1,749 3,797 2,926 4,151 2,926 4,151 2,926 4,606 4,668 3,838 4,951 4,951 4,089 5,352 8,059 4,640 7,390 8,858 9,307 6,466 7,886 9,514 3,697 3,697 3,838 4,002 4,002 4,089 5,352 7,433 4,640 7,390 8,161 8,161 6,466 7,886 8,394 9,038 12,273 12,273 5,161 8,479 12,074 13,282 13,282 9,986 13,949 16,207 16,207 8,786 12,794 17,094 18,524 10,910 15,290 19,985 20,539 20,539

4 FH API NC 40 4 Mod. Open 41/2 DSL 4 H-90

41/2 Reg.

API NC 44

41/2 API FH 41/2 XH API NC 46 4 API IF 5 DSL 41/2 Mod. Open 41/2 H-90

5 H-90

51/2 H-90

51/2 Reg. 41/2 API IF API NC 50 5 XH 5 Mod. Open 51/2 DSL 5 Semi-IF

1. Basis of calculations for recommended makeup torque assumes the use of a thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic zinc with not more than 0.3% total active sulfur, applied thoroughly to all threads

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
2 21/4 21/2 Bore of Drill Collars (in.) 213/16 3 31/4 31/2 33/4

55

4,640 6,853 6,853 6,853 6,466 7,115 7,115 9,038 10,825 10,825 5,161 8,479 11,803 11,803 11,803 9,986 13,949 14,653 14,653 8,786 12,794 16,931 16,931 10,910 15,290 18,886 18,886 18,886 12,590 17,401 22,531 23,674 23,674 15,576 20,609 23,686 23,686 20,895 25,509 25,509 25,509 12,973 18,119 23,605 27,294 27,294

5,685 5,685 5,685 9,038 9,202 9,202 5,161 8,479 10,144 10,144 10,144 9,986 12,907 12,907 12,907 8,786 12,794 15,139 15,139 10,910 15,290 17,028 17,028 17,028 12,590 17,401 21,717 21,717 21,717 15,576 20,609 21,749 21,749 20,895 23,493 23,493 23,493 12,973 18,119 23,605 25,272 25,272 17,738 23,422 28,021 28,021 28,021 18,019 23,681 28,731 28,731 28,731 25,360 31,895 35,292 35,292 34,508 41,993 42,719 42,719 31,941 39,419 42,481 42,481 23,003 29,679 36,741 38,379 38,379 38,379

7,411 7,411 7,411 5,161 8,311 8,311 8,311 8,311 9,986 10,977 10,977 10,977 8,786 12,794 13,154 13,154 10,910 14,969 14,969 14,969 14,969 12,590 17,401 19,546 19,546 19,546 15,576 19,601 19,601 19,601 20,895 21,257 21,257 21,257 12,973 18,119 23,028 23,028 23,028 17,738 23,422 25,676 25,676 25,676 18,019 23,681 26,397 26,397 26,397 25,360 31,895 32,825 32,825 34,508 40,117 40,117 40,117 31,941 39,419 39,866 39,866 23,003 29,679 35,824 35,824 35,824 35,824

8,315 8,315 8,315 8,315 8,786 10,410 10,410 10,410 10,910 12,125 12,125 12,125 12,125 12,590 16,539 16,539 16,539 16,539 15,576 16,629 16,629 16,629 18,161 18,161 18,161 18,161 12,973 18,119 19,920 19,920 19,920 17,738 22,426 22,426 22,426 22,426 18,019 23,159 23,159 23,159 23,159 25,360 29,400 29,400 29,400 34,508 36,501 36,501 36,501 31,941 36,235 36,235 36,235 23,003 29,679 32,277 32,277 32,277 32,277

12,973 17,900 17,900 17,900 17,900 17,738 20,311 20,311 20,311 20,311 18,019 21,051 21,051 21,051 21,051 25,360 27,167 27,167 27,167 34,142 34,142 34,142 34,142 31,941 33,868 33,868 33,868 23,003 29,679 29,965 29,965 29,965 29,965

23,003 26,675 26,675 26,675 26,675 26,675

and shoulders. Also using the modified screw jack formula as shown in the IADC Drilling Manual and the API Recommended Practice RP 7G. For API connections and their interchangeable connections, makeup torque is based on 62,500 psi stress in the pin or box, whichever is weaker.

56

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) 51/2 API FH Bore of Drill Collars (in.) OD (in.) 11/2 13/4 1 11/4 7..... 1 7 /4 71/2 73/4 71/4 71/2 73/4 85/8 71/2 73/4 85/8 81/4 71/2 73/4 85/8 81/4 85/8 81/4 81/2 83/4 95/8 85/8 81/4 81/2 83/4 95/8 91/4 81/2 83/4 95/8 91/4 91/2 95/8 91/4 91/2 93/4 105/8 101/4 105/8 101/4 101/2 103/4 115/8 Connections with Full Faces 8*5/8 81/4* 81/2* 81/2* 83/4* 9*5/8 91/4* 91/2* 9*5/8 91/4* 91/2* 10*5/8 101/4* 101/2* 101/4* 101/2* Connections with Low Torque Faces 83/4 95/8 91/4 91/2 93/4 105/8 93/4 105/8 101/4 101/2 103/4 115/8 111/4 103/4 115/8 111/4

API NC 56

65/8 Reg.

65/8 H-90

API NC 61

51/2 IF

65/8 API FH

API NC 70

API NC 77

7 H-90

75/8 API Reg.

75/8 H-90 85/8 API Reg. 85/8 H-90

7 H-90 75/8 Reg.

75/8 H-90

85/8 Reg. 85/8 H-90

2. Normal torque range tabulated minimum value to 10% greater. Largest diameter shown for each connection is the maximum recommended for that connection. If the connections are used on drill collars larger than the maximum shown, increase the torque values shown by 10% for a minimum value. In addition to the increased minimum torque value, it is also recommended that a fishing neck be machined to the maximum diameter shown. 3. H-90 connections makeup torque is based on 56,200 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1. 4. The 27/8 in. PAC makeup torque is based on 87,500 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1.

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
2 21/4 Bore of Drill Collars (in.) 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 32,762 32,762 32,762 32,762 40,998 40,998 40,998 40,998 49,661 47,756 45,190 41,533 51,687 47,756 45,190 41,533 40,498 40,498 40,498 40,498 49,060 48,221 45,680 42,058 52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058 52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058 46,399 46,399 46,399 46,399 55,627 53,346 50,704 46,935 57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935 57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935 46,509 46,509 46,509 46,509 55,707 55,707 53,628 49,855 60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855 60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855 55,131 55,131 55,131 55,131 65,438 65,438 65,438 61,624 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624 56,641 56,641 56,641 56,641 67,133 67,133 67,133 63,381 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 67,789 67,789 67,789 79,544 79,544 76,706 83,992 80,991 76,706 83,992 80,991 76,706 83,992 80,991 76,706 75,781 75,781 75,781 88,802 88,802 88,802 102,354 102,354 101,107 108,842 105,657 101,107 108,842 105,657 101,107 108,842 105,657 101,107 108,194 108,194 124,051 124,051 140,491 140,488 145,476 140,488 145,476 140,488 Connections with Full Faces 53,454 53,454 53,454 63,738 63,738 63,738 72,066 69,265 65,267 60,402 60,402 72,169 72,169 84,442 84,442 88,581 84,221 88,581 84,221 73,017 73,017 86,006 86,006 99,508 99,508 109,345 109,345 125,263 125,263 141,134 136,146 113,482 113,482 130,063 130,063 Connections with Low Torque Faces 68,061 68,061 67,257 74,235 71,361 67,257 73,099 73,099 86,463 86,463 91,789 87,292 91,789 87,292 91,667 91,667 106,260 106,260 113,845 109,183 113,845 109,183 112,887 112,887 130,676 130,676 147,616 142,429 92,960 92,960 110,782 110,782 129,203 129,203 31/2 33/4

57

56,641 59,027 59,027 59,027 59,027 59,027 67,789 67,184 72,102 67,184 72,102 67,184 72,102 67,184 72,102 67,184 75,781 75,781 88,802 88,802 96,214 90,984 96,214 90,984 96,214 90,984 96,214 90,984 108,194 108,194 124,051 124,051 135,119 129,375 135,119 129,375 135,119 129,375 53,454 60,970 60,970 60,402 60,402 72,169 72,169 79,536 74,529 79,536 74,529 79,536 74,529 73,017 73,017 86,006 86,006 99,508 96,284 109,345 109,345 125,263 125,034 130,777 125,034 113,482 113,482 130,063 130,063 62,845 62,845 73,099 82,457 82,457 82,457 91,667 104,166 104,166 104,166 112,887 130,676 136,846 92,960 110,782 129,203

73,099 77,289 77,289 77,289 91,667 98,799 98,799 98,799 112,887 130,676 130,870 92,960 110,782 129,203

*5. Largest diameter shown is the maximum recommended for these full faced connections. If larger diameters are used, machine connections with low torque faces and use the torque values shown under low torque face tables. If low torque faces are not used, see Note 2 for increased torque values. ()6. Torque figures succeeded by a cross () indicate that the weaker member for the corresponding OD and bore is the BOX. For all other torque values the weaker member is the PIN.

58

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) API NC 23 23/8 Reg. 27/8 PAC 23/8 IF API NC 26 27/8 SH 27/8 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 DSL 27/8 Mod. Open 27/8 IF API NC 31 31/2 SH 31/2 Reg. API NC 35 31/2 XH 4 SH 31/2 Mod. Open 31/2 API IF API NC 38 41/2 SH 31/2 H-90 4 FH API NC 40 4 Mod. Open 41/2 DSL OD (mm) 76.2 79.4 82.6 76.2 79.4 82.6 76.2 79.4 82.6 88.9 95.2 88.9 95.2 98.4 95.2 98.4 104.8 98.4 104.8 107.9 114.3 104.8 107.9 114.3 114.3 120.6 127.0 107.9 114.3 120.6 127.0 133.3 120.6 127.0 133.3 139.7 120.6 127.0 133.3 139.7 127.0 133.3 139.7 146.0 152.4 133.3 139.7 146.0 152.4 168.7 139.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 139.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 177.8 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 158.7 165.1 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 Bore 25.4 347 460 553 of Drill Collars (mm) 31.7 38.1 44.4 347 347 460 366 468 366 310 310 242 419 356 242 454 356 242 525 525 405 687 574 405 720 574 405 637 761 531 797 797 565 740 1,114 641 1,022 1,225 1,422 894 1,090 1,448 637 645 531 685 685 565 740 1,114 641 1,022 1,225 1,287 894 1,090 1,315 511 511 531 553 553 565 740 1,028 641 1,022 1,128 1,128 894 1,090 1,160 1,250 1,697 1,697 714 1,172 1,669 1,836 1,836 1,381 1,929 2,241 2,241 1,215 1,769 2,363 2,561 1,508 2,114 2,763 2,840 2,840

4 H-90

41/2 Reg.

API NC 44

41/2 API FH 41/2 XH API NC 46 4 API IF 5 DSL 41/2 Mod. Open 41/2 H-90

5 H-90

51/2 H-90

51/2 Reg. 41/2 IF API NC 50 5 XH 5 Mod. Open 51/2 DSL 5 Semi-IF

1. Basis of calculations for recommended makeup torque assumes the use of a thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic zinc with not more than 0.3% total active sulfur, applied thoroughly to all threads

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
50.8 57.1 Bore of Drill Collars (mm) 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2

59

641 947 947 947 894 984 984 1,250 1,497 1,497 714 1,172 1,632 1,632 1,632 1,381 1,929 2,026 2,026 1,215 1,769 2,341 2,341 1,508 2,114 2,611 2,611 2,611 1,741 2,406 3,115 3,273 3,273 2,153 2,849 3,275 3,275 2,889 3,527 3,527 3,527 1,794 2,505 3,264 3,774 3,774

786 786 786 1,250 1,272 1,272 714 1,172 1,402 1,402 1,402 1,381 1,785 1,785 1,785 1,215 1,769 2,093 2,093 1,508 2,114 2,354 2,354 2,354 1,741 2,406 3,003 3,003 3,003 2,153 2,849 3,007 3,007 2,889 3,248 3,248 3,248 1,794 2,505 3,264 3,494 3,494 2,452 3,238 3,874 3,874 3,874 2,491 3,274 3,972 3,972 3,972 3,506 4,410 4,879 4,879 4,771 5,806 5,906 5,906 4,416 5,450 5,873 5,873 3,180 4,103 5,080 5,306 5,306 5,306

1,025 1,025 1,025 714 1,149 1,149 1,149 1,149 1,381 1,518 1,518 1,518 1,215 1,769 1,819 1,819 1,508 2,070 2,070 2,070 2,070 1,741 2,406 2,702 2,702 2,702 2,153 2,710 2,710 2,710 2,889 2,939 2,939 2,939 1,794 2,505 3,184 3,184 3,184 2,452 3,238 3,550 3,550 3,550 2,491 3,274 3,650 3,650 3,650 3,506 4,410 4,538 4,538 4,771 5,546 5,546 5,546 4,416 5,450 5,512 5,512 3,180 4,103 4,953 4,953 4,953 4,953

1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,215 1,439 1,439 1,439 1,508 1,676 1,676 1,676 1,676 1,741 2,287 2,287 2,287 2,287 2,153 2,299 2,299 2,299 2,511 2,511 2,511 2,511 1,794 2,505 2,754 2,754 2,754 2,452 3,100 3,100 3,100 3,100 2,491 3,202 3,202 3,202 3,202 3,506 4,065 4,065 4,065 4,771 5,046 5,046 5,046 4,416 5,010 5,010 5,010 3,180 4,103 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462

1,794 2,475 2,475 2,475 2,475 2,452 2,808 2,808 2,808 2,808 2,491 2,910 2,910 2,910 2,910 3,506 3,756 3,756 3,756 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,416 4,682 4,682 4,682 3,180 4,103 4,143 4,143 4,143 4,143

3,180 3,688 3,688 3,688 3,688 3,688

and shoulders. Also using the modified screw jack formula as shown in the IADC Drilling Manual and the API Recommended Practice RP 7G. For API connections and their interchangeable connections, makeup torque is based on 62,500 psi stress in the pin or box, whichever is weaker.

60

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) 51/2 API FH Bore of Drill Collars (mm) OD (mm) 25.4 31.7 38.1 44.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 196.8 184.1 190.5 196.8 203.2 190.5 196.8 203.2 209.5 190.5 196.8 203.2 209.5 203.2 209.5 215.9 222.2 228.6 203.2 209.5 215.9 222.2 228.6 234.9 215.9 222.2 228.6 234.9 241.3 228.6 234.9 241.3 247.6 254.0 260.3 254.0 260.3 266.7 273.0 279.4 Connections with Full Faces 203.2* 209.5* 215.9* 215.9* 222.2* 228.6* 234.9* 241.3* 228.6* 234.9* 241.3* 254.0* 260.3* 266.7* 260.3* 266.7* Connections with Low Torque Faces 222.2 228.6 234.9 241.3 247.6 254.0 247.6 254.0 260.3 266.7 273.0 279.4 285.7 273.0 279.4 285.7

API NC 56

65/8 Reg.

65/8 H-90

API NC 61

51/2 IF

65/8 API FH

API NC 70

API NC 77

7 H-90

75/8 API Reg.

75/8 H-90 85/8 API Reg. 85/8 H-90

7 H-90 75/8 Reg.

75/8 H-90

85/8 Reg. 85/8 H-90

2. Normal torque range tabulated minimum value to 10% greater. Largest diameter shown for each connection is the maximum recommended for that connection. If the connections are used on drill collars larger than the maximum shown, increase the torque values shown by 10% for a minimum value. In addition to the increased minimum torque value, it is also recommended that a fishing neck be machined to the maximum diameter shown. 3. H-90 connections makeup torque is based on 56,200 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1. 4. The 27/8 in. PAC makeup torque is based on 87,500 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1.

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
50.8 57.1 Collars (mm) 76.2 82.5 4,530 4,530 5,668 5,668 6,248 5,742 6,248 5,742 5,599 5,599 6,316 5,815 6,316 5,815 6,316 5,815 6,415 6,415 7,010 6,489 7,010 6,489 7,010 6,489 6,430 6,430 7,414 6,893 7,414 6,893 7,414 6,893 7,622 7,622 9,047 8,520 9,070 8,520 9,070 8,520 9,070 8,520 7,831 7,831 9,282 8,763 9,323 8,763 9,323 8,763 9,323 8,763 9,323 8,763 9,372 9,372 10,997 10,605 11,197 10,605 11,197 10,605 11,197 10,605 10,477 10,477 12,277 12,277 14,151 13,979 14,608 13,979 14,608 13,979 14,608 13,979 14,958 14,958 17,151 17,151 19,424 19,424 20,113 19,423 20,113 19,423 Connections with Full Faces 7,390 7,390 7,390 8,812 8,812 8,812 9,963 9,576 9,023 8,351 8,351 9,978 9,978 11,675 11,644 12,247 11,644 12,247 11,644 10,095 10,095 11,891 11,891 13,758 13,758 15,117 15,117 17,318 17,318 19,512 18,823 15,689 15,689 7,982 17,982 Connections with Low Torque Faces 9,410 9,410 9,299 10,263 9,866 9,299 10,106 10,106 11,954 11,954 12,690 12,069 12,690 12,069 12,673 12,673 14,691 14,691 15,740 15,095 15,740 15,095 15,607 15,607 18,067 18,067 20,409 19,692 12,852 12,852 15,316 15,316 17,863 17,863 Bore of Drill 63.5 71.4 4,530 4,530 5,668 5,668 6,866 6,603 7,146 6,603 5,599 5,599 6,783 6,667 7,205 6,667 7,205 6,667 6,415 6,415 7,691 7,375 7,935 7,375 7,935 7,375 6,430 6,430 7,702 7,702 8,340 7,780 8,340 7,780 7,622 7,622 9,047 9,047 10,047 9,456 10,047 9,456 10,047 9,456 7,831 7,831 9,282 9,282 10,317 9,716 10,317 9,716 10,317 9,716 10,317 9,716 9,372 10,997 11,612 11,612 11,612 10,477 12,277 14,151 15,048 15,048 15,048 88.9 95.2

61

7,831 8,161 8,161 8,161 8,161 8,161 9,372 9,968 9,968 9,968 9,968 10,477 12,277 13,302 13,302 13,302 13,302 14,958 17,151 18,681 18,681 18,681 7,390 8,429 8,429 8,351 9,978 10,996 10,996 10,996 10,095 11,891 13,758 15,117 17,318 18,081 15,689 17,982 8,689 8,689 10,106 11,400 11,400 11,400 12,673 14,401 14,401 14,401 15,607 18,067 18,920 12,852 15,316 17,863

9,289 9,289 9,289 9,289 9,289 10,477 12,277 12,579 12,579 12,579 12,579 14,958 17,151 17,887 17,887 17,887

8,351 9,978 10,304 10,304 10,304 10,095 11,891 13,312 15,117 17,287 17,287 15,689 17,982

10,106 10,686 10,686 10,686 12,673 13,659 13,659 13,659 15,607 18,067 18,093 12,852 15,316 17,863

*5. Largest diameter shown is the maximum recommended for these full faced connections. If larger diameters are used, machine connections with low torque faces and use the torque values shown under low torque face tables. If low torque faces are not used, see Note 2 for increased torque values. ()6. Torque figures succeeded by a cross () indicate that the weaker member for the corresponding OD and bore is the BOX. For all other torque values the weaker member is the PIN.

