Drill string design Calculations are made to help you select items from

a list of ready-made Drill string components, not deciding what an

individual component will look like. The objectives of our design efforts
should be to:

 Keep the maximum stress at any point in the drill string less
than yield strength derated by a design factor.

 Select components and configure assemblies to retard fatigue as

much as economically practical.

 Provide equipment that is resistant to hydrogen sulfide if H2S is

expected.

This Article covers simple drill string design steps for vertical and
directional wells. Loads applied by tension, torsion, combined tension
and torsion, burst pressure, collapse pressure, slip crushing, and
stability forces are considered. Design steps to reduce fatigue damage
are also covered.

Many factors must be considered in the drill string design, such as:

 Total depth.

 Hole size.

 Mud weight.

 Overpull.

 Bottom Hole Assembly Components.

 Hole angle.

 Pipe weights and grades.

 Corrosive environment.

 Ability to fish tools out of the hole. (Fishing In Drilling)

Drill String Design

Calculations Steps
Design is a multi-step process, which usually begins at the
bottom of the string and works upward. The steps and
considerations in the Figure below will be helpful in most
design situations.
Plan Well

Basic Well Planning knowledge is essential to understanding the Drill

String design process. Information from the Planned Well is also
essential to carrying out the Drill String Design process and selecting
the required Drill String equipment. This will include the well bore
& Casing sizes, CSG setting depths, well trajectory, and possible
problems that may be incurred.

BHA Design In Drill String

As well as Drill Collars the BHA may comprise many types of specialist
equipment. The BHA, by the loose definition used for this design
manual, encompasses equipment that is run with a compressive force
acting Common upon it
(when Item
Abbreviation

Drill Collars DC

Mud Motors, Turbines PDM PDM

Measurement Whilst
MWD
Drilling

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe HWDP

Specialised Drill Pipe –

Jars –

Stabilizers Specialized Drill Pipe

Drilling Subs –

calculated using the pressure area method), which may include the
following:
In Bottom Hole Assembly Components, Types, Behavior article, we shall
cover the following subjects:

1. Main Categories Of Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Used In Oilfield

2. Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling Components:

3. How Drilling BHA Act / BHA Behaviour

4. Rotary BHA Types

Furthermore, we recommend reading the BHA Design article. This

article goes in-depth with selection tips and calculations for each of the
BHA components.

Drill Pipe String Design

The first thing to consider while running the drill string design
calculation is to check if the drill pipes you will use will sustain the drill
collars and BHA loads in the worst case, which is stuck.

Tension Design Nomenclature

The basis for selecting various pipe grades to make up a drill string is
always maintaining at least the desired Margin of Overpull (MOP) at all
points in the string. This is accomplished by adding the lowest pipe
grade, a joint at a time, starting from the top of the BHA and working
upward. Each joint must support the BHA weight plus the drill pipe
below that joint. When the working load (Pw) is reached for that drill
pipe grade, the drill pipe is switched to a higher grade. This process
continues until the string is complete. Tensile design nomenclature is
reviewed below and illustrated in Figure 1.8.
Fig. 1.8 – Tensile Design Nomenclature

Definitions

 Tensile Load Capacity (P): This is the calculated tensile pull to

yield the pipe body. The tensile capacities of the Drill Pipe are
given in Section 3, Table 3.1

 Design Factor in Tension (DFT ): The factor used to derate the

tensile load capacity to obtain allowable load (P A)

 Allowable Load (PA): This is the maximum load we are

comfortable placing on the pipe including an allowance for
possible trouble. It is the tensile capacity derated by a design
factor.

 Margin Of Overpull (MOP): The design has excess pull capacity

above the working load (P ) to compensate for expected drag,
possible sticking, slip crushing, and the effect W of the circulating
pressure on tension.

 Working Load (PW): Working Load is the expected maximum

tension that will occur during normal operations.

Note: Like the “Nominal Size” of Drill Pipe, the “Nominal Weight” of
Drill Pipe is what we call it, not what it actually is. For example, 19.50
lb/ft Drill Pipe doesn’t actually weigh 19.50 lb/ft. Its approximate real
weight in air is called the “adjusted weight” or “air weight” and will be
something between 20.89 lb/ft and 22.60 lb/ft depending on the Grade
of Pipe, the Tool Joint, and whether or not the contractor bought
standard Tool Joint diameters. This adjusted weight is the one to use for
design and displacement calculations. Nominal weights should be used
only to communicate the type of pipe we are dealing with.

Calculate Allowable Load

The allowable Drill Pipe Load is calculated using the following:

Where:

 PA= Maximum allowable Tensile Load

 PT= Pipe Tensile Capacity

 DFT= Design Factor for Tension

Set Maximum Over Pull

MOP is the desired amount of excess tension above the working load
(Pw ) to account for hole drag, provide excess pull capacity if the pipe
becomes stuck, and compensate for the “piston” effect of circulating
pressure on tension. The first two elements are determined by local
conditions or company policy. The effect of circulating pressure can be
estimated by the following:

 ΔP = The estimated increase in Drill Pipe Tension due to

circulating pressure (lbf)

 ΔPBit= Pressure Drop Across Bit (psi)

 Ai= Drill Pipe Internal Area (in2)

Learn more about the Margin Of Overpull & Drill Pipe Failure

Calculate Working Load

Maximum Working Load (P ) is the allowable load minus the Margin of

Overpull:

PW= PA-MOP

 Pw= Working Load (lbf)

 PA= Pipe Tensile Capacity (lbf)

 MOP = Margin of Overpull (lbf)

Calculate Maximum Length Of The Drill Pipe Sections

Drill Pipe Length Ranges & Design

2024-03-13

Table of Contents

 What is The Common Drill Pipe Length Ranges

 How To Perform Drill Pipe Design

 Design Of 3 Different Sections Of Drill Pipes

 The First Section

 The Second Section

 The Third Section

The common drill pipe length is basically from 27-30 feet, which is
classified as range-2 R2. This article will discuss their range and how to
perform their design.

What is The Common Drill Pipe Length Ranges

The Drill String is made up of several sections of Drill Pipes. The term
“stand” consists mainly of two or three drill pipe joints, which are 60 to
90 feet long. Every joint of pipe is referred to as a “single.”

According to API, there are three ranges of drill pipe length: R1, R2,
and R3.

 Range 1 (R1) is the shortest length, more common for sizing

production tubing or Casing, and ranges from 18 to 22 ft.

 Range 2 (R2) is considered the standard length for the Pipe,

ranging from 27 to 31 ft.

 Range 3 (R3) is common in Casing and also deployed in

deepwater drilling applications.

The increased length decreases the number of tool joints in each stand
of drill pipe. The fallback is that the load exerted on each tool joint is
greater, increasing wear and reducing the expected life of the drill
pipe. R3 ranges from 38 to 45 ft.

How To Perform Drill Pipe Design

The Drill String is designed so that the uppermost joint of each section
of the Drill Pipe is loaded to no more than 80% of the minimum
tensile yield strength of that particular weight and grade pipe for a
single size and grade drill pipe.

The total load exerted on the drill pipe’s top joint consists of the drill
pipe’s buoyed weight plus the bottom hole assembly (heavy-weight
drill pipe plus drill collars) and the margin of overpull (MOP). The MOP
is the desired amount of load over the buoyed weight of the drill string
to account for hole drag and provide excess pull capacity if the drill
string becomes stuck in the hole. The amount of overpull ranges from
50,000 to 100,000 lb.

The design criterion can be expressed as,

Where,

 L: length of drill pipe, ft.

 W: Actual weight of drill pipe, lb/ft.

 Lc: length of drill collars, ft.

 Wc: weight of collars, lb/ft.

 LH: length of Heavy Weight, ft.

 WH: weight of heavy-weight drill pipe, lb/ft.

 MOP: Margin of overpull, lb.

 Bf: buoyancy factor.

 Y: minimum yield strength, lb.

Solving above Eq for the maximum length of pipe that can be used,

If the Drill String Design includes two sections of drill pipe of different
grades and weights (Api drill pipe Specs), then the maximum length of
the second section (top section) is,

Where,
  L1: length of the first section of pipe (lower section), ft.

 W1: the actual weight of the first section of drill pipe, lb/ft.

 L2: Pipe length of the second section, ft.

 W2: the actual weight of the second section of drill pipe, lb/ft.

 Y2: minimum tensile strength of the second section of drill pipe

(top section), lb.

In drill string design, the pipe of the lowest grade (weakest) is placed
on the bottom.

Each section of the Drill Pipe is designed starting with the Bottom Hole
Assembly BHA and working upwards. This design is checked at various
depths, for the most critical section of the hole is often not at TD but
further up the hole due to mud weight changes.

Design Of 3 Different Sections Of Drill Pipes

The First Section

 LDP1= Maximum Length of Pipe in Section 1 (ft).

 PW1= Working Load of Drill Pipe in Section 1 (lbf).

 KB= Buoyancy Factor.

 WDC1= Air weight of Drill Collars in 1st Section, per unit length
(lb/ft).

 LDC1= Length of Drill Collars in 1st Section (ft).

 LDC2= Air weight of Drill Collars in 2nd Section, per unit length
(lb/ft).

 WDC2= Length of 2nd Section of Drill Collars (ft).

 WHWDP= Air weight of HWDP, per unit length (lb/ft).

 LHWDP= Length of HWDP (ft).

 WDP1= Air Weight of Pipe in Section 1,per unit length (lb/ft).

The Second Section

The maximum length of the second section above the BHA is:

 LDP2= Maximum Length in Section 2 (ft).

 PW2= Working Load of Drill Pipe in Section 2 (lbf).

 PW1= Working Load of Drill Pipe in Section 1 (lbf).

 WDP2= Air weight of Drill Pipe in Section 2, per unit length (lb/ft).

 KB= Buoyancy Factor.

The Third Section

The maximum length of the third Pipe section above the BHA is:

 LDP3= Maximum Length of Section 3 (ft).

 PW3= Working Load of Drill Pipe in Section 3 (lbf).

 PW2= Working Load of Drill Pipe in Section 2 (lbf).

 WDP3= Air weight of Drill Pipe in Section 3, per unit length (lb/ft).

 KB= Buoyancy Factor.

Slip Crushing In Drill String Design

Drilling slips exert hoop compression on the drill pipe, which can
deform the pipe if conditions are unfavorable. It will be important in
drill string design to check whether slip crushing may happen to your
drill pipes.

Drilling Slips For Pipes & Casing Guide

2024-02-09

Table of Contents
  Design

 Proper Drilling Slips Usage

 Bad Practice

 Drilling Pipe Slips

 Inspection of Drill Pipe Slips

 Periodic Inspection

 Spare Parts

 Hints

 Drill Collar Slips

 Inspection Procedure

Drilling slips are wedge-shaped segments with special dies inserted

inside, which support the pipe when suspended in the rotary bushings.
Figure 1 shows drill pipe and tubing slips with three body segments,
while slips for drill collars and casing (Figure 2) are made up of many
segments.

Figure 1: Drill pipe slips

Figure 2: Casing slips

Design

The slips in the master bushing use a wedging action to convert the
weight of the drill string into a much greater lateral or transverse force
on the pipe. This is illustrated in Figure 3. Without considering friction,
you can think of it like a load suspended from a spreader bar that
hangs on two slings at an angle equal to the angle of the rotary slips
(a). The compression force in the spreader bar is equal to P/(2 tan a).

Figure 3: Wedging action

The slips must provide full circumferential grip for even load
distribution due to the heavy weight of long casing strings and the
relatively thin pipe wall.

The slip angle commonly used is 9°27’45”. Ignoring the effects of

friction, if a string weight of 445 kN (100,000 lbs) is applied, it would
result in a compression load of 1,334 kN (300,000 lbs) on the pipe in
the slips. This is equivalent to a collapse pressure of 29,552 kPa (4,286
psi) on a 127.0 mm x 29.02 kg/m (5″ x 19.5 lb/ft) drill pipe, with 35.6
cm (14″) long slips that have a full circumferential grip over the entire
length. The E pipe has a rated collapse pressure of 68,950 kPa (10,000
psi).

Slips have concave replaceable inserts called dies, designed for

specific sizes of pipe, to provide full circumferential gripping action.

Proper Drilling Slips Usage

Some important points have to be taken into account when handling

slips:

 Ensure that the slips, along with the inserts, are of the
appropriate size for the pipe. Double-check the sizing to ensure a
proper fit.
  Ensure that all the inserts are properly gripping the pipe.

 Ensure that the inserts are sharp.

 Make sure that the taper of the slips matches that of the master
bushings in the rotary table and is not damaged.

 Ensure that the exterior of the slips are thoroughly cleaned and
properly coated with grease.

 Make sure that the master bushing is securely fitted and does
not have any looseness in the rotary.

 Ensure that all slip handles are present and properly fastened.

Bad Practice

It is extremely bad practice to:

 Use the rotary slips to stop the downward movement of the drill
pipe.

 Let the slips ride on the pipe while pulling out of the hole.

 Use the slips to catch the tool joint box.

Note: A spider is often used in the rotary instead of hand slips

while running casing.

Drilling Pipe Slips

The right size slips must always be used for the size pipe being
handled. Figure 4 shows the effects of using the wrong size of rotary
slips on the drill pipe.
Figure 4 Use of Rotary Slips on Wrong Size Pipe

Drilling Slips with a smaller size than the pipe can damage the pipe,
the corners of the slips, and even drop the pipe string. Conversely,
slips that are too large will not make contact with the pipe all the way
around, leading to the risk of dropping the pipe and destroying the
central part of the slips gripping surface.
 Figure 5 Effect of Stopping
Pipe with Slips

The drawworks brakes should be used to stop the downward motion of

the drill pipe, not the slips. Figure 5 shows the effects of stopping the
motion of the pipe with slips. This can occur if floor hands fail to set the
slips at the appropriate time after the driller has stopped the pipe. Do
not let the slips “ride” on the pipe while the pipe is being pulled out of
the hole. This practice accelerates the wear on the gripping elements
of the slip. It also risks having the slip ejected from the master bushing
bowl when a tool joint comes through and causing possible injury to
personnel. Inserts that are new or “like new” are designed to bear a
concentrated load and penetrate deeply into the pipe. Resharpened
inserts carry no load. Inserts that carry a concentrated load are forced
into slip bodies, resulting in permanent damage to rotary slips.
 Figure 6: Effect of
Using Uneven Gripping Elements in Slip Bodies

Be careful not to catch the tool joint box in the slips when the driller
slacks off. This often happens when coming out of the hole, and the
driller does not pick up high enough for the slips to fall around the pipe
properly. This can ruin the slips and damage the tool joint box and the
pipe’s body.

Figure 7
Routine care and Maintenance will extend the service life of the drill
pipe slips, protect the drill pipe and reduce the danger of sticking slips.
Figure E2-9 indicates points of maintenance and lubrication.

