Davorin Matanovi

Drilling The drill stem

The drill
stem
By the definition of
American
Petroleum
Institute
(API)
and
International Association
of Drilling Contractors
(IADC), drill stem consists
of all members in the
assembly used for drilling
by rotary method.

Drill
collars
Drill collars are heavy,
thick-walled steel pipes
with threaded connections
on both ends.
On one end is the pin with
external thread on the
cone male.
On the other end is the
box with internal thread
female.

a)
a) standard
b) square
c) spiraled

b)

C)

Drill collars
Standard drill collars are round and about 9
meters long (drill collars up to 355,6 mm (14)
are available in lengths of up to 7,62 m).
Spiraled drill collars are often used in small
diameter holes and directional drilling to
prevent differential sticking in the hole.
Spiral groves enable mud circulation all the
time.

Drill collars
Squared drill collars are used in straight-hole drilling,
and enable use of minimal clearance in packed-hole
assembly.
Contact zones are hardened with tungsten carbides
of great hardness to reduce wear.
Fluid passes around flat sides of the collar.
They help to keep the hole on course without rapid
deviations.
Available are box-pin, box-box thread connections.
Apart from standard length of 9,14 m (30 ft) , 4,57
(15 ft) and 6,1 m (20 ft) are available, too.

BEVEL
LENGTH DIAMETER

BORE
OUTSIDE (+1,6 mm;
DRILL COLLAR DIAMETER -0 mm) ( 0,15 m)
mm
mm
m
D
d
L

Drill collars
according to API
recommendations

( 0,4 mm)
mm
DF

BENDING
STRENGTH
RATIO

NC23-31

79,4

31,8

9,1

76,2

2,57:1

NC26-35 (2 3/8IF)

88,9

38,1

9,1

82,9

2,42:1

NC31-41 (2 7/8IF)

104,8

50,8

9,1

100,4

2,43:1

NC35-47

120,7

50,8

9,1

114,7

2,58:1

NC38-50 (3 1/2IF)

127,0

57,2

9,1

121,0

2,38:1

NC44-60

152,4

57,2

9,1 ili 9,4

144,5

2,49:1

NC44-60

152,4

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

144,5

2,84:1

NC44-62

158,8

57,2

9,1 ili 9,4

149,2

2,91:1

NC46-62 (4IF)

158,8

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

150,0

2,63:1

NC46-65 (4IF)

165,1

57,2

9,1 ili 9,4

154,8

2,76:1

NC46-65

165,1

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

154,8

3,05:1

NC46-67 (4IF)

171,5

57,2

9,1 ili 9,4

159,5

3,18:1

NC50-70 (4 1/2IF)

177,8

57,2

9,1 ili 9,4

164,7

2,54:1

NC50-70 (4 1/2IF)

177,8

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

164,7

2,73:1

NC50-72 (4 1/2IF)

184,2

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

169,5

3,12:1

NC56-77

196,9

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

185,3

2,70:1

NC56-80

203,2

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

190,1

3,02:1

6 5/8REG

209,6

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

195,7

2,93:1

NC61-90

228,6

71,4

9,1 ili 9,4

212,7

3,17:1

7 5/8REG

241,3

76,2

9,1 ili 9,4

223,8

2,81:1

NC70-97

247,7

76,2

9,1 ili 9,4

232,6

2,57:1

NC70-100
NC77-110

254,0
279,4

76,2
76,2

9,1 ili 9,4

9,1 ili 9,4

237,3
260,7

2,81:1
2,78:1

Drill collars

Standard designation shall be stamped on the drill

collar OD with the manufacturers name or identifying
mark, Spec 7, outside diameter, bore, and
connection designation. (NC style connections and FH
and IF sizes in parenthesis are identical if made with
the V-0,038R thread form)

A 6 collar with 2 13/16 bore and NC46 connections shall be

stamped:
Co (or mark)
NC46-62 (4IF)
2 13/16
SPEC 7

Drill collars with OD 209,6 i 241,3 mm have 6 5/8

REG i 7 5/8 REG connections, because there are no NC
connections with adequate bending strength ratio.

The most important is the balance of male and

female connection, where bending strength of female
part has to be at least 2,5 times greater than that of
male part.

Mechanical properties of new

steel drill collars
ELONGATION

DRILL COLLAR OD
RANGE

MINIMUM
YIELD
STRENGTH

MINIMUM
TENSILE
STRENGTH

(WITH GAUGE LENGTH

FOUR TIMES DIAMETER)

mm (in)

MPa

MPa

758

965

13

689

931

13

79,4 do 174,6
(3 1/2 do 6 7/8)
177,8 do 279,4
(7 do 11)

Tensile properties shall be determined to the requirement of

ASTM A-370.
Tensile specimens shall be taken within o,9 m of the end of the
drill collar, having the centerline of the tensile specimen 25 mm
from the outside surface or mid wall.
All drill collar bores shall be gauged with a drift mandrel 3,05 m
(10 ft) long minimum. The drift mandrel is smaller of bore diameter
for 3,2 mm (1/8).

INNER DIAMETER, m m (in)

OD

Drill
collar
weights

25,4

33,8

38,1

44,5

50,8

57,2

63,5

71,4

76,2

82,6

88,9

99,3

101.6

m m (in)

(1)

(1 1/4)

(1 1/2)

(1 3/4)

(2)

(2 1/4)

(2 1/2)

(2 4/5)

(3)

(3 1/4)

(3 1/2)

(3 3/4)

(4)

73,0 (2 7/8)

28,9

26,7

23,9

76,1 (3)

31,8

29,6

26,9

79,4 (3 1/8)

34,8

32,6

29,9

82,6 (3 1/4)

38

35,8

33

88,9 (3 1/2)

44,8

42,5

38,8

95,3 (3 3/4)

52

49,7

47

43,8

101,6 (4)

59,7

57,4

54,7

51,5

47,7

43,5

104,8 (4 1/8)

63,7

61,5

58,7

55,5

51,8

47,6

108,0 (4 1/4)

67,9

65,6

62,9

59,7

56,9

51,7

114,3 (4 1/2)

76,7

74,3

71,6

68,4

64,6

60,4

120,7 (4 3/4)

85,8

83,5

80,8

77,6

73,8

69,6

127,0 (5)

95,5

90,5

87,3

83,5

79,3

74,6

133,4 (5 1/4)
139,7 (5 1/2)

105,7
116,4

100,7
111,4

97,5
108,1

93,7
104,4

89,5
100,2

84,8
95,5

78,2
88,9

73,8
84,5

146,1 (5 3/4)

127,5

122,6

119,3

115,6

111,4

106,7

100,1

95,7

89,5

87,3

152,4 (6)

139,2

134,3

131,0

127,3

123,1

118,3

111,7

107,4

101,2

94,5

158,8 (6 1/4)

151,4

146,4

143,2

139,5

135,2

130,5

123,9

119,6

113,4

106,7

99,4

165,1 (6 1/2)

164,1

159,1

155,9

152,2

147,9

143,2

136,6

132,3

126,0

119,3

112,1

171,5 (6 3/4)

177,3

172,3

169,1

165,3

161,1

156,4

149,8

145,4

139,2

132,5

125,3

117,6

177,8 (7)

190,9

186,0

182,7

179,0

174,8

170,0

163,4

159,1

152,9

146,2

139,0

131,3

184,2 (7 1/4)

