Drilling Assembly Handbook 2001 PDF

DRILLING ASSEMBLY
HANDBOOK
© 1977, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997,
1998, 2000 and 2001 Smith International, Inc.
All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 60068 · Houston, Texas 77205-0068

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Drilco, Grant, Ezy-Change, RWP, Shock Sub, Hevi-Wate,
Ezy-Torq and Drilcolog.
ii iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE

Bottom-Hole Assemblies .............................. 1
This handbook has been altered you should
Differential Pressure Sticking ........................ 27
engineers to help rig personnel do a
Bit Stabilization ........................................... 31 better job.
Drill Collar ................................................... 37 It summarizes proven drilling techniques
Hevi-WateT Drill Pipe ................................... 105 and technical data that, hopefully, will
enable you to drill a usable hole at the
Tool Joints ................................................... 117
lowest possible cost. Carry it in your hip
Kellys .......................................................... 135
pocket for easy reference.
Inspection .................................................... 143 If there are any questions about the
Rotating Drilling Heads ................................ 159 Drilling Handbook, just call your nearest
Additional Information ................................. 173 Smith representative or talk with our
service people when they visit your rig.
Index ........................................................... 179
The Field Operations, Sales,

Business Development and
Engineering Departments.
iv
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

The Drilling Assembly Handbook is broken down
into eleven (11) major sections, as described in
the table of contents.
A detailed index is provided starting on page 179.
The topics in the index will give the page numbers
of information relating to specific drilling problems
which you might face on the rig floor.
If you have any suggestions on how we can
make this handbook work better for you, please
send them to us or tell your Smith representative.
Refer suggestions to:
Reader Service Dept.
Smith International
1
SECTION ONE
BOTTOM-HOLE
ASSEMBLIES
P.O. Box 60068

Houston, Texas 77205-0068
Bottom-Hole Assemblies 1
BOTTOM-HOLE ASSEMBLIES
Introductory Comments on Bottom-Hole Assemblies
The title of this publication is “Drilling Assembly
Handbook” and most of the pages are devoted to
the entire drilling assembly, from the swivel to the
bit. We have included useful information about
the rotary shouldered connections (pins and
boxes) that are used on every drill stem member.
In this section, however, we are primarily
interested in the bottom-hole assembly — the
tools between the bit and the drill pipe. Over the
years, the bottom-hole assembly has grown from
one or two simple drill collars to quite a complex
array of tools, stacking up above the bit about
500 to 1,000 ft (150 to 300 m).
Our job in this rig floor pocketbook is to sim-
plify the complexities of all these tools. We’ll
explain the purposes of each one and how to select
and assemble them for maximum effectiveness
and minimum trouble.
Today the bottom-hole assembly serves several
useful purposes, in addition to the simple need to
effectively load the bit with drill collar weight.
Correctly designed, they can:
· Prevent doglegs and key seats.
· Produce a smooth bore and full size hole.
· Improve bit performance.
· Minimize drilling problems.
· Minimize harmful vibrations.
· Minimize differential pressure sticking.
· Reduce production problems.
In the following pages we explain how these
desirable objectives can be attained.
2 Bottom-Hole Assemblies Bottom-Hole Assemblies 3
STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING

A better title would probably be “Controlled
Deviation Drilling” because it has been learned
through the years that a perfectly straight hole is
virtually impossible to drill. No one knows the
exact cause of holes going crooked but some logi- Figure No. 2
cal theories have been presented. It has been con-
firmed that the drilling bit will try to climb uphill
or updip in laminar formations with dips up to
40° (see Figure No. 1).
In a straight hole drilling contract, many of the

possible troubles can be prevented by obtaining
satisfactory contract terms on deviation and dog-
legs. It is extremely important, when negotiating
Figure No. 1
the contract itself, that the operator be aware of the
advantages in giving the broadest possible limits
for deviation. By relaxing deviation clauses to rea-
sonable limits, it is possible to drill a so-called
straight hole at high rates of penetration and avoid
the costly operations of plugging back and straight-
ening the hole. In addition to the operator’s devia-
tion limits, it may be possible to work with him to
select a location so that the well may be allowed to
Another factor to consider is the bending char- drift into the target area. If it is desired to reach a
acteristic of the drill stem. With no weight on the certain point on the structure, and it is known that
bit, the only force acting on the bit is the result of the well will drift in a certain direction up-structure,
the weight of the portion of the string between the it is desirable to move the location down-dip so,
bit and the tangency point. This force tends to when drilling normally, the bottom of the well will
bring the hole toward vertical. When weight is drift into the target area.
applied, there is another force on the bit which From the contractor’s standpoint, valuable time
tends to direct the hole away from vertical. The can be spent in planning the drill stem and the bit
resultant of these two forces may be in such a program along with the hydraulics.
direction as to increase angle, to decrease angle Drift planning will include obtaining the largest
or to maintain constant angle. This was stated by drill collars that may be safely run in a given hole
Arthur Lubinski (research engineer for Amoco) at size and planning for optimum bit weights to get
the spring meeting of the Mid-Continent District, the best rate of penetration. If it is anticipated that
Division of Production, in Tulsa, March 1953, and there will be a problem maintaining the deviation
was based upon the assumption that the drill stem within the contract limits, there are more extreme
lies on the low side of an inclined hole (see Figure methods available which will assure a more nearly
No. 2). vertical hole and still allow relatively high rates
In general, it is easier to drill a hole in soft forma- of penetration.
tions than in hard formations. In particular, the effect
of the drill stem bending may be much less when
drilling soft formations, while the hard formations
require high bit weights.
Arthur Lubinski and Henry Woods (research engi-

neer for Hughes Tool Co.) were among the first to
WHY RESTRICT TOTAL HOLE ANGLE?
apply mathematics to drilling. They stated in the early Total hole angle should be restricted (1) to stay on
1950s that the size of the bottom drill collars would be a particular lease and not drift over into adjacent
the limiting factor for lateral movement of the bit, property; (2) to ensure drilling into a specific pay
and the Minimum Effective Hole Diameter (MEHD) zone like a stratigraphic trap, a lensing sand, a fault
could be calculated by the following equation: block, etc.; or (3) to drill a near vertical hole to meet
legal requirements from regulatory agencies, field
Bit size + drill collar OD
MEHD = rules, etc.
2
The restriction of total hole angle may solve
Robert S. Hoch (engineer for Phillips Petroleum
some problems but it is not a cure-all. As can be
Company) theorized that, while drilling with an
seen in Figure No. 4, the typical 5° limit does not
unstable bit, an abrupt change can occur if hard
assure a wellbore free of troublesome doglegs.
ledges are encountered (see Figure No. 3). He
pointed out that a dogleg of this nature would
cause an undersized hole, making it difficult or
maybe impossible to run casing. Hoch rewrote
Lubinski’s equation to solve for the Minimum
Permissible Bottom-Hole Drill Collar Outside
Diameter (MPBHDCOD), as follows:
MPBHDCOD = 2 (casing coupling OD) - bit OD
For example:
Data: 121/4 in. bit
95/8 in. casing (coupling OD = 10.625 in.) Figure No. 4
Minimum drill collar size = 2 (10.625 in.) - 12.250 in.
= 9 in. OD
Data: 311.2 mm bit WHY RESTRICT RATE OF HOLE ANGLE CHANGE?
244.5 mm casing (coupling OD = 269.9 mm)
Lubinski pointed out in his work in the early 1960s
Minimum drill collar size = 2 (269.9 mm) - 311.2 mm
that the rate of hole angle change should be the
= 228.6 mm OD
main concern, not necessarily the maximum hole
Drill Collar Size Limits angle. He expressed this rate of hole angle change
Lateral Bit Movement in degrees per 100 ft. In 1961 an API study group
published a tabular method of determining maxi-
Minimum permissible drill collar OD = 2
(casing coupling OD) – Bit OD mum permissible doglegs that would be acceptable
Robert S. Hoch in rotary drilling and completions. Therefore, the
main objective is to drill a “useful” hole with a full-
gage, smooth bore, free from doglegs, key seats,
Bit OD + collar OD
Drift diameter =
2
offsets, spirals and ledges.
Woods and Lubinski A key seat is formed after part of the drill pipe
string has passed through the dogleg. Since the drill
pipe is in tension, it is trying to straighten itself while
Figure No. 3 going around the dogleg. This creates a lateral force
that causes the drill pipe to cut into the center of the
bow as it is rotated (see Figure No. 5). This force
is proportional to the amount of weight hanging
below the dogleg. A key seat will be formed only if
the formation is soft enough and the lateral force
great enough to allow penetration of the drill pipe.
When severe doglegs and key seats are formed,
many problems can develop.
Dogleg Key seat age will build up rapidly and failure of the pipe is
Tension Tension
likely. It can be seen from this plot that if a dogleg
is high in the hole, with high tension in the pipe,
Top view only a small change in angle can be tolerated.
of key seat
section Conversely, if the dogleg is close to total depth,
Lateral tension in the pipe will be low and a larger
force
change in angle can be tolerated.
Endurance Limit for 41/2 in., 16.60 lb/ft Grade E Drill Pipe
in 10 lb/gal Mud (Gradual Dogleg)
Tension Tension
Figure No. 5
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH

DOGLEGS AND KEY SEATS
Drill Pipe Fatigue
Lubinski presented guidelines in 1961 for the rate Figure No. 6
of change of hole angles. He said that if a program
is designed in such a way that drill pipe damage is
If the stress endurance limit of the drill pipe is
avoided while drilling the hole, then the hole will
exceeded because of rotation through a dogleg, an
be acceptable for conventional designs of casing,
expensive fishing job or a junked hole might develop.
tubing and sucker rod strings as far as dogleg
severity is concerned. A classical example of a Stuck Pipe
severe dogleg condition which produces fatigue Sticking can occur by sloughing or heaving of the
failures in drill pipe can be seen in Figure No. 5. hole and by pulling the large OD drill collars into a
The stress at Point B is greater than the stress at key seat while pulling the drill stem out of the hole.
Point A; but as the pipe is rotated, Point A moves
from the inside of the bend to the outside and back Logging
to the inside again. Every fiber on the pipe goes Logging tools and wirelines can become stuck in
from minimum tension to maximum tension and key seats. The wall of the hole can also be damaged,
back to minimum tension again. Cyclic stress causing hole problems.
reversals of this nature cause fatigue failures in
Running Casing
drill pipe, usually within the first two feet of the
Running casing through a dogleg can be a very
body adjacent to the tool joint, because of the
serious problem. If the casing becomes stuck in the
abrupt change of cross section.
dogleg, it will not extend through the productive
Lubinski suggested that to avoid rapid fatigue
zone. This would make it necessary to drill out the
failure of pipe, the rate of change of the hole angle
shoe and set a smaller size casing through the pro-
must be controlled. Suggested limits can be seen in
ductive interval. Even if running the casing to the
Figure No. 6. This graph is a plot of the tension in
bottom through the dogleg is successful, the casing
the pipe versus change in hole angle in degrees per
might be severely damaged, thereby preventing the
100 ft (30.5 m). This curve is designed for 41/2
running of production equipment.
in., 16.60 lb/ft (114.3 mm, 24.7 kg/m) Grade “E”
drill pipe in 10 lb/gal (1.2 g/cc) mud. It represents Cementing
stress endurance limits of the drill pipe under vari- The dogleg will force the casing over tightly against
ous tensile loads and in various rates of change in the wall of the hole, preventing a good cement bond
hole angle. If conditions fall to the left of this because no cement can circulate between the wall
curve, fatigue damage to the drill pipe will be of the hole and the casing at this point.
avoided. To the right of the curve, fatigue dam-
Casing Wear While Drilling

The lateral force of the drill pipe rotating against
the casing in the dogleg or dragging through it
while tripping can cause a hole to wear through
the casing. This could cause drilling problems
and/or possible serious blowouts. Height to point of tangency
(Pendulum force)
Restoring force of drill
Production Problems collar weight
It is better to have a smooth string of casing to pro-
Reaction of
duce through. Rod wear and tubing leaks associ- formation
ated with doglegs can cause expensive repair jobs.
Figure No. 7
It may be difficult to run packers and tools in and
out of the well without getting stuck because of
distorted or collapsed casing. 3. The reaction of the formation to these loads may
be resolved into two forces — one parallel to the
HOW DO WE CONTROL HOLE ANGLE? axis of the hole and one perpendicular to the
axis of the hole.
Now that we have some ideas as to the possible
This work made it possible to utilize gravity as
causes of bit deviation and the problems associated
a means of controlling change in the hole angle.
with crooked holes, let’s look at two possible
Special tables were prepared to show the necessary
solutions using the pendulum and the packed
weight for the bit to maintain a certain hole angle.
hole concepts.
These tables also show the proper placement of a
Pendulum Theory stabilizer to give the maximum pendulum force
In the early 1950s, Woods and Lubinski collabo- and the maximum weight for the bit. The effects of
rated in mathematical examination of the forces using larger drill collars can also be determined.
on a rock bit when drilling in an inclined hole. In These tables or graphs may be obtained from your
order to make their calculations, they made three Smith representative. They are called “Drilling
basic assumptions: Straight Holes in Crooked Hole Country,” Publication
1. The bit is like a ball and socket joint, free to turn, No. 59 (see page 174 for details).
but laterally restrained.
Packed Hole Theory
2. The drill collars lie on the low side of the hole
Most people today use a packed hole assembly to
and will remain stable on the low side of the hole.
overcome crooked hole problems and the pendu-
3. The bit will drill in the direction in which it is
lum is used only as a corrective measure to reduce
pushed, not necessarily in the direction in which
angle when the maximum permissible deviation
it is aimed.
has been reached. The packed hole assembly is
Consequently, the forces which act upon the bit sometimes referred to as the “gun barrel” approach
can be resolved into: because a series of stabilizers is used in the hole
1. The axial load supplied by the weight of the already drilled to guide the bit straight ahead. The
drill collars. objective is to select a bottom-hole assembly to be
2. The lateral force — the weight of the drill collar run above the bit with the necessary stiffness and
between the bit and the first point of contact wall contact tools to force the bit to drill in the gen-
with the wall of the hole by the drill collar (pen- eral direction of the hole already drilled. If the
dulum force). Pendulum force is the tendency of proper selection of drill collars and bottom-hole
the unsupported length of drill collar to swing tools is made, only gradual changes in hole angle
over against the low side of the hole because of
gravity. It is the only force that tends to bring the
hole back toward vertical (see Figure No. 7).
will develop. This should create a useful hole with

a full-gage and smooth bore, free from doglegs, key
seats, offsets, spirals and ledges, thereby making it
possible to complete and produce the well (see
Figure No. 8).
Figure No. 9
Stiffness
Stiffness is probably the most misunderstood of all
the points to be considered about drill collars. Few
Figure No. 8 people realize the importance of diameter and its
relationship to stiffness. If you double the diameter
of a bar, its stiffness is increased 16 times.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING For example, if an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter
A PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY bar is deflected 1 in. (25.4 mm) under a certain
load, a 4 in. (101.6 mm) diameter bar will deflect
Length of Tool Assembly 16 in. (406.4 mm) under the same load.
It is important that wall contact assemblies provide Here are some numbers for moments of Inertia (I),
sufficient length of contact to assure alignment proportional to stiffness. They represent the stiffness
with the hole already drilled. Experience confirms of popular drill collars of various diameters.
that a single stabilizer just above the bit generally
acts as a fulcrum or pivot point. This will build OD ID OD ID OD ID
angle because the lateral force of the unstabilized (in.) (in.) I (in.) (in.) I (in.) (in.) I
collars above will cause the bit to push to one side 51/4 21/4 29 63/4 21/4 100 9 213/16 318
1
as weight is applied. Another stabilizing point, for 6 /4 21/4 74 7 /4 213/16
1
115 10 313/16 486
1
example, at 30 ft (10 m) above the bit will nullify 6 /2 21/4 86 81/4 213/16 198 11 313/16 713
some of the fulcrum effect. With these two points,
this assembly will stabilize the bit and reduce the Large diameter drill collars will help provide the
tendency to build hole angle. It is, however, not ultimate in stiffness, so it is important to select the
considered the best packed hole assembly. maximum diameter collars that can be safely run.
As shown in Figure No. 9, two points will con- Drill collars increase in stiffness by the fourth power
tact and follow a curved line. But add one more of the diameter. For example, a 91/2 in. (241.3 mm)
point with a stiff assembly, and there is no way diameter drill collar is four times stiffer than a 7 in.
you can get three points to contact and follow a (177.8 mm) diameter drill collar and is two times
sharp curve. Therefore, three or more stabilizing stiffer than an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter drill collar
points are needed to form a packed hole assembly. while all three sizes may be considered appropriate
for drilling a 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole.
Clearance
There needs to be a minimum clearance between
the wall of the hole and the stabilizers. The closer
the stabilizer is to the bit, the more exacting the
clearance requirements are. If, for example, 1/16 in.
(1.6 mm) undergage from hole diameter is satisfac-
tory just above the bit, then 60 ft (18.3 m) above the
bit, 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) clearance may be close enough.
In some areas, wear on contact tools and clearance collar between Zone 1 and Zone 2. When rough
can be a critical factor for a packed hole assembly. drilling conditions are encountered, a vibration
dampener will increase penetration rate and add
Wall Support and the Length of Contact Tool life to the drill bit. Wear and tear on the drilling
Bottom-hole assemblies must adequately contact the rig and drill stem will also be reduced.
wall of the hole to stabilize the bit and centralize
the drill collars. The length of contact needed between Mild Crooked Hole Country (Minimal Assembly)
the tool and the wall of the hole will be determined
by the formation. The surface area in contact must Zone 3 String stabilizer
be sufficient to prevent the stabilizing tool from dig- 30 foot large diameter
drill collar
ging into the wall of the hole. If this should happen,
stabilization would be lost and the hole would drift. Vibration dampener
(when used)
If the formation is strong, hard and uniform, a String stabilizer
Zone 2
short narrow contact surface is adequate and will Large diameter
ensure proper stabilization. On the other hand, if short drill collar
the formation is soft and unconsolidated, a long Zone 1 Bottom hole stabilizer
Bit
blade stabilizer may be required. Hole enlargements Note: In very mild crooked hole country the vibration
in formations that erode quickly tend to reduce dampener may be run in place of the short drill collar.
effective alignment of the bottom-hole assembly. Figure No. 10
This problem can be reduced by controlling the
annular velocity and mud properties.
Medium Crooked Hole Country
PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLIES A packed hole assembly for medium crooked hole
country is similar to that for mild crooked hole
Proper design of a packed hole assembly requires a conditions but with the addition of a second stabi-
knowledge of the crooked hole tendencies and drill- lizing tool in Zone 1. The two tools run in tandem
ability of the formations to be drilled in each partic- provide increased stabilization of the bit and add
ular area. For basic design practices, the following stiffness to limit angle changes caused by lateral
are considered pertinent parameters: forces (see Figure No. 11).
Crooked hole drilling tendencies: Medium Crooked Hole Country
· Mild crooked hole country.
· Medium crooked hole country. Zone 3 String stabilizer
· Severe crooked hole country. 30 foot large diameter
drill collar
Formation firmness:
· Hard to medium-hard formations. Vibration dampener
(when used)
– Abrasive.
String stabilizer
– Non-abrasive. Zone 2
Large diameter
· Medium-hard to soft formations. Dual stabilizers short drill collar
Zone 1 String stabilizer
Mild Crooked Hole Country Bottom hole stabilizer
The packed hole assembly shown in Figure No. 10 Bit
for mild crooked hole country is considered the Figure No. 11
minimal assembly for straight hole drilling and bit
stabilization. Three points or zones of stabilization
are provided by Zone 1 immediately above the bit,
Zone 2 above the large diameter short drill collar
and Zone 3 atop a standard length large diameter
collar. A vibration dampener, when used, should
be placed above Zone 2 for the best performance.
In very mild crooked hole country the vibration
dampener may be run in the place of the short drill
Severe Crooked Hole Country

As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar
In severe crooked hole country three stabilization
length in meters is equal to 12 times the diameter
tools are run in tandem in Zone 1 to provide maxi-
of the hole in meters, plus or minus 0.6 m. For
mum stiffness and wall contact to aim and guide the
example: a short collar length of 1.8 to 3.0 m
bit. In 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) and smaller hole sizes, it is
would be satisfactory in a 203.2 mm hole.
also recommended that a large diameter short collar
be used between Zone 2 and Zone 3. This will
increase stiffness by reducing the deflection of the
STABILIZING TOOLS
total assembly. It will allow the tools in Zone 1 and There are three basic types of stabilizing tools:
Zone 2 to perform their function without excessive (1) rotating blade, (2) non-rotating sleeve and
wear due to lateral thrust or side-loading from (3) rolling cutter reamer. Some variations of
excess deflection above (see Figure No. 12). these tools are as follows:
Severe Crooked Hole Country 1. Rotating Blade

A rotating blade stabilizer can be a straight blade
Zone 3 String stabilizer
or spiral blade configuration, and in both cases the
30 foot large diameter blades can be short or long (see Figure No. 14).
* drill collar
Vibration dampener
The rotating blade stabilizers shown in Figure
(when used) No. 14 are available in two types: (a) shop repairable
Zone 2 String stabilizer and (b) rig repairable.
Large diameter
Tandem stabilizers short drill collar Stg. RWP
String stabilizer
Zone 1 String stabilizer Stg. rig
Bottom hole stabilizer replaceable
Bit Stg. I.B. sleeve
Stg.
*Note: Use short drill collar in 83/4 in. and smaller holes.
welded
Figure No. 12 blade
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country

Figure No. 13 shows all three basic assemblies
required to provide the necessary stiffness and stabi-
lization for a packed hole assembly. A short drill col-
lar is used between Zone 1 and Zone 2 to reduce the
amount of deflection caused by the drill collar weight. Figure No. 14
As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar
length in feet is approximately equal to the hole size a. Shop Repairable
in inches, plus or minus 2 ft. For example: a short The shop repairable tools are either integral
collar length of 6 to 10 ft would be satisfactory in blade, welded blade or shrunk on sleeve construc-
an 8 in. hole. tion. Welded blade stabilizers are popular in soft
Mild Medium Severe formations but are not recommended in hard for-
mations because of rapid fatigue damage in the
Zone 3 weld area.
b. Rig Repairable
Rig repairable stabilizers either have a replace-
able metal sleeve like the Ezy-ChangeE stabilizer
or replaceable metal wear pads like the RWP T
Zone 2 *
* Short drill collar * (Replaceable Wear Pad) stabilizer. These tools
Zone 1
were originally developed for remote locations
but are now used in most areas of the world.
* The short drill collar length is determined by the hole size. Hole size
(in.) = short drill collar (ft) ± 2 ft. Example: Use approximately an 8 ft
collar in an 8 in. diameter hole.
Figure No. 13
All rotating stabilizers have fairly good reaming

ability and because of recent improvements in
hardfacing, have very good wear life. Some of the
hardfacing materials used today are:
· Granular tungsten carbide.
· Crushed sintered tungsten carbide. Figure No. 16
· Sintered tungsten carbide (inlaid).
· Pressed-in sintered tungsten carbide compacts.
· Diamond-enhanced pressed-in carbide compacts.
2. Rig Replaceable Non-Rotating Sleeve Stabilizer

The non-rotating sleeve tool is a very popular sta-
bilizer because it is the safest tool to run from the 3 point BH reamer
standpoint of sticking and washover. This type of
stabilizer is most effective in areas of hard forma-
tions such as lime and dolomite. Since the sleeve MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED HOLE
is stationary, it acts like a drill bushing and, there- COUNTRY IN HARD TO MEDIUM-HARD
fore, will not dig into and damage the wall of the
hole. It does have some limitations. The sleeve is
FORMATIONS
not recommended to be used in temperatures over In Zone 1-A (directly above the bit), a rolling cutter
250°F (121°C). It has no reaming ability and sleeve reamer (see Figure No. 17) should be used when
life may be short in holes with rough walls (see bit gage is a problem in hard and abrasive forma-
Figure No. 15). tions. A six-point tool is required for extreme con-
ditions. In non-abrasive formations, some type of
rotating blade tool with hardfacing is desirable.

Hard to Medium-Hard Formations
6 point
BH reamer BH RWP
Zone 3
3 point BH rig
BH reamer BH I.B. replaceable
sleeve
Figure No. 15
Zone 2 Or Or Or
Zone 1
Mild Med. Sev. Zone 1-A Zone 1-A

(abrasive) (non-abrasive)
Note: Use a reamer if the bit gage is a
problem. Use a 6 point in extremely
hard and abrasive formations.
Non-rotating stabilizer
Figure No. 17
3. Rolling Cutter Reamer

Rolling cutter reamers are used for reaming and
added stabilization in hard formations. Wall con-
tact area is very small, but it is the only tool that
can ream hard rock effectively. Anytime rock bit
gage problems are encountered, the lowest con-
tact tool should definitely be a rolling cutter
reamer (see Figure No. 16).
Rotating blade-type tools are effective in Zone 2

for all three conditions of crooked hole tendencies.
MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED
In very mild crooked hole country, a non-rotating HOLE COUNTRY IN HARD TO
sleeve-type tool will be all right (see Figure No. 18). MEDIUM-HARD FORMATIONS
Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country In Figure No. 20, it is shown that some type of
Hard to Medium-Hard Formations rotating blade stabilizer is recommended in
Stg. RWP Zone 1-B with hard to medium-hard formations
Zone 3 Stg. rig
Stg. I.B. replaceable and medium to severe crooked hole tendencies.
sleeve For severe crooked hole drilling, one of the same
types of tools can be used in Zone 1-C.
Zone 2 Or Or Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country
Zone 1 Stg. RWP
Stg. rig
Zone 2 Zone 3
Mild Med. Sev. replaceable
Note: In very mild crooked hole Stg. I.B. sleeve
country, a non-rotating stabilizer
may be used
in Zone 2.
Or Or
Zone 2
Figure No. 18
Zone 1
With the slightest deviation from vertical, drill Zone 1-B
Med. Sev. Note: The same tools would
collars will lie on the low side of the hole because of be used in Zone 1-C for
their enormous weight. Therefore, the function of severe crooked hole country.
Zone 3 is to centralize the drill collars above Zone 2. Figure No. 20
Both the rotating blade and the non-rotating sleeve
stabilizers may be used for this job in hard to
medium-hard formations (see Figure No. 19). MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED
HOLE COUNTRY IN MEDIUM-HARD TO
SOFT FORMATIONS
Non-rotating Stg. rig Tools for use in medium-hard to soft formations,
Zone 3 replaceable
Stg. I.B. sleeve where the bit gage is no problem, must provide
maximum length of wall contact to provide proper
stabilization to the drill collars and bit. For all
Zone 2
Or Or degrees of crooked hole tendencies, rotating blade
stabilizers are recommended (see Figure No. 21).
Zone 1
Zone 3 Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country
Mild Med. Sev. Medium-Hard to Soft Formations
Figure No. 19 BH RWP Stg. RWP
Zone 3 Stg. rig
BH I.B.
BH rig replaceable
Any stabilizers run above Zone 3 are used only replaceable Stg. I.B. sleeve
sleeve
to prevent the drill collars from buckling or becom-
ing “wall stuck,” and in most cases, will have very Zone 2 Or Or Or Or
little effect on directing the bit.
Zone 1
Zone 1-A Zone 1-B & C
Mild Med. Sev.
Zone 2
Zone 3
Figure No. 21
Modern packed hole assemblies, when properly designed Packed Pendulum

and used, will:
Packed hole assembly
1. Reduce rate of the hole angle change. A smooth
Vibration dampener
walled hole with gradual angle change is more
convenient to work through than one drilled at
minimum hole angle with many ledges, offsets Drill collars
and sharp angle changes.
2. Improve bit performance and life by forcing the Bit Pendulum
bit to rotate on a true axis about its design center,
thus loading all cones equally.
3. Improve hole conditions for drilling, logging Figure No. 22
and running casing. Maximum size casing can
REDUCED BIT WEIGHTS

be run to bottom.
4. Allow use of more drilling weight through
formations which cause abnormal drift. One of the oldest techniques for straightening the
5. Maintain desired hole angle and course in direc- hole is to reduce the weight on the bit and speed up
tional drilling. In these controlled situations, high the rotary table. By reducing the weight on the bit, the
angles can be drilled with minimum danger of bending characteristics of the drill stem are changed
key seating or excessive pipe wear. and the hole tends to be straighter. In recent years it
has been found that this is not always the best proce-
PACKED PENDULUM dure because reducing the bit weight sacrifices con-
Because all packed hole assemblies will bend, siderable penetration rate. Worse, it frequently brings
however small the amount of deflection, a per- about doglegs as illustrated in Figure No. 23. As a
fectly vertical hole is not possible. The rate of point of caution, the straightening of a hole by reduc-
hole angle change will be kept to a minimum but ing bit weight should be done very gradually so the
occasionally conditions will arise where total hole hole will tend to return to vertical without sharp
deviation must be reduced. When this condition bends and will be much safer for future drilling. A
occurs, the pendulum technique is employed. If it reduction of bit weight is usually required when
is anticipated that the packed hole assembly will changing from a packed hole assembly to a pen-
be required after reduction of the hole angle, the dulum or packed pendulum drilling operation. An
packed pendulum technique is recommended. under-gage stabilizer is sometimes run immediately
In the packed pendulum technique, the pendu- above the bit to prevent dropping angle too quickly.
lum collars are swung below the regular packed
hole assembly. When the hole deviation has been
reduced to an acceptable limit, the pendulum col-
lars are removed and the packed hole assembly
again is run above the bit. It is only necessary to
ream the length of the pendulum collars prior to
Figure No. 23
resuming normal drilling.
If a vibration dampening device is used in the
packed pendulum assembly, it should remain in its
original position during the pendulum operations
(see Figure No. 22).
CONCLUSION IMPROVE HOLE OPENER

In summation, a well-engineered bottom-hole PERFORMANCE BY USING A
assembly, with the proper selection of stabilizing VIBRATION DAMPENER
AND STABILIZERS
tools in all three zones, should produce a useful hole
with a full-gage, smooth bore free from doglegs, key
seats, offsets, spirals and ledges, thereby making it Hole opening performance
possible to complete and produce the well. Both the can improve with the use
drilling contractor and oil company operator should of a vibration dampener
realize additional profits from a well-planned pro- and a stabilizer.
gram. Careful planning will usually result in the
best drill stem for a given job. 1. Stabilizer
A stabilizer placed at 60 ft
DOWNHOLE VIBRATIONS? (18.3 m) and 90 ft (27.4 m) in
the drill stem will help to min-
Back in 1959, Smith began to market the first suc- imize drill collar bending.
cessful downhole vibration dampener to meet a very
obvious need. Drillers were having 10 to 15 drill col- 2. Drill Collar
lar failures per well in 121/4-in. (311.2 mm) holes Higher stress concentrations
going to 6,000 ft (1,830 m) in a rough-running area. exist in the connection. Add to
Ordinary measures failed to solve the problem. The this the bouncing of the drill
Shock Sub T or vibration dampener was introduced stem caused by rough run-
into the drill stem and the drill collar failures were ning and the result can be drill
reduced. collar connection failures.
A second benefit was increased bit life. A third
3. Stabilizers
benefit was then achieved by increasing both rotary
A stabilizer will center the
speed and bit weight and further stepping up daily
collars in the hole above the
drilling depth. In rough-running areas, the down-
hole opener and make the
hole vibration dampener has become a way of life.
load on the cutters more
Its use has been extended to many areas, worldwide.
uniformly distributed.
Downhole data collected by a major oil company,
provided a glimpse of what really goes on at the bot- 4. Vibration Dampener
tom of the hole. Using a downhole instrumentation A vibration dampener will
sub, they measured among other things bit weight, minimize vibrations caused
rotary speed, vertical vibrations and bending stress by the hole opener stum-
in the sub. bling over broken forma-
Without even being aware of it at the surface, tions and reduce the shock
small changes in such things as rotary speed, bit loads on the cutters and
weight or formation can cause fantastic gyrations to the drill collars.
occur at the bottom of the hole. Vibrations develop
that cause impact loads on the bit several times the 5. Hole Openers
load indicated at the surface. Bending loads in the The collars are so much
sub increase by perhaps 10 times. smaller than the hole, they
These events indicate how vague our knowledge bend and whip, loading first
of “downhole dynamics” really is. We’ve learned to one cutter, and then the next.
cope with them to some degree. They put a terrific side load
on the pilot bit, and the hole
opener body. The vibration
dampener, with the stabilizer
can help eliminate this.
24 Bottom-Hole Assemblies
Notes
2
SECTION TWO
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSU
STICKING
Differential Pressure Sticking 27
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING OF

DRILL PIPE AND DRILL COLLARS
Differential wall sticking is caused by the drill pipe
or drill collars blocking the flow of fluid from the
borehole into the formation. In a permeable forma-
tion, where the mud column hydrostatic head is
higher than the pressure in the formation, the fluid
loss can be considerable. Associated with the flow
of fluid into the formation is a filtering of solids at
the wall of the hole and a resultant build up of filter
cake. The smooth surfaces of the tools, assisted by
the sealing effect of the filter cake, form an effective
block to fluid losses into the formation. Depending
on length of blocked area, and differences in bore-
hole and formation pressures, this blockage of fluid
flow may permit extremely high forces to build up
against the tools in the hole, and thus the drill stem
becomes differentially wall stuck.
The use of a packed hole assembly will elimi-
nate many of the conditions which result in stick-
ing of the drill stem by holding the drill stem off
the wall of the hole. Such bit stabilizing assemblies
also help prevent sudden hole angle changes, off-
sets and doglegs which lead to sticking the drill
stem in key seats.
REDUCING DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING

Can Be Effectively Reduced By Using the Following Tools:
Hevi-WateT Drill Pipe (see Figure No. 24)
The tool joints at the ends and the integral
upset in the center of the tube act as centralizers
to hold the heavy-wall tube sections off the wall
of the hole. (For more information see page 105.)
Spiral or Grooved Drill Collars (see Figure No. 24)
This tool presents a smaller contact area with the
wall of the hole. The spiral also allows fluid passage
and equalizing of bore pressure around the collars.
The box end of all sizes of spiral drill collars is left
uncut for a distance of no less than 18 in. (457 mm)
and no more than 24 in. (610 mm) below the shoul-
der. The pin end of all sizes of drill collars is left uncut
for a distance of no less than 12 in. (305 mm) and
no more than 22 in. (559 mm) above the shoulder.
28 Differential Pressure Sticking
Stabilizers (see Figure No. 24)

Stabilizers positioned throughout the drill stem
are another positive way of preventing differential
sticking. Rotating blade, welded blade and non-
rotating sleeve-type stabilizers are used to keep the
drill collars centered in the hole. Selection of the
type of stabilizers and their spacing in the drill
3
stem varies with the formation being drilled, the
size of the hole, etc. Your Smith representative
can provide field data for your area. BIT
SECTION THREE STABILIZATION
Conventional
drill collar
IB stabilizer
Hevi-Wate
drill pipe
Spiral drill
collar
Stuck area
Hydra-shock®
Spiral equalizes
pressure in
IB stabilizer stuck area
IB stabilizer
(Integral blade)
Near Bit
IB Stabilizer
Figure No. 24
Bit Stabilization 31
BIT STABILIZATION PAYS OFF

About 55 years ago, bit engineers wondered
why 77/8 in. (200.0 mm) bits performed better than
83/4 in. (222.3 mm) bits. Then they realized both
sizes of bits were run with 61/4 in. (158.8 mm) drill
collars. The 77/8 in. (200.0 mm) bits were clearly
better stabilized than the 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) bits.
Since that time the art of bit stabilization has
continued to improve. About 40 years ago a case
developed where a certain section in offset wells
required 2,000 hours to drill in one case, and only
1,200 hours in the other. All of the normally recorded
conditions on the bit records were the same. Then
it was realized that small limber drill collars were
used in the first case and a fairly well-stabilized
bottom assembly in the other.
More recently drillers have been employing
bottom-hole assemblies described on pages 12
through 20 to get the very most out of every bit. The
better the bit is stabilized, the better it performs.
Large size bits have been notoriously neglected
in the application of stabilization techniques. For
example, it has been common practice to dull 171/2 in.
(444.5 mm) bits with unstabilized 8 in. (203.2 mm)
drill collars. That’s like trying to drill a 77/8 in.
(200.2 mm) hole with slick 37/8 in. (98.4 mm)
drill collars!
People got by with this in years gone by, because
they only drilled very soft formations with such
large bits. Now, in coping with hard formations in
these hole sizes, it is becoming quite apparent that
the principles developed for smaller holes should
also be extended to the larger ones.
We suggest you employ the stiff, stabilizing
assemblies described in this book with every bit
you dull. They’ve been proven in hole sizes all
the way up to 120 in. (3,048 mm)!
STABILIZATION IMPROVES BIT PERFORMANCE

Rock bits are designed to rotate about the axis of
the hole. Their service life is shortened when the
axis is misaligned. This misalignment may be
parallel or angular.
When the axis at the bottom of the hole shifts
in a parallel manner, the bit runs off center (see
Figure No. 25). This causes the cutting structure to
wear pick-shaped. Rings of uncut bottom develop
and bit life is drastically reduced.
32 Bit Stabilization Bit Stabilization 33
If the drill collar directly above the bit leans

against the hole wall, angular misalignment
occurs. The penalty on bit performance depends
Figure No. 27
on the degree of misalignment. For example, in an
83/4 in. (222.3 mm) hole, 7 in. (177.8 mm) collars
reduce the effect to some degree, but misalignment
still exists.
Angular misalignment permits two very harm- Figure No. 27 shows a photograph of a broken
ful effects to exist. First, the full weight on the bit medium, soft to medium formation bit that has
is shifted from one cone to the other, causing rapid run off center. Note the cone shell, between rows
breakdown of tooth structure and bearings. Weight of cutting structure, has been grooved by the
should be evenly distributed on all three cones. rings of uncut bottom-hole formations.
The second bad effect is the breakdown of the vital
gage cutting surfaces at the tops of the outer tooth
rows. “Apple-shape” cones result and bit life suffers
greatly (see Figure No. 27).
Dramatic improvements in bit life have been Figure No. 28
observed in shifting from non-stabilized to stabi-
lized bottom-hole assemblies, particularly when
diamond bits, PDC bits, journal bearing or sealed
bearing bits are being run. Figure No. 28 shows a photograph of a medium
Avoid both angular and parallel misalign- formation bit that has suffered gage wear and gage
ment with properly selected stabilizing assem- rounding due to angular misalignment.
blies. The higher the degree of stabilization,
the greater the benefits.
Figure No. 29
Figure No. 29 shows a photograph of a bit that

has suffered severe damage to the gage and OD of
the bit itself. The lugs have worn so badly that the
shirttails are gone and some of the roller bearings
Figure No. 25 Figure No. 26
are missing. The bit was run too long in an abra-
Parallel Misalignment Angular Misalignment sive formation. When the bit is pulled like this,
Parallel misalignment Angular misalignment the last portion of the hole was drilled undergage.
is caused by the use of is caused by the use of The entire tapered portion of the hole must be
small drill collars (in small drill collars (in reamed out to the new bit gage.
relation to the hole size) relation to the hole size)
and no stabilization. and no stabilization.
The bit can move off Most or all of the bit
center until the drill load is applied to one
collars’ OD contacts cone at a time, causing
the wall of the hole. rapid breakdown and
This results in an offset failure of both the cut-
due to drilling off center. ting structure and bear-
ing structure of the bit.
34 Bit Stabilization
Figure No. 30
4
Figure No. 30 shows a photograph of a broken
medium, soft to medium bit that has been run with-
out the support of a dampening device. A vibration DRILL
dampener run in the bottom-hole assembly will help SECTION FOUR COLLAR
obtain a faster rate of penetration and increased bit
life. When drilling in broken hard formations, exces-
sive vibration, bit bounce and shock loading can
cause tooth and tungsten carbide insert breakage
and rapid bearing failure. Because of rough-running
in some formations, the desired weight and rotating
speed cannot be utilized. The use of a vibration
dampener will eliminate the damaging shock load-
ing and help maintain a faster rate of penetration
and longer bit life.
Drill Collar 37
DRILL COLLAR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Don’t Ruin Those New Drill Collars
Read the following statement. It may save you
many headaches in the months ahead.
“A new string of drill collars should give many
months of trouble-free service, but they can be
ruined on the first trip down the hole if they aren’t
properly cleaned and lubricated, and made up with
measured and controlled makeup torque. In
fact, the threads or shoulders can be damaged in
picking up or on initial makeup, and be ruined
before they are ever run into the hole.”
“Proper makeup torque, consistently measured
and applied, is essential to satisfactory drill collar
joint performance. Nothing that is done in design
and manufacture can obviate the necessity for rig-
level makeup torque control. It has to be done
on the rig!”
The above statement is quoted from a series
of articles published in the March 1966, Oil &
Gas Journal.
IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DRILL COLLAR

PIN AND BOX CONNECTIONS
Drill collar manufacturers recommend connection
sizes based on the balance of pin and box bend-
ing strength ratios. The formula for this calcula-
tion is in the API RP 7G.
The drill collar connection, more correctly
called a rotary shouldered connection, must per-
form several necessary functions. The connection
is a tapered threaded jack screw that forces the
shoulders together to form the only seal, and acts
as a structural member to make the pin equally as
strong, in bending, as the box when made up to the
recommended torque. The threads do not form a
seal. By design, there is an open channel from the
bore to the shoulder seal. This space is there to
38 Drill Collar Drill Collar 39
accommodate excess thread compound, foreign 4. Lift sub pins should be cleaned, inspected and
matter and thread wear (see Figure No. 31). lubricated on each trip. If these pins have been
damaged and go unnoticed, they will eventually
damage all of the drill collar boxes.
Initial Makeup of New Drill Collars

1. A new joint should be very carefully lubricated.
Any metal-to-metal contact may cause a gall.
Application should be generous on shoulders,
threads and in the pin relief grooves.
2. Good rig practice is to “walk in” the drill collar
joint using chain tongs.
3. Make up to proper torque.
4. Break out connection and inspect for and
repair minor damage.
5. Relubricate and make up to proper torque.
Torque Control
Figure No. 31 1. Torque is the measure of the amount of twist
applied to members as they are screwed together.
The length of the tong arm in feet multiplied by
See the guides and tips for proper selection of
the line pull in pounds is foot-pounds (ft-lb) of
connections for various ODs and IDs on pages 78
torque. Use feet and tenths of a foot.
through 95.
1. The length of the tong arm in meters multiplied
RECOMMENDED DRILL COLLAR CARE by the line pull in kilograms is kilogram-meters
AND MAINTENANCE
(kg-m) of torque.
2. A 4.2 ft tong arm and 2,000 lb of line pull at
Three points that are a must for good drill collar the end of the tong, will produce 4.2 ft times
performance are: 2,000 lb, or a total of 8,400 ft-lb of torque (see
1. Must properly lubricate shoulders and threads Figure No. 32).
with drill collar compound. 1. A 1.28 m tong arm and 907 kg of line pull at
2. Must use proper torque; must be measured. the end of the tong, will produce a 1.28 m times
3. Must immediately repair minor damage. 907 kg or a total of 1161 kg-m of torque (see
Figure No. 32).
Picking Up Drill Collars
1. Cast-steel thread protectors with a lifting bail,
provide a means of dragging the collar into the
“V” door and protecting the shoulders and
threads. Remember that the pin should also
be protected.
2. Connections should be cleaned thoroughly with
a solvent and wiped dry with a clean rag. Inspect
carefully for any burrs or marks on the shoulders.
3. A good grade of drill collar compound, contain-
ing powdered metallic zinc in the amount of
40 to 60% by weight should be applied to the
threads and shoulders on both pin and box.
Drill pipe lubricants without a minimum of 40
to 50% zinc are not recommended because they
normally are made with lead oxide which does
not have sufficient body for the high shoulder
loads necessary in drill collar makeup.
Recommended Minimum Torque (ft-lb)

Connection OD Bore of Drill Collar (in.)
90°
Type (in.) 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
3
NC 50 6 /4 36,700 35,800 32,200 30,000 26,600
4.2 ft
2,000 lb line pull

6. It should be emphasized that the torque values
Fully effective tong arm shown in the table are minimum requirements.
Torque = 4.2 ft x 2,000 lb The normal torque range is from the tabulated
= 8,400 ft-lb
figure to 10% higher.
1. From the example above, the required torque
range is 32,200 to 35,400 ft-lb; (32,200 ft-lb) +
(32,200 ft-lb x .10) = 35,400 ft-lb.
90°
Rig Maintenance of Drill Collars
4.2 ft
1. It is recommended practice to break a different
3,000 lb line pull joint on each trip, giving the crew an opportunity
Fully effective tong arm
Torque = 4.2 ft x 3,000 lb to inspect each pin and box every third trip. Inspect
= 12,600 ft-lb the shoulders for signs of loose connections, galls
and possible washouts.
2. Thread protectors should be used on both pin
and box when picking up or laying down the
drill collars.
45°
3. Periodically, based on drilling conditions and

45° experience, a magnetic particle inspection
ft
4.
2
should be performed, using a wet fluorescent

2
4.
ft
and black light method.

4. Before storing the drill collars, they should be
3 ft 3 ft cleaned. If necessary, reface the shoulders with
3,000 lb line pull 3,000 lb line pull a shoulder refacing tool, and remove the fins
Ineffective tong arm on the shoulders by beveling. A good rust pre-
Torque = 3 ft x 3,000 lb ventative or drill collar compound should be
= 9,000 ft-lb
applied to the connections liberally, and
Figure No. 32
thread protectors installed.
3. A line pull measuring device must be used HERE IS THE WAY TO FIGURE THE DRILL COLLAR
in making up drill collars. It is important that
line pull be measured when the line is at right
MAKEUP TORQUE YOU NEED
angles (90°) to the tong handle. As discussed on pages 38 through 41, you must
4. When applying line pull to the tongs, it is bet- use the recommended makeup torque and this
ter to apply a long steady pull rather than to torque must be measured with an accurate device.
jerk the line. Hold pull momentarily to make There are two steps that must be worked out
sure all slack is taken up. for all hookups:
5. The proper torque required for a specific drill
Step No. 1
collar should be taken from a table of recom-
Look in the torque tables, pages 54 to 65, and find
mended torques for drill collars. For a 63/4 in.
the minimum torque recommended for the size
(171.5 mm) OD x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm) ID with a
drill collars (OD and ID) and type of connection.
NC 50 connection, the table indicates a torque
of 32,200 ft-lb (4,460 kg-m) (see pages 54
through 65).
Step No. 2 The 8,748 lb (4,000 kg) of line pull is the

Divide the torque value by the effective length total pull required on the end of this 4.2 ft
of the tong arm (see Figure No. 33). This will give (1.27 m) tong. This may or may not be the amount
the total line pull required. of line pull reading on the torque indicator, as this
depends on the location of the indicator.
Effective tong arm length
The following pages show 15 examples of hookups
used to make up drill collar connections. Select
the one being used and follow the steps outlined.
Note: In the 15 examples on the following pages,
the heavy black arrow is used to indicate
cathead pull.
Caution: Before torquing, be sure the tongs are
of sufficient strength.
90°
The amount of cathead pull will

be the same as the line pull
reading on your Torque Indicator.
Snub line
Cathead pull
Figure No. 33
Example: Torque indicator

For 42 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 3.5 ft
For 48 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 4 ft
90°
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum
For collars with 63/4 in. OD x 21/4 in. ID and
recommended torque
NC 50 (41/2 in. IF) connections, the tables recom-
required.
mended 36,741 ft-lb of makeup torque. Say the
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by
“effective” tong arm length is 50 in. then:
the effective tong length.
50 in. The answer is pounds pull reading for the
= 4.2 ft
12 in. line pull indicator when in this position.
36,741 ft-lb
= 8,748 lb of line pull
4.2 ft
Figure No. 34
Example:
For 42 in. tongs, multiply by .0254 = 1.07 m
For collars with 171.4 mm OD x 57.1 mm ID
and NC 50 (41/2 in. IF) connections, the tables
recommend 5,080 kg-m of makeup torque. Say
the “effective” tong arm length is 50 in. then:
(50 in.) x (.0254) = 1.27 m
5,080 kg-m
= 4,000 kg of line pull
1.27 m
Torque indicator Torque indicator
The amount of cathead pull will The amount of cathead pull will
be the same as the line pull be 1/2 of the line pull reading on
reading on your Torque Indicator. your Torque Indicator.
90° 90°
Snub line Snub line
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum Step No. 1 Look up the minimum
recommended torque recommended torque
required. required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by
the effective tong length. the effective tong length.
The answer is pounds pull reading for the The answer is pounds pull reading for the
line pull indicator when in this position. line pull indicator when in this position.
Snub
line Figure No. 37
Figure No. 35
be 1/3 of the line pull reading on
your Torque Indicator.
Torque indicator
Snub line

be the same as the line pull
reading on your Torque Indicator.
Snub line 90°
Torque indicator
90°
recommended torque
required.
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum Step No. 2 Divide this torque by
recommended torque required. the effective tong length.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the The answer is pounds pull reading
effective tong length. for the line pull indicator when in
The answer is pounds pull reading for the this position.
line pull indicator when in this position.
Snub line Figure No. 38

Figure No. 36
The amount of cathead pull will The amount of cathead pull

be 1/2 of the line pull reading on will be the same as the line
your Torque Indicator. pull reading on your Torque
Snub line Snub line Indicator.
Torque indicator
90°
90°
required. required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by
the effective tong length. the effective tong length.
The answer is pounds pull reading Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be
for the line pull indicator when in the pounds pull reading for Snub
this position. the line pull indicator when line
Snub
line Figure No. 39 in this position.
Torque
Figure No. 41 indicator
Torque indicator
The amount of cathead pull will The amount of cathead pull will be
be 1/3 of the line pull reading on the same as the line pull reading
your Torque Indicator. on your Torque Indicator.
90° Snub line
Snub line
90°
required. required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by Step No. 2 Divide this torque value
the effective tong length. by the effective tong
The answer is pounds pull reading length.
for the line pull indicator when in Snub
Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will
this position. line be the pounds pull read-
ing for line pull indicator
Torque when in this position.
Snub indicator
Figure No. 42
line Figure No. 40
The amount of cathead pull will Snub line The amount of cathead pull will be
be the same as the line pull the same as the line pull reading
reading on your Torque Indicator. on your Torque Indicator.
Snub line
90°
Torque
indicator
Torque indicator
90°

recommended torque
required.
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum Step No. 2 Divide this torque value
recommended torque by the effective tong
required. length.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by Step No. 3 Divide this
this by
by 3.3. This
This will
the effective tong length. be
willthe
be pounds
the pounds pullpull
read-
Snub
line Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will ing for line
reading pullpull
for line indicator
indi-
be the pounds pull reading when in thisinposition.
cator when this posi-
for the line pull indicator
Snub line tion.
when in this position. Figure No. 45
Figure No. 43 The amount of cathead pull will

Snub line Snub line

90°
Torque
indicator
90°

recommended torque
required.
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum Step No. 2 Divide this torque value
recommended torque by the effective tong
required. length.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by Step No. 3 Divide this
this by
by 3,
3, and
andmul-
the effective tong length. multiply
tiply by 2.byThis
2. This willthe
will be
Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be the pounds
pounds pull for
pull reading
be the pounds pull reading reading for the
the line pull line pull
indicator
for the line pull indicator Snub when in this position.
when in this position. line Torque indicator
Figure No. 46

be 1/4 of the line pull reading on HOW DO YOU APPLY AND MEASURE MAKEUP
your Torque Indicator
Snub line TORQUE?
Rig Catheads
Most drilling rigs have catheads on each side of the
drawworks which are used to apply line pull to the
tongs. The catheads do not have built in devices to
measure the amount of line pull. Line pull measur-
ing devices must be added to the lines between the
90°
tongs and the catheads to accomplish this task.
The driller is required to release the cathead clutch
at the appropriate time in order to ensure the
recommended torque
desired pull is not exceeded. This often causes
required.
errors in application of the torque.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by
the effective tong length. Hydraulic Load Cells
Step No. 3 Divide this by 5, and multi- For measuring the amount of applied line pull,
ply by 4. This will be the many rigs use hydraulic load cells. Load cells are
pounds pull reading for the simple devices that are generally very reliable. A
line pull indicator when in load cell device usually consists of three parts: (1)
this position. a small hydraulic cylinder, (2) a pressure gage
that reads pounds of pull, and (3) a rubber hose
Snub to connect the cylinder and the gage. One must
line Torque indicator remember that the gage reads in pounds of force
Figure No. 47 and not in foot-pounds of torque. You must mea-
sure the length of the tongs in feet. And then you
The amount of cathead pull will Torque indicator multiply the gage reading (pounds) by the tong
your Torque Indicator. length (feet) to get foot-pounds of torque.
Automatic Torque Control System

90°
Snub line Smith provides a system that eliminates the prob-
lems associated with using the rig catheads. This
product is called the Automatic Torque Control
System (ATCS). The ATCS is a highly accurate solid-
state electronic control that automatically terminates
makeup of the drill stem connections when the pre-
specified torque is reached. It can be used on any
rig that has manual tongs and air-activated cathead
clutches. With a few modifications it can be
Step No. 1 Look up the minimum adapted to hydraulic makeup systems.
recommended torque The ATCS includes an intrinsically safe load
required. cell, explosion-proof air controllers and an air-
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by purged control panel for operation in Class 1,
the effective tong length. Group D, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous environ-
Step No. 3 The answer is pounds pull ments. For operation in all Division 1 situations,
reading for the line pull indi- a power time delay unit is required.
cator when in this position.

How Does the ATCS Help? Give This Some Thought

· Safer - The driller is freed from watching Each torque measuring device has a limit for the
hydraulic torque gages for the make up of each total amount of line pull it can accurately measure.
connection, thus letting him focus his attention Know the limit of the instrument you are using and
on the rig floor activities. work within the recommended range (see pages 41
· Reduces trip time - Automatic application of through 50).
makeup torque results in faster and optimum rig Multiple line hookups can provide many times
floor rhythm of movement. the normal makeup line pull. Great care should be
· Reduces pin and box damage - Improper taken to see that the lines do not become crossed,
torque is the primary cause of swelled boxes, twisted or fouled. When it comes time for the “big
stretched pins, and galled threads and shoulders. pull*,” be sure everyone is in the clear.
· Minimizes risk of fishing jobs - Improper *Caution: Know the tong’s rating before the
makeup torque causes washouts and twistoffs. pull is attempted.
· Reduces rig downtime - By eliminating torque- The slack in the tong safety line should be suffi-
related failures, you can avoid the expense of cient for the tongs to obtain full benefit of the pull
laying down damaged pipe and tools, repair or from the cathead, but short enough to prevent
replacement, and loss of costly rig time. complete rotation of the tongs.
Hydraulic Line Pull Devices

Sometimes drilling rigs do not have catheads or
have catheads with insufficient capacity or simply
do not want to use them for the makeup of large
rotary shouldered connections. In these cases, the
rig must rely on external devices to supply the line
pull to the tongs. These devices take the form of
hydraulic cylinders and power sources.
Ezy-TorqT Hydraulic Cathead

In the 1960s Smith developed the Ezy-Torq hydraulic
cathead for use on large connections that were
beyond the capacity of most rig air catheads. Its pri-
mary function is to provide a line pull source for con-
nections that require torques ranging from 40,000 to
150,000 ft-lb. When you use the hydraulic cathead
on connections requiring less than 40,000 ft-lb, you
should always calibrate the unit with a load cell.
The Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead is available in
two different configurations:
1. One which has its own self-contained power
source.
2. One which uses an auxiliary power source
supplied by the user.
For either source of power, the hydraulic
cylinder and cylinder installation/arrangement
are the same.
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (in.) Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
of Connection (in.) (in.) 1 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2 33/4
3...4 2,508† 2,508† 2,508†
API NC 23 31/8 3,330† 3,330† 2,647
31/4 4,000 3,387 2,647
33/4 2,241† 2,241† 1,749
23/8 Reg. 31/8 3,028† 2,574 1,749
31/4 3,285 2,574 1,749
33/4 3,797† 3,797† 2,926
27/8 PAC 31/8 4,966† 4,151 2,926
31/4 5,206 4,151 2,926
23/8 IF
API NC 26 31/2 4,606† 4,606† 3,697
27/8 SH 33/4 5,501 4,668 3,697
31/2 3,838† 3,838† 3,838†
27/8 Reg. 33/4 5,766 4,951 4,002
37/8 5,766 4,951 4,002
27/8 XH 33/4 4,089† 4,089† 4,089†
31/2 DSL 37/8 5,352† 5,352† 5,352†
27/8 Mod. Open 41/8 8,059† 8,059† 7,433
27/8 IF 37/8 4,640† 4,640† 4,640† 4,640†
API NC 31 41/8 7,390† 7,390† 7,390† 6,853
31/2 SH 41/4 8,858† 8,858† 8,161 6,853
41/2 10,286 9,307 8,161 6,853
41/8 6,466† 6,466† 6,466† 6,466† 5,685
31/2 Reg. 41/4 7,886† 7,886† 7,886† 7,115 5,685
41/2 10,471† 9,514 8,394 7,115 5,685
41/2 9,038† 9,038† 9,038† 7,411
API NC 35 43/4 12,273 10,825 9,202 7,411
53/4 12,273 10,825 9,202 7,411
41/4 5,161† 5,161† 5,161† 5,161†
31/2 XH 41/2 8,479† 8,479† 8,479† 8,311
4 SH 43/4 12,074† 11,803 10,144 8,311
31/2 Mod. Open 53/4 13,282 11,803 10,144 8,311
51/4 13,282 11,803 10,144 8,311
43/4 9,986† 9,986† 9,986† 9,986† 8,315
31/2 API IF 53/4 13,949† 13,949† 12,907 10,977 8,315
API NC 38 51/4 16,207 14,653 12,907 10,977 8,315
41/2 SH 51/2 16,207 14,653 12,907 10,977 8,315
43/4 8,786† 8,786† 8,786† 8,786† 8,786†
31/2 H-90 53/4 12,794† 12,794† 12,794† 12,794† 10,410
51/4 17,094† 16,931 15,139 13,154 10,410
51/2 18,524 16,931 15,139 13,154. 10,410
53/4 10,910† 10,910† 10,910† 10,910† 10,910†
4 FH 51/4 15,290† 15,290† 15,290† 14,969 12,125
API NC 40 51/2 19,985† 18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125
4 Mod. Open 53/4 20,539 18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125
41/2 DSL 63/4 20,539 18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125
51/4 12,590† 12,590† 12,590† 12,590†
51/2 17,401† 17,401† 17,401† 16,539
4 H-90 53/4 22,531† 21,717 19,546 16,539
63/4 23,674 21,717 19,546 16,539
61/4 23,674 21,717 19,546 16,539
51/2 15,576† 15,576† 15,576† 15,576†
41/2 Reg. 53/4 20,609† 20,609† 19,601 16,629
63/4 23,686 21,749 19,601 16,629
61/4 23,686 21,749 19,601 16,629
53/4 20,895† 20,895† 20,895† 18,161
API NC 44 63/4 25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
61/4 25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
61/2 25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
51/2 12,973† 12,973† 12,973† 12,973† 12,973†
53/4 18,119† 18,119† 18,119† 18,119† 17,900
41/2 API FH 63/4 23,605† 23,605† 23,028 19,920 17,900
61/4 27,294 25,272 23,028 19,920 17,900
61/2 27,294 25,272 23,028 19,920 17,900
41/2 XH 53/4 17,738† 17,738† 17,738† 17,738†
API NC 46 63/4 23,422† 23,422† 22,426 20,311
4 API IF 61/4 28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
5 DSL 61/2 28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
41/2 Mod. Open 63/4 28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
53/4 18,019† 18,019† 18,019† 18,019†
63/4 23,681† 23,681† 23,159 21,051
41/2 H-90 61/4 28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
61/2 28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
63/4 28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
61/4 25,360† 25,360† 25,360† 25,360†
5 H-90 61/2 31,895† 31,895† 29,400 27,167
63/4 35,292 32,825 29,400 27,167
73/4 35,292 32,825 29,400 27,167
63/4 34,508† 34,508† 34,508† 34,142
51/2 H-90 73/4 41,993† 40,117 36,501 34,142
71/4 42,719 40,117 36,501 34,142
71/2 42,719 40,117 36,501 34,142
63/4 31,941† 31,941† 31,941† 31,941†
51/2 Reg. 73/4 39,419† 39,419† 36,235 33,868
71/4 42,481 39,866 36,235 33,868
71/2 42,481 39,866 36,235 33,868
41/2 API IF 61/4 23,003† 23,003† 23,003† 23,003† 23,003†
API NC 50 61/2 29,679† 29,679† 29,679† 29,679† 26,675
5 XH 63/4 36,741† 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
5 Mod. Open 73/4 38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
51/2 DSL 71/4 38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
5 Semi-IF 71/2 38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
1. Basis of calculations for recommended makeup torque assumes the use of a threads and shoulders. Also using the modified screw jack formula as shown in
thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic the IADC Drilling Manual and the API Recommended Practice RP 7G. For API
zinc with not more than 0.3% total active sulfur, applied thoroughly to all connections and their interchangeable connections, makeup torque is based on
62,500 psi stress in the pin or box, whichever is weaker.
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]
Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (in.) Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
of Connection (in.) (in.) 1 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2 33/4
.....
7 32,762† 32,762† 32,762† 32,762†
51/2 API FH 71/4 40,998† 40,998† 40,998† 40,998†
71/2 49,661† 47,756 45,190 41,533
73/4 51,687 47,756 45,190 41,533
71/4 40,498† 40,498† 40,498† 40,498†
API NC 56 71/2 49,060† 48,221 45,680 42,058
73/4 52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058
85/8 52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058
71/2 46,399† 46,399† 46,399† 46,399†
65/8 Reg. 73/4 55,627† 53,346 50,704 46,935
85/8 57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935
81/4 57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935
71/2 46,509† 46,509† 46,509† 46,509†
65/8 H-90 73/4 55,707† 55,707† 53,628 49,855
85/8 60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855
81/4 60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855
85/8 55,131† 55,131† 55,131† 55,131†
81/4 65,438† 65,438† 65,438† 61,624
API NC 61 81/2 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
83/4 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
95/8 72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
85/8 56,641† 56,641† 56,641† 56,641† 56,641†
81/4 67,133† 67,133† 67,133† 63,381 59,027
51/2 IF 81/2 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
83/4 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
95/8 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
91/4 74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
81/2 67,789† 67,789† 67,789† 67,789† 67,184
83/4 79,544† 79,544† 76,706 72,102 67,184
65/8 API FH 95/8 83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
91/4 83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
91/2 83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
95/8 75,781† 75,781† 75,781† 75,781† 75,781†
91/4 88,802† 88,802† 88,802† 88,802† 88,802†
API NC 70 91/2 102,354† 102,354† 101,107 96,214 90,984
93/4 108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984
105/8 108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984
101/4 108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984
105/8 108,194† 108,194† 108,194† 108,194†
101/4 124,051† 124,051† 124,051† 124,051†
API NC 77 101/2 140,491† 140,488 135,119 129,375
103/4 145,476 140,488 135,119 129,375
115/8 145,476 140,488 135,119 129,375
Connections with Full Faces Connections with Full Faces
8*5/8 53,454† 53,454† 53,454† 53,454†
7 H-90 81/4* 63,738† 63,738† 63,738† 60,970
81/2* 72,066 69,265 65,267 60,970
81/2* 60,402† 60,402† 60,402† 60,402†
83/4* 72,169† 72,169† 72,169† 72,169†
5
7 /8 API Reg. 9*5/8 84,442† 84,442† 79,536 74,529
91/4* 88,581 84,221 79,536 74,529
91/2* 88,581 84,221 79,536 74,529
9*5/8 73,017† 73,017† 73,017† 73,017†
5
7 /8 H-90 91/4* 86,006† 86,006† 86,006† 86,006†
91/2* 99,508† 99,508† 99,508† 96,284
10*5/8 109,345† 109,345† 109,345† 109,345†
85/8 API Reg. 101/4* 125,263† 125,263† 125,263† 125,034
101/2* 141,134 136,146 130,777 125,034
85/8 H-90 101/4* 113,482† 113,482† 113,482† 113,482†
101/2* 130,063† 130,063† 130,063† 130,063†
Connections with Low Torque Faces Connections with Low Torque Faces
7 H-90 83/4 68,061† 68,061† 67,257 62,845
95/8 74,235 71,361 67,257 62,845
91/4 73,099† 73,099† 73,099† 73,099†
75/8 Reg. 91/2 86,463† 86,463† 82,457 77,289
93/4 91,789 87,292 82,457 77,289
105/8 91,789 87,292 82,457 77,289
93/4 91,667† 91,667† 91,667† 91,667†
75/8 H-90 105/8 106,260† 106,260† 104,166 98,799
101/4 113,845 109,183 104,166 98,799
101/2 113,845 109,183 104,166 98,799
103/4 112,887† 112,887† 112,887† 112,887†
85/8 Reg. 115/8 130,676† 130,676† 130,676† 130,676†
111/4 147,616 142,429 136,846 130,870
103/4 92,960† 92,960† 92,960† 92,960†
85/8 H-90 115/8 110,782† 110,782† 110,782† 110,782†
111/4 129,203† 129,203† 129,203† 129,203†
2. Normal torque range — tabulated minimum value to 10% greater. Largest diameter *5. Largest diameter shown is the maximum recommended for these full faced
shown for each connection is the maximum recommended for that connection. If connections. If larger diameters are used, machine connections with low torque
the connections are used on drill collars larger than the maximum shown, increase faces and use the torque values shown under low torque face tables. If low
the torque values shown by 10% for a minimum value. In addition to the increased torque faces are not used, see Note 2 for increased torque values.
minimum torque value, it is also recommended that a fishing neck be machined to (†)6. Torque figures succeeded by a cross (†) indicate that the weaker member for
the maximum diameter shown. the corresponding OD and bore is the BOX. For all other torque values the
3. H-90 connections makeup torque is based on 56,200 psi stress and other factors weaker member is the PIN.
as stated in Note 1.
4. The 27/8 in. PAC makeup torque is based on 87,500 psi stress and other factors
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (mm) Bore of Drill Collars (mm)
of Connection (in.) (mm) 25.4 31.7 38.1 44.4 50.8 57.1 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2
76.2 347† 347† 347†
API NC 23 79.4 460† 460† 366
82.6 553 468 366
76.2 310† 310† 242
23/8 Reg. 79.4 419† 356 242
82.6 454 356 242
76.2 525† 525† 405
27/8 PAC 79.4 687† 574 405
82.6 720 574 405
23/8 IF
API NC 26 88.9 637† 637† 511
27/8 SH 95.2 761 645 511
88.9 531† 531† 531†
27/8 Reg. 95.2 797 685 553
98.4 797 685 553
27/8 XH 95.2 565† 565† 565†
31/2 DSL 98.4 740† 740† 740†
27/8 Mod. Open 104.8 1,114† 1,114† 1,028
27/8 IF 98.4 641† 641† 641† 641†
API NC 31 104.8 1,022† 1,022† 1,022† 947
31/2 SH 107.9 1,225† 1,225† 1,128 947
114.3 1,422 1,287 1,128 947
104.8 894† 894† 894† 894† 786
31/2 Reg. 107.9 1,090† 1,090† 1,090† 984 786
114.3 1,448 1,315 1,160 984 786
114.3 1,250† 1,250† 1,250† 1,025†
API NC 35 120.6 1,697 1,497 1,272 1,025
127.0 1,697 1,497 1,272 1,025
107.9 714† 714† 714† 714†
31/2 XH 114.3 1,172† 1,172† 1,172† 1,149
4 SH 120.6 1,669† 1,632 1,402 1,149
31/2 Mod. Open 127.0 1,836 1,632 1,402 1,149
133.3 1,836 1,632 1,402 1,149
31/2 API IF 120.6 1,381† 1,381† 1,381† 1,381† 1,150
API NC 38 127.0 1,929† 1,929† 1,785 1,518 1,150
41/2 SH 133.3 2,241 2,026 1,785 1,518 1,150
139.7 2,241 2,026 1,785 1,518 1,150
120.6 1,215† 1,215† 1,215† 1,215† 1,215†
31/2 H-90 127.0 1,769† 1,769† 1,769† 1,769† 1,439
133.3 2,363† 2,341 2,093 1,819 1,439
139.7 2,561 2,341 2,093 1,819 1,439
4 FH 127.0 1,508† 1,508† 1,508† 1,508† 1,508†
API NC 40 133.3 2,114† 2,114† 2,114† 2,070 1,676
4 Mod. Open 139.7 2,763† 2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676
41/2 DSL 146.0 2,840 2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676
152.4 2,840 2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676
133.3 1,741† 1,741† 1,741† 1,741†
139.7 2,406† 2,406† 2,406† 2,287
4 H-90 146.0 3,115† 3,003 2,702 2,287
152.4 3,273 3,003 2,702 2,287
168.7 3,273 3,003 2,702 2,287
139.7 2,153† 2,153† 2,153† 2,153†
41/2 Reg. 146.0 2,849† 2,849† 2,710 2,299
152.4 3,275 3,007 2,710 2,299
158.7 3,275 3,007 2,710 2,299
146.0 2,889† 2,889† 2,889† 2,511
API NC 44 152.4 3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
158.7 3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
165.1 3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
139.7 1,794† 1,794† 1,794† 1,794† 1,794†
146.0 2,505† 2,505† 2,505† 2,505† 2,475
41/2 API FH 152.4 3,264† 3,264† 3,184 2,754 2,475
158.7 3,774 3,494 3,184 2,754 2,475
165.1 3,774 3,494 3,184 2,754 2,475
41/2 XH 146.0 2,452† 2,452† 2,452† 2,452†
API NC 46 152.4 3,238† 3,238† 3,100 2,808
4 API IF 158.7 3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
5 DSL 165.1 3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
41/2 Mod. Open 171.4 3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
146.0 2,491† 2,491† 2,491† 2,491†
152.4 3,274† 3,274† 3,202 2,910
41/2 H-90 158.7 3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
165.1 3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
171.4 3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
158.7 3,506† 3,506† 3,506† 3,506†
5 H-90 165.1 4,410† 4,410† 4,065 3,756
171.4 4,879 4,538 4,065 3,756
177.8 4,879 4,538 4,065 3,756
171.4 4,771† 4,771† 4,771† 4,720
51/2 H-90 177.8 5,806† 5,546 5,046 4,720
184.1 5,906 5,546 5,046 4,720
190.5 5,906 5,546 5,046 4,720
171.4 4,416† 4,416† 4,416† 4,416†
51/2 Reg. 177.8 5,450† 5,450† 5,010 4,682
184.1 5,873 5,512 5,010 4,682
190.5 5,873 5,512 5,010 4,682
41/2 IF 158.7 3,180 3,180† 3,180† 3,180† 3,180†
API NC 50 165.1 4,103 4,103† 4,103† 4,103† 3,688
5 XH 171.4 5,080 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
5 Mod. Open 177.8 5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
51/2 DSL 184.1 5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
5 Semi-IF 190.5 5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]
Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (mm) Bore of Drill
Collars (mm)
177.8 4,530† 4,530† 4,530† 4,530†
51/2 API FH 184.1 5,668† 5,668† 5,668† 5,668†
190.5 6,866† 6,603 6,248 5,742
196.8 7,146 6,603 6,248 5,742
184.1 5,599† 5,599† 5,599† 5,599†
API NC 56 190.5 6,783† 6,667 6,316 5,815
196.8 7,205 6,667 6,316 5,815
203.2 7,205 6,667 6,316 5,815
190.5 6,415† 6,415† 6,415† 6,415†
65/8 Reg. 196.8 7,691† 7,375 7,010 6,489
203.2 7,935 7,375 7,010 6,489
209.5 7,935 7,375 7,010 6,489
190.5 6,430† 6,430† 6,430† 6,430†
65/8 H-90 196.8 7,702† 7,702† 7,414 6,893
203.2 8,340 7,780 7,414 6,893
209.5 8,340 7,780 7,414 6,893
203.2 7,622† 7,622† 7,622† 7,622†
209.5 9,047† 9,047† 9,047† 8,520
API NC 61 215.9 10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
222.2 10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
228.6 10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
203.2 7,831† 7,831† 7,831† 7,831† 7,831†
209.5 9,282† 9,282† 9,282† 8,763 8,161
51/2 IF 215.9 10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
222.2 10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
228.6 10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
234.9 10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
215.9 9,372† 9,372† 9,372† 9,372† 9,289
222.2 10,997† 10,997† 10,605 9,968 9,289
65/8 API FH 228.6 11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
234.9 11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
241.3 11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
228.6 10,477† 10,477† 10,477† 10,477† 10,477†
234.9 12,277† 12,277† 12,277† 12,277† 12,277†
API NC 70 241.3 14,151† 14,151† 13,979 13,302 12,579
247.6 15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579
254.0 15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579
260.3 15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579
254.0 14,958† 14,958† 14,958† 14,958†
260.3 17,151† 17,151† 17,151† 17,151†
API NC 77 266.7 19,424† 19,424† 18,681 17,887
273.0 20,113 19,423 18,681 17,887
279.4 20,113 19,423 18,681 17,887
203.2* 7,390† 7,390† 7,390† 7,390†
7 H-90 209.5* 8,812† 8,812† 8,812† 8,429
215.9* 9,963 9,576 9,023 8,429
215.9* 8,351† 8,351† 8,351† 8,351†
222.2* 9,978† 9,978† 9,978† 9,978†
75/8 API Reg. 228.6* 11,675† 11,644 10,996 10,304
234.9* 12,247 11,644 10,996 10,304
241.3* 12,247 11,644 10,996 10,304
228.6* 10,095† 10,095† 10,095† 10,095†
75/8 H-90 234.9* 11,891† 11,891† 11,891† 11,891†
241.3* 13,758† 13,758† 13,758† 13,312
254.0* 15,117† 15,117† 15,117† 15,117†
85/8 API Reg. 260.3* 17,318† 17,318† 17,318† 17,287
266.7* 19,512 18,823 18,081 17,287
85/8 H-90 260.3* 15,689† 15,689† 15,689† 15,689†
266.7* 7,982† 17,982† 17,982† 17,982†
7 H-90 222.2 9,410† 9,410† 9,299 8,689
228.6 10,263 9,866 9,299 8,689
234.9 10,106† 10,106† 10,106† 10,106†
75/8 Reg. 241.3 11,954† 11,954† 11,400 10,686
247.6 12,690 12,069 11,400 10,686
254.0 12,690 12,069 11,400 10,686
247.6 12,673† 12,673† 12,673† 12,673†
75/8 H-90 254.0 14,691† 14,691† 14,401 13,659
260.3 15,740 15,095 14,401 13,659
266.7 15,740 15,095 14,401 13,659
273.0 15,607† 15,607† 15,607† 15,607†
85/8 Reg. 279.4 18,067† 18,067† 18,067† 18,067†
285.7 20,409 19,692 18,920 18,093
273.0 12,852† 12,852† 12,852† 12,852†
85/8 H-90 279.4 15,316† 15,316† 15,316† 15,316†
285.7 17,863† 17,863† 17,863† 17,863†
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (N·m) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (N·m) [See Note 2]
76.2 3,400† 3,400† 3,400†
API NC 23 79.4 4,514† 4,514† 3,589
82.5 5,423 4,592 3,589
76.2 3,039† 3,039† 2,371
23/8 Reg. 79.4 4,105† 3,490 2,371
82.5 4,454 3,490 2,371
76.2 5,148† 5,148† 3,968
27/8 PAC 79.4 6,733† 5,629 3,968
82.5 7,058 5,629 3,968
23/8 IF
API NC 26 88.9 6,245† 6,245† 5,013
27/8 SH 95.2 7,458 6,329 5,013
88.9 5,204† 5,204† 5,204†
27/8 Reg. 95.2 7,817 6,713 5,426
98.4 7,817 6,713 5,426
27/8 XH 95.2 5,544† 5,544† 5,544†
31/2 DSL 98.4 7,256† 7,256† 7,256†
27/8 Mod.Open 104.8 10,927† 10,927† 10,077
27/8 IF 98.4 6,291† 6,291† 6,291† 6,291†
API NC 31 104.8 10,019† 10,019† 10,019† 9,292
31/2 SH 107.9 12,010† 12,010† 11,065 9,292
114.3 13,946 12,619 11,065 9,292
104.8 8,766† 8,766† 8,766† 8,766† 7,708
31/2 Reg. 107.9 10,692† 10,692† 10,692† 9,646 7,708
114.3 14,197 12,900 11,380 9,646 7,708
114.3 12,255† 12,255† 12,255† 10,048
API NC 35 120.6 16,640 14,677 12,477 10,048
127.0 16,640 14,677 12,477 10,048
107.9 6,997† 6,997† 6,997† 6,997†
31/2 XH 114.3 11,495† 11,495† 11,495† 11,268
4 SH 120.6 16,370† 16,003 13,753 11,268
31/2 Mod. Open 127.0 18,009 16,003 13,753 11,268
133.3 18,009 16,003 13,753 11,268
31/2 API IF 120.6 13,540† 13,540† 13,540† 13,540† 11,274
API NC 38 127.0 18,913† 18,913† 17,500 14,883 11,274
41/2 SH 133.3 21,974 19,867 17,500 14,883 11,274
139.7 21,974 1,9867 17,500 14,883 11,274
120.6 11,912† 11,912† 11,912† 11,912† 11,912†
3 1/2 H-90 127.0 17,346† 17,346† 17,346† 17,346† 14,114
133.3 23,176† 22,956 20,526 17,834 14,114
139.7 25,115 22,956 20,526 17,834 14,114
4 FH 127.0 14,793† 14,793† 14,793† 14,793† 14,793†
API NC 40 133.3 20,731† 20,731† 20,731† 20,295 16,439
4 Mod. Open 139.7 27,096† 25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439
41/2 DSL 146.0 27,847 25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439
152.4 27,847 25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439
133.3 17,070† 17,070† 17,070† 17,070†
139.7 23,593† 23,593† 23,593† 22,424
4 H-90 146.0 30,548† 29,445 26,501 22,424
152.4 32,097 29,445 26,501 22,424
158.7 32,097 29,445 26,501 22,424
139.7 21,118† 21,118† 21,118† 21,118†
41/2 Reg. 146.0 27,943† 27,943† 26,575 22,546
152.4 32,113 29,487 26,575 22,546
158.7 32,113 29,487 26,575 22,546
146.0 28,330† 28,330† 28,330† 24,623
API NC 44 152.4 34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
158.7 34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
165.1 34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
139.7 17,589† 17,589† 17,589† 17,589† 17,589†
146.0 24,566† 24,566† 24,566† 24,566† 24,269
41/2 API FH 152.4 32,004† 32,004† 31,222 27,008 24,269
158.7 37,006 34,264 31,222 27,008 24,269
165.1 37,006 34,264 31,222 27,008 24,269
41/2 XH 146.0 24,049† 24,049† 24,049† 24,049†
API NC 46 152.4 31,755† 31,755† 30,405 27,538
4 API IF 158.7 37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
5 DSL 165.1 37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
41/2 Mod. Open 171.4 37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
146.0 24,431† 24,431† 24,431† 24,431†
152.4 32,107† 32,107† 31,400 28,541
41/2 H-90 158.7 38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
165.1 38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
171.4 38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
158.7 34,383† 34,383† 34,383† 34,383†
5 H-90 165.1 43,244† 43,244† 39,861 36,833
171.4 47,849 44,504 39,861 36,833
177.8 47,849 44,504 39,861 36,833
171.4 46,787† 46,787† 46,787† 46,291
51/2 H-90 177.8 56,935† 54,391 49,489 46,291
184.1 57,919 54,391 49,489 46,291
190.5 57,919 54,391 49,489 46,291
171.4 43,306† 43,306† 43,306† 43,306†
51/2 Reg. 177.8 53,445† 53,445† 49,128 45,918
184.1 57,597 54,051 49,128 45,918
190.5 57,597 54,051 49,128 45,918
41/2 API IF 158.7 31,188† 31,188† 31,188† 31,188† 31,188†
API NC 50 165.1 40,240† 40,240† 40,240† 40,240† 36,167
5 XH 171.4 49,814† 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
5 Mod. Open 177.8 52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
51/2 DSL 184.1 52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
5 Semi-IF 190.5 52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (N·m) [See Note 2] Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (N·m) [See Note 2]
177.8 44,419† 44,419† 44,419† 44,419†
51/2 API FH 184.1 55,586† 55,586† 55,586† 55,586†
190.5 67,331† 64,748 61,270 56,311
196.8 70.078 64,748 61,270 56,311
184.1 54,908† 54,908† 54,908† 54,908†
API NC 56 190.5 66,517† 65,379 61,934 57,024
196.8 70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024
203.2 70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024
190.5 62,909† 62,909† 62,909† 62,909†
65/8 Reg. 196.8 75,420† 72,327 68,745 63,636
203.2 77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636
209.5 77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636
190.5 63,057† 63,057† 63,057† 63,057†
65/8 H-90 196.8 75,529† 75,529† 72,710 67,594
203.2 81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594
209.5 81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594
203.2 74,747† 74,747† 74,747† 74,747†
209.5 88,722† 88,722† 88,722† 83,551
API NC 61 215.9 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
222.2 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
228.6 98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
203.2 76,795† 76,795† 76,795† 76,795† 76,795†
209.5 91,021† 91,021† 91,021† 85,933 80,029
51/2 IF 215.9 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
222.2 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
228.6 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
234.9 101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
215.9 91,909† 91,909† 91,909† 91,909† 91,090
222.2 107,848† 107,848† 104,000 97,757 91,090
65/8 API FH 228.6 113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
234.9 113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
241.3 113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
228.6 102,745† 102,745† 102,745† 102,745† 102,745†
234.9 120,400† 120,400† 120,400† 120,400† 120,400†
API NC 70 241.3 138,773† 138,773† 137,082 130,449 123,357
247.6 147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357
254.0 147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357
260.3 147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357
254.0 146,692† 146,692† 146,692† 146,692†
260.3 168,191† 168,191† 168,191† 168,191†
API NC 77 266.7 190,480† 190,476 183,197 175,409
273.0 197,239 190,476 183,197 175,409
279.4 197,239 190,476 183,197 175,409
203.2* 72,474† 72,474† 72,474† 72,474†
7 H-90 209.5* 86,417† 86,417† 86,417† 82,665
215.9* 97,708 93,911 88,490 82,665
215.9* 81,894† 81,894† 81,894† 81,894†
222.2* 97,848† 97,848† 97,848† 97,848†
75/8 API Reg. 228.6* 114,489† 114,189 107,836 101,048
234.9* 120,099 114,189 107,836 101,048
241.3* 120,099 114,189 107,836 101,048
228.6* 98,997† 98,997† 98,997† 98,997†
75/8 H-90 234.9* 116,609† 116,609† 116,609† 116,609†
241.3* 134,915† 134,915† 134,915† 130,544
254.0* 148,251† 148,251† 148,251† 148,251†
85/8 API Reg. 260.3* 169,834† 169,834† 169,834† 169,523
266.7* 191,352 184,589 177,310 169,523
85/8 H-90 260.3* 153,860† 153,860† 153,860† 153,860†
266.7* 176,341† 176,341† 176,341† 176,341†
7 H-90 222.2 92,279† 92,279† 91,188 85,206
228.6 100,650 96,753 91,188 85,206
234.9 99,109† 99,109† 99,109† 99,109†
75/8 Reg. 241.3 117,228† 117,228† 111,796 104,789
247.6 124,449 118,352 111,796 104,789
254.0 124,449 118,352 111,796 104,789
247.6 124,284† 124,284† 124,284† 124,284†
75/8 H-90 254.0 144,069† 144,069† 141,230 133,953
260.3 154,354 148,033 141,230 133,953
266.7 154,354 148,033 141,230 133,953
273.0 153,054† 153,054† 153,054† 153,054†
85/8 Reg. 279.4 177,174† 177,174† 177,174† 177,174†
285.7 200,140 193,108 185,538 177,437
273.0 126,037† 126,037† 126,037† 126,037†
85/8 H-90 279.4 150,200† 150,200† 150,200† 150,200†
285.7 175,176† 175,176† 175,176† 175,176†
KNOW FIELD SHOP WORK Load
When it becomes necessary to repair drill collars in