Figure 8 Lubrication and Care of Rotary Equipment

Inspection of Drill Pipe Slips

It is important to physically inspect the slips before every trip. If the

inserts are not secure, remove the slips from service until they can be
repaired. If cracks are detected in the slip bodies, they should be
removed from service and destroyed to prevent future use.

Periodic Inspection

At least every three months, the slips should be more thoroughly

checked. Place a straight edge on the backs and faces of the slips. If
the slips are bent or worn, the straight edge will not make full surface
contact with them. The backs of the rotary slips should be straight and
smooth. If they are excessively worn, they should be replaced. Use a
magnetic particle inspection or a similar method to detect fatigue
cracking in the slip bodies, webs, and toes. If any cracks are detected,
the slips should be removed from service and destroyed to prevent
future use. Check the insert slots for damage or excessive wear. If
there is 1/8″ to 3/16″ clearance between the back of the inserts and the
insert slot, replace the slips. With worn insert slots, there is a risk of
losing the inserts down the hole.

Lastly, slip tests should be conducted every three months to determine

slip wear and/or master bushing wear.

Spare Parts

It is easy to find spare parts to fix recently manufactured slips.

Typically, the inserts, dies, or liners are the parts that need to be
replaced most frequently. It is important to never mix new inserts with
worn or resharpened ones. Section B4 of the IADC drilling
manual provides additional information about resharpened inserts. To
ensure that the slips work properly, they must be kept clean and not
mistreated. The hinge pins should be well lubricated and the backs
should be fully coated with high-quality anti-seize compound before
use.

Hints

 Drill Pipe slips can vary to accommodate pipe from 2.3/8″ to 7″

diameter. There should be a 4″/ ft taper on the diameter as per
API design to permit operation on standard master bushings.
They can be manual or powered.

 Drill pipe slips can be manufactured in short, medium, and long

lengths.

 For deep well and heavy string applications, it is recommended

to use long or extra-long slips.

 Powered slips eliminate the heavy lifting required by personnel,

are much safer, and ensure consistent usage/operation, thus
minimizing pipe wear and damage.

 Power slips can be mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

 Manual slips are more effective when designed to be simple and

easily replaceable if they turn out to be defective.

Drill Collar Slips

Generally, the specifications for taper are the same as those listed for
drill pipe slips. Before using the slips, check their general condition and
size range to ensure they are suitable for the collars being run. Look for
any signs of damage, such as cracks, missing cotter keys, loose liners,
dull liner teeth, bent back tapers (which may occur due to catching on
the drill collar shoulder), and bent handles.

Drill collar slips can range from 3″ to 14″. There should be a taper of
4″ / ft on the diameter as per API design. A full wrap-around design
assures positive holding and slip setting. The top of the drill collar slips
is flat to allow for the Safety Clamp (also known as the dog collar).

Inspection Procedure

 Verify and record BP Tool No. and/or unique identification No.

stamped on the unit.

 Check for wear at the back, insert slot and hinge pin. A straight
edge can be used to detect even wear and damage.

 Check for bending of the back edge.

 Check web with Magnetic Particle Inspection (NDT).

Figure
9: drill collar slips inspection

.
Drill Pipes Collapse Pressure

If the drill pipe is subjected to an axial tensile load, the collapse

pressure ratings from the tables, which will be used in the drill string
design, must be derated. So, we will have to calculate the
adequate drill pipe collapse pressure.

Drill Pipes Collapse Pressure Formula & Tables

2024-03-13

Table of Contents

 Actual Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Calculations

 Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Rating Formula

 Plastic Range

 Between Plastic & Elastic

 Elastic Range

 Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Capacity Table (psi)

 Safety Factor

 Tensile Load Effect

The Drill Pipe may sometimes be subjected to external pressure, which

is higher than the internal pressure. This condition usually occurs
during drill stem testing and may collapse the drill pipe. The
differential pressure (external pressure minus internal pressure)
required to produce collapse is calculated for various sizes and grades
of new and used drill pipe (Api drill pipe specs). It is presented in API
RP7G Tables (3), (5) and (7). Now, let’s move to the pipe collapse
pressure formula.
 Figure 1: Collapse Pressure

Actual Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Calculations

The net collapse pressure at any point on the Drill String under static
conditions is:

 Prc= Net Collapse Pressure on Drill Pipe.

 Pra= Surface annulus pressure.

 PrDP= Surface Drill Pipe Pressure.

 D= Depth of Interest.

 GA= Fluid Gradient in the annulus.

 GDP=Fluid Gradient in Drill Pipe.

The nominal collapse pressure rating of Drill Pipe can be found below in
Table 5. However, simultaneous tension reduces Drill Pipe Collapse
capacity. Therefore, Collapse capacity should always be derated for the
anticipated tension.

Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Rating Formula

The following equations for Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Capacity are
taken from API Bulletin 5C3 to produce the values for minimum
collapse pressure given in Table 5. Outside diameter is calculated
assuming the same minimum wall thickness for the class being
considered as before. Assume concentric OD wear to the limits of the
class being considered, with the ID remaining nominal size. Which
equation to use is dependent on the D/t Ratio.

Therefore, calculate the D/t ratio for the pipe tube and use it in the
following tables to determine the equation and what constants to use.
For D/t ratios that satisfy the following table, “Yield-Strength Collapse”

occurs.

Table 1

To calculate the yield strength collapse pressure use:

Equation 1

 PC= Minimum collapse pressure (psi)

 D= Tube Outside diameter (in)

 t= Tube wall thickness (in)

 Ym= Minimum tube yield strength (psi)

Plastic Range

For D/t ratios in the following ranges, the minimum collapse pressure in
the plastic range applies.
 Table 2

To calculate minimum collapse pressure in the plastic range use:

Equation 2

Between Plastic & Elastic

The D/t ratio for the transition range (between plastic and elastic) is
defined below.

Table 3

To calculate minimum collapse pressure in the transition range use:

Equation 3

Elastic Range
Finally, for the following D/t ratios, elastic collapse occurs.

Table 4

To calculate minimum collapse pressure in the elastic range use:

Equation 4

Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Capacity Table (psi)

Table 5: Drill Pipe Collapse Pressure Capacity (psi)

Safety Factor

Collapse pressure ratings are presented in the drilling handbook Tables.

The tabulated collapse pressure ratings must be divided by a safety
factor to establish the allowable collapse pressure.
where,

 Pc = theoretical collapse rating from tables, psi

 Pac = allowable collapse pressure, psi

 S.F. = safety factor = 1.1 to 1.2

Tensile Load Effect

If the pipe is subjected to an axial tensile load, the collapse pressure

ratings from the tables must be derated. The effective collapse
corrected for tension load can be calculated from the equation,

Drill Pipes Burst Pressure.

The differential pressure acting across the drill pipe wall due to an
internal pressure more significant than the external pressure is known
as the burst load.

Drill Pipe Burst Pressure Calculation & Rating

2024-03-13

Table of Contents

 How To Consider Burst Pressure While Selecting Drill Pipes

 Minimum Internal Yield Pressure

 Final Words

 Drill Pipe Burst Pressure Capacity (psi)

In general, we can define the burst pressure in a drill pipe as the

differential pressure acting across the drill pipe wall due to an internal
pressure greater than the external pressure. In this article, we shall
discuss the drill pipe burst pressure formula and calculations used
in drill string design.

How To Consider Burst Pressure While Selecting Drill Pipes

Unlike Casing Design and tubing design, burst is seldom a controlling

criterion for Drill Pipe design. This circumstance is because the load
line and backup lines are controlled by the mud inside and outside of
the drill pipe, respectively. In all but the most unforeseen cases, these
two mud weights will be the same. Therefore, the imposed surface
pressure controls the burst load line (Fig. 1).
In addition, in most unusual circumstances, such as well kick control
or squeeze cementing, a backup pressure applied to the Casing resists
burst. The maximum burst load normally occurs at the depth without
external pressure or backup.

This normally occurs at the surface just below the wellhead, where
there is often no surface pressure. To determine the maximum
allowable burst load, a safety factor of 1.125 must be used.

PBurst = Internal Pressure – External Pressure

Minimum Internal Yield Pressure

The MIYP of the pipe body is determined by the internal yield pressure
formula found in API Bull. 5C3, Formulas and Calculations for Casing,
Tubing, Drill Pipe, and Line Pipe Properties.

 PB = Minimum internal yield pressure

 Yp = Minimum yield strength (psi)

 t = Nominal wall thickness (in)

 D =Nominal outside diameter of the pipe (in)

A pressure at MIYP does not mean the pipe will have a burst or rupture
failure, which only occurs when the tangential stress exceeds the
ultimate tensile strength (UTS). So using a yield strength criterion to
measure pipe internal pressure resistance is inherently conservative.
This is particularly true for lower-grade materials such H-40, K-55, and
N-80 whose UTS/YS ratio is significantly greater than that of higher-
grade materials such as P-110 and Q-125.

Final Words

In general, a Drill Pipe should not be used in applications requiring high

burst-pressure loading if gas is the high-pressure source. Premium
Tubing (i.e. Hydril, VAM Connections) connections are usually better
suited to this service than used Rotary Shouldered drill pipe
connections. In no event should a Drill Pipe of any grade be used to
carry gas containing hydrogen sulfide having a partial pressure greater
than 0.05 psi.

For other applications, burst pressure ratings for the Drill Pipe can be
found in Table 1. These ratings have been calculated assuming
minimum material properties and no axial load. A design factor of
1.176 is standard and should be divided into the Burst rating of the
Drill Pipe tube to set its maximum burst pressure differential. While
simultaneous tension increases the tube’s burst pressure capacity, this
benefit is often ignored.

Drill Pipe Burst Pressure Capacity (psi)

Table 1

Tool joint Torsional Strength

What will happen if the torque produced while drilling equals the M/U
torque of drill pipes’ tool joints or the torsional strength of drill pipes?
So, understanding drill pipe tool joints is essential during the drill string
design calculations.

Drill Pipe Tool Joint Guide In Oil & Gas

2023-10-09

Table of Contents

 Tool Joint Strength

  Material Strength

 Pin Weak Or Box

 Drill Pipe Tool Joint Torsional Strength

 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

 Selection Of Drill Pipe Tool Joints

A tool joint is a heavy coupling element for drill pipe. Tool joints have
coarse, tapered threads and seating shoulders designed to:

 Suspend the weight of the drill string.

 Withstand the strain of frequent makeup and breakout.

 Provide a leakproof seal.

The tool joint is attached to the pipe by welding during the

manufacture of the drill pipe joint (API drill pipe specifications). It has
two parts, a pin and a box.

DP Tool joint – Pin

Tool Joint Strength

The strength of tool joints depends on several factors: the material

used to make the tool joint, the dimensions of the joint, and the type of
thread used. The strength of the pin may be different from that of the
box.

Material Strength

For API tool joints, the material yield strength is the same, regardless of
the tube grade to which it is fitted. All API tool joints have a minimum
yield strength of 120,000 psi.

Considering the above, one may think fitting a tool joint with a
minimum yield strength of 120,000 psi to a grade S tube with a
minimum yield strength of 135,000 psi may be ridiculous. However,
the minimum tensile yield of the new 5″, S grade, 19.5 lbs/ft nominal
wt tube is 712 [Link]. The minimum tensile yield of an NC50 connector
is 1,390 [Link] (2.75″ ID, pin weak). The weakest part of the tool joint
has a larger cross-sectional area than the tube and is, therefore,
stronger.

Pin Weak Or Box

“Pin weak” means that the pin is weaker than the box. This can mean a
tensile or torsional weakness relative to the box. “Box weak” is the
other way around. The box is weaker than the pin.

Drill Pipe Tool Joint Torsional Strength

The main factors that control tool joint torsional strength are the pin or
box metal cross-sectional area and the minimum yield strength of the
metal. Tool joint OD affects the box cross-sectional area, and tool joint
ID controls the pin cross-sectional area.

It is usual for the tool joint OD to wear down during service. If the box
cross-sectional area becomes less than the pin cross-sectional area,
that joint’s torsional strength will be reduced (box weak).
The API sets the joint torsional strength at an arbitrary value of about
80% of the tube torsional strength. This 0·8 design factor is used to
establish the tool joint IDs and ODs for all three classes of drill pipe.

Conclusion:

 Most standard API tool joints are weaker in torsion than the Drill
Pipe tubes to which they are welded.

 API arbitrarily sets tool joint torsional strength at 80 percent of

tube torsional strength. This tool joint torsional strength ratio
(TSR) of 0.8 is the basis for establishing tool joint ID and OD.

 As the drill pipe tool joint OD wears, the torsional strength

decreases. Tool joints with TSRs less than 0.8 are used
successfully in low torsion drilling, and some high for torsion
drilling applications require tool joint torsional ratings higher than
the standard TSR of 0.8.

Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

 Tool joints are made up by applying sufficient makeup torque to

force the pin and box shoulder tightly together and make a seal.
This is accomplished when makeup stretches the pin and
compresses the box shoulder.

 Makeup torque is determined by the tool joint OD and ID and not

by the properties and dimensions of the drill pipe tube. For a
 given pin ID, the makeup torque increases as the tool joint OD
increases. Similarly, the makeup torque decreases as the pin ID
increases for a tool joint OD.

 The standard makeup torque is the torque that would stress the
weaker pin or box to 60% of its minimum yield strength of
72,000 psi. (Minimum yield strength of all tool joints is 120,000
psi regardless of the drill pipe grade).

Selection Of Drill Pipe Tool Joints

The major factors to be considered while the selection of tool joints are
as follows:

 Outside diameter

 Inside diameter

 Tensile

 Torsional ratings

 Cost

Simple Tips To Be Considered While Tool Joint Selection:

1. Tool joints with large OD and small ID will result in high-pressure

losses inside and outside the Drill Pipe.

2. Large OD tool joints have better wear characteristics.

3. The OD of the tool joint should be small enough to

facilitate fishing the tool joint with standard fishing tools.

4. One rule of thumb in selecting tool joints is that when all other
factors are equal the larger the tool joint, the better it will
perform.

Stability Forces and Drill Pipe Buckling In String Design

Given that full circulation is established with the drilling bit off the
bottom, the tendency of stability forces to buckle drill pipe can safely
be ignored in drill string design, which greatly simplifies design
calculations. However, if the bit pressure drop is increased while the bit
is on the bottom, the drill pipe can buckle above the BHA (with
resulting fatigue damage) even though the point of zero tension is still
below the top of the BHA. This occurs because the pipe cannot stretch
to accommodate the increase in internal pressure. If buckling happens,
however, it will be temporary. Once enough holes have been made to
accommodate the stretch that would have occurred had the pipe been
hanging freely, pressure-induced buckling will disappear.

