INTEGRATED

PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Drilling
Operations

Drill String Design

 Objectives
At the end of this lecture YOU will be able to:

Describe the functions of DPs, DCs and HWDPs.

Define and explain the use of upsets, tool-joints, rotary shouldered connections,
BSR, SR, Stress Relief features, grades.

Identify Buoyancy effect and define neutral points.

Calculate Margin Of Overpull & Slip Crushing Force.

Perform DP design calculations based on Tension, Torsion, Burst and Collapse.

Define buckling and Calculate Max WOB.
 Functions of the Drill String

The drill string is the mechanical linkage connecting the drill bit to the rotary drive
system on the surface.
The drillstring serves the three main following functions :

Transmit and support axial loads - WOB

Transmit and support torsional loads - rpm

Transmit hydraulics to clean the hole and cool the bit.

The Drill String includes all tubular equipment between the Swivel and the bit: Kelly,
Surface Safety Valves, DP, HWDP, DC, Jars, Shock Subs, Bumper Subs, Junk Baskets,
Accelerators etc…
 Inspection
Rig
Cost &
Capabilities
Drill String Structure Availability

D
E
Hydraulics & S Steering &
Hole Cleaning I Measurement
G
N

Stuck Pipe
Operating
Geologic
Requirements
Factors

*Standard DS-1 TH-HILL Chemical

Environment
Mechanical Properties of Steel

Tensile Test Video

Yield Point Phenomena Video

Mechanical Properties of Steel
 Mechanical Properties of Steel

120

Yp (ASTM method) Yp (API method) Uy

100
Elastic Limit

80

Stress
σ (ksi) 60

Proportional
Limit

40

20

0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.22 0.24

Strain
ε (in/in)
 Mechanical Properties of Steel

Stress & Strength: Stress = Load divided by Cross Section Area

Strain & stretch: Strain = Stretch divided by original length

Young Modulus: E = Stress divided by Strain

Esteel = 30,000,000 psi

Elastic Limit: Limit of stress beyond which, when the stress is removed, the steel will
have acquired a permanent stretch.

Minimum Yield Strength (MYS) - Yield Point: The point in the stress-strain curve
at which the curve levels off and plastic deformation begins to occur. The unit for this
measure is psi

Ultimate Tensile Stress: The maximum stress on the curve, very close to the stress
which will break the steel. At this point necking begins to occur.
 Yield Strength / Tensile Strength

Yield Strength: It’s the level at which the material changes from
predominately elastic to predominately plastic strain behavior. The unit for
this measure is psi.

Offset yield point (proof stress): When a yield point is not easily defined
based on the shape of the stress-strain curve an offset yield point is arbitrarily
defined. The value for this is commonly set at 0.1 or 0.2% of the strain. The
offset value is given as a subscript, e.g.

High strength steel and aluminium alloys do not exhibit a yield point, so this
offset yield point is used on these materials.

Tensile Strength: is the maximum tensile stress which a material is capable

of sustaining. Tensile strength is calculated from the maximum load during a
tension test carried to rupture and the original cross-sectional area of the
specimen. The unit for this measure is lbs. (also known as Ultimate Tensile
Strength)
Mechanical Properties of Steel

Tensile Specimen
Exercise 1 & 1b
Drill Pipe
 Drill Pipe

Function

To serve as a conduit or conductor for drilling fluid.

To transmit the rotation from surface to the bit on bottom.

Components

A pierced, seamless tube of forged steel or extruded Aluminum Tool
joints attached to each end of the seamless tube.

Tool Joints

Provide connections for the drill string.

Separate pieces of metal welded to the seamless tube.

Thick enough to have pin or box cut into them.
 Drill Pipe Classification

Size: 2 3/8” to 6 5/8” – refers to OD of pipe body

Length: Range 1: 20 – 23 ft, Range 2: 29 – 32 ft, Range 3: 40 – 45 ft

Grade: E - 75, X - 95, G - 105, S – 135 (Z-140 & V-150)

the numbers denote 1000’s of psi minimum yield stress
each grade has a min, max and average yield stress

Weight: Called nominal weight

Class: API classification for used pipe

For example a drill pipe could be: 5”, Range 2, G-105, 19.5ppf, New
Drill Pipe
Classification of Used Pipe
Manufacturing Flow Chart
Friction Welding Video
Drill Pipe Identification
 Drill Pipe Identification

Grade E75 Grade X95

Grade G105 Grade S135

Drill Pipe Identification
 Drill Pipe Upsets

Where the pipe joins the tool joint, the pipe wall thickness is increased or “upset”.

