Agip KCO

G R O U P

WELL AREA OPERATION

DRILLING SUPERVISOR TRAINING COURSE

TUBULAR GOODS

Cod.: RPWA2021A Date : 11/05/2005 Rev: 00 Page: 46

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INDEX

1.0 MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS 4

2.0 TEST PARAMETERS OF STATIC TRACTION 5
2.1 Elastic behaviour 5
2.2 Elastic – Plastic behaviour 5
2.3 Plastic behaviour 5
2.3.1 Highest unit yield strenght 6
2.3.2 Lowest unit yield strenght 6

3.0 API (AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE) TUBULAR GOODS NORMS 6

4.0 RESISTANCE OF STEELS 7
4.1 Resistance of steels normally used for tubular goods 7

5.0 TENSILE STRENGTH 9

6.0 COLLAPSE STRENGTH 10
7.0 BURST STRENGTH 12
8.0 TORSION STRENGTH 13
9.0 TORSIONAL – TENSILE STRENGTH 14
10.0 ELLIPSE OF COMBINED STRESSES 16
11.0 DRILL PIPES 18
11.1 Length Ranges 19
11.2 Upset 19
11.3 Kind Of Drill Pipe Upsets 20

12.0 TOOL JOINT 20

12.1 Assembly Of Drill Pipe And Tool Joint 23
12.1.1 Flash Welding (FW) 24
12.1.2 Friction Welding 24
12.2 Nomenclature Of The Drill Pipe 25
12.3 Classification Of The Tool Joint 28

13.0 NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS ON TUBULAR GOODS 33

13.2 Final Observations 33

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14.0 “HEAVY WEIGHT” DRILL PIPES 34

14.1 WEAR 35
14.1.2 Central Upset 36
14.2 Dimensional Data 37

15.0 HEAVY DRILL PIPES (DRILL COLLARS; DC) 38

15.1 EXTERNAL CONFIGURATION 38
15.2 SPIRAL Drill collar (No-Wall stick): 40
15.3 STRESS RELIEF GROOVES 42
15.4 DRILCO BORE BACK 42
15.5 CONTROLS 44
15.6 Use precautions: 45

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1.0 MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

The measurement systems normally used are:

MKSA (Meter – Kilogram – Second – Ampere)

ANGLO-SAXON (Foot– Pound – Second – Ampere)

SI (International System)

In the SI the official unit for FORCE is the NEWTON, corresponding to 0,102 kg force. Since
it is a tiny measure, the DECANEWTON (daN) corresponding to 1,02 kgf is normally used.

1 daN = 1,02 kgf 103 daN = 1,02 kgf = 1,02 tf

1kgf = 0,98 daN 1tf = 0,98103 daN

The official unit of measurement for MOMENTUM is the METRO-DECANEWTON (m-daN) or

JOULE. (1 METRO-DECANEWTON is equal to the work needed by 1 DECANEWTON to
move though a distance of 1 METER)

1 m-daN = 1,02 m-kgf

1m-kgf = 0,98 m-daN

the official unit for pressure is the PASCAL (Pa). (1 Pa is equal to the pressure exerted by 1
NEWTON on a surface of 1 m2) Normally the the BAR, multiple of the PASCAL is used.

1 bar = 1,02 kgf/cm2

1kgf/cm2 = 0,98 bar

The currently used unit of measurement that replaces the kgf/mm2 is the HECTOBAR (h bar)

1 h bar = 1,02 kgf/mm2

1kgf/mm2 = 0,98 h bar

1. PSI = 0,0703 kg/cm2

0,0703 kg/cm2 x 0,98 = 0,0689 = 0,00069 h bar

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2.0 TEST PARAMETERS OF STATIC TRACTION

The parameters that identify the mechanical properties of resistance, deformability, elasticity
of material subject to static traction are interpreted observing the deformation diagram. This
diagram, in case of steels has the form the “Load-elongation diagram phases” characterized
by the neat separation of the different phases.

Streches in %

2.1 Elastic behaviour

This phase is characterized by direct proportionality between loads and stretches and
strains are elastic and reversible.

Point A of the diagram represents the Proportional Limit Flp, beyond which the
proportionality law is no longer applicable (Hooke’s law).

2.2 Elastic – Plastic behaviour

The material undergoes elastic and plastic strains, the stretches increase more
rapidly than loads and the Hooke’s law is no longer applied, permanent deformations
begin to occur.

Point B represents the elasticity limit Fle under which permanent deformations are
null.

2.3 Plastic behaviour

The stress increases beyond the elasticity limit B. Deformations, as from point C, are
irreversible, the consequence is the beginning of plastic deformation

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Point C represents the highest yield strenght FeH, i.e. the load beyond which the
material passes from tiny to great deformations.

In the track CD the load undergoes aperdiodical variations of amplitude and

frequency that depend on the material and its state, included in a range between a
highest FeH and a lowest FeL value.

Point D represents the lowest yield strenght FeL and is the lowest value of load during
the plastic deformation in the yield.

In simpler words, the track OABC is considered as relative to the elastic behaviour,
while the track CDE as relevant to the plastic behaviour.

In the track DE the stretches increase significantly, in E the load

reaches the maximum value Fm, in the track EF a local stretch
associated with striction (reduction of the section) occurs

In F with the load Fu the breaking occurs.