62

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (Nm) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) API NC 23 23/8 Reg. 27/8 PAC 23/8 IF API NC 26 27/8 SH 27/8 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 DSL 27/8 Mod.Open 27/8 IF API NC 31 31/2 SH 31/2 Reg. API NC 35 31/2 XH 4 SH 31/2 Mod. Open 31/2 API IF API NC 38 41/2 SH 3 1/2 H-90 4 FH API NC 40 4 Mod. Open 41/2 DSL OD (mm) 76.2 79.4 82.5 76.2 79.4 82.5 76.2 79.4 82.5 88.9 95.2 88.9 95.2 98.4 95.2 98.4 104.8 98.4 104.8 107.9 114.3 104.8 107.9 114.3 114.3 120.6 127.0 107.9 114.3 120.6 127.0 133.3 120.6 127.0 133.3 139.7 120.6 127.0 133.3 139.7 127.0 133.3 139.7 146.0 152.4 133.3 139.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 139.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 139.7 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 146.0 152.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 158.7 165.1 171.4 177.8 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 158.7 165.1 171.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 Bore of Drill 25.4 31.7 3,400 3,400 4,514 4,514 5,423 4,592 3,039 4,105 4,454 5,148 6,733 7,058 6,245 7,458 5,204 7,817 7,817 5,544 7,256 10,927 6,291 10,019 12,010 13,946 8,766 10,692 14,197 Collars (mm) 38.1 44.4 3,400 3,589 3,589 3,039 2,371 3,490 2,371 3,490 2,371 5,148 3,968 5,629 3,968 5,629 3,968 6,245 6,329 5,204 6,713 6,713 5,544 7,256 10,927 6,291 10,019 12,010 12,619 8,766 10,692 12,900 5,013 5,013 5,204 5,426 5,426 5,544 7,256 10,077 6,291 10,019 11,065 11,065 8,766 10,692 11,380 12,255 16,640 16,640 6,997 11,495 16,370 18,009 18,009 13,540 18,913 21,974 21,974 11,912 17,346 23,176 25,115 14,793 20,731 27,096 27,847 27,847

4 H-90

41/2 Reg.

API NC 44

41/2 API FH 41/2 XH API NC 46 4 API IF 5 DSL 41/2 Mod. Open 41/2 H-90

5 H-90

51/2 H-90

51/2 Reg. 41/2 API IF API NC 50 5 XH 5 Mod. Open 51/2 DSL 5 Semi-IF

1. Basis of calculations for recommended makeup torque assumes the use of a thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic zinc with not more than 0.3% total active sulfur, applied thoroughly to all threads

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (Nm) [See Note 2]
50.8 57.1 Bore of Drill Collars (mm) 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2

63

6,291 9,292 9,292 9,292 8,766 9,646 9,646 12,255 14,677 14,677 6,997 11,495 16,003 16,003 16,003 13,540 18,913 19,867 1,9867 11,912 17,346 22,956 22,956 14,793 20,731 25,607 25,607 25,607 17,070 23,593 30,548 32,097 32,097 21,118 27,943 32,113 32,113 28,330 34,586 34,586 34,586 17,589 24,566 32,004 37,006 37,006

7,708 7,708 7,708 12,255 12,477 12,477 6,997 11,495 13,753 13,753 13,753 13,540 17,500 17,500 17,500 11,912 17,346 20,526 20,526 14,793 20,731 23,086 23,086 23,086 17,070 23,593 29,445 29,445 29,445 21,118 27,943 29,487 29,487 28,330 31,853 31,853 31,853 17,589 24,566 32,004 34,264 34,264 24,049 31,755 37,991 37,991 37,991 24,431 32,107 38,955 38,955 38,955 34,383 43,244 47,849 47,849 46,787 56,935 57,919 57,919 43,306 53,445 57,597 57,597 31,188 40,240 49,814 52,035 52,035 52,035

10,048 10,048 10,048 6,997 11,268 11,268 11,268 11,268 13,540 14,883 14,883 14,883 11,912 17,346 17,834 17,834 14,793 20,295 20,295 20,295 20,295 17,070 23,593 26,501 26,501 26,501 21,118 26,575 26,575 26,575 28,330 28,820 28,820 28,820 17,589 24,566 31,222 31,222 31,222 24,049 31,755 34,811 34,811 34,811 24,431 32,107 35,790 35,790 35,790 34,383 43,244 44,504 44,504 46,787 54,391 54,391 54,391 43,306 53,445 54,051 54,051 31,188 40,240 48,570 48,570 48,570 48,570

11,274 11,274 11,274 11,274 11,912 14,114 14,114 14,114 14,793 16,439 16,439 16,439 16,439 17,070 22,424 22,424 22,424 22,424 21,118 22,546 22,546 22,546 24,623 24,623 24,623 24,623 17,589 24,566 27,008 27,008 27,008 24,049 30,405 30,405 30,405 30,405 24,431 31,400 31,400 31,400 31,400 34,383 39,861 39,861 39,861 46,787 49,489 49,489 49,489 43,306 49,128 49,128 49,128 31,188 40,240 43,762 43,762 43,762 43,762

17,589 24,269 24,269 24,269 24,269 24,049 27,538 27,538 27,538 27,538 24,431 28,541 28,541 28,541 28,541 34,383 36,833 36,833 36,833 46,291 46,291 46,291 46,291 43,306 45,918 45,918 45,918 31,188 40,240 40,628 40,628 40,628 40,628

31,188 36,167 36,167 36,167 36,167 36,167

and shoulders. Also using the modified screw jack formula as shown in the IADC Drilling Manual and the API Recommended Practice RP 7G. For API connections and their interchangeable connections, makeup torque is based on 62,500 psi stress in the pin or box, whichever is weaker.

64

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (Nm) [See Note 2]
Size and Type of Connection (in.) 51/2 API FH Bore of Drill Collars (mm) OD (mm) 25.4 31.7 38.1 44.4 177.8 184.1 190.5 196.8 184.1 190.5 196.8 203.2 190.5 196.8 203.2 209.5 190.5 196.8 203.2 209.5 203.2 209.5 215.9 222.2 228.6 203.2 209.5 215.9 222.2 228.6 234.9 215.9 222.2 228.6 234.9 241.3 228.6 234.9 241.3 247.6 254.0 260.3 254.0 260.3 266.7 273.0 279.4 Connections with Full Faces 203.2* 209.5* 215.9* 215.9* 222.2* 228.6* 234.9* 241.3* 228.6* 234.9* 241.3* 254.0* 260.3* 266.7* 260.3* 266.7* Connections with Low Torque Faces 222.2 228.6 234.9 241.3 247.6 254.0 247.6 254.0 260.3 266.7 273.0 279.4 285.7 273.0 279.4 285.7

API NC 56

65/8 Reg.

65/8 H-90

API NC 61

51/2 IF

65/8 API FH

API NC 70

API NC 77

7 H-90

75/8 API Reg.

75/8 H-90 85/8 API Reg. 85/8 H-90

7 H-90 75/8 Reg.

75/8 H-90

85/8 Reg. 85/8 H-90

2. Normal torque range tabulated minimum value to 10% greater. Largest diameter shown for each connection is the maximum recommended for that connection. If the connections are used on drill collars larger than the maximum shown, increase the torque values shown by 10% for a minimum value. In addition to the increased minimum torque value, it is also recommended that a fishing neck be machined to the maximum diameter shown. 3. H-90 connections makeup torque is based on 56,200 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1. 4. The 27/8 in. PAC makeup torque is based on 87,500 psi stress and other factors as stated in Note 1.

Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (Nm) [See Note 2]
50.8 57.1 Bore of Drill Collars (mm) 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 44,419 44,419 44,419 44,419 55,586 55,586 55,586 55,586 67,331 64,748 61,270 56,311 70.078 64,748 61,270 56,311 54,908 54,908 54,908 54,908 66,517 65,379 61,934 57,024 70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024 70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024 62,909 62,909 62,909 62,909 75,420 72,327 68,745 63,636 77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636 77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636 63,057 63,057 63,057 63,057 75,529 75,529 72,710 67,594 81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594 81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594 74,747 74,747 74,747 74,747 88,722 88,722 88,722 83,551 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551 76,795 76,795 76,795 76,795 91,021 91,021 91,021 85,933 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 91,909 91,909 91,909 107,848 107,848 104,000 113,878 109,809 104,000 113,878 109,809 104,000 113,878 109,809 104,000 102,745 102,745 102,745 120,400 120,400 120,400 138,773 138,773 137,082 147,569 143,251 137,082 147,569 143,251 137,082 147,569 143,251 137,082 146,692 146,692 168,191 168,191 190,480 190,476 197,239 190,476 197,239 190,476 Connections with Full Faces 72,474 72,474 72,474 86,417 86,417 86,417 97,708 93,911 88,490 81,894 81,894 97,848 97,848 114,489 114,189 120,099 114,189 120,099 114,189 98,997 98,997 116,609 116,609 134,915 134,915 148,251 148,251 169,834 169,834 191,352 184,589 153,860 153,860 176,341 176,341 Connections with Low Torque Faces 92,279 92,279 91,188 100,650 96,753 91,188 99,109 99,109 117,228 117,228 124,449 118,352 124,449 118,352 124,284 124,284 144,069 144,069 154,354 148,033 154,354 148,033 153,054 153,054 177,174 177,174 200,140 193,108 126,037 126,037 150,200 150,200 175,176 175,176 88.9 95.2

65

76,795 80,029 80,029 80,029 80,029 80,029 91,909 97,757 97,757 97,757 97,757 102,745 120,400 130,449 130,449 130,449 130,449 146,692 168,191 183,197 183,197 183,197 72,474 82,665 82,665 81,894 97,848 107,836 107,836 107,836 98,997 116,609 134,915 148,251 169,834 177,310 153,860 176,341 85,206 85,206 99,109 111,796 111,796 111,796 124,284 141,230 141,230 141,230 153,054 177,174 185,538 126,037 150,200 175,176

91,090 91,090 91,090 91,090 91,090 102,745 120,400 123,357 123,357 123,357 123,357 146,692 168,191 175,409 175,409 175,409

81,894 97,848 101,048 101,048 101,048 98,997 116,609 130,544 148,251 169,523 169,523 153,860 176,341

99,109 104,789 104,789 104,789 124,284 133,953 133,953 133,953 153,054 177,174 177,437 126,037 150,200 175,176

*5. Largest diameter shown is the maximum recommended for these full faced connections. If larger diameters are used, machine connections with low torque faces and use the torque values shown under low torque face tables. If low torque faces are not used, see Note 2 for increased torque values. ()6. Torque figures succeeded by a cross () indicate that the weaker member for the corresponding OD and bore is the BOX. For all other torque values the weaker member is the PIN.

66

Drill Collar

KNOW FIELD SHOP WORK


When it becomes necessary to repair drill collars in field shops, every effort should be made to rethread the drill collar with a joint equivalent to the manufacturers new joint. Use only field shops that are equipped with high-quality, hardened-and-ground gages; with thread mills or lathes that use pre-formed threading inserts, cold rolling equipment and chemical coating baths. Use the following checklist to ensure that a field shops repair work is of high quality. Straightness Collars should be inspected by supporting near each end and checking for run-out. As a rule of thumb, collars with more than 1/4 in. (6 mm) run-out should be straightened. Threading Threads should be gaged with high-quality, hardened-and-ground gages. Thread form, lead and taper should be inspected, using approved gages. Thread roots should be free from sharp notches (see page 97 for oilfield thread forms). Cold Working Thread roots should be cold worked in accordance with procedures established for rolling or peening. Threads must be gaged for standoff prior to cold working. Cold working should be completed prior to cutting stress-relief contours so the last scratch of the run-out or imperfect thread root can be cold worked. Facts About Cold Working Drill collar joint life can be improved by prestressing the thread roots of drill collar joints by cold working. Cold working is done with a hydraulic ram which forces a roller into the thread root (see Figure No. 49). The roller is then moved down the thread spiral. Cold worked metal surfaces have greater resistance to fatigue failure. After thread rolling is completed, the fibers in the thread roots remain in compression and can withstand higher bending loads without cracking in fatigue. Note: For comments related to the effect of cold working and gage standoff, refer to API Specification No. 7 .

Drill Collar
Load

67

After rolling, these fibers remain in compression

Figure No. 49

Gall-Resistant Coating A gall-resistant coating should be applied to all newly cut threads and shoulders. This conditions the shiny threads and shoulders so that lubricant will adhere to the surface. Newly machined threads are bright and shiny before being coated. The gall-resistant compound is usually a manganese or zinc phosphate coating, produced by immersing in a hot chemical solution, which gives the threads and shoulders a dark appearance (see Figure No. 50). Such a coating acts as a lubricant, separates the metal surfaces during the initial makeup and assists in holding lubricant in place under makeup loads.

Figure No. 50

68

Drill Collar
Stress Relief Contours The API relief groove pin and the API Bore Back box remove unengaged threads in highly stressed areas of the drill collar joint (see Figure No. 51). This provides a more flexible joint, less likely to crack in fatigue, because bending in the joint occurs in areas of smooth relief surfaces.
Smooth surfaces and radii, free of tool marks, permit higher bending loads without fatigue cracking. Serial numbers must not be stamped in relief grooves.

Last scratch of box thread covered by pin; no thread roots exposed to corrosive drilling fluid.

Large radii reduce stress concentrations.

Figure No. 51

SPECIAL DRILL COLLAR FEATURES


Spiral Drill Collars The purpose of the spiral drill collar is to prevent differential sticking (see page 27). The reduction of wall contact between the drill collars and the wall of the hole greatly reduces the chances of the collars becoming wall stuck. The box end is left uncut for a distance of no less than 18 in. (457 mm) and no more than 24 in. (610 mm) below the shoulder. The pin end is left uncut for a distance of no less than 12 in. (305 mm) and no more than 22 in. (559 mm) above the shoulder. Note: The weight of a round drill collar will be reduced approximately 4% by spiraling.

Figure No. 52

Drill Collar
Slip and Elevator Recesses Slip and elevator recesses are designed to cut drill collar handling time by eliminating lift subs and safety clamps. Extreme care is taken in machining smooth radii, free of tool marks. Added fatigue life is obtained by cold rolling the radii at the upper shoulder with a specially designed cold rolling tool. Slip and elevator recesses may be used together or separately (see Figure No. 53).

69

Cold work

Figure No. 53

Low Torque Faces To prevent shoulder separation, the compressive stress created by the makeup torque must be of such a magnitude that the shoulders remain together under all downhole conditions. On large diameter drill collars the shoulder can become so wide that the makeup torque required for an adequate compressive stress can not be obtained. Low torque faces are used to achieve an increase in the compressive shoulder stress at the shoulder bevel when a connection smaller than optimum is used on large drill collars. The low torque face feature was designed to accommodate the problem of reducing the area of the total shoulder face without creating a notch effect that would occur if a larger bevel is used. Instead of increasing bevel size to decrease the shoulder face area, the counterbore of the box is machined to a larger diameter to reduce the compressive box section at the shoulder. The low torque feature cannot create a balance of fatigue life between the pin and box, nor can it increase the shoulder load holding the connection together. It should be noted that the term Low Torque Feature does not mean that less makeup torque will be required when the feature is used on a particular connection on a given size collar.

70

Drill Collar
Figure No. 54 is a comparison of the shoulder widths of a connection with and without a low torque feature.

Figure No. 54

BUOYANCY EFFECT OF DRILL COLLARS IN MUD


All picked up drill collar weight is not available to load the bit in fluid drilled holes due to the buoyancy effect. Buoyancy Factors
Mud (lb/gal) 8.34 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Weight (lb/ft3) 62.3 67.3 74.8 82.3 89.8 97.2 104.7 112.2 119.7 127.2 134.6 142.1 149.6 157.1 164.6 172.1 179.5 g/cc or sp gr 1.00 1.08 1.20 1.32 1.44 1.56 1.68 1.80 1.92 2.04 2.16 2.28 2.40 2.52 2.64 2.76 2.88 Buoyancy Correction Factor .873 .862 .847 .832 .817 .801 .786 .771 .755 .740 .725 .710 .694 .679 .664 .649 .633

BF = 1

Mud lb/gal 65.5

Buoyancy Factors To find the corrected or buoyed drill collar weight, use the above Buoyancy Correction Factor for the mud weight to be used.

Drill Collar
Example: If a drill collar string weight is 79,000 lb in air, how much will it weigh in 12 lb/gal mud? Buoyed drill collar weight = Drill collar weight x correction factor = 79,000 lb x .817 = 64,543 lb Example: If a drill collar string weight is 35,830 kg in air, how much will it weigh in 1.44 g/cc mud? Buoyed drill collar weight = Drill collar weight x correction factor = 35,834 kg x .817 = 29,276 kg

71

DRILL PIPE DRILL COLLAR SAFETY FACTOR


Drill pipe will be subjected to serious damage if run in compression. To make sure the drill pipe is always in tension, the top 10 to 15% of the drill collar string must also be in tension. This will put the change over from tension to compression, or neutral zone, down in the stiff drill collar string where it is desirable and can be tolerated. A 10% Safety Factor (SF) should be written as 1.10, 15% as 1.15, etc. From the above buoyancy effect example, the maximum weight available to run on the bit would be: Buoyed weight Maximum bit weight available = 1.15 (15% SF) = 64,543 lb 1.15 = 56,124 lb Buoyed weight Maximum bit weight available= 1.15 (15% SF) = 29,276 kg 1.15 = 25,457 kg Bit weight x SF Drill collar air weight = BF In soft formations with little or no bouncing, or when running a vibration dampener, a 10% safety factor will probably be sufficient. In areas of hard and rough drilling it may be desirable to increase this safety factor to 25% (1.25).

72
Weight of 31 ft Drill Collar (lb)
Drill Collar OD (in.) 3 /2 31/8 31/4 33/8 31/2 33/4 37/8 41/2 41/8 41/4 41/2 43/4 51/2 51/4 51/2 53/4 61/2 61/4 61/2 63/4 71/2 71/4 71/2 73/4 81/2 81/4 81/2 83/4 91/2 91/4 91/2 93/4 101/2 101/4 101/2 103/4 111/2 111/4 111/2 113/4 121/2
1

Drill Collar

Bore of Drill Collar (in.)

