Drillstring Inspection Standard
Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.
Drill Stem Test (DST) String
Revision 0
Number:
Effectivity Date: 20/08/2015
Rev Date Description Change Note
0 20/08/15 First online publication
General Requirements
The general inspection requirements shall be in accordance with Sub-Spec 001.
The following inspections shall be performed:
1) Visual inspection
2) Dimensional measurements
3) Full Length Drift
4) Full Length EMI
Visual Inspection
1. The connections shall be inspected on the inside and outside surfaces in accordance with Sub-Spec
003 and the manufacturer’s guidelines for proprietary premium connections. Special attention shall be
given to the inspection of the sealing surfaces of the connections.
2. A visual inspection shall be performed of the inside surface for rust or scale or any coating which might
affect a wellbore fluid analysis.
3. Connections shall be inspected for evidence of mixed weights.
4. Upsets/tong areas shall be inspected for raised metal which could damage snubbing rubbers.
5. Each length shall be visually inspected for evidence of crushing, dents or out of roundness.
(a) Raised material from tong cuts shall be ground off smooth.
(b) Pipe with visible evidence of crushing or "out of roundness" shall be rejected irrespective of
whether it passes a drift test.
(c) Pipe or connections of the incorrect weight shall be rejected.
(d) Pipe with coatings on the ID or OD surface which may affect wellbore fluid analysis shall be
reported to the customer for agreement of final disposition.
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Drillstring Inspection Standard
Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.
Lengths of pipe with mixed weights which A crushed joint of pipe which passed the
can easily be identified in this case from the drift test, unsuitable for DST use.
pin nose thickness.
Premium Connections
Premium connections shall be inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s latest field inspection proce-
dures. As a minimum the premium seal shall be inspected for corrosion or damage that may provide a leak
path. Threads shall be inspected for corrosion or damage that could interfere with make up.
Dimensional Measurement
1. Dimensional measurements of connections shall be performed in accordance with Sub-Spec 003.
2. The upset length (if appropriate) shall be measured and shall meet the manufacturers minimum re-
quirement for used connections.
Wet Magnetic Particle Inspection of Connections
1. Wet-fluorescent magnetic particle inspection shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
of Sub-Spec 004 on end and mid body connections. Each connection shall be magnetised using a DC
coil. The use of prior magnetisation in the connection is not acceptable. The orientation and strength
of the magnetic field shall be verified in the area being inspected in accordance with the Sub-Spec.
(a) Fatigue Cracks (Connections) – Fatigue cracks are cause for rejection. Connections found to
have fatigue cracks are to be re-cut. Connections identified as cracked shall be marked clearly as
cracked and shall be re-inspected after repair.
ID Drift
1. Drift diameters and lengths shall conform to the requirements of API 5CT. For non-standard pipe
weights, the drift OD shall conform to the manufacturer’s requirements.
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Drillstring Inspection Standard
Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.
2. The drift shall be calibrated prior to the drifting operation at the same temperature as the drift station.
Drift tolerance shall be nominal size + 0.005" – 0.000".
3. The mandrel shall pass freely through the entire length of the pipe. Where a pipe does not drift the
length may be re-drifted with a "dead" size drift (drift size +0). A length that passes a dead drift shall
be accepted.
(a) Lengths that fail to drift shall be identified with a red band at the location of the sticking point
and a red band 24" from the pin connection or external upset.
Full Length EMI
Each length of pipe shall be inspected full length with an EMI unit capable of detecting longitudinal and
transverse defects on OD and ID surfaces in accordance with Sub-Spec 008a. The unit shall also have wall
thickness measuring or indicating capability.
External defects may be ground provided the remaining wall thickness complies with the appropriate ac-
ceptance and rejection criteria. Grinding shall be performed so that it is smooth and contoured with the pipe.
External defects such as pits, cuts or gouges may be evaluated with a calibrated depth gauge with a needle
point tip. The wall thickness either side of the defect shall be measured and the remaining wall thickness at
the base of the defect subtracted from the minimum wall thickness.
Where a defect is ground and the pipe rejected for wall reduction below the minimum allowable thick-
ness, the defect shall not be completely removed.
Where a mill defect such as a seam or overlap is removed by grinding, the area shall be inspected by
magnetic particle inspection to determine that no trace of the defect remains.
Where a defect indication is made but no defect can be located by normal prove up methods, the pipe
shall be identified for additional prove up by ultrasonic shear wave or other suitable methods or it shall be
rejected.
(a) External defects such as cuts, gouges, pits, laps or seams may be removed by grinding provided
the remaining wall thickness is not reduced below 87 1/2% of nominal wall thickness.
(b) Thin wall or internal corrosion pitting that reduces the wall thickness below 87 1/2% of nominal
wall thickness shall be rejected.
MATRIX
Title Description
Sub-Spec 001 General Requirements
Sub-Spec 003 Visual and Dimensional Inspections
Sub-Spec 004 Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) (Connection)
Sub-Spec 005 Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) (Body)
Sub-Spec 011 Pressure Testing
Sub-Spec 012 Automated Thread Inspection (ATI) by Alternating Current Field Measurement
(ACFM)
Table 13 Used BHA Connection Dimensional Acceptance Criteria
Repair Procedures
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