205,1

200,1

196,9

193,2

188,9

184,2

177,6

173,3

167,1

160,4

153,1

145,4

190,5 (7 1/2)

219,8

214,8

211,6

207,8

203,6

198,9

192,3

187,9

181,7

175,0

167,8

160,1

196,9 (7 3/4)

234,9

230,0

226,7

223,0

218,8

214,1

207,4

203,1

196,9

190,2

183,0

175,3

203,2 (8)

250,6

245,6

242,4

238,7

234,4

229,7

223,1

218,8

212,6

205,8

198,6

190,9

209,6 (8 1/4)

266,8

261,8

258,6

254,8

250,6

245,9

239,3

234,9

228,7

222,0

214,8

207,1

215,9 (8 1/2)

283,4

278,4

275,2

271,5

267,3

262,5

255,9

251,6

245,4

238,7

231,5

223,8

235,0 (9 1/4)

336,4

323,2

324,4

320,2

315,5

308,9

304,5

298,3

291,6

284,4

276,7

241,3 (9 1/2)

355,0

346,8

343,1

338,9

334,1

327,5

323,2

317,0

310,3

303,1

295,3

247,7 (9 3/4)

374,2

366,0

363,2

358,0

353,3

346,7

342,3

336,1

329,4

322,2

314,5

254,0 (10)

393,8

381,9

377,6

372,9

366,3

362,0

355,8

349,0

341,8

334,1

279,4 (11)

477,3

456,4

449,8

445,5

439,3

432,6

425,4

417,7

304,8 (12)

568,8

547,9

541,3

537,0

530,8

524,1

516,9

509,1

355,6 (14)

775,6

748,2

743,8

737,6

730,9

723,7

716,0

64,9

 A string of drill collars performs several

tasks:
provides weight on bit for drilling,
maintains weight to keep the drill string
from being subjected to buckling forces,
helps to provide the pendulum effect to
cause the bit to drill a more nearly vertical
hole,
stabilize the bit so that it will drill i desired
direction

Weight on the bit

The amount of weight required
on the bit depends on the kind
of formation being drilled, the
kind of the bit, the tendency of
the hole to deviate from vertical
and other parameters.
In practice it was proven that it
is necessary to use such amount
of drill collars to achieve that
with full bit load, drill pipes
remain straight.
Usually 10 do 30% greater
amount than calculated is used.
The buoyancy effect must be
considered, too.

Holding the drill pipe straight

Drill collar weight must be calculated to
include enough reserve so that the drill
pipe is never subjected to buckling force.
When drill pipe is subjected to buckling, it
bends and becomes subject to increased
metal fatigue failure.
Because of the wear, the pipe body wears
rapidly near the center , and tool joints
wear due abrasion on the wall of the hole.

Pendulum effect
Pendulum effect is defined as
the tendency of the pipes in
string to hang in a vertical
position due to gravitational
force.
Heavier pipes have greater
tendency to remain vertical, and
greater force is needed to
decline them.
The bit and drill collars tend to
lie on the low side of the hole,
all the way to the first stabilizer.
Because of that it is desirable to
have the pendulum as long as
possible.

ONE OR MORE
STABILIZER
STABILIZER

PENDULUM

FORCE DUE
PENDULUM
EFFECT

GRAVITATION

Bit stabilization
Bit stabilization secures drilling
of a vertical hole with optimal
bit function, because the bit is
rotating around own axis.
That restrains bit whirling and
all of cutting elements are
equally weighted.
When bit is not stabilized
greater hole diameter is drilled,
and hole area is not circular.
Than the bit wears rapidly and
drilling rates are smaller.

DRILL CILLAR
CONNECTION

Drill collars
connections
stress
relief

DISTANCE FROM
CONJUNCTIVE SHOULDER

CONNECTION DIAMETER IN
THREAD ROOT

(tolerance +0, -3,2 mm)

(tolerance +0, -0,8 mm)

Lx

DRG

NC 35

85,7

82,2

NC 38 (3 1/2 IF)

92,1

89,3

NC 40 (4 FH)

104,8

96

NC 44

104,8

106,4

NC 46 (4 IF)

104,8

109,9

NC 50 (4 1/2 IF)

104,8

120,7

NC 56

117,5

134,5

NC 61

130,2

148,8

NC 70

142,9

171,1
188,5

NC 77

155,6

4 1/2 FH

92,1

106,8

5 1/2 REG

111,1

123,4

6 5/8 REG

117,5

137,7

7 5/8 REG

123,8

162,7

EXTERNAL
DIAMETER,
mm
>65,3 to 88,9
>88,9 to
114,3
>114,3 to
139,7
>139,7 to
165,1
>165,1 to
209,6
>209,6 to
241,3
>241,3

TOLERANCE, mm
+
1,2

OVALITY
0,89

1,6

1,17

2,0

1,47

3,2

1,78

4,0

2,16

4,8

2,54

6,4

3,05

Drill collar calibration is done

by use of calibrating mandrel
about 3 meter long with
minimal diameter smaller than
collar bore for 3,2 mm.
Variations of external diameter
are allowed.
Allowed tolerances are given in
table.
Ovality is defined as the
difference between minimal
and
maximal
diameter
measured on same section of
the pipe and does not include
any tolerances because of
surface treatments.

Surface imperfections removal

Outer drill collar
surface can differ of
straightness at most
0,52 mm/m of the
total length.
That means that
overall difference for
a drill collar of 9,1 m
length can be
maximal 4,74 mm.

EXTERNAL
DIAMETER,
mm
>65,3 to 88,9
>88,9 to 114,3
>114,3 to 139,7
>139,7 to 165,1
>165,1 to 209,6
>209,6 to 241,3
>241,3

MAKSIMAL
HEIGHT OF
REMOWED
IMPERFECTION,
mm
1,83
2,29
2,79
3,18
3,94
5,16
12,19

Elevator and slips recesses

Recess fabrication reduces time
needed for collar manipulation,
because it excludes the need for
drill collar subs or safety clamps.
Extra attention is put on recess
workup and heat treatment
because of stress concentration
and possible cracks.
Use in practice had shoved
greater danger of damaging
(fracture).

Spiraled drill collars

Spiraled drill collar has great role
in preventing differential sticking,
because when used it decrease
contact area between the collar
and hole wall.
Minimal distance of recess from
the box (female connection) is
457,2 mm (18), and maximal
609,6 mm (24).
Recess distance from the pin
(male connection) is from 304,8
(12) to 558,8 mm (22).
Recess fabrication lowers the
weight of drill collar for about
4%.

DIAMETER
(m m )

RECESS
(m m )

NUMBER

DIRRECTION

STEP
(m m )

79,4-98,4

3,970,79

RIGHT

914,425,4

101,6-111,1 4,760,79

RIGHT

914,425,4

114,3-130,2 5,560,79

RIGHT

965,225,4

133,4-146,1 6,350,79

RIGHT

1066,825,4

149,2-161,9 7,141,59

RIGHT

1066,825,4

165,1-174,6 7,941,59

RIGHT

1168,425,4

RIGHT

1652,625,4

177,8

7,941,59

Squared drill
collars
For more effective bit
stabilization, squared drill collars
can be used.
In directional drilling it is usual to
incorporate short squared drill
collars on both ends of standard
collar to enable passage through
deviated part of the hole.
When drilling in soft formations
they are placed inside drill string
to increase the length of rigid
part of the string and preclude
rapid change of hole inclination.

