Inspection and Maintenance of Drillpipe E-Book

Inspection &
Maintenance
of Drill Pipe
A general guideline to
maintaining drill strings
www.odfjellwellservices.com
Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe
Contents
3. Introduction
25. Why use thread compounds?
4.
26. Pipe storage
Description of a common inspection
6. Measurements
27. Preservation
7.
Magnetic particle inspection
28. Recommendations
8.
Ultrasonic testing
29. Thread compounds
9.
Electromagnetic inspection (EMI)
31. Inspection standards
11. What to look for when inspecting
33. Inspection companies
14. Drill pipe repair
34. A general view on the necessary certifications
21. Repair companies
22. Documentation & traceability
37. Approval certification
24. Presentation & storage
38. Documentation / Reporting
for a thread inspector
Introduction
This gives an introduction to the processes involved in inspecting and repairing of
used drill pipe. We will list the most common inspection specifications, describe the
differences between the standards and describe the process of being certified to the
various standards. We will also describe the various repair scenarios on drill pipe and
the certification process involved for companies that perform repairs.
Description of a common inspection

When the drill pipe is received for inspection, all joints should be properly cleaned both
internally and externally.
The following steps are mandatory:
Visual thread inspection (VTI)

VTI is a non-destructive inspection method that is based on the inspector using his eyes and hands.
Any reduced eyesight might cause the inspector to miss vital flaws.
Example of check with a profile gauge
Tools required
Flashlight
Profile gauges
Magnifying mirror
Example of use of finger tips on a VTI inspection
Measurements
On a VTI it is normal to make all vital measurements on the connections.
The results need to match the standards given in the inspection specification.
Example of OD gauge of tube
Tools required
Various calipers (slide caliper etc.)
Thread gauges
Example of a check with a slide caliper
Magnetic particle inspection (MPI)

Magnetic particle method is a non-destructive testing method revealing
material defects in the surface, and just below the surface, in ferromagnetic
(magnetic) materials.
A magnetic field is applied to an object. The magnetic field will penetrate the
surface of the object. Any errors in the surface will alter the power of the
magnetic field lines.
These power lines outside and around the damage forms(delete s) a leakage
field. This leakage field can be detected by adding iron particles (in powder
Example of applying fluorescent magnet powder
form) on the surface. These particles clump together in and around the
leakage field.
Magnet field
Leakage field
Depth errors
Magnet field
Shallow imperfection
Example of connection checked with UV light
Tools required
An object can be magnetized with
several methods:
Coil
AC Yoke
Direct current flow
Ultrasonic testing
Ultrasonic testing is a nondestructive testing method that uses radio frequencies to determine a
materials entirety. Impulse-echo method is the most used method in industry. An array of transducer one
sound waves are sent into the material, penetrating it at a constant speed (the speed of sound of the
material). The sound waves are reflected from the back wall of the object back to the probes.
Any imperfections in the material will appear as peaks between the initial and the reflecting echo.
Transmission pulse/Start echo

Back wall echo
Defect
Reflector
Object/Workpiece
Ultrasonic screen
10
Ultrasonic measurement determining wall thickness.
Electromagnetic inspection (EMI)

Primarily the eddy-current and flux-leakage methods are used to detect imperfections.
NOTE: Electromagnetic Inspection Systems made for use in the field sometimes include equipment
for performing additional inspections or services.
Source: API RP 5A5, Field Inspection of New Casing, Tubing, and Plain-end Drill Pipe, Reaffirmed August 2010. Global
Examples of EMI unit
Examples of EMI unit
Example of EMI probes
Example of EMI control screen
10
Every inspection is to be finalized with a

documentation of the service/inspection; the
inspection report.
Any damage that cannot be repaired in the field,
has to go to a workshop.
Menus
Main Tubular
DP
Related
Menu Menu Detail W.O.
Drillpipe Summary Report

ID
Date
Customer Ref.
Customer
P.O. No
Rig
Location
Work Order
Spec.
SPECIFICATIONS
Well No.
NS-2
VTI Only Spec.