This increased thickness is used to decrease the frequency of pipe failure at the point
where the pipe meets the tool-joint.

The drill-pipe can have:

Internal upsets (IU), (OD stays the same )

External upsets (EU)

Internal and External Upsets (IEU).
Drill Pipe Upsets – API
Drill Pipe Upsets
 DP Manufacturing Tolerances

The API has set manufacturing tolerances on DP tubes:

OD tolerance:

For OD<= 4”, the tolerance is +/- 0.031”

For OD>4”, the tolerance is +1% -0.5%

Wall Thickness tolerance: -12.5%, +??

Mass tolerance:

For a single joint: +6.5% -3.5%

For a string: +6.5% -1.75%

There is no tolerance on the ID which is solely governed by the OD and the

weight tolerance
Tolerances do not apply to used pipe
 Exercise 2 – Manufacture Tolerances

Based on the API Tolerances, and considering a single joint of 5 in DP, 19.5 lb/ft
nominal weight, please calculate:
1. How big or small can the 5 in tube be?
2. How heavy or light can the 5 in tube be?? (plain end)
3. What is the range of tolerated ID?
4. What is the range of tolerated wall thickness?
5. What would be the range of internal capacities of 10,000 ft of that tube?
 Tolerances & Reality Check

A study on pipe OD has been

conducted by Hydril and 1800
tests were done on randomly
selected pipes of different sizes,
coming from 16 different mills
and taken from 180 different
orders covering several years.
ODratio= ODmeasure/ODnominal

None of the pipes is actually of the nominal size or less!

They are all bigger, sometimes even exceeding the API tolerances.
 Drill Pipe Weights

When referring to Drill Pipe Weights, there are four important ones:

Plain end Weight – Refers to the weight per foot of the pipe body.

Nominal Weight – Refers to an obsolete standard (weight of Range I pipe with

connections). Is used today to refer a class of Drill pipe.

Adjusted Weight – Refers to the weight per foot of pipe including the upset but excluding
the tool joint based on a length of 29.4 ft.

Approximate Weight – The average weight per foot of pipe and tool joints of Range II
pipe. This approximate weight is the number to use in Design calculations.
 Calculating Approximate Weights

Adjusted weigth DP× 29.4+ weight TJ

Wt/ft =
29.4+TJ length

Upset Weight
WtDP Adj = Plain end Weight + (1)
29.4
( ) ( )
WtTJ = 0.222×L D2 −d2 +0.167x D3 −D3 TE − 0.501×d2×(D − DTE ) (2)

L+2.253×(D−DTE ) Data from Table 7 Spec 5D, Fig 6 Table 7 Spec 7

L TJ = ft (3) L= combined length of pin and box (in),
12
D= outside diameter of pin (in)
d= inside diameter of pin (in)
DTE= diameter of box at elevator upset (in)
 Exercise 3 - Approximate Weight

Calculate the approximate weight of tool joint and drillpipe assembly for 5” OD, 19.5
lb/ft DP G-105 having NC50 tool joints with 6.625” OD, 3.25” ID and being IEU.
Compare the value against the one published on Table 9 of API RP7G.

Information available on:

API 5D (Specification for Drill Pipe) - Table 7.
API RP7G - Table 7&8.
ERRATA
 Question?

For your calculations….

Are you going to use the same Approximate Weight for New,
Premium or Class II?
 Tool Joints

All API tool joints have a minimum yield stress of 120,000 psi regardless of the grade of
the drill pipe they are used on (E, X, G, S).

Tool joints are always stronger in tension than the tube to which they are attached, and
almost always weaker in torsion than the tubes to which they are attached.

API says that tool joint torsional strength should be at a minimum of 80% of the tube
torsional strength.

Make up torque is determined by pin ID or box OD. The make up torque is 60% of the
tool joint torsional capacity. The equation for determining make up can be obtained
from the appendix of API RPG7.