Lifting subs
Drill collars without
slips or elevator
recess can be
handled using such
subs.

 Because of possible different threads

on collar connections even when OD
is similar, it is important to check the
tread before making up connections.

New threads are made up and disengaged at

least twice with manual tongs before the use of
catheads or torque wrench is allowed.
Final torque moment must be realized with
torque system that enables control of applied
values.
For drill collars with no elevator recess the use
of special bushing with slips is obligatory.
It serves to prevent the slippage of drill collars
when suspended in the slips of rotary table at
the
time
of
making
connections
or
disconnecting.

Inspection
API RP 7G, section 10, gives
recommendations for drill collar inspection.
They first have to be visually inspected to
determine obvious damage and overall
condition.
After that the ID and OD of both ends should
be measured, box and pin threads cleaned
and inspected for cracks by magnetic
method or ultrasonic.

Inspection
A profile gauge should be used for checking
thread form and stretching.
The box counter bore diameter is checked
for swelling, and the box and pin shoulders
for flatness and for damage.
Slight damages may be repaired in the field
by re facing and beveling; other must be
repaired in a machine shop.

Drill pipe
Drill pipe is steel or aluminum made pipe that
serves to transmit rotation and transports the
drilling fluid from the surface equipment to the bit
at the bottom of the hole.
Drill pipe outer diameter (OD) can be from 60,3
mm (2 3/8) to 168,3 mm (6 5/8). According to
length drill pipes are divided in three groups:
class 1: from 5,49 m to 6,71 m (18 to 22 ft)

(obsolete, out of use),

class 2: from 8,23 m to 9,14 m (27 to 30 ft),
class 3: from 11,58 m to 13,72 m (38 to 45 ft).

The most often in the use is class 2. Pipe length

does not include connections that are fitted on both
sides of the pipe.

Materials (steels) for drill pipe

production and their properties
PROPERTIES

UNIT

MATERIAL GRADE
*

X95

G105

S135

MINIMAL

MPa

379,2

517,1

655,0

724,0

930,8

YIELD POINT

psi

55000

75000

95000

105000

135000

MAXIMAL

MPa

724,0

861,9

930,8

1137,7

YIELD POINT

psi

105000

125000

135000

165000

MINIMAL TENSILE STRENGTH

MPa

655,0

689,5

758,5

792,9

999,8

psi

95000

100000

110000

115000

145000

MINIMAL ELONGATION, L=50,8 mm,

2
Au=483,87 mm

19,5

18,5

17

16

13,5

MEDIAN

MPa

448,2

586,1

758,5

827,4

999,8

YIELD STRENGTH (API RP7G)

psi

65000

85000

110000

120000

145000

EXTERNAL DIAMETER
(D)

Drill pipe
dimensions

(w )
kg/m

STEEL
GRADE

WALL
THICKNESS
(t)
mm

UPSET*

inch

mm

(w )
kg/m

2,375

60,30

7,22

6,60

D, E

4,83

EU

9,90

9,32

E, X, G, S

7,11

EU

9,18

5,51

IU ili EU

2,875

73,00

10,21
15,48

14,48

E, X, G, S

9,19

IU ili EU

3,5

88,90

14,14

13,12

6,45

IU ili EU

19,79

18,34

E, X, G, S

9,35

IU ili EU

23,06

21,79

E,

11,40

IU ili EU

23,06

21,79

E, X, G, S

11,40

IEU ili EU

4
4,5

*EU external upset

IU internal upset
IEU internal and
external upset

NOMINAL
WEIGHT

NOMINAL
WEIGHT
WITHOUT
UPSET

5,5

6,625

101,60
114,30

127,00

139,70

168,30

17,64

15,57

E, X, G, S

6,65

IU ili EU

20,83

19,26

E, X, G, S

8,38

IU ili EU

20,46

18,23

6,88

IU ili EU

24,70

22,31

E, X, G, S

8,56

IEU ili EU

29,76

27,84

E, X, G, S

10,92

IEU ili EU

33,98

31,81

E, X, G, S

12,70

IEU ili EU

24,20

22,15

X, G, S

7,52

IU

29,02

26,71

9,19

IEU

29,02

26,71

X, G, S

9,19

IEU ili EU

38,09

35,79

12,70

IEU

38,09

35,79

X, G, S

12,70

IEU ili EU

28,59

25,12

X, G, S

7,72

IEU ili EU

32,59

29,51

E, X, G, S

9,17

IEU ili EU

36,75

33,57

E, X, G, S

10,54

IEU ili EU

37,50

33,05

8,38

41,25

36,06

E, X, G, S
E, X, G, S

IEU
IEU

9,19

ALLOWED DRILL PIPE STRESSES

EXTERNAL
DIAMETER

NOMINAL
WEIGHT

ALLOWED TORQUE

ALLOWED TENSION FOR MINIMUM YIELD

STRENGTH

mm (inch)

kg/m

Nm

daN

E75

X95

G105

S135

E75

X95

G105

S135

60,3 (2
3/8)
73,0 (2 7/8)

9,90

6200

8500

10700

11900

15300

45110

61510

77910

86110

110710

15,48

11500

15700

19900

21900

28200

69950

95380

120820

133540

171690

88,9

14,14

14100

19200

24300

26800

34500

63390

86450

109500

121030

155610

(3 1/2)

19,79

18400

25200

31900

35200

45300

88620

120850

153080

169180

217520

23,06

21000

28600

36200

40000

51500

105330

143640

181940

201090

258550

101,6

20,83

23200

31600

40000

44200

56800

93120

126990

160850

177780

228570

(4)

23,36

25700

35000

44300

49000

63000

105770

144230

182690

201930

259620

114,3

24,70

30600

41800

52900

58500

75200

107870

147100

186320

205940

264780

(4 1/2)

29,76

36700

50000

63400

70100

90100

134570

183500

232430

256900

330300

127,0

29,02

40900

55800

70700

78100

100500

129090

176040

222990

246450

316870

(5)

38,09

52000

70900

89800

99200

127500

173000

235920

298830

330280

424650

139,7

32,59

50400

68800

87100

96300

123800

142640

194520

246390

272320

350130

(5 1/2)
168,3 (6
5/8)

36,75

56300

76700

97200

107400

138100

162260

221260

280270

309770

398280

37,50

70200

95700

121200

134000

172300

159730

217810

275900

304940

392060

ALLOWED COLLAPSE AND

BURST PRESSURES
EXTERNAL
DIAMETER

NOMINAL
WEIGHT

mm (inch)

kg/m

ALLOWED COLLAPSE PRESSURES FOR

STEEL MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH

ALLOWED BURST PRESSURES FOR STEEL

MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH

kPa
D
78900
83500

E75
107500
113800

X95
136200
144200

kPa
G105
150600
159300

S135
193600
204900

D
78200
83600

E75
106700
114000

X95
135100
144300

G105
149300
159500

S135
192000
205100

60,3 (2 3/8)
73,0 (2 7/8)

9,90
15,49

88,9

14,14

51000

69200

83100

90000

108800

65600

83200

92000

118200

(3 1/2)

19,79

71400

97300

123300

136200

175100

69800

95100

120500

133200

171200
209000

23,06

84800

115600

146500

161900

208100

85100

116100

147000

162500

101,6

20,83

57400

78200

99100

109600

139100

54700

74700

94600

104500

134400

(4)

23,36

65200

88900

112600

124400

160000

63000

86000

108900

120400

154700

114,3

24,70

52500

71600

87900

95300

115800

49700

67800

85800

94900

122000

(4 1/2)

29,76

65600

89300

113200

125100

160800

63400

86500

109500

121100

155700

127,0

29,02

50900

68900

82800

89600

108200

48100

65500

83000

91700

118000
162800

(5)

38,09

68300

93100

117900

130300

167500

66300

90400

114600

126700

139,7

32,59

45600

58200

68900

74000

87600

43600

59400

75200

83100

106900

(5 1/2)
168,3 (6 5/8)

36,75
37,50

52900
27600

72100
33200

89100
36600

96500
37800

117500
41600

50100
33000

68500
45100

86500
57100

95600
63100

122900
81100

JOINTS
Joints are special
annexes to the pipe
that have threads,
that
can
be
screwed-on
or
friction welded on
the pipe body to
enable
pipes
connecting.