1 662.2 725.5 791.5

11/8 640.2 703.6 769.5

11/4 679.0 744.9 813.5 884.6 1,034.6

11/2 622.1 688.0 756.6 827.7 977.7

13/4

21/4

21/2

213/16

31/4

689.3 760.5 910.5 989.4 911.8 993.3 823.8 905.3 989.4

1,113.5 1,056.6

1,138.1 1,070.9

1,222.2 1,154.9 1,077.3

1,308.8 1,241.6 1,164.0 1,076.0 1,489.9 1,422.6 1,345.0 1,257.1 1,681.3 1,614.0 1,536.4 1,448.5 1,350.2 1,883.0 1,815.8 1,738.2 1,650.3 1,552.0 2,095.2 2,027.9 1,950.3 1,862.4 1,764.1 1,626.7 2,317.6 2,250.3 2,172.7 2,084.8 1,986.5 1,849.1 1,758.9 2,550.4 2,483.1 2,405.5 2,317.6 2,219.3 2,081.9 1,991.7 2,793.5 2,726.3 2,648.7 2,560.7 2,462.4 2,325.0 2,234.8 2,105.5 3,047.0 2,979.8 2,902.2 2,814.2 2,715.9 2,578.5 2,488.3 2,359.0 3,310.9 3,243.6 3,166.0 3,078.1 2,979.8 2,842.4 2,752.1 2,622.8 3,585.0 3,517.8 3,440.2 3,352.2 3,253.9 3,116.5 3,026.3 2,897.0 3,869.6 3,802.3 3,724.7 3,636.8 3,538.5 3,401.1 3,310.9 3,181.5 4,164.4 4,097.2 4,019.6 3,931.6 3,833.3 3,695.9 3,605.7 3,476.4 4,469.7 4,402.4 4,324.8 4,236.9 4,138.6 4,001.2 3,910.9 3,781.6 4,785.2 4,718.0 4,640.4 4,552.4 4,454.1 4,316.7 4,226.5 4,097.2 5,111.1 5,043.9 4,966.3 4,878.3 4,780.0 4,642.6 4,552.4 4,423.1 5,447.4 5,380.1 5,302.5 5,214.6 5,116.3 4,978.9 4,888.7 4,759.4 5,794.0 5,726.7 5,649.1 5,561.2 5,462.9 5,325.5 5,235.3 5,106.0 6,150.9 6,083.7 6,006.1 5,918.2 5,819.9 5,682.4 5,592.2 5,462.9 6,451.0 6,373.4 6,285.4 6,187.2 6,049.7 5,959.5 5,830.2 6,628.6 6,751.0 6,663.1 6,564.8 6,427.4 6,337.2 6,207.9 7,216.6 7,139.0 7,051.1 6,952.8 6,815.4 6,725.2 6,595.8 7,615.0 7,537.4 7,449.4 7,351.1 7,213.7 7,123.5 6,994.2 7,946.1 7,858.1 7,759.8 7,622.4 7,532.2 7,402.9 8,365.1 8,277.1 8,178.8 8,041.4 7,951.2 7,821.9 8,794.5 8,706.5 8,608.2 8,470.8 8,380.6 8,251.3 9,234.2 9,146.2 9,047.9 8,910.5 8,820.3 8,691.0 9,498.0 9,360.6 9,270.4 9,141.1 9,958.4 9,821.0 9,730.8 9,601.5 10,429.2 10,291.8 10,201.6 10,072.2 10,910.3 10,772.9 10,682.7 10,553.3 11,401.8 11,264.3 11,174.1 11,044.8

1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl 65.5 lb of steel will displace 1 gal 7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter 490 lb of steel will displace 1 ft3 2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl

Drill Collar
Drill Collar Weights (lb/ft)
Drill Collar OD (in.) 3 /2 31/8 31/4 33/8 31/2 33/4 37/8 41/2 41/8 41/4 41/2 43/4 51/2 51/4 51/2 53/4 61/2 61/4 61/2 63/4 71/2 71/4 71/2 73/4 81/2 81/4 81/2 83/4 91/2 91/4 91/2 93/4 101/2 101/4 101/2 103/4 111/2 111/4 111/2 113/4 121/2
1

73

Bore of Drill Collar (in.)

1 21 23 26

11/8 21 23 25

11/4 22 24 26 29 33 36

11/2 21 22 24 27 32 34 37 39 42 48 54 61 68 75 83 90 98 107 116 125 134 144 154 165 176 187 198

13/4

21/4

21/2

213/16

31/4

22 25 29 32 35 37 40 46 52 59 65 73 80 88 96 105 114 123 132 142 152 163 174 185 196 208 220 233 246 30 32 35 38 43 50 56 63 70 78 85 94 102 111 120 130 140 150 160 171 182 194 206 218 230 243 256 270 284 298 27 29 32 35 41 47 53 60 67 75 83 91 99 108 117 127 137 147 157 168 179 191 203 215 228 240 254 267 281 295 44 50 57 64 72 79 88 96 105 114 124 134 144 154 165 176 188 200 212 224 237 250 264 278 292 306 321 336 352 368 53 60 67 75 83 92 101 110 119 129 139 150 161 172 183 195 207 220 233 246 259 273 287 302 317 332 348 363 57 64 72 80 88 98 107 116 126 136 147 158 169 180 192 204 217 230 243 257 270 285 299 314 329 345 361 68 76 85 94 103 112 122 132 143 154 165 176 188 200 213 226 239 252 266 280 295 310 325 340 356

1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl 65.5 lb of steel will displace 1 gal 7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter 490 lb of steel will displace 1 ft3 2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl

74
Weight of 9.4 m Drill Collar (kg)
Drill Collar OD in. (mm) 31/2 (76.20) 31/8 (79.37) 31/4 (82.55) 33/8 (85.72) 31/2 (88.90) 33/4 (95.25) 37/8 (98.42) 41/2 (101.60) 41/8 (104.77) 4 1/4 (107.95) 41/2 (114.30) 43/4 (120.65) 51/2 (127.00) 51/4 (133.35) 51/2 (139.70) 5 3/4 (146.05) 61/2 (152.40) 61/4 (158.75) 61/2 (165.10) 63/4 (171.45) 71/2 (177.80) 71/4 (184.15) 71/2 (190.50) 73/4 (196.85) 81/2 (203.20) 81/4 (209.55) 81/2 (215.90) 83/4 (222.25) 91/2 (228.60) 91/4 (234.95) 91/2 (241.30) 93/4 (247.65) 101/2 (254.00) 101/4 (260.35) 101/2 (266.70) 103/4 (273.05) 111/2 (279.40) 111/4 (285.75) 111/2 (292.10) 113/4 (298.45) 121/2 (304.80) Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm)

Drill Collar

21/4 31/4 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/2 213/16 3 1 11/8 (25.40) (28.57) (31.75) (38.10) (44.45) (50.80) (57.15) (63.50) (71.44) (76.20) (82.55) 298.8 327.4 357.2 288.9 317.5 347.2 306.4 336.2 367.1 399.2 466.9 502.5 280.7 310.5 341.4 373.5 441.2 476.8 513.6 551.5 590.6 672.3 758.7 849.7 945.4 311.1 343.2 410.9 446.5 483.2 521.2 560.3 642.0 728.3 819.4 915.1 411.4 448.2 486.1 525.2 606.9 693.3 784.4 880.1 980.4 371.8 408.5 446.5 485.6 567.3 653.6 744.7 840.4 940.8 609.3 700.3 796.0 896.4 734.0 834.4 939.5 793.7 898.7 950.1

1,045.8 1,015.5

1,150.9 1,120.5 1,085.5 1,045.8 1,001.5

1,260.6 1,230.2 1,195.2 1,155.5 1,111.2 1,049.2 1,008.5

1,375.0 1,344.6 1,309.6 1,269.9 1,225.6 1,163.6 1,122.8 1,064.5 1,494.0 1,463.7 1,428.7 1,389.0 1,344.6 1,282.6 1,241.9 1,183.5 1,617.7 1,587.4 1,552.4 1,512.7 1,468.3 1,406.3 1,365.6 1,307.3 1,746.1 1,715.8 1,680.8 1,641.1 1,596.7 1,534.7 1,494.0 1,435.7 1,879.2 1,848.8 1,813.8 1,774.1 1,729.8 1,667.8 1,627.1 1,568.7 2,016.9 1,986.6 1,951.6 1,911.9 1,867.5 1,805.5 1,764.8 1,706.4 2,159.3 2,129.0 2,094.0 2,054.3 2,009.9 1,947.9 1,907.2 1,848.8 2,306.4 2,276.0 2,241.0 2,201.3 2,157.0 2,095.0 2,054.3 1,995.9 2,458.1 2,427.8 2,392.8 2,353.1 2,308.7 2,246.7 2,206.0 2,147.7 2,614.5 2,584.2 2,549.2 2,509.5 2,465.1 2,403.1 2,362.4 2,304.1 2,775.6 2,745.3 2,710.2 2,670.6 2,626.2 2,564.2 2,523.5 2,465.1 2,911.0 2,876.0 2,836.3 2,791.9 2,729.9 2,689.2 2,630.9 3,081.4 3,046.4 3,006.7 2,962.4 2,900.3 2,859.6 2,801.3 3,256.5 3,221.5 3,181.8 3,137.4 3,075.4 3,034.7 2,976.4 3,436.2 3,401.2 3,361.5 3,317.2 3,255.2 3,214.5 3,156.1 3,585.6 3,546.0 3,501.6 3,439.6 3,398.9 3,340.5 3,774.7 3,735.0 3,690.7 3,628.7 3,588.0 3,529.6 3,968.5 3,928.8 3,884.4 3,822.4 3,781.7 3,723.4 4,166.9 4,127.2 4,082.9 4,020.9 3,980.2 3,921.8 4,286.0 4,223.9 4,183.2 4,124.9 4,493.7 4,431.7 4,391.0 4,332.6 4,706.2 4,644.1 4,603.4 4,545.1 4,923.2 4,861.2 4,820.5 4,762.2 5,145.0 5,083.0 5,042.3 4,983.9

1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl; 65.5 lb of steel will displace 1 gal; 7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter; 490 lb of steel will displace 1 ft3; 2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl

Drill Collar
Drill Collar Weights (kg/m)
Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm) Drill Collar OD 21/4 31/4 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/2 213/16 3 1 11/8 in. (mm) (25.40) (28.57) (31.75) (38.10) (44.45) (50.80) (57.15) (63.50) (71.44) (76.20) (82.55) 1 3 /2 (76.20) 32 31
31/8 (79.37) 31/4 (82.55) 33/8 (85.72) 31/2 (88.90) 33/4 (95.25) 37/8 (98.42) 41/2 (101.60) 41/8 (104.77) 41/4 (107.95) 41/2 (114.30) 43/4 (120.65) 51/2 (127.00) 51/4 (133.35) 51/2 (139.70) 53/4 (146.05) 61/2 (152.40) 61/4 (158.75) 61/2 (165.10) 63/4 (171.45) 71/2 (177.80) 71/4 (184.15) 71/2 (190.50) 73/4 (196.85) 81/2 (203.20) 8 1/4 (209.55) 81/2 (215.90) 83/4 (222.25) 91/2 (228.60) 91/4 (234.95) 91/2 (241.30) 93/4 (247.65) 101/2 (254.00) 101/4 (260.35) 101/2 (266.70) 103/4 (273.05) 111/2 (279.40) 111/4 (285.75) 111/2 (292.10) 113/4 (298.45) 121/2 (304.80) 35 38 34 37 33 36 39 43 50 54 30 33 36 40 47 51 55 59 63 72 81 90 101 111 122 134 146 159 172 186 200 215 230 245 262 278 295 33 37 44 48 51 55 60 68 78 87 97 108 119 131 143 156 169 183 197 211 227 242 258 275 292 310 328 346 366 44 48 52 56 65 74 83 94 104 116 127 139 152 165 179 193 208 223 238 255 271 288 306 324 343 362 382 402 422 443 40 44 48 52 60 70 79 89 100 111 123 135 148 161 175 189 203 219 234 250 267 284 302 320 339 358 377 397 418 439 65 75 85 95 107 118 130 143 156 170 184 199 214 230 246 262 279 297 315 334 353 373 393 413 434 456 478 501 524 547 78 89 100 112 124 136 150 163 177 192 207 223 239 256 273 290 309 327 346 366 386 407 428 449 472 494 517 541 84 96 107 120 132 145 159 173 188 203 219 235 251 269 286 304 323 342 362 382 403 423 445 467 490 513 536 101 113 126 139 153 167 182 197 212 229 245 262 280 298 317 336 355 376 396 417 439 461 484 507 530

75

76

Drill Collar

PREVENTING PIN AND BOX FAILURES IN DOWNHOLE TOOLS


The first rotary shouldered connection (pin by box) was used in drilling in 1909. Its simple and rugged and nobody has designed anything basically better, since. However, it is subject to fatigue failures if its asked to work beyond its endurance limit, or if a few simple rules are not followed in its manufacture and use. Weve written detailed booklets on care and use of drill collars. You can have one by writing to us, as suggested on the following page. However, if youll follow a few simple rules, listed below, and briefly detailed on the following pages, you can stay out of trouble. Rule Use Correct Makeup Torque Our experience indicates that perhaps 80% or more of all premature connection failures are due to incorrect makeup torque (see pages 37 through 65). Rule Use Proper Thread Compound A good grade of drill collar compound contains powdered metallic zinc in the amount of 40 to 60% by weight (see page 38). Rule Proper Tong Position Position tongs 8 in. (203 mm) below the box shoulder. Torque indicator should be located in snub line 90 to tong arm (see pages 42 through 50). Rule Use Systematic Inspection Fatigue is an accumulative and progressive thing. Cracks ordinarily exist a long time before ultimate failure, and can be detected by proper inspection methods (see pages 143 and 152). Rule Require Best Joint Design and Processing Much has been learned about how joint design and machining methods affect fatigue resistance (stress level) (see pages 37 through 70). Rule Get Factory Quality From Field Shops To the extent possible, require the same machining and processing used by drill collar manufacturers (see page 66). Rule Treat Tools Like Machinery, Not Pipe! Guard pins and boxes from damage and lubricate them properly. Theyll give lots of trouble-free service!

Drill Collar

77

IF YOU HAVE AN EPIDEMIC OF DRILL COLLAR FAILURES THAT YOU CANT EXPLAIN:
First, get a copy of Smiths Publication No. 39, How to Drill a Usable Hole which was compiled from a series of articles published in World Oil magazine. This brochure of pictures and examples explains controlling of hole deviation, the reasons holes become crooked and the problems that can result. If you would like a copy of this brochure, we will be glad to send you one. Just indicate the publication number and address your request to: Smith Services Drilco Group Product Management P.O. Box 60068 Houston, Texas 77205-0068 Second, to solve a drill collar problem, call your area Smith representative. This person has been trained in the care and maintenance of drill collars. Also, you can call anyone with Smith for information to help find a solution to such problems. After all, helping customers solve drill collar problems is the way our company started. Suppose you need help right now! Call Smith and tell our telephone operator I have a drill collar problem and I want to talk with someone who can help me. If you have time, write a letter giving us all the facts.* We will answer promptly. Smith is interested in your drill collar problems, both solving them and helping to prevent them in the future. *Smith Services Product Management P.O. Box 60068 Houston, Texas 77205-0068 When writing or calling about a drill collar problem, please specify: 1. Connection size and type, relief features, and length. 2. OD and ID of drill collars. 3. Torque applied. 4. Length of tongs. 5. Type of torque indicator. 6. Service time of connections. 7. Location of failure (pin or box). 8. Type of thread compound. 9. Drilling conditions.

78

Drill Collar

GUIDES FOR EVALUATING DRILL COLLAR OD, ID AND CONNECTION COMBINATIONS


The BSR (Bending Strength Ratio) is used in the following charts as a basis for evaluating compatibility of drill collar OD, ID and connection combinations. The BSR is a number descriptive of the relative capacity of the pin and box to resist bending fatigue failures. It is generally accepted that a BSR of 2.50:1 is the right number for the average balanced connection, when drilling conditions are average. If you study the BSR ratios in the API RP 7G, you will realize that very few of the ODs and IDs commonly used on drill collars result in a BSR of 2.50:1 exactly, so the following charts were prepared using the following guidelines: 1. For small drill collars 6 in. (152.4 mm) OD and below, try to avoid BSRs above 2.75:1 or below 2.25:1. 2. For high rpm, soft formations and when drill collar OD is small compared to hole size (example: 8 in. (203.2 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole, 6 in. (152.4 mm) OD in 81/4 in. (209.6 mm) hole), avoid BSRs above 2.85:1 or below 2.25:1. 3. For hard formations, low rpm and when drill collar OD is close to hole size (example: 10 in. (254.0 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole, 81/4 in. (209.6 mm) OD in 97/8 in. (250.8 mm) hole), avoid BSRs above 3.20:1 or below 2.25:1. However, when low torque features (see page 69) are used on large drill collars, BSRs as large as 3.40:1 will perform satisfactorily. 4. For very abrasive conditions where loss of OD is severe, favor combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1. 5. For extremely corrosive environments, favor combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1.81 How to Use the Connection Selection Charts on Pages 80 through 95. The charts appearing on pages 80 to 95 were prepared with the BSR guidelines as reference. 1. The best group of connections are defined as those that appear in the shaded sections of the charts. Also the nearer the connection lies to the reference line, the more desirable is its selection. 2. The second best group of connections are those that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on the left. The nearer the connection lies to the reference line, the more desirable is its selection.

Drill Collar
3. The third best group of connections are those that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on the right. The nearer the connection lies to the reference line, the more desirable is its selection. Example: Suppose you want to select the best connection for 93/4 in. (247.7 mm) x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm) ID drill collars. Referring to the following chart (see Figure No. 55). 213/16 in. ID
Reference line

79

10 OD (in.) 93/4 91/2

2nd choice 1st choice 3rd choice 75/8 H-90 NC 70 75/8 Reg. (Low torque) 65/8 FH

Figure No. 55

For average conditions, you should select in this order of preference: 1. Best = NC 70 (shaded area and nearest reference line). 2. Second best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) (light area to left and nearest to reference line). 3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 (light area to right and nearest to reference line). But in extremely abrasive and/or corrosive conditions, you might want to select in this order of preference: 1. Best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) = strongest box. 2. Second best = NC 70 = second strongest box. 3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 = weakest box.
The connection furthest to the left on the chart has the strongest box. This connection should be considered as possible first choices for very abrasive formations or corrosive conditions.