EQUIPMENT
SURFACE CONDITION
DS 1 Cat. 4
Show all records
HDLS
Black/White
Fluorescent
EMI Scope No.
End Area Tool No.
Yoke No.
Thick. Gauge No.
UV Light No.
Coil No.
Hardbanding: Present
Plastic Coated:
CLEANING
Cat. 5
Receipt Insp. Spec.
TBA*
Yes
Internal Qty
No
Pin
Box
External Qty
1400 bar
2000 bar
Special
Hard Pollution
Hard Pollution
Weight
Lbs/Ft
Tube OD
Threads
Nom Wall
Nom TJ OD
10.04.2015
Modification Date
10.04.2015
Wear Report
Wear Report - Overview
Range
Grade Tube
Nom TJ ID
Min TJ OD
Repair - Hardbanding
Send to Trio
Repair - Machining
Send to NOS
INSPECTION RESULTS
CLASS
TUBE TOOL
JOINT
Premium
RECUT
SHOP
REFACE
FIELD
REFACE
PLASTIC
COATING
HARDBANDING
SER. NO. BENT
PIN BOX RESTAMP
Joints
Joints
Total
Ok
OK
x1
Class2
Pin
Pin
Pin
Damaged
XT300 Rep.
x2
Scrap
Box
Box
Box
No Coat.
OTW12 Rep.
Number of Joints Inspected

Number of Joints Require Shop Repair
Re-Cut with HB Damage)
Number of Hardbanding Repair
(Not Included In Recut Joints)
Number of Class2 & Scrap

Number of Joints Ready For Use
Scrap per W.O.

Wall Thickness Wear
Preinvoice
Field Repair
Hours
Grinding Tongmarks
and Slipcuts
Hours
Protectors Supplied By
Euroincon
Qty.
Make Preinvoice
Misc.
Relookup
Number of Premium After Repair
Change Work Order
Comments
TAM Import
TAM - Make Field Copy

NDT Level II Inspector
*TBA - To be applied
CERT. NO.
NAME :
Odfjell Tag No List
Reports
MATERIAL
Lot No.
admin
Modifier Name
admin
New Record - Detail
ID Condition
2000 bar
Special
Creator Date
New Record - Detail
Dope Applied
1400 bar
Creator Name
We hereby confirm that the above material has been inspected in

accordance with specified insp. proc., P.O. and Euroincon W.O.
Example of an inspection report
Field Copy
Print - Field Copy
Serial No TAM
Serial No TIM
Pages TAM
Pages made
(Set to 1 if delete detail)
Restore
11
What to look for when inspecting

Here are some examples of damage typical to connections.
This is everyday damage that cannot be repaired on site.
Crack indications in thread
Crack indication in box connection
Crack indication in outside upset
Galled thread
12
Pulled thread
Overtorqued threads
Galled seal
Stabbing damage to shoulder
13
Pitting/corrosion in pin SRG
Washout in connection
Washout in connection
Drill pipe repair

Whether you need to take the pipe to a repair shop or it can fixed in
the field, is dependent on the degree of damage to the joints.
14
Field repair
Grinding
Double shouldered connections or severe
shoulder damage, require a shop reface.
Grinding Pin threads
Grinding Box threads
15
16
Field reface
Reface of a damaged connection shoulder is done with a special shoulder dressing tool.
There are several types available on the market, but the same principle applies to all of them.
A refaced shoulder should be flat and at right angles to the threads.
Refacing tool
Damaged shoulder
Refacing of shoulder
Refaced shoulder
17
Shop reface
Double shouldered
connections or severe
shoulder damage,
require shop reface.
Before shop reface
After shop reface
Recut of pin
Recut of Box
Shop recut
A full repair (recut) of
a connection has
to be done in a
proper and
authorized workshop.
18
Benchmark
Both pin & box
connections are
marked after a recut.
This is to determine
the space left for
(future) reface. The
most common way
to mark this is either
with a stamp, or a
machined groove.
Stamped mark
Machined groove
Cold working
LOAD
After recut, the
ROLLER
thread root
AFTER ROLLING,
THESE FIBERS REMAIN
IN COMPRESSION
is cold rolled to
compress the fibers.
This will restrict
any evolvement
of fatigue.
Cold Working tool
Principle sketch
19
Copper sulfating
A copper sulfated
Both copper sulfating
shoulder will last
and phosphatization
longer. This is done
is done to prevent
after the reface/shop
galling and provide
reface to reduce the
corrosion resistance.
risk of galling
and corrosion.
Copper sulfated shoulder
Phosphatization
Phosphatization of
connections is done
in a chemical bath
after a recut. This
process increases the
durability of
the connections.
Chemical bath
Straightening of
bent drill pipe
Due to several reasons,