 To increase pipe strength (cross section

area) near the pipe end, both ends can
be upset. Upset can be inside, outside or
in both directions.
External of the female joint under the
welding area is furnished with 18 or 90
slope.
18 slope conforms to often used elevators.
Male joints have shoulders with 35 slope.

Drill pipes and

connections

Drill pipe and joint

classification
Every drill pipe is
designed with
stenciled marks.
Company symbol
month and year
of welding, pipe
mill code and drill
pipe grade are
marked on the
pins taper.

(1)

joint status mark

(2) pipe and joint classification

mark
(3)

permanent pipe body mark

CLASSIFICATION

NUMBER AND
COLOR OF STRIPES

CLASS 1

ONE WHITE

PREMIUM CLASS

TWO WHITE

CLASS 2

ONE YELLOW

CLASS 3

ONE BLUE

CLASS 4

ONE GREEN

SCRAP
SCRAP OR SHOP
REPAIRABLE

ONE RED
THREE RED, APART
120
THREE GREEN,
APART 120

FIELD REPAIRABLE

THREADS
NC
CONNECTION
NC26
NC31
NC38
NC40
NC46
NC50

OLD API
DESIGNATION
2 3/8 IF
2 7/8 IF
3 1/2 IF
4 FH
4 IF
4 1/2 IF

In the year 1968. API standards

have accept join designation
through two digit number that
conforms the dimensions of male
part of joint (pin).
That are so called numbered
connections.
Obsolete types of connections IF
(internal flush with internal
upset) i FH (full hole no upset)
have been replaced with
adequate types of joints
according to NC classification.
There is no proper substitution
for API Regular connection, so it
is still used as a bit and swivel
connection.

EXAMPLE
1

ZZ

70

1 Company Symbol
ZZ (Fictional for example only)
2 Month Welded
6 June

MONTH AND YEAR WELDEC

Month

Year

1 to 12

Last two digits of year

3 Year Welded
70 1970
4 Pipe Mill
N - United States Steel Company
5 Drill Pipe Grade
E - Grade E Drill Pipe

DRILL PIPE GRADE CODE

PIPE MILL CODE

Grade

Symbol

Pipe Mill

Symbol

N-80

Armco

J&L Steel

J
N

C-75

U.S. Steel

X-95

Wheeling-Pittsburg

G-105

Youngstown

S-135

Dalmine S.P.A., Italija

V-150

Falck, Italija

Used

TAMSA

Nippon Kokan Kabushiki

Vallourec

Mannesmannrohren-Werke

Sumitomo Metal Ind.

HEAVY WEIGHT DRILL PIPE

(Double Stencil Pipe Grade Code)

Drill pipe identification and

classification

Tolerances
Outside diameter

tolerances (Table)
Wall thickness can be

up to 12,5% smaller
than nominal.
Ovality, measured on
outer part of upset
must not exceed 2,36
mm.

OUTSIDE
DIAMETER
101,6 mm (4) and
smaller
114,3 mm (4 1/2) and
larger

TOLERANCES
0,79 %
0,75%

Drift test. Each length of

external-upset
drill
pipe,
except 88,9 mm (3,5); 19,8
kg/m (13,3 lb/ft), must enable
passage of a drift mandrel of
1101,6 mm length, having a
diameter 4,76 mm smaller than
the tabulated diameter of the
drill pipe.

(1) Obsolescent thread form

API
thread
forms

(2) 0,97 mm = 0,038 in which gives the name

of this thread form
(3) taper in u % = 8,33taper in in/ft
(4) Thread form V 0,055 flat for small diameter
connections (NC 10, NC 12, NC 13, NC 16)
THREAD
FORM

TAPER (3)

Hn

hn=hs

Srn=Srs i frn=frs

fcn=fcs

Fcn=Fcs

Frn=Fr

rrn=rrs

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

in

mm

mm

mm

V 0,038 R

16,66

5,49

3,09

0,97

1,43

1,65

0,065

0,38

V 0,038 R

25

5,47

3,08

0,97

1,42

1,65

0,065

0,97
(2)
0,97

0,38

V 0,040

25

4,38

2,99

0,51

0,88

1,02

0,04

0,51

0,38

V 0,050

25

5,47

3,74

0,63

1,09

1,27

0,05

0,63

0,38

V 0,050

16,66

5,49

3,75

0,63

1,1

1,27

0,05

0,63

0,38

V 0,055 (4)

12,5

3,7

1,4

1,2

1,4

0,055

1,2

0,38

V 0,065 (1)

16,66

5,49

2,83

1,23

1,43

1,65

0,065

1,42

0,38

V 0,038 R

V 0,055

API ROTARY SHOULDERED

CONNECTION

CONNECTIO
N NUMBER
AND SIZE

DRILL PIPE

TOOL JOINT

PIN

BOX

DIAMETER - UPSET
WEIGHT

OUTSIDE
DIA.

INSIDE DIA.

Dm

dm

Lm

Dc

Df

Lf

m m (in)-(N/m )

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

TAPER THREADS
%
PER 25,4
mm

THREAD
FORM

REGULAR (REG)

(1) The number

(NC) is the pitch
diameter of the pin
thread at the gage
point rounded to
units and tenths of
inch.
(2) Connections in
the NC style are
interchangeable
with FH i IF
connections, if they
have the same pitch
diameter.