Whether or not the drill pipe will temporarily buckle depends on

operating conditions at the time. Shallow drilling, thin-wall drill pipe,
large changes in bit pressure drop while drilling, and high bit weight for
available BHA weight all favor temporary pressure-induced drill pipe
buckling. The following rule will eliminate pressure-induced buckling:

Any time a pump rate increases while the bit is on the bottom,
pick up the drill string until a gain in weight is first noticeable.
This allows the string to stretch and relieves the tendency to
buckle.

Buckling in Drilling String & BHA

2023-12-02

Table of Contents
  BHA Buckling Analysis in Drilling

 References

The Drilling BHA is a very slender structure with a length-to-width ratio

exceeding 500. Buckling will occur at high WOB. The buckling of the
BHA string hurts overall drilling performance. It induces extra friction,
leads to additional loading of components, and can induce violent
dynamic behavior in the BHA, which can cause tool or drill string
failures.

In general, three types of BHA buckling can be distinguished, see

Figure 1:

 Euler buckling for an unsupported section, for instance, a drill

collar section between two stabilizers in a vertical hole.

 When drilling at an angle, the drill string may

experience sinusoidal buckling, which is when it becomes
deformed in a wavy pattern on the lower side of the borehole.
This buckling is typically the initial stage and occurs at a
relatively low compressive force, making it relatively harmless.

 Once the compressive force, or the WOB, is further increased,

the drill string will snap into the helical buckling shape, where
the drill string is pushed into (full circumferential) contact with
the borehole wall along its entire length.
Figure 1:Overview of the types of buckling

Nowadays, Many software programs provide the means to calculate

the maximum allowable weight-on bit, at which the BHA will not
buckle. Standard torque drag software such as MODRILL should be
used to investigate the buckling risk in other parts of the string. Torque
drag software normally cannot be used to investigate the buckling
stiffness of the BHA. Find more info in the drill string design article.

BHA Buckling Analysis in Drilling

Buckling of the drill string can occur in the BHA and/or the pipe section,
depending on the good profile and operating conditions. BHA Buckling
analyses compute the Euler and sinusoidal buckling weight-on bits. It
also checks when the drill pipe section directly above the BHA will
become helically buckled. Standard torque drag software should be
used to investigate the buckling risk in the non-BHA parts of the string.
When sinusoidal buckling of the drill pipe section occurs at a WOB that
is too low for proper bit performance, sinusoidal buckling of the pipe
section can be accepted. In such a case, the WOB at which the
drillstring will experience helical buckling acts as the upper limit.

It is often most convenient to run the BHA Buckling Analysis application

before the lateral drilling vibration calculation to ensure that the
underlying assumption of the lateral vibration calculation, a non-
buckled string, is met. Check the useful flow chart below.

References

 Analysis of Sinusoidal Buckling of String in Vertical Wells Using

Finite Element Method Paper, Mehmet Cebeci; ismail Hakki
Gücüyener; Mustafa Versan Kök

 Pipe Buckling in Inclined Holes April 2013, Journal of Petroleum

Technology, 36(10):1734-173

ypes Of Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)

2017-11-02

Table of Contents

 The Slick BHA

 The Pendulum BHA Assembly

  The Pendulum BHA Assembly & Design

 The Pendulum BHA Assembly Disadvantages

 The Packed Bottom Hole Assembly

 Packed Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Types:

 Mild Crooked Hole Packed BHA

 Medium Crooked Hole Packed Bottom Hole

Assembly BHA.

 Severe Crooked Hole Packed BHA

 Forces Acting On Types of Bottom Hole Assembly

In this article, we will talk mainly about the application for

different types of bottom hole assembly (slick BHA drilling,
Pendulum Assembly, & Packed BHA), its design & components.
This article is a part of our drill string design guide.

In general, there are three types of Bottom Hole Assembly BHA

In drilling:

 Slick BHA Type

 Pendulum BHA Type

 Packed BHA Type

The Slick BHA

This type of bottom hole assembly (slick BHA) consists of
a Drill Bit and Drill Collar without a Stabilizer. Slick BHA is
suitable for formations that have mildly crooked hole
tendencies. Slick Bottom Hole Assemblies are seldom used. As
there are no expensive components in this type of BHA, It is
easier to fish such BHA.

Sometimes, we want to wash and ream (clean out) in some

difficult holes. We choose to pull out of the current directional
BHA. Then, we try to design a slick BHA but with the same
configuration as the directional BHA. In other words, it will be
a slick BHA, as you won’t add any BHA component. Still, you
must use stabilizers with the same OD and position as in the
previously used directional BHA. That is to keep the geometry
of the cleaning assembly (which will be slick BHA with some
stabilizers the same as the geometry of the directional bottom
hole assembly).

The Pendulum BHA Assembly

The Pendulum Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) is a type of BHA
that is used to reduce or maintain hole deviation during
drilling. This technique uses the force of gravity to deflect the
hole vertically. The force of gravity, known as F sin I in the
figure, is affected by the length of Drill Collars between the
Drilling Bit and the point of tangency. The force in the along-
hole direction is F cos I, which aims to maintain the current
hole direction.

The Pendulum BHA Assembly & Design

The pendulum type of bottom hole assembly BHA consists of a

Drilling Bit, several Drill Collars to provide the pendulum force
and one or more Stabilizers. Lubinski presented charts for
determining the location of the first Stabilizer from the Drilling
Bit and the weight that can be applied on the Drilling Bit to
maintain the best position of the Stabilizer is as high as
possible, provided the Drill Collars below the Stabilizer do not
contact or barely contact the wall of the hole.

The optimum position of the Stabilizer depends upon the size

of the Drill Collars, the hole size, hole inclination, and Weight
On Bit (WOB). So if we can maintain the weight On Bit (WOB)
from the graphs constant, the hole deviation will not change. If
the Weight On the Bit (WOB) increases, the hole angle will
increase, and the opposite is true.
The Pendulum BHA Assembly Disadvantages

 When using the pendulum Bottom Hole Assembly BHA,

placing the Stabilizer within a few feet of a specific
position obtained from the charts is essential.

 Also, if we need to change the weight on bit, we will have

to pull the BHA to change the position of the Stabilizer.

The Packed Bottom Hole Assembly

It relies on the principle that two points will contact and follow
a sharp curve, while three points will follow a straight line, as
shown. We can obtain three-point stabilization by placing three
or more Stabilizers in the portion of the hole immediately
above the bit.

Packed Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Types:

In the Figure below, you can see three basic assemblies that
are required to provide the necessary stiffness and
stabilization for a packed hole assembly. To reduce the amount
of deflection caused by the drill collar weight, a short drill
collar is used between Zone 1 and Zone 2. As a general rule,
the length of the short drill collar in feet is approximately
equal to the hole size in inches, plus or minus two feet. For
example, if the hole size is 8 inches, a short drill collar length
of 6 to 10 feet (23 meters) would be satisfactory.
Mild Crooked Hole Packed BHA

We are using this bottom hole assembly type for formations

that have mildly crooked hole tendencies that produce little or
no deviation, such as hard and isotropic rocks. The three-point
stabilization is provided at Zone 1, immediately above
the Drilling Bit; at Zone 2, immediately above a short, large OD
Drill Collar; and at Zone 3, on top of a standard-length Drill
Collar.

Note: If a vibration dampener (shock absorber) is necessary,

we should place it in Zone 2 for maximum effectiveness.

Medium Crooked Hole Packed Bottom Hole Assembly BHA.

We always utilize this type of Bottom Hole Assembly BHA for
formations with medium crooked hole tendencies, such as
medium and soft formations. In this type of Bottom Hole
Assembly BHA, we place a second Stabilizer at Zone-1 to
provide increased Drilling Bit stabilization against deviation
effects of the formation.

Severe Crooked Hole Packed BHA

Drilling engineers utilize this type of Bottom Hole Assembly

BHA in drilling formations with severely crooked hole
tendencies, such as medium and soft formations, which show a
great degree of dipping, fracturing, and variation in strength.
Remember that in this type of Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA),
we need to include three stabilizers in Zone 1.

Forces Acting On Types of Bottom Hole Assembly

The tendency of bottom hole assembly (Drilling BHA) is

affected by the Forces Acting On Bottom Hole Assembly, which
will drive it in a certain direction. These Forces must be
understood to choose the most applicable Bottom Hole
assembly BHA type. Let’s return to our main subject, Step By
Step Learn How To Perform Full Drill String Design.
Drilling BHA Components and Design

2017-11-02

Table of Contents

 Main Categories Of Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Used In

Oilfield

 Rotary Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling

 Directional Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling:

 Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling Components:

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (The uppermost BHA

Component)

 Drill Collar (a predominant component of the BHA

components)

 Stabilizers :

 Reamers

 Shock Absorbers

 Jarring Devices

 Drilling Bit

 Drill Pipes ( Not Bottom Hole Assembly BHA

Components)

 Hole Openers

 How Drilling BHA Act / BHA Behaviour

 Rotary BHA Types

Generally, the drilling bottom hole assembly (BHA) is one of

the components of the Drilling String, which is below the Drill
Pipes. The most common components of the BHA are drill
collars, stabilizers, shock Absorbers, jars, reamers, heavy-
weight drill pipes, and the drilling bit.

The Bottom Hole Assembly BHA aims to drill a usable hole

economically. This objective is achieved with the proper drill
bit selection and drill collar selection, which are required to
provide high WOB bit weights to improve ROP (The penetration
rate).

Stabilizers are one of the bottom hole assembly BHA

components needed to minimize the rate of hole angle change
and prevent the formation of doglegs and key seats.

In addition, shock absorbers play an important part in

prolonging the service life of the bit and drill pipe. Downhole
drilling jars may be needed to unstick the BHA.

The Bottom Hole Assembly BHA design is based upon the

requirements of having enough weight transfer to the bit
(WOB) to be able to drill and achieve a sufficient Penetration
Rate (ROP), giving the Driller or Directional Driller directional
control to drill as per the planned well trajectory and also to
include whatever.

Logging While Drilling (LWD) / Measurement While

Drilling (MWD) tools for formation evaluation. As such, bottom-
hole assembly BHA design can vary greatly from simple
vertical wells with little or no LWD requirements to complex
directional wells that must run multi-combo LWD suites.

Before running a BHA, most oilfield service providers have

software to model the BHA behavior, such as the maximum
WOB achievable, the directional tendencies & capabilities, and
even the natural harmonics of the assembly to avoid vibration
by exciting natural frequencies.

Main Categories Of Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Used In Oilfield

Rotary Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling

Rotary assemblies are commonly used where formations are

predictable and rig economics are an issue. In such an
assembly, the weight of the drill collars gives the BHA the
tendency to sag or flex to the low side of the hole; collar
stiffness length and stabilizer diameter and placement are
engineered to control the flex of the BHA. This will bring about
the desired hold, build, or drop tendency.

The ability to vary the directional tendency of the assembly

comes from varying the weight on the bit. A fixed assembly
has only one directional tendency. The weight on the bit allows
you to tune that tendency

Directional Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling:

You may need to use a mud motor with a bent sub or

use rotary steerable systems

Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Drilling Components:

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (The uppermost BHA Component)

Typically, heavy Weight Drill Pipe Specs are important to
understand as it is the entrance of the heavyweight drill pipe
design. This article will discuss its specs and how to select
the drill string design. In addition to that, we will talk about its
main functions. You can also download the spec sheets from
any size of heavy-weight drill pipes.

Drill Collar (a predominant component of the BHA components)

Drill collars (D/C) are large diameter-small bore steel pipes

with great weight and stiffness. While designing BHA, drilling
engineers place D/Cs above the Drilling Bit as D/Cs are the
predominant component of the BHA components. Therefore, to
select the proper D/C, you must have all information about Drill
collar Weights, Size, Specs, Definition, lengths & Types.

Stabilizers :
Drilling stabilizer types & design is the main subject of this
article. First, we will define a stabilizer as one of the bottom-
hole assembly BHA components. Then, we will move to the
stabilizer application. And finally, we will talk about its types.

Reamers

In general, drilling reamer types are the subject of our article.

We can say that reamers are under-reamers, roller reamers,
RFID reamers, near-bit reamers, and expandable reamers.

Shock Absorbers
Main Headings :

 What Is The Meaning Of Shock Absorbers

 Shock Absorbers Application

 What Are The Drilling Bit Oscillations

 How To Use Shock Absorber To Eliminate The Drilling Bit

Oscillations

 The Limitations Of Drilling Shock Absorbers

 Positioning Of Drilling Shock Absorbers In The Drilling

String Bottom Hole Assembly BHA

 Drilling Shock Absorber Mechanism

Jarring Devices
Drilling jar placement design is important while drilling. In
general, jars are one of the bottom hole assembly BHA
components that generate upward or downward impact loads
to free stuck pipes or release a fish (Fishing In Drilling Oil &
Gas). Many factors affect when to use jars and where to
position them for maximum benefit.

Drilling Bit

Drilling Bits article includes many articles covering what you

must understand: Bits types, selection, and design.

Main Headings:

 Types Of Drilling Bits: Rolling Cutter Bits, Fixed Cutter

Bits (PDC Drill Bits)

 Bit Dull Grading

 Drill Off Test

 Penetration Rates

Drill Pipes ( Not Bottom Hole Assembly BHA Components)

Drill pipes are not one of the bottom hole assembly BHA
components, but we shall mention it as a drill string
component. This article mainly explains the drill pipe
specifications in simple points to help you understand how to
select the drill string’s drill pipes.:

 Drill Pipe OD

 Drill Pipe Nominal Weight

 The Pipe Grade

 The tool joint and type of upset

 Drill Pipes Tool Joints Types / Upset Types

 The type of connection

 The classification of drill pipe is based on wear.

 API Drill Pipes Classifications

Hole Openers
 Hol
e opener article in Drilling Manual Website

In drilling, we usually use a hole opener when there is a

requirement for a smaller diameter pilot hole at a particular
depth, even though we can use regular drilling bits for the
successive hole sections. It is an attachment designed to fit
onto the drill string, especially for directional drilling. Hole
openers are also crucial in horizontal drilling, where larger
diameter holes improve wellbore stability and productivity. In
addition, there are various designs of hole openers, each with
specific features and advantages. Most hole openers come
with regular pin-up connections that allow them to be screwed
into bit subs or near-bit reamers. It is essential to have a
crossover to the drilling rig, in case a bit sub is not available.

How Drilling BHA Act / BHA Behaviour

Generally, rotary BHA Types are designed to build, drop, or
hold angles. In addition, the behavior of any rotary assembly is
governed by the size and placement of stabilizers within the
first 120 ft from the bit.

Additional stabilizers running higher on the drill string will

have a limited effect on the assembly’s performance. Also,
rotary assemblies are not “steerable”; a rotary assembly’s
azimuth behavior (right/left turn) is nearly uncontrollable.