2.3.1 Highest unit yield strenght

It is defined by the value of the unit load in the moment in which the plastic
deformation begins.

FeH
ReH = N/mm2
S

2.3.2 Lowest unit yield strenght

It is defined by the lowest value of the unit load during the plastic
deformation in the yield.

FeL
ReL = N/mm2
S

3.0 API (AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE) TUBULAR GOODS NORMS

In the petroleum activity the manufacturing of most of the tubular goods is regulated by the
API norms.

SPEC 5A - Norms concerning casing, tubing and drill pipe.

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SPEC 5AX - Norms concerning high resistance casing, tubing and drill pipe.

BUL 5C2 -Bulletin on mechanical features of casing, tubing and drill pipe.

BUL 5C3 - Bulletin on formulas and calculation concerning the features of casing,
tubing, drill pipe and line pipes.

SPEC 7 - Characteristics of drilling equipment.

BUL 7A1 - Draft bulletin on connections and shoulders of threads.

SPEC 8A - Norms concerning lifting equipment in drilling.

RP 7G - Norms recommended for design and work limit of drill pipes.

RP 8B - Norms recommended for inspection, control and maintenance procedure of

lifting equipment.

These norms regulate properties of steel, manufacturing methods, dimensions of drill pipes
as regards: threads, thickness, internal and external diameter, length, weight.

Moreover they classify drill pipes according to wearing, limitation, use and stress. They also
recommend inspection and maintenance methods.

Upon agreement between customer and manufacturer, it is possible to buy drill pipes not in
pursuance with the API norms. In this case, it is important that the purchaser knows the new
characteristics.

4.0 RESISTANCE OF STEELS

Tubular goods are classified according to the Minimum Yield Strength.

4.1 Resistance of steels normally used for tubular goods

TYPE OF STEEL MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH MINIMUM YIELD

STRENGHT
Psi kg/mm2
Common steel X-42 42.000 29,53
Common steel X-52 52.000 36,56
CASING H-40 40.000 28,12
J-55 55.000 38,67
K-55 55.000 38,67
C-75* 75.000 52,73
L-80* 80.000 56,25
N-80 80.000 56,25
C-90* 90.000 63,28
C-95* 95.000 66,79
P-110 110.000 77,34

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Q-125 125.000 87,88

V-150 150.000 105,46
TUBING H-40 40.000 28,12
J-55 55.000 38,67
C-75* 75.000 52,73
L-80* 80.000 56,25
N-80 80.000 56,25
C-90* 90.000 63,28
C-95* 95.000 66,79
P-105 105.000 73,82
P-110 110.000 77,34
Q-125 125.000 87,88
V-150 150.000 105,46
DRILL PIPE D-55 55.000 38,67
E-75 75.000 52,73
X-95 95.000 66,79
G-105 105.000 73,82
S-135 135.000 94,91
TOOL JOINT 120.000 84,37
DRILL COLLAR External
AND diameter
REDUCTIONS From 3” 1/8 to 110.000 77,34
6” 7/8
From 7” to 10 “ 100.000 70,31

* = Special corrosion

Operative conditions in which drill pipes are used develop continuously. The higher
and higher depths reached by wells require heavier strings, more casings and
consequently involve higher stress.

It is therefore important to know the kinds of simple and combined stresses that drill
pipes undergo.

It is advisable to underline that tool joint and drill pipe body have different
physical and mechanical properties

The tool joint is required to link drill pipes to one another by means of the thread and
to ensure the hydraulic seal by means of the shoulders. The drill pipe, on the other
hand, ensures the hydraulic continuity and transmit rotation to the bit.

Dimensions, make up torque and friction coefficient play a very important role for the
resistance of the drill string in the well. It is also important to remember that drill pipes
are not always new, and therefore to know the features of the drilling pipes used, in
order not to subject them to high loads. This explains the importance of periodical
controls and of a suitable and clear classification system.

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When the drilling pipes rotate in the well are subject to more or less destructive
actions and stresses, such as:

- Actions of corrosion and abrasion.

- Alternate bending due to spontaneous and non spontaneous deviations.

- Traction.

- Torsion due to resistance of bit and friction.

- Difference between internal and external pressure.

- Damage in connection – disconnection – wedging.

Bear in mind that the most dangerous stresses for drill pipes are:

- Traction – Torsion

- Traction – collapse pressure

When a drill string is calculated, the basis is the minimum yield strength of steel. A
certain safety margin, a percentage of the tensile yield strength (10 – 20%) is added
and then the string composition is designed. It is implied that the wider the safety limit
the easier is to face unforeseen difficulties. However if increasing this limit implies
planning the use of higher quality drill pipes, it is logic to foreseen higher costs.

5.0 TENSILE STRENGTH

Let’s consider a drilling pipe string.

- 5” S-135 19,50 lb/ft

- Linear weight with tool joint 32,87 kg/m

Hanging in the air, the maximum length that its weight can bear is 9826 m. This value is
obtained from the tensile yield strength formula.

FeH = R eH xS

Where: ReH = Unit yield strength

FeH = Yield strenght S = section area

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D2 − d 2
= xπ
4

ƒ Feh =135.000 x 5,2746 = 712.070 lb = 323 t

Of which:

323
ƒ x1000 = 9826 m
32,87
This value will be reduced when the heavy drill pipes and the other elements of the drill string
will be added.