2 3/8 REG

66,7

47,6

76,2

60,1

68,3

92,1

25

V-0,040

2 7/8 REG

73,03 (2 7/8-IU)-151,95

95,2

31,7

76,2

54

88,9

69,6

77,8

104,8

25

V-0,040

3 1/2 REG

88,90 (3 1/2-IU)-194,31

107,9

38,1

88,9

65,1

95,2

82,3

90,5

111,1

25

V-0,040

4 1/2 REG

114,30 (4 1/2-IU)-233,76

139,7

57,1

117,5

90,5

107,9 110,9 119,1

123,8

25

V-0,040

4 1/2 REG

114,30 (4 1/2-IEU)-292,20

139,7

57,1

117,5

90,5

107,9 110,9 119,1

123,8

25

V-0,040

5 1/2 REG

139,70 (5 1/2-IEU)-319,96

171,4

69,6

140,2 110,1 120,6 132,9 141,7

136,5

25

V-0050

6 5/8 REG

152,2

142,9

16,66

V-0050

7 5/8 REG

177,8 144,5 133,3 170,5 180,2

8 5/8 REG

202

131

127

146,2

154

167,8 136,5 194,7 204,4

149,2

25

V-0050

152,4

25

V-0050

FULL HOLE (FH) (4)

3 1/2 FH

88.90 (3 1/2-IU)-194,31

117,5

61,9

101,4

77,6

95,2

94,8

102,8

111,1

25

V-0040

3 1/2 FH

88,90 (3 1/2-IU)-226,46

117,5

61,9

101,4

77,6

95,2

94,8

102,8

111,1

25

V-0040

4 FH

101,60 (4-IU)-204,54

133,3

71,4

108,7

89,7

114,3 103,4 110,3

130,2

16,66

V-0065

4 1/2 FH

114,30 (4 1/2-IU)-233,76

146

76,2

121,7

96,3

101,6 115,1 123,8

117,5

25

V-0040

4 1/2 FH

114,30 (4 1/2-IEU)-292,20

146

76,2

121,7

96,3

101,6 115,1 123,8

117,5

25

V-0040

5 1/2 FH

139,70 (5 1/2-IEU)-319,96

177,8

101,6

148

126,8

127

142

150

142,9

16,66

V-0050

5 1/2 FH

139,70 (5 1/2-IEU)-360,87

177,8

101,6

148

126,8

127

142

150

142,9

16,66

V-0050

6 5/8 FH

171,5 150,4

127

142,9

16,66

V-0050
V-0065

165,6 173,8

INTERNAL FLUSH (IF) (4)

2 3/8 IF

60,33 (2 3/8-EU)-97,16

85,7

44,4

73,1

60,4

76,2

67,8

74,6

92,1

16,66

2 7/8 IF

60,33 (2 3/8-EU)-151,94

104,8

54

86,7

71,3

88,9

80,8

87,7

104,8

16,66

V-0065

3 1/2 IF

88,90 (3 1/2-EU)-194,31

120,6

68,3

102

85,1

101,6

96,7

103,6

117,5

16,66

V-0,065

3 1/2 IF

88,90 (3 1/2-EU)-226,46

127

68,3

102

85,1

101,6

96,7

103,6

117,5

16,66

V-0,065

4 IF

101,60 (4-EU)-204,54

146

82,5

122,8 103,7 114,3 117,5 124,6

130,2

16,66

V-0,065

4 1/2 IF

114,30 (4 1/2-EU)-233,76

155,6

95,2

133,3 114,3 114,3 128,1 134,9

130,2

16,66

V-0,065

4 1/2 IF

114,30 (4 1/2-EU)-233,76

158,7

95,2

133,3 114,3 114,3 128,1 134,9

130,2

16,66

V-0,065

4 1/2 IF

127,0 (5-IEU)-284,90

161,9

95,2

133,3 114,3 114,3 128,1 134,9

130,2

16,66

V-0,065

4 1/2 IF

127,0 (5-IEU)-284,90

165,1

88,9

133,3 114,3 114,3 128,1 134,9

130,2

16,66

V-0,065

5 1/2 IF

162,5 141,3

142,9

16,66

V-0,065

127

157,2 163,9

Interchangeable are:
NC 26 and 2 3/8 IF,
NC 31 and 2 7/8 IF,
and 3 1/2 IF,
NC 40 and 4 FH, NC 46 and 4 IF, NC 50 and 4 1/2 IF

NC 38

NC 10, 12, 13, 16 and 23 are tentative for small diameter work strings. For high
pressure use an O ring is optional at the base of the pin shoulder.

Drill pipe connections (continued)

DRILL PIPE

TOOL JOINT

PIN

BOX

TAPER THREADS
%
PER 25,4
mm

THREAD
FORM

CONNECTI
ON
NUMBER
AND SIZE

DIAMETER - UPSED
WEIGHT

OUTSIDE
DIA.

INSIDE DIA.

Dm

dm

Lm

Dc

Df

Lf

m m (in)-(N/m )

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

mm

NC 10

26,67 (1,050)-22,65

34,9

18,3

30,2

25,5

38,1

27

30,6

54

12,5

V-0,055

NC 12

33,40 (1,315)-33,60

41,3

23

35,4

29,8

44,4

32,1

35,7

60,3

12,5

V-0,055

NC 13

42,16 (1,660)-46,07

46

23,8

38,6

33

44,4

35,3

38,9

60,3

12,5

V-0,055

NC 16

48,26 (1,900)-61,22

54

25,4

44,1

38,5

44,4

40,9

44,5

60,3

12,5

V-0,055

NC tip (1) (2)

NC 23

65,1

52,4

76,2

59,8

66,7

92,1

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 26

60,33 (2 3/8-EU)-97,16

85,7

44,4

73,1

60,4

76,2

67,8

74,6

92,1

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 31

73,03 (2 7/8-EU)-151,94

104,8

54

86,1

71,3

88,9

80,8

87,7

105

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 35

95

79,1

95,2

89,7

96,8

111

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 38

88,90 (3 1/2-EU)-194,31

120,6

68,3

102

85,1

102

96,7

104

118

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 38

88,90 (3 1/2-EU)-226,46

127

65,1

102

85,1

102

96,7

104

118

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 40

101,60 (4-IU)-204,54

133,3

71,4

109

89,7

114

103

110

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 40

101,60 (4-IU)-204.54

139,7

71,4

109

89,7

114

103

110

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 44

118

98,4

114

112

119

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 46

101,60 (4-EU)-204,54

146

82,5

123

104

114

118

125

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 46

114,30 (4 1/2-IU)-233,76

152,4

82,5

123

104

114

118

125

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 46

114,30 (4 1/2-IU)-233,76

158,7

82,5

123

104

114

118

125

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 46

114,30 (4 1/2-IEU)-292,21

152,4

76,2

123

104

114

118

125

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 46

114,30 (4 1/2-IEU)292,21-

158,7

76,2

123

104

114

118

125

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 50

114,30 (4 1/2-EU)-233,76

155,6

95,2

133

114

114

128

135

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 50

114,30 (4 1/2-EU)-233,76

158,7

95,2

133

114

114

128

135

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 50

127,00 (5-IEU)-284,90

161,9

95,2

133

114

114

128

135

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 50

127,00 (5-IEU)-284,90

165,1

88,9

133

114

114

128

135

130

16,66

V-0,038R

NC 56

127,00 (5 1/2-IEU)-319,96

177,8

95,2

149

118

127

142

151

143

25

V-0,038R

NC 61

164

129

140

157

165

156

25

V-0,038R

NC 70

186

148

152

179

187

168

25

V-0,038R

NC 77

203

162

165

197

205

181

25

V-0,038R

(3) It is
recommended
to use grease
with 40 do 60%
of zinc powder
by weight.
(4)
Interchangeable
are NC 50 (4
1/2 IF) tool
joint with 6 3/8
and 6 1/2
outside
diameter, it is
used on 5 IU
drill pipes
named 5
Extra-Hole and
5 SemiInternal-Flush

Upset drill pipes for weld-on

tool joints

Heavy-wall drill pipes

NOMINAL DIAMETER

3 1/2"
(26 lb/ft)
88,9 mm

PIPE BODY

5"

(42 lb/ft)
114,3 mm

(50 lb/ft)
127 mm

4 1/2"
(42 lb/ft)
114,3 mm

5"
(50 lb/ft)
127 mm
(74,39 kg/m)