drill pipe can be
bent during drilling
operations. A bent
pipe is straightened
without the use of
preheating. A hydraulic
press is to be used.
Hydraulic press
20
Hardbanding
Worn out hardbanding
needs to be grinded
down before a new
one is welded on.
Some materials will
not blend properly,
and the hardbanding
has to be removed
completely before a
new one is welded on.
Worn out hardbanding
Recoat
Internal Plastic
Coating (IPC) is
designed to enhance
the performance of
tubulars by reducing
wear and corrosion,
and improving
hydraulic efficiency.
Coating
Rewelded
21
Repair companies
A proper workshop for repair and rework on the drill pipe should have
a quality, well managed system.
Heres a sample of a certified quality system.
For fabrication or repair of a connection, the

machine shop needs to be licensed for that
particular type of connection. Heres a sample of
such a type of certificate.
22
Documentation and traceability

All repairs must be traceable. It starts with the
The Repair report states the individual (unique) equipment number for a
inspection and must follow the whole process
repair, and also what needs to be repaired (highlighted on report).
until the finalized repair.

Sample of Inspection Report for drill pipe;
Menus
Main Tubular
DP
Related
Menu Menu Detail W.O.
Drillpipe Summary Report

ID
Date
Customer Ref.
Customer
P.O. No
Rig
Location
Work Order
Spec.
SPECIFICATIONS
Well No.
NS-2
VTI Only Spec.

EQUIPMENT
SURFACE CONDITION
DS 1 Cat. 4
Show all records
HDLS
Black/White
Receipt Insp. Spec.
Fluorescent
EMI Scope No.
End Area Tool No.
Yoke No.
Thick. Gauge No.
UV Light No.
Coil No.
Hardbanding: Present
Plastic Coated:
CLEANING
Cat. 5
TBA*
Yes
Internal Qty
No
Pin
Box
Weight
Lbs/Ft
Tube OD
Threads
Nom Wall
Nom TJ OD
admin
10.04.2015
Modifier Name
admin
Modification Date
10.04.2015
New Record - Detail
1400 bar
ID Condition
2000 bar
Special
Hard Pollution
Wear Report
Wear Report - Overview
Range
Grade Tube
Nom TJ ID
Min TJ OD
Repair - Hardbanding
Send to Trio
Repair - Machining
Send to NOS
INSPECTION RESULTS
CLASS
TUBE TOOL
JOINT
Premium
RECUT
SHOP
REFACE
FIELD
REFACE
PLASTIC
COATING
HARDBANDING
SER. NO. BENT
PIN BOX RESTAMP
Joints
Joints
Total
Ok
OK
x1
Class2
Pin
Pin
Pin
Damaged
XT300 Rep.
x2
Scrap
Box
Box
Box
No Coat.
OTW12 Rep.
Number of Joints Inspected

Number of Joints Require Shop Repair
Re-Cut with HB Damage)
Number of Hardbanding Repair
(Not Included In Recut Joints)
Number of Class2 & Scrap

Number of Joints Ready For Use
Scrap per W.O.

Wall Thickness Wear
Preinvoice
Field Repair
Hours
Grinding Tongmarks
and Slipcuts
Hours
Protectors Supplied By
Euroincon
Qty.
Make Preinvoice

Relookup repair
Required
Misc.
Number of Premium After Repair
Change Work Order
Comments
TAM Import
TAM - Make Field Copy

NDT Level II Inspector
*TBA - To be applied
CERT. NO.
NAME :
Odfjell Tag No List
Reports
MATERIAL
Lot No.
Creator Date
New Record - Detail
Dope Applied
1400 bar
External Qty
2000 bar
Special
Hard Pollution
Creator Name
We hereby confirm that the above material has been inspected in

accordance with specified insp. proc., P.O. and Euroincon W.O.

