Determining the optimum make-up torque

Every drill pipe string comes with a spec sheet that contains data about its tension
capacity, torque capacity etc. These values give us an indication of what the drill pipe
can handle both as brand new and when it is premium.

A string performance is calculated based on the type of connection, the ODs & IDs
and the material yield. When the OD (outer diameter) of your drill string is reduced
due to wear & tear, capacity usually decreases.

The recommendation we give OWS customers is to apply maximum make-up torque,

and not to exceed that. As a rule of thumb, maximum make-up torque is 60% of
torsion capacity (for API connections).

The worst thing you can do is to apply too little make-up torque. What might happen
then is that when you go down in the hole and reach a certain torque (due to the
resistance in the well), the string will start to produce additional make-up, and then
you dont know what you have - which is a typical scenario for overtorque.

This is why we recommend that you apply maximum makeup torque (optimum). To
secure an optimal result, check the performance data on the spec sheet. Pay close
attention to the latest inspection report of the tool joints, and identify the most worn.
Based on this weak link you recalculate your make-up torque.

Typically it will be higher than the premium value of the spec sheet.

When we have recalculated the connection performance, we can also perform a

combined load analysis. This analysis will tell us what the string can bear in terms of
tension and torsion, based on the new optimum make-up torque, and what the
minimum make-up torque should be, in order to prevent the string from additional
make-up in the wellbore due to well torque.

Another important issue that you need to consider is what kind of dope you are using
with regards to its friction factor. This information is usually printed on the box or
included in the accompanying data sheet. If the friction factor equals 1, you do not
need to consider it. If it is more or less than 1, you must multiply that number with
the make-up torque in order to get the correct value.