Imagining the same string in mud, thanks to the buoyancy factor, the tensile load is reduced
(if the drilling fluid is air, the effect of buoyancy will be very close to zero).

It should be also taken in consideration that the tensile stress is not the only one the drill
pipes undergo. They are also subject to tearing, collapse and torsional stresses. Some of
them are reduced according to the tensile load the drilling string undergoes.

6.0 COLLAPSE STRENGTH

The drill pipes are subject to the most severe collapse stress when used for production tests.
When they are run in without any fluid inside, external pressure can make them collapse.

For this and other reasons linked to the test, when a DST is carried out, as a rule, the drill
pipes inside is filled with a water head of calculated height.

Example: A DST (Drill Stem Test) at 4.000 m with mud having density of 1,8 kg/l,
external pressure at 4.000 m, will exceed 700 bar.

If the drill pipes are worn and thickness is reduced, also the collapse resistance decreases
significantly.

The collapse resistance is given by the following formula:

⎡⎛ D ⎞⎤
⎢ ⎜⎜ − 1⎟⎟ ⎥
⎢ ⎝ sp ⎠⎥
P = 2xR eH x ⎢ 2 ⎥
⎢ ⎛⎜ D ⎞⎟ ⎥
⎢ ⎜ sp ⎟ ⎥
⎣ ⎝ ⎠ ⎦

Where: sp = Drill pipe thickness

P = Pressure

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Reh = Unit yield strength 2 = Coefficient to be used with Anglo-Saxon

D = Drill pipe external measures
diameter 200 = Coefficient to be used with SI measures

GRADE D/sp RATIO

E-75 13,67 or lower

X-95 12,83 or lower
G-105 12,56 or lower
S-135 11,90 or lower

The D/sp ratio determines the applicability of the formula according to the following chart.

For D/sp ratio values different from those presented by the chart, the formula changes in the
following:

⎡⎛ ⎞ ⎤
⎢⎜ 1 ⎟ ⎥
* ⎢⎜
A ⎟
P = R EH − B1 ⎥ − C
⎢⎜ D ⎟ ⎥
⎢⎜ sp ⎟ ⎥
⎣⎝ ⎠ ⎦

GRADE A1 B1 C’ D/sp RATIO

E-75 3.060 0,0642 1.805 Da 13,67 a 23,09

G-105 3.125 0,0745 2.405 Da 12,83 a 21,21

X-95 3.162 0,0795 2.700 Da 12,56 a 20,66

S-135 3.280 0,0945 3.600 Da 11,90 a 19,14

For different D/sp ratio value it is practice to use the formula and factors deducible from the
API RP7G – Appendix A norms.

Example:

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- Drill pipe 3” ½ - S-135 – 15,50 lb/ft

- ReH = 135.000 psi 94,5 kg/mm2

- Sp = 0,449” 11,4 mm

- D = 3,5” 88,9 mm

D 3,5
- Ratio = = 7,8
sp 0,449

- Limit for S-135 = 11,90

⎡⎛ D ⎞⎤
⎢ ⎜⎜ − 1⎟⎟ ⎥
⎢ sp ⎠ ⎥ 7,8 − 1
P = 2xReH x ⎢ ⎝ 2 ⎥
= 2x135000 x = 30180 psi
7,82
⎢ ⎛⎜ D ⎞⎟ ⎥
⎢ ⎜⎝ sp ⎟⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦

⎡⎛ D ⎞⎤
⎢ ⎜⎜ − 1⎟⎟ ⎥ 88,9 − 1
⎢ ⎠ ⎥ = 200 x94,5 x 11,4 = 2112 kg / cm2
P = 200 xReH x ⎢ ⎝
sp
2 ⎥ 2
⎢ ⎛⎜ D ⎞⎟ ⎥ ⎛ 88,9 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎢ ⎜⎝ sp ⎟⎠ ⎥ ⎝ 11,4 ⎠
⎣ ⎦

7.0 BURST STRENGTH

The pump pressure and the hydrostatic head of a fluid within the drilling pipes would make
them burst if this situation were not balanced by the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid within
the annulus.

The formula to calculate the burst pressure is:

sp
P = 2xR eH x
D

Where: sp = drill pipe thickness

P = Pressure 2 = coefficient to be used with Anglo-
Reh = Unit yield strength Saxon measurement
D = Drill pipe external diameter 200 = Coefficient to be used with SI
measurement

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To ensure higher safety, the API norms use a reduction factor = 0,875.

EXAMPLE: DP 5” Degree E 19,50 lb/ft

Reh = 75.000 psi 52,5 kg/cm2

Sp = 0,362” 9,19 mm

D = 52 127 mm

Sp 0,362
P = 2R eh * * 0,875 = 2 * 75.000 * * 0,875 = 9500 psi
D 5

Sp 9,19
P = 200 * R eh * * 0,875 = 200 * 52,5 * * 0,875 = 665 atm
D 127

8.0 TORSION STRENGTH

Torsion depends on the hole conditions, the bit diameter, the weight on the bit and the
ground to drill. It becomes important to consider torsion and combined torsion-tensile stress
above all when drilling big hole diameters at remarkable depth.