Summary Report (Front page)
Field Copy
Print - Field Copy
Serial No TAM
Serial No TIM
Pages TAM
Pages made
(Set to 1 if delete detail)
Restore
The repair shop will issue their report after a

repair. In this case a thread certificate (machining
report) with the same reference to the unique
equipment number, the standard used (Spec.),
etc. for traceability.

Thread certificate
23
Preservation & Storage
Preservation & storage
24
25
Why use thread compounds?

The drawing is a portion of a thread detail with API buttress threads, showing the compressible
lubricant/pipe sealant in the gaps of the threaded connection.
PIN
BOX
G2
C
G1
C
Thread compounds suitable for use in

vertical and horizontal oil & gas wells using
API oil country tubular goods tubing
(OCTG), casing, and line pipe are designed to:
Provide lubricate
Plug the thread clearance
Prevent contamination of the natural
environment
Prevent galling or scratches
Provide a coefficient of friction consistent
with the connection requirements.

Used as an example, also valid for drill pipe threads
Pipe storage
Recommendations for pipe storage:
Do not put the pipe directly on the ground. The first layer of pipe should be
no less than 0.3m above the ground.
The height of the pipe stack on a rack shall not exceed 2.5 m, and the pipe
shall be secured with post to prevent rolling out.
When the pipe is laid in several rows, place 3 wooden blocks between each
row so that the tool-joint elements do not touch each other.
Pipe shall be laid with boxes in the same directions
Rejected pipe or pipe going to be repaired, shall be laid on a separate rack
and clearly identified
26
27
Preservation
The use of protective compounds to protect equipment during storage and use.
Example of shoulder damage due to insufficient protector installation.
Picture shows dope where water has penetrated

- gray color. May indicate that the protector has
not tightened, or that temperature fluctuations
may have caused the loosening.
28
The following are recommendations for the application and use

of our thread compound on connections
Upon opening the container, the product should
Contaminant residues, when mixed with
be stirred with either a dope brush or other
the thread compound during connections
suitable device to re-blend any oil separation or
engagement can substantially change the
settling of the component solids that may have
friction factor and galling resistance of the thread
occurred during shipment and storage.
compound. A small amount of moisture in most

cases is unavoidable and will not affect compound
Never add any material such as diesel fuel,
performance.
kerosene, motor oil, etc. to improve the ease

of application.
Note: These are general procedures not

intended to replace the recommendations of the
All connections contact surfaces should be

cleaned and free of storage or prior running
compound, drilling fluids and any other
contaminant residues prior to the applications of
the compound.
connection manufactures.
29
Thread compounds
Pin
Example:
Double Shouldered Connection
Primary
Makeup
Shoulder
(for RSCs)
Threads
Where are thread

compounds used?
Coat primary shoulder on
interference designs
Fill threads, only root to crest
Box
Too much compound interferes

with connection make-up, too
little may result in galling
Secondary
Seal
Coat secondary shoulder or

seal area on applicable
connection designs
Ensure the connection is as free
of drilling fluid as possible.
Rinsing may be required
30
What quantity of threads compound is

required on rotary shoulder connections?
Insufficient thread compound coverage for rotary
Proper Tread compound coverage for
shoulder connections
for rotary shoulder connections
Drill pipe protectors
Inspection standards
31
32
The most common inspection standards in use today, are:
API American Petroleum Institute.
DS-1 T.H. Hill Drill Stem Inspection.
NS-2 Fearnley Procter North Sea Drill

String Inspection Standard
Inspection companies
33
34
A general view on the

necessary certifications
for a thread inspector
Level 1
An individual certified to Level 1 has demonstrated competence to carry out NDT
according to written instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3
personnel.
Non Destructing Testing requires the

inspectors to be certified in order to
Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 1 personnel
perform certifications according
may be authorized by the employer to perform the following in accordance with
to standards.
NDT instructions;
EN 473/ISO 9712 (European standards)
a)
Set up NDT equipment
separates NDT inspectors into 3 levels.
b)
Perform the tests
c)
Record and classify the results of the tests according to written criteria
d)
Report the results
Level 1 certified personnel shall neither be responsible for the choice of test
method or technique to be used, nor for the interpretation of test results.
35
Level 2
An individual certified to Level 2 has demonstrated competence to perform NDT
according to NDT procedures. Within the scope of the competence defined on the
certificate, the employer to may authorize Level 2 personnel:

a) Select the correct NDT technique for the actual test.
b) Define the limitations of application of the testing method
c)
d) Set up and verify equipment settings
e) Perform and supervise tests

f)
Translate NDT codes, standards, specifications, and procedures into NDT

instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes,

specifications or procedures
g) Carry out and supervise all tasks at or below Level 2
h) Provide guidance for personnel at or below Level 2

i) Report the results of NDT.
36
Level 3
An individual certified to Level 3 has demonstrated competence to perform and
direct NDT operations for which he is certified.
Level 3 personnel have demonstrated:

a) The competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing
standards, codes, and specifications
b) Sufficient practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication,
process, and product technology to select NDT methods, establish NDT
techniques, and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none or
are otherwise available
A general familiarity with other NDT methods
c)
Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 3 personnel
may be authorized to:

a) Assume full responsibility for a test facility or examination center
and staff
b) Establish, review for editorial and technical correctness, and validate NDT
instructions and procedures
c)
Interpret standards, codes, specifications, and procedures
d) Designate the particular test methods, procedures, and NDT
instructions required
e) Carry out and supervise all tasks at all levels
f)
Provide guidance for NDT personnel at all levels
37
Approval / Certification
To be performed by an accredited
certification business.
Requirements for practice and introduction to NDT method

before courses / issuance of certificate:
Method
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
MT
1 mnd.
3 mnd.
12 mnd.
PT
1 mnd.
3 mnd.
12 mnd.
UT
3 mnd.
9 mnd.
18 mnd.
RT
3 mnd.
9 mnd.
18 mnd.
ET
3 mnd.
9 mnd.
18 mnd.
VT
1 mnd.
3 mnd.
12 mnd.
Documentation
Companies have a responsibility to keep and annually update their certificates to the inspectors.
Each year the responsible level 3 perform a competency assessment of the individual inspector.
Near- and color vision are verified, before the certificate are approved for another 12 months.
After 5 years, an application must be submitted to the certification body, to renew the certificate for
another five years.
After 10 years you have to do a complete course with tests.
Reporting
Responsible level 3 shall report annually to the certification body on the status of the enterprise for the
year that has passed.
Are all certificates updated?
Is it registered complaints in the past 12 months?
Are there major changes in the organization over the last 12 months?
38
Odfjell Well Services

Hammaren 19
P.O.Box 152
N0-4098 Tananger
Norway
Tlf: +47 51 64 84 00
Fax: +47 51 64 71 81
email@odfjellwellservices.com
www.odfjellwellservices.com
39

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Inspection &

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

25. Why use thread compounds?

26. Pipe storage

Description of a common inspection

Magnetic particle inspection

29. Thread compounds

Electromagnetic inspection (EMI)

31. Inspection standards

11. What to look for when inspecting

33. Inspection companies

14. Drill pipe repair

34. A general view on the necessary certifications

21. Repair companies

22. Documentation & traceability

37. Approval certification

24. Presentation & storage

38. Documentation / Reporting

for a thread inspector

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Description of a common inspection

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

The following steps are mandatory:

Visual thread inspection (VTI)

Example of check with a profile gauge

Example of use of finger tips on a VTI inspection

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Example of OD gauge of tube

Example of a check with a slide caliper

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI)

Example of applying fluorescent magnet powder

Example of connection checked with UV light

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Transmission pulse/Start echo

Ultrasonic measurement determining wall thickness.

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Electromagnetic inspection (EMI)

Examples of EMI unit

Examples of EMI unit

Example of EMI probes

Example of EMI control screen

Inspection & Maintenance of Drill Pipe

Every inspection is to be finalized with a

Drillpipe Summary Report

VTI Only Spec.

Show all records

EMI Scope No.

End Area Tool No.

Thick. Gauge No.

Receipt Insp. Spec.

Number of Joints Inspected

Re-Cut with HB Damage)

Number of Hardbanding Repair

(Not Included In Recut Joints)

Number of Class2 & Scrap

Scrap per W.O.

Number of Premium After Repair

Change Work Order

TAM - Make Field Copy

Odfjell Tag No List

New Record - Detail