80
11/2 in. ID
2.75 63/4 53/4 51/2 51/4 53/4 43/4 41/2 OD (in.) 41/4 4 /4
3

Drill Collar

2.25 NC 38 31/2 XH NC 35 NC 31 31/2 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 PAC 27/8 Reg. NC 26 27/8 PAC 23/8 Reg. 23/8 PAC

33/4 31/2 31/4 33/4 23/4 21/2 Reference line

2.50

Drill Collar
13/4 in. ID
2.75 53/4 51/2 51/4 53/4 43/4 41/2 41/4 OD (in.) 43/4 33/4 31/2 31/4 33/4 23/4 21/2 21/4 Reference line 27/8 Reg. NC 26 NC 31 31/2 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 PAC 2.25 2.50

81

NC 38 31/2 XH NC 35

27/8 PAC

23/8 PAC

82
2 in. ID
3.00 61/2 61/4 63/4 53/4 51/2 51/4 53/4 OD (in.) 43/4 41/2 41/4 43/4 33/4 31/2 31/4 33/4 Reference line 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

NC 46

NC 44

NC 40

NC 38 31/2 XH NC 35

NC 31 31/2 Reg. 27/8 XH 31/2 PAC

NC 26

Drill Collar
21/4 in. ID
3.00 7 3/4 71/2 71/4 73/4 63/4 61/2 61/4 OD (in.) 63/4 53/4 51/2 51/4 53/4 43/4 41/2 4 /4
1

83

2.50

2.75

2.25 51/2 FH NC 56 51/2 Reg. NC 50 NC 46 NC 44 NC 40 NC 38 31/2 XH NC 35

Reference line

84
21/2 in. ID
3.00 10 9 3/4 91/2 91/4 93/4 83/4 OD (in.) 81/2 81/4 83/4 7 3/4 71/2 71/4 73/4 75/8 Reg.* 65/8 FH NC 70 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

51/2 IF

7 H-90* NC 61

65/8 H-90 65/8 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56

Reference line

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

5/
1 2

NC

g. Re

50

Drill Collar
21/2 in. ID
3.00 73/4 63/4 61/2 61/4 63/4 53/4 OD (in.) 51/2 51/4 5 /4
3

85

2.50

2.75

2.25 51/2 Reg. NC 50 NC 46 NC 44 NC 40 NC 38 31/2 XH NC 35

43/4 41/2 41/4 43/4

Reference line

86
213/16 in. ID
3.00 111/2 111/4 113/4 103/4 101/2 101/4 10 93/4 91/2 91/4 93/4 83/4 81/2 81/4 75/8 H-90* NC 70 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

85/8 H-90*

NC 77 85/8 Reg.*

OD (in.)

75/8 Reg.* 65/8 FH

51/2 IF
NC 6/
5 8

7 H-90*

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

Reference line

6/
5 8

90 H-

g. Re

61

Drill Collar
213/16 in. ID
3.00 81/4 83/4 73/4 71/2 71/4 73/4 OD (in.) 63/4 61/2 61/4 63/4 5 /4
3

87

2.50

2.75

2.25 NC 61 65/8 H-90 65/8 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56 51/2 Reg. NC 50 NC 46 NC 44

51/2 51/4

Reference line

88
3 in. ID
3.00 113/4 111/2 111/4 113/4 103/4 101/2 101/4 85/8 H-90* 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

NC 77 85/8 Reg.*

OD (in.)

10 93/4 91/2 91/4 93/4 83/4 81/2 75/8 H-90* NC 70

75/8 Reg.* 65/8 FH

Reference line

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

F 1 2I 5 / 90* 7 H 61 NC

Drill Collar
3 in. ID
3.00 81/2 8 /4
1

89

2.50

2.75

83/4 73/4 71/2 71/4 OD (in.) 73/4 63/4 61/2 61/4 63/4 53/4 51/2

2.25 51/2 IF 7 H-90 NC 61 65/8 H-90 65/8 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56 51/2 Reg. NC 50 NC 46
NC 44

Reference line

90
31/4 in. ID
3.00 123/4 113/4 111/2 111/4 113/4 103/4 101/2 101/4 85/8 H-90* 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

NC 77 85/8 Reg.*

OD (in.)

10 93/4 91/2 91/4 93/4 83/4

65/8 IF

75/8 H-90* NC 70

75/8 Reg.* 65/8 FH

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

IF 1 2 * 5/ -90 7H 1 6 NC

Reference line

Drill Collar
31/4 in. ID
3.00 83/4 81/2 81/4 83/4 7 3/4 7 /2
1

91

2.50

2.75

OD (in.)

7 /4
1

73/4 63/4 61/2 61/4 63/4 53/4 51/2

2.25 51/2 IF 7 H-90* NC 61 65/8 H-90 65/8 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56 51/2 Reg. NC 50 NC 46

Reference line

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

92
31/2 in. ID
3.00 113/4 111/2 111/4 113/4 103/4 101/2 101/4 NC 77 85/8 Reg.* 85/8 H-90* 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

OD (in.)

10 93/4 91/2 91/4 93/4 83/4 65/8 IF

75/8 H-90* NC 70

75/8 Reg.*
6/
5 8

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

IF 1 2 5/ * -90 7H 1 6 NC

Reference line

FH

Drill Collar
31/2 in. ID
3.00 83/4 81/2 81/4 83/4 7 3/4 OD (in.) 71/2 71/4 73/4 63/4 61/2 61/4 51/2 Reg. NC 50 Reference line 51/2 IF 7 H-90* NC 61 2.50 2.75 2.25 65/8 FH

93

65/8 H-90 65/8 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56

* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)

94
31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts
3.00 73/4 71/2 OD (in.) 71/4 73/4 63/4 61/2 2.50 2.75 2.25

Drill Collar

51/2 H-90

21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2

5 H-90

71/4 73/4 OD (in.) 63/4 61/2 61/4 63/4

21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2

41/2 H-90

73/4 63/4 61/2

OD (in.)

63/4 5 /4
3

51/2

213/16 3 31/4 Reference line

ID (in.)

61/4

2 21/4 21/2

ID (in.)

ID (in.)

Drill Collar
31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts
3.00 61/2 61/4 OD (in.) 63/4 53/4 5 /2
1

95

4 H-90

2.50

2.75

2.25

51/4

2 21/4 21/2 213/16

31/2 H-90

53/4 51/2 OD (in.) 2 ID (in.) 51/4 53/4 43/4

21/4 21/2 Reference line

Caution: The use of the 90 thread form on drill collar sizes less than 71/2 in. OD may result in hoop stresses high enough to cause swelled boxes. For this reason the API 60 thread form is preferred over the above sizes of the 90 thread form.

H-90 Thread

60 Thread

In order to produce the same shoulder load (L) see illustration on connections of the same size but with different threads (H-90 and 60), the makeup torque must produce a greater force (F90) for an H-90 thread than for a 60 thread (F60). This means the torque requirement is greater for the H-90 thread than the 60 thread, if the connections are equal size. When the makeup torque produces the same shoulder load on both connections, then the force on the H-90 box (F swell) is greater than the force on the 60 box (F swell). This results in high hoop stresses in boxes with H-90 threads.

ID (in.)

96
Rotary Shouldered Connection Interchange List
Common Name Pin Base Size Diameter Threads Taper Style (in.) (tapered) per In. (in./ft) 23/8 27/8 Internal Flush (IF) 31/2 4 41/2 2.876 3.391 4.016 4.834 5.250 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 Thread Form*

Drill Collar

Same As or Interchanges With (in.)

V-0.065 27/8 SH (V-0.038 rad) NC 26** V-0.065 31/2 SH (V-0.038 rad) NC 31** V-0.065 41/2 SH (V-0.038 rad) NC 38** V-0.065 41/2 XH (V-0.038 rad) NC 46** V-0.065 5 XH (V-0.038 rad) NC 50** 51/2 DSL V-0.065 41/2 DSL (V-0.038 rad) NC 40** V-0.065 31/2 DSL (V-0.038 rad) V-0.065 4 SH (V-0.038 rad) 41/2 EF V-0.065 4 IF (V-0.038 rad) NC 46** V-0.065 41/2 IF (V-0.038 rad) NC 50** 51/2 DSL V-0.065 23/8 IF (V-0.038 rad) NC 26** V-0.065 27/8 IF (V-0.038 rad) NC 31** V-0.065 31/2 XH (V-0.038 rad) 41/2 EF V-0.065 31/2 IF (V-0.038 rad) NC 38** V-0.065 27/8 XH (V-0.038 rad) V-0.065 4 FH (V-0.038 rad) NC 40** V-0.065 41/2 IF (V-0.038 rad) 5 XH NC 50** V-0.038 rad 27/8 SH V-0.038 rad 31/2 SH V-0.038 rad 41/2 SH V-0.038 rad V-0.038 rad 41/2 XH V-0.038 rad 5 XH 51/2 DSL 4 FH 41/2 DSL 4 IF 41/2IF 23/8IF 27/8IF 31/2IF

Full Hole (FH)

4 27/8 31/2

4.280 3.327 3.812 4.834 5.250

4 4 4 4 4

2 2 2 2 2

Extra Hole (XH) (EH)

41/2 5

27/8 31/2 Slim Hole (SH) 4 41/2 31/2 Double Streamline (DSL) 41/2 51/2

2.876 3.391 3.812 4.016 3.327 4.280 5.250

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

26 31 38 Num. Conn. (NC) 40 46 50

2.876 3.391 4.016 4.280 4.834 5.250

4 4 4 4 4 4

2 2 2 2 2 2

External Flush (EF)

41/2

3.812

V-0.065 4 SH (V-0.038 rad) 31/2 XH

** Connections with two thread forms shown may be machined with either thread form without affecting gaging or interchangeability. ** Numbered Connections (NC) may be machined only with the V-0.038 radius thread form.

Drill Collar

97

OILFIELD THREAD FORMS


The following thread forms are used on practically all oilfield rotary shouldered connections. Only the 60 thread form is an API thread. The Modified V-0.065 (not shown) has been replaced and is interchangeable with the API V-0.038R. V-0.038R 2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter

Used with: API NC 23, 26, 31, 35, 38, 40, 44, 46 and 50 API IF 23/8, 27/8, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 51/2 and 65/8 in. API FH 4 in. XH 27/8 and 31/2 in.

4 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.038, 4 TPI, 2 in. TPF

Figure No. 56

V-0.038R 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter

4 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.038, 4 TPI, 3 in. TPF Used with: API NC 56, 61, 70 and 77

Figure No. 57

98
V-0.040 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter

Drill Collar

Used with: API Reg. 23/8, 27/8, 31/2 and 41/2 in. API FH 31/2 and 41/2 in.

5 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.040, 5 TPI, 3 in. TPF

Figure No. 58

V-0.050 2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter


Used with: API Reg. 65/8 in. API FH 51/2 and 65/8 in. 4 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.050, 4 TPI, 2 in. TPF

Figure No. 59

V-0.050 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter

4 Threads Per In. (TPI) Used with:

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.050, 4 TPI, 3 in. TPF

Drill Collar
API Reg. 51/2, 75/8 and 85/8 in.

99

Figure No. 60

H-90 2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter

31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 2 in. TPF Used with: H-90, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 5, 51/2 and 65/8 in.

Figure No. 61

H-90 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter


31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI) Used with:

Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 3 in. TPF

100
Depth of counterbore = 5/8 in. Except PAC = 3/8 in. 30 Diameter of counterbore

Drill Collar

H-90, 7, 75/8 and 85/8 in.

To flank of first full depth thread (min)

Figure No. 62
Taper per In. 11/2 11/2 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 Full Depth Thread (in.) 21/2 21/2 31/8 31/8 31/8 35/8 41/8 35/8 37/8 37/8 35/8 37/8 41/8 41/8 45/8 43/8 45/8 43/8 41/8 45/8 45/8 47/8 45/8 47/8 47/8 51/8 51/8 51/8 51/8 51/8 55/8 55/8 51/8 53/8 61/8 61/4 51/8 51/2 65/8 63/4 Diameter of the Counterbore (in.) 213/32 219/32 25/8 211/16 215/16 31/16 323/64 329/64 39/16 313/16 37/8 43/64 45/64 43/16 411/32 49/16 411/16 411/16 47/8 457/64 429/32 511/64 55/16 57/16 537/64 529/32 515/16 61/16 61/16 629/64 61/2 69/16 6 27/32 73/32 73/8 729/64 733/64 83/64 81/16 821/64

Connection Size (in.) 23/8 PAC 27/8 PAC NC 23 23/8 Reg. 23/8 IF 27/8 Reg. 27/8 XH, EH 27/8 IF 31/2 Reg. NC 35 31/2 XH, EH 31/2 FH 31/2 IF 31/2 H-90 4 FH 4 H-90 NC 44 41/2 Reg. 41/2 FH 41/2 H-90 41/2 XH, EH 5 H-90 41/2 IF 51/2 H-90 51/2 Reg. 51/2 FH NC 56 65/8 Reg. 65/8 H-90 51/2 IF NC 61 7 H-90 65/8 FH 75/8 Reg. NC 70 75/8 H-90 65/8 IF 85/8 Reg. NC 77 85/8 H-90

Threads per In. 4 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 31/2 4 31/2 4 5 5 31/2 4 31/2 4 31/2 4 4 4 4 31/2 4 4 31/2 4 4 4 31/2 4 4 4 31/2

Dimensional Identification for Low Torque Modification


7 H-90 75/8 Reg. 85/8 Reg. 75/8 H-90 85/8 H-90 31/2 4 4 31/2 31/2 3 3 3 3 3 55/8 53/8 51/2 61/4 63/4 *71/8 *73/4 *9 *8 *93/8

See page 96 for interchangeable connections.

Drill Collar
Pin base diameter 1 /2 in. To flank of first full depth thread (max.) (H-90 and 27/8 in. XH = 3/8 in.; PAC = 1/4 in.)

101

Pin length

Pin end diameter

Dimensional Identification of Box Connections (Not for Machining Purposes)


Taper per Foot (in.) 11/2 11/2 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 Pin Length (in.) 21/4 21/4 27/8 27/8 27/8 33/8 37/8 33/8 35/8 35/8 33/8 35/8 37/8 37/8 43/8 41/8 43/8 41/8 37/8 43/8 43/8 45/8 43/8 45/8 45/8 47/8 47/8 47/8 47/8 47/8 53/8 53/8 47/8 51/8 57/8 6 47/8 51/4 63/8 61/2

Pin cylindrical diameter

Connection Size Threads per In. (in.) 4 23/8 PAC 4 27/8 PAC NC 23 4 3 2 /8 Reg. 5 23/8 IF 4 27/8 Reg. 5 27/8 XH, EH 4 27/8 IF 4 31/2 Reg. 5 NC 35 4 1 3 /2 XH, EH 4 31/2 FH 5 1 3 /2 IF 4 31/2 H-90 31/2 4 FH 4 4 H-90 31/2 NC 44 4 41/2 Reg. 5 1 4 /2 FH 5 1 4 /2 H-90 31/2 1 4 /2 XH, EH 4 5 H-90 31/2 41/2 IF 4 51/2 H-90 31/2 51/2 Reg. 4 51/2 FH 4 NC 56 4 5 6 /8 Reg. 4 65/8 H-90 31/2 51/2 IF 4 NC 61 4 7 H-90 31/2 65/8 FH 4 75/8 Reg. 4 NC 70 4 5 7 /8 H-90 31/2 5 6 /8 IF 4 85/8 Reg. 4 NC 77 4 31/2 85/8 H-90

Pin End Pin Cyl. Pin Base Diameter Diameter Diameter (in.) (in.) (in.) 25/64 25/16 23/8 21/4 231/64 217/32 25/64 229/64 29/16 129/32 233/64 25/8 225/64 249/64 27/8 25/32 257/64 3 211/16 37/32 321/64 253/64 39/32 325/64 219/32 325/64 31/2 29/64 35/8 347/64 31/4 345/64 313/16 33/32 357/64 4 33/8 329/32 41/64 331/64 315/16 41/8 39/16 411/64 49/32 313/16 45/16 41/2 357/64 433/64 45/8 319/32 433/64 45/8 353/64 411/16 451/64 47/64 441/64 453/64 47/64 423/32 453/64 421/64 459/64 57/64 433/64 59/64 51/4 439/64 53/16 53/8 423/64 513/32 533/64 51/64 523/32 553/64 421/64 523/32 57/8 511/64 57/8 6 53/16 513/16 6 537/64 69/32 625/64 53/32 69/32 67/16 55/32 65/16 61/2 515/16 641/64 63/4 523/32 657/64 7 527/32 75/32 75/16 57 13 25 5 /64 7 /64 7 /64 641/64 711/32 729/64 641/64 727/32 761/64 613/32 727/32 8 641/64 85/64 817/64

Low Torque Face

See page 96 for interchangeable connections. *See page 69 for low torque face details.

102
Dimensional Identification of Pin Connections (Not for Machining Purposes)

Drill Collar

MATERIAL AND WELDING PRECAUTIONS FOR DOWNHOLE TOOLS


Generally, the materials used in the manufacture of downhole tools (stabilizers, vibration dampeners, reamers, subs, drill collars, kellys and tool joints) are AISI 4137 H, 4140 H or 4145 H. These materials are purchased by Smith with customized chemistries to assure that they will have the hardenability necessary to heat treat to desired mechanical properties for each product. By customizing chemistries and in-house heat treatment of these materials to a specification suitable for each product or product component, strength levels are assured to (1) minimize swelled boxes and stretched pins, (2) prolong fatigue life, (3) retard crack propagation rates, and (4) support tensile loads. All of the above mentioned products are manufactured by Smith using these types of material which are alloy materials in the heat treated state. They cannot be welded in the field without metallurgical change to the welded area. Any metallurgical change induced by welding in the field will reduce the benefits of customizing purchases and in-house heat treatment described in the paragraph above. Preheat procedures can be used to prevent cracking while welding and post-heat procedures can be used to recondition sections where welding has been performed; but, it should be emphasized

SECTION FIVE

HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe

105

WHAT IS HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE?


Smiths Hevi-Wate drill pipe is an intermediateweight drill stem member. It consists of heavy-wall tubes attached to special extra-length tool joints. It has drill pipe dimensions for ease of handling. Because of its weight and construction, Hevi-Wate drill pipe can be run in compression the same as drill collars in small diameter holes and in highly deviated and horizontal wells. Although special lengths are available, the pipe is normally furnished in 30 1/2 ft (9.3 m) lengths in six sizes from 31/2 to 65/8 in. (88.9 to 168.3 mm) OD. One outstanding feature is the integral center wear pad which protects the tube from abrasive wear. This wear pad acts as a stabilizer and is a factor in the overall stiffness and rigidity of one or more joints of Hevi-Wate drill pipe. An example of Hevi-Wate drill pipe as an intermediate-weight drill stem member follows: Example: An approximate weight of 41/2 in. OD drill pipe is 16.60 lb/ft; 4 1/2 in. Hevi-Wate drill pipe weighs approximately 41 lb/ft. As another comparison, 6 1/2 in. OD, 2 1/4 in. ID drill collars weigh 100 lb/ft. Example: An approximate weight of 114.3 mm OD drill pipe is 24.7 kg/m; 114.3 mm Hevi-Wate drill pipe weighs approximately 61.1 kg/m. As another comparison, 165.1 mm OD, 57.2 mm ID drill collars weigh 148.8 kg/m. When a number of drill collars are used in directional drilling, they produce a great amount of contact area with the low side of the hole. As the collars are rotated, this high friction contact with the hole wall causes the collars to climb the side of the wall. Many people feel this rotation climbing action of the bottom collar causes the bit to turn hole direction to the right. Hevi-Wate drill pipe provides stability and much less wall contact. This results in the directional driller being able to lock-in and better control both hole angle and direction.