II

II

II

II

III

III

mm

52,4

65,1

69,8

76,2

69,8

76,2

WALL THICKNESS

mm

18,2

18,2

22,2

25,4

22,2

25,4

CROSS SECTION AREA

mm2

4051

4779

6427

8106

6427

8106

END UPSETS

mm

92,1

104,8

117,5

130,2

117,5

130,2

mm

114,3
NC40
(4FH)
133,3

127,0
NC46
(4IF)
158,7

139,7
NC50
(4 1/2IF)
165,1

127,0
NC46
(4IF)
158,7

139,7
NC50
(4 1/2IF)
165,1

CENTRAL UPSET

mm

INSIDE DIAMETER

mm

55,6

68,3

73,0

77,8

73,0

77,8

PIPE AND JOINT MASS

kg/m

37,7

44,2

61,0

73,5

59,4

72,2

INTERIOR VOLUME

dm3/m

2,19

3,37

3,87

4,61

3,87

4,61

STEEL VOLUME

dm3/m

4,81

5,64

7,79

9,36

7,57

9,2

EXTERIOR VOLUME
PIPE

dm3/m

7,00
1535

9,01
1815

11,66
2438

13,97
3074

11,44
2438

13,81
3074

3332

3163

4564

5631

4564

5631

26540

37468

55202

76537

55202

76597

23828

31896

52605

69655

52605

69655

13423

17964

29557

39851

29557

39851

TENSILE
STRENGTH

JOINT

TYPE
EXTERNAL DIAMETER

101,6
NC38
(3 1/2IF)
120,6

103 N

JOINT
103 N
PIPE

TORSIONAL
YIELD

Are
intermediate
drill string
member

(28 lb/ft)
101,6 mm

4 1/2"

(38,68 kg/m) (41,66 kg/m) (62,49 kg/m) (74,39 kg/m) (62,49 kg/m)

(MASS PER UNIT LENGTH)

CLASS
EXTERNAL DIAMETER

4"

Nm
JOINT
Nm
MAKE-UP TORQUE

Nm

Heavy-wall drill pipes

They were originally developed for
three reasons:
As a transition member to be run between
drill pipe and drill collars.
As a flexible weight member to be run in
directional drilling.
And as a weight member on small rigs,
drilling small diameter holes.

Protectors
Help prevent damage to
the tool joint.
Are produced as pressed
steel, cast steel, plastic or
rubber parts.
Can be with threads, or
can be stabbed (rubber).
Thread protector is a
device that is screwed into
the box or onto the pin of
a tool joint to keep the
threads and shoulders
from being damaged while
pipe is moved or stored.

Cleaning
Pin and box threads and shoulders of tool
joints should be always thoroughly cleaned
before added to the drill string.
The intention is to remove foreign materials,
to permit proper makeup.
Then better inspection of thread and shoulder
is possible.
By eliminating abrasive materials the life of
connections is increased.
Cleaned and lubricated joints are protected
with protectors.

Lubrication
Lubricant in thread serves
to transport loads from
one side of thread to
another
because
of
tolerances
between
threads (box/pin) .
Regular
lubricants
recommended by IADC
and API contain metallic
fillers up to 40 or 60%
(zinc powder) so they are
not squeezed easily from
the thread.

Failure
If joint wobbles, that means there
is
some
movement
between
surfaces of the mating box and pin.
Work with the joint that is wobbling
results with failure.
To high or to small makeup torque can
cause the joint to wobble. The cause is
improper tong position, neglecting the
angle between the tong lever and
dragging line.
Than proper make up torque is not
achieved.
Result is additional makeup during bit
rotation, and box swelling by over
torque (picture).

Makeup torque
To high or to small
makeup torque can
cause the joint to
wobble.
The
cause
is
improper
tong
position, neglecting
the angle between
the tong lever and
dragging line.

 The earliest indication of

wobble is a dry or muddy
appearance of pins.
This shows that tool joint is
not
pressure-tight,
and
lubricant is displaced by
drilling fluid.
Close
examination
of
connections helps to reveal
any damage.
If wobble causes shoulder
damage it must be repaired in
field or joint must be
removed.
Fouled and broken threads
can not form an effective seal
against leakage.

 Damage due to pipe

manipulation must be
avoided.
The most common
damage is on pin thread
and shoulder.
Damage also results with
flattened threads
because of improper
handling.

 Pin cracks at the root of the

thread.

Thread identification by the

use of joint identifier helps
to connect proper joints,
and avoid failures.

Transport and Storage

All pipes have to be stored with the box faced to
the rig side of the rack.
All threads should be covered with protectors.
To ensure good ventilation, first tier of pipes on rack
should be at least 0,3 m from the ground.
Maximal height of pipes stored on rack is 3 m, and in
the derrick finger maximal five layers are allowed .

Kelly
The kelly is the heavy
square, hexagonal, or
triangular steel pipe
that is used with
rotary table drive
bushing to transmit
rotation through drill
string to the bit.
At the same time it
allows the mud
passage through.

DRIVE
SECTION

mm

THREAD (LEFT)

stand. opt. stand. opt.

LD
63,5
(2 1/2)
76,2 (3)

LD

D FL

Dc

Rc

opt.

THREAD (RIGHT)

mm
stand.

opt.

Du

Du

Lu

stand.

opt.

DF

DF

mm

mm

DL

LL

DF

85,7

508

11,3

12,2

63,5

83,3

7,9

6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 26 (2 3/8 IF)

82,9

31,8

11,3

12,2

76,2

100

9,5

6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 31 (2 7/8 IF) 104,8 508 100,4

44,5

115,1 12,7 6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 38 (3 1/2 IF) 120,7 508 116,3
114,3 12,7 6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5
NC 46 (4 IF)
152,4 508 145,3

57,2

NC 50 (4 1/2 IF) 155,6 508 150,4

69,9

88,9
(3 1/2)
108,0

11,3
11,3

15,5

12,2
12,2

16,5

(4 1/4)
133,4

11,3

15,5

12,2

16,5

(5 1/4)

stand.

INSIDE
DIAMETER

OVERALL
LENGTH

LOWER
SECTION

DRIVE
SECTION
LENGTH

mm (in)

UPPER
SECTION

EXTERNAL
DIAMETER

Squared kelly data

88,9
108

133,4 175,4 15,9 6 5/8 Reg

196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1

71,4

5 1/2 FH

177,8 508 171,1

82,6

NC 56

177,8 508 170,7

82,6

DRIVE
SECTION

mm

THREAD (LEFT)

stand. opt. stand. opt.

LD

LD

stand.
D FL

Dc

Rc

opt.

mm
stand.

opt.

Du

Du

INSIDE
DIAMETER

OVERALL
LENGTH

LOWER
SECTION

DRIVE
SECTION
LENGTH

mm (in)

UPPER
SECTION

EXTERNAL
DIAMETER

Hexagonal kelly data

Lu

THREAD (RIGHT)
stand.

opt.