The formula to calculate the torsion strength is:

1 1,1534 * J * R eh 0,0961167 * J * R eh
Q= * =
12 D D

Where: D = external diameter (in)

Q = torsion strength (ft*lb) D = internal diameter (in)
1
J = polar inertia momentum (inch4) = 12 = to obtain ft*lb (1 ft = 12”)
Reh = unit yield strength (psi)

=
π
32
( )
* D 4 − d4 = 0,098175 * (D 4 − d4 )

1 1,1534 * J * R eh 0,0011534 * J * R eh
Q= * =
1000 D D

Where: D = mm

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Q = kgm
1
J = mm4 1000
= to obtain Q in kgm
Reh = kg/mm2

EXAMPLE: DP 5” Degree E 19,50 lb/ft

Reh = 75.000 psi 52,5 kg/cm2

d = 4,276” 108,6 mm

D = 5” 127 mm

π
J=
32
( )
* D 4 − d 4 = 0,098175 * (5 4 − d 4 ) = 28,538 in 4

0,0961167 * J * R eh 0,0961167 * 28,538 * 75.000

Q= = = 41.145 ft * lb
D 5

Using metric units of measurement:

J=
π
32
(
* D4 − d
4
) = 0,098175 * (127 4
)
− 108,6 4 = 11.883.800 mm 4

1 1,1534 * J * Reh 0,0011534 * 11.883.800 * 52,5

Q= * = = 5.670 kgm
1000 D 127

9.0 TORSIONAL – TENSILE STRENGTH

For this kind of stress, the API norms use the following formula to determine maximal torsion
at yield limit:

0,0961167 * J P2
Q= * R 2eh − 2 ft*lb
D A

Where: D = external diameter (in)

J = polar moment of inertia (in4) P = tensile load (lb)
Reh=minimum yield strength (psi) A = body section area (in2)

1 1,1134 * J P2
Q= * * R 2eh − 2 kgm
1000 D A

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Where: D = mm

J = mm4 P = kg

Reh = kg/mm2 A = mm2

EXAMPLE: DP 5” Degree E – 19,59 lb/ft

D = 5”

Reh = 75.000 psi

D = 4,276”

J = 28,538 in4

A = 5,2746 in2

P = 200.000 lbs

0,0961167 P2 0,0961167 200.000 2

Q= * R 2eh − 2 = * 75.000 2 * = 35.500 lbs
D A 5 5,2746 2

Using metric units of measurement:

D = 127 mm

d = 108,6 mm

Reh = 52,5 kg/mm2

J = 11.883.800 mm4

A = 3.403 mm2

P = 90.718 kg

0,0011534 * J P 2 0,0011534 * 11.883.800 90.718 2

Q= * R 2eh − 2 = * 5,5 2 − = 4.880 kgm
D A 127 3.403 2

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10.0 ELLIPSE OF COMBINED STRESSES

Compression
& burst

Tension
& burst

Compression
& collapse

Tension
& collapse

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ELLIPSE FOR THE CALCULATION OF COMBINED STRESSES

0,56

EXAMPLE: COMBINED TENSILE-COLLAPSE STRESS IN CUP TESTER.

DATA: DP 5”S-135 19,50# NEW EXTREME PULL = 323 ton

Collapse pressure = 1.103 kgf/cm2

Cup tester 9 5/8” 43,5 – 53,5# Area = 273,56 cm2

Test pressure = 700 kgf/cm2

ACTUAL PULL TO WHICH THE PIPE IS SUBJECTED

700 * 273,56 = 191.492 kg = 191,5 ton

ACTUAL PULL – YIELD STRESS RATE:

191,5
= 0,59
323

The previously shown graphic shows a reduction of the value of collapse resistance of 0,56
(56%). Multiplied by the value of collapse pressure it provides the maximal test pressure

0,56 * 1.103 = 618 kgf/cm2 (MAXIMAL TEST PRESSURE WITH CUP TESTER)

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THE CALCULATION SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CARRY OUT THE

TEST AT 700 kgf/cm2 USING THE CUP TESTER

11.0 DRILL PIPES

Drill pipes are manufactured to work in different conditions, such as: high and low
temperature, strong tensile, torsion, collapse, burst stress, shock, fatigue, corrosion. They
need therefore to have particular mechanical properties. These characteristics are provided
varying the steel degree by means of thermal treatments. The steels used to manufacture
drill pipes are alloys of iron and carbon with the addition of different percentages of:

- manganese

- silicon

- chrome

- molibden

- nickel, etc…

It is impossible to have such alloys without impurities; their content, anyway, must not
exceed the following values: 0,06% of sulphur and 0,045 of phosphorus (API norms).

Drill pipes are manufactured from billets of different kind of steel and different length. The drill
pipe body is produced by hot rolling with “Mannesmann” process.

Rotary tube piercing process

With this process a full round bar is dragged by two double cone-shape rolls which have
skewed axis and rotate in the same direction. It is pierced by a mandrel in correspondence to
the central axis; the result is the pierced pipe.

The manufacturing of the drill pipe body is completed with further hot drawing processes,
obtaining the right internal and external dimensions and the surface finishing.

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The manufacturing process is completed by treatments, such as: definition of the drill pipe
body length internal and external upset, blunting, heat treatments, Inspections and hydraulic
tests, protective coating

11.1 LENGTH RANGES

The drill pipe bodies are manufactured with different length. These measures refer to
the drill pipe body only, upsets included

HERE FOLLOW THE THREE LENGTH RANGES FOR DRILL PIPE BODY
PROVIDED FOR BY THE API NORMS.

