Drillstring Inspection Standard

Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.

Coring Equipment
Revision Number: 1
Effective Date: 18/05/2015

Rev Date Description Change Note

0 06/06/13 First online publication
1 18/05/15 References to black magnetic ink and white contrast
paint are removed; Added option (visible contrast or
fluorescent) in the section for "Wet MPI of Stabilisers".

General Requirements
The general inspection requirements shall be in accordance with Sub-Spec 001.

The following inspections shall be performed:

1) Visual inspection
2) Dimensional measurements
3) Wet-fluorescent magnetic particle inspection
4) ATI (optional for threads)
5) Magnetic particle inspection of stabilisers

Visual Inspection

1. The connections shall be inspected on the inside and outside surfaces in accordance with Sub-Spec 003,
including the Pin ID for a distance equal to the length of the machined area. Special attention shall
be given to the inspection of the last engaged threads and sealing surfaces of the connections.

2. A visual inspection shall be performed of the inside surface for corrosion pitting or any foreign objects.
Special attention shall be given to the pin ID. Pitting that exceeds 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm) in depth or
diameter shall be marked and recorded on inspection report.

3. Core barrel bodies shall be inspected from end to end for evidence of damage or wear.

(a) Galled, Pitted, Seal Face – Any galling or pitting of the seal surface that exceeds 1 /32 inch (0.8
mm) in depth or occupy 25% of the seal width at any given location of the circumference is cause
for rejection. Minor damage may be repaired by refacing in accordance with Repair Procedures.

(b) Galled, Pitted, Thread Surface – Any galling of the threads which cannot be repaired by a hand
file is cause for rejection. After any thread repair the thread profile shall be checked with a field
profile gauge. The gauge shall conform to the thread profile so that no light is visible. Visible
gaps estimated to be no greater than 1 /64 inch (0.4 mm) on no more than three thread crests are
acceptable.

(c) Thread Roots of the loaded threads covering 2 inches (50.8 mm) from the shoulders shall be free
from corrosion pits. All others shall not exceed 1 /16 inch (1.6 mm) in depth or 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm)
in diameter or occupy more than 1 1 /2 inches (38 mm) in thread length along any thread helix.

(d) Excessively Refaced Shoulders – Shoulders that have been refaced more than 1 /16 inch (1.6 mm)
cumulatively are cause for rejection. If existing benchmarks indicate that the shoulders have been

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 Drillstring Inspection Standard

Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.

refaced beyond the maximum, the connection shall be rejected.

(e) Stretched Threads – Where there is excessive play/movement or visible gaps, lead measurements
shall be taken. Lead measurements exceeding 0.006 inch (0.152 mm) from nominal over a 2-inch
(50.8 mm) gauge length are cause for rejection.

(f) Shoulder Flatness – The pin and box connection shoulder shall be rejected if any visible gaps are
evident between a straight edge and the shoulder surface.

(g) Body Damage – Cuts, gouges dents or mashes greater than 10% of the average adjacent wall
thickness of the tool body shall be rejected.

(h) Welding – Welding/Brazing is only permitted o the core bit and stabiliser hardfacing. Evidence
of field welding is cause for rejection.

Dimensional Measurement

1. Dimensional measurements of connections shall be performed in accordance with Sub-Spec 003.

2. The core barrel and associated tools lengths shall be measured shoulder to shoulder and recorded on
the inspection report.

(a) API connections outwith the tolerances stated in Table 13 are cause for rejection.

(b) Proprietary connections outwith the manufacturer’s tolerances are cause for rejection.

ATI Inspection of Connections (Optional)

ATI thread inspection once selected as an option shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of
Sub-Spec 012. ATI inspection is optional but is recommended for critical wells.

Wet Magnetic Particle Inspection of Connections

1. Wet-fluorescent magnetic particle inspection shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
of Sub-Spec 004. Each connection shall be magnetised using a DC coil. The use of prior magnetisation
in the connection is not acceptable. The orientation and strength of the magnetic field shall be verified
in the area being inspected in accordance with the Sub-Spec.

(a) Fatigue Cracks (Connections) – Fatigue cracks are cause for rejection. Connections found to
have fatigue cracks are to be re-cut. Connections identified as cracked shall be marked clearly as
cracked and shall be re-inspected after repair.

Wet Magnetic Particle Inspection of Stabilisers

1. Full length (shoulder to shoulder) wet magnetic particle inspection (visible contrast or fluorescent)
shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Spec 005. Special attention shall be
given to inspection at the base of the blades.

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 Drillstring Inspection Standard

Once printed this specification becomes an uncontrolled copy of the online version.

(a) Fatigue Cracks – All fatigue cracks are cause for rejection. There are no provisions for repair of
bodies with fatigue cracks.

Ultrasonic Inspection of Core Barrel Bodies

1. Ultrasonic wall thickness checks shall be performed in accordance with Sub-Spec 007 in areas of damage
and areas of suspected wear.

2. Ultrasonic wall thickness checks shall also be performed periodically, in line with the manufacturers
maintenance manual.

MATRIX
Title Description
Sub-Spec 001 General Requirements
Sub-Spec 003 Visual and Dimensional Inspections
Sub-Spec 004 Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) (Connection)
Sub-Spec 005 Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) (Body)
Sub-Spec 007 UT Wall Thickness Measurement
Sub-Spec 012 Automated Thread Inspection (ATI) by Alternating Current Field Measurement
(ACFM)
Table 13 Used BHA Connection Dimensional Acceptance Criteria
Repair Procedures

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agreement for the continued supply of the NS-2™ Service