64

Vallourec Group

Spiral Drill Collars

In order to reduce differential pressure sticking,

the surface of drill collars can be spiral-grooved.
VAM Drilling spiral drill collars are the perfect
solution for deep, directional or deviated drilling.
Cross sections of the drill collars show the
reduced contact area with the wall of the hole.

The grooving consists of three right-hand

spirals, machined on VAM Drillings unique
triple-headed milling machines. Stress relief
features improve bending strength of pin and
box connections and, therefore, durability. Bore
back on box and stress relief grooves on pin are
defined by API.

Spiral drill
collars reduce
wall contact
area and
eliminate
differential
sticking.

6-3/4 and less

7 to 8-1/2

8-3/4 and larger

Spiral Drill Collar Typical Size

OD
(in)

4-3/4

6-1/4

6-3/4

7-1/4

7-1/2

9-1/2

10

11

Depth of Cut
(in)

7/32
1/32

9/32
1/16

5/16
1/16

11/32
1/16

11/32
1/16

3/8
1/16

13/32
3/32

7/16
3/32

15/32
3/32

Spiral Pitch
(in)

38
1

42
1

46
1

64
1

64
1

68
1

72
1

76
1

80
1

Note: Loss of weight is approximately 4% compared to slick drill collars.

Length of spiralled section allows reconditioning of connections.