Second, each rotary assembly has a unique build/drop BHA

tendency that cannot be adjusted from the surface. Thus,
a tripping pipe for the assembly change is required to correct
the wellbore course.

Rotary BHA Types

The Main Rotary BHA Types are Slick assembly, fulcrum, and
Pendulum Assembly.
Heavy Weight Drill pipes

The field tests showed that the higher the stiffness ratio at the
transition zone, the greater the fatigue build-up. In Heavy Weight Drill
Pipe Specs & Selection, we shall cover the following subjects:

1. Definition

2. Function

3. Specs

4. Specs Sheets from Work Strings International

5. Specs Selection And Design

6. The use of HWDP offers the following advantages.

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Guide In Oil & Gas

2024-02-16

Table of Contents

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Definition

 HWDP Manufacturing Process

 Importance of HWDP in Drilling Operations

 Features

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Applications

 Other Advantages Of HWDP

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Specifications

 HWDP Standards

 Specs Table
  Download Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Specs Sheets

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Selection And Design

Heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP) specs are important to understand

as they are the entrance to the heavy-weight drill pipe design &
selection. This article will discuss its definition, uses, and
advantages. Furthermore, we provided specification tables that will
greatly assist in selecting the drill string design. In addition to that,
you can also download the spec sheets for any size of HWDP.

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Definition

A heavy-wall drill pipe, normally called a hevi-wate drill pipe and

abbreviated to HWDP, is an intermediate-weight drill string member.
It consists of heavy-wall tubes with an upset in the middle, called
the center wear pad, and special long tool joints, up to twice as long
as normal drill pipe. As an example of the difference between
standard drill pipe and heavy-wall drill pipe, Table 1 below compares
the two using 5″ OD pipe.

Table
1: Typical HWDP dimensions

As seen from the table, the external dimensions of HWDP are the
same as drill pipe dimensions for easy handling. The extra weight
comes from the additional wall thickness of the tube, the wear pad,
and the longer tool joints. Because of its weight and construction,
HWDP can be run in compression similarly to drill collars, subject to
the normal constraints for buckling, i.e., except in large-diameter
vertical holes.

In conclusion, a heavy-weight drill pipe normally has the same

external dimensions as a regular one. In some types, the tool joints
are longer; in others, an extra mock tool joint is located in the
center of the joint, as shown in the drawing below.
HWDP Manufacturing Process

The figure below identifies the manufacturing process of the heavy-

weight drill pipe.
Importance of HWDP in Drilling Operations

In the past, the two main components of the Drill String were the
drill pipe and the drill collars. The transition Zone is the point where
the relatively small OD and flexible Drill Pipe connect to the large
stiff Drill Collars. Oilfield studies have shown that almost all of
the drill string fatigue failures result from an accumulation
of fatigue damage occurring when the drill pipe joints were run in
the Transition Zone or were stressed above the endurance limit
in crooked holes.

Downhole data has indicated that the large change in diameter at

the transition zone caused accelerated fatigue damage due to the
concentration of cyclic bending stress reversals in the bottom joints
of the flexible Drill Pipe since the stiff Drill Collars bend very little
from these stress reversals. So heavy weight drill pipe specs
definition will be a drill pipes with higher thickness to withstand the
stress concentration in the transition zone.

Features

Before discussing heavy-weight drill pipe specs, let’s understand its

function. Heavy-weight drill pipe absorbs the stresses transferred
from the stiff Drill Collars to the relatively flexible Drill Pipe. The
major HWDP benefits are:
 Increased wall thickness

 Longer tool joints

 It uses more hard-facing

 It may have a long central upset section

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Applications

 Reduces drilling cost (check also drilling cost per foot) by

eliminating Drill Pipe failures in the transition zone.

 Significantly increases the performance of small rigs through the

ease of handling.

 Provides substantial savings in directional drilling process by

replacing most rigid drill collar string, reducing downhole
drilling Torque and Drag. Therefore, we can use them for high-
angle drilling because it is less rigid than drill collars and has a
much lower wall contact area, possibly reducing torque.

 We can use them for slim hole drilling because they have less
chance of differential sticking than drill collars. The contact area
for unstabilized drill collars is the full length of the collars,
 whereas HWDP has a contact area equal to the length of the tool
joints and the wear pad (normally about 6ft per joint).

 Normally, we use them as a gradual transition between DC and

DP to make the crossover gradual. HWDP is more fatigue-
resistant than standard drill pipe, especially in compression.

Other Advantages Of HWDP

 It permits high-speed drilling with less torque, which reduces drill

stem wear and tear and simplifies directional control.

 Pipe Tripping is faster than drill collars because HWDP is handled

like normal DP.

 There is no loss of BOP control when handling HWDP since pipe

rams can be used around it.

 Heavy wall drill pipe can be ordered as spiral or flush wall pipe.

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Specifications

The Heavy-weight drill pipe specs vary for different manufacturers.

Typical dimensions are shown in the below table:

Heavy-weight drill pipe specs

HWDP Standards

 Quality Standard: API 7 and API 5DP.

 Steel Grade: Integral heavy-weight drill pipe: AISI 4145HM;

Welded HWDP: AISI 1340.
 Pipe body, AISI 4140HM.

 Outer Diameter: 2 7/8” – 6 5/8”.

 Weight Range: 6.27#/FT through 27.72#/FT.

 Lengths: Range 2 and Range 3.

 End Finishes: Internal Upset, External Upset, Plain End Upset,

Non Upset.

 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Tool Joint type: NC38, NC46, NC50, 5-1/2
FH.

Specs Table

Adju
TJ M/U P
sted Tool/ TJ
Tub Yiel Tor T
OD Conne Weig Joint ID
eID d que T
(in) ction ht OD (in
(in) (ft- (ft- e
(lb/ft (in) )
lbs) lbs) (
)

9,6
3 2 2 19,2 00 – 2
NC38 23.29 4 3/4
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 11, 0
520

8,8
3 2 2 17,6 00 – 6
NC38 23.29 4 3/4
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 10, 0
560

9,6
3 2 2 19,2 00 – 2
NC38 29.72 4 3/4
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 11, 0
520

3 NC38 2 23.73 4 7/8 2 22,9 11, 2

1/2 1/4 1/4 00 450 0
–
13,
 740

11,
450
3 2 2 22,9 2
NC38 30.16 4 7/8 –
1/2 1/4 3/8 00 0
13,
740

11,
2 450
3 2 22,9 2
NC38 25.36 4 7/8 5/1 –
1/2 1/4 00 0
6 13,
740

12,
400
3 2 2 24,8 2
NC38 26.55 5 –
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 0
14,
900

12,
900
3 2 2 34,2 2
HT38 25.36 4 7/8 –
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 0
20,
500

12,
2 200
3 2 29,4 2
HT38 30.39 4 7/8 9/1 –
1/2 1/4 00 0
6 17,
700

11,
2 500
2 31,3 4
4 XT38 29.38 4 3/4 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 18,
800
 23,
2 000
2 46,1 4
4 TT390 28.81 4 7/8 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 32,
300

12,
2 400
2 37,0 4
4 XT39 28.24 4 7/8 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 22,
200

12,
2 400
2 37,0 4
4 XT39 29.99 4 7/8 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 22,
200

11,
2 400
2 33,9 8
4 XT39 29.82 4 7/8 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 20,
300

11,
2 400
2 33,9 8
4 XT39 29.26 4 7/8 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 20,
300

15,
2 500
2 31,0 6
4 XTM39 28.69 5 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 18,
600

4 XT39 2 28.69 5 2 40,8 14, 4

9/16 9/1 700
 –
6 00 24, 0
500

10,
2 700
2 28,5 8
4 HT40 28.69 5 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 17,
100

10,
2 700
2 28,5 8
4 HT40 30.48 5 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 17,
100

9,0
00 –
2 21,
2 43,3 8
4 WT38 28.69 5 9/1 000
9/16 00 0
6 –
31,
500

18,
2 600
2 37,2 4
4 XTM39 28.69 5 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 22,
300

17,
2 000
2 34,1 8
4 XTM39 28.69 5 9/1 –
9/16 00 0
6 20,
400

4 GPDS40 2 38.03 5 1/4 2 33,3 16, 5

1/2 3/4 3/4 00 700
 –
20, 0
000

25,
700
4 Delta42 2 2 51,4 5
37.23 5 1/4 –
1/2 5 3/4 3/4 00 6
36,
000

28,
000
4 Delta 2 2 56,0 5
37.50 5 3/8 –
1/2 425 3/4 3/4 00 6
39,
200

19,
100
4 2 2 38,2 1
XTM40 36.85 5 1/4 –
1/2 3/4 3/4 00 1
22,
900

49,
800
4 2 2 108, 5
TT-485 43.31 6 1/4 –
1/2 3/4 3/4 000 0
64,
786

20,
2 2 000
4 40,0 1
XTM40 11/1 39.53 5 1/4 11/ –
1/2 00 5
6 16 24,
000

5 XT50 3 51.66 6 1/2 3 98,3 31, 6

00 000 0
–
59,
 000

26,
NC50 000
52,0 1
5 (4-1/2″ 3 57.93 6 1/2 3 –
00 3
IF) 31,
200

35,
100
105, 6
5 XT50 3 49.77 6 5/8 3 –
300 0
63,
200

26,
NC50 500
53,0 1
5 (4-1/2″ 3 57.93 6 5/8 3 –
00 3
IF) 27,
500

28,
NC50 3 250
56,5 6
5 (4-1/2″ 3 49.77 6 5/8 1/1 –
00 0
IF) 6 33,
900

28,
NC50 3 250
56,5 6
5 (4-1/2″ 3 58.55 6 5/8 1/1 –
00 0
IF) 6 33,
900

28,
NC50 3 150
56,3 6
5 (4-1/2″ 3 52.34 6 5/8 1/1 –
00 0
IF) 6 33,
700
 26,
600
5 3 3 93,2 1
XT54 57.57 6 5/8 –
1/2 1/4 1/4 00 9
55,
900

56,
800
5 3 3 850, 8
TT550 57.57 6 5/8 –
1/2 1/4 1/4 400 0
68,
200

43,
300
5 Delta 3 3 86,6 8
58.41 6 5/8 –
1/2 544 1/4 1/4 00 3
52,
000

33,
600
5 3 77,2 8
HT55 60.13 7 4 –
1/2 1/4 00 0
46,
300

36,
400
5 3 106, 8
XT57 59.51 7 4 –
1/2 1/4 200 0
63,
700

40,
3 600
5 3 105, 8
HT55 60.87 7 1/8 5/1 –
1/2 1/4 700 0
6 63,
400

5 HT55 3 60.87 7 1/4 3 105, 41, 1

1/2 1/4 1/4 500 600
 –
63, 9
500

39,
3 250
5 5 1/2″ 3 78,5 8
62.27 7 1/2 5/1 –
1/2 FH 1/4 00 0
6 47,
100

30,
100
5 5 1/2″ 3 3 85,2 1
55.62 7 –
1/2 FH DSTJ 1/2 1/2 00 1
44,
900

33,
800
5 77,5 6
HT55 4 55.24 7 1/8 4 –
1/2 00 0
46,
500

36,
400
5 106, 7
XT57 4 55.14 7 4 –
7/8 200 0
63,
700

36,
400
5 106, 7
XT57 4 57.42 7 4 –
7/8 200 0
63,
700

5 TT-585 4 56.93 7 4 116, 58, 7

7/8 500 300 0
–
69,
 900

37,
500
6 6 5/8″ 4 4 75,0 1
73.59 8 1/2 –
5/8 FH 1/2 1/2 00 6
45,
000

Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Selection And Design

Field tests indicated that fatigue build-up in the Drill Pipe in the
transition zone is related to the relative stiffness of the Drill Collars
and the adjacent Drill Pipe. The equation expresses the stiffness
ratio of two sections of pipe in the drill string,

The field tests showed that the higher the stiffness ratio at the
transition zone, the greater the fatigue build up. Criteria for
permissible stiffness ratio vary between different operators and
areas. The following maximums are typical:

 For shallow or routine drilling or low failure rate experience, keep

the stiffness ratio below 5.5.

 For more severe drilling or significant failure rate experience,

keep SR below 3.5.

Spiral
Heavy Weight Drill Pipes

In conclusion, to enhance the service life of the drill pipe and

decrease the stiffness ratio, a Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (HWDP) is
 used between the drill pipe and drill collars. The HWDP has the
same outer diameter as the drill pipe, with a wall thickness of up to
1 inch and a weight of up to 78 lb/ft. Depending on the specific
drilling operation, the number of HWDP joints used ranges from 15
to 21.

CategoriesDrill String

Directional Drilling String Design for Deviated wells

In drilling inclined and horizontal wells, there are two additional factors,
which are not present in vertical wells, that must be considered: (1)
The frictional forces between the drill string and the hole, (2) The
ability to use the drill pipe or HWDP to provide weight on the bit
without buckling.

Drill String Design For Inclined & Horizontal Wells

2017-11-05

Table of Contents

 Drill String Torque Calculations

 Drill String Drag Calculations

 Critical Hole Angle

 Determination of Friction Coefficient

 Factors that Affect Torque and Drag

 Drill String Design for High Angle and Horizontal Wellbores

As was discussed in the previous sections (Drill String Design), the drill
string in vertical wells is designed so that the mechanical weight on
the bit is provided by the drill collars. The buckling neutral point should
always be below the top of the drill collars to prevent any buckling to
the DP and HWDP.
The drill pipe in vertical hole should always be in tension because drill
pipe has very low resistance to buckling. A small mechanical
compressive force of few thousand pounds will buckle the drill pipe. It
is common practice in drill string design that the drill pipe should not
be rotated in a buckled condition as this will cause rapid fatigue drill
string failure.

In drilling inclined and horizontal wells there are two additional factors,
which are not present in vertical wells, that must be considered. These
are

1. The frictional forces between the drill string and the hole.

2. The ability to use the drill pipe or HWDP to provide weight on the
bit without buckling.

Because of the hole geometry some or all of the weight of the drill
string in inclined or horizontal wells is exerted on the low side of the
hole. SO

 This will create a frictional force or drag between the drill string
and the hole that will require additional force or pull to move the
drill string up or down the hole.

 The frictional force will also increase the torque that is required
to rotate the drill string.

The second factor that must be considered in the design of the drill
string is the fact that drill pipe can be used in compression to provide
weight on the bit. In inclined and horizontal wells the drill pipe can
tolerate significant levels of compression without buckling in small-
diameter holes. The reason that the drill pipe in inclined holes is so
resistant to buckling is that the hole is constraining and supporting the
pipe throughout its length. The low side of the hole forms a trough that
resists even a slight displacement of the pipe from its initial straight
configuration. The effect of gravity and the curving sides of the hole
form a restraint against buckling.

Now we shall go through the following Subjects:

Drill String Torque Calculations

We can define the drill string torque,as it is the rotational force that is
required to overcome all the frictional forces between the drill string
and the formation while drill string rotation.

