Recommended Practice: Drilling BHA: General Assembly Page 1 of 3

Alaska Drilling and Wells

Recommended Practice: Drilling BHA: General Assembly

Authority: CTD Manager Custodian: Drilling Representative

Document
Drilling and Wells
Drilling and Wells – CTD Control
Scope: Document Control
Operations Administrator
Specialist
:
Issue Date: December 1997 Issuing Dept: Drilling and Wells
Revision Date: June 01, 2002 Control Tier: Tier 4
Next Review Date: June 01, 2005

1.0 Purpose/Scope
CTD open hole drilling assemblies have been standardized. Numerous service companies
provide a range of components. However, the general BHA configurations remain similar.
BHA assemblies fall into the two categories of slim hole (2” coil with 2-3/8” BHA components)
and big hole (2-3/8” coil with 3-1/8” components)

2.0 Definitions
N/A

3.0 General Requirements

N/A

4.0 Key Responsibilities

N/A

5.0 Procedure/Process

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Big Hole Drilling Assembly

The drilling BHA used for drilling on 2-3/8” coil is configured as follows:

 Coil Connector
 Non-Rotating Joint
 Dual Check Valve
 Hydraulic Disconnect (15/16” ball)
 Circulation Sub (13/16” ball)
 Orienter
 Directional/Gamma Ray MWD
 Equalizing Sub
 2-7/8” Adjustable Bend Motor
 Bit

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 06/01/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00017-4 Print Date: 06/01/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: Drilling BHA: General Assembly Page 2 of 3

This BHA is used for 3-3/4” holes as well as 4-1/2” holes. The overall length of the assembly is
about 60’, with a maximum OD of 3-1/4”.

The motor head assembly consisting of the check valves, hydraulic disconnect, and circulation
sub, are maintained, rebuilt, and tested on location. The position of the non-rotating joint can
vary as required The coil connector is a “dimple” type that is secured to the coil with set screws.
It is typically replaced once or twice during a well, but should be checked every trip for any
signs of leakage or slippage. Each time the coil connector is replaced, a pull test and pressure
test should be performed. Similarly, it is a good practice to pull and pressure test the motor head
assembly prior to each run. The non-rotating joint’s sole purpose is for making-up the BHA to
the coil which cannot be rotated The hydraulic disconnect is usually pinned high (about 5000
psi) and a separate pumping unit is required for disconnecting. The circulation sub is a “one-
shot” opening device (once the circ ports are open, they cannot be closed with subsequent balls).

Slim Hole Drilling Assembly

The drilling BHA used for drilling on 2” coil is configured as follows:

 Coil Connector
 Dual Check Valve
 Hydraulic Disconnect (15/16” ball)
 Circulation Sub (13/16” ball)
 Flex Joint
 Orienter
 Directional/Gamma Ray MWD
 Equalizing Sub
 2-3/8” Adjustable Bend Motor
 Bit

This BHA is used for 3” holes typically drilled with 2.7” x 3.0” bi-center bits. The overall length
of the assembly is about 60’, with a maximum OD of 2.4”.

The motor head assembly consisting of the check valves, hydraulic disconnect, and circulation
sub, are supplied by Baker. A non-rotating joint is not used as the BHA can be easily rotated at
the rig floor. The coil connector is a weld on style and is not prone to leakage. The slim motor
head assembly is somewhat more prone to leakage and fatigue. It is a good practice to pull and
pressure test the motor head assembly prior to each run. The entire assembly should be replaced
after every three to four runs. The hydraulic disconnect is usually pinned high (about 4500-
5000 psi) and a separate pumping unit is normally required for disconnecting. The circulation
sub is a one cycle opening device (once the circ ports are open, they cannot be closed with
subsequent balls).

The equalizing sub is used to permit pressure trapped above the mud motor to bleed off. This
improves orienter performance. The sub contains an orifice or nozzle which can erode with
usage. It should be inspected on each trip.

6.0 Key Documents/Tools/References

N/A

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 06/01/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00017-4 Print Date: 06/01/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: Drilling BHA: General Assembly Page 3 of 3

Revision Log
Revision Date Approving Custodian/ Revision Details
Authority Author
December 1997 Original Issue
March 31, 1999 Drilling Manager John McMullen Updated to reflect current practices
June 01, 2002 Mark Stanley Gary Goodrich Updated to reflect current practices
<< Revision date >> << Approving << Author’s << Brief Description of Revision
Authority’s Name >> Name >> >>
(or, see attached e-mail )
Approving Authority signature Date

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 06/01/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00017-4 Print Date: 06/01/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems