SOP #: 03.

55

Horizontal Well Drillers Revision #: 1

Implementation Date: 2012/01/23

Last Reviewed/Update
Page #: 1 of 3 2012/01/23
Date:
HWD Executive HWD Executive
SOP Owner: Approval:
Management Management

Standard Operating Procedure – Making a

Connection with Drill Pipe

1. Purpose
The common thread throughout the SOP and HWD Policies and Procedures in general is
the identification of responsibilities. This manual is intended to clearly and concisely
identify the steps required by employees to complete any given operation in a manner
that is consistent with Horizontal Well Drillers standards. It will document progressive
steps required in sequence that are to be followed, an authorizing company department or
position, and an author that is to be consulted if there are questions in any portion of the
SOP standards.

2. Scope
RIG PERSONNEL

3. Prerequisites
Personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment, follow job safety
rules, and have the appropriate experience and certifications to carry out their job
functions satisfactorily.

4. Responsibilities
Tool pusher will have ultimate accountability that driller and crews are completing the
procedure to standard. Driller and crews will be responsible for implementation and
actions to complete this task as described in the procedure steps.

5. Procedure
1. Pick up the drill pipe with the pipe arm.
 Inspect the pipe arm at the start of each shift for cracks, missing pins, and proper size
of jaws.
 Make sure that the racks/tables and spreader bars are set properly.
 SOP #: 03.55

Horizontal Well Drillers Revision #: 1

Implementation Date: 2012/01/23

Last Reviewed/Update
Page #: 2 of 3 2012/01/23
Date:
HWD Executive HWD Executive
SOP Owner: Approval:
Management Management

 Check to make sure that you have the proper size of jaws on the pipe arm for the drill
pipe.
 When indexing the tubular into the pipe arm, make sure that there is no one on the
catwalk and the tubular is aligned properly to the pipe arm before closing the jaws.
 Make sure that there is no one close by before raising or lowering the pipe arm.
 When raising and lowering the pipe arm, watch that the service loop and hydraulic
hoses do not snag on the stiff legs or pipe arm.
 Make sure that the area in line of the pipe arm on the rig floor is clear of personnel
when raised in case of a failure with the jaws.
 Keep personnel clear of the false floor area when the pipe arm is approaching and
descending.
 Slow down as you approach the docking arm.

2. Position the drill string for the connection.

 Function test the crown saver at the start of each shift by hoisting the blocks to the
crown area with a spotter watching to make sure that it is set properly.
 Work the drill string to clean out the hole. Watch the weight indicator and pump
pressure gauge while working the string in case a mud ring packs off around the drill
string. Know the maximum limits for hoisting.
 Before setting the slips, raise the flower pot above the slips.
 Drill pipe is longer than drill collars. Set the slips low enough to allow enough room in
the crown for the connection.
 Stay clear of the table area when air slips are being installed.
 Once the slips have been set, release the flower pot. The Driller must look up to make
sure that the drilling line is not caught on the docking arm.

3. Make the connection.

 Pump pressure must be bled off before breaking the quill from the drill string.
 Use the Iron Roughneck to break the quill from the tubular so the tubular does not spin
in the slips.
 Look up before hoisting to make sure that the drill line is not caught on the docking
arm.
 After the top drive is backed out of the stump, there is no need for the Floor hand to be
on the floor until after the collar is secured to the top drive and the tubular is ready to
be stabbed into the stump.
 Raise the tubular with the pipe arm and stay clear of the false floor when the pipe arm
is in motion.
 SOP #: 03.55

Horizontal Well Drillers Revision #: 1

Implementation Date: 2012/01/23

Last Reviewed/Update
Page #: 3 of 3 2012/01/23
Date:
HWD Executive HWD Executive
SOP Owner: Approval:
Management Management

 Watch the quill as it is spun into the collar to verify proper attachment and wait for a
signal from the Driller before opening the jaws of the pipe arm. Make sure that
personnel stand to the side of the rig floor while the pipe arm jaws are being opened.
 Make sure that the Iron Roughneck is fully retracted back in the derrick when not in
use.
 Keep hands above the Iron Roughneck when stabbing the collar into the stump and
always give the Driller a clear line of sight.
 Dope the tubular threads before raising the tubular into the derrick. Stay clear of pinch
points when applying dope to the threads. Make sure that the threads and seal are fully
doped. Know the torque specifications for making the connection.
 The tubular must be torqued to the proper specifications.
 The Iron Roughneck must be fully retracted once the connection is complete.

4. Resume drilling.
 While drilling, make sure that a stripping rubber or flower is positioned over the
wellbore to keep objects from falling down the hole.
 Make sure that all personnel and equipment are clear of the rotary table danger zone
before engaging the top drive to rotate.
 Raise the RPM on the top dive slowly, and slowly lower the bit to bottom and resume
drilling within the drilling parameters.
 Watch the pump pressure gauge in case of a mud ring.

6. References
HWD Employee Handbook

7. Definitions
NA