Drill String Drag Calculations

Consider an object of weight W is resting on a horizontal plane.

In order to slide the object a force Ft must be exerted to overcome the
force of friction Ff between the object and the plane surface.

Torque And Drag In Drilling & Calculations Spreadsheet

2017-11-05

Table of Contents

 Drilling Torque & Drag | Drag Calculations

 Definition Of The Drilling Drag

 Drilling Drag Calculations

 Drill String Drag Calculations In Deviated Hole

 What Is The Relation Between Critical Hole Angle And Drill

String drag force

 Drilling Torque & Drag | Torque Calculations

 What Is The Drill string Torque in drilling

 Drilling Torque & Drag | Torque Calculations Equation

 Examples on Drilling Torque And Drag Calculations

 Download Drilling Torque And Drag Excel Spreadsheet

 Factors Affecting Torque And Drag In Drilling

 Kick-Off Point affect torque and drag in Drilling

  Wellbore Tortuosity / Dogleg Severity

 The effect of Mud Lubricity on torque and drag analysis

 Hole Cleaning

 Drilling Tools

 Hole Instability

 Key Seating

 Related Papers To Torque & Drag In Drilling

In Drilling Torque and Drag Calculations, we will discuss how to

manually calculate the total Torque & drag in the drill string. Then we
will direct you to the torque calculations section also we will provide
you with simple examples showing how to calculate. In addition to the
above, you can also download a torque and drag excel spreadsheet to
help you in your calculations.

Drilling Torque & Drag | Drag Calculations

Definition Of The Drilling Drag

Consider an object of weight W is resting on a horizontal plane. In order

to slide the object a force Ft must be exerted to overcome the force of
friction Ff between the object and the plane surface.
The magnitude of the frictional force is as following

Ff = μ W

where,

Ff = frictional force, lb
µ = Friction Coefficient, dimensionless is a constant that depends on
the roughness of the object and plane surface, Determined
experimentally.
W = normal force acting perpendicular to the surface, lb

Therefore, the force Ft (Drag Force) required to slide the object should
be slightly greater than Ff (friction Force)

Drilling Drag Calculations

Now consider a section of Drill Pipes in a wellbore inclined at an angle I

1- A The buoyed weight ( Buoyancy ) of the Drill Pipes (W) is acting

vertically downward and can be resolved into two forces

 Fn (normal force acting perpendicular to the hole)

  Fx (the weight component acting parallel to the hole axis).

Fn = W sin θ

Fx = W cos θ

2- The frictional or drag force Ff is the normal force times

the Friction Coefficient.

Ff = Fn µ =W µ sin θ

3- The force Ft required to move the Drill Pipes is determined by

making a force balance

Ft = F x + F f

Ft = W cos θ + W µ sin θ

The frictional force or drag always acts in the opposite direction of

the pulling force Ft. If the Drill Pipes is lowered into the hole, the
frictional force will act in a direction opposite to that.

Drill String Drag Calculations In Deviated Hole

In a curved section of the wellbore where inclination and azimuth

change across the section, the calculation of the drag force is more
difficult.

This drawing shows that the forces acting on a short slightly

curved element of the Drill String.
1- The weight of the element
2- Normal forces from the tension forces Ft and Ft + ΔFt as a result
of the change in the angle of inclination and the azimuth of the
wellbore.

The magnitude of the resultant normal force can be estimated by an

equation presented by Johancsik, Friesen, and Dawson,

If the Drill String is moved uphole (or downhole) while being rotated as
in back reaming, the drag force is calculated by using the following
equation,

What Is The Relation Between Critical Hole Angle And Drill String drag
force

When the weight component of the drill string in the direction of the
hole axis is equal to the drag force-resisting downhole movement, the
drill string is not able to slide downhole by its own weight and when
drilling in the sliding mode the drill string will require pushing with pipe
higher in the hole. The angle at which downhole movement becomes
impossible is called the critical hole angle,

θcr = arctan ( 1 / µ )

Drilling Torque & Drag | Torque Calculations

What Is The Drill string Torque in drilling

We can define the drill string torque as it is the rotational force that is
required to overcome all the frictional forces between the drill string
and the formation while drilling string rotation. The drilling Torque
Calculations part will give you a hand in understanding how to
calculate the torque required to turn the drill string.

Drilling Torque & Drag | Torque Calculations Equation

The torque required to turn the drill string is calculated by the following
equation,

Torque = Fn r µ (A/V)

Where:
T = Torque, ft-lb
Fn = normal force as defined
R = Radius of drill string component ft (for drill collars use outer radius
of collar, for DP, HWDP and casing use outer radius of tool joint)
µ = Coefficient of friction
A = Angular speed
V = Resultant speed

From drill string torque definition, If the drill string is not tripped while
rotating, then T = 0 and A is equal to V and The Equation reduces to

Torque = Fn R µ

If the torque acting on the lower end of the drill string element is M,
then the torque acting at the top of the element is M + ΔM . The torque
increment ΔM is

ΔM = Fn R µ

Where :

Fn: is the normal force exerted on the element.

The torque required to turn the entire drill string is the sum of all
torque increments for all the elements.

Examples on Drilling Torque And Drag Calculations

This example will learn you how to manually do drilling torque and drag
calculations. Of course we are not using these calculations now but it is
mentioned for a better understanding of drilling torque and drag
calculations. Then you can download torque and drag excel
spreadsheet.

Download Drilling Torque And Drag Excel Spreadsheet

This amazing worksheet which was done by DrillByte can be used to do

Drilling Torque And Drag Calculations.

Factors Affecting Torque And Drag In Drilling

When planning a 3D well trajectory, one of the most important

considerations is torque and drag. If the torque and drag are not
carefully considered, the drill string might fail. The torque and drag
model used makes special assumptions that simplify the analysis and
are used to model real drill strings. The most important factor
influencing the torque and drag forces is the hole curvature. The well
path should be redesigned with a smaller build-up rate if the drill string
seems to fail when simulating these forces during the design stage.

There are many causes for excessive torque and drag such as sliding
friction, tight hole, collapsing or swelling clay/shale, key
seats, differential sticking, and cuttings build-up. The minimum
curvature method assumes the bending part in the equilibrium
equation used to calculate torque and drag is discontinuous at survey
stations. Some authors mean this is one of the main weaknesses of
using the minimum curvature method. Due to the missing bending
stresses, the method might not represent the real drill string
configuration.

Kick-Off Point affect torque and drag in Drilling

The kick-off point is often the major factor influencing Drill String
Torque and Drag in a well. This is due to the fact that shallow doglegs
combined with pipe tension will cause a high normal force, thus a high
drag and torque at that point.

In deep directional wells, the kick-off point should be considered from a

Torque and Drag standpoint, in addition to the other factors influencing
the kick-off point.

Wellbore Tortuosity / Dogleg Severity

Tortuosity can be defined as a measure of deviation from a straight

line. It is the ratio of the actual distance traveled between two points,
including any curves encountered, divided by the straight line distance.
Tortuosity is used by drillers to describe wellbore trajectory, by log
analysts to describe electrical current flow through rock and by
geologists to describe pore systems in rock and the meander of rivers.
As directional wells become deeper and sophisticated, unwanted
deviations from the pre-planned well trajectory occur frequently. Any
unwanted deviation from the wellbore trajectory is regarded as
wellbore tortuosity. The change in inclination and azimuth influence the
normal force acting on the Drill Pipe. The larger the change in either,
meaning increasing dogleg severity, the larger the normal force and
the larger the increase in drag due to that point. Smaller doglegs lead
to less Torque and Drag.
The effect of Mud Lubricity on torque and drag analysis

Mud lubricity is a term generated from a lab test (on a specific piece of
equipment) that is intended to minimize the Drill Pipe /casing
interaction. The lubricity is scaled opposite the friction factor,
increasing lubricity reduces the friction factor.

Hole Cleaning

Hole cleaning is an important factor. A proper hole cleaning is a must

during drilling operations to reduce the unwanted cuttings in the Mud
Circulating System as these cuttings have the potential to resist in
drill string rotation and movement. In a directional wellbore, cuttings
tend to accumulate up in the high angle build section; this is why
removing the cuttings from the hole is difficult. Improper hole cleaning
also brings the risk of damaging downhole tools such as MWD tools
and mud motors. However, if an MWD tool is employed on the drill
string, cuttings intensity in the mud can be monitored by following the
parameter called Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD), which is the
apparent drilling fluid density. An increasing trend of ECD will imply the
accumulation of cuttings in the wellbore.

Cuttings beds will locally change the effective Friction

Coefficient and can be modeled in that manner if the location, length,
and friction factor of the cuttings bed is known. Unfortunately, these
parameters continually change in the presence of a cuttings bed.

The typical technique is to deduce the presence of a cuttings bed when

unexplained trends in Torque and Drag develop in well. This would be
seen very practically on a trip out of the hole when pick-up weight
begins increasing during the trip, rather than decreasing, then
suddenly returns to the baseline trend.

Drilling Tools

It is not hard to imagine that the influence of a Drilling Stabilizer on

drag would be much greater than that of a similar length of Drill Pipe or
Drill Collar and that the interaction of the stabilizer with the well-bore
may include additional components than does the simple model we
have been working with Drilling tools can greatly impact Torque and
Drag are stabilizers, Drill Pipe protectors, Drilling Bits Type (roller
cone vs. drag type), drill collars (flex vs. slick) and hard banding on
Drill Pipe.
Hole Instability

Hole instability is a displeasing case that occurs when the original hole
size, shape, and structural conditions of a borehole are not well
maintained. It appears with the failure of balance between the rock
strength and in-situ rock stress at some depth during drilling. It may
also arise with the effects of drilling fluid such as erosion in the
borehole and chemical interactions of drilling fluid with drilled
formation. Hole closure, which is the narrowing process of the
borehole, results in an increase of torque and drag.

Key Seating

Key Seating is the condition when a tubular of a small diameter is

worn into the side of a larger diameter borehole. It is generally a result
of severe hole direction changes such as a high dogleg or a hard
formation ledge left in soft formations which erode and enlarge in time.
In both cases, the diameter of the drilled hole is expected to be close
to the diameter of the drill pipe. The larger diameter tools such as
stabilizers, drill collars, and tool joints are not able to pass through the
key seat and become Drilling Stuck Pipe which will result in
problems associated with high torque and drag. The preventive
method is to enlarge the point of the key seat so that the tools with
larger diameters can pass through it

Critical Hole Angle

When the weight component of the drill string in the direction of the
hole axis is equal to the drag force resisting downhole movement, the
drill string is not able to slide down hole by its own weight and when
drilling in the sliding mode the drill string will require pushing with pipe
higher in the hole. The angle at which down hole movement becomes
impossible is called the critical hole angle,

Determination of Friction Coefficient

The coefficient of friction determines how much of the normal force is
transformed into drag or torque and it is an important factor in
calculating Torque And Drag in a wellbore.

Factors that Affect Torque and Drag

When planning a 3D well trajectory, one of the most important

considerations is torque and drag. If the torque and drag are not
carefully considered, the drill string might fail. The torque and drag
model used makes special assumptions that simplify the analysis and
are used to model real drill strings. The most important factor
influencing the torque and drag forces is the hole curvature. The well
path should be redesigned with a smaller build-up rate if the drill string
seems to fail when simulating these forces during the design stage.
There are many causes for excessive torque and drag such as: sliding
friction, tight hole, collapsing or swelling clay/shale, key
seats, differential sticking and cuttings build-up. The minimum
curvature method assumes the bending part in the equilibrium
equation used to calculate torque and drag is discontinuous at survey
stations. Some authors mean this is one of the main weaknesses of
using the minimum curvature method. Due to the missing bending
stresses, the method might not represent the real drill string
configuration.

Drill String Design for High Angle and Horizontal Wellbores

The design approach in high inclination and horizontal wells differs

from the approach in vertical wells in the following respects:

 In high inclination / horizontal wells, traditional BHA components

are often eliminated. Drilling Bit weight is likely to be applied by
running normal weight drill pipe in compression, a practice never
recommended in vertical holes.

 For a given measured depth, surface tension load from hanging

weight decreases in a high inclination / horizontal well due to
wall support, but torque and drag required to move the drill
string are higher compared to vertical holes. The load limit for
the drill string will be its tensile capacity in a vertical hole, but is
more likely to be its torsional capacity in horizontal and extended
reach wells.
  In vertical wells, loads are calculated based on hanging weight.
Friction effects are often small and are traditionally ignored. In
horizontal wells, friction effects will probably be large enough
that they cannot be ignored.

 Drill string design for vertical holes is a once-through calculation.

In horizontal and ER wells, drill string design is an iterative
process.

 Drill String Torque & Drag Calculations

 Critical Hole Angle Calculations

 Determination of Friction Coefficient

 Factors that Affect Torque and Drag

Drill String Friction Coefficient Calculation

2017-11-05

Table of Contents

 Friction Coefficient Definition

 Calculation of Drill String Friction Coefficient during

tripping out of hole:

 By The Drill String Drag

 By The Drill String Torque

 Factors Affecting Drill String Friction Coefficient

 Typical ranges of Drill String friction coefficients :

 Drag Coefficient

Friction Coefficient Definition

Drill String Friction Coefficient determines how much of the

normal force is transformed into drag or torque and it is an
important factor in calculating Torque And Drag in a wellbore.

Drill String Friction Coefficient can be calculated from actual

drilling situations for a particular well geometry using a
computer program with Drill String surface loads as input data.
Input includes pickup weight, slack-off weight and torque
readings, each of which can produce independent friction
coefficient.

Agreement among the three coefficients from one well lends

credibility to the model and also provides confidence in the
friction coefficient for its use in the prediction of torque and
drag in subsequent wells.

Calculation of Drill String Friction Coefficient during tripping

out of hole:

By The Drill String Drag

The pickup load is read from the weight indicator. The reading
from the weight indicator includes the weight of the oil and
gas kelly and traveling equipment. In calculating drag forces,
the tension at the top of the Drill Pipe below the kelly is
required. Thus, it is necessary to subtract the weights of the
traveling equipment and kelly from the weight indicator
reading.

The tension at the top of the Drill Pipe, the Drill String and
wellbore geometry data are entered in the computer program.
The program calculates the tension required to pick up
the Drill Pipe by using different coefficients of friction until the
calculated tension is equal to the tension read by the indicator.
The coefficient of friction at which the calculated tension is
equal to the measured tension is the correct coefficient to use
for that wellbore.
To ensure accurate results, the weight indicator must be
calibrated to give accurate readings. Also accurate weights of
the traveling equipment and kelly must be known.

By The Drill String Torque

Drill String Friction Coefficient can also be determined by

measuring the torque while turning the drill string off the
bottom. The torque must be in foot-pounds rather than
amperes. The coefficient of friction where the measured torque
is equal to the calculated torque is the correct coefficient for
the wellbore.