DF

DF

mm

mm

DL

LL

DF

85,7

508

76,2 (3)
11,3

12,2

76,2

85,7

6,4

6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 26 (2 3/8 IF)

82,9

38,1

11,3

12,2

88,9

100,8

6,4

6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 31 (2 7/8 IF) 104,8 508 100,4

44,5

15,5
15,5

12,2
12,2

16,5 108 122,2

16,5 133,4 151,6

7,9
9,5

6 5/8 Reg 4 1/2 Reg 196,9 146,1 406,4 186,1 134,5 NC 38 (3 1/2 IF) 120,7 508 116,3
6 5/8 Reg
196,9
406,4 186,1
NC 46 (4 IF)
152,4 508 145,3

57,2

NC 50 (4 1/2 IF) 155,6 508 150,5

82,6

15,5

12,2

16,5 152,4

9,5

6 5/8 Reg

88,9
(3 1/2)
108,0
(4 1/4)
133,4

11,3
11,3

(5 1/4)
152,4

11,3

(6)

159

196,9

406,4 186,1

76,2

5 1/2 FH

177,8 508 170,7

88,9

NC 56

177,8 508 171,1

88,9

Kelly properties
DIAMETER AND TYPE

INSIDE
DIA.

MINIMAL INSIDE ALLOWED TENSILE

ALLOED TORQUE

ALLOWED BENDING

LOWER THREAD
TYPE AND DIA.

FORCE
UPPER
DRIVE

EXTERNAL

LOWER

DRIVE

MOMENT
DRIVE SECT.
DRIVE
SECT.
DIAG.
FLATS

DIA.

CASING DIA.

CONNEC.

SECT.

CONNEC.

SECT.

mm

mm

daN

daN

kNm

kNm

kNm

kNm

mm (in)

mm

63,5 squared (2 1/2)

31,8

NC 26 (2 1/2 IF)

85,7

114,3

185000

242000

13

21

20

30

76,2 squared (3)

44,5

NC 31(2 7/8 IF)

104,8

139,7

238000

317000

19

33

33

49

88,9 squared (3 1/2)

57,2

NC 38 (3 1/2 IF)

120,7

168,3

322000

394000

31

48

49

75

108 squared (4 1/4)

71,4

NC 46 (4 IF)

152,4

219,1

469000

683000

63

83

85

132

108 squared (4 1/4)

69,9

NC 50 (4 1/2 iF)

155,6

219,1

632000

569000

78

85

87

134

133,4 squared (5 1/4)

82,5

6 1/2 FH

177,8

244,5

716000

925000

99

168

170

258

76,2 hexagonal (3)

38,1

NC 25 (2 3/8 IF)

85,7

114,3

159000

294000

11

34

35

31

88,9 hexagonal (3 1/2)

47,5

NC 31 (2 7/8 IF)

104,8

139,7

220000

385000

18

52

55

47

108 hexagonal (4 1/4)

57,2

NC 38 (3 1/2 IF)

120,7

168,3

322000

569000

31

94

101

85

133,4 hexagonal (5 1/4)

76,2

NC 46 (4 IF)

152,4

219,1

427000

820000

48

169

183

164

133,4 hexagonal (5 1/4)

82,5

NC 60 (4 1/2 IF)

155,6

219,1

517000

750000

63

159

174

145

152,4 hexagonal (6)

88,9

5 1/2 FH

177,8

244,6

651000

1052000

90

249

270

227

all values are determined without safety factor based

on minimal tensile strength of 758 MPa and torsional
strength of 57,7% minimal tensile strength
tensile force is calculated for the area in the thread root
19,1 mm from connection shoulder

Drill Stem Auxiliaries

With drill stem, various
auxiliaries are used: drill
stem subs, stabilizers,
lifting
subs,
vibration
dampeners, reamers, pipe
wipers, protectors, etc.
Subs or substitutes, are
short thread pieces of
pipes used to connect
parts of the drilling
assembly
for
various
reasons.

KELLY
SUB

CROSSOVER
SUB

DRILL
COLLAR
SUB

BIT SUB

Pipe wipers
Pipe wipers are
rubber rings that fits
around the pipe and
clean mud off as the
pipe comes out of
hole.
It also keeps junk
from falling in-to the
hole during tripping.

Pipe protectors
Pipe protectors are
used on drill pipe to
protect tool joints
from rubbing against
the casing or the
wall of the hole

Stabilizers and reamers

Stabilizers are used in
the assembly of drill
collars to stabilize bit
and the drill collars in
the hole, or to help to
maintain in the desired
direction.
They can be divided in
two groups:
Stabilizers with stationary
blades and
stabilizers with rotating
blades

Welded
blades

 Stabilizers with integrated

blades
are
especially
durable, and are used in
hard
and
abrasive
formations.
The ribs are milled directly
on body, that prevents loss
of ribs in hole.
Ribs can be straight or
spiral and are had faced
with granular Tungsten
Carbide.

Stabilizers with replaceable

sleeve are of the integral
type stabilizers but with
two parts; body and the
sleeve.
Sleeve is preheated to the
340 C
(750 F), and
latched on the body, and
then cooled.
Ribs are hard faced with
granular Tungsten Carbide
or pressed inserts.
Same body can be used
several times, and the sleeve
is changed.

 Stabilizers with screwed

sleeve can be used in
hardest formations.
They
consist
of
exchangeable sleeve with
ribs that is screwed on
the body.
Body can be used several
times during the process
by changing the sleeve,
of different shapes and
external diameters.

 Stabilizers with non-rotating

sleeve have metal body and
rubber sleeve stabilizer.
Stabilizers

with
replaceable wear pad
(ribs) are often used

above the bit when

maintaining
the
clearance is of crucial
importance;
especially in hard
formations.
The
body
is
produced so that the
ribs are inserted and
fixed with screws
and nuts.

While drilling the rubber sleeve

stands still and drill pipes and the
stabilizer body are rotating.
That saves the sleeve of excessive
wear, and the influence on the hole
wall is minimal.
Constraint in use are small ability
to maintain hole diameter, and
possible use below 120 C (250
F).
Endurance is greatly influenced by
the
rock
hardness
and
abrasiveness.

Reamers with cylindrical

cutters
Roller reamers are run
between the bit and drill
collars to maintain hole
gauge in hard formations,
when rocks are susceptible
to swelling or the bit wears
very fast according to
caliper.
It is also used for additional
stabilization in hard
formations, bat the role is
small because of little
contact area with hole walls.

Vibration dampeners
A vibration dampener works as a shock
absorber; it permits normal drilling and saves
drill string from damaging bounce and vibration
due the work of roller cone bits.
Dampening is achieved by the use of rubber,
springs, compressed gas, or other spring
elements for absorbing shock.
Optimal position for dampener is directly above
the bit.
With packed-hole stabilization, the ideal location
is 3 meter from the bit, with additional
stabilization about
9 meters upwards, to
prevent excessive lateral loading.

 Axial stress

av
F=

F
=
As

(axial)

D2 d 2 d

4
av - axial stress due the tensile
force, Pa

F tensile force, N
As pipe cross section area, m2.
Ludolfs number (3,14)
d yield point, Pa

Drill pipe
stresses

 Allowed tensile force

on joint depends on
type of connection;
welded or screwed.
When screwed the
height of the thread
on both sides along
diameter must be
considered.
Calculations
are
done according to
the area on the
thread base near
the thread root.