106

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Using Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe for Bit Weight on Small Rigs Hevi-Wate drill pipe, run in compression for bit weight, can reduce the hook load of the drill stem, making it ideal for smaller rigs drilling deeper holes. In shallow drilling areas, where regular drill pipe is run in compression, the more rigid Hevi-Wate drill pipe will allow more bit weight to be run with less likelihood of fatigue damage. Hevi-Wate drill pipe should not be used for bit weight in vertical holes larger than those listed below: 5 in. Hevi-Wate pipe maximum vertical hole 101/16 in. 41/2 in. Hevi-Wate pipe maximum vertical hole 91/16 in. 4 in. Hevi-Wate pipe maximum vertical hole 81/8 in. 31/2 in. Hevi-Wate pipe maximum vertical hole 7 in. The ease in handling saves both rig time and trip time (see Figure Nos. 63 and 64). A long string of Hevi-Wate drill pipe will eliminate many of the problems associated with drill collars normally used on the smaller rigs.
Requires only drill pipe elevators to handle on the rig.

No safety clamp is required and regular drill pipe slips are used.

Figure No. 63

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Stands back in the rack like regular drill pipe.

107

Wear pad reduces the wear on center section of drill pipe.

Figure No. 64

USING HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE IN THE TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN THE DRILL COLLARS AND THE DRILL PIPE
Many drill pipe failures occur in the drill stem because of fatigue damage previously accumulated when the failed joint of pipe was run directly above the drill collars. This accelerated fatigue damage is attributed to the bending stress concentration in the limber drill pipe rotating next to the stiff drill collars. Two factors that cause extreme bending stress concentration in the bottom joint of drill pipe are: 1. Cyclic torsional whipping that moves down through the rotating drill pipe into the stiff drill collars. 2. Side to side movement, as well as the vertical bounce and vibrations of the drill collars, that are transmitted up to the bottom joint of drill pipe.

108

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


When drill pipe is subjected to compressive buckling these stress concentrations are much more severe. Many drillers periodically move the bottom joint of drill pipe to a location higher up in the drill pipe string. Moving these joints to other drill string locations does not remove the cumulative fatigue damage that has been done, and may or may not prolong the time until failure will occur. Hevi-Wate drill pipe is an intermediate-weight drill stem member, with a tube wall approximately 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick. This compares to approximately 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) wall thickness for regular drill pipe and approximately 2 in. (50.8 mm) wall thickness for drill collars. Hevi-Wate drill pipe provides a graduated change in stiffness between the limber drill pipe above and the rigid drill collars below. This graduated change in stiffness reduces the likelihood of drill pipe fatigue failures when Hevi-Wate drill pipe is run in the critical transition zone of destruction. Performance records compiled during the past few years show that running Hevi-Wate drill pipe above the drill collars definitely reduces drill pipe fatigue failures. Hevi-Wate drill pipes heavy-wall design, long tool joints and long center upset section resist the high-stress concentration and center body OD wear which causes failures in regular drill pipe. Because of its construction, Hevi-Wate drill pipe can be inspected by the same technique used to prevent drill collar failures. The number of joints of pipe that should be run in the transition zone is important. Based on successful field experience, a minimum of 18 to 21 joints of Hevi-Wate drill pipe are recommended between the drill collars and the regular drill pipe in vertical holes. Thirty (30) or more joints are commonly used in directional holes.

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


(18 joints or more) Hevi-Wate drill pipe IB stabilizer

109

Additional drill collar

Drill collar

Hydra-shock

IB stabilizer (Integral Blade) Short drill collar

Near bit IB stabilizer

3-Point Borrox reamer

Figure No. 65

110

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe

USING HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE IN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING


Excessive drill collar connection failures result from collars bending as they rotate through doglegs and hole angle changes. Drill collars lay to the low side of high-angle holes. This results in: Increased rotary torque. Increased possibility of differential sticking. Increased vertical drag. Excessive wall friction that creates rolling action and affects directional control. Rotating big, stiff collars through doglegs, developed in directional drilling, can cause very high-rotating torque and excessive bending loads at the threaded connections. Hevi-Wate drill pipe bends primarily in the tube. This reduces the likelihood of tool joint fatigue failures occurring in the Hevi-Wate drill pipe as it rotates through doglegs and hole angle changes. Hevi-Wate drill pipe design offers less wall contact area between the pipe and hole wall which results in: Less rotary torque. Less chance of differential sticking. Less vertical drag. Better directional control.

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Hevi-Wate Drill pipe

111

IB stabilizer Spiral drill collar

Hydra-Shock

IB stabilizer (Integral Blade) Short drill collar

Near bit IB stabilizer

Figure No. 66

112

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Capacity and Displacement Table Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe
Capacity Nominal Size (in.) 31/2xx 4 41/2 5 51/2 65/8 Displacement Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL per per per per per per per per Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft 6.36 .151 8.21 .195 9.48 .226 11.23 .267 14.26 .340 25.01 .596 21.2 27.4 31.6 37.5 .505 10.44 .248 .652 13.40 .319 .753 18.34 .437 .892 22.46 .535 34.78 .828 44.66 1.063 61.12 1.455 74.87 1.783 86.41 2.057

47.5 1.132 25.92 .617

83.4 1.985 32.17 .766 107.24 2.553

*Capacity and displacement per joint numbers are based on 30 ft shoulder to shoulder joints. xx With 21/4 in. ID.

Capacity The volume of fluid necessary to fill the ID of the Hevi-Wate drill pipe. Displacement The volume of fluid displaced by the Hevi-Wate drill pipe run in open ended (metal displacement only). Dimensional Data Range II
Tube Nominal Tube Dimension Nom. Size (in.) 31/2 4 41/2 5 51/2 6 /8
5

Mechanical Properties Tube Section Torsional Yield (ft-lb) 18,460 27,635 40,715 56,495 74,140

ID (in.) 21/4 2 /16 23/4 3 33/8 4 /2


1 9

Wall Thickness (in.) .625 .719 .875 1.000 1.063 1.063

Center Elevator Tensile Area Upset Upset Yield (in2) (in.) (in.) (lb) 5.645 7.410 9.965 12.566 14.812 18.567 4 4 /2 5 51/2 6 7 /8
1 1

35/8 41/8 45/8 51/8 511/16 63/4

310,475 407,550 548,075 691,185 814,660

1,021,185 118,845

Tool Joint

Mechanical Properties Nom. Size (in.) 31/2 4 41/2 5 51/2 65/8 Connection Size OD ID (in.) (in.) (in.) NC 38 (31/2 IF) 43/4 NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 NC 46 (4 IF) 61/4 NC 50 (41/2 IF) 65/8 51/2 FH 65/8 FH 7 8 23/8 211/16 27/8 31/16 31/2 45/8 Tensile Yield (lb) 675,045 711,475 1,024,500 1,266,000 1,349,365 1,490,495

Approx. Weight [Including Tube & Joints (lb)] Wt/ Jt. 721 920 1,265 1,543 1,770 2,193 Makeup Torque (ft-lb) 10,000 13,300 21,800 29,200 32,800 45,800

Torsional Yield Wt/ (ft-lb) ft 17,575 23,525 38,800 51,375 53,080 73,215 23.4 29.9 41.1 50.1 57.8 71.3

See page 123 for metric conversions.

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Dimensional Data Range III
Tube Nominal Tube Dimension Nom. Size (in.) 41/2 5 Wall Thickness (in.) .875 1.000 Mechanical Properties Tube Section Torsional Yield (ft-lb) 40,715 56,495

113

ID (in.) 23/4 3

Center Elevator Tensile Area Upset Upset Yield 2 (in ) (in.) (in.) (lb) 9.965 12.566 5 51/2 45/8 51/8 548,075 691,185

Tool Joint

Mechanical Properties Nom. Size (in.) 41/2 5 Connection Size OD ID (in.) (in.) (in.) NC 46 (4 IF) 61/4 NC 50 (4 /2 IF) 6 /8
1 5

Approx. Weight [Including Tube & Joints (lb)]

Tensile Yield (lb) 1,024,500 1,266,000

Torsional Makeup Yield Wt/ Wt/Jt. Torque (ft-lb) ft 30 ft (ft-lb) 38,800 51,375 39.9 48.5 1,750 2,130 21,800 29,200

27/8 31/16

See page 123 for metric conversions.

TAPERED DRILL STRINGS


The ratios of I/C or section moduli between drill collars and Hevi-Wate drill pipe or drill pipe should be considered to prevent fatigue damage to these members. Experience has indicated that these members perform best when this ratio is less than 5.5. Tapered drill collar strings are often necessary to maintain an acceptable ratio. The chart on the next page is based on maintaining an acceptable I/C ratio between Hevi-Wate drill pipe and the drill collars directly below. Example of chart use for 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm) Hevi-Wate drill pipe: 1. For Directional Holes a. Enter chart from bottom at 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm) Hevi-Wate drill pipe and proceed upward to the suggested upper limit for directional holes curve. Read to the left the maximum drill collar size. b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 7 3/4 in. (196.9 mm) OD x standard bore. 2. For Straight Holes a. Enter chart from bottom at 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm) Hevi-Wate drill pipe and proceed upward to the suggested upper limit for straight holes curve. Read to the left the maximum drill collar size. b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 7 1/4 in. (184.2 mm) OD x standard bore.

114
81/4 81/2 73/4 Drill collar OD (in.) 71/2 71/4 7 /2 63/4
1

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe


Suggested upper limit for directional holes

Suggested upper limit for straight holes

61/2 61/4 61/2 51/2 Suggested upper limit for severe drilling conditions 31/2 4 41/2 Hevi-Wate drill pipe size (in.) 5

3. For Severe Drilling Conditions (Corrosive Environment and/or Hard Formations) a. Enter chart from bottom at 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm) Hevi-Wate drill pipe and proceed upward to the suggested upper limit for severe conditions curve. Read to the left the maximum drill collar size. b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 61/2 in. (165.1 mm) OD x standard bore. Note: Caution should be exercised not to select drill collar ODs above the suggested upper limits for each condition. Fatigue failures are more likely if these limits are exceeded. If drill collars larger than the maximum suggested size are to be used, run at least three drill collars of the maximum suggested size (or smaller) between the larger drill collars and the Hevi-Wate drill pipe.

SECTION SIX

TOOL JOINTS

Tool Joints

117

TOOL JOINTS
One of the primary purposes of drill pipe is to transmit drilling torque from the rotary table drive bushing and kelly to the drilling bit at the bottom of the hole. It also provides a means whereby fluid may be circulated for lubricating and cooling the bit and for the removal of cuttings from the wellbore. Drill pipe connections require different treatment than drill collar connections. Drill pipe tool joints are much stiffer and stronger than the tube and seldom experience bending fatigue damage in the connection. Therefore, tool joint connections are normally selected based on torsional strength of the pin connection and tube and not on bending strength ratios as in drill collar connections. Drill collar connections differ in that they are a sacrificial element and can never be made as strong as the drill collar body. The repair is also different. A drill collar connection can be renewed by cutting off the old connection and completely remachining a new one; whereas a drill pipe connection can only be reworked by chasing the threads and refacing the shoulder because of its short length. The most common damage occurring to drill pipe tool joints is caused by leaking fluid, careless handling, thread wear or galling, and swelled boxes due to outside diameter wear. As with drill collars, the break-in of new drill pipe tool joints is extremely important for long life. Newly machined surfaces are more susceptible to galling until they become work hardened. Therefore, the connections should be chemically etched by a gallresistant coating (see page 67) to hold the thread compound and protect the newly machined surfaces on the initial makeup. Extra care is essential to ensure long and trouble-free service. Thread protectors should be used while drill pipe is being picked up, laid down, moved or stored. Be sure to thoroughly clean all threads and shoulders of any foreign material or protective coating and inspect for damage before the first makeup. If kerosene, diesel or other liquid is used, allow sufficient drying time before applying thread compound to the connections. When applying thread compound, be sure to cover thoroughly the entire surface of the threads and shoulders of both

118

Tool Joints
pin and box connections. It is preferable to use a good grade of zinc thread compound that contains no more than 0.3% sulfur. (A thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic zinc is recommended in API RP 7G.) Proper initial makeup is probably the most important factor effecting the life of the tool joint connections. Here are some recommendations to follow: 1. Proper makeup torque is determined by the connection type, size, OD and ID, and may be found in torque tables (see pages 130 and 131). 2. Make up connections slowly, preferably using chain tongs. (High-speed kelly spinners or the spinning chain used on initial makeup can cause galling of the threads.) 3. Tong them up to the predetermined torque using a properly working torque gage to measure the required line pull (see page 41). 4. Stagger breaks on each trip so that each connection can be checked, redoped and made up every second or third trip, depending on the length of drill pipe and size of rig. A new string of drill pipe deserves good surface handling equipment and tools. Check slips and master bushings before damage occurs to the tube (see the IADC Drilling Manual for correct measurement). Do not stop the downward movement of the drill string with the slips. This can cause crushing or necking down of the drill pipe tube. The drill pipe can also be damaged by allowing the slips to ride the pipe on trips out of the hole. Good rig practices will help eliminate time consuming trips in the future, looking for washouts or fishing for drill pipe lost in the hole. For more information refer to the IADC Drilling Manual.

Tool Joints

119

RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MARKING ON TOOL JOINTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DRILL STRING COMPONENTS
Company, Month Welded, Year Welded, Pipe Manufacturer and Drill Pipe Grade Symbols to be Stencilled at Base of Pin. Sample Markings: 1 D 2 9 3 99 4 V 5 E

1 Company 2 Month welded 9 = September 3 Year welded 99 = 1999 4 Pipe manufacturers V = Vallourec 5 Drill pipe grade E = Grade E drill pipe Month Year 1 through 12 Last two digits of year Pipe Manufacturers (Pipe Mills or Processors) Symbols Pipe Mill Symbol Active Algoma ........................................................... X British Steel Seamless Tubes LTD ..................... B Dalmine S.P.A. ................................................ D Falck ............................................................... F Kawasaki ........................................................ H Nippon ............................................................. I NKK ................................................................ K Mannesmann .................................................. M Reynolds Aluminum ...................................... RA Sumitomo ........................................................ S Siderca .......................................................... SD TAMSA ............................................................ T U.S. Steel ........................................................ N Vallourec ......................................................... V Used ............................................................... U Inactive Armco ............................................................. A American Seamless ........................................ AI B & W ............................................................ W C F & I ............................................................ C J & L Steel ........................................................ J Lone Star ......................................................... L Ohio ............................................................... O Republic .......................................................... R TI .................................................................... Z

120

Tool Joints
Tubemuse ..................................................... TU Voest ............................................................. VA Wheeling Pittsburgh ........................................ P Youngstown ..................................................... Y Processor Symbol Grant TFW ................................................. TFW Omsco ....................................................... OMS Prideco ........................................................... PI Drill Pipe Grades and Their Symbols Grade Symbol D 55 D E 75 E X 95 X G 105 G S 135 S V 150 V Used U Minimum Yield 55,000 75,000 95,000 105,000 135,000 150,000

Note: Heavy-weight drill pipe to be stencilled at base of pin with double pipe grade code.

Tool Joints

121

Figure No. 67

Figure No. 68

It is suggested that a bench mark be provided for the determination of the amount of material which may be removed from the tool joint shoulder, if it is refaced. This bench mark should be stencilled on a new or recut tool joint after facing to gage. The form of the bench mark should be a 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) diameter circle with a bar tangent to the circle parallel to the shoulder. The distance from the shoulder to the bar should be 1/8 in. (3.2 mm). The bench mark should be positioned in the box counterbore and on the base of the pin as shown in Figure Nos. 67 and 68. It is good practice not to remove more than 1 /32 in. (0.8 mm) from a box or pin shoulder at any one refacing and not more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) cumulatively.

122

Tool Joints

RECOMMENDED IDENTIFICATION GROOVE AND MARKING OF DRILL PIPE


Note: 1. Standard weight Grade E drill pipe designated by an asterisk (*see page 123) in the drill pipe weight code table will have no groove or milled slot for identification. The API identification for Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured after January 1, 1995, is a milled slot only beginning 1/2 in. from the intersection of the 18 taper and the tool joint OD. The API identification for Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured before January 1, 1995, was a milled slot only in the center of the tong space. ISO marking is per the before January 1, 1995, style. 2. See API Recommended Practice RP 7G for depth of grooves and slots. 3. Stencil grade code symbol and weight code number corresponding to grade and weight of pipe in milled slot of pin. Stencil with 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) high characters so marking may be read with drill pipe hanging in elevators.

Tool Joints
Drill Pipe Weight Code
1 OD Size (in.) 23/8 27/8 31/2 2 Nominal Weight (lb/ft) 4.85 6.65* 6.85 10.40* 9.50 13.30* 15.50 11.85 14.00* 15.70 13.75 16.60* 20.00 22.82 24.66 25.50 16.25 19.50* 25.60 19.20 21.90* 24.70 25.20* 3 Wall Thickness (in.) .190 .280 .217 .362 .254 .368 .449 .262 .330 .380 .271 .337 .430 .500 .550 .575 .296 .362 .500 .304 .361 .415 .330 4 Weight Code Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 2

123

41/2

41/2

51/2

51/2 65/8

*Designates standard weight for drill pipe size. Multiply inches by 25.4 to obtain mm. Multiply ft-lb by 1.356 to obtain Nm. Multiply ft-lb by .1383 to obtain kg-m.

124
Standard Weight Grade E Drill Pipe

Tool Joints

Figure No. 69

Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe API Before January 1, 1995

(page 122)

Figure No. 70

LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7).

Tool Joints
Standard Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe API Before January 1, 1995

125

(page 122)

Figure No. 71

Heavy-Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe API Before January 1, 1995

(page 122)

Figure No. 72

LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7).