RANGE1 5,50 m (18 ft) 6,70 m (22 ft)

RANGE 2 8,23 m (27 ft) 9,15 m (30 ft)
RANGE 3 11,58 m (38 ft) 13,70 m (45 ft)

THE SAIPEM DRILL PIPES, FOR EXAMPLE BELONG TO RANGE 2.

11.2 UPSET

An upset is done at the two ends of the drill pipe body in order to have higher
thickness in the end part and therefore a gradual change in section from drill pipe
body to tool joint

There are three kinds of upsets:

- IU Internal Upset

- EU External Upset

- IEU External-InternaL Upset

The upset dimensions change according to the drill pipe diameter and the steel
grade.

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Saipem S.p.A. for its drill pipes provides for the following upsets:

Drill pipe OD 2 3/8” – 2 7/8” – 3 1/2” EU

Drill pipe OD 5” IEU

11.3 KIND OF DRILL PIPE UPSETS

Drill pipe
Drill pipewith internalupset
with internal upset

Drill pipe with external upset

Drill pipe with internal and external upset

12.0 TOOL JOINT

Unlike the drill pipe body, the tool joints are manufactured using one kind of steel only,
having “Minimum Yeld Strength” of 120.000 psi (84,00 kg/cm2).

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They are manufactured from a steel ingot forged with square section of 20x20 cm having
length variable in the range 2 – 8 m.

It is then heated through 4-5 induction rings at about 1200° C and then cut in certain variable
lengths depending on whether the tool joint is pin or box.

By means of a hammer it is then given octagonal shape.

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From the hammer, it passes under an hydraulic press of about 800 t, that by means of two
punches deliveries the half-finished product. The combined action of first punch and mould
gives the tool joint its external shape. In the mean time it models a cylindrical hole with
diameter of 2” and depth of 2”:

The second punch having diameter of 2” but much longer, enters the hole created by the first
making it deeper and leaving a bottom of 15 mm. The tool joint arriving from the press
undergoes a thermal treatment at about 600° C to gradually relax the stresses occurred
during manufacturing

This treatment is followed by the sandblasting. Its aim is to remove the waist and prepare the
item to the following processing at the machine tool, i.e:

- Centring on the bottom

- Faceting on the base

- Turning for 6-8 cm (shoulder)

- Internal hole at diameter

- Thread (API calibre test)

- Dimensional control

Followed by:

- Thermal treatment

- Oil quenching at 800° C

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- Tempering in furnace at 600-650°C

- Hardness test

- Magnaflux Control

- Copperplating of thread (anticorrosion and anti seizure)

On both pin and box tool joints there are reference signs indicating the maximum amount of
material to remove from the shoulder in case of polishing.

The reference sign is a circle with diameter of 3/16” and a tangent dash, parallel to the tool
joint shoulder. In the new tool joint, the distance between dash and shoulder must be 1/8.

However manufacturer or work shops where tool joints are overhauled can use other
reference sings.

It is good practice not to remove from the shoulder (both pin and box) more than 1/32” of
material each time you polish.

In any case do not remove from the shoulders more than cumulative 1/16” of material.

12.1 Assembly Of Drill Pipe And Tool Joint

The system to assemble the tool joint and the drill pipe body has been remarkably
changed and improved to meet new operative needs (high depth wells,
directionality…) and therefore to censure resistance to higher stresses.

In the past the tool joints were screwed on the drill pipe by means of an hot treatment.
This process has been gradually replaced by the welding of the two parts, carried out
using the following two methods.

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12.1.1 Flash Welding (FW)

In this method the two ends, once taken to a distance from each other of
about 1/32”, are heated to a temperature of 1100°-1200° C by means of an
electric heating element. Reached this temperature, the tool joint is pressed
against the drill pipe body with a sliding of 33 mm obtaining the junction of
the two parts. The burr created by the coupling is then removed.

12.1.2 Friction Welding

This technique (acknowledged by the API norms) consists in blocking the

drill pipe body while the tool joint, centred on a mandrel, rotates at 500
rounds/min. During the rotation the tool joint is pressed on the drill pipe body
with a sliding of about 20 mm.

The two pressed parts develop heat: once the required temperature is
reached, the rotation is stopped and a further sliding of 20 mm is done.

The welding point is bored internally and turned externally, then it undergoes
a tempering heat treatment at about 600° C 10 minutes long. The drill pipe
undergoes then traction test (90% of the yielding), magniflux and ultrasound
control, dimensional control and codification.

Nowadays there is availability of drill pipes produced with 5 different kinds

steel. This enables to use them differently according to the stress foreseen
in the well and the contact with corrosive fluids.

Resistance Of Steels Used For Drill Pipes.

Minimum Minimum
TYPE OF
Yeld strength Yield Strength
STEE
psi kg/mm2
D-55 55.000 38,66
E-75 75.000 52,72
X-95 95.000 66,78
G-105 105.000 73,81
S-135 135.000 94,90

The above presented values regard only the drill pipe body, while all toll
joints are manufactured with stell having Minimum Yield Strength of 120.000
psi (equal to 84,36 kg/mm2).

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12.2 Nomenclature Of The Drill Pipe

SAIPEM IDENTIFICATION OF DRILL PIPE STEEL GRADE (different from API

Norms)

The identification of the steel grade used by Saipem is carried out by means of
grooves on the pin tool joint.