field shops, every effort should be made to rethread
the drill collar with a joint equivalent to the manu- After rolling, these fibers
remain in compression
facturer’s new joint. Use only field shops that are
equipped with high-quality, hardened-and-ground
gages; with thread mills or lathes that use pre-formed
threading inserts, cold rolling equipment and
chemical coating baths.
Use the following checklist to ensure that a
field shop’s repair work is of high quality.
Figure No. 49
Straightness
Collars should be inspected by supporting near Gall-Resistant Coating
each end and checking for run-out. As a rule of A gall-resistant coating should be applied to all
thumb, collars with more than 1/4 in. (6 mm) newly cut threads and shoulders. This conditions
run-out should be straightened. the shiny threads and shoulders so that lubricant
Threading will adhere to the surface.
Threads should be gaged with high-quality, hard- Newly machined threads are bright and shiny
ened-and-ground gages. Thread form, lead and before being coated. The gall-resistant compound
taper should be inspected, using approved gages. is usually a manganese or zinc phosphate coating,
Thread roots should be free from sharp notches produced by immersing in a hot chemical solution,
(see page 97 for oilfield thread forms). which gives the threads and shoulders a dark appear-
ance (see Figure No. 50). Such a coating acts as
Cold Working a lubricant, separates the metal surfaces during the
Thread roots should be cold worked in accordance initial makeup and assists in holding lubricant in
with procedures established for rolling or peening. place under makeup loads.
Threads must be gaged for standoff prior to
cold working.
Cold working should be completed prior to cut-
ting stress-relief contours so the last scratch of the
run-out or imperfect thread root can be cold worked.
Facts About Cold Working

Drill collar joint life can be improved by prestress-
ing the thread roots of drill collar joints by cold
working. Cold working is done with a hydraulic
Figure No. 50
ram which forces a roller into the thread root (see
Figure No. 49). The roller is then moved down the
thread spiral. Cold worked metal surfaces have
greater resistance to fatigue failure. After thread
rolling is completed, the fibers in the thread roots
remain in compression and can withstand higher
bending loads without cracking in fatigue.
Note: For comments related to the effect of
cold working and gage standoff, refer to API
Specification No. 7.
Stress Relief Contours Slip and Elevator Recesses

The API relief groove pin and the API Bore Back Slip and elevator recesses are
box remove unengaged threads in highly stressed designed to cut drill collar han-
areas of the drill collar joint (see Figure No. 51). dling time by eliminating lift subs
This provides a more flexible joint, less likely to and safety clamps. Extreme care is
crack in fatigue, because bending in the joint taken in machining smooth radii,
occurs in areas of smooth relief surfaces. free of tool marks. Added fatigue
life is obtained by cold rolling the
Smooth surfaces and radii, free of tool marks, permit higher bending
loads without fatigue cracking. Serial numbers must not be stamped in radii at the upper shoulder with a
relief grooves. specially designed cold rolling Cold
tool. Slip and elevator recesses work
may be used together or sepa-
rately (see Figure No. 53).
Last scratch of box thread Large radii reduce stress

covered by pin; no thread concentrations. Figure No. 53
roots exposed to corrosive
drilling fluid.
Figure No. 51 Low Torque Faces
To prevent shoulder separation, the compressive
SPECIAL DRILL COLLAR FEATURES stress created by the makeup torque must be of such
a magnitude that the shoulders remain together
under all downhole conditions. On large diameter
Spiral Drill Collars
drill collars the shoulder can become so wide that
The purpose of the spiral drill collar is to
the makeup torque required for an adequate com-
prevent differential sticking (see page 27).
pressive stress can not be obtained.
The reduction of wall contact between the
Low torque faces are used to achieve an increase
drill collars and the wall of the hole greatly
in the compressive shoulder stress at the shoulder
reduces the chances of the collars becoming
bevel when a connection smaller than optimum
wall stuck.
is used on large drill collars.
The box end is left uncut for a distance of
The low torque face feature was designed to
no less than 18 in. (457 mm) and no more
accommodate the problem of reducing the area of
than 24 in. (610 mm) below the shoulder.
the total shoulder face without creating a notch
The pin end is left uncut for a distance of
effect that would occur if a larger bevel is used.
no less than 12 in. (305 mm) and no more
Instead of increasing bevel size to decrease
than 22 in. (559 mm) above the shoulder.
the shoulder face area; the counterbore of the
Note: The weight of a round drill
box is machined to a larger diameter to reduce
collar will be reduced approximately
the compressive box section at the shoulder.
4% by spiraling.
The low torque feature cannot create a balance
of fatigue life between the pin and box, nor can it
increase the shoulder load holding the connection
together.
It should be noted that the term “Low Torque
Feature” does not mean that less makeup torque
will be required when the feature is used on a
particular connection on a given size collar.
Figure No. 52
Figure No. 54 is a comparison of the shoulder Example:

widths of a connection with and without a low If a drill collar string weight is 79,000 lb in air,
torque feature. how much will it weigh in 12 lb/gal mud?
Buoyed drill
collar weight = Drill collar weight x
correction factor
= 79,000 lb x .817
= 64,543 lb
Example:
Figure No. 54 If a drill collar string weight is 35,830 kg in air,
how much will it weigh in 1.44 g/cc mud?
BUOYANCY EFFECT OF Buoyed drill
DRILL COLLARS IN MUD collar weight = Drill collar weight x

correction factor
All picked up drill collar weight is not available to = 35,834 kg x .817
load the bit in fluid drilled holes due to the buoy- = 29,276 kg
ancy effect.
Buoyancy Factors
DRILL PIPE —
g/cc Buoyancy
DRILL COLLAR SAFETY FACTOR
Mud Weight or Correction Drill pipe will be subjected to serious damage if
(lb/gal) (lb/ft3) sp gr Factor
run in compression. To make sure the drill pipe is
8.34 62.3 1.00 .873
always in tension, the top 10 to 15% of the drill
9 67.3 1.08 .862
collar string must also be in tension. This will put
10 74.8 1.20 .847
the change over from tension to compression, or
11 82.3 1.32 .832
neutral zone, down in the stiff drill collar string
12 89.8 1.44 .817
where it is desirable and can be tolerated. A 10%
13 97.2 1.56 .801
Safety Factor (SF) should be written as 1.10, 15%
14 104.7 1.68 .786
as 1.15, etc.
15 112.2 1.80 .771
From the above buoyancy effect example, the
16 119.7 1.92 .755
maximum weight available to run on the bit
17 127.2 2.04 .740
would be:
18 134.6 2.16 .725
19 142.1 2.28 .710
Buoyed weight
Maximum bit weight available =
20 149.6 2.40 .694
1.15 (15% SF)
21 157.1 2.52 .679 = 64,543 lb
22 164.6 2.64 .664 1.15
23 172.1 2.76 .649 = 56,124 lb
24 179.5 2.88 .633
Buoyed weight
Maximum bit weight available=
1.15 (15% SF)
Mud lb/gal
BF = 1 – = 29,276 kg
65.5
1.15
Buoyancy Factors = 25,457 kg
To find the corrected or buoyed drill collar weight,
Bit weight x SF
use the above Buoyancy Correction Factor for the Drill collar air weight =
BF
mud weight to be used.
In soft formations with little or no bouncing,
or when running a vibration dampener, a 10%
safety factor will probably be sufficient. In areas
of hard and rough drilling it may be desirable to
increase this safety factor to 25% (1.25).
Weight of 31 ft Drill Collar (lb) Drill Collar Weights (lb/ft)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar (in.) Drill Bore of Drill Collar (in.)
Collar Collar
OD OD
(in.) 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 (in.) 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
31/2 662.2 640.2 31/2 21 21
31/8 725.5 703.6 679.0 622.1 31/8 23 23 22 21
1
3 /4 791.5 769.5 744.9 688.0 31/4 26 25 24 22
33/8 813.5 756.6 689.3 33/8 26 24 22
31/2 884.6 827.7 760.5 31/2 29 27 25
33/4 1,034.6 977.7 910.5 33/4 33 32 29
37/8 1,113.5 1,056.6 989.4 911.8 823.8 37/8 36 34 32 30 27
41/2 1,138.1 1,070.9 993.3 905.3 41/2 37 35 32 29
41/8 1,222.2 1,154.9 1,077.3 989.4 41/8 39 37 35 32
1
4 /4 1,308.8 1,241.6 1,164.0 1,076.0 41/4 42 40 38 35
41/2 1,489.9 1,422.6 1,345.0 1,257.1 41/2 48 46 43 41
43/4 1,681.3 1,614.0 1,536.4 1,448.5 1,350.2 43/4 54 52 50 47 44
51/2 1,883.0 1,815.8 1,738.2 1,650.3 1,552.0 51/2 61 59 56 53 50
51/4 2,095.2 2,027.9 1,950.3 1,862.4 1,764.1 1,626.7 51/4 68 65 63 60 57 53
51/2 2,317.6 2,250.3 2,172.7 2,084.8 1,986.5 1,849.1 1,758.9 51/2 75 73 70 67 64 60 57
53/4 2,550.4 2,483.1 2,405.5 2,317.6 2,219.3 2,081.9 1,991.7 53/4 83 80 78 75 72 67 64
61/2 2,793.5 2,726.3 2,648.7 2,560.7 2,462.4 2,325.0 2,234.8 2,105.5 61/2 90 88 85 83 79 75 72 68
61/4 3,047.0 2,979.8 2,902.2 2,814.2 2,715.9 2,578.5 2,488.3 2,359.0 61/4 98 96 94 91 88 83 80 76
61/2 3,310.9 3,243.6 3,166.0 3,078.1 2,979.8 2,842.4 2,752.1 2,622.8 61/2 107 105 102 99 96 92 88 85
63/4 3,585.0 3,517.8 3,440.2 3,352.2 3,253.9 3,116.5 3,026.3 2,897.0 63/4 116 114 111 108 105 101 98 94
71/2 3,869.6 3,802.3 3,724.7 3,636.8 3,538.5 3,401.1 3,310.9 3,181.5 71/2 125 123 120 117 114 110 107 103
71/4 4,164.4 4,097.2 4,019.6 3,931.6 3,833.3 3,695.9 3,605.7 3,476.4 71/4 134 132 130 127 124 119 116 112
1
7 /2 4,469.7 4,402.4 4,324.8 4,236.9 4,138.6 4,001.2 3,910.9 3,781.6 71/2 144 142 140 137 134 129 126 122
73/4 4,785.2 4,718.0 4,640.4 4,552.4 4,454.1 4,316.7 4,226.5 4,097.2 73/4 154 152 150 147 144 139 136 132
81/2 5,111.1 5,043.9 4,966.3 4,878.3 4,780.0 4,642.6 4,552.4 4,423.1 81/2 165 163 160 157 154 150 147 143
81/4 5,447.4 5,380.1 5,302.5 5,214.6 5,116.3 4,978.9 4,888.7 4,759.4 81/4 176 174 171 168 165 161 158 154
81/2 5,794.0 5,726.7 5,649.1 5,561.2 5,462.9 5,325.5 5,235.3 5,106.0 81/2 187 185 182 179 176 172 169 165
83/4 6,150.9 6,083.7 6,006.1 5,918.2 5,819.9 5,682.4 5,592.2 5,462.9 83/4 198 196 194 191 188 183 180 176
91/2 6,451.0 6,373.4 6,285.4 6,187.2 6,049.7 5,959.5 5,830.2 91/2 208 206 203 200 195 192 188
91/4 6,628.6 6,751.0 6,663.1 6,564.8 6,427.4 6,337.2 6,207.9 91/4 220 218 215 212 207 204 200
1
9 /2 7,216.6 7,139.0 7,051.1 6,952.8 6,815.4 6,725.2 6,595.8 91/2 233 230 228 224 220 217 213
93/4 7,615.0 7,537.4 7,449.4 7,351.1 7,213.7 7,123.5 6,994.2 93/4 246 243 240 237 233 230 226
101/2 7,946.1 7,858.1 7,759.8 7,622.4 7,532.2 7,402.9 101/2 256 254 250 246 243 239
1
10 /4 8,365.1 8,277.1 8,178.8 8,041.4 7,951.2 7,821.9 101/4 270 267 264 259 257 252
101/2 8,794.5 8,706.5 8,608.2 8,470.8 8,380.6 8,251.3 101/2 284 281 278 273 270 266
103/4 9,234.2 9,146.2 9,047.9 8,910.5 8,820.3 8,691.0 103/4 298 295 292 287 285 280
111/2 9,498.0 9,360.6 9,270.4 9,141.1 111/2 306 302 299 295
1
11 /4 9,958.4 9,821.0 9,730.8 9,601.5 111/4 321 317 314 310
111/2 10,429.2 10,291.8 10,201.6 10,072.2 111/2 336 332 329 325
113/4 10,910.3 10,772.9 10,682.7 10,553.3 113/4 352 348 345 340
121/2 11,401.8 11,264.3 11,174.1 11,044.8 121/2 368 363 361 356
1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl 1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl
65.5 lb of steel will displace 1 gal 65.5 lb of steel will displace 1 gal
7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter 7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter
490 lb of steel will displace 1 ft3 490 lb of steel will displace 1 ft3
2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl 2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl
Weight of 9.4 m Drill Collar (kg) Drill Collar Weights (kg/m)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm) Drill Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm)
Collar Collar
OD OD
in. 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 in. 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
(mm) (25.40) (28.57) (31.75) (38.10) (44.45) (50.80) (57.15) (63.50) (71.44) (76.20) (82.55) (mm) (25.40) (28.57) (31.75) (38.10) (44.45) (50.80) (57.15) (63.50) (71.44) (76.20) (82.55)
31/2 31/2
(76.20) 298.8 288.9 (76.20) 32 31
31/8 31/8
(79.37) 327.4 317.5 306.4 280.7 (79.37) 35 34 33 30
31/4 31/4
(82.55) 357.2 347.2 336.2 310.5 (82.55) 38 37 36 33
33/8 33/8
(85.72) 367.1 341.4 311.1 (85.72) 39 36 33
31/2 31/2
(88.90) 399.2 373.5 343.2 (88.90) 43 40 37
33/4 33/4
(95.25) 466.9 441.2 410.9 (95.25) 50 47 44
37/8 37/8
(98.42) 502.5 476.8 446.5 411.4 371.8 (98.42) 54 51 48 44 40
41/2 41/2
(101.60) 513.6 483.2 448.2 408.5 (101.60) 55 51 48 44
41/8 41/8
(104.77) 551.5 521.2 486.1 446.5 (104.77) 59 55 52 48
4 1/4 41/4
(107.95) 590.6 560.3 525.2 485.6 (107.95) 63 60 56 52
41/2 41/2
(114.30) 672.3 642.0 606.9 567.3 (114.30) 72 68 65 60
43/4 43/4
(120.65) 758.7 728.3 693.3 653.6 609.3 (120.65) 81 78 74 70 65
51/2 51/2
(127.00) 849.7 819.4 784.4 744.7 700.3 (127.00) 90 87 83 79 75
51/4 51/4
(133.35) 945.4 915.1 880.1 840.4 796.0 734.0 (133.35) 101 97 94 89 85 78
51/2 51/2
(139.70) 1,045.8 1,015.5 980.4 940.8 896.4 834.4 793.7 (139.70) 111 108 104 100 95 89 84
5 3/4 53/4
(146.05) 1,150.9 1,120.5 1,085.5 1,045.8 1,001.5 939.5 898.7 (146.05) 122 119 116 111 107 100 96
61/2 61/2
(152.40) 1,260.6 1,230.2 1,195.2 1,155.5 1,111.2 1,049.2 1,008.5 950.1 (152.40) 134 131 127 123 118 112 107 101
61/4 61/4
(158.75) 1,375.0 1,344.6 1,309.6 1,269.9 1,225.6 1,163.6 1,122.8 1,064.5 (158.75) 146 143 139 135 130 124 120 113
61/2 61/2
(165.10) 1,494.0 1,463.7 1,428.7 1,389.0 1,344.6 1,282.6 1,241.9 1,183.5 (165.10) 159 156 152 148 143 136 132 126
63/4 63/4
(171.45) 1,617.7 1,587.4 1,552.4 1,512.7 1,468.3 1,406.3 1,365.6 1,307.3 (171.45) 172 169 165 161 156 150 145 139
71/2 71/2
(177.80) 1,746.1 1,715.8 1,680.8 1,641.1 1,596.7 1,534.7 1,494.0 1,435.7 (177.80) 186 183 179 175 170 163 159 153
71/4 71/4
(184.15) 1,879.2 1,848.8 1,813.8 1,774.1 1,729.8 1,667.8 1,627.1 1,568.7 (184.15) 200 197 193 189 184 177 173 167
71/2 71/2
(190.50) 2,016.9 1,986.6 1,951.6 1,911.9 1,867.5 1,805.5 1,764.8 1,706.4 (190.50) 215 211 208 203 199 192 188 182
73/4 73/4
(196.85) 2,159.3 2,129.0 2,094.0 2,054.3 2,009.9 1,947.9 1,907.2 1,848.8 (196.85) 230 227 223 219 214 207 203 197
81/2 81/2
(203.20) 2,306.4 2,276.0 2,241.0 2,201.3 2,157.0 2,095.0 2,054.3 1,995.9 (203.20) 245 242 238 234 230 223 219 212
81/4 8 1/4
(209.55) 2,458.1 2,427.8 2,392.8 2,353.1 2,308.7 2,246.7 2,206.0 2,147.7 (209.55) 262 258 255 250 246 239 235 229
81/2 81/2
(215.90) 2,614.5 2,584.2 2,549.2 2,509.5 2,465.1 2,403.1 2,362.4 2,304.1 (215.90) 278 275 271 267 262 256 251 245
83/4 83/4
(222.25) 2,775.6 2,745.3 2,710.2 2,670.6 2,626.2 2,564.2 2,523.5 2,465.1 (222.25) 295 292 288 284 279 273 269 262
91/2 91/2
(228.60) 2,911.0 2,876.0 2,836.3 2,791.9 2,729.9 2,689.2 2,630.9 (228.60) 310 306 302 297 290 286 280
91/4 91/4
(234.95) 3,081.4 3,046.4 3,006.7 2,962.4 2,900.3 2,859.6 2,801.3 (234.95) 328 324 320 315 309 304 298
91/2 91/2
(241.30) 3,256.5 3,221.5 3,181.8 3,137.4 3,075.4 3,034.7 2,976.4 (241.30) 346 343 339 334 327 323 317
93/4 93/4
(247.65) 3,436.2 3,401.2 3,361.5 3,317.2 3,255.2 3,214.5 3,156.1 (247.65) 366 362 358 353 346 342 336
101/2 101/2
(254.00) 3,585.6 3,546.0 3,501.6 3,439.6 3,398.9 3,340.5 (254.00) 382 377 373 366 362 355
101/4 101/4
(260.35) 3,774.7 3,735.0 3,690.7 3,628.7 3,588.0 3,529.6 (260.35) 402 397 393 386 382 376
101/2 101/2
(266.70) 3,968.5 3,928.8 3,884.4 3,822.4 3,781.7 3,723.4 (266.70) 422 418 413 407 403 396
103/4 103/4
(273.05) 4,166.9 4,127.2 4,082.9 4,020.9 3,980.2 3,921.8 (273.05) 443 439 434 428 423 417
111/2 111/2
(279.40) 4,286.0 4,223.9 4,183.2 4,124.9 (279.40) 456 449 445 439
111/4 111/4
(285.75) 4,493.7 4,431.7 4,391.0 4,332.6 (285.75) 478 472 467 461
111/2 111/2
(292.10) 4,706.2 4,644.1 4,603.4 4,545.1 (292.10) 501 494 490 484
113/4 113/4
(298.45) 4,923.2 4,861.2 4,820.5 4,762.2 (298.45) 524 517 513 507
121/2 121/2
(304.80) 5,145.0 5,083.0 5,042.3 4,983.9 (304.80) 547 541 536 530
1,000 lb of steel will displace .364 bbl; 65.5 lb of steel will