Most rigs are not equipped with calibrated torque indicators

and, therefore, it is recommended to determine friction
coefficients by measuring tension.

Factors Affecting Drill String Friction Coefficient

 Mud Type

 Whether the hole is cased or open.

Typical ranges of Drill String friction coefficients :

Water-Based Oil Based

Mud Mud

Open
0.15-0.3 0.15 – 0.25
Hole

Cased
0.125 – 0.4 0.125-0.25
Hole

Torque And Drag arise not only from friction but also from:

 The effects of hole tortuosity,

 Cuttings accumulations,

 Swelling shale,

 Differential Sticking.

 Other mechanical impediments to Drill String movement.

Drag Coefficient

Thus, the friction coefficient€ in the Torque And

Drag programs could be more accurately considered as a drag
coefficient, Which is a composite coefficient that includes all
factors affecting Torque And Drag. Furthermore, the drag
coefficients for rotational movement, for axial movement, or
for a combination of the two will often be different and may
also vary with the direction of movement.

Finally, because these mechanical impediments to string

movement frequently change with changing hole conditions,
the friction coefficient will also fluctuate, particularly for axial
movement.

Drill String Design for High Angle and Horizontal Wellbores

Drill String Design For Horizontal Wells

2017-11-05

Table of Contents

 How Drill String Design In Horizontal Wells Differs From In

Vertical Wells

 The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells

are:

 The maximum weight on bit without buckling the drill

pipe can be calculated in two steps:

 1) Calculate the maximum weight that can be

applied on the bit without buckling the drill pipe
below the tangent point

 2) Calculate the maximum weight that can be

applied on the bit without buckling the drill pipe
above the kickoff point.

 Calculation of Axial Mechanical Forces In High

Inclination / Horizontal Wells

 Summary for high angle wells Drill String Design

How Drill String Design In Horizontal Wells Differs From In
Vertical Wells

The design approach in high inclination and horizontal wells

differs from the approach in vertical wells in the following
respects:

 In high inclination / horizontal wells, traditional BHA

components are often eliminated. Drilling Bit weight is
likely to be applied by running normal weight drill pipe in
compression, a practice never recommended in vertical
holes.

 For a given measured depth, surface tension load from

hanging weight decreases in a high inclination /
horizontal well due to wall support, but torque and drag
required to move the drill string are higher compared to
vertical holes. The load limit for the drill string will be its
tensile capacity in a vertical hole, but is more likely to be
its torsional capacity in horizontal and extended reach
wells.

 In vertical wells, loads are calculated based on hanging

weight. Friction effects are often small and are
traditionally ignored. In horizontal wells, friction effects
will probably be large enough that they cannot be
ignored.

 Drill string design for vertical holes is a once-through

calculation. In horizontal and ER wells, drill string design
is an iterative process.

The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells are:

Provide adequate weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe

or heavy weight drill pipe. Ensure that the components in the
drilling assembly are not subjected to mechanical loads that
exceeds their design limitation

Thus the problem is to determine where and at what bit weight

the drill pipe will first begin to buckle. If this bit weight is
sufficient to drill the well, buckling can be avoided by staying
below it. If the bit weight needed causes the pipe to buckle,
then heavy weight drill pipe should be run in the buckled
sections.

As was mentioned before, the critical buckling load in a curved

section is greater than that across tangent and vertical
sections. Therefore, buckling of drill pipe will initiate in the
tangent section (below the tangent point) or above the kickoff
point.

The maximum weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe can
be calculated in two steps:

1) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on the

bit without buckling the drill pipe below the tangent point

If the tangent angle of a curved or build section is less than

horizontal, the highest mechanical compression in the drill
pipe will occur in the joint at the top of the bottom hole
assembly.

The force F1 is the effective weight of the HWDP and

The force F2 is the effective weight (along the hole axis) of the
BHA.

The force Fcrit is the critical buckling force of the drill pipe at
the top of HWDP which is equal to the maximum mechanical
compressive force that can be applied (slacked off) without
buckling the drill pipe.

Taking a force balance along the hole axis, The maximum

weight on bit that can be applied without buckling the drill
pipe is

If the hole below the tangent point is horizontal, then cos 90=0
and

For sliding mode drilling the drag force is calculated as was

described previously. For rotary mode drilling, the drag force is
small and is assumed to be zero.

2) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on the

bit without buckling the drill pipe above the kickoff point.
A free body diagram of the drilling assembly below the kick-off
point . The forces in the diagram are defined as follows:

A simpler way of calculating the effective weight of the drill

pipe across the build section is by using the following
equation,
The lower of the two weights is the correct weight to be used
for drilling.

Calculation of Axial Mechanical Forces In High Inclination /

Horizontal Wells

In drill string design of horizontal wells, the drilling

engineer may want to check if the applied WOB will buckle the
drill pipe at the top of [Link] is accomplished by drawing a
free body diagram of the BHA showing only the mechanical
forces as shown above.

The mechanical force F (the mechanical force trying to buckle

the drill pipe and it is not the total or actual axial force) at any
point in the drill pipe is calculated by making a force balance.
The actual axial force is calculated by including the hydrostatic
pressure forces acting on the shoulder areas & dividing the
actual force by the metal area of the drill pipe.

Taking a force balance,

  If drilling in the rotary mode, the drag force is zero.

 If the calculated value of F is less than the critical

buckling force Fcrit of the drill pipe, then the drill pipe
will not buckle.

 If F is greater than the Fcrit, then the drill pipe will

buckle.

Summary for high angle wells Drill String Design

 Calculate the drag forces and torque by using a computer

program such as Landmark Well Plan.

 Calculate the sinusoidal critical buckling force below the

tangent point and above the kickoff point.

 Calculate the maximum WOB that can be applied without

buckling the DP below the tangent point

 Calculate the maximum WOB that can be applied without

buckling the DP above the kickoff point. Take the lower of
 the two values. If the WOB is not sufficient then add more
HWDP in the drilling assembly.

 Calculate the actual forces on DP below the tangent point

and above the kickoff point. Include bending forces and
check for fatigue if the build rate is high. If the actual
forces exceed 90% of the DP yield strength, then select a
DP with higher yield strength.

 Check the actual torque at all depths and make sure it is

less than the makeup torque of DP

The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells are:

 Provide adequate weight on a bit without buckling the drill pipe

or heavy-weight drill pipe.

 Ensure that the components in the drilling assembly are not

subjected to mechanical loads that exceed their design
limitation.

In the Drill String Design Of Horizontal Wells Article, We shall cover the
following:

1. How Drill String Design In Horizontal Wells Differs From In Vertical

Wells

2. The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells are:

 The maximum weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe

can be calculated in two steps: Calculate the maximum
weight that can be applied on the bit without buckling the
drill pipe below the tangent point.

 Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on the

bit without buckling the drill pipe above the kickoff point.

3. Calculation of Axial Mechanical Forces In High Inclination /

Horizontal Wells

4. Summary for high angle wells Drill String Design

What Is Drill Collar In Oil & Gas Industry

2024-02-27

Table of Contents

 Definition of Drill Collars

 Manufacturing Process

 Drill Collars Function

 Drill Collar Specifications

 Drilling Collar Types

 Slick Type

 Anti-wall Stick / Spiral Drill Collar

 Square Type

 Non-Magnetic Type

 Lifting & Making Up Facilities For Drill Collars

 References & Related Papers

A drill collar is an essential tool used in oil and gas rigs for drilling
operations. It has many functions, including providing weight on the
drilling bit for efficient drilling and stability during operation.
Understanding the importance of drill collars and how they work is vital
for successful drilling operations. In this article, we will explore the
significance of drill collars and their role in the drilling process.

Definition of Drill Collars

A Drill Collar (DC) is a heavy, thick-walled steel tube with threaded

connections cut (NB not welded) on both ends that we use in oilfield
drilling rigs. They are designed to withstand downhole conditions while
under compression and tension. While designing BHA, drilling
engineers place DCs below the drill pipes or the heavy drill pipes above
the Drill Bit as DCs are the predominant component of the Drilling BHA.
To select the proper DC, you must have all the information about Drill
collar Weights, Size, Specs, Definition, lengths, and types.

Manufacturing Process

In addition, they are manufactured from chrome-molybdenum alloy

4140 (4140 is a code that indicates the chemical makeup of the metal).
Furthermore, they are heat-treated and quenched over their entire
length, with a Brinell hardness range of 255 to 341 to obtain
mechanical properties as specified by API Spec 7-1. Their bore is
accurately machined to ensure smooth, balanced rotation. Collars are
manufactured in a wide range of sizes (ODs) and are available in
length ranges 2: 9.15 – 9.76 m (30 – 32 ft); and 3: 12.8 – 13.27 m (42
ft-43 ft).

DC can also be manufactured using magnetic steel or spiral collar,

including complex threaded connections, weight increases, and spiral
grooves on the outside surface for better drilling mud type flow control.

Drill Collars Function

Some of the functions of the collars are as follows:

 Provide weight on bit (WOB) & Increase bit performance.

 Minimize bit rotational stability problems from drill string

vibrations, wobbling, and jumping.

 Provide strength needed to run in compression

 Minimize directional control problems by providing stiffness to

the BHA to help drill straighter or vertical holes.

 Keep the drill string in tension to reduce bending stresses

and drill string failures due to fatigue.

 Provide pendulum effect. (BHA Types).

 Reduce keyseats, doglegs & ledges.

Drill Collar Specifications

Drill collars are available in many sizes and shapes, such as round,
square, triangular, and spiral grooved.

The parameters used for identifying drill collar specifications are:

 OD: 9 1/2″, 8″, 6″, 4 3/4″ etc.,

 ID: 3 1/2″, 3″, 2 1/2″”, 2 3/8″ etc.,

 Length: Usually range II

 Material: Steel, Monel

 Connection: 6 5/8″ REG etc.

Drilling Collar Types

Slick Type
The slick type is the most common one that has been used since the
beginning. It has no features. Its major function is to add weight to the
bit and increase the stability while drilling.

Anti-wall Stick / Spiral Drill Collar

When drilling through certain formations, the large diameter D/Cs can
become stuck (Pipe sticking problem) against the borehole (differential
sticking). This is likely to happen when the formation is highly porous,
using a large overbalance of mud pressure, and the well deviates. One
method of preventing this problem is to reduce the contact area of the
collar against the wellbore. We can cut the spiral grooves into the
collar surface to reduce its surface area.

Spiral Drill Collar

We commonly use this type. They have spiral flats, or shallow

depressions, that are machined in their surface along the more
significant part of their lengths. This reduces their effective weight per
unit length by approximately 4%. Reducing the wall contact area
between the DC and the hole wall dramatically reduces the possibility
of differential wall sticking.
Square Type

These are drill collars with a square section and a diagonal dimension
1.6 mm (1/16″) less than the drill bit size, with hard-facing material
applied to the corners. We generally run this type in the string when
drilling crooked hole formations. The reason is to provide maximum
stabilization and prevent deviation from the existing course of the hole.
The square type use is, however, not commonplace.

Square DC

What is the application of the D/C square type:

 Firstly, such type provides good centralization all over their

length.

 Secondly, they increase bending resistance (stiffness) to the

max.

 Thirdly, they increase torsional damping.

 Fourthly, they decrease axial vibrations.

Why not use them all the time?

 This DC type is expensive to purchase and maintain regularly.

 They usually create high rotary torque.

 Due to their shape, they grind drilling cuttings and well caving to
fines, increasing mud treatment and cost.

 Fishing (fishing in drilling) of this type is difficult.

Non-Magnetic Type

The most common type of DC is the non-magnetic drill collar. It is

made from alloy steel with an outer surface machined to a specific
smoothness and an elevator recess radius that meets dimensional
requirements. We should pay special care when making up NMDCs.
This is because the material is more susceptible to the galling of the
threads and shoulders than normal DCs. They aim to isolate
directional Survey Instruments from magnetic distortion due to the
steel Drill String.

Lifting & Making Up Facilities For Drill Collars

DCs should have Elevator recesses (Figure 8) for lifting and suspending
them by slip and rig elevator. When handling flush collars, we should
use a lifting nipple or lifting head (using the same torque as an
ordinary DC connection). The threads and shoulders of the lifting
nipples should be treated and inspected with the same care as the drill
collar threads. In addition, to prevent a DC from slipping through
the drilling slips, we install a safety clamp around the drill collar above
the slips. This clamp comprises links with spring-loaded inserts/dies
with tapered backs (see Figure 9).

Figure 8: Recesses machined at the

box ends of DCs
References & Related Papers

 D/C String Design And Its Effect On Drilling M.E.R.

 D/C Length is a Major Factor in Vibration Control

 Quartz School. Module 2: Drill String Design & BHA Selection /

Section 1
 Drilling Stabilizer Types, Design & Its Applications

2017-11-01

Table of Contents

 Drilling Stabilizer Definition

 Drilling Stabilizer Applications

 What Are The Major Types Of Stabilizers In Drilling String?

 Welded-Blade Stabilizer

 The Steel Body Spiral Stabilizer

 Sleeve-Type Stabilizer

 The Replaceable Wear Pad (RWP) Stabilizer

 The Non-Rotating Stabilizer

 Clamp-On Drilling Stabilizer

 ANDERGAUGE Stabilizer

Drilling string stabilizer types & design is the main subject of this
article. First, we will introduce to you the definition of a stabilizer.
Then, we will move to the stabilizer application. Finally, we will
talk about its types. This article is a part of the series
explaining Bottom Hole Assembly Components, Types &
Mechanism.
Drilling Stabilizer Definition

A stabilizer is a piece of down-hole equipment that we use in the

Bottom Hole Assembly of a Drill String. It mechanically stabilizes
the Bottom Hole Assembly BHA in the borehole to avoid
unintentional Sidetracking and drill string vibrations and ensure
the quality of the drilled hole. The stabilizer comprises a hollow
cylindrical body and stabilizing blades made of high-strength
alloy steel. The Stabilizer blades can be straight or spiraled and
are hard-faced for wear resistance. Drilling stabilizers have PIN x
BOX connections. Furthermore, hard facing is important for the
blades to decrease erosion.
They are usually almost the same diameter as the bit and are
located in a drill string at various points in the drill collars of the
BHA, including just above the bit. Near-bit stabilizers are
recognizable by the box/box connection to accommodate the pin
connection of the bit. Normally, we position the blades near the
bottom, i.e., as close to the drilling bit as possible. The box on
the bottom has a “Regular” (Reg.) thread corresponding to the
thread used on the bits.
 Various types of hard facing.

Drilling Stabilizer Applications

1. String stabilizers are mandatory for centralizing the Drill

Collars in the hole.