126
Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

Tool Joints

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 73

Tool Joints
Standard Weight Grade X Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

127

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 74

Heavy-Weight Grade X Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 75

128
Standard Weight Grade G Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

Tool Joints

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 76

Heavy-Weight Grade G Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 77

Tool Joints
Standard Weight Grade S Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

129

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 78

Heavy-Weight Grade S Drill Pipe API After January 1, 1995

See Note 2 (page 122)

Figure No. 79

130

Tool Joints
Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums
New Drill Pipe Size (in.) Type Connection (in.) NC 26 (IF) OH OH SL H-90 WO PAC 27/8 SH (NC 26) OH OH SL H-90 SL H-90 PAC WO XH NC 31 (IF) NC 31 (IF) NC 31 (IF) 1 3 /2 SH (NC 31) SL H-90 SL H-90 OH OH NC 38 (WO) NC 38 (IF) NC 38 (IF) NC 38 (IF) NC 38 (IF) NC 40 (4 FH) NC 40 (4 FH) NC 40 (4 FH) SH (3 1/2 XH) OH OH NC 40 (4 FH) NC 40 (4 FH) NC 40 (4 FH) NC 40 (4 FH) NC 46 (WO) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) NC 46 (IF) OH FH FH FH NC 46 (XH) NC 46 (XH) NC 46 (XH) NC 46 (XH) NC 50 (IF) NC 50 (IF) NC 50 (IF) NC 50 (IF) NC 50 (IF) NC 50 (XH) NC 50 (XH) NC 50 (XH) NC 50 (XH) NC 50 (XH) 51/2 FH 51/2 FH 51/2 FH FH FH FH FH Box OD (in.) 33/8 31/4 31/8 31/4 33/8 27/8 33/8 33/4 37/8 37/8 37/8 31/8 41/8 41/4 41/8 41/8 43/8 41/8 45/8 45/8 43/4 43/4 43/4 43/4 5 5 5 51/4 53/8 51/2 45/8 51/4 51/2 51/4 51/4 51/2 51/2 53/4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 57/8 6 6 6 61/4 61/4 61/4 61/4 63/8 63/8 63/8 63/8 65/8 63/8 63/8 61/2 61/2 65/8 7 71/4 71/4 7 7 71/4 71/2 Pin ID (in.) 13/4 13/4 2 2 2 13/8 13/4 27/16 25/32 27/16 25/32 11/2 27/16 17/8 2 1/8 2 15/8 21/8 3 211/16 3 211/16 3 211/16 29/16 27/16 21/8 29/16 27/16 21/4 29/16 315/32 31/4 213/16 211/16 27/16 27/16 37/16 31/4 3 3 31/4 3 25/8 27/8 33/4 3 23/4 21/2 31/4 3 23/4 21/2 33/4 33/4 35/8 31/2 27/8 33/4 31/2 31/4 3 23/4 31/2 31/2 31/4 4 33/4 31/2 3 Makeup Torque (ft-lb) 4,125 3,783 2,716 3,077 2,586 2,813 4,125 3,336 5,264 4,579 6,777 3,443 4,318 7,969 7,122 7,918 10,167 7,122 7,590 11,142 7,218 10,387 7,688 10,864 12,196 13,328 15,909 16,656 17,958 19,766 9,102 13,186 16,320 14,092 15,404 18,068 18,068 17,285 20,175 23,538 23,538 20,175 23,538 26,983 25,118 16,346 20,868 23,843 26,559 20,396 23,795 26,923 29,778 22,606 22,606 24,741 26,804 36,398 22,606 26,804 30,868 34,191 38,044 37,742 43,490 47,230 33,560 37,742 43,490 52,302

23/8

27/8

31/2

41/2

51/2

Note: *1. The use of Outside Diameters (OD) smaller than those listed in the table may be acceptable on Slim-Hole (SH) tool joints due to special service requirements.

Tool Joints
Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums
Used
(Box Outside Diameters Do Not Represent Tool Joint Inspection Class)

131

Box OD (in.) 31/4 31/16 3 231/32 31/16 225/32 33/8 31/2 319/32 317/32 319/32 31/8 35/8 323/32 311/16 329/32 41/16 4 43/16 43/8 49/32 43/8 43/8 43/8 419/32 421/32 423/32 415/16 5 53/32 7 4 /16 431/32 51/32 413/16 415/16 5 5 57/32 55/16 57/16 515/32 59/32 59/16 55/8 55/8 515/32 53/8 59/16 55/8 513/32 519/32 525/32 523/32 529/32 523/32 513/16 515/16 67/32 57/8 61/32 63/32 63/16 69/32 621/32 623/32 615/16 617/32 65/8 625/32 71/32

Makeup Torque (ft-lb) 3,005 2,216 1,723 1,998 1,994 2,455 4,125 3,282 4,410 3,767 4,529 3,443 3,216 4,357 3,154 5,723 7,694 6,893 5,521 8,742 5,340 7,000 5,283 5,283 8,826 9,875 10,957 11,363 12,569 14,419 8,782 7,500 8,800 9,017 11,363 12,569 12,569 7,827 9,937 12,813 13,547 9,228 15,787 17,311 17,311 12,300 12,125 16,391 17,861 12,080 16,546 21,230 19,626 16,626 11,571 14,082 17,497 25,547 15,776 20,120 21,914 24,645 27,429 25,474 27,619 35,446 21,238 24,412 29,828 38,892

Box OD (in.) 33/16 31/32 231/32 231/32 3 223/32 5 3 /16 37/16 317/32 317/32 317/32 31/16 39/16 321/32 321/32 313/16 331/32 329/32 41/8 49/32 47/32 45/16 411/32 411/32 41/2 49/16 45/8 413/16 47/8 415/16 411/32 429/32 431/32 423/32 413/16 47/8 47/8 55/32 57/32 55/16 53/8 53/16 57/16 51/2 51/2 53/8 59/32 57/16 515/32 55/16 515/32 55/8 59/16 525/32 521/32 523/32 527/32 61/16 525/32 529/32 531/32 61/32 61/8 61/2 69/16 63/4 67/16 61/2 65/8 627/32

Makeup Torque (ft-lb) 2,467 1,967 1,481 1,998 1,500 2,055 3,558 2,794 3,752 3,767 3,770 3,427 2,500 3,664 2,804 4,597 6,500 5,726 4,491 7,107 4,600 6,000 4,786 4,786 7,274 8,300 9,348 9,017 10,179 11,363 7,342 6,200 7,500 7,300 9,017 10,179 10,179 6,476 7,827 9,937 11,363 7,147 12,813 14,288 14,288 10,375 10,066 13,523 14,214 9,937 13,554 17,311 15,787 13,239 9,955 11,571 14,933 21,018 13,239 16,626 18,346 20,127 22,818 20,205 22,294 28,737 18,146 20,205 24,412 32,031

Box OD (in.) 35/32 231/32 215/16 231/32 231/32 221/32 31/4 313/32 315/32 37/16 315/32 231/32 317/32 35/8 321/32 33/4 37/8 327/32 43/32 47/32 45/32 41/4 49/32 49/32 47/16 415/32 417/32 43/4 425/32 427/32 49/32 427/32 429/32 421/32 43/4 425/32 425/32 55/32 53/16 51/4 59/32 55/32 53/8 513/32 513/32 55/16 53/16 511/32 53/8 51/4 53/8 51/2 515/32 523/32 519/32 521/32 53/4 515/16 511/16 513/16 527/32 515/16 6 613/32 15 6 /32 65/8 611/32 613/32 617/32 611/16

Makeup Torque (ft-lb) 2,204 1,600 1,244 1,998 1,300 1,667 3,005 2,481 3,109 2,666 3,029 2,801 2,200 3,324 2,804 3,867 5,345 4,969 3,984 6,045 3,700 4,868 3,838 3,838 6,268 6,769 7,785 7,877 8,444 9,595 6,406 5,000 6,200 6,200 7,877 8,444 8,444 6,476 7,157 8,535 9,228 6,476 11,363 12,080 12,080 8,600 8,071 11,418 12,125 8,535 11,363 14,281 13,554 11,571 8,365 9,955 12,415 17,497 10,773 14,082 14,933 17,497 19,244 17,118 19,147 24,413 15,086 17,118 21,238 26,560

2. Makeup torque is based on the use of 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic zinc, applied to all threads and shoulders.

132

Tool Joints
A large portion of the information found on pages 119 through 129 was taken directly out of the IADC Drilling Manual (eleventh edition) and the API Spec. RP 7G (fifteenth edition). Credit should be given to the International Association of Drilling Contractors and the American Petroleum Institute. Smith extends our thanks to IADC and API for allowing us to reprint this information.

SECTION SEVEN

KELLYS

Kellys

135

KELLYS
Kellys are manufactured with one of two basic configurations square or hexagonal. Kelly Sizes The size of a kelly is determined by the distance across the drive flats (see Figure Nos. 80 and 81).

Figure No. 80

Like this

Figure No. 81

Not like this

Kelly Lengths API kellys are manufactured in two standard lengths: (1) 40 ft (12.2 m) overall with a 37 ft (11.3 m) working space or (2) 54 ft (16.5 m) overall with a 51 ft (15.5 m) working space. End Connections Square Kellys
Top Connection API Nom. Size (in.) 21/2 3 31/2 41/4 51/4 **6 Top OD Bottom Bottom Connection OD

Std. (LH) (in.) 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 6 /8 Reg.
5

Optional (LH) Std. Optional Std. (RH) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 73/4 73/4 73/4 73/4 7 /4
3

Std (in.) 33/8 41/8 43/4 6 61/8 7 73/4

53/4 53/4 53/4 53/4 53/4

NC 26 NC 31 NC 38 NC 46 NC 50 51/2 FH NC 56 6 5/8 FH

**6 in. square kelly not API.

136
Hexagon Kellys
Top Connection API Nom. Size (in.) 3 31/2 41/4 51/4 6 Top OD

Kellys

Bottom Bottom Connection OD

Std. (LH) (in.) 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg. 65/8 Reg.

Optional (LH) Std. Optional Std. (RH) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 73/4 73/4 73/4 73/4 53/4 53/4 53/4 NC 26 NC 31 NC 38 NC 46 NC 50 51/2 FH NC 56

Std (in.) 33/8 41/8 43/4 6 61/8 7

Measurement of New Kellys

Figure No. 82

API Nom. Size (in.) 21/2 3 31/2 4 /4 51/4 **6


1

Max. Bore A (in.) 11/4 13/4 21/4 2 /16 31/4 31/2


13

Across Flats B (in.) 21/2 3 31/2 4 /4 51/4 6


1

Across Corner C (in.) 3.250 3.875 4.437 5.500 6.750 7.625

Radius R* (in.)
5

Radius Rc (in.) 15/8 115/16 27/32 23/4 33/8 313/16

/16 /8 /2 /2 /8 /4

3 1 1 5 3

** Corner configuration at manufacturers option. ** 6 in. square kelly not API.

Kellys

137

Square Kellys
Figure No. 83

Hexagon API Kellys Max.


Nom. Size (in.) 3 31/2 41/4 51/4 6 Bore A (in.) 11/2 13/4 21/4 31/4 3 /2
1

Across Flats B (in.) 3 31/2 41/4 51/4 6

Across Corner C (in.) 3.375 3.937 4.781 5.900 6.812

Radius R* (in.)
1 1 5

Radius Rc (in.) 111/16 131/32 225/64 261/64 313/32

/4 /4 /8 /8

/16

3 3

* Corner configuration at manufacturers option.

HOW TO BREAK IN A NEW KELLY


When Picking Up a New Kelly Before picking up a new kelly, check your kelly bushing. The rollers, pins or bearings may need replacing to return the drive assembly to like new status. Also check the bushing body for journal area wear and body spreading. A loose fitting drive unit can badly damage a new kelly on the first well drilled. Remember to lubricate kelly drive surfaces. Check Wear Pattern on Corners of Kelly The major cause for a kelly to wear out is the rounding off of the drive corners. This rate of wear is a function of the clearance or fit between the kelly and the rollers in the kelly bushing. The closer the kelly and rollers fit, the broader will be the wear pattern. A narrow wear pattern

138

Kellys
on the kellys corners usually indicates a loose fit between the two. Rollers must fit the largest spot on the kelly flats. The API tolerances on distance across flats are quite large and bushings fitting properly in one place may actually appear loose at another point. Generally kellys made from forgings have wide variations in tolerances, making it impossible to fit the roller closely at all points. Kellys manufactured by full length machining are made to closer tolerances and fit the rollers best.

Maximum Wear Pattern Width for New Kellys with New Drive Assembly (in.)
Figure No. 84

Figure No. 85

Kellys

139

New kelly with new drive assembly. The drive edge will have a wide flat pattern with a small contact angle.
Figure No. 86

Kelly after considerable use with only new drive assembly. The drive edge will have a flat pattern of reduced width and increased contact angle. A curved surface will be visible on the kelly near the roller center.

Figure No. 87

Worn kelly with worn drive assembly. The drive edge is a curvature with a high contact angle. Inspection At regular intervals, have the kellys threaded connections checked by your Drilco inspector. Remember these connections are subject to fatigue cracks the same as drill collar connections. Also, the drive section and upset areas should be inspected for cracks and wear patterns. Kelly Saver Subs Kelly saver subs protect the lower kelly connection from wear caused by making and breaking the drill

140

Kellys
pipe connection each time a joint is drilled down. They also protect the top joint of casing against excessive wear, if fitted with a rubber protector, as well as provide an area to tong on when making up or breaking out the kelly. When you need a new stabilizer rubber, an old sub re-worked or a brand new one, mention this to your Smith representative before you are ready to pick up that new kelly.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THAT OLD KELLY?


Use the Other Corners By employing a temperature controlled stubbing procedure, we can change ends on your kelly. This allows the kelly to drive against new corners. Welding is done only in the large diameter round sections. We do not recommend welding on the hexagonal or square surfaces of the kelly. Remachine Drive Surfaces With the Heli-Mill, we can remachine a kelly. This amounts to taking a clean-up cut on each driving surface. Note: Oversize rotary drive rollers are used with a remachined kelly. The bore diameter of your kelly must be small enough to allow enough wall thickness for remachining. Ask your Smith representative for more information. Straightening an Old Kelly A bent kelly takes a beating as it is forced through the rotary drive bushings. Smith repair centers have straightening presses that can straighten a kelly and accurately check the run-out. If Your Kelly is Too Far Gone Your best bet is to buy a new kelly from your Smith representative.

SECTION EIGHT

INSPECTION

Inspection

143

SYSTEMATIC FIELD INSPECTION


A systematic approach to proper inspection, maintenance and repair of downhole drilling tools is a necessity for proper operation and to prolong the useful life of the equipment. Most downhole drilling tool failures and resultant fishing jobs can be avoided by the use of periodic inspections and by providing maintenance and repair to the primary areas of fatigue within the tool. The primary areas of fatigue are areas on the tool that are likely to receive the highest concentration of stress while operating. The majority of stress is concentrated in several common areas on these tools such as: connections, slip areas, upset areas, weld areas, radius changes, tube body, etc. Smith Field Inspection Services regularly utilizes several types of nondestructive testing (NDT) methods to inspect these primary areas for potential problems. Visual (VT), magnetic particle (MT), liquid penetrant (PT), ultrasonic (UT) and electromagnetic (ET) testing methods are all utilized for efficiency and detection capabilities. When inspecting the threaded connections on drill collars, Hevi-Wate, stabilizers, reamers, hole openers, kellys, as well as other downhole drilling tools, the primary NDT method of inspection is the magnetic particle inspection method. This common method utilizes fluorescent magnetic particles to detect cracks in the threaded area of the connection or other locations as necessary. To illustrate the principle of magnetic particle inspection, you can sprinkle magnetic particles on a bar which has been magnetized. The magnetized bar acts as a magnet with a north pole at one end and a south pole at the other end. The magnetic particles will be attracted to the poles of the magnet. If the bar is notched, each side of the notch becomes a pole of a

144

Inspection
magnet (see Figure No. 88). If the notch is narrow, the magnetized particles will form a bridge between the poles. Cracks in threaded connections or in other locations behave the same way when magnetized.

Particle buildup

Figure No. 88

Smiths field inspectors are thoroughly trained in the principles and techniques of defect detection, correction and prevention. Rugged trucks, complete with calibrated and certified inspection equipment, provide access to remote locations (see Figure No. 89).

Figure No. 89

Inspection
Proper maintenance and inspection of downhole tools begins with proper cleaning. The threaded areas are cleaned by a wire brush adapted to an electric drill (see Figure No. 90). It is essential that all thread lubricant, dirt and corrosion be removed from the threads and shoulders prior to inspection.

145

Figure No. 90

All connections are magnetized with DC magnetizing coils utilizing the continuous method of particle application. The continuous method provides for magnetizing the part to be inspected at the same time of magnetic particle application, thus ensuring proper magnetization and superior defect detection (see Figure No. 91). Magnetic particles are attracted to any cracks present by the principle shown in Figure No. 88.

Figure No. 91

146

Inspection
Using ultraviolet light, the inspectors experienced eye detects any build up of magnetic particles in the thread roots of the pin connection (see Figure No. 92). A magnifying mirror enables the inspector to look into the thread roots of the box connection.

Figure No. 92

If a crack indication is found, the inspector polishes it with a soft fibrous wheel to verify the presence of a fatigue crack (see Figure No. 93). He then re-cleans, re-magnetizes and re-sprays the connection with fluorescent magnetic particles and re-inspects with the blacklight to verify that the indication is a crack.

Figure No. 93

Inspection
As part of the inspection record, the drill collar serial number, tally length, OD and ID are noted. Also connection size and type, field repairs made, and number of connections inspected are recorded. Joints requiring shop repairs are clearly marked to ensure proper identification of the repair required (see Figure No. 94). Tools are marked with the appropriate color paint to conform with API and/or customer requirements. Red marking is used on cracked collars and yellow on collars with other defects. White markings, along with the well-recognized OK Drilco, are used to indicate acceptable equipment.

147

Figure No. 94

Drill Pipe Inspection The Drilcolog inspection unit is an electromagnetic system for inspecting used drill pipe and tubing (see Figure No. 95). The system incorporates a dual function inspection system consisting of both transverse flaw detection and wall loss capabilities. Sixteen (16) independent electronic channels, eight for transverse flaws and eight for wall loss, are utilized for detection and display of internal and external corrosion, cracks, cuts and other transverse, three-dimensional and wall loss defects.

Figure No. 95

148

Inspection
Ultrasonic End Area Inspection Ultrasonic techniques may be used to inspect the slip areas and other high-stress areas of the drill pipe tube (see Figure No. 96). These high-stress areas, located in the 36 in. section of tube nearest either tool joint, are areas of major concern when inspecting drill pipe. Smiths ultrasonic equipment can locate internal fatigue cracks and washed areas before they become problems.

Figure No. 96

OTHER SERVICES AND SPECIFICATIONS


In addition to the specific services shown above, other types of drilling tools, rig hoisting equipment and other types of equipment may be inspected by your Smith field inspection technician. Ask your Smith representative for details. API standards along with Smiths own inspection specifications are used to provide the best inspection possible. Customer specifications and in-house procedures may be used at your request. Either way, Smiths highly trained inspectors will provide the highest quality service for your inspection dollar.

FIELD REPAIR
In addition to the inspection process, Smith field inspectors are also highly trained in the maintenance and field repair of downhole tools. Field repair may eliminate the costly need to ship equipment to the machine shop for repair. Trained technicians can remove minor thread and shoulder blemishes which, if left unrepaired will cause damage to other connections in the string.