displace 1 gal; 7.84 kg of steel will displace 1 liter; 490 lb of
steel will displace 1 ft3; 2,747 lb of steel will displace 1 bbl
PREVENTING PIN AND BOX FAILURES IN IF YOU HAVE AN EPIDEMIC OF DRILL COLLAR
DOWNHOLE TOOLS FAILURES THAT YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN:
The first rotary shouldered connection (pin by First, get a copy of Smith’s Publication No. 39, “How
box) was used in drilling in 1909. It’s simple and to Drill a Usable Hole” which was compiled from a
rugged and nobody has designed anything basi- series of articles published in World Oil magazine.
cally better, since. However, it is subject to fatigue This brochure of pictures and examples explains
failures if it’s asked to work beyond its endurance controlling of hole deviation, the reasons holes
limit, or if a few simple rules are not followed in become crooked and the problems that can result. If
its manufacture and use. you would like a copy of this brochure, we will be
We’ve written detailed booklets on care and use glad to send you one. Just indicate the publication
of drill collars. You can have one by writing to us, number and address your request to:
as suggested on the following page. However, if Smith Services — Drilco Group
you’ll follow a few simple rules, listed below, and Product Management
briefly detailed on the following pages, you can P.O. Box 60068
stay out of trouble. Houston, Texas 77205-0068
Rule — Use Correct Makeup Torque Second, to solve a drill collar problem, call your
Our experience indicates that perhaps 80% or more area Smith representative. This person has been
of all premature connection failures are due to trained in the care and maintenance of drill collars.
incorrect makeup torque (see pages 37 through 65). Also, you can call anyone with Smith for informa-
tion to help find a solution to such problems. After
Rule — Use Proper Thread Compound all, helping customers solve drill collar problems is
A good grade of drill collar compound contains the way our company started.
powdered metallic zinc in the amount of 40 to 60% Suppose you need help right now! Call Smith
by weight (see page 38). and tell our telephone operator “I have a drill collar
Rule — Proper Tong Position problem and I want to talk with someone who can
Position tongs 8 in. (203 mm) below the box shoul- help me.”
der. Torque indicator should be located in snub line If you have time, write a letter giving us all the
90° to tong arm (see pages 42 through 50). facts.* We will answer promptly. Smith is inter-
ested in your drill collar problems, both solving
Rule — Use Systematic Inspection them and helping to prevent them in the future.
Fatigue is an accumulative and progressive thing. *Smith Services Product Management
Cracks ordinarily exist a long time before ultimate P.O. Box 60068
failure, and can be detected by proper inspection Houston, Texas 77205-0068
methods (see pages 143 and 152).
When writing or calling about a drill collar
Rule — Require Best Joint Design and Processing problem, please specify:
Much has been learned about how joint design 1. Connection size and type, relief features,
and machining methods affect fatigue resistance and length.
(stress level) (see pages 37 through 70). 2. OD and ID of drill collars.
3. Torque applied.
Rule — Get Factory Quality From Field Shops
4. Length of tongs.
To the extent possible, require the same machining
5. Type of torque indicator.
and processing used by drill collar manufacturers
6. Service time of connections.
(see page 66).
7. Location of failure (pin or box).
Rule — Treat Tools Like Machinery, Not Pipe! 8. Type of thread compound.
Guard pins and boxes from damage and lubricate 9. Drilling conditions.
them properly. They’ll give lots of trouble-free service!
GUIDES FOR EVALUATING DRILL COLLAR OD, 3. The third best group of connections are those
that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on
ID AND CONNECTION COMBINATIONS the right. The nearer the connection lies to the
The BSR (Bending Strength Ratio) is used in the reference line, the more desirable is its selection.
following charts as a basis for evaluating compati- Example:
bility of drill collar OD, ID and connection combi- Suppose you want to select the best connec-
nations. The BSR is a number descriptive of the tion for 93/4 in. (247.7 mm) x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm)
relative capacity of the pin and box to resist bend- ID drill collars.
ing fatigue failures. It is generally accepted that a Referring to the following chart (see Figure
BSR of 2.50:1 is the right number for the average No. 55).
balanced connection, when drilling conditions
are average. 213/16 in. ID
Reference line
If you study the BSR ratios in the API RP 7G, you
will realize that very few of the ODs and IDs com-
monly used on drill collars result in a BSR of 2.50:1
exactly, so the following charts were prepared using 2nd choice
10
the following guidelines: 1st choice
1. For small drill collars 6 in. (152.4 mm) OD and
OD (in.)
below, try to avoid BSRs above 2.75:1 or below 3rd choice
93/4
2.25:1.
2. For high rpm, soft formations and when drill col-
lar OD is small compared to hole size (example: 75/8 H-90
91/2
8 in. (203.2 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole,
NC 70
6 in. (152.4 mm) OD in 81/4 in. (209.6 mm)
hole), avoid BSRs above 2.85:1 or below 2.25:1. 75/8 Reg.
3. For hard formations, low rpm and when drill (Low torque)†
collar OD is close to hole size (example: 10 in.
65/8 FH
(254.0 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole,
81/4 in. (209.6 mm) OD in 97/8 in. (250.8 mm) Figure No. 55
hole), avoid BSRs above 3.20:1 or below 2.25:1.
However, when low torque features (see page 69) For average conditions, you should select in
are used on large drill collars, BSRs as large as this order of preference:
3.40:1 will perform satisfactorily. 1. Best = NC 70 (shaded area and nearest
4. For very abrasive conditions where loss of OD is reference line).
severe, favor combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1. 2. Second best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) (light
5. For extremely corrosive environments, favor area to left and nearest to reference line).
combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1.81 3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 (light area to right
and nearest to reference line).
How to Use the Connection Selection Charts on Pages 80 But in extremely abrasive and/or corrosive
through 95. conditions, you might want to select in this order
The charts appearing on pages 80 to 95 were pre- of preference:
pared with the BSR guidelines as reference. 1. Best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) =
1. The best group of connections are defined as strongest box†.
those that appear in the shaded sections of the 2. Second best = NC 70 = second strongest box.
charts. Also the nearer the connection lies to the 3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 = weakest box.
reference line, the more desirable is its selection.
2. The second best group of connections are those † The connection furthest to the left on the chart has the
that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on strongest box. This connection should be considered as
possible first choices for very abrasive formations or
the left. The nearer the connection lies to the corrosive conditions.
reference line, the more desirable is its selection.
11/2 in. ID 13/4 in. ID
2.50
2.50
2.75
2.25
2.75
2.25
63/4 53/4
53/4 51/2
51/2 51/4
51/4 53/4
NC 38
53/4 43/4
NC 38
31/2 XH
43/4 41/2 NC 35
31/2 XH
NC 35
41/2 41/4
OD (in.)
OD (in.) NC 31
41/4 43/4 31/2 Reg.
27/8 XH
NC 31
31/2 Reg.
43/4 33/4
27/8 XH 31/2 PAC
33/4 31/2
31/2 PAC
27/8 Reg.
31/2 31/4
NC 26
27/8 Reg.
NC 26
31/4 33/4
27/8 PAC
33/4 27/8 PAC 23/4
23/8 Reg. 23/8 PAC

23/4 21/2
23/8 PAC
21/2 21/4
Reference line Reference line

2 in. ID 21/4 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
61/2 7 3/4
NC 46 51/2 FH
61/4 71/2
NC 56
63/4 71/4
NC 44
53/4 73/4
51/2 Reg.
NC 50
51/2 63/4
51/4 NC 40 61/2
53/4 61/4
NC 46
NC 38
OD (in.)
OD (in.)
43/4 63/4
31/2 XH
41/2 53/4
NC 35 NC 44
41/4 51/2
43/4 51/4
NC 31 NC 40
31/2 Reg.
27/8 XH
33/4 53/4
31/2 PAC
NC 38
31/2 43/4
31/4 41/2 31/2 XH
NC 35
NC 26
33/4 41/4
Reference line Reference line

21/2 in. ID 21/2 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
10 73/4
51/2 Reg.
9 3/4 63/4 NC 50
91/2 61/2
NC 70
91/4 61/4
NC 46
93/4 75/8 Reg.* 63/4
65/8 FH
83/4 53/4
NC 44
OD (in.)
OD (in.)
81/2 51/2
51/2 IF
7 H-90*
81/4 51/4
NC 61
NC 40
83/4 53/4
65/8 H-90
7 3/4 65/8 Reg. 43/4

NC 38
51/2 FH
71/2 41/2
NC 56 31/2 XH
71/4 41/4 NC 35
73/4 43/4
5/
NC
1 2
Re
50
Reference line
g.
Reference line
* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they

must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See
page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)
213/16 in. ID 213/16 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
111/2 81/4
NC 61
111/4 83/4
65/8 H-90
73/4
113/4 65/8 Reg.
85/8 H-90*
71/2
103/4 51/2 FH
NC 56
1
7 /4
101/2
NC 77
85/8 Reg.*
73/4
101/4
51/2 Reg.
OD (in.)
63/4
NC 50
10
OD (in.)
61/2
93/4
61/4
75/8 H-90*
91/2
63/4
NC 70
91/4 NC 46
53/4
93/4
51/2 NC 44
75/8 Reg.*
65/8 FH
83/4
51/4
Reference line
81/2
51/2 IF
81/4 7 H-90*
6/
6/
NC
5 8
5 8
Re
H-
61
90
g.
Reference line

3 in. ID 3 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
113/4 81/2
51/2 IF
1
11 /2 1
8 /4 7 H-90
NC 61
111/4 83/4
65/8 H-90
113/4 73/4
65/8 Reg.
103/4 85/8 H-90*

71/2
51/2 FH
NC 56
101/2 71/4
NC 77
OD (in.)
85/8 Reg.*
101/4 73/4
OD (in.)
10 63/4 51/2 Reg.
NC 50
3 1
9 /4 6 /2
91/2 75/8 H-90* 61/4
NC 70
91/4 63/4
NC 46
93/4 53/4
5
7 /8 Reg.*
65/8 FH
83/4 51/2
NC
44
Reference line
81/2
7 H 61
NC
5 / 90*
1 2I
-
F
Reference line

31/4 in. ID 31/4 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
123/4 83/4
113/4 81/2
51/2 IF
111/2 81/4 7 H-90*
NC 61
111/4 83/4
113/4 7 3/4
65/8 H-90
65/8 Reg.
85/8 H-90*
103/4 71/2
51/2 FH
OD (in.)
1 1
10 /2 7 /4 NC 56
OD (in.)
NC 77
85/8 Reg.*
1
10 /4 73/4
10 63/4
51/2 Reg.
65/8 IF
93/4 61/2 NC 50
75/8 H-90*
91/2 61/4
NC 70
1
9 /4 63/4
93/4 53/4
5
7 /8 Reg.* NC 46
83/4 65/8 FH 51/2

NC
7H 1
5/
1 2
-90
IF
6
Reference line
*
Reference line
* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they * On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they
must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See
page 69 for explanation of low torque face.) page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)
31/2 in. ID 31/2 in. ID
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
113/4 83/4
65/8 FH
111/2 81/2
111/4 51/2 IF
81/4
7 H-90*
113/4 NC 61
83/4
103/4 85/8 H-90* 7 3/4

65/8 H-90
OD (in.)
65/8 Reg.
101/2 71/2
NC 77
101/4 85/8 Reg.* 71/4 51/2 FH
OD (in.)
NC 56
10 73/4
65/8 IF
93/4 63/4
51/2 Reg.
91/2 61/2
75/8 H-90*
NC 50
1 NC 70 1
9 /4 6 /4
Reference line
93/4
75/8 Reg.*
3
8 /4
NC
7H 1
5/
6/
1 2
5 8
-90
IF
FH
6
Reference line
* On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they * On ODs where these connections are noted by a dotted line, they
must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See must be machined with a low torque face for proper makeup. (See
page 69 for explanation of low torque face.) page 69 for explanation of low torque face.)
31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts 31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
3.00
2.50
2.25
51/2 H-90 73/4 4 H-90 61/2
71/2 61/4
71/4 63/4
OD (in.)
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
ID (in.)
21/4
73/4 21/2 53/4
213/16 2
3 21/4
63/4 31/4 51/2 21/2
31/2 213/16
61/2 51/4
71/4
5 H-90 31/2 H-90 53/4
73/4 51/2
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
63/4 51/4
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
1
2 /4 2
61/2 21/2 3 21/4
5 /4
213/16
3 21/2
61/4 31/4 43/4

31/2
Reference line
63/4
Caution: The use of the 90° thread form on drill collar sizes less than
71/2 in. OD may result in hoop stresses high enough to cause swelled
1 73/4
4 /2 H-90 boxes. For this reason the API 60° thread form is preferred over the
above sizes of the 90° thread form.
63/4 H-90 Thread 60° Thread
61/2
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
61/4 2
21/4
21/2
63/4 In order to produce the same shoulder load (L) — see illustration —
on connections of the same size but with different threads (H-90 and
213/16 60°), the makeup torque must produce a greater force (F90) for an
53/4 3 H-90 thread than for a 60° thread (F60). This means the torque
31/4 requirement is greater for the H-90 thread than the 60° thread, if the
connections are equal size. When the makeup torque produces the
51/2 same shoulder load on both connections, then the force on the H-90
box (F swell) is greater than the force on the 60° box (F swell). This
results in high hoop stresses in boxes with H-90 threads.
Reference line
Rotary Shouldered Connection Interchange List OILFIELD THREAD FORMS

Common Name Pin Base Same As or
Size Diameter Threads Taper Thread Interchanges The following thread forms are used on practically
Style (in.) (tapered) per In. (in./ft) Form* With (in.) all oilfield rotary shouldered connections. Only
23/8 2.876 4 2 V-0.065 27/8 SH the 60° thread form is an API thread. The Modified
(V-0.038 rad) NC 26**
V-0.065 (not shown) has been replaced and is
27/8 3.391 4 2 V-0.065 31/2 SH
(V-0.038 rad) NC 31** interchangeable with the API V-0.038R.
Internal
Flush
31/2 4.016 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 SH
(V-0.038 rad) NC 38**
V-0.038R
(IF) 4 4.834 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 XH 2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
(V-0.038 rad) NC 46**
41/2 5.250 4 2 V-0.065 5 XH
(V-0.038 rad) NC 50**
51/2 DSL
Full
Hole 4 4.280 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 DSL
(FH) (V-0.038 rad) NC 40**
27/8 3.327 4 2 V-0.065 31/2 DSL
(V-0.038 rad)
31/2 3.812 4 2 V-0.065 4 SH
Extra (V-0.038 rad) 41/2 EF
Hole 41/2 4.834 4 2 V-0.065 4 IF
(XH) (V-0.038 rad) NC 46** 4 Threads Per In. (TPI)
(EH) 5 5.250 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 IF Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.038, 4 TPI, 2 in. TPF
(V-0.038 rad) NC 50**
Used with:
51/2 DSL
API NC 23, 26, 31, 35, 38, 40, 44, 46 and 50
7 3
2 /8 2.876 4 2 V-0.065 2 /8 IF API IF 23/8, 27/8, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 51/2 and 65/8 in.
(V-0.038 rad) NC 26** API FH 4 in.
31/2 3.391 4 2 V-0.065 27/8 IF XH 27/8 and 31/2 in.
Slim (V-0.038 rad) NC 31** Figure No. 56
Hole 4 3.812 4 2 V-0.065 31/2 XH
(SH) (V-0.038 rad) 41/2 EF
41/2 4.016 4 2 V-0.065 31/2 IF
(V-0.038 rad) NC 38**
V-0.038R
1
3 /2 3.327 4 2 V-0.065 7
2 /8 XH 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
Double (V-0.038 rad)
Stream- 41/2 4.280 4 2 V-0.065 4 FH
line (V-0.038 rad) NC 40**
(DSL) 51/2 5.250 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 IF
(V-0.038 rad) 5 XH
NC 50**
26 2.876 4 2 V-0.038 rad 23/8 IF
27/8 SH
31 3.391 4 2 V-0.038 rad 27/8 IF
31/2 SH
38 4.016 4 2 V-0.038 rad 31/2 IF
Num. 41/2 SH
4 Threads Per In. (TPI)
Conn. 40 4.280 4 2 V-0.038 rad 4 FH
(NC) 41/2 DSL Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.038, 4 TPI, 3 in. TPF
46 4.834 4 2 V-0.038 rad 4 IF Used with:
41/2 XH API NC 56, 61, 70 and 77
50 5.250 4 2 V-0.038 rad 41/2 IF Figure No. 57
5 XH
51/2 DSL
External 41/2 3.812 4 2 V-0.065 4 SH
Flush (V-0.038 rad) 31/2 XH
(EF)
** Connections with two thread forms shown may be

machined with either thread form without affecting
gaging or interchangeability.
** Numbered Connections (NC) may be machined only
with the V-0.038 radius thread form.
V-0.040 H-90
3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter 2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
5 Threads Per In. (TPI) 31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.040, 5 TPI, 3 in. TPF Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 2 in. TPF
Used with: Used with:
API Reg. 23/8, 27/8, 31/2 and 41/2 in. H-90, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 5, 51/2 and 65/8 in.
API FH 31/2 and 41/2 in. Figure No. 61
Figure No. 58
H-90
V-0.050 3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 3 in. TPF
4 Threads Per In. (TPI) Used with:
Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.050, 4 TPI, 2 in. TPF H-90, 7, 75/8 and 85/8 in.
Used with: Figure No. 62
API Reg. 65/8 in.
API FH 51/2 and 65/8 in.
Figure No. 59
V-0.050
3 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
4 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.050, 4 TPI, 3 in. TPF
Used with:
API Reg. 51/2, 75/8 and 85/8 in.
Figure No. 60
Depth of Pin base diameter

counterbore = 5/8 in. 1
/2 in. To flank of first full depth thread (max.)
Except PAC = 3/8 in. (H-90 and 27/8 in. XH = 3/8 in.; PAC = 1/4 in.)
30°
Diameter of To flank of first Pin end

counterbore full depth Pin diameter Pin cylindrical
thread (min) length diameter
Dimensional Identification of Box Connections Dimensional Identification of Pin Connections

(Not for Machining Purposes) (Not for Machining Purposes)
Full Diameter Connection Taper Pin Pin End Pin Cyl. Pin Base
Connection Threads Taper Depth of the Size Threads per Foot Length Diameter Diameter Diameter
Size per per Thread Counterbore (in.) per In. (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
(in.) In. In. (in.) (in.) 3
†2 /8 PAC 4 11/2 21/4 25/64 25/16 23/8
†23/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/2 213/32 †27/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/4 21/4 231/64 217/32
†27/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/2 219/32 †NC 23 4 2 27/8 25/64 229/64 29/16
†NC 23 4 2 31/8 25/8 †23/8 Reg. 5 3 27/8 129/32 233/64 25/8
†23/8 Reg. 5 3 31/8 211/16 †23/8 IF 4 2 27/8 225/64 249/64 27/8
†23/8 IF 4 2 31/8 215/16 †27/8 Reg. 5 3 33/8 25/32 257/64 3
†27/8 XH, EH 4 2 37/8 211/16 37/32 321/64
†27/8 Reg. 5 3 35/8 31/16 7
†2 /8 IF 4 2 33/8 53
2 /64 9
3 /32 25
3 /64
†27/8 XH, EH 4 2 41/8 323/64
†31/2 Reg. 5 3 35/8 219/32 325/64 31/2
†27/8 IF 4 2 35/8 329/64
†NC 35 4 2 35/8 29/64 35/8 347/64
†31/2 Reg. 5 3 37/8 39/16 †31/2 XH, EH 4 2 33/8 31/4 345/64 313/16
†NC 35 4 2 37/8 313/16 †31/2 FH 5 3 35/8 33/32 357/64 4
†31/2 XH, EH 4 2 35/8 37/8 †31/2 IF 4 2 37/8 33/8 329/32 41/64
†31/2 FH 5 3 37/8 43/64 †31/2 H-90 31/2 2 37/8 331/64 315/16 41/8
†31/2 IF 4 2 41/8 45/64 †4 FH 4 2 43/8 39/16 411/64 49/32
†31/2 H-90 31/2 2 41/8 43/16 †4 H-90 31/2 2 41/8 313/16 45/16 41/2
†4 FH 4 2 45/8 411/32 †NC 44 4 2 43/8 357/64 433/64 45/8
†4 H-90 31/2 2 43/8 49/16 †41/2 Reg. 5 3 41/8 319/32 433/64 45/8
†NC 44 4 2 45/8 411/16 †41/2 FH 5 3 37/8 353/64 411/16 451/64
†41/2 Reg. 5 3 43/8 411/16 †41/2 H-90 31/2 2 43/8 47/64 441/64 453/64
†41/2 FH 5 3 41/8 47/8 †41/2 XH, EH 4 2 43/8 47/64 423/32 453/64
†41/2 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 457/64 †5 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 421/64 459/64 57/64
1
†41/2 XH, EH 4 2 45/8 429/32 †4 /2 IF 4 2 43/8 433/64 59/64 51/4
†5 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 511/64 †51/2 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 439/64 53/16 53/8
1
†41/2 IF 4 2 45/8 55/16 †5 /2 Reg. 4 3 45/8 423/64 513/32 533/64
†51/2 FH 4 2 47/8 51/64 523/32 553/64
†51/2 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 57/16
†NC 56 4 3 47/8 421/64 523/32 57/8
†51/2 Reg. 4 3 47/8 537/64
†65/8 Reg. 4 2 47/8 511/64 57/8 6
†51/2 FH 4 2 51/8 529/32
†65/8 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 53/16 513/16 6
†NC 56 4 3 51/8 515/16 †51/2 IF 4 2 47/8 537/64 69/32 625/64
†65/8 Reg. 4 2 51/8 61/16 †NC 61 4 3 53/8 3
5 /32 9
6 /32 7
6 /16
†65/8 H-90 31/2 2 51/8 61/16 †7 H-90 31/2 3 53/8 55/32 65/16 61/2
†51/2 IF 4 2 51/8 629/64 5
†6 /8 FH 4 2 47/8 15
5 /16 41
6 /64 63/4
†NC 61 4 3 55/8 61/2 †75/8 Reg. 4 3 51/8 523/32 657/64 7
†7 H-90 31/2 3 55/8 69/16 †NC 70 4 3 57/8 527/32 75/32 75/16
†65/8 FH 4 2 51/8 6 27/32 †75/8 H-90 31/2 3 6 557/64 713/64 725/64
†75/8 Reg. 4 3 53/8 73/32 †65/8 IF 4 2 47/8 641/64 711/32 729/64
†NC 70 4 3 61/8 73/8 †85/8 Reg. 4 3 51/4 641/64 727/32 761/64
†75/8 H-90 31/2 3 61/4 729/64 †NC 77 4 3 63/8 613/32 727/32 8
5
†65/8 IF 4 2 51/8 733/64 †8 /8 H-90 31/2 3 61/2 641/64 85/64 817/64
†85/8 Reg. 4 3 51/2 83/64
†NC 77 4 3 65/8 81/16
Low Torque Face
†85/8 H-90 31/2 3 63/4 821/64
Dimensional Identification for Low Torque Modification

7 H-90 31/2 3 55/8 *71/8
75/8 Reg. 4 3 53/8 *73/4
85/8 Reg. 4 3 51/2 *9
75/8 H-90 31/2 3 61/4 *8
85/8 H-90 31/2 3 63/4 *93/8
†See page 96 for interchangeable connections.
†See page 96 for interchangeable connections.
*See page 69 for low torque face details.
102 Drill Collar
MATERIAL AND WELDING PRECAUTIONS FOR

DOWNHOLE TOOLS
Generally, the materials used in the manufacture of
downhole tools (stabilizers, vibration dampeners,
reamers, subs, drill collars, kellys and tool joints) are
AISI 4137 H, 4140 H or 4145 H. These materials are
5
purchased by Smith with customized chemistries to
assure that they will have the hardenability neces-
sary to heat treat to desired mechanical properties HEVI-WATET
for each product. SECTION FIVE DRILL PIPE
By customizing chemistries and in-house heat
treatment of these materials to a specification suit-
able for each product or product component,
strength levels are assured to (1) minimize swelled
boxes and stretched pins, (2) prolong fatigue life,
(3) retard crack propagation rates, and (4) support
tensile loads.
All of the above mentioned products are manu-
factured by Smith using these types of material
which are alloy materials in the heat treated state.
They cannot be welded in the field without metal-
lurgical change to the welded area. Any metallurgi-
cal change induced by welding in the field will
reduce the benefits of customizing purchases and
in-house heat treatment described in the paragraph
above. Preheat procedures can be used to prevent
cracking while welding and post-heat procedures
can be used to recondition sections where welding
has been performed; but, it should be emphasized
that field welded sections can only be reconditioned
and cannot be restored to their original state, free of
metallurgical change.
Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe 105
WHAT IS HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE?

Smith’s Hevi-Wate drill pipe is an intermediate-
weight drill stem member. It consists of heavy-wall
tubes attached to special extra-length tool joints.
It has drill pipe dimensions for ease of handling.
Because of its weight and construction, Hevi-Wate
drill pipe can be run in compression the same as
drill collars in small diameter holes and in highly
deviated and horizontal wells.
Although special lengths are available, the pipe
is normally furnished in 301/2 ft (9.3 m) lengths
in six sizes from 31/2 to 65/8 in. (88.9 to 168.3 mm)
OD. One outstanding feature is the integral center
wear pad which protects the tube from abrasive
wear. This wear pad acts as a stabilizer and is a
factor in the overall stiffness and rigidity of one or
more joints of Hevi-Wate drill pipe.
An example of Hevi-Wate drill pipe as an
intermediate-weight drill stem member follows:
Example:
An approximate weight of 41/2 in. OD drill pipe
is 16.60 lb/ft; 41/2 in. Hevi-Wate drill pipe weighs
approximately 41 lb/ft. As another comparison,
61/2 in. OD, 21/4 in. ID drill collars weigh 100
lb/ft.
Example:
An approximate weight of 114.3 mm OD drill
pipe is 24.7 kg/m; 114.3 mm Hevi-Wate drill pipe
weighs approximately 61.1 kg/m. As another com-
parison, 165.1 mm OD, 57.2 mm ID drill collars
weigh 148.8 kg/m.
When a number of drill collars are used in
directional drilling, they produce a great amount
of contact area with the low side of the hole. As
the collars are rotated, this high friction contact
with the hole wall causes the collars to climb the
side of the wall. Many people feel this rotation
climbing action of the bottom collar causes the
bit to turn hole direction to the right.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe provides stability and
much less wall contact. This results in the direc-
tional driller being able to “lock-in” and better
control both hole angle and direction.
106 Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe 107
Using Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe for Bit Weight on Small Rigs Stands back in the rack like
Hevi-Wate drill pipe, run in compression for bit regular drill pipe.
weight, can reduce the hook load of the drill stem,

making it ideal for smaller rigs drilling deeper holes.
In shallow drilling areas, where regular drill pipe is
run in compression, the more rigid Hevi-Wate drill
pipe will allow more bit weight to be run with less
likelihood of fatigue damage.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe should not be used for
bit weight in vertical holes larger than those
listed below:
· 5 in. Hevi-Wate pipe — maximum vertical
hole 101/16 in.
· 41/2 in. Hevi-Wate pipe — maximum vertical
hole 91/16 in.
· 4 in. Hevi-Wate pipe — maximum vertical
hole 81/8 in. Wear pad reduces the wear on
· 31/2 in. Hevi-Wate pipe — maximum vertical center section of drill pipe.
hole 7 in.
The ease in handling saves both rig time and
trip time (see Figure Nos. 63 and 64). A long string
of Hevi-Wate drill pipe will eliminate many of the
problems associated with drill collars normally
used on the smaller rigs.
Requires only drill pipe

elevators to handle on
the rig.
Figure No. 64
USING HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE IN THE

TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN THE DRILL COLLARS
AND THE DRILL PIPE
Many drill pipe failures occur in the drill stem
because of fatigue damage previously accumulated
when the failed joint of pipe was run directly above
the drill collars. This accelerated fatigue damage is
attributed to the bending stress concentration in the
limber drill pipe rotating next to the stiff drill collars.
Two factors that cause extreme bending stress
concentration in the bottom joint of drill pipe are:
1. Cyclic torsional whipping that moves down
through the rotating drill pipe into the stiff
drill collars.
2. Side to side movement, as well as the vertical
No safety clamp is required
bounce and vibrations of the drill collars, that are
and regular drill pipe slips transmitted up to the bottom joint of drill pipe.
are used.
Figure No. 63
When drill pipe is subjected to compressive

buckling these stress concentrations are much (18 joints or more)
Hevi-Wate drill pipe
more severe. Many drillers periodically move the
bottom joint of drill pipe to a location higher up in Additional
the drill pipe string. Moving these joints to other drill collars Integral blade
stabilizer
drill string locations does not remove the cumula-
tive fatigue damage that has been done, and may
Drill collar
or may not prolong the time until failure will occur.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe is an intermediate-weight Hydra-shock®
drill stem member, with a tube wall approximately
1 in. (25.4 mm) thick. This compares to approxi-
mately 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) wall thickness for regular
drill pipe and approximately 2 in. (50.8 mm) wall IB Stabilizer
(Integral Blade)
thickness for drill collars. Hevi-Wate drill pipe pro-
vides a graduated change in stiffness between the Short
drill collar
limber drill pipe above and the rigid drill collars
below. This graduated change in stiffness reduces
the likelihood of drill pipe fatigue failures when Near bit
Stabilizer
Hevi-Wate drill pipe is run in the critical transition
“zone of destruction.” Performance records com-
piled during the past few years show that running
Hevi-Wate drill pipe above the drill collars definitely
reduces drill pipe fatigue failures. Hevi-Wate drill
3-Point Borrox
pipe’s heavy-wall design, long tool joints and long reamer
center upset section resist the high-stress concentra-
tion and center body OD wear which causes failures
in regular drill pipe. Because of its construction,
Hevi-Wate drill pipe can be inspected by the same
technique used to prevent drill collar failures.
The number of joints of pipe that should be
run in the transition zone is important. Based on
successful field experience, a minimum of 18 to
21 joints of Hevi-Wate drill pipe are recommended
between the drill collars and the regular drill pipe
in vertical holes. Thirty (30) or more joints are
commonly used in directional holes.
Figure No. 65
USING HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE IN DIRECTIONAL Hevi_Wate

DRILLING Drill pipe
Excessive drill collar connection failures result

from collars bending as they rotate through
doglegs and hole angle changes. IB stabilizer
Drill collars lay to the low side of high-angle
holes. This results in: Spiral drill collar
· Increased rotary torque.
· Increased possibility of differential sticking. Hydra-Shock®
· Increased vertical drag.
· Excessive wall friction that creates rolling action
and affects directional control. IB stabilizer
Rotating big, stiff collars through doglegs, (Integral Blade)
developed in directional drilling, can cause very
high-rotating torque and excessive bending loads
at the threaded connections.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe bends primarily in the
tube. This reduces the likelihood of tool joint
fatigue failures occurring in the Hevi-Wate drill
pipe as it rotates through doglegs and hole angle
changes. Near bit
Hevi-Wate drill pipe design offers less wall IB stabilizer
contact area between the pipe and hole wall
which results in:
· Less rotary torque.
· Less chance of differential sticking.
· Less vertical drag.
· Better directional control.
Figure No. 66
Capacity and Displacement Table — Dimensional Data Range III

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe Tube Mechanical
Properties
Capacity Displacement Nominal Tube Tube
Nominal Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL Dimension Section
Size per per per per per per per per Wall Tor-
(in.) Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft Nom. Thick- Center Elevator Tensile sional
31/2xxx 6.36 .151 21.2 .505 10.44 .248 34.78 .828 Size ID ness Area Upset Upset Yield Yield
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in2) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb)
4 8.21 .195 27.4 .652 13.40 .319 44.66 1.063
41/2 23/4 .875 9.965 5 45/8 548,075 40,715
41/2 9.48 .226 31.6 .753 18.34 .437 61.12 1.455
5 3 1.000 12.566 51/2 51/8 691,185 56,495
5 11.23 .267 37.5 .892 22.46 .535 74.87 1.783
51/2 14.26 .340 47.5 1.132 25.92 .617 86.41 2.057
65/8 25.01 .596 83.4 1.985 32.17 .766 107.24 2.553 Tool Joint Approx.
Weight
*Capacity and displacement per joint numbers are based on [Including
30 ft shoulder to shoulder joints. Mechanical Tube &
xx
With 21/4 in. ID. Properties Joints (lb)]
Nom. Connection Tensile Torsional Makeup
Capacity — The volume of fluid necessary to fill Size Size OD ID Yield Yield Wt/ Wt/Jt. Torque
the ID of the Hevi-Wate drill pipe. (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb) ft 30 ft (ft-lb)
41/2 NC 46 (4 IF) 61/4 27/8 1,024,500 38,800 39.9 1,750 21,800
Displacement — The volume of fluid displaced
5 NC 50 (41/2 IF) 65/8 31/16 1,266,000 51,375 48.5 2,130 29,200
by the Hevi-Wate drill pipe run in open ended
(metal displacement only). See page 123 for metric conversions.
Dimensional Data Range II TAPERED DRILL STRINGS

Tube Mechanical The ratios of I/C or section moduli between drill
Properties
Nominal Tube Tube collars and Hevi-Wate drill pipe or drill pipe should
Dimension Section be considered to prevent fatigue damage to these
Wall Tor- members. Experience has indicated that these mem-
Nom. Thick- Center Elevator Tensile sional
Size ID ness Area Upset Upset Yield Yield bers perform best when this ratio is less than 5.5.
(in.) (in.) (in.) 2
(in ) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb) Tapered drill collar strings are often necessary to
31/2 21/4 .625 5.645 4 35/8 310,475 18,460 maintain an acceptable ratio.
4 29/16 .719 7.410 41/2 41/8 407,550 27,635
The chart on the next page is based on main-
41/2 23/4 .875 9.965 5 45/8 548,075 40,715
1
taining an acceptable I/C ratio between Hevi-Wate
5 3 1.000 12.566 5 /2 51/8 691,185 56,495
51/2 33/8 1.063 14.812 6 511/16 814,660 74,140
drill pipe and the drill collars directly below.
65/8 41/2 1.063 18.567 71/8 63/4 1,021,185 118,845
Example of chart use for 41/2 in. (114.3 mm)
Hevi-Wate drill pipe:
Tool Joint Approx.
Weight
1. For Directional Holes
[Including a. Enter chart from bottom at 41/2 in. (114.3 mm)
Mechanical Tube &
Properties Joints (lb)]
Hevi-Wate drill pipe and proceed upward to
Nom. Connection Tensile Torsional Makeup the “suggested upper limit for directional
Size Size OD ID Yield Yield Wt/ Wt/ Torque holes” curve. Read to the left the maximum
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb) ft Jt. (ft-lb)
drill collar size.
31/2 NC 38 (31/2 IF) 43/4 23/8 675,045 17,575 23.4 721 10,000
4 NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 211/16 711,475 23,525 29.9 920 13,300
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 73/4
41/2 NC 46 (4 IF) 61/4 27/8 1,024,500 38,800 41.1 1,265 21,800
in. (196.9 mm) OD x standard bore.
5 NC 50 (41/2 IF) 65/8 31/16 1,266,000 51,375 50.1 1,543 29,200
2. For Straight Holes
51/2 51/2 FH 7 31/2 1,349,365 53,080 57.8 1,770 32,800
65/8 65/8 FH 8 45/8 1,490,495 73,215 71.3 2,193 45,800
a. Enter chart from bottom at 41/2 in. (114.3 mm)
See page 123 for metric conversions. the “suggested upper limit for straight holes”
curve. Read to the left the maximum drill
collar size.
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 71/4
in. (184.2 mm) OD x standard bore.
114 Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe
Suggested upper limit

81/4 for directional holes
81/2
73/4
71/2
Drill collar OD (in.)
71/4 Suggested upper limit

for straight holes
6
1
7 /2
63/4
61/2
TOOL
61/4
61/2
SECTION SIX JOINTS
51/2
Suggested upper limit
for severe drilling conditions
31/2 4 41/2 5
Hevi-Wate drill pipe size (in.)
3. For Severe Drilling Conditions (Corrosive Environment

and/or Hard Formations)
a. Enter chart from bottom at 41/2 in. (114.3 mm)
the “suggested upper limit for severe condi-
tions” curve. Read to the left the maximum
drill collar size.
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 61/2 in.
(165.1 mm) OD x standard bore.
Note: Caution should be exercised not to select
drill collar ODs above the suggested upper
limits for each condition. Fatigue failures
are more likely if these limits are exceeded.
If drill collars larger than the maximum
suggested size are to be used, run at least
three drill collars of the maximum sug-
gested size (or smaller) between the larger
drill collars and the Hevi-Wate drill pipe.
Tool Joints 117
TOOL JOINTS
One of the primary purposes of drill pipe is to trans-
mit drilling torque from the rotary table drive bush-
ing and kelly to the drilling bit at the bottom of the
hole. It also provides a means whereby fluid may be
circulated for lubricating and cooling the bit and for
the removal of cuttings from the wellbore.
Drill pipe connections require different treat-
ment than drill collar connections. Drill pipe tool
joints are much stiffer and stronger than the tube
and seldom experience bending fatigue damage in
the connection. Therefore, tool joint connections
are normally selected based on torsional strength
of the pin connection and tube and not on bending
strength ratios as in drill collar connections.
Drill collar connections differ in that they are a
sacrificial element and can never be made as strong
as the drill collar body. The repair is also different.
A drill collar connection can be renewed by cutting
off the old connection and completely remachining
a new one; whereas a drill pipe connection can only
be reworked by chasing the threads and refacing
the shoulder because of its short length. The most
common damage occurring to drill pipe tool joints
is caused by leaking fluid, careless handling, thread
wear or galling, and swelled boxes due to outside
diameter wear.
As with drill collars, the break-in of new drill pipe
tool joints is extremely important for long life. Newly
machined surfaces are more susceptible to galling
until they become work hardened. Therefore, the
connections should be chemically etched by a gall-
resistant coating (see page 67) to hold the thread
compound and protect the newly machined surfaces
on the initial makeup. Extra care is essential to
ensure long and trouble-free service. Thread protec-
tors should be used while drill pipe is being picked
up, laid down, moved or stored.
Be sure to thoroughly clean all threads and
shoulders of any foreign material or protective
coating and inspect for damage before the first
makeup. If kerosene, diesel or other liquid is used,
allow sufficient drying time before applying thread
compound to the connections. When applying
thread compound, be sure to cover thoroughly the
entire surface of the threads and shoulders of both
118 Tool Joints Tool Joints 119
pin and box connections. It is preferable to use a

good grade of zinc thread compound that contains
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MARKING
no more than 0.3% sulfur. (A thread compound ON TOOL JOINTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DRILL
containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered STRING COMPONENTS
metallic zinc is recommended in API RP 7G.)
Proper initial makeup is probably the most Company, Month Welded, Year Welded,
important factor effecting the life of the tool joint Pipe Manufacturer and Drill Pipe Grade Symbols
connections. Here are some recommendations to be Stencilled at Base of Pin. Sample Markings:
to follow: 1 2 3 4 5
1. Proper makeup torque is determined by the D 9 99 V E
connection type, size, OD and ID, and may be
found in torque tables (see pages 130 and 131). 1 — Company
2. Make up connections slowly, preferably using 2 — Month welded
chain tongs. (High-speed kelly spinners or the 9 = September
spinning chain used on initial makeup can 3 — Year welded
cause galling of the threads.) 99 = 1999
3. Tong them up to the predetermined torque using 4 — Pipe manufacturers
a properly working torque gage to measure the V = Vallourec
required line pull (see page 41). 5 — Drill pipe grade
4. Stagger breaks on each trip so that each con- E = Grade E drill pipe
nection can be checked, redoped and made up Month Year
every second or third trip, depending on the 1 through 12 Last two digits of year
length of drill pipe and size of rig.
A new string of drill pipe deserves good surface Pipe Manufacturers (Pipe Mills or Processors) Symbols
handling equipment and tools. Check slips and mas- Pipe Mill Symbol
ter bushings before damage occurs to the tube (see Active
the IADC Drilling Manual for correct measurement). Algoma ........................................................... X
Do not stop the downward movement of the British Steel Seamless Tubes LTD ..................... B
drill string with the slips. This can cause crushing Dalmine S.P.A. ................................................ D
or necking down of the drill pipe tube. The drill Falck ............................................................... F
pipe can also be damaged by allowing the slips to Kawasaki ........................................................ H
ride the pipe on trips out of the hole. Nippon ............................................................. I
Good rig practices will help eliminate time con- NKK ................................................................ K
suming trips in the future, looking for washouts Mannesmann ................................................. M
or fishing for drill pipe lost in the hole. For more Reynolds Aluminum ...................................... RA
information refer to the IADC Drilling Manual. Sumitomo ........................................................ S
Siderca .......................................................... SD
TAMSA ............................................................ T
U.S. Steel ........................................................ N
Vallourec ......................................................... V
Used ............................................................... U
Inactive
Armco ............................................................. A
American Seamless ........................................ AI
B & W ............................................................ W
C F & I ............................................................ C
J & L Steel ........................................................ J
Lone Star ......................................................... L
Ohio ............................................................... O
Republic .......................................................... R
TI .................................................................... Z
Tubemuse ..................................................... TU
Voest ............................................................. VA
Wheeling Pittsburgh ........................................ P
Youngstown .................................................... Y
Processor Symbol
Grant TFW ................................................. TFW
Omsco ....................................................... OMS
Prideco ........................................................... PI
Drill Pipe Grades and Their Symbols

Grade Symbol Minimum Yield Figure No. 67
D 55 D 55,000
E 75 E 75,000
X 95 X 95,000
G 105 G 105,000
S 135 S 135,000
V 150 V 150,000
Used U —
Note: Heavy-weight drill pipe to be stencilled at
base of pin with double pipe grade code.
Figure No. 68
It is suggested that a bench mark be provided for

the determination of the amount of material which
may be removed from the tool joint shoulder, if it
is refaced. This bench mark should be stencilled
on a new or recut tool joint after facing to gage.
The form of the bench mark should be a 3/16 in.
(4.8 mm) diameter circle with a bar tangent to the
circle parallel to the shoulder. The distance from
the shoulder to the bar should be 1/8 in. (3.2 mm).
The bench mark should be positioned in the box
counterbore and on the base of the pin as shown
in Figure Nos. 67 and 68.
It is good practice not to remove more than
1
/32 in. (0.8 mm) from a box or pin shoulder at
any one refacing and not more than 1/16 in.
(1.6 mm) cumulatively.
RECOMMENDED IDENTIFICATION GROOVE Drill Pipe Weight Code
AND MARKING OF DRILL PIPE

1 2 3 4
OD Nominal Wall Weight
Note: Size Weight Thickness Code
(in.) (lb/ft) (in.) Number
1. Standard weight Grade E drill pipe designated
4.85 .190 1
by an asterisk (*see page 123) in the drill pipe 23/8
6.65* .280 2
weight code table will have no groove or milled 6.85 .217 1
slot for identification. The API identification for 27/8
10.40* .362 2
Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured 9.50 .254 1
after January 1, 1995, is a milled slot only begin- 31/2 13.30* .368 2
15.50 .449 3
ning 1/2 in. from the intersection of the 18° taper
11.85 .262 1
and the tool joint OD. The API identification for 41/2 14.00* .330 2
Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured 15.70 .380 3
before January 1, 1995, was a milled slot only 13.75 .271 1
in the center of the tong space. ISO marking is 16.60* .337 2
20.00 .430 3
per the before January 1, 1995, style. 41/2 22.82 .500 4
2. See API Recommended Practice RP 7G for 24.66 .550 5
depth of grooves and slots. 25.50 .575 6
3. Stencil grade code symbol and weight code num- 16.25 .296 1
51/2 19.50* .362 2
ber corresponding to grade and weight of pipe 25.60 .500 3
in milled slot of pin. Stencil with 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) 19.20 .304 1
high characters so marking may be read with 51/2 21.90* .361 2
drill pipe hanging in elevators. 24.70 .415 3
65/8 25.20* .330 2
*Designates standard weight for drill pipe size.
Multiply inches by 25.4 to obtain mm.
Multiply ft-lb by 1.356 to obtain N·m.
Multiply ft-lb by .1383 to obtain kg-m.
Standard Weight Grade E Drill Pipe Standard Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe
API Before January 1, 1995
(page 122)
Figure No. 69
Figure No. 71
Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe

API Before January 1, 1995 Heavy-Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe
API Before January 1, 1995
(page 122)
(page 122)
Figure No. 70
Figure No. 72
LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7). LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7).
Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe Standard Weight Grade X Drill Pipe

API After January 1, 1995 API After January 1, 1995
See Note 2
See Note 2 (page 122)
(page 122)
Figure No. 74
Figure No. 73
Heavy-Weight Grade X Drill Pipe

API After January 1, 1995
See Note 2
(page 122)
Figure No. 75
Standard Weight Grade G Drill Pipe Standard Weight Grade S Drill Pipe
See Note 2 See Note 2

(page 122) (page 122)
Heavy-Weight Grade G Drill Pipe Heavy-Weight Grade S Drill Pipe

See Note 2 See Note 2

(page 122) (page 122)

Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums
New Used
Drill (Box Outside Diameters Do Not Represent Tool Joint Inspection Class)
Pipe Type Box Pin Makeup Box Makeup Box Makeup Box Makeup
Size Connection OD ID Torque OD Torque OD Torque OD Torque
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (ft-lb) (in.) (ft-lb) (in.) (ft-lb) (in.) (ft-lb)
NC 26 (IF) 33/8 13/4 4,125 31/4 3,005 33/16 2,467 35/32 2,204
OH 31/4 13/4 3,783 31/16 2,216 31/32 1,967 231/32 1,600
OH 31/8 2 2,716 3 1,723 231/32 1,481 215/16 1,244
23/8 SL H-90 31/4 2 3,077 231/32 1,998 231/32 1,998 231/32 1,998
WO 33/8 2 2,586 1
3 /16 1,994 3 1,500 231/32 1,300
PAC 27/8 13/8 2,813 225/32 2,455 223/32 2,055 221/32 1,667
7
2 /8 SH (NC 26) 33/8 13/4 4,125 33/8 4,125 5
3 /16 3,558 31/4 3,005
OH 33/4 27/16 3,33 31/2 3,282 37/16 2,794 313/32 2,481
319/32 4,410 317/32 3,752 315/32 3,109
OH 37/8 25/32 5,26 317/32 3,767 317/32 3,767 37/16 2,666
SL H-90 37/8 27/16 4,57 319/32 4,529 317/32 3,770 315/32 3,029
31/8 3,443 31/16 3,427 231/32 2,801
SL H-90 37/8 25/32 6,77 35/8 3,216 39/16 2,500 317/32 2,200
323/32 4,357 321/32 3,664 35/8 3,324
27/8 PAC 31/8 11/2 3,44 311/16 3,154 321/32 2,804 321/32 2,804
329/32 5,723 313/16 4,597 33/4 3,867
WO 41/8 27/16 4,31 41/16 7,694 331/32 6,500 37/8 5,345
XH 41/4 17/8 7,96 4 6,893 329/32 5,726 327/32 4,969
43/16 5,521 41/8 4,491 43/32 3,984
NC 31 (IF) 41/8 2 1/8 7,12 43/8 8,742 49/32 7,107 47/32 6,045
NC 31 (IF) 41/8 2 7,91 49/32 5,340 47/32 4,600 45/32 3,700
43/8 7,000 45/16 6,000 41/4 4,868
NC 31 (IF) 43/8 15/8 10,167 43/8 5,283 411/32 4,786 49/32 3,838
43/8 5,283 411/32 4,786 49/32 3,838
419/32 8,826 41/2 7,274 47/16 6,268
31/2 SH (NC 31) 41/8 21/8 421/32 9,875 49/16 8,300 415/32 6,769
423/32 10,957 45/8 9,348 417/32 7,785
7,122 415/16 11,363 413/16 9,017 43/4 7,877
SL H-90 45/8 3 7,59 5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444
53/32 14,419 415/16 11,363 427/32 9,595
SL H-90 45/8 211/16 11,142 7
4 /16 8,782 411/32 7,342 49/32 6,406
431/32 7,500 429/32 6,200 427/32 5,000
OH 43/4 3 7,21 51/32 8,800 431/32 7,500 429/32 6,200
OH 43/4 211/16 10,387 413/16 9,017 423/32 7,300 421/32 6,200
415/16 11,363 413/16 9,017 43/4 7,877
NC 38 (WO) 43/4 3 5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444
5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444
7,688 7
5 /32 7,827 55/32 6,476 55/32 6,476
5
NC 38 (IF) 43/4 211/16 10,864 5 /16 9,937 57/32 7,827 53/16 7,157
57/16 12,813 55/16 9,937 51/4 8,535
31/2 NC 38 (IF) 5 29/16 12,196 515/32 13,547 53/8 11,363 59/32 9,228
59/32 9,228 53/16 7,147 55/32 6,476
NC 38 (IF) 5 27/16 13,328 59/16 15,787 57/16 12,813 53/8 11,363
55/8 17,311 51/2 14,288 513/32 12,080
NC 38 (IF) 5 21/8 15,909 55/8 17,311 51/2 14,288 513/32 12,080
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 29/16 515/32 12,300 53/8 10,375 55/16 8,600
53/8 12,125 59/32 10,066 53/16 8,071
16,656 59/16 16,391 57/16 13,523 511/32 11,418
NC 40 (4 FH) 53/8 27/16 55/8 17,861 515/32 14,214 53/8 12,125
513/32 12,080 55/16 9,937 51/4 8,535
17,958 519/32 16,546 515/32 13,554 53/8 11,363
525/32 21,230 55/8 17,311 51/2 14,281
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/2 21/4 523/32 19,626 59/16 15,787 515/32 13,554
529/32 16,626 525/32 13,239 523/32 11,571
19,766 523/32 11,571 521/32 9,955 519/32 8,365
513/16 14,082 523/32 11,571 521/32 9,955
SH (3 1/2 XH) 45/8 29/16 515/16 17,497 527/32 14,933 53/4 12,415
67/32 25,547 61/16 21,018 515/16 17,497
9,102 57/8 15,776 525/32 13,239 511/16 10,773
61/32 20,120 529/32 16,626 513/16 14,082
OH 51/4 315/32 13,186 63/32 21,914 531/32 18,346 527/32 14,933
OH 51/2 31/4 16,320 63/16 24,645 61/32 20,127 515/16 17,497
69/32 27,429 61/8 22,818 6 19,244
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 213/16 621/32 25,474 61/2 20,205 613/32 17,118
623/32 27,619 69/16 22,294 615/32 19,147
14,092 615/16 35,446 63/4 28,737 65/8 24,413
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 211/16 617/32 21,238 67/16 18,146 611/32 15,086
65/8 24,412 61/2 20,205 613/32 17,118
15,404 625/32 29,828 65/8 24,412 617/32 21,238
71/32 38,892 627/32 32,031 611/16 26,560
Note: 2. Makeup torque is based on the use of 40 to 60% by weight

*1. The use of Outside Diameters (OD) smaller than those of finely powdered metallic zinc, applied to all threads
listed in the table may be acceptable on Slim-Hole (SH) and shoulders.
tool joints due to special service requirements.
132 Tool Joints
A large portion of the information found on

pages 119 through 129 was taken directly out of the
IADC Drilling Manual (eleventh edition) and the
API Spec. RP 7G (fifteenth edition). Credit should
be given to the International Association of Drilling
Contractors and the American Petroleum Institute.
Smith extends our thanks to IADC and API for
7
allowing us to reprint this information.
SECTION SEVEN KELLYS

Kellys 135
KELLYS
Kellys are manufactured with one of two basic
configurations — square or hexagonal.
Kelly Sizes
The size of a kelly is determined by the distance
across the drive flats (see Figure Nos. 80 and 81).
Like this Not like this

Kelly Lengths
API kellys are manufactured in two standard
lengths: (1) 40 ft (12.2 m) overall with a 37 ft
(11.3 m) working space or (2) 54 ft (16.5 m)
overall with a 51 ft (15.5 m) working space.
End Connections
Square Kellys
Top Connection Top Bottom Bottom
OD Connection OD
API
Nom. Std. Optional
Size (LH) (LH) Std. Optional Std. (RH) Std
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
21/2 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 NC 26 33/8
3 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 NC 31 41/8
31/2 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 NC 38 43/4
NC 46 6
41/4 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4
NC 50 61/8
51/2 FH
51/4 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 7
NC 56
**6 65/8 Reg. — 73/4 — 6 5/8 FH 73/4
**6 in. square kelly not API.

136 Kellys Kellys 137
Hexagon Kellys
Top Connection Top Bottom Bottom
OD Connection OD
API
Nom. Std. Optional
Size (LH) (LH) Std. Optional Std. (RH) Std
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
3 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 NC 26 33/8
1 5 1 3 3
3 /2 6 /8 Reg. 4 /2 Reg. 7 /4 5 /4 NC 31 41/8
1 5 1 3 3
4 /4 6 /8 Reg. 4 /2 Reg. 7 /4 5 /4 NC 38 43/4
NC 46 6
51/4 65/8 Reg. — 73/4 —
NC 50 61/8
51/2 FH
6 65/8 Reg. — 73/4 — 7
NC 56
Measurement of New Kellys
Figure No. 83
Hexagon Kellys
API Max. Across Across
Nom. Bore Flats Corner Radius Radius
Size A B C R* Rc
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
3 11/2 3 3.375 1
/4 111/16
31/2 13/4 31/2 3.937 1
/4 131/32
1 1 1 5
4 /4 2 /4 4 /4 4.781 /16 225/64
51/4 31/4 51/4 5.900 3
/8 261/64
6 31/2 6 6.812 3
/8 313/32
* Corner configuration at manufacturer’s option.
Figure No. 82 HOW TO BREAK IN A NEW KELLY

When Picking Up a New Kelly
Square Kellys Before picking up a new kelly, check your kelly
API Max. Across Across
bushing. The rollers, pins or bearings may need
Nom. Bore Flats Corner Radius Radius replacing to return the drive assembly to like new
Size A B C R* Rc
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
status. Also check the bushing body for journal
21/2 11/4 21/2 3.250 5
/16 15/8 area wear and body spreading. A loose fitting drive
3 3
1 /4 3 3.875 3
/8 115/16 unit can badly damage a new kelly on the first well
31/2 21/4 31/2 4.437 1
/2 27/32 drilled. Remember to lubricate kelly drive surfaces.
41/4 213/16 41/4 5.500 1
/2 23/4
51/4 31/4 51/4 6.750 5
/8 33/8 Check Wear Pattern on Corners of Kelly
**6 1
3 /2 6 7.625 3
/4 13
3 /16 The major cause for a kelly to wear out is the
rounding off of the drive corners. This rate of wear
** Corner configuration at manufacturer’s option.
** 6 in. square kelly not API. is a function of the clearance or fit between the
kelly and the rollers in the kelly bushing.
The closer the kelly and rollers fit, the broader
will be the wear pattern. A narrow wear pattern
on the kelly’s corners usually indicates a loose fit
between the two.
138 Kellys Kellys 139
Rollers must fit the largest spot on the kelly flats.

The API tolerances on distance across flats are quite
large and bushings fitting properly in one place may
actually appear loose at another point. Generally
kellys made from forgings have wide variations in
tolerances, making it impossible to fit the roller
closely at all points. Kellys manufactured by full
length machining are made to closer tolerances
and fit the rollers best.
Maximum Wear Pattern Width for New Kellys with New Drive
Assembly (in.)
Figure No. 86
Kelly after considerable use with only new

drive assembly. The drive edge will have a flat
pattern of reduced width and increased contact
angle. A curved surface will be visible on the
kelly near the roller center.
Figure No. 84
Figure No. 87
Worn kelly with worn drive assembly. The

drive edge is a curvature with a high contact angle.
Figure No. 85
Inspection
New kelly with new drive assembly. The drive
At regular intervals, have the kelly’s threaded connec-
edge will have a wide flat pattern with a small
tions checked by your Drilco inspector. Remember
contact angle.
these connections are subject to fatigue cracks the
same as drill collar connections. Also, the drive
section and upset areas should be inspected for
cracks and wear patterns.
Kelly Saver Subs

Kelly saver subs protect the lower kelly connection
from wear caused by making and breaking the drill
pipe connection each time a joint is drilled down.
They also protect the top joint of casing against
excessive wear, if fitted with a rubber protector, as
140 Kellys
well as provide an area to tong on when making up

or breaking out the kelly. When you need a new
stabilizer rubber, an old sub re-worked or a brand
new one, mention this to your Smith representative
before you are ready to pick up that new kelly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH

THAT OLD KELLY?
Use the Other Corners
By employing a temperature controlled stubbing
procedure, we can change ends on your kelly.
This allows the kelly to drive against new cor-
ners. Welding is done only in the large diameter
8
SECTION EIGHT INSPECTION
round sections. We do not recommend welding

on the hexagonal or square surfaces of the kelly.
Remachine Drive Surfaces

With the Heli-Mill, we can remachine a kelly.
This amounts to taking a clean-up cut on each
driving surface.
Note: Oversize rotary drive rollers are used with a
remachined kelly. The bore diameter of your
kelly must be small enough to allow enough
wall thickness for remachining. Ask your
Smith representative for more information.
Straightening an Old Kelly

A bent kelly takes a beating as it is forced through
the rotary drive bushings. Smith repair centers
have straightening presses that can straighten a
kelly and accurately check the run-out.
If Your Kelly is Too Far Gone

Your best bet is to buy a new kelly from your
Smith representative.
Inspection 143
SYSTEMATIC FIELD INSPECTION

A systematic approach to proper inspection,
maintenance and repair of downhole drilling
tools is a necessity for proper operation and to
prolong the useful life of the equipment.
Most downhole drilling tool failures and resul-
tant fishing jobs can be avoided by the use of peri-
odic inspections and by providing maintenance and
repair to the primary areas of fatigue within the
tool. The primary areas of fatigue are areas on the
tool that are likely to receive the highest concentra-
tion of stress while operating. The majority of stress
is concentrated in several common areas on these
tools such as: connections, slip areas, upset areas,
weld areas, radius changes, tube body, etc.
Smith Field Inspection Services regularly util-
izes several types of nondestructive testing (NDT)
methods to inspect these primary areas for poten-
tial problems. Visual (VT), magnetic particle (MT),
liquid penetrant (PT), ultrasonic (UT) and electro-
magnetic (ET) testing methods are all utilized for
efficiency and detection capabilities.
When inspecting the threaded connections on
drill collars, Hevi-Wate, stabilizers, reamers, hole
openers, kellys, as well as other downhole drilling
tools, the primary NDT method of inspection is the
magnetic particle inspection method. This com-
mon method utilizes fluorescent magnetic parti-
cles to detect cracks in the threaded area of the
connection or other locations as necessary.
To illustrate the principle of magnetic particle
inspection, you can sprinkle magnetic particles on a
bar which has been magnetized. The magnetized bar
acts as a magnet with a north pole at one end and a
south pole at the other end. The magnetic particles
will be attracted to the poles of the magnet. If the bar
is notched, each side of the notch becomes a pole of a
144 Inspection Inspection 145
magnet (see Figure No. 88). If the notch is narrow, Proper maintenance and inspection of downhole
the magnetized particles will form a bridge between tools begins with proper cleaning. The threaded
the poles. Cracks in threaded connections or in other areas are cleaned by a wire brush adapted to an
locations behave the same way when magnetized. electric drill (see Figure No. 90). It is essential that
all thread lubricant, dirt and corrosion be removed
from the threads and shoulders prior to inspection.
Figure No. 90
All connections are magnetized with DC mag-

Particle netizing coils utilizing the continuous method of
buildup particle application. The continuous method pro-
vides for magnetizing the part to be inspected at
the same time of magnetic particle application,
thus ensuring proper magnetization and superior
defect detection (see Figure No. 91). Magnetic
particles are attracted to any cracks present by
Figure No. 88 the principle shown in Figure No. 88.
Smith’s field inspectors are thoroughly trained

in the principles and techniques of defect detec-
tion, correction and prevention. Rugged trucks,
complete with calibrated and certified inspection
equipment, provide access to remote locations
Figure No. 91
Figure No. 89
Using ultraviolet light, the inspector’s experi- As part of the inspection record, the drill collar ser-
enced eye detects any build up of magnetic particles ial number, tally length, OD and ID are noted. Also
in the thread roots of the pin connection (see Figure connection size and type, field repairs made, and
No. 92). A magnifying mirror enables the inspector number of connections inspected are recorded. Joints
to look into the thread roots of the box connection. requiring shop repairs are clearly marked to ensure
proper identification of the repair required (see
Figure No. 94). Tools are marked with the appropri-
ate color paint to conform with API and/or customer
requirements. Red marking is used on cracked collars
and yellow on collars with other defects. White mark-
ings, along with the well-recognized “OK Drilco,”
are used to indicate acceptable equipment.
Figure No. 92
If a crack indication is found, the inspector polishes

it with a soft fibrous wheel to verify the presence of a
fatigue crack (see Figure No. 93). He then re-cleans,
re-magnetizes and re-sprays the connection with flu-
orescent magnetic particles and re-inspects with the
blacklight to verify that the indication is a crack. Figure No. 94
Drill Pipe Inspection

The DrilcologE inspection unit is an electromag-
netic system for inspecting used drill pipe and tub-
ing (see Figure No. 95). The system incorporates a
dual function inspection system consisting of both
transverse flaw detection and wall loss capabilities.
Sixteen (16) independent electronic channels, eight
for transverse flaws and eight for wall loss, are uti-
lized for detection and display of internal and exter-
nal corrosion, cracks, cuts and other transverse,
three-dimensional and wall loss defects.
Figure No. 93
Figure No. 95
Ultrasonic End Area Inspection

Ultrasonic techniques may be used to inspect the
SHOULDER REFACING
slip areas and other high-stress areas of the drill The Smith portable, electric powered shoulder
pipe tube (see Figure No. 96). These high-stress refacing tools are designed to repair minor shoul-
areas, located in the 36 in. section of tube nearest der connection damage in the field (see Figure
either tool joint, are areas of major concern when No. 97). Drill collar and drill pipe shoulder faces
inspecting drill pipe. Smith’s ultrasonic equipment are smoothed with adhesive-backed emery paper,
can locate internal fatigue cracks and washed areas leaving a surface that is flat and smooth. Many
before they become problems. connection shoulders can be repaired at the rig
when such damage would normally require costly
machine shop attention.
Caution: Throughout the entire refacing opera-
tion, the inspector should wear eye protection.
Figure No. 96
OTHER SERVICES AND SPECIFICATIONS

In addition to the specific services shown above,
other types of drilling tools, rig hoisting equipment
and other types of equipment may be inspected
by your Smith field inspection technician. Ask
your Smith representative for details.
API standards along with Smith’s own inspection
specifications are used to provide the best inspection
possible. Customer specifications and in-house pro- Figure No. 97
cedures may be used at your request. Either way,
Smith’s highly trained inspectors will provide the
highest quality service for your inspection dollar.
FIELD REPAIR
In addition to the inspection process, Smith field
inspectors are also highly trained in the mainte-
nance and field repair of downhole tools. Field
repair may eliminate the costly need to ship equip-
ment to the machine shop for repair. Trained tech-
nicians can remove minor thread and shoulder
blemishes which, if left unrepaired will cause
damage to other connections in the string.
True alignment of the shoulder, perpendicular

to the center line of the threads, is assured as the
refacing tool mandrel is screwed on or into the
connection threads (see Figure No. 98).
Care should be taken in removing only the min-

The adhesive-backed refacing discs are easy to
imum amount of material. When making field
apply and replace (see Figure No. 99).
repairs, operators should be skilled and understand
service conditions of the product to assure proper
application of the refacing tool. It is a good prac-
tice not to remove more than 1/32 in. (0.8 mm)
from a box or pin shoulder at any refacing and not
more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) cumulatively (see API
Recommended Practice RP 7G, current edition).
Note: Portable equipment used to repair
threaded connections in the field will not restore
the product within the tolerances of a new part.
Figure No. 99
The refacing tool is rotated by a heavy-duty electric

sander and the pressure is applied by the operator
along the axis of the threaded connection (see Figure
No. 100). The drive tube is made from aluminum,
thereby reducing the weight of the assembly.
Caution: The sander should not be used
unless properly grounded.
Copper Sulfate Solution

After refacing, an anti-gall coating of copper sulfate,
is applied to the shoulder surface (see Figure No. 101
and solution mixing instructions on page 153).
Caution: Eye protection and appropriate hand
protection should be worn when mixing or han-
dling copper sulfate solution. Always pour acid
into water. Mix the solution in an area with an
eye wash fountain or where large amounts of
water are available for flushing, in case solution
comes in contact with any part of the body. Figure No. 103
How to Mix Copper Sulfate Anti-Gall Solution

The copper sulfate solution is prepared by dissolving
4 heaping tablespoons (53 cc) of blue vitriol (blue
stone copper sulfate crystals or powder) in 2/3 quart
(600 cc) of water and adding 3 tablespoons (40 cc)
of sulfuric acid.
Caution: Eye protection and appropriate hand
protection should be worn when mixing or han-
dling copper sulfate solution. Always pour acid
into water. Mix the solution in an area with eye
wash fountain, or where large amounts of water
Figure No. 101 are available for flushing, in case solution comes
in contact with any part of the body.
After completion of the inspection and repair
operation, a rust preventative is applied to all con- HOW TO USE YOUR TOOL
nections on tools that are to be stored before the JOINT IDENTIFIER
next use (see Figure No. 102). On tools that are to
be used immediately, an API thread compound is 1. With the thread form, determine the number
applied to the threads and shoulders (see Figure of threads per inch in the pin or box (see Figure
No. 103). No. 104). On the scale, threads per inch are indi-
cated by the number following the type of joint.
Figure No. 102

Figure No. 104
2. On pins without a relief-groove or turned cylin- 4. On identifier scale, find the type of joint which
drical diameter, caliper diameter at base (see corresponds to the pin base diameter measured
Figure No. 105). in Figure Nos. 105 and 106 (see Figure No. 107).
Place one end of caliper in the notch and read
the corresponding connection size at the other
end of the caliper tip.
Figure No. 105
3. To measure tapered diameter of pins with relief- Figure No. 107

grooves or cylindrical diameters, ask someone
to hold two straight edges against threads and 5. To find the type of box, hold the end of the
caliper at shoulder as shown (see Figure No. 106). scale marked box to mouth of counterbore, as
shown, and read the nearest size and type of
joint having corresponding number of threads
per inch (see Figure No. 108).
Figure No. 106
Figure No. 108

156 Inspection
Pin base diameters vary widely on same size

joints, but no difficulty will be experienced if the
nearest size is taken having the correct number of
threads per inch. For example 31/2 in. FH, 31/2 in. IF
and 31/2 in. H-90 have nearly the same pin base
diameter, but can be easily distinguished by the
number of threads per inch.
INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION SERVICES

Smith Services — Drilco Group inspection sys-
tems are air portable, self supporting and quickly
available from strategic locations around the
world. Experienced inspectors are trained in
defect detection and downhole tool maintenance
and field repair. Inspectors are qualified to train the
9
SECTION NINE
ROTATING
DRILLING HEADS
customer’s operating personnel in field mainte-

nance and defect prevention.
Special compact and light-weight equipment
allows travel to offshore and remote locations
Figure No. 109

Rotating Drilling Heads 159
ROTATING DRILLING HEADS

Conventionally, one will drill a well and use heavy
drilling fluids to control the well pressures and to
control the flow of cuttings from the well. There
are times when it is beneficial for you to use air or
gas as the circulating medium or use a light mud
to drill in an underbalanced condition. When drilling
with air or gas or underbalanced, you must use a
rotating drilling head.
Rotating drilling heads are used to safely divert
air, gas, dust or drilling muds away from the rig
floor. The head has a rubber device, called a strip-
per rubber, that provides a continuous seal around
the drill stem components, thus directing the drill-
ing medium through a side outlet on the body and
away from the rig floor.
Rotating drilling heads are also used for closed
loop circulating systems in environmentally
sensitive areas.
Note: You should always remember that rotating
drilling heads are diverters and that you must
never use them as a blowout preventer.
Figure No. 110
APPLICATIONS
Air and Gas Drilling
Air and gas drilling were the first applications for
rotating drilling heads. Typically, air and gas drill-
ing are used in very hard formations and forma-
tions which are extremely fractured. Benefits of
air and gas drilling include:
· Faster penetration rates, sometimes threefold to
fourfold compared to mud drilling.
160 Rotating Drilling Heads Rotating Drilling Heads 161
· Reduced formation damage. System Components

· Fewer wellbore problems such as lost circulation The Smith Services rotating drilling head consists
and sloughing of sensitive shales. of five major components (see Figure No. 111).
· Immediate indication of zone productivity. (1) (a) Bowl with integral inlet and outlet flanges
· Reduced mud cost. or (b) body with separate spool having inlet
and outlet flanges.
Underbalanced Drilling (2) Stripper rubber.
Underbalanced drilling is where the hydrostatic pres- (3) Drive ring and bearing assembly .
sure created by the drilling fluid column is less than (4) Drive bushing assembly with kelly drive
the formation pressure. Benefits of underbalanced bushing and clamp.
drilling include: (5) Lubricator system (not shown).
· Reduced formation damage.
· Accurate and immediate evaluation of
well potential.
· Improved production rates. Drive bushing
· Increased penetration rates.
· Reduction in drilling problems associated
with pressure depleted zones such as stuck Stripper rubber
pipe and lost circulation.
· Reduced drilling time and costs.
Flow Drilling
Bearing assembly
Flow drilling is the process of producing the well
while drilling. You drill the producing zone under-
balanced to allow flow from the formation into
the wellbore. Flow drilling is used primarily for:
Bowl
· Horizontal wells with fractured formations.
· Preventing damage to producing formation(s).
· Preventing plugging of fractures while drilling
and well completion.
· Reducing drilling time and costs.
Geothermal Drilling Figure No. 111

Geothermal drilling is where you drill into steam
producing formations thus allowing steam to flow
up the wellbore to the surface. The steam must be Bowl Assembly with Integral Inlet and Outlet Flanges (Models
diverted from the rig floor for safety. Rotating drill- 7068 and 7368)
ing heads specifically designed for geothermal drill- The bowl assembly installs on top of the BOP stack
ing typically have two sealing elements (stripper and below the rotary table. The bowl is stationary
rubbers). The upper stripper rubber seals around and has a clamp assembly that locks the drive
the kelly while drilling and the drill pipe and tool ring and bearing assembly firmly to the body.
joints when tripping in and out of the hole. The
Body Assembly with Separate Spool Having Inlet and Outlet
lower stripper rubber has a larger ID to allow seal-
Flanges (Models DHS 1400, 8068 and RDH 2500)
ing around the larger drill stem components such
The spool is installed on top of the BOP and the body
as drill collars.
fits on top of the spool. The two are held together by
a clamp assembly (Models DHS 1400 and RDH 2500)
or by clamping dogs (Model 8068). Both the spool
and the body are stationary.
Stripper Rubber
The stripper rubber is either fastened to the bottom
SPECIFICATIONS
of the drive bushing or molded integral with the Standard Rotating Drilling Heads
assembly. The purpose of the stripper rubber is to DHS 1400 Drilling Head: The drive bushing and
provide a seal around the kelly as it is rotated and to stripper rubber are retrievable through a 171/2 in.
seal around the drill pipe while tripping in and out of rotary. The sealed bearing assembly is retrievable
the hole. It is easily changed by opening the clamp through a 221/2 in. rotary table. It can be used
and lifting the drive bushing assembly (and stripper with single or dual rotating stripper rubbers. The
rubber) out of the bowl. Stripper rubbers are avail- hydraulic accumulator operates on rig air supply.
able in different elastomer compounds for the vari-
ous drilling environments such as high temperatures Model DHS 1400 Drilling Head
and oil-base muds. Maximum speed ................................ 100 rpm
Through bore of wellhead adapter assembly
Stripper Rubber Elastomer Compound Selection 11 in. - 3/5,000 ............................... 111/4 in.
Oil-Base Oil-Base 135/8 in. - 5,000 .............................. 135/8 in.
Mud Mud Steam
Compound Cold Below Above or Hot Through bore standard ................................ 14
Type Air Water 140°F 140°F Water
Natural Overall heights
rubber Good Best Poor Poor Fair Std. 135/8 in. - 3/5,000 inlet spool
Butyl Good Good Poor Poor Best with no outlet ................................ 341/2 in.
Urethane Best Good Best Poor Poor
Std. 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
Nitrile Good Good Good Best Poor
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4 in.
Std. 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet
Drive Ring and Bearing Assembly
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4 in.
The drive ring and bearing assembly supports the
Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
torsional and axial loads on the rotating drilling head
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ......... 421/16 in.
and also provides low torque rotation. The bearing
Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
assembly consists of two heavy-duty tapered roller
with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 403/4 in.
bearings, an upper and lower. The bearing assembly
Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet
is sealed to keep contaminants out of the bearings
with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 393/4 in.
while at the same time retaining the lubricating oil
Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet
around the bearings.
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 393/4 in.
Drive Bushing Assembly Rotating test pressure ........................... 400 psi
The drive bushing engages a lug on the drive ring
and is then clamped onto the drive ring. The drive
bushing drives the drive ring and bearing assembly.
The drive bushing itself is driven by the kelly bush-
ing which is fitted onto the kelly. The kelly bushing
automatically engages when the kelly is lowered
into the drive bushing. The drive bushing has a rub-
ber insert to absorb lateral shock loads which are
transmitted from the kelly to the kelly bushing.
Lubricator System
The lubricator system must be used in conjunction
with the bearing assembly. The lubricator provides
oil under pressure to the bearings for cooling and
longer bearing life. Lubricating systems can be cir-
culating or non-circulating. Circulating lubricating
systems are recommended for high-temperature
operations such as geothermal drilling.
Model 7068: On this model the body is integral Model 8068: On this model, the body does not
with the spool and has a side outlet and a lower have an integral side outlet or mounting flange.
flange for mounting on BOP. The drive bushing/ It is attached by clamping dogs to a spool with
stripper rubber assembly will pass through 171/2 in. flanges for 135/8, 16 and 20 in. BOPs. The drive
rotary table. The 11 in. size is available in a “shorty” bushing/stripper rubber assembly passes through
version when space is limited beneath the rotary a 171/2 in. rotary table. The rotating drilling head
table. It is available with single or dual rotating passes through a 271/2 in. rotary table. It can be
stripper rubbers. used with mudline casing suspension systems
when attached to a 30 in. mounting flange. It is
Model 7068 available with single or dual stripper rubbers.
Height
Lower Maximum Side w/Stand. w/Short Model 8068
Size Flange Bore Outlet Bushing Bushing
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) Height
11 11 - 3,000/5,000 111/4 71/16 - 2,000 36 297/8 Lower Maximum Side w/Stand. w/Short
Combination Size Flange Bore Outlet Bushing Bushing
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
11 11 - 3,000/5,000 113/4 7 Threaded 243/4
Shorty Combination (Male) 163/4 163/4 - 2,000 163/4 9 - 3,000 423/4 365/8
135/8 135/8 - 3,000 14 71/16 - 2,000 36 297/8 203/4 203/4 - 2,000/3,000 203/4 9 - 3,000 423/4 365/8
3 3
135/8 135/8 - 5,000 135/8 9 - 2,000 38 317/8 30 None* 28 /32 None** 25 /4 195/8
30 - 36 None* 269/32 None** 253/4 195/8
Notes:
1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in. **Mounting flange welded directly to conductor pipe.
hex or square, and 51/4 in. hex only. **Installed on conductor pipe.
2. Stripper rubbers are available in 27/8, 31/2, 41/2, 5 and 51/2 in. Notes:
(Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4 1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in.
in. on special order.) Other sizes available upon request. hex or square, and 51/4 in. hex only.
2. Stripper rubbers are available in 27/8, 31/2, 41/2, 5 and 51/2 in.
Model 7368: This model also has a body that is (Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4 in.
integral with the spool and has a side outlet and a on special order.) Other sizes available upon request.
lower flange for mounting on the BOP. It has the
same basic design features of larger models and is
ideal for slim-hole applications and workover jobs
because of its shorter height. The drive bushing/
stripper rubber is a one-piece assembly and can
pass through a 101/2 in. rotary table.
Model 7368
Maximum
Size Lower Flange Bore Side Outlet Height
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
71/16 71/16 - 2,000/3,000/5,000 71/16 41/16 - 2,000/3,000 237/8
Combination
Notes:
1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square.
2. Stripper rubbers are available in 23/8, 27/8 and 31/2 in. (Special
stripper rubbers for wireline service, are available upon request.)
SPECIAL ROTATING DRILLING HEADS if either electrical or air supply is interrupted.