2. As stabilizer numbers increase in the Drill String as its stiffness or

rigidity increases, it increases the ability of the Drill Collars to
drill a smooth and straight hole. It reduces the undesirable
Drilling Bits movement, such as bit wobble or bit whirl, which
reduces bit life.

3. It has a great effect on reducing the possibility of differential

sticking problems.

4. Also, because of the large diameter of the stabilizer, it will

provide some reaming action and wipe the walls of the hole to
ensure a full-gauge hole. In addition, the reaming action will
decrease doglegs and keyseats problems.

5. Control deviation while in directional drilling. In such a case, 360

wall coverage (in plan view) is preferable.

What Are The Major Types Of Stabilizers In Drilling

String?

The major types of string stabilizers:

 Welded-blade type

 Spiral Stabilize

 Sleeve-Type Stabilizer

 Replaceable Wear Pad

 Non-Rotating type

 Clamp-on Type

 Andergauge

Welded-Blade Stabilizer

The blades of this stabilizer are welded on the body with special
methods that guarantee minimizing its failure and increasing its
lift time. Many oil and gas companies don’t recommend using
such stabs in hard abrasive formations as fatigue and failure are
highly likely. This could cause junk-in-hole problems and further
fishing operations. We can use this type in straight or spiral
string types.

The Steel Body Spiral Stabilizer

 This stabilizer has wings or blades that are integral to the
stabilizer body. The blades make 360-degree contact with the
wellbore. The outer surfaces of the blades are curved to fit the
curvature of the wellbore wall. This bearing surface provides
borehole wall contact and permits the stabilizers to hold the Drill
Collar assembly centered in the hole.

There are two types of spiral blade Drilling stabilizer Designs:

1. The integral blade stabilizer: The blades of this one-piece

construction stabilizer are an integral part of the body. When the
integral stabilizer wears down to an unacceptable condition, we
must send it to the shop for a complete reconditioning. Its design
usually has tungsten carbide inserts. That’s why this one is
suitable for hard and abrasive formations. It is used in small hole
sizes. In addition, They can have either four or three blades.

2. The replaceable sleeve stabilizer consists of the mandrel and the

spiral sleeve. If the blades wear out, you can detach the sleeve
from the mandrel and replace it with a reconditioned or new one.
This is a great option for large holes.
 Integral blade stabilizers

Sleeve-Type Stabilizer

There are two main designs of sleeve-type stabilizers (Figure

below).

Have you heard of a two-piece stabilizer? It’s a fascinating tool

used in drilling operations that consists of a mandrel and a
sleeve. The sleeve is screwed onto the coarse threads on the
outside of the mandrel and torqued up to the recommended
value. It’s interesting to note that the sleeve’s makeup torque is
quite low, and there is no pressure seal at the sleeve. This
stabilizer design is widely used today because it allows for easy
sleeve changes on the drill floor and several companies
manufacture it.
The stabilizer is made up of three parts: mandrel, sleeve, and
saver sub. First, you screw the sleeve onto the mandrel by hand.
Then, you screw the saver sub into the mandrel and tighten it to
the recommended value. It’s important to remember that there is
a mud pressure seal at the mandrel/saver sub connection and
the makeup torque of this connection is the full value for that
size of API connection. To avoid washouts, it’s important to clean
and apply dope to the shoulders properly and use the correct
makeup torque. However, changing or servicing the sleeve may
be challenging and time-consuming. That being said, this type of
sleeve-type stabilizer design is not as commonly used today as it
was in the past.

The Replaceable Wear Pad (RWP) Stabilizer

This type of stabilizer consists of four 3 ft long vertical (straight)
replaceable pads. Large diameter, pressed-in tungsten carbide
compacts on the pad’s surface prolong wear and keep the
stabilizer in gauge. The long pads provide a large contact area,
which makes the stabilizer suitable for areas of extreme
deviation tendencies. The wear pads can be changed easily at
the rig. The stabilizer may be resized to a different hole size by
replacing the pads with a set that has been manufactured to a
different diameter.
The RWP drilling stabilizer Design is good for deviation control.
However, the RWP drilling stabilizer is difficult to wash over
because of the inserts used. Its longer pad length generates
higher torque than the spiral drilling stabilizer.

The Non-Rotating Stabilizer

Non-Rotating Drilling Stabilizer Design consists of a mandrel and
a polyurethane stabilizer sleeve, which is free to rotate on the
mandrel Since the polyurethane stabilizer sleeve does not rotate
during drilling (only the mandrel rotates).

The non-rotating drilling stabilizer design reduces drilling

torque by employing the ease of rotation between the polished
mandrel and the polyurethane sleeve. Its use is common in very
large hole sizes where spiral high-strength steel drilling
stabilizers would generate excess torque.
Nonrotating drilling stabilizers Design are rarely used as near-bit
stabilizers because their radial stiffness is no more than the drill
bit itself. Rather, they have used two or three collars above
the drilling bit.

The advantages of the non-rotating stabilizer are low cost and

low torque and drag. The disadvantages include low radial
stiffness, rapid wear and tearing of the urethane pads, and
inability to ream under-gauge holes.

Clamp-On Drilling Stabilizer

The Clamp-On types are devices that help in maintaining

directional control while drilling a well. There are different types
available in the market, including REED, Servco-Loc, and EMTEC.
In Figure 5-8, you can see an example of one design. Clamp-on
stabilizers are more flexible when it comes to designing the
Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). They can be positioned on Non-
Magnetic Drill Collars (NMDCs), Measured While Drilling (MWD),
Positive Displacement Motors (PDMs), etc. at the required
spacing to maintain directional control. Non-magnetic clamp-on
stabilizers are also available if requested. However, some clients
may hesitate to use clamp-on stabilizers because they could shift
position downhole and may be challenging to remove after
pulling out of the hole (POOH).

ANDERGAUGE Stabilizer

The ANDERGAUGE stabilizer is a handy tool you can adjust while

still downhole. It’s pretty easy to use – you can set it to one of
two positions: open (full gauge) or closed (under gauge). To
expand it to its full gauge position, you just need to slack off a
small amount of weight-on-bit, and then lock it in place with a
hydraulic latch. When you must stop using it, simply cut back on
the pumps before pulling it off the bottom. When the normal
pump rate is resumed, the hydraulic latch locks the stabilizer in
the closed position.
 API Drill Pipe Specifications SPECs & Tables

2017-11-02

Table of Contents

 Lengths

 Drill Pipe Size or OD Specifications (SPECs)

 Drill Pipe Nominal Weight Specifications (SPECs)

 The Drill Pipe Grade Specifications

 The Tool Joint

 Type Of Tool Joint Upset

 Classification (Wear)

 2 3/8" Drill Pipe Specifications

 2 7/8" API Drill Pipe Specs

 3.5" Drill Pipe Specifications

 4" Drill Pipe Specifications

 4.5" Drill Pipe API Specs

 5" Drill Pipe API Specs

 5.5" API Drill Pipe Specs

 5 7/8" Drill Pipe Specifications

 6 5/8" Drill Pipe API Specs

 Drill Pipe Combined Torsion-Tension To Yield Pipe Tubes

 References:

API Drill Pipe Specifications (specs) are generally described as six

items. For example, a 5″ drill pipe is 5″, #19.5, E, XH, NC50,
Premium. Now let’s understand what are the main items that
describe any DP :

 Tube OD

 Nominal weight

 Pipe grade
 Type of tool joint.

 API drill pipe thread connection types.

 Drill pipe classification.

Grade
5” 19.5 XH NC50 Pr
”E”

tub Nomina Minimum Upset D

Connectio
e l Yield Tool C
n thread
OD Weight strength Joint (w

Example of API drill pipe specification (specs)

Each description item is explained in more detail below.

Lengths

In general, joints are available in three drill pipe length ranges.

These ranges differ from the length ranges of the Casing
Pipes we previously discussed.

Lengt
Range
h, ft

1 18-22

2 ( is the
most 27-30
common)

3 38-45

Drill Pipe Size or OD Specifications (SPECs)

The OD is simply the plain end (tube) outside diameter. These

drill pipes are available in various sizes. Common sizes include 2
3/8 inch, 5 inch, 5 1/2, and 6 5/8 inch.

Drill Pipe Nominal Weight Specifications (SPECs)

 Generally, When referring to Drill Pipe Weights, there are four
important ones:

 Plain end Weight– Refers to the weight per foot of the pipe body.

 Nominal Weight- Refers to an obsolete standard. ( Weight of

Range I pipe with connections ). It is used today to refer to a pipe
class.

 Adjusted Weight– Refers to the weight per foot of pipe, including

the upset but excluding the tool joint, based on a length of 29.4
ft.

 Approximate Weight– The average weight per foot of pipe and

Range II pipe tool joints. This approximate weight is the number
to use in Design calculations.

The D/P nominal weight is the weight per foot, including the
weight of an API regular connection. The number serves no real
purpose other than identification because the drill pipe does not
have a regular API connection.

So, the actual weight depends on the type of connection thread

and pipe grade. As the grade (minimum yield strength)
increases, the actual weight increases because the upset has
more metal.

The actual weight of the 5” D/P in the above example is 20.89

lb/ft. The actual weight for grade G pipe is 21.92 lb/ft.

The Drill Pipe Grade Specifications

 The pipe Grade states the minimum yield strength of the metal,
which is the tensile stress that will result in 0.5% strain. Grade E
D/P has a yield strength of 75,000 psi.

The minimum strength can be converted to a more usable

strength in pounds by multiplying the minimum yield in psi by
the cross-sectional area of the metal.

API Drill Pipe Minimum Yield Minimum Tensile

Grade Strength (psi) Strength (psi)

E-75 75,000 100,000

X-95 95,000 105,000

G-105 105,000 115,000

S-135 135,000 145,000

The Tool Joint

A drill pipe tool joint is a heavy coupling element with tapered

threads and seating shoulders designed to suspend the weight of
the whole string, withstand frequent makeup and breakout, and
provide a leakproof seal. It consists of a pin and a box, welded
during manufacture.

Type Of Tool Joint Upset

Tool joint upset type is a part of the API drill pipe specifications
(specs). Tool joints are mainly screw-type connectors that join the
individual joints of D/P. Also, each pipe joint is fitted with a pin
(male thread) and box (female thread) tool joints or connectors.

API Upset Types

1. IEU (Internal-External Upset) – The tool joint OD is larger than

the OD of the drill pipe, and the tool joint ID is less than the pipe
body ID. Generally, IEU tool joints are the strongest available. So,
the tool joint’s large OD and small ID cause relatively high
external and internal pressure losses.
 2. IF (External Upset) – The tool joint ID is the same as the ID of
the D/P to minimize internal pressure losses. The upset is on the
OD of the tool joint.

3. IU (Internal Upset) – The tool joint ID is less than that of the

D/P. So, the small ID causes relatively higher internal pressure
losses. The tool joint OD is the same as the OD of the pipe body.
This type is called a slim-hole drill pipe because of the small OD.

Classification (Wear)

As the new drill pipe is rotated in the hole, it wears and,

therefore, it must be reclassified according to its wear. Exterior
wear includes OD wear, dents and mashes, slip area crushing,
cuts, pitting, and corrosion. The working strength is reduced
because of loss in cross-sectional area.

The D/P is inspected periodically to detect cracks, pits, reduction

in wall thickness, and other defects. Inspection methods include
electromagnetic inspection of pipe body to locate cracks and
pits, sonic inspection to measure wall thickness, visual inspection
to detect mashes and caliper measurements.

New: No wear and has never been used.

Premiu Uniform wear and a minimum thickness of 80% of the original wall
m: thickness.

Class 2: Allows D/P with a minimum wall thickness of 65% with all wear on one
side so long as the cross-sectional area is the same as premium class, that
 is to say, based on not more than 20% uniform wall reduction.

Allows drill pipe with a minimum wall thickness of 55% with all wear on
Class 3:
one side.

The API has established guidelines for drill pipe classification

classes in API RP7G. The classes are summarized as follows:

Drill Pipe Combined Torsion-Tension To Yield Pipe Tubes

The following charts provide information on the minimum

torsional yield strength of the pipe body tube under tension. You
can find the relevant figure for the size of the pipe you are
interested in. The figures contain a separate curve for each pipe
grade: E-75, X-95, G-105, S-135, Z-140, and V-150.

The horizontal axis of the chart indicates the applied torsional

load, while the vertical axis indicates the tensile load required to
yield the pipe, assuming minimum premium class wall thickness.
To go from applied tension to torsional capacity, you need to
reverse entry points on the curve.

The values shown in the chart were calculated per equation A.16
of API RP7G, 16th Edition, December 1, 1998.
 References:

 Grant Prideco Tables

 Shell Driling MAnual

 Aramco Drilling Manual

Drill Pipe Tool Joint Guide In Oil & Gas

2023-10-09

Table of Contents

 Tool Joint Strength

 Material Strength

 Pin Weak Or Box

 Drill Pipe Tool Joint Torsional Strength

 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

  Selection Of Drill Pipe Tool Joints

A tool joint is a heavy coupling element for drill pipe. Tool joints have
coarse, tapered threads and seating shoulders designed to:

 Suspend the weight of the drill string.

 Withstand the strain of frequent makeup and breakout.

 Provide a leakproof seal.

The tool joint is attached to the pipe by welding during the

manufacture of the drill pipe joint (API drill pipe specifications). It has
two parts, a pin and a box.

DP Tool joint – Pin

Tool Joint Strength

The strength of tool joints depends on several factors: the material

used to make the tool joint, the dimensions of the joint, and the type of
thread used. The strength of the pin may be different from that of the
box.

Material Strength

For API tool joints, the material yield strength is the same, regardless of
the tube grade to which it is fitted. All API tool joints have a minimum
yield strength of 120,000 psi.

Considering the above, one may think fitting a tool joint with a
minimum yield strength of 120,000 psi to a grade S tube with a
minimum yield strength of 135,000 psi may be ridiculous. However,
the minimum tensile yield of the new 5″, S grade, 19.5 lbs/ft nominal
wt tube is 712 [Link]. The minimum tensile yield of an NC50 connector
is 1,390 [Link] (2.75″ ID, pin weak). The weakest part of the tool joint
has a larger cross-sectional area than the tube and is, therefore,
stronger.

Pin Weak Or Box

“Pin weak” means that the pin is weaker than the box. This can mean a
tensile or torsional weakness relative to the box. “Box weak” is the
other way around. The box is weaker than the pin.

Drill Pipe Tool Joint Torsional Strength

The main factors that control tool joint torsional strength are the pin or
box metal cross-sectional area and the minimum yield strength of the
metal. Tool joint OD affects the box cross-sectional area, and tool joint
ID controls the pin cross-sectional area.

It is usual for the tool joint OD to wear down during service. If the box
cross-sectional area becomes less than the pin cross-sectional area,
that joint’s torsional strength will be reduced (box weak).