Nom. Weight. Steel grade

∅ lb/ft IDENTIFICATION ON PIN TOOL JOINT

NO
GROOVES
2 3/8” 6,65 D-55

2 3/8” 6,65 E-75 NO

2 7/8” 10,40 E-75 GROOVES

3 1/2” 15,50 E-75 NO

5” 19,50 E-75 GROOVES

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3 1/2” 15,50 G-105 TWO

5” 19,50 G-105 GROOVES
ON THE
DRILL PIPE
BODY SIDE

3 1/2” 13,30 S-135 TWO

3 1/2” 15,50 S-135 GROOVES
5” 19,50 S-135 IN THE
MIDDLE

5” 25,60 S-135 ONE

GROOVE ON
THE DRILL
PIPE BODY

Classification of worn drill pipes

API norms provide for four different classes, according to the different wear degree:

- CLASS 1 NEW

- PREMIUM CLASS

- CLASS 2

- CLASS 3

The belonging of a drill pipe to a certain class depends on the wear extent or the
presence of localized damages that reduce its mechanical resistance characteristics.

For each class, limits of thickness reduction are provided for. It can be caused by
normal wear, corrosion, indentations, fatigue cracks, etc…

The belonging to the different classes is represented by coloured bands near the pin
tool joint and engraving on the bell at 35° on the tool joint itself.

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CLASS 1 NEW

No wear and nominal dimensions.

1 White Band No punch

PREMIUM CLASS

wear of body not exceeding 20% of nominal thickness

2 White Bands 1 burin

CLASS 2

wear of body not exceeding 30% of nominal thickness

1 Yellow Band 2 burins

CLASSE 3

any defect or deformation exceeding class 2

1 Orange Band 3 burins

SCRAP

drill pipes with cracks on their body are identified by 1 red band.

they are to be considered as unusable

1 Red Band 5 burins

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Saipem drill rigs use Premium class drill pipes for medium-high depth. Class 2 are
used for shallow depth, while Class 3 drill pipes are considered unusable.

12.3 Classification Of The Tool Joint

As for the drill pipe body, API norms provide for wear limits and classes also for the
tool joint. The wear control is carried out taking into consideration the diameter and
thickness reduction of the box tool joint.

In case of uniform wear on the whole external circumference, survey of the box tool
joint external diameter is done at 1” from the base.

In case of eccentric wear, the thickness on tool joint shoulder (possible bevel at 45°
included) is surveyed

PLEASE NOTE: By eccentric wear, it is meant the wear concentrated on one part
only. The external section remains circular, but its centre is shifted with respect to the
centre of the internal circular section.

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IN ANY CASE THE CLASSIFICATION OF TOOL JOINTS CONSIDERS THE

HIGHEST WEAR VALUE (external diameter or thickness).

CONDITIONS OF THE TOOL JOINT

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In case the drill pipe body has been classified differently than its tool joints, the
classification of the drill pipe on its whole shall consider the lowest class.

EXAMPLE:

2 White bands, 1 centre punch

= drill pipe body Premium class
1 Orange band
= tool joint class 3

2 White bands, 1 centre punch

= tool joint Premium class

CLASS 3 IS GIVEN TO THE DRILLPIPE:

NOT AVAILABLE

THEREFORE, IT IS ONLY IDENTIFIED WITH AN ORANGE BAND ON THE BODY

The wear of the tool joint implies a reduction of the makeup torque with respect the values of the new joint.
The following chart provides the dimensions of tool joint of all the drill pipes currently used in Saipem, the minimum
dimensions accepted for tool joints for the classes new, Premium and class 2, and the relevant makeup torques.

NOTE: The following values of makeup torques refer to the use of a thread dope containing 40% -
60% of zinc powder (Jet Lube Z-50).

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13.0 NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS ON TUBULAR GOODS

There are numerous methods to determine the belonging class of a drill pipe:

VISUAL INSPECTION: control of the drill pipe body to find deformations, macroscopic
cracks or deep indentations in the wedge area, excessive wear of the tool joint, dents on the
bases, damaged threads or rappage of the box tool joint, etc…

MAGNAFLUX: (magnetic induction). This kind of test enables to find external surface
cracks and also subsurface discontinuities at medium depth.

PENETRANT LIQUIDS: They enable to identify discontinuities having an outlet to the

surface. Unlike the MAGNAFLUX method, with penetrant liquids it is possible to survey
discontinuities (cracks) also at high depth only if they have an outlet on the surface.

ULTRASUONDS AND GAMMA RAY: These non-destructive test methods are very
effective. They are able to survey not only the presence of discontinuities inside the drill pipe,
but also its position and extent. They also enable to verify the thickness and transversal
section of the drill pipe.

NOTE: it is advisable to carry out the controls on the tool joint first and then on the drill pipe
body, being the tool joint the part most subject to wear.

13.2 Final Observations

After the control on the drill pipe body and the tool joint, the drill pipe is classified
considering the highest wear value. Whether this value is recorded on the tool joint or
the drill pipe body is not taken into consideration.

The recognition signs can be different, it depends on who carries out the controls.

Service companies (Tuboscope, Vetco; ecc.) conform to API Norms using coloured
bands on the drill pipe body, pin tool joint side, and burins on the bell at 35° of the tool
joint itself.

