UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Section 3

Drillstring

Learning Objectives
Describe the basic components and the function of
each component in the drill string

PAB 2033 DRILLING ENGINEERING

MAY 2013

Contents
3.1 Definition
3.2 Drillpipe
3.3 Heavy weight drillpipe (HWDP)

3.4 Tool joints

3.5 Drill collars
3.6 Stabilizers

3.7 Special downhole tools

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3.1 Definition
Drillstring is a column of drill pipe
that transmits fluid and rotational
power from top drive to drill collars
and bit while drilling a hole
The components are;
Drill pipe
Downhole measurement tools- MWD,
LWD
BHA- drill collars, stabilizer, HWDP,
motor, jars
Drill bit

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3.1 Definition
Drill string configuration;

Drill pipe
Drill collar
Jars
HWDP
Stabilizers
Special downhole tools (MWD,
LWD, PDM & Turbine)
Drilling bit

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3.2 Drill pipe

Main functions

To provide length to the drill string

To transmit rotational energy from the kelly/TDS to
the bottom hole assembly and drill bit
Serves as conduit for the drilling fluid

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3.2 Drill pipe

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Stack of drill pipe

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3.2 Drill pipe

Selection of Drill pipe

Hole size
Well depth
Casing and cementing requirements
Subsurface pressures
Circulating system and drilling mud parameters
Hoisting capacity, pipe availability and contract
provisions

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3.2 Drill pipe

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3.2 Drill pipe

Drill pipe standard

API has established standards for drill pipe

manufacturers in terms of practices, dimensions,
strength and performance properties.

API Spec 5D, specification for Drill pipe

API Bul 5C2, bulletin on performance properties of
casing, tubing and drill pipe
API RP 7G, recommended practice for drill stem
design operating limits (dimension, strength, make
up torque, inspection etc.)
DS-1, detailed inspection specification

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3.2 Drill pipe

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Drill pipe size

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3.2 Drill pipe

Stress and failure

Tension
Weight of suspended drillstring exposes each
joint to several thousand pounds of tensile load
Torque
Poor hole conditions can increase twisting force
on each joint
Cyclic stress fatigue
Corrosion

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Do you know?
Question 3.2

What is the deepest well drilled?

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Do you know?
Answer 3.2

Kola Superdeep well

Scientific well in Russia

The project began on 24 May 1970 to

drill as deep as possible into Earths
crust (12,262 m/40,230 ft)

PAB 2033 DRILLING ENGINEERING

MAY 2013

3.3 HWDP

To increase bending strength of the drill string

In deep wells

Usually has same nominal OD as the drill pipe but

greater wall thickness than ordinary drill pipe.

For easy handling of HWDP

Often used at the base of the drill pipe where the

concentration is greatest.

Able to absorb stress and normally work in compression.

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3.3 HWDP

Increased wall thickness

Provides max weight per foot

Longer tool joint

Extra bearing area reduces wear
More length for recutting section

Uses more hardfacing

Longer life

May have a long central upset

Reduces wear on center of tube

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3.4 Tool joints

The enlarged, threaded ends of drill pipe ensure

strong connections that withstand high pressure.
Made of steel that has been heat treated to a
higher strength that the steel of the tube body
Two different joints known as pin and box

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MAY 2013

3.4 Tool joints

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Tool joint (pin & box)

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3.4 Tool joints

Tool joint (pin & box)

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3.4 Tool joints

Failure of joint

Jump out: separation of pin and box without

damage to the thread element
Fracture: threaded section separates from the
pipe body
Thread shearing: stripping off of thread from the
pin/box

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3.5 Drill collars

Thick walled heavy steel pipe use to apply weight

on bit

thick wall reduces the tendency of breaking

Stiffness of the DC helps to maintain a straight hole

Typical DC range 2 1/4 2 7/8 ID

DC surface is made spiral grooved

to reduce contact area between borehole wall and the

DC body

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3.5 Drill collars

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Spiral drill collar

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3.6 Stabilizers

A length of pipe with spiral surface

geometry on external surface
Main functions

Used in DC string to assist in keeping

the DC straight and centralized and
normally positioned at point of
bending
In vertical well, reduce buckling and
bending stresses on drill collars
Allow higher WOB since string
remains concentric even in
compression
Increase bit life
Reduce wall sticking

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3.7 Special downhole tools

MWD

LWD

Directional sensor-provide directional survey of the well

direction
Telemetry system- transmit data to surface
Gather downhole formation info while drilling

Downhole motor

Assisted the bit and to clean the cuttings during drilling

operations

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Do you know?
Question 3.7

What is the longest well drilled?

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Do you know?
Answer 3.7

Sakhalin-1 well
Offshore the Russian island
SakhalinS to produce oil and gas

12,376 m (40,604 ft)

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Group Assignment

Each group consists of 8 members

All groups need to prepare a report and 8 minutes

presentation on Week 8.

Topics are based on drilling problems

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Lost circulation
Kick
Blowout
Pipe sticking
Shallow gas

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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Borehole instability
Transitional kick tolerance
Carbonate formation
HPHT
Shale formation
Fault zone
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