The API sets the joint torsional strength at an arbitrary value of about
80% of the tube torsional strength. This 0·8 design factor is used to
establish the tool joint IDs and ODs for all three classes of drill pipe.

Conclusion:

 Most standard API tool joints are weaker in torsion than the Drill
Pipe tubes to which they are welded.
  API arbitrarily sets tool joint torsional strength at 80 percent of
tube torsional strength. This tool joint torsional strength ratio
(TSR) of 0.8 is the basis for establishing tool joint ID and OD.

 As the drill pipe tool joint OD wears, the torsional strength

decreases. Tool joints with TSRs less than 0.8 are used
successfully in low torsion drilling, and some high for torsion
drilling applications require tool joint torsional ratings higher than
the standard TSR of 0.8.

Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

 Tool joints are made up by applying sufficient makeup torque to

force the pin and box shoulder tightly together and make a seal.
This is accomplished when makeup stretches the pin and
compresses the box shoulder.

 Makeup torque is determined by the tool joint OD and ID and not

by the properties and dimensions of the drill pipe tube. For a
given pin ID, the makeup torque increases as the tool joint OD
increases. Similarly, the makeup torque decreases as the pin ID
increases for a tool joint OD.

 The standard makeup torque is the torque that would stress the
weaker pin or box to 60% of its minimum yield strength of
72,000 psi. (Minimum yield strength of all tool joints is 120,000
psi regardless of the drill pipe grade).
Selection Of Drill Pipe Tool Joints

The major factors to be considered while the selection of tool joints are
as follows:

 Outside diameter

 Inside diameter

 Tensile

 Torsional ratings

 Cost

Simple Tips To Be Considered While Tool Joint Selection:

1. Tool joints with large OD and small ID will result in high-pressure

losses inside and outside the Drill Pipe.

2. Large OD tool joints have better wear characteristics.

3. The OD of the tool joint should be small enough to

facilitate fishing the tool joint with standard fishing tools.

4. One rule of thumb in selecting tool joints is that when all other
factors are equal the larger the tool joint, the better it will
perform.

Drill Pipes: Comprehensive Guide

2023-12-12

Table of Contents

 Manufacturing Process

 Types of Drill Pipe

 Heavy-Weight Drill Pipe

 Light Weight Drill Pipe

  Drill Pipe Specifications

 What is The Common Drill Pipe Ranges

 Drill Pipe Class

 Criteria For Determining The Class

 Identification Marks

A drill pipe is a seamless tube with special threaded couplings called

tool joints. It is used to transmit rotary power from the surface to the
bottom of the hole and to supply fluid at sufficient volume and
pressure to the drill bit. Typically, it is the most extended & significant
section of the Drill String Components on the drilling rigs. Each joint
comprises the tube body and the Tool Joint (connection). Figure 1 is a
picture of 5″ DP – the tool joints are at each end. This article will
discuss API drill pipe specifications, types, descriptions, classifications,
connections, and thread types.

Figure 1: A stack of
DPs in a drilling rig

Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing processes used for pipes involve a series of steps. Once

the material is selected, it goes through a rigorous manufacturing
process, including heating, forging, and machining, to shape it into the
desired size and specifications. The drill pipe is then carefully
inspected for defects or imperfections and undergoes various quality
control tests. Finally, the pipe is coated or treated to enhance its
corrosion resistance.

The next step is preparing the tool joints. The tool joints come in green
tubes and undergo quench and temper heat treatment before cutting
into the box tool joint (female) and pin drill pipe tool joint (male). Then
comes the welding step. Generally, the two main methods for welding
tubes and tool joints are rotary inertia and direct drive friction welding.
  Direct drive friction welding is a cutting-edge technique that
offers accurate process control and monitoring of up to 1000
times per second. This leads to a high-quality weld that may not
need a full heat treatment quench and temper regime. It is a
solid-state welding process that joins two distinct metal pieces by
exerting axial pressure while simultaneously rotating one of the
parts at a high speed. The friction between the two materials
melts them at the interface, resulting in a robust bond.

 On the other hand, in the rotary inertia method, the tool joint is
rotated at high RPMs and then pressed onto the stationary tube’s
upset end. This generates heat and force that weld the two parts
together. The weld line is only visible under a microscope after
removing excess material.

Both methods have proven effective. Inertia friction welding is the

traditional option, while direct drive friction welding is a more modern
and controlled alternative.

Types of Drill Pipe

Different types of pipes are available to suit various needs and

requirements. From heavy-weight to light-weight.

The common types are:

 Regular Pipe

 Heavy Weight Pipe

 Light Weight Pipe

Heavy-Weight Drill Pipe

The Heavy-weight drill pipe (HWDP) has a heavy wall pipe body, which
provides extra strength compared to the regular type. The tool joints
are also reinforced. One key feature of HWDP is the wear pad, a
hardened steel sleeve near the tool joint. This wear pad helps to
prevent excessive wear and prolong the life of the pipe by providing
improved stability and reducing fatigue failures. We mainly use HWDP
in the drill string transition zone to avoid drill string failure.

Light Weight Drill Pipe

Thinner pipe, also known as light-weight drill pipe is designed with

reduced dimensions. They typically have a smaller nominal outside
diameter and reduced wall thickness than the regular type. This is
because it will provide enhanced flexibility and agility for specific
drilling operations that may require more maneuverability. Its common
sizes include nominal outside diameters ranging from 2 3/8 to 4 1/2
inches, with corresponding wall thicknesses varying from 0.125 to
0.337 inches.

This type is engineered to withstand the tension, compression, and

torque forces involved in drilling. That’s why it finds applications
in directional drilling, ERD & critical deep drilling operations, where
precise steering and navigation are crucial. It is also suitable for
shallow wells and areas where weight restrictions are a concern, such
as offshore platforms.

Drill Pipe Specifications

According to API Drill Pipe Specification, we can describe the pipe in six
terms. For example, a 5″ drill pipe is 5″,19.5 Ib/ft, G, XH, NC50,
Premium.

What is The Common Drill Pipe Ranges

The String is composed of multiple sections of Pipes. A “stand”

typically comprises two to three drill pipe joints, each around 60 to 90
feet in length. Each joint of pipe is referred to as a “single.” According
to API, there are three ranges of drill pipe length: R1, R2, and R3.

Drill Pipe can vary considerably in length

Drill Pipe Class

Five classes of drill pipe indicate the amount of wear a pipe joint has
sustained during its lifetime.

 New

 Premium or class 1

 Class 2

 Class3

 Scrap

All new pipes become premium class as soon as they are used. The
new pipe indicates it is directly from the manufacturer and has never
been used. As soon as a joint of the new pipe is picked up for use on a
rig, it is re-classified as premium or class 1 pipe. Interestingly, this
allows the manufacturers a broader set of tolerances, with the pipe
having to conform to the requirements for Premium grade rather than
the new specification.
Criteria For Determining The Class

Once the drill pipe has been used, normal wear and other use-related
defects cause it to lose some of its original strength. API has developed
inspection criteria to determine the extent of damage. These criteria
are used to assign the pipe to “classes” according to the extent of the
damage. The inspection examines the following conditions with all the
criteria having to be met for a drill pipe to gain the specific class.

 OD wall wear.

 Fatigue cracks.

 Dents and mashes.

 Stress-induced diameter variations. Stretched or shot.

 Internal corrosion and pitting.

 Internal erosion and wear.

 Corrosion cuts and gouges, longitudinal and transverse.

 Internal fatigue cracks.

 Any evidence of fatigue cracks or washouts and the pipe is

designated as scrap.

 Slip area mechanical damage. Crushing, necking, cuts and

gouges.

The changes in dimensions and mechanical properties of 5″ G-105 pipe

with H-90 connections according to the different class specifications

Identification Marks

Code marks, which are stenciled on the tool joint pin to identify drill
pipe and string, record the following information:

 Manufacturers’ symbols.

 Month connections welded on.

  Year connections welded on.

 Pipe mill code.

 Pipe steel grade.

Sometimes a mill slot plus one circumferential groove, about 3/8″

(9·5mm) wide, is milled onto the pin end of drill pipe grades higher
than “E” (see Figure 2.1.3), but be in the habit of checking, as this can
vary from contractor to contractor and rig to rig. A series of letter and
number codes will be present on all API drill pipes, giving
manufacturing data such as date of manufacture, manufacturer’s code,
and the grade of steel – see Figure 2.1.8a & b.

API re-facing benchmarks show the position of the original shoulder so

an inspector can determine if too much re-facing has occurred – Figure
below.
The re-facing benchmark is positioned 1/8″ from the makeup face. The
tolerance on this measurement is ±1/16″. Once re-facing has taken
place such that 1/16″ of the make-up face has been removed, the joint
must be re-cut or belled, and split boxes become a risk.

The API benchmark is only present at one location around the

circumference of the tool joint. The API benchmark will not show if re-
facing is uneven around the makeup face area. Proprietary benchmarks
are available. The figure below shows the Grant-TFW benchmark. As it
is a continuous line, it shows how perpendicular the re-facing is and
how much has occurred.
Drill String Design for High Angle and Horizontal Wellbores

The design approach in high inclination and horizontal wells differs

from the approach in vertical wells in the following respects:

 In high inclination / horizontal wells, traditional BHA components

are often eliminated. Drilling Bit weight is likely to be applied by
running normal weight drill pipe in compression, a practice never
recommended in vertical holes.

 For a given measured depth, surface tension load from hanging

weight decreases in a high inclination / horizontal well due to
wall support, but torque and drag required to move the drill
string are higher compared to vertical holes. The load limit for
the drill string will be its tensile capacity in a vertical hole, but is
more likely to be its torsional capacity in horizontal and extended
reach wells.

 In vertical wells, loads are calculated based on hanging weight.

Friction effects are often small and are traditionally ignored. In
horizontal wells, friction effects will probably be large enough
that they cannot be ignored.

 Drill string design for vertical holes is a once-through calculation.

In horizontal and ER wells, drill string design is an iterative
process.

Drill String Design For Horizontal Wells

2017-11-05

Table of Contents

 How Drill String Design In Horizontal Wells Differs From In Vertical

Wells

 The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells are:

 The maximum weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe can
be calculated in two steps:

 1) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on

the bit without buckling the drill pipe below the tangent
point
  2) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on
the bit without buckling the drill pipe above the kickoff
point.

 Calculation of Axial Mechanical Forces In High Inclination /

Horizontal Wells

 Summary for high angle wells Drill String Design

How Drill String Design In Horizontal Wells Differs From In

Vertical Wells

The design approach in high inclination and horizontal wells differs

from the approach in vertical wells in the following respects:

 In high inclination / horizontal wells, traditional BHA components

are often eliminated. Drilling Bit weight is likely to be applied by
running normal weight drill pipe in compression, a practice never
recommended in vertical holes.

 For a given measured depth, surface tension load from hanging

weight decreases in a high inclination / horizontal well due to
wall support, but torque and drag required to move the drill
string are higher compared to vertical holes. The load limit for
the drill string will be its tensile capacity in a vertical hole, but is
more likely to be its torsional capacity in horizontal and extended
reach wells.

 In vertical wells, loads are calculated based on hanging weight.

Friction effects are often small and are traditionally ignored. In
horizontal wells, friction effects will probably be large enough
that they cannot be ignored.

 Drill string design for vertical holes is a once-through calculation.

In horizontal and ER wells, drill string design is an iterative
process.

The objectives of drill string design in horizontal wells are:

Provide adequate weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe or heavy
weight drill pipe. Ensure that the components in the drilling assembly
are not subjected to mechanical loads that exceeds their design
limitation
Thus the problem is to determine where and at what bit weight the drill
pipe will first begin to buckle. If this bit weight is sufficient to drill the
well, buckling can be avoided by staying below it. If the bit weight
needed causes the pipe to buckle, then heavy weight drill pipe should
be run in the buckled sections.

As was mentioned before, the critical buckling load in a curved section

is greater than that across tangent and vertical sections. Therefore,
buckling of drill pipe will initiate in the tangent section (below the
tangent point) or above the kickoff point.

The maximum weight on bit without buckling the drill pipe can
be calculated in two steps:

1) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on the bit

without buckling the drill pipe below the tangent point
If the tangent angle of a curved or build section is less than horizontal,
the highest mechanical compression in the drill pipe will occur in the
joint at the top of the bottom hole assembly.

The force F1 is the effective weight of the HWDP and

The force F2 is the effective weight (along the hole axis) of the BHA.

The force Fcrit is the critical buckling force of the drill pipe at the top
of HWDP which is equal to the maximum mechanical compressive force
that can be applied (slacked off) without buckling the drill pipe.

Taking a force balance along the hole axis, The maximum weight on bit
that can be applied without buckling the drill pipe is

If the hole below the tangent point is horizontal, then cos 90=0 and

For sliding mode drilling the drag force is calculated as was described
previously. For rotary mode drilling, the drag force is small and is
assumed to be zero.

2) Calculate the maximum weight that can be applied on the bit

without buckling the drill pipe above the kickoff point.
A free body diagram of the drilling assembly below the kick-off point .
The forces in the diagram are defined as follows:

A simpler way of calculating the effective weight of the drill pipe across
the build section is by using the following equation,
The lower of the two weights is the correct weight to be used
for drilling.

Calculation of Axial Mechanical Forces In High Inclination /

Horizontal Wells

In drill string design of horizontal wells, the drilling engineer may want
to check if the applied WOB will buckle the drill pipe at the top of
[Link] is accomplished by drawing a free body diagram of the BHA
showing only the mechanical forces as shown above.

The mechanical force F (the mechanical force trying to buckle the drill
pipe and it is not the total or actual axial force) at any point in the drill
pipe is calculated by making a force balance. The actual axial force is
calculated by including the hydrostatic pressure forces acting on the
shoulder areas & dividing the actual force by the metal area of the drill
pipe.

Taking a force balance,

  If drilling in the rotary mode, the drag force is zero.

 If the calculated value of F is less than the critical buckling force

Fcrit of the drill pipe, then the drill pipe will not buckle.

 If F is greater than the Fcrit, then the drill pipe will buckle.

Summary for high angle wells Drill String Design

 Calculate the drag forces and torque by using a computer

program such as Landmark Well Plan.

 Calculate the sinusoidal critical buckling force below the tangent

point and above the kickoff point.

 Calculate the maximum WOB that can be applied without

buckling the DP below the tangent point

 Calculate the maximum WOB that can be applied without

buckling the DP above the kickoff point. Take the lower of the two
values. If the WOB is not sufficient then add more HWDP in the
drilling assembly.
 Calculate the actual forces on DP below the tangent point and
above the kickoff point. Include bending forces and check for
fatigue if the build rate is high. If the actual forces exceed 90% of
the DP yield strength, then select a DP with higher yield strength.

 Check the actual torque at all depths and make sure it is less
than the makeup torque of DP