Fsp = d

(D 2 hs ) d 2
2

Fsp allowed axial

force in the connection,
N
hs thread height, m

 When pipe is under

compression (F has
negative sign), the
pipe bends.

at

1 R ro
= F +

2 I
As
(compressive)

at axial stress due the axial

compressive force, Pa
R radial clearance, m (R=(dzD)/2)
ro outer pipe radii, m
I cross section moment of
inertia, m4
(I=/64(D4-d4))
dz inner diameter of casing or
the hole, m

Example 1.
Determine allowed tensile force for drill
pipes of external diameter D=0,1143 m,
inside diameter d=0,09718 m and material
G-105 (105000 psi).
Yield point defined for SI system of units is:

d = 105000 6895 = 724 10 6 Pa

 Pipe cross section are is:

As =

D d
2

4
2
= 0,028386m

3,14
=
0,1143 2 0,09718 2 =
4

Allowed tensile force is:

F = d As = 724 10 0,028386 = 2055117,4 N

6

Stresses due torsion

Greatest stress due
the
torsion
is
generated at the Allowed cross section
perimeter of the
stress due the torsion
pipe
and
is
is:
presented
with
following equation:
d 0,75 d

16 M t D
t =
4
4
D d

t stress due the torsion, Pa

Mt torque moment, Nm

d allowed pipe stress

due torsion, Pa

Burst
Burst can be the result
of inside pressure (pi)
effects on pipe wall
area. Burst pressure is
determined form the
equation:

pi ( r )

2 d t
=
D

pi(r) burst pressure, Pa

t pipe wall thickness, m

nominal
pipe
Dn
diameter, m

For proper determination of

this
pressure
it
is
recommended
to
use
Barlows equation for thick
wall pipes. Because of
allowed difference in wall
thickness from nominal to
minimal, the value of
87,5%
is
planed
in
Barlows equation. The API
burst-pressure rating is
based on this equation:

pi ( r )

2 d t
= 0,875
Dn

Example 2.
Determine burst pressure of drill pipes
with outside diameter D=0,1143 m,
inside diameter d=0,09718 m wrought
from material G-105.
Solution:

pi(r )

2 d t
= 0,875
=
Dn

2 724 10 6 0,00856
= 0,875
= 948,86 10 5 Pa
0,1143

Collapse
Collapse pressure rating is the
minimum external pressure that
will cause the coiled tubing
walls to collapse in the absence
of internal pressure and axial
loading.
The radial and hoop stresses
can be calculated using Lames
equations:

p i ri 2 ro2 r 2 p o ro2 r 2 ri 2
r =
r 2 ro2 ri 2

)
(

p i ri 2 ro2 + r 2 p o ro2 ri 2 + r 2
t =
r 2 ro2 ri 2

r radial stress, Pa

t tangential stress, Pa
ri inner pipe radii, m
ro external pipe radii, m

r pipe medium radii, m

po external pressure, Pa
pi internal pressure, Pa

 Elastic collapse; as the moment of inertia of

the tube increases (or equivalently, the
length decreases) or as the diameter of
cross section decreases (or thickness
increases), the point will be reached where
buckling does not occur until the axial or
hoop stress exceeds the materials yield
strength. That happens only for small (Dn/t)
ratios, with lower value.

FC
(FA 2) + 8 FB +
+ (FA 2 )
( d )e
Dn

FC
2 FB +

( d )e

 Effective strength (d)e,

is
equal
to
yield
strength (d), when
axial stress equals zero.
Allowed
collapse
pressure is than (pcr):

p cr = 2 ( d )e

Dn 1

2
D n
t

pcr critical collapse pressure, Pa

(d)e effective yield strength, Pa

EMPIRICAL COEFFICIENT

MAT ERIAL
QUALIT Y

FA

FB

FC (10 6 Pa)

FD

FE

H-40

2,95

0,0465

5,2

2,063

0,0325

-50

2,976

0,0515

7,28

2,003

0,0347

J-55, K-55

2,991

0,0541

8,32

1,989

0,036

-60

3,005

0,0566

9,35

1,983

0,0373

-70

3,037

0,0617

11,42

1,984

0,0403

C-75

3,054

0,0642

12,45

1,99

0,0418

L-80, N-80

3,071

0,0667

13,48

1,998

0,0434

C-90

3,106

0,0718

15,54

2,017

0,0466

C-95

3,124

0,0743

16,58

2,029

0,0482

-100

3,143

0,0768

17,6

2,04

0,0499

P-105

3,162

0,0794

18,63

2,053

0,0515

P-110

3,181

0,0819

19,66

2,066

0,0532

-120

3,219

0,087

21,73

2,092

0,0565

-125

3,239

0,0895

22,76

2,106

0,0582

-130

3,258

0,092

23,79

2,119

0,0599

-135

3,278

0,0946

24,83

2,133

0,0615

-140

3,297

0,0971

25,86

2,146

0,0632

-150

3,336

0,1021

27,95

2,174

0,0666

-155

3,356

0,1047

28,99

2,188

0,0683

-160

3,375

0,1072

30,03

2,202

0,07

-170

3,412

0,1123

32,13

2,231

0,0734

-180

3,449

0,1173

34,24

2,261

0,0769

 Upper value of (Dn/t) ratio for collapse

in yield deformation area is determined
from, and than plastic collapse exists:

( d )e (FA FD )
Dn

FC + ( d )e (FB FE ) t

FC
(FA 2) + 8 FB +
+ (FA 2)
( d )e

FC
2 FB +

( d )e

 Area of plastic deformations is determined

by (Dn/t) values right under such that are
valued for yield collapse, and collapse
pressure is than determined as:

p cr = ( d )e

F
A

FB FC
Dn

 Transition region is that among plastic and

yield area, and collapse is there
determined as:

FD

FE
p cr = ( d )e
Dn

FB
2+
( d )e (FA FD )
FA Dn

3 FB
t
FC + ( d )e (FB FE )
FA

 For high (Dn/t) ratios collapse is defined

with modified Clindendinst equation:
p cr =

0,95 0,75 2 E

(1 )
2

Dn

Dn

FB
2+
Dn
FA

3 FB
t
FA

3,22488 1011
Dn

Dn

MAT ERIAL
QUALIT Y

(Dn/t) ratios for

various areas of
collapse pressure
when axial stress
equals zero

YIELD PLAST IC T RANSIT ION ELAST IC

POINT

H-40

16,4

27,01

42,64

-50

15,24

25,36

38,83

J-55, K-55

14,81

25,01

37,21

-60

14,44

24,42

35,73

-70

13,85

23,38

33,17

C-75

13,6

22,91

32,05

L-80, N-80

13,38

22,47

31,02

C-90

13,01

21,69

29,18

C-95

12,85

21,33

28,36

-100

12,7

21

27,6

P-105

12,57

20,7

26,89

P-110

12,44

20,41

26,22

-120

12,21

19,88

25,01

-125

12,11

19,63

24,46

-130

12,02

19,4

23,94

-135

11,92

19,18

23,44

-140

11,84

18,97

22,98

-150

11,67

18,57

22,11

-155

11,59

18,37

21,7

-160

11,52

18,19

21,32

-170

11,37

17,82

20,6

-180

11,23

17,47

19,93

 Determine allowed collapse pressure for casing

with nominal diameter; Dn=244,48 mm (9 5/8),
material P-110 (d=758,45106 Pa), with nominal
wall thickness; t=13,84 mm.
(Dn/t) ratio of chosen pipe is:

D n 0,24448
=
= 17,66
t
0,01384

Critical collapse pressure is than determined

from:

p cr

Example
3.

F
= ( d )e A FB FC =

Dn

3,181
= 758,45 10 6
0,0819 19,66 10 6 = 548,2 10 5 Pa
0,24448

0
,
01384