Inspection

149

SHOULDER REFACING
The Smith portable, electric powered shoulder refacing tools are designed to repair minor shoulder connection damage in the field (see Figure No. 97). Drill collar and drill pipe shoulder faces are smoothed with adhesive-backed emery paper, leaving a surface that is flat and smooth. Many connection shoulders can be repaired at the rig when such damage would normally require costly machine shop attention. Caution: Throughout the entire refacing operation, the inspector should wear eye protection.

Figure No. 97

150

Inspection
True alignment of the shoulder, perpendicular to the center line of the threads, is assured as the refacing tool mandrel is screwed on or into the connection threads (see Figure No. 98).

Figure No. 98

The adhesive-backed refacing discs are easy to apply and replace (see Figure No. 99).

Figure No. 99

The refacing tool is rotated by a heavy-duty electric sander and the pressure is applied by the operator along the axis of the threaded connection (see Figure No. 100). The drive tube is made from aluminum, thereby reducing the weight of the assembly. Caution: The sander should not be used unless properly grounded.

Inspection

151

Figure No. 100

Care should be taken in removing only the minimum amount of material. When making field repairs, operators should be skilled and understand service conditions of the product to assure proper application of the refacing tool. It is a good practice not to remove more than 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) from a box or pin shoulder at any refacing and not more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) cumulatively (see API Recommended Practice RP 7G, current edition). Note: Portable equipment used to repair threaded connections in the field will not restore the product within the tolerances of a new part.

152

Inspection
Copper Sulfate Solution After refacing, an anti-gall coating of copper sulfate, is applied to the shoulder surface (see Figure No. 101 and solution mixing instructions on page 153). Caution: Eye protection and appropriate hand protection should be worn when mixing or handling copper sulfate solution. Always pour acid into water. Mix the solution in an area with an eye wash fountain or where large amounts of water are available for flushing, in case solution comes in contact with any part of the body.

Figure No. 101

After completion of the inspection and repair operation, a rust preventative is applied to all connections on tools that are to be stored before the next use (see Figure No. 102). On tools that are to be used immediately, an API thread compound is applied to the threads and shoulders (see Figure No. 103).

Figure No. 102

Inspection

153

Figure No. 103

How to Mix Copper Sulfate Anti-Gall Solution The copper sulfate solution is prepared by dissolving 4 heaping tablespoons (53 cc) of blue vitriol (blue stone copper sulfate crystals or powder) in 2/3 quart (600 cc) of water and adding 3 tablespoons (40 cc) of sulfuric acid. Caution: Eye protection and appropriate hand protection should be worn when mixing or handling copper sulfate solution. Always pour acid into water. Mix the solution in an area with eye wash fountain, or where large amounts of water are available for flushing, in case solution comes in contact with any part of the body.

HOW TO USE YOUR TOOL JOINT IDENTIFIER


1. With the thread form, determine the number of threads per inch in the pin or box (see Figure No. 104). On the scale, threads per inch are indicated by the number following the type of joint.

Figure No. 104

154

Inspection
2. On pins without a relief-groove or turned cylindrical diameter, caliper diameter at base (see Figure No. 105).

Figure No. 105

3. To measure tapered diameter of pins with reliefgrooves or cylindrical diameters, ask someone to hold two straight edges against threads and caliper at shoulder as shown (see Figure No. 106).

Figure No. 106

Inspection
4. On identifier scale, find the type of joint which corresponds to the pin base diameter measured in Figure Nos. 105 and 106 (see Figure No. 107). Place one end of caliper in the notch and read the corresponding connection size at the other end of the caliper tip.

155

Figure No. 107

5. To find the type of box, hold the end of the scale marked box to mouth of counterbore, as shown, and read the nearest size and type of joint having corresponding number of threads per inch (see Figure No. 108).

Figure No. 108

156

Inspection
Pin base diameters vary widely on same size joints, but no difficulty will be experienced if the nearest size is taken having the correct number of threads per inch. For example 31/2 in. FH, 31/2 in. IF and 31/2 in. H-90 have nearly the same pin base diameter, but can be easily distinguished by the number of threads per inch.

INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION SERVICES


Smith Services Drilco Group inspection systems are air portable, self supporting and quickly available from strategic locations around the world. Experienced inspectors are trained in defect detection and downhole tool maintenance and field repair. Inspectors are qualified to train the customers operating personnel in field maintenance and defect prevention. Special compact and light-weight equipment allows travel to offshore and remote locations (see Figure No. 109).

Figure No. 109

SECTION NINE

ROTATING DRILLING HEADS

Rotating Drilling Heads

159

ROTATING DRILLING HEADS


Conventionally, one will drill a well and use heavy drilling fluids to control the well pressures and to control the flow of cuttings from the well. There are times when it is beneficial for you to use air or gas as the circulating medium or use a light mud to drill in an underbalanced condition. When drilling with air or gas or underbalanced, you must use a rotating drilling head. Rotating drilling heads are used to safely divert air, gas, dust or drilling muds away from the rig floor. The head has a rubber device, called a stripper rubber, that provides a continuous seal around the drill stem components, thus directing the drilling medium through a side outlet on the body and away from the rig floor. Rotating drilling heads are also used for closed loop circulating systems in environmentally sensitive areas. Note : You should always remember that rotating drilling heads are diverters and that you must never use them as a blowout preventer.

Figure No. 110

APPLICATIONS
Air and Gas Drilling Air and gas drilling were the first applications for rotating drilling heads. Typically, air and gas drilling are used in very hard formations and formations which are extremely fractured. Benefits of air and gas drilling include: Faster penetration rates, sometimes threefold to fourfold compared to mud drilling.

160

Rotating Drilling Heads


Reduced formation damage. Fewer wellbore problems such as lost circulation and sloughing of sensitive shales. Immediate indication of zone productivity. Reduced mud cost. Underbalanced Drilling Underbalanced drilling is where the hydrostatic pressure created by the drilling fluid column is less than the formation pressure. Benefits of underbalanced drilling include: Reduced formation damage. Accurate and immediate evaluation of well potential. Improved production rates. Increased penetration rates. Reduction in drilling problems associated with pressure depleted zones such as stuck pipe and lost circulation. Reduced drilling time and costs. Flow Drilling Flow drilling is the process of producing the well while drilling. You drill the producing zone underbalanced to allow flow from the formation into the wellbore. Flow drilling is used primarily for: Horizontal wells with fractured formations. Preventing damage to producing formation(s). Preventing plugging of fractures while drilling and well completion. Reducing drilling time and costs. Geothermal Drilling Geothermal drilling is where you drill into steam producing formations thus allowing steam to flow up the wellbore to the surface. The steam must be diverted from the rig floor for safety. Rotating drilling heads specifically designed for geothermal drilling typically have two sealing elements (stripper rubbers). The upper stripper rubber seals around the kelly while drilling and the drill pipe and tool joints when tripping in and out of the hole. The lower stripper rubber has a larger ID to allow sealing around the larger drill stem components such as drill collars.

Rotating Drilling Heads


System Components The Smith Services rotating drilling head consists of five major components (see Figure No. 111). (1) (a) Bowl with integral inlet and outlet flanges or (b) body with separate spool having inlet and outlet flanges. (2) Stripper rubber. (3) Drive ring and bearing assembly . (4) Drive bushing assembly with kelly drive bushing and clamp. (5) Lubricator system (not shown).

161

Drive bushing Stripper rubber

Bearing assembly

Bowl

Figure No. 111 (RDH 2500)

Bowl Assembly with Integral Inlet and Outlet Flanges (Models 7068 and 7368) The bowl assembly installs on top of the BOP stack and below the rotary table. The bowl is stationary and has a clamp assembly that locks the drive ring and bearing assembly firmly to the body. Body Assembly with Separate Spool Having Inlet and Outlet Flanges (Models DHS 1400, 8068 and RDH 2500) The spool is installed on top of the BOP and the body fits on top of the spool. The two are held together by a clamp assembly (Models DHS 1400 and RDH 2500) or by clamping dogs (Model 8068). Both the spool and the body are stationary.

162

Rotating Drilling Heads


Stripper Rubber The stripper rubber is either fastened to the bottom of the drive bushing or molded integral with the assembly. The purpose of the stripper rubber is to provide a seal around the kelly as it is rotated and to seal around the drill pipe while tripping in and out of the hole. It is easily changed by opening the clamp and lifting the drive bushing assembly (and stripper rubber) out of the bowl. Stripper rubbers are available in different elastomer compounds for the various drilling environments such as high temperatures and oil-base muds. Stripper Rubber Elastomer Compound Selection
Compound Type Natural rubber Butyl Urethane Nitrile Cold Water Best Good Good Good Oil-Base Mud Below 140F Poor Poor Best Good Oil-Base Mud Above 140F Poor Poor Poor Best Steam or Hot Water Fair Best Poor Poor

Air Good Good Best Good

Drive Ring and Bearing Assembly The drive ring and bearing assembly supports the torsional and axial loads on the rotating drilling head and also provides low torque rotation. The bearing assembly consists of two heavy-duty tapered roller bearings, an upper and lower. The bearing assembly is sealed to keep contaminants out of the bearings while at the same time retaining the lubricating oil around the bearings. Drive Bushing Assembly The drive bushing engages a lug on the drive ring and is then clamped onto the drive ring. The drive bushing drives the drive ring and bearing assembly. The drive bushing itself is driven by the kelly bushing which is fitted onto the kelly. The kelly bushing automatically engages when the kelly is lowered into the drive bushing. The drive bushing has a rubber insert to absorb lateral shock loads which are transmitted from the kelly to the kelly bushing. Lubricator System The lubricator system must be used in conjunction with the bearing assembly. The lubricator provides oil under pressure to the bearings for cooling and longer bearing life. Lubricating systems can be circulating or non-circulating. Circulating lubricating systems are recommended for high-temperature operations such as geothermal drilling.

Rotating Drilling Heads

163

SPECIFICATIONS
Standard Rotating Drilling Heads DHS 1400 Drilling Head: The drive bushing and stripper rubber are retrievable through a 171/2 in. rotary. The sealed bearing assembly is retrievable through a 221/2 in. rotary table. It can be used with single or dual rotating stripper rubbers. The hydraulic accumulator operates on rig air supply. Model DHS 1400 Drilling Head Maximum speed ................................ 150 rpm Through bore of wellhead adapter assembly 11 in. - 3/5,000 ............................... 111/4 in. 135/8 in. - 5,000 .............................. 135/8 in. Through bore standard ................................ 14 Overall heights Std. 135/8 in. - 3/5,000 inlet spool with no outlet ................................ 341/2 Std. 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4 Std. 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4 Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ......... 421/16 Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 403/4 Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 393/4 Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 393/4

in. in. in. in. in. in. in.

Rotating test pressure ........................... 600 psi

164

Rotating Drilling Heads


Model 7068: On this model the body is integral with the spool and has a side outlet and a lower flange for mounting on BOP. The drive bushing/ stripper rubber assembly will pass through 171/2 in. rotary table. The 11 in. size is available in a shorty version when space is limited beneath the rotary table. It is available with single or dual rotating stripper rubbers. Model 7068
Height Size (in.) 11 Lower Flange (in.) 11 - 3,000/5,000 Combination Maximum Bore (in.) 111/4 113/4 14 13 /8
5

Side Outlet (in.) 71/16 - 2,000 7 Threaded (Male) 71/16 - 2,000 9 - 2,000

w/Stand. Bushing (in.) 36

w/Short Bushing (in.) 297/8 243/4

11 11 - 3,000/5,000 Shorty Combination 135/8 13 /8


5

135/8 - 3,000 13 /8 - 5,000


5

36 38

297/8 317/8

Notes: 1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in. hex or square, and 51/4 in. hex only. 2. Stripper rubbers are available in 27/8, 31/2, 41/2, 5 and 51/2 in. (Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4 in. on special order.) Other sizes available upon request.

Model 7368: This model also has a body that is integral with the spool and has a side outlet and a lower flange for mounting on the BOP. It has the same basic design features of larger models and is ideal for slim-hole applications and workover jobs because of its shorter height. The drive bushing/ stripper rubber is a one-piece assembly and can pass through a 101/2 in. rotary table.

Size (in.)

Lower Flange (in.)

Maximum Bore (in.) 71/16

Side Outlet (in.)

Height (in.)

71/16 71/16 - 2,000/3,000/5,000

41/16 - 2,000/3,000 237/8 Combination

Notes: 1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square. 2. Stripper rubbers are available in 23/8, 27/8 and 31/2 in. (Special stripper rubbers for wireline service, are available upon request.)

Rotating Drilling Heads


Model 7368 Model 8068: On this model, the body does not have an integral side outlet or mounting flange. It is attached by clamping dogs to a spool with flanges for 135/8, 16 and 20 in. BOPs. The drive bushing/stripper rubber assembly passes through a 171/2 in. rotary table. The rotating drilling head passes through a 271/2 in. rotary table. It can be used with mudline casing suspension systems when attached to a 30 in. mounting flange. It is available with single or dual stripper rubbers.
Height Size (in.) 163/4 30 30 - 36 Lower Flange (in.) 163/4 - 2,000 None* None* Maximum Bore (in.) 163/4 203/4 283/32 269/32 Side Outlet (in.) 9 - 3,000 9 - 3,000 None** None** w/Stand. Bushing (in.) 423/4 423/4 253/4 253/4 w/Short Bushing (in.) 365/8 365/8 195/8 195/8

165

203/4 203/4 - 2,000/3,000

**Mounting flange welded directly to conductor pipe. **Installed on conductor pipe. Notes: 1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in. hex or square, and 51/4 in. hex only. 2. Stripper rubbers are available in 27/8, 31/2, 41/2, 5 and 51/2 in. (Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4 in. on special order.) Other sizes available upon request.

166
Model 8068

Rotating Drilling Heads

SPECIAL ROTATING DRILLING HEADS


Geothermal Well Drilling Head: This drilling head incorporates two stripper rubbers upper rubber rotates with the kelly and seals around the drill pipe and tool joints as connections are made stripping in and out of the hole. The lower stripper rubber seals on the large diameter string components such as drill collars. The body is equipped with a port for water injection to cool and lubricate the stripper rubbers and exposed seals while stripping in and out. The elastomer components are formulated for high-temperature service. Model RDH 2500 High-Pressure Drilling Head: Rated at 2,500 psi rotating test pressure. This rating is for the body and seals only and does not include the stripper rubber. In actual field use there are many variables which can affect the life and pressure capability of the stripper rubber. For example, if the drilling head and BOP are misaligned with the rig, the performance of the stripper rubber is adversely affected. Other factors such as high temperature, higher pressures, etc., also adversely affect the life of the stripper rubber. The stripper rubber is a special mechanically energized stripper rubber. The bearing chamber is sealed with low-pressure seals against atmospheric pressure. There is a separate high-pressure seal assembly to contain wellbore pressure. Note: This product, regardless of pressure rating, is a diverter and not a blowout preventor. The high-pressure seal assembly contains a redundant set of seals. The high-pressure drilling head is available with single or dual stripper rubbers. We have different elastomer components available for oil and gas or geothermal drilling. The high-pressure drilling head utilizes a hydraulic skid unit to supply low-pressure circulating lubrication to the bearings, and a separate lubrication system to supply high-pressure lubrication to the high-pressure seals. The high-pressure lubricant system maintains hydraulic pressure at a slightly higher pressure than the wellbore to properly lubricate the high-pressure seal assembly. The hydraulic skid is located away from the rig and requires 110 volts and an air supply from the rig. A back-up air compressor automatically

Rotating Drilling Heads


engages if the rig air is disconnected. A redundant system assures that hydraulic fluid flow continues if either electrical or air supply is interrupted. There is no electrical wiring required beneath the rig floor. Maximum speed ................................ 150 rpm Model RDH 2500 High-Pressure Through bore of wellhead Drilling Head adapter assembly ................................ 133/8 Through bore of drilling head assembly .......................................... 9 Through bore of stripper rubber .................... 6 Maximum OD .......................................... 271/4 Overall heights 135/8 in. - 3,000 inlet spool with no outlet ..................................... 531/2 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ................575/8 11 in. - 5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 577/8 1 7 /16 in. - 5,000 inlet with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 587/8 Rotating test pressure ........................ 2,500 psi

167

Alignment: Stack alignment is critical to the performance and life of the rotating drilling head bearings and stripper rubber. Check alignment by slowly lowering the kelly until kelly bushing engages the drive bushing in the rotating head. The kelly drive bushing should go into the drive bushing freely without having to force the kelly sideways. If the kelly drive bushing does not freely engage into the drive bushing of the rotating

168

Rotating Drilling Heads

Flange Nominal Size and Pressure Rating (in.) 71/16 x 2,000 71/16 x 3,000 71/16 x 5,000 71/16 x 10,000 9 x 2,000 9 x 3,000 9 x 5,000 9 x 10,000 11 x 2,000 11 x 3,000 11 x 5,000 * 11 x 10,000 135/8 x 2,000 135/8 x 3,000 135/8 x 5,000 135/8 x 10,000 163/4 x 2,000 163/4 x 3,000 163/4 x 5,000 16 /4 x 10,000 211/4 x 2,000 203/4 x 3,000 211/4 x 5,000 21 /4 x 10,000
* Not a current API size.
1 3

Old Nominal Size and Series Service (in.) 6 x 600 6 x 900 6 x 1,500 8 x 600 8 x 900 8 x 1,500 10 x 600 10 x 900 10 x 1,500 10 x 2,900 12 x 600 12 x 900

OD (in.) 14 15 151/2 187/8 16 /2 181/2 19 213/4 20 211/2 23 203/4 253/4 22 24 261/2 301/4
1

Thickness (in.) 23/16 21/2 35/8 41/16 2 /2 213/16 41/16 47/8 2 /16 31/16 411/16 511/16 59/16 215/16 37/16 47/16 65/8 35/16 315/16 51/8 6 /8 37/8 43/4 71/8 9 /2
1 5 13 1

Dia. Bolt Circle (in.) 111/2 121/2 121/2 157/8 133/4 151/2 151/2 183/4 17 181/2 19 163/4 221/4 191/4 21 231/4 261/2 233/4 241/4 265/8 309/16 281/2 291/2 347/8 401/4

16 x 600 16 x 900

27 273/4 303/8 34 /16


5

20 x 600 20 x 900

32 333/4 39 45

Rotating Drilling Heads

169

Bolts Bolt Quantity 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 16 16 16 12 12 16 20 20 16 20 20 20 16 24 24 20 24 24 Bolt Dia. (in.) 1 11/8 13/8 11/2 11/8 13/8 15/8 11/2 11/4 13/8 17/8 2 13/4 11/4 13/8 15/8 17/8 11/2 15/8 17/8 17/8 15/8 2 2 21/2 Bolt Length (in.) 7 8 103/4 111/4 8 9 12 13 83/4 91/2 133/4 161/2 15 9 101/4 121/2 171/4 101/4 113/4 141/2 171/2 113/4 141/2 183/4 241/2

API Ring

Ring No. 45 45 46 BX 156 49 49 50 BX 157 53 53 54 91 BX 158 57 57 BX 160 BX 159 65 66 BX 162 BX 162 73 74 BX 165 BX 165

170
Notes

Rotating Drilling Heads

SECTION TEN

10

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional Information
Maximum Permissible Doglegs in Rotary Boreholes by Arthur Lubinski, Publication No. 55, February 1960. This paper presents means for specifying maximum permissible changes of hole angle to ensure a trouble-free hole. What You Should Know About Kellys by Doyle W. Brinegar, Publication No. 81 (reprinted from Oil & Gas Journal, May 1977). This article answers a number of questions pertaining to kellys, including: why kellys become unusable, the effects of manufacture on kelly performance, interpreting drive edge wear patterns and kelly repair. Qualified Inspectors: The Key to Maximum Drill Collar Life by W.R. Garrett, Publication No. 82 (reprinted from World Oil, March 1977) explains the importance of inspection services, in terms of obtaining the maximum amount of trouble-free service out of a drill collar before needing repair. Down-Hole Failure of Drilling Tools by B.P. Faas, Publication No. 32 (reprinted from Drilling Contractor, May and June 1970). In this article, the author summarizes a study conducted by Standard Oil Co. which examines the cause of downhole drilling equipment failures. This detailed examination attempts to determine if there are any deficiencies in steel or fabrication procedures which could be corrected so that the likelihood of additional failures could be reduced. Drill Pipe Fatigue Failure by H.M. Rollins, Publication No. 34 (reprinted from Oil & Gas Journal, April 1966). The author in the article explains the nature of drill pipe failure, and identifies seven steps that can be taken to minimize fatigue damage. Drill Stem Failures Due to H2S by H.M. Rollins, Publication No. 52 (reprinted from Oil & Gas Journal, January 1966), discusses the results of many investigations involving tubing failures, talks about drill pipe failures specifically and recommends practices that help to cope with H2S. Straight Hole Drilling by H.M. Rollins, Publication No. 18 (reprinted from World Oil, March and April 1963), covers Why Holes Go Crooked and what you can do to prevent excessive hole angle build-up.