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EXAMPLE: Premium Class

2 White Bands 1 burin

When controls are carried out by Saipem S.p.A., classification is done stamping one
of these letters on the bell at 35 °:

A = Premium

B = Classe 2

S = Scarta

EXAMPLE: Premium Class

2 White Bands “A”

14.0 “HEAVY WEIGHT” DRILL PIPES

The Heavy Weight are semi heavy drill pipes: something between drill pipes and drill collars.

They have similar configuration to normal drill pipes, however the tool joints are much longer
and have a upset in the centre of the body, working as stabilizer.

Both the tool joints and the centre upset are protected from wear by hardfacing bands

The HWDP used by Saipem S.p.A. are manufactured from steel having “MINIMUM YELD
STRENGTH” of 55.000 psi and with two different diameters:

- External diameter 3 1/2” 26 lb/ft Range 2

- External diameter 5” 59 lb/ft Range 2

In the drill string, they are normally put between the drill pipes and the drill collars to connect
the flexibility of the drill pipes and the stiffness of the drill collars, reducing the fatigue stress
acting on the drill pipes just above the DC.

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The Heavy Weight are designed to work also in compression: their positioning above the DC
enables the compensation of the shifting of the neutral point.

During normal drilling their function is providing weight to the bit, when the well conditions
require fewer DC and in directional wells characterized by high dip, they can be used instead
of DC.

HWDP must work in tension when used in holes with high diameter. To work with in
compression, the hole diameter must not be higher than 4” with respect to the external
diameter of the tool joint.

Field experiences have shown that excessive bend, in high diameter wells, damages the
HWDP

D.P. body nominal diameter

A = tool joint external diameter

B=A+4

(Maximal hole diameter enabling HWDP to

work in compression)

HEAVY WEIGHTS OD 3 1/2”

4 3/4” + 4” = 8 3/4”

HEVI WATES OD 5”
6 1/2” + 4” = 10 1/2”

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14.1 WEAR

HWDP, unlike normal drill pipes are not classified according to their wear degree.
Instead, maximum limits of wear are provided for both for tool joint and central upset.
More precisely:

14.1.1 Tool Joint

If wear is uniform on the whole circumference, a reduction up to a 3/8” (9,52

mm) with respect to the original external diameter is allowed.

If wear is eccentric, a reduction of 3/16” (4,7 mm) in any point of the

circumference.

14.1.2 Central Upset

In any point of the circumference, the different between drill pipe body and
upset must not go beneath 1/8” (3,175 mm).

In a new drill pipe the difference is 1/4” (6,35 mm)

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The following charts show dimensional data and mechanical characteristics

of the HWDP (Drilco) used in Saipem S.p.A.

14.2 Dimensional Data

Nominal Internal Nomilal Weight External Φ Internal Φ External Φ Internal Iron Total
Diameter Diameter Weight with tool with with of central capacity Dimensions dimensions
joint tool joint tool joint upset
inch inch lb/ft kg/m inch inch inch l/m l/m l/m
mm mm mm mm mm
3 1/2” 2 1/16” 26 37,7 4 3/4” 2 3/16 4” 2,19 4,81 7,00
88,9 52,4 120,6 55,6 101,6
5” 3” 50 74,4 6 1/2” 3 1/8” 5 1/2” 4,56 9,48 14,04
127 76,2 165,1 79,4 139,7

DRILL PIPE BODY TOOL JOINT

DRILL MECHANICAL External Internal MECHANICAL M.UP (*)
PIPE FEATURES JOINT ∅ ∅ FEATURES TORQUE. D.P
kgm WEIGHT
Traction Torsion inch inch Traction Torsion
t kgm t kgm kg/m
3 1/2” 156 2707 NC 38 (3 1/2 IF) 2 4 3/4” 339 2430 1368 37,7
13/16”
5” 313 7813 NC 50 (4 1/2 IF) 6 1/2” 3 1/8 589 6415 4050 74,4
(*)AVERAGE UNIT WEIGHT TOLL JOINTS AND CENTRE UPSET INCLUDED

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15.0 HEAVY DRILL PIPES (DRILL COLLARS; DC)

The DC are manufactured from a solid bar, externally turned, internally bored and thread at
its ends..

15.1 EXTERNAL CONFIGURATION

They are produced in a wide range of internal and external dimensions. External
measures range from a minimum external diameter of 2 7/8” to a maximum external
diameter of 14”. Internal dimensions range from 1” to 3 1/4”.

The API norms provide for steel having MINIMUM YEDL STRENGHT ofi 100.000 –
110.000 psi (70 – 77 kg/cm2) of the DC, more precisely:

110.000 psi for DC from ∅ 3 1/2” to 6 7/8”

100.000 psi for DC with ∅ higher than 6 7/8”

DRILL COLLAR WITH RECESSES

They are normal DC recently introduced to eliminate the use of the safety clamp and
the lifting sub during trips, and consequently save time. For the lifting a special
equipment consisting of a chair elevator closing on the upper recess of the DC, two
links and an adapter to hook the drill pipes to the elevator is used

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Note: The drill collars are bought with the

upper part (Box Cut) longer (28” instead of 20”)
in order to increase the number of subsequent
rifilettature.