There is no electrical wiring required beneath
Geothermal Well Drilling Head: This drilling the rig floor.
head incorporates two stripper rubbers — upper
rubber rotates with the kelly and seals around the Model RDH 2500 - High-Pressure Drilling Head
drill pipe and tool joints as connections are made Maximum speed ................................ 100 rpm
stripping in and out of the hole. The lower stripper Through bore of wellhead
rubber seals on the large diameter string compo- adapter assembly ................................ 133/8
nents such as drill collars. The body is equipped Through bore of drilling
with a port for water injection to cool and lubri- head assembly .......................................... 9
cate the stripper rubbers and exposed seals while Through bore of stripper rubber .................... 6
stripping in and out. The elastomer components Maximum OD .......................................... 271/4
are formulated for high-temperature service. Overall heights
Model RDH 2500 High-Pressure Drilling Head: 135/8 in. - 3,000 inlet spool
Rated at 1,500 psi rotating test pressure. This rat- with no outlet ..................................... 531/2
ing is for the body and seals only and does not 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
include the stripper rubber. In actual field use with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ................575/8
there are many variables which can affect the life 11 in. - 5,000 inlet
and pressure capability of the stripper rubber. For with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 577/8
1
example, if the drilling head and BOP are mis- 7 /16 in. - 5,000 inlet
aligned with the rig, the performance of the strip- with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 587/8
per rubber is adversely affected. Other factors such Rotating test pressure ........................ 1,500 psi
as high temperature, higher pressures, etc., also
adversely affect the life of the stripper rubber. The
Alignment: Stack alignment is critical to the
stripper rubber is a special mechanically energized
performance and life of the rotating drilling head
stripper rubber. The bearing chamber is sealed
bearings and stripper rubber. Check alignment by
with low-pressure seals against atmospheric pres-
slowly lowering the kelly until kelly bushing
sure. There is a separate high-pressure seal assem-
engages the drive bushing in the rotating head.
bly to contain wellbore pressure.
The kelly drive bushing should go into the drive
bushing freely without having to force the kelly
Note: This product, regardless of pressure rat-
sideways. If the kelly drive bushing does not freely
ing, is a diverter and not a blowout preventor.
engage into the drive bushing of the rotating drill-
ing head, then BOP stack and rig rotary should be
The high-pressure seal assembly contains a redun-
properly aligned.
dant set of seals. The high-pressure drilling head
is available with single or dual stripper rubbers. We
have different elastomer components available for
oil and gas or geothermal drilling.
The high-pressure drilling head utilizes a hydrau-
lic skid unit to supply low-pressure circulating lubri-
cation to the bearings, and a separate lubrication
system to supply high-pressure lubrication to the
high-pressure seals. The high-pressure lubricant sys-
tem maintains hydraulic pressure at a slightly higher
pressure than the wellbore to properly lubricate the
high-pressure seal assembly.
The hydraulic skid is located away from the
rig and requires 110 volts and an air supply from
the rig. A back-up air compressor automatically
engages if the rig air is disconnected. A redundant
system assures that hydraulic fluid flow continues
API Ring Joint Flange Data

Flange Bolts API Ring
Nominal Size “Old” Nominal Bolt Bolt
and Pressure Size and Series Dia. Bolt Bolt Dia. Length
Rating Service OD Thickness Circle Quantity (in.) (in.) Ring No.
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) 12 1 7 45
71/16 x 2,000 6 x 600 14 23/16 111/2 12 11/8 8 45
71/16 x 3,000 6 x 900 15 21/2 121/2 12 13/8 103/4 46
71/16 x 5,000 6 x 1,500 151/2 35/8 121/2 12 11/2 111/4 BX 156
71/16 x 10,000 187/8 41/16 157/8 12 11/8 8 49
9 x 2,000 8 x 600 161/2 21/2 133/4 12 13/8 9 49
9 x 3,000 8 x 900 181/2 213/16 151/2 12 15/8 12 50
9 x 5,000 8 x 1,500 19 41/16 151/2 16 11/2 13 BX 157
9 x 10,000 213/4 47/8 183/4 16 11/4 83/4 53
11 x 2,000 10 x 600 20 213/16 17 16 13/8 91/2 53
11 x 3,000 10 x 900 211/2 31/16 181/2 12 17/8 133/4 54
11 x 5,000 10 x 1,500 23 411/16 19 12 2 161/2 91
* 10 x 2,900 203/4 511/16 163/4 16 13/4 15 BX 158
11 x 10,000 253/4 59/16 221/4 20 11/4 9 57
135/8 x 2,000 12 x 600 22 215/16 191/4 20 13/8 101/4 57
135/8 x 3,000 12 x 900 24 37/16 21 16 15/8 121/2 BX 160
135/8 x 5,000 261/2 47/16 231/4 20 17/8 171/4 BX 159
135/8 x 10,000 301/4 65/8 261/2 20 11/2 101/4 65
163/4 x 2,000 16 x 600 27 35/16 233/4 20 15/8 113/4 66
163/4 x 3,000 16 x 900 273/4 315/16 241/4 16 17/8 141/2 BX 162
163/4 x 5,000 303/8 51/8 265/8 24 17/8 171/2 BX 162
163/4 x 10,000 345/16 65/8 309/16 24 15/8 113/4 73
211/4 x 2,000 20 x 600 32 37/8 281/2 20 2 141/2 74
203/4 x 3,000 20 x 900 333/4 43/4 291/2 24 2 183/4 BX 165
211/4 x 5,000 39 71/8 347/8 24 21/2 241/2 BX 165
211/4 x 10,000 45 91/2 401/4
* Not a current API size.
170 Rotating Drilling Heads
Notes
10
SECTION TEN
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Additional Information 173
“Maximum Permissible Doglegs in Rotary

Boreholes” by Arthur Lubinski, Publication No. 55,
February 1960. This paper presents means for spec-
ifying maximum permissible changes of hole angle
to ensure a trouble-free hole.
“What You Should Know About Kellys” by Doyle
W. Brinegar, Publication No. 81 (reprinted from Oil
& Gas Journal, May 1977). This article answers a
number of questions pertaining to kellys, includ-
ing: why kellys become unusable, the effects of
manufacture on kelly performance, interpreting
drive edge wear patterns and kelly repair.
“Qualified Inspectors: The Key to Maximum Drill
Collar Life” by W.R. Garrett, Publication No. 82
(reprinted from World Oil, March 1977) explains
the importance of inspection services, in terms of
obtaining the maximum amount of trouble-free
service out of a drill collar before needing repair.
“Down-Hole Failure of Drilling Tools” by
B.P. Faas, Publication No. 32 (reprinted from
Drilling Contractor, May and June 1970). In this
article, the author summarizes a study conducted
by Standard Oil Co. which examines the cause
of downhole drilling equipment failures. This
detailed examination attempts to determine if
there are any deficiencies in steel or fabrication
procedures which could be corrected so that the
likelihood of additional failures could be reduced.
“Drill Pipe Fatigue Failure” by H.M. Rollins,
Publication No. 34 (reprinted from Oil & Gas Journal,
April 1966). The author in the article explains the
nature of drill pipe failure, and identifies seven steps
that can be taken to minimize fatigue damage.
“Drill Stem Failures Due to H2S” by H.M. Rollins,
Publication No. 52 (reprinted from Oil & Gas
Journal, January 1966), discusses the results of
many investigations involving tubing failures,
talks about drill pipe failures specifically and rec-
ommends practices that help to cope with H2S.
“Straight Hole Drilling” by H.M. Rollins,
Publication No. 18 (reprinted from World Oil,
March and April 1963), covers “Why Holes Go
Crooked” and what you can do to prevent exces-
sive hole angle build-up.
174 Additional Information Additional Information 175
“How to Drill a Usable Hole” by Gerald E. Wilson, “Predicting Bottomhole Assembly Performance”
Publication No. 39 (reprinted from World Oil, by J.S. Williamson and A. Lubinski, Publication
September 1976). This brochure of pictures and No. 98 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14764 from IADC/SPE
examples explains how to control hole deviation, Drilling Conference, February 1986). This paper dis-
reasons holes become crooked and problems that cusses a computer program for the prediction of
can result. bottom-hole assembly performance. Input parame-
ters include: formation dip, hole and collar size,
“Drilling Straight Holes in Crooked Hole
stabilizer spacing, etc. Output may be hole curva-
Country” Publication No. 59. These tables will
ture, hole angle or WOB.
permit you to predict the effect on hole inclina-
tion, changes in weight, drill collar size and the “An Engineering Approach to Stabilization
use of stabilizers. Selection” by G.K. McKown and J.S. Williamson,
Publication No. 99 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14766
“Using Large Drill Collars Successfully” by Doyle
from IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, February
Brinegar and Sam Crews, Publication No. 21
1986). This paper discusses a means of selecting
(reprinted from Journal of Petroleum Technology,
stabilizers based on applications and drilling con-
August 1970). Article discusses use of large drill
ditions. Experimental wear data and computer
collars in the 9 to 11 in. size range.
analyses of the effects of stabilizer design on
“How to Bridge Drill Pipes’ Zone of Destruction” bottom-hole assembly performance are offered.
by Charlie Miller, Publication No. 72 (reprinted
“Degassing of Drilling Fluids” by Walter E.
from Drilling DCW Magazine, June 1973). The
Liljestrand, Publication No. 43 (reprinted from
author explains the major causes of twistoffs and
Oil & Gas Journal, February 1980). The purpose
washouts in the drill string, and offers solutions
of this paper is to broadly cover the subject of
for correcting the problem — namely Drilco’s
degassing. It outlines the problems and discusses
Hevi-Wate drill pipe.
the steps that must be taken to remove the gas.
“Heavy-Wall Drill Pipe A Key Member of the Drill There are several ways to take each step because
Stem” by Morris E. Rowe, Publication No. 45, there are different types of degassers shown, yet
September 1976, discusses currently available each can do the job. Some examples of mud
drilling technologies utilizing heavy-wall drill pipe, problems are also shown.
and attempts to solve fatigue failure problems.
“A User’s Guide to Drill String Hardfacing” by
“Bit Stabilization Effective Method to Prolong Bit J. Steve Williamson and Jim B. Bolton, Publication
Life” by G.M. Purswell, Publication No. 50 (reprinted No. 100 (reprinted from Petroleum Engineering
from Oilweek, December 1967), recognizes that bit International, September 1983). This paper dis-
stabilization is an effective method for prolonging cusses drill string hardfacings, welding processes
rock bit life and obtaining greater penetration rates. and important metallurgical variables involved. The
Purswell points out that stabilization “forces the bit importance of proper tungsten carbide selection is
to rotate around its own center.” Numerous config- emphasized. Experimental results are discussed
urations of semi-packed or packed bottom-hole for casing wear by hardfacings and for hardfacing
assemblies are reviewed and discussed as to their wear resistance. Guidelines are given for hardfac-
application for bit stabilization. ing selection based on tests and field experience.
“How to Select Bottom Hole Drilling Assemblies”
by Gerald E. Wilson, Publication No. 62 (reprinted
from Petroleum Engineer, April 1979), identifies
and compares a number of bottom-hole assemblies
that can be used when drilling in crooked hole areas.
The primary factor affecting selection of the assem-
bly is the crooked hole tendencies of the formations
to be penetrated.
176 Additional Information
“What is the Condition of Your Downhole

Tools and How Are They Being Repaired”
by Doyle W. Brinegar, Publication No. DR - 1009
(reprinted from SPE/IADC No. 18702 presented at
the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, March 1989).
This paper discusses the repair and reuse of down-
hole drilling equipment, along with inspection
11
methods. One of the objectives of this paper is to
review repair methods that are used to increase the
life of downhole tools. Particular attention is paid
to welding procedures. SECTION ELEVEN INDEX
“Drill String Design Optimization for High-
Angle Wells” by George K. McKown, Publication
No. DR-1002 (reprinted from SPE/IADC Drilling
Conference, March 1989). This paper discusses
drill string design for high-angle wells and how to
optimize for all the required functions of the drill
string. Practical considerations for drill string design
for high-angle wells and systematic approaches to
the design process are presented.
When ordering publications from Smith, please
indicate the publication number you are interested
in and address your request to:
Smith International
Reader Service Dept.
P.O. Box 60068
Houston, TX 77205-0068
Or call your Smith representative.
Index 179
Index
Introduction ................................................. i
Table of contents .......................................... ii
Letter from operations .................................. iii
How to use this handbook ............................ iv
A
ANGLE
How to control hole angle ........................ 8
Rate of hole angle .................................... 5
Total hole angle ........................................ 5
ANTI-GALL
Anti-gall protection of connections ............ 67
ASSEMBLIES
Bottom-hole assemblies ............................ 1
Packed hole assembly - length of
tool assembly ........................................ 10
B
BENDING STRENGTH RATIO
Guides for evaluating drill collar OD,
ID and connection combinations ........... 78
BHA
Bottom-hole assemblies ............................ 1
Conclusion ............................................... 22
Downhole vibrations ................................ 22
Factors to consider when designing
a packed hole assembly ........................ 10
How to control hole angle ........................ 8
Improve hole opener performance
by using a vibration dampener
and stabilizers ................................... 23
Minimum permissible bottom-hole
drill collar outside diameter formula ...... 4
Packed hole assembly - clearance
between wall of hole and stabilizers ...... 11
Packed hole assembly - length of
tool assembly ........................................ 10
Packed hole assembly - medium
crooked hole country ............................ 13
Packed hole assembly - mild crooked
hole country ......................................... 12
Packed hole assembly - mild, medium
and severe crooked hole country ........... 14
Packed hole assembly - severe crooked
hole country ......................................... 14
Packed hole assembly - stiffness of
drill collars ........................................... 11
180 Index Index 181
BHA continued CONNECTIONS continued

Packed hole assembly - wall Preventing pin and box gailures in
support and length of contact tool ......... 12 downhole tools ..................................... 76
Packed hole theory ................................... 9 Rotary shouldered connection
Packed pendulum ..................................... 20 interchange list ..................................... 96
Pendulum theory ...................................... 8 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint
Problems associated with doglegs recommended minimums ...................... 130
and key seats ........................................ 6 CROOKED HOLES
Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5 Medium and severe crooked hole country
Reduced bit weights ................................. 21 in hard to medium-hard formations ....... 19
Stabilizing tools ........................................ 15 Mild, medium and severe crooked
Total hole angle ........................................ 5 hole country in hard to
BIT medium-hard formations .................... 17
Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32 Mild, medium and severe crooked
Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32 hole country in medium-hard to
Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31 soft formations .................................. 19
Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31 Packed hole assembly - medium
using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit crooked hole country ............................ 13
weight on small rigs .......................... 106 Packed hole assembly - mild
BOX crooked hole country ............................ 12
Dimensional identification of drill Packed hole assembly - mild, medium
collar box connections .......................... 100 and severe crooked hole country ........... 14
BREAK IN Packed hole assembly - severe
How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137 crooked hole country ............................ 14
BUOYANCY
Buoyancy effect of drill collars in mud ...... 70 D
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
C Differential pressure sticking of
CAPACITY drill pipe and drill collars ...................... 27
Capacity and displacement table - DIMENSIONAL DATA
Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112 Hexagon kellys ......................................... 136
COLLARS Square kellys ............................................ 136
Hookups used to make up drill DOGLEGS
collar connections ................................. 43 Problems associated with doglegs
Packed hole assembly - stiffness of and key seats ........................................ 6
drill collars ........................................... 11 DOWNHOLE TOOLS
Stress Relief .............................................. 68 Preventing pin and box failures in
CONNECTIONS downhole tools ..................................... 76
Anti-gall protection ................................... 67 DRILL COLLAR
Dimensional identification of Anti-gall protection ................................... 67
box connections .................................... 100 Automatic torque control system ............... 51
Dimensional identification of Buoyancy effects of drill collars in mud ..... 70
pin connections .................................... 101 Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37
Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor - Minimum permissible bottom-hole drill
tension, compression and neutral zone .. 71 collar outside diameter formula ............. 4
Facts about cold working .......................... 66 Pipe - drill pipe - drill collar safety factor -
Guides for evaluating drill collar OD, tension, compression, neutral zone ........ 71
ID and connection combinations ........... 78
Using the connection selection charts ....... 78
182 Index Index 183
DRILL COLLARS continued DRILL PIPE continued

Dimensional identification of Dimensional identification -
box connections .................................... 100 heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 124
Dimensional identification of Dimensional identification -
pin connections .................................... 101 heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 126
Drill collar weights [kg/m] ....................... 75 Dimensional identification -
Drill collar weights [lb/ft] ......................... 73 heavy-weight grade G drill pipe ............. 128
Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52 Dimensional identification -
Facts about cold working .......................... 66 heavy-weight grade S drill pipe .............. 129
Guides for evaluating drill collar OD, Dimensional identification -
ID and connection combinations ........... 78 heavy-weight grade X drill pipe ............. 127
How to figure the drill collar makeup Dimensional identification -
torque needed ....................................... 41 heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125
Hookups used to make up drill Dimensional identification -
collar connections ................................. 43 standard weight grade E drill pipe ......... 124
How to apply and measure Dimensional identification -
makeup torque ...................................... 51 standard weight grade G drill pipe ......... 128
How does the ATCS help .......................... 52 Dimensional identification -
How to use the connection standard weight grade S drill pipe ......... 129
selection charts ..................................... 78 Dimensional identification -
Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52 standard weight grade X drill pipe ......... 127
Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51 Dimensional identification -
Drill collar failures .................................... 77 standard weight, high-strength
Know field shop work .............................. 66 drill pipe ........................................... 125
Low torque faces ...................................... 69 Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at
Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97 base of pin ............................................ 119
Picking up drill collars .............................. 38 Pipe weight code ...................................... 123
Recommended minimum drill collar Recommended identification groove
makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54 and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122
Recommended minimum drill collar Recommended practice for marking on
makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58 tool joints for identification of drill
Recommended minimum drill collar string components ............................. 119
makeup torque [N·m] ........................... 62 Tapered drill Strings .................................. 113
Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149 Tool joints ................................................ 117
Rig catheads ............................................. 51 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint
Rig maintenance ...................................... 41 recommended minimums ...................... 130
Slip and elevator recesses ......................... 69 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for
Special drill collars ................................... 68 bit weight on small rigs ......................... 106
Stress relief .............................................. 68 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in
Torque Control ......................................... 39 directional drilling ................................. 110
Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72 Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in
Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................ 74 the transition zone between the
DRILL PIPE drill collars and drill pipe ................... 107
Capacity and displacement table - What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105
Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112 Straight hole drilling ................................. 2
Dimensional data - range II
Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112 F
Dimensional data - range III FIELD INSPECTION
Hevi-Wate drill pipe ............................... 113 Systematic field inspection ........................ 143
184 Index Index 185
FORMATIONS IDENTIFICATION continued

Medium and severe crooked hole Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at
country in hard to medium- base of tool joint pin ............................. 120
hard formations ................................. 19 Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at
Mild, medium and severe crooked base of tool joint pin ............................. 119
hole country in hard to medium- Recommended identification groove
hard formations ................................. 17 and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122
Mild, medium and severe crooked Recommended practice for marking
hole country in medium-hard on tool joints for identification of
to soft formations .............................. 19 drill string components ...................... 119
IDENTIFIER
G How to use the tool joint identifier ........... 152
INFORMATION
GRADE CODE
Additional technical information ............... 173
Pipe grade codes to be stencilled
INSPECTION
at base of tool joint pin ......................... 120
International inspection services ............... 155
Systematic field inspection ........................ 143
H INTERCHANGE LIST
HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE Rotary shouldered connection
Capacity and displacement table - interchange list ..................................... 96
range II Hevi-Wate drill pipe .................. 112
Dimensional data - range III K
Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 113
KELLYS
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit
Hexagon kellys - dimensional data ............ 136
weight on small rigs .............................. 106
How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in
New kellys - measurements ...................... 136
directional drilling ................................. 110
Square kellys - dimensional data ............... 136
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the
What can you do with that old kelly ......... 140
transition zone between the
KEY SEATS
drill collars and the drill pipe ............. 107
Problems associated with doglegs
What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105
and key seats ........................................ 6
HEXAGON KELLYS
Dimensional data ..................................... 136
HOLE M
How to control hole angle ........................ 8 MAINTENANCE
Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5 Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37
Total hole angle ........................................ 5 If you have an epidemic of drill
collar failures that you can't explain ...... 77
I Know field shop work .............................. 66
Preventing pin and box failures in
IDENTIFICATION
downhole tools ..................................... 76
Dimensional identification -
Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149
heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124
Rig maintenance of drill collars ................. 41
Systematic field inspection ........................ 143
heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125
MAKEUP
Automatic torque control system ............... 51
standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124
Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52
How to figure the drill collar
standard weight, high-strength
makeup torque needed .......................... 41
drill pipe ........................................... 125
186 Index Index 187
MAKEUP continued PIN

Hookups used to make up Dimensional identification of drill collar
drill collar connections .......................... 43 pin connections .................................... 101
How to apply and measure PUBLICATIONS
makeup torque ...................................... 51 Additional technical information ............... 173
How does the ATCS help .......................... 52
Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52 R
Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51 REFACING
Initial makeup of new drill collars ............. 39 Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149
Recommended minimum drill collar ROTATING DRILLING HEADS
makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54 Air drilling ............................................... 159
Recommended minimum drill collar API ring joint flange data .......................... 168
makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58 Applications ............................................. 159
Recommended minimum drill collar Body assembly ......................................... 161
makeup torque [N·m]............................ 62 Bowl assembly ......................................... 161
Rig Catheads ............................................ 51 Drive bushing assembly ............................ 162
Recommended identification groove Drive ring and bearing assembly ............... 162
and marking of drill pipe ..................... 122 Flow drilling ............................................. 160
Recommended practice for marking on Gas drilling .............................................. 159
tool joints for identification of Geothermal drilling .................................. 160
drill string components ...................... 119 Geothermal model .................................... 166
MATERIAL Lubricator system ..................................... 162
Material and welding precautions for Model 7068 .............................................. 164
downhole tools ..................................... 102 Model 7368 .............................................. 164
MEASUREMENTS Model 8068 .............................................. 165
New kelly measurements .......................... 136 Model DHS 1400 ...................................... 163
MILL CODES Model RDH 2500 - high-pressure
Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at drilling head ......................................... 166
base of tool joint pin ............................. 119 Stack alignment ........................................ 167
Standard heads ........................................ 163
P Stripper rRubber ....................................... 162
PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY System components .................................. 161
Clearance between wall of hole Underbalanced drilling ............................. 160
and stabilizers ....................................... 11 RSC
Considerations when designing a Rotary shouldered connection
packed hole assembly .......................... 10 interchange list ..................................... 96
Length of tool assembly ............................ 10
Medium crooked hole country .................. 13 S
Mild crooked hole country ........................ 12 SERVICES
Mild, medium and severe crooked International inspection services ............... 156
hole country ......................................... 14 SHOCK ABSORBERS
Severe crooked hole country ..................... 14 Downhole vibrations ................................ 22
Stiffness of drill collars ............................. 11 Improve hole opener performance
Wall support and length of using a vibration dampener
contact tool ........................................... 12 and stabilizers ................................ 23
PACKED HOLE THEORY ...................................... 9 SHOP WORK
PACKED PENDULUM .......................................... 20 Know field shop work .............................. 66
PARALLEL MISALIGNMENT SHOULDER REFACING
Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32 Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149
PENDULUM THEORY .......................................... 8
188 Index Index 189
SLIP TOOL JOINTS continued

Slip and elevator recesses on Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at
drill collars ........................................... 69 base of tool joint pin ............................. 119
SPIRAL Pipe weight code ...................................... 123
Spiral drill collars ..................................... 68 Recommended identification groove
SQUARE KELLY and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122
Dimensional data ..................................... 136 Recommended practice for marking
STABILIZATION on tool joints for identification of
Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32 drill string components ...................... 119
Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32 TORQUE
Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31 Automatic torque control system ............... 51
Bottom-hole assemblies - stabilization ....... 15 Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52
medium and severe crooked hole How to figure the drill collar makeup
country in hard to medium- torque needed ....................................... 41
hard formations .............................. 19 Hookups used to make up drill
Mild, medium and severe crooked collar connections ................................. 43
hole country in hard to Apply and measure makeup torque .......... 51
medium-hard formations .................... 17 How does the ATCS help .......................... 52
Mild, medium and severe crooked Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52
hole country in medium-hard Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51
to soft formations .............................. 19 Recommended minimum drill collar
Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31 makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54
Packed hole assembly - clearance Recommended minimum drill collar
between wall of hole and stabilizers ...... 11 makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58
STIFFNESS Recommended minimum drill collar
Packed hole assembly - stiffness makeup torque [N·m] ........................... 62
of drill collars ....................................... 11 Rig catheads ............................................. 51
STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING .................................. 2 Torque chart drill pipe tool joint
STRESS RELIEF recommended minimums ...................... 130
Stress relief of drill collar connections ....... 68 Torque control - drill collars ...................... 39
SYSTEMATIC FIELD INSPECTION ............................ 143 TRANSITION ZONE
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the
T transition zone between drill
collars and drill pipe .......................... 107
TAPERED DRILL STRINGS .................................... 113
TENSION
Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor - V
tension, compression and neutral zone .. 71 VIBRATION DAMPENERS
THREAD FORMS Downhole vibrations ................................ 22
Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97 Improve hole opener performance using
TOOL JOINT IDENTIFIER .................................... 153 a vibration dampener and stabilizers ..... 23
TOOL JOINTS ................................................... 117
Dimensional identification - W
heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124 WEIGHTS
Dimensional identification - Drill collar weight [kg/m] ......................... 75
heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125 Drill collar weight [lb/ft] .......................... 73
Dimensional identification - Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72
standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124 Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................ 74
Dimensional identification - standard
weight, high-strength drill pipe ................. 125
Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at
base of tool joint pin .......................... 120
190 Index
Notes

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DRILLING ASSEMBLY

P.O. Box 60068 · Houston, Texas 77205-0068

Requests for permission to reproduce or translate all or any part of

The following are marks of Smith International, Inc.:

TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE

The Field Operations, Sales,

HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

P.O. Box 60068

STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING

In a straight hole drilling contract, many of the

Arthur Lubinski and Henry Woods (research engi-

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH

Casing Wear While Drilling

will develop. This should create a useful hole with

Severe Crooked Hole Country

Severe Crooked Hole Country 1. Rotating Blade

Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country

All rotating stabilizers have fairly good reaming

2. Rig Replaceable Non-Rotating Sleeve Stabilizer

Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country

Mild Med. Sev. Zone 1-A Zone 1-A

3. Rolling Cutter Reamer

Rotating blade-type tools are effective in Zone 2

Modern packed hole assemblies, when properly designed Packed Pendulum

REDUCED BIT WEIGHTS

CONCLUSION IMPROVE HOLE OPENER

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING OF

REDUCING DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING

Stabilizers (see Figure No. 24)

BIT STABILIZATION PAYS OFF

STABILIZATION IMPROVES BIT PERFORMANCE

If the drill collar directly above the bit leans

Figure No. 29 shows a photograph of a bit that

DRILL COLLAR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DRILL COLLAR

Initial Makeup of New Drill Collars

Recommended Minimum Torque (ft-lb)

2,000 lb line pull

3. Periodically, based on drilling conditions and

should be performed, using a wet fluorescent

and black light method.

Step No. 2 The 8,748 lb (4,000 kg) of line pull is the

The amount of cathead pull will

Example: Torque indicator

Torque indicator Torque indicator

The amount of cathead pull will

Snub line Figure No. 38

The amount of cathead pull will The amount of cathead pull

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum

Figure No. 43 The amount of cathead pull will

The amount of cathead pull will

Step No. 1 Look up the minimum

The amount of cathead pull will

Automatic Torque Control System

Snub line Figure No. 48

How Does the ATCS Help? Give This Some Thought

Hydraulic Line Pull Devices

Ezy-TorqT Hydraulic Cathead

KNOW FIELD SHOP WORK Load

When it becomes necessary to repair drill collars in

Facts About Cold Working

Stress Relief Contours Slip and Elevator Recesses

Last scratch of box thread Large radii reduce stress