173

174

Additional Information
How to Drill a Usable Hole by Gerald E. Wilson, Publication No. 39 (reprinted from World Oil, September 1976). This brochure of pictures and examples explains how to control hole deviation, reasons holes become crooked and problems that can result. Drilling Straight Holes in Crooked Hole Country Publication No. 59. These tables will permit you to predict the effect on hole inclination, changes in weight, drill collar size and the use of stabilizers. Using Large Drill Collars Successfully by Doyle Brinegar and Sam Crews, Publication No. 21 (reprinted from Journal of Petroleum Technology, August 1970). Article discusses use of large drill collars in the 9 to 11 in. size range. How to Bridge Drill Pipes Zone of Destruction by Charlie Miller, Publication No. 72 (reprinted from Drilling DCW Magazine, June 1973). The author explains the major causes of twistoffs and washouts in the drill string, and offers solutions for correcting the problem namely Drilcos Hevi-Wate drill pipe. Heavy-Wall Drill Pipe A Key Member of the Drill Stem by Morris E. Rowe, Publication No. 45, September 1976, discusses currently available drilling technologies utilizing heavy-wall drill pipe, and attempts to solve fatigue failure problems. Bit Stabilization Effective Method to Prolong Bit Life by G.M. Purswell, Publication No. 50 (reprinted from Oilweek, December 1967), recognizes that bit stabilization is an effective method for prolonging rock bit life and obtaining greater penetration rates. Purswell points out that stabilization forces the bit to rotate around its own center. Numerous configurations of semi-packed or packed bottom-hole assemblies are reviewed and discussed as to their application for bit stabilization. How to Select Bottom Hole Drilling Assemblies by Gerald E. Wilson, Publication No. 62 (reprinted from Petroleum Engineer, April 1979), identifies and compares a number of bottom-hole assemblies that can be used when drilling in crooked hole areas. The primary factor affecting selection of the assembly is the crooked hole tendencies of the formations to be penetrated.

Additional Information
Predicting Bottomhole Assembly Performance by J.S. Williamson and A. Lubinski, Publication No. 98 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14764 from IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, February 1986). This paper discusses a computer program for the prediction of bottom-hole assembly performance. Input parameters include: formation dip, hole and collar size, stabilizer spacing, etc. Output may be hole curvature, hole angle or WOB. An Engineering Approach to Stabilization Selection by G.K. McKown and J.S. Williamson, Publication No. 99 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14766 from IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, February 1986). This paper discusses a means of selecting stabilizers based on applications and drilling conditions. Experimental wear data and computer analyses of the effects of stabilizer design on bottom-hole assembly performance are offered. Degassing of Drilling Fluids by Walter E. Liljestrand, Publication No. 43 (reprinted from Oil & Gas Journal, February 1980). The purpose of this paper is to broadly cover the subject of degassing. It outlines the problems and discusses the steps that must be taken to remove the gas. There are several ways to take each step because there are different types of degassers shown, yet each can do the job. Some examples of mud problems are also shown. A Users Guide to Drill String Hardfacing by J. Steve Williamson and Jim B. Bolton, Publication No. 100 (reprinted from Petroleum Engineering International, September 1983). This paper discusses drill string hardfacings, welding processes and important metallurgical variables involved. The importance of proper tungsten carbide selection is emphasized. Experimental results are discussed for casing wear by hardfacings and for hardfacing wear resistance. Guidelines are given for hardfacing selection based on tests and field experience.

175

176

Additional Information
What is the Condition of Your Downhole Tools and How Are They Being Repaired by Doyle W. Brinegar, Publication No. DR - 1009 (reprinted from SPE/IADC No. 18702 presented at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, March 1989). This paper discusses the repair and reuse of downhole drilling equipment, along with inspection methods. One of the objectives of this paper is to review repair methods that are used to increase the life of downhole tools. Particular attention is paid to welding procedures. Drill String Design Optimization for HighAngle Wells by George K. McKown, Publication No. DR-1002 (reprinted from SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, March 1989). This paper discusses drill string design for high-angle wells and how to optimize for all the required functions of the drill string. Practical considerations for drill string design for high-angle wells and systematic approaches to the design process are presented. When ordering publications from Smith, please indicate the publication number you are interested in and address your request to: Smith International Reader Service Dept. P.O. Box 60068 Houston, TX 77205-0068 Or call your Smith representative.

SECTION ELEVEN

1 1

INDEX

Index

179

Index
Introduction ................................................. i Table of contents .......................................... ii Letter from operations .................................. iii How to use this handbook ............................ iv

A
ANGLE How to control hole angle ........................ 8 Rate of hole angle .................................... 5 Total hole angle ........................................ 5 ANTI-GALL Anti-gall protection of connections ............ 67 ASSEMBLIES Bottom-hole assemblies ............................ 1 Packed hole assembly - length of tool assembly ........................................ 10

B
BENDING STRENGTH RATIO Guides for evaluating drill collar OD, ID and connection combinations ........... BHA Bottom-hole assemblies ............................ Conclusion ............................................... Downhole vibrations ................................ Factors to consider when designing a packed hole assembly ........................ How to control hole angle ........................ Improve hole opener performance by using a vibration dampener and stabilizers ................................... Minimum permissible bottom-hole drill collar outside diameter formula ...... Packed hole assembly - clearance between wall of hole and stabilizers ...... Packed hole assembly - length of tool assembly ........................................ Packed hole assembly - medium crooked hole country ............................ Packed hole assembly - mild crooked hole country ......................................... Packed hole assembly - mild, medium and severe crooked hole country ........... Packed hole assembly - severe crooked hole country ......................................... Packed hole assembly - stiffness of drill collars ........................................... 78 1 22 22 10 8

23 4 11 10 13 12 14 14 11

180

Index
BHA continued Packed hole assembly - wall support and length of contact tool ......... 12 Packed hole theory ................................... 9 Packed pendulum ..................................... 20 Pendulum theory ...................................... 8 Problems associated with doglegs and key seats ........................................ 6 Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5 Reduced bit weights ................................. 21 Stabilizing tools ........................................ 15 Total hole angle ........................................ 5 BIT Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32 Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32 Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31 Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31 using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit weight on small rigs .......................... 106 BOX Dimensional identification of drill collar box connections .......................... 100 BREAK IN How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137 BUOYANCY Buoyancy effect of drill collars in mud ...... 70

C
CAPACITY Capacity and displacement table Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. COLLARS Hookups used to make up drill collar connections ................................. Packed hole assembly - stiffness of drill collars ........................................... Stress Relief .............................................. CONNECTIONS Anti-gall protection ................................... Dimensional identification of box connections .................................... Dimensional identification of pin connections .................................... Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor tension, compression and neutral zone .. Facts about cold working .......................... Guides for evaluating drill collar OD, ID and connection combinations ........... Using the connection selection charts ....... 112

43 11 68 67 100 101 71 66 78 78

Index
CONNECTIONS continued Preventing pin and box failures in downhole tools ..................................... 76 Rotary shouldered connection interchange list ..................................... 96 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint recommended minimums ...................... 130 CROOKED HOLES Medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to medium-hard formations ....... 19 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to medium-hard formations .................... 17 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in medium-hard to soft formations .................................. 19 Packed hole assembly - medium crooked hole country ............................ 13 Packed hole assembly - mild crooked hole country ............................ 12 Packed hole assembly - mild, medium and severe crooked hole country ........... 14 Packed hole assembly - severe crooked hole country ............................ 14

181

D
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE Differential pressure sticking of drill pipe and drill collars ...................... 27 DIMENSIONAL DATA Hexagon kellys ......................................... 136 Square kellys ............................................ 136 DOGLEGS Problems associated with doglegs and key seats ........................................ 6 DOWNHOLE TOOLS Preventing pin and box failures in downhole tools ..................................... 76 DRILL COLLAR Anti-gall protection ................................... 67 Automatic torque control system ............... 51 Buoyancy effects of drill collars in mud ..... 70 Dimensional identification of box connections .................................... 100 Dimensional identification of pin connections .................................... 101 Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37

182

Index
DRILL COLLARS continued Drill collar failures .................................... 77 Drill collar weights [kg/m] ....................... 75 Drill collar weights [lb/ft] ......................... 73 Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52 Facts about cold working .......................... 66 Guides for evaluating drill collar OD, ID and connection combinations ........... 78 Hookups used to make up drill collar connections .................................. 43 How does the ATCS help .......................... 52 How to apply and measure makeup torque ...................................... 51 How to figure the drill collar makeup torque needed ....................................... 41 How to use the connection selection charts ..................................... 78 Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52 Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51 Know field shop work .............................. 66 Low torque faces ...................................... 69 Minimum permissible bottom-hole drill collar outside diameter formula ............. 4 Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97 Picking up drill collars .............................. 38 Pipe - drill pipe - drill collar safety factor tension, compression, neutral zone ........ 71 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [Nm] ........................... 62 Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149 Rig catheads ............................................. 51 Rig maintenance ...................................... 41 Slip and elevator recesses ......................... 69 Special drill collars ................................... 68 Stress relief .............................................. 68 Torque Control ......................................... 39 Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72 Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................ 74 DRILL PIPE Capacity and displacement table Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112 Dimensional data - range II Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112 Dimensional data - range III Hevi-Wate drill pipe ............................... 113

Index
DRILL PIPE continued Dimensional identification heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 124 Dimensional identification heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 126 Dimensional identification heavy-weight grade G drill pipe ............. 128 Dimensional identification heavy-weight grade S drill pipe ............. 129 Dimensional identification heavy-weight grade X drill pipe ............. 127 Dimensional identification heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125 Dimensional identification standard weight grade E drill pipe ......... 124 Dimensional identification standard weight grade G drill pipe ......... 128 Dimensional identification standard weight grade S drill pipe ......... 129 Dimensional identification standard weight grade X drill pipe ......... 127 Dimensional identification standard weight, high-strength drill pipe ........................................... 125 Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at base of pin ............................................ 119 Pipe weight code ...................................... 123 Recommended identification groove and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122 Recommended practice for marking on tool joints for identification of drill string components ............................. 119 Straight hole drilling ................................. 2 Tapered drill strings .................................. 113 Tool joints ................................................ 117 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint recommended minimums ...................... 130 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit weight on small rigs ......................... 106 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in directional drilling ................................. 110 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the transition zone between the drill collars and drill pipe ................... 107 What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105

183

F
FIELD INSPECTION Systematic field inspection ........................ 143

184

Index
FORMATIONS Medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to mediumhard formations ................................. 19 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to mediumhard formations ................................. 17 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in medium-hard to soft formations .............................. 19

G
GRADE CODE Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin ......................... 120

H
HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE Capacity and displacement table range II Hevi-Wate drill pipe .................. 112 Dimensional data - range III Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 113 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit weight on small rigs .............................. 106 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in directional drilling ................................. 110 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the transition zone between the drill collars and the drill pipe ............. 107 What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105 HEXAGON KELLYS Dimensional data ..................................... 136 HOLE How to control hole angle ........................ 8 Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5 Total hole angle ........................................ 5

I
IDENTIFICATION Dimensional identification heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124 Dimensional identification heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125 Dimensional identification standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124 Dimensional identification standard weight, high-strength drill pipe ........................................... 125

Index
IDENTIFICATION continued Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin ............................. 120 Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin ............................. 119 Recommended identification groove and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122 Recommended practice for marking on tool joints for identification of drill string components ...................... 119 IDENTIFIER How to use the tool joint identifier ........... 152 INFORMATION Additional technical information ............... 173 INSPECTION International inspection services ............... 155 Systematic field inspection ........................ 143 INTERCHANGE LIST Rotary shouldered connection interchange list ..................................... 96

185

K
KELLYS Hexagon kellys - dimensional data ............ 136 How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137 New kellys - measurements ...................... 136 Square kellys - dimensional data ............... 136 What can you do with that old kelly ......... 140 KEY SEATS Problems associated with doglegs and key seats ........................................ 6

M
MAINTENANCE Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37 If you have an epidemic of drill collar failures that you can't explain ...... 77 Know field shop work .............................. 66 Preventing pin and box failures in downhole tools ..................................... 76 Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149 Rig maintenance of drill collars ................. 41 Systematic field inspection ........................ 143 MAKEUP Automatic torque control system ............... 51 Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52 Hookups used to make up drill collar connections .......................... 43

186

Index
MAKEUP continued How does the ATCS help .......................... 52 How to apply and measure makeup torque ...................................... 51 How to figure the drill collar makeup torque needed .......................... 41 Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52 Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51 Initial makeup of new drill collars ............. 39 Recommended identification groove and marking of drill pipe ..................... 122 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [Nm]............................ 62 Recommended practice for marking on tool joints for identification of drill string components ...................... 119 Rig Catheads ............................................ 51 MATERIAL Material and welding precautions for downhole tools ..................................... 102 MEASUREMENTS New kelly measurements .......................... 136 MILL CODES Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin ............................. 119

P
PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY Clearance between wall of hole and stabilizers ....................................... Considerations when designing a packed hole assembly .......................... Length of tool assembly ............................ Medium crooked hole country .................. Mild crooked hole country ........................ Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country ......................................... Severe crooked hole country ..................... Stiffness of drill collars ............................. Wall support and length of contact tool ........................................... PACKED HOLE THEORY ...................................... PACKED PENDULUM .......................................... PARALLEL MISALIGNMENT Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... PENDULUM THEORY .......................................... 11 10 10 13 12 14 14 11 12 9 20 32 8

Index
PIN Dimensional identification of drill collar pin connections .................................... 101 PUBLICATIONS Additional technical information ............... 173

187

R
REFACING Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149 ROTATING DRILLING HEADS Air drilling ............................................... 159 API ring joint flange data .......................... 168 Applications ............................................. 159 Body assembly ......................................... 161 Bowl assembly ......................................... 161 Drive bushing assembly ............................ 162 Drive ring and bearing assembly ............... 162 Flow drilling ............................................. 160 Gas drilling .............................................. 159 Geothermal drilling .................................. 160 Geothermal model .................................... 166 Lubricator system ..................................... 162 Model 7068 .............................................. 164 Model 7368 .............................................. 164 Model 8068 .............................................. 165 Model DHS 1400 ...................................... 163 Model RDH 2500 - high-pressure drilling head ......................................... 166 Stack alignment ........................................ 167 Standard heads ........................................ 163 Stripper rubber ......................................... 162 System components .................................. 161 Underbalanced drilling ............................. 160 RSC Rotary shouldered connection interchange list ..................................... 96

S
SERVICES International inspection services ............... 156 SHOCK ABSORBERS Downhole vibrations ................................ 22 Improve hole opener performance using a vibration dampener and stabilizers ................................ 23 SHOP WORK Know field shop work .............................. 66 SHOULDER REFACING Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149

188

Index
SLIP Slip and elevator recesses on drill collars ........................................... 69 SPIRAL Spiral drill collars ..................................... 68 SQUARE KELLY Dimensional data ..................................... 136 STABILIZATION Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32 Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32 Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31 Bottom-hole assemblies - stabilization ....... 15 medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to mediumhard formations .............................. 19 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in hard to medium-hard formations .................... 17 Mild, medium and severe crooked hole country in medium-hard to soft formations .............................. 19 Packed hole assembly - clearance between wall of hole and stabilizers ...... 11 Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31 STIFFNESS Packed hole assembly - stiffness of drill collars ....................................... 11 STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING ................................. 2 STRESS RELIEF Stress relief of drill collar connections ....... 68 SYSTEMATIC FIELD INSPECTION ............................ 143

T
TAPERED DRILL STRINGS .................................... 113 TENSION Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor tension, compression and neutral zone .. 71 THREAD FORMS Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97 TOOL JOINT IDENTIFIER .................................... 153 TOOL JOINTS ................................................... 117 Dimensional identification heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124 Dimensional identification heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125 Dimensional identification standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124 Dimensional identification - standard weight, high-strength drill pipe ................. 125 Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin .......................... 120

Index
TOOL JOINTS continued Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at base of tool joint pin ............................. 119 Pipe weight code ...................................... 123 Recommended identification groove and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122 Recommended practice for marking on tool joints for identification of drill string components ...................... 119 TORQUE Apply and measure makeup torque .......... 51 Automatic torque control system ............... 51 Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52 Hookups used to make up drill collar connections ................................. 43 How does the ATCS help .......................... 52 How to figure the drill collar makeup torque needed ....................................... 41 Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52 Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58 Recommended minimum drill collar makeup torque [Nm] ........................... 62 Rig catheads ............................................. 51 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint recommended minimums ...................... 130 Torque control - drill collars ...................... 39 TRANSITION ZONE Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the transition zone between drill collars and drill pipe .......................... 107

189

V
VIBRATION DAMPENERS Downhole vibrations ................................ 22 Improve hole opener performance using a vibration dampener and stabilizers ..... 23

W
WEIGHTS Drill collar weight [kg/m] ......................... 75 Drill collar weight [lb/ft] .......................... 73 Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72 Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................ 74

190
Notes

Index

1310 Rankin Rd. Houston, TX 77073 (800) 877-6484 (281) 443-3370

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