20” 16” 3” 3” 18” 3”

OUTSIDE
DIAMETER

MEASURES OF RECESSES

DC EXTERNAL RECESS FOR LIFT RECESS FOR WEDGE “B”(*)

DIAMETER (inch): “A”(*)
mm in mm in
FROM 4” TO 4 5/8” 5,6 7/32” 4,8 3/16”
FROM 4 3/4” TO 5 5/8” 6,4 1/4” 4,8 3/16”
FROM 5 3/4” TO 6 5/8” 7,9 5/16” 6,4 1/4”
FROM 6 3/4” TO 8 5/8” 9,5 3/8” 6,4 1/4”
FROM 8 3/4” TO 14” 11,0 7/16” 6,4 1/4”
(*) “A” and “B” values taken on the basis of nominal external diameter of the drill collar.

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15.2 SPIRAL DRILL COLLAR (No-Wall stick):

They are special drill collars with three helicoidal grooves on the body. Aim of the
grooves is to reduce the chance of sticking reducing the surface of the drill collar in
contact with the hole walls.

Spiral Drill Collars

Collar Depth of
Pitch
Diameter Cut
Up to 3 7/8 5/32 36
4 - 4 3/8 3/16 36
4 1/2 - 5 1/8 7/32 38
5 1/4 - 5 3/4 1/4 42
5 7/8 - 6 3/8 9/32 42
6 1/2 - 7 5/16 46
7 1/8 - 7 3/8 7/32 64
NOTE: Linear weight of DC with
7 1/2 - 7 5/8 1/4 64
helicoidal grooves is considered to be 7 3/4 - 7 7/8 9/32 64
about 4% lower than the linear weight of 8 - 8 7/8 5/16 68
cylindrical DC having the same 9 - 9 7/8 11/32 72
10 - 10 7/8 11/32 76
diameter.
11 - 12 11/32 80

The actual trend is to use DC with helicoidal grooves more and more. Beside using
new material with these characteristics, grooves are often done on cylindrical material
already used.

JOINTS

Weakest points of DC are joints. The fatigue to which the drill pipe is subject during
drilling, makes them most subject to cracks.

Unlike the drill pipes, dimensioned by torsion, the drill collars are dimesioned by
flexure, since they work in compression.

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CRACK
FORMATION ZONE

To improve the joint resistance, different connection configuration (Api Stress Relief
Groove,

Drilco Bore Back) And particular measures during manufacturing (threads cold rolling
and anti-gall protection) have been introduced.

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15.3 STRESS RELIEF GROOVES

It consists of grooves at the base of the male and at the end of the female thread.
Their function is making the joint more flexible and therefore reduce the concentration
of stress and the possibility of cracks.

15.4 DRILCO BORE BACK

It is a different internal configuration of the female joint. It consists of a more gradual

passage from the female thread end to the DC internal diameter section. As a
consequence, stress and fatigue are reduced in the end part of the female thread,
being distributed on a larger surface.

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The female thread end is covered by

the male, reducing the chance of Smooth surfaces allowing
corrosion due to drill muds. higher bending loads without
fatigue damage

Gradual diameter
reduction.

Cold Rolled Thread Roots

DC joint life can be improved pre compressing the thread chase with cold rolling. It
consists in pre-compression of steel fibres by means of a roll hydraulically loaded at
about 2700 kg (6000 lbs). It is made rolling along the thread chase. The fibres
undergoing this treatment remain in compression. The consequence is higher
resistance against fatigue cracks formation.

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Anti-gall protection

The anti-gall protection is a coating normally made of zinc and manganese

phosphate, obtained dipping the joint in a high temperature solution
(PHOSPHATIZING): with this treatment the thread and the base gain opaque aspects
and rough surface.

Roughness is an anti-wear and anti-seizure elements. It is in fact capable to hold the

thread dope during screwing and torqueing avoiding the direct metal - metal contact.

Nowadays all drill collars undergo cold rolling and phosphatizing both at the
manufacturer’s and in work offices doing further threading

.
15.5 CONTROLS

Visual controls of the conditions of threads, bases and rappages of females (if any)
must be constantly carried out by the drill crew. .

Magnaflux controls on threads are also periodically carried out.

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Little damages to bases and threads can be repaired in the work site. Major damages
imply the new thread of the joint and therefore a shortening of the DC.

In drill collars with recesses also the conditions of contact surface of lift and DC and
the wear state of recesses must be kept under control.

The recess wear is considerably limited with the insertion of tungsten carbide bands
by means of electrical seam welding. (HARDFACING)

15.6 Use precautions:

The precautions to be adopted in the use of drill collars aim mainly at avoiding
damages to bases and threads and can be summed up as follows:

1. Protect joints with special thread protectors during handling, assembly and
doubling.

2. Screwing and unscrewing of DC must be done with bull tongs. Using the rotary
table damages the thread.

3. Carefully lubricate the joints with a thread dope containing 40 – 60% of metal
zinc powder.

4. Use the right makeup torque.

5. Control threads and bases of the unscrewed joints during the extraction. It is
advisable to unscrew different joints at each operation, in order to keep under
control all the joints of the drill collar string.

6. when a new or re-threaded drill collar is put for the first time in the string, you
must proceed as follows (RUNNING IN):

a. Remove the protective grease (wash and dry)

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b. Put on new thread dope (40 – 60% of zinc powder) on threads and
shoulder

c. Screw the joint to the base with a bull tong

d. Unscrew with a bull tong

e. Remove the grease (wash and dry)

f. Put on new thread dope

g. Screw with bull tong

h. Tighten up the joints with the right makeup torque.

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