The API has developed a series of charts to find the recommended make up torque to
any connection given the tool jt OD of box and ID of pin.
Make-Up Torque Charts
 Exercise 4 – Make up Torque

Using some tables and some figures of API RP7G what should be
the make-up torque of New 19.5 lb/ft, NC 50, G105 and S135 drill
pipe?

1. How do these values compare to the ones reported on Table

10?
 Increase of Make Up Torque

T4
P1

API MUT

MAX MUT

UTC T2
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT - Tongs
MUT – Tongs (Exercise 4b)

The driller is pulling the lead tong and the

torque indicator shows 3,800 lb, the
length of the Tong is 4.3 ft.

How much torque is applied to the

connection?

What is the pulling force?

MUT – Tongs (Exercise 4b)

The driller is pulling the lead tong and the

torque indicator shows 3,800 lb, the
length of the Tong is 4.3 ft.

How much torque is applied to the

connection?

What is the pulling force?

Hmax to avoid bending on the DP

90 deg 180 deg

Hmax to avoid bending on the DP

Assume: 4 ½” DP
Nominal Weight = 16.60 ppf
Grade E
Connection:
4 ½” NC-46 (6 ¼” OD, 3 ¼” ID)
Tong arm = 3 ½ ft
Tongs at 90º (Case I)

Find the Hmax.

 Why Have a Connection?

To make a continuous length of pipe

Provide hydraulic seal

Transfer torque from surface to bit
 Thread Types

• Reg - Regular (small ID)

• FH - Full Hole (higher ID – wireline ops)
• IF - Internal Flush (need EU, large OD)
• XH - Extra Hole (EU, IEU). Bore > FH. OD<IF
• NC - Numbered Connections
• Others:
• H-90 - Hughes
 Drill-string Connections
The most common thread style in DP is NC
The thread has a V-shaped form and is identified by the pitch diameter, measured at a point
5/8 of an inch from the shoulder
Connection Number is Pitch dia*10 truncated to two digits
The size of a rotary shouldered connection is If the pitch diameter is 5.0417 in  This
fixed by its gauge point pitch diameter.
is an NC50 connection
Multiply 5.0417 by 10 → 50.417
Choose first two digits → 50
5/8”
Hence NC 50
GAUGE POINT PITCH DIAMETER

The API NC 50 is the same connection as the 4 ½ inch IF and 5 inch XH connections
 Sealing
The term “rotary shouldered connection” refers to the threads of the pin or box of drill pipe or drill
collars. The threads of the pin of one joint engage with the threads of the box of another joint during
make-up . The actual seal is provided by the metal contact of the shoulders of the tool joints. The
engaged threads are not made to provide a seal and open channels between the threads exist, even
when the joint is torqued.

Shoulder is the only

seal Channel

The threads DO NOT provide the hydraulic seal

Box
Pin
Recommended MUT not applied
 Identifying a Thread Type
Use a Tool Joint ruler

Screwing on a known thread protector is

not adequate as many protectors are
designed to fit several threads and many
threads will screw just together but be
unable to withstand any load.
 NC Drill-string Connections
There are 17 NC’s in use : NC-10 (1 1/16”) through NC-77 (7 3/4”)

Typical sizes: NC 50 for tool joints with 6 1/2” OD for 5” pipe and NC 38 for 4
3/4” tool joints and 3 1/2” pipe.

Seal is provided by shoulder not threads. A clearance exists between the crest
of one thread and the root of the mating thread.

Use of Zinc based dope (used to be Lead) vs Copper based dope for DCs.
Not for sealing but for lubrication, to help make-up and prevent galling.
On the other hand, one of the primary function of casing dope is to provide
sealing under pressure as some API connection has no shoulder seal (BTC, LTC,
etc).
 Connection Interchangeability

NC 26 NC 31 NC 38 NC 40 NC46 NC50
Int Flush IF 2-3/8 2-7/8 3-1/2 4 4-1/2

Full Hole FH 4

Extra Hole XH 2-7/8 3-1/2 4-1/2 5

Dbl Streamline DSL 3-1/2 4-1/2 5-1/2

Slim Hole SH 2-7/8 3-1/2 4 4-1/2

Ext Flush EF 4-1/2

Pipe Rating
 Design Considerations

Tension

Torsional Strength

Burst

Collapse

Biaxial (Tension and Torsion)

Biaxial (Tension and Collapse)
 Pipe Ratings - Tension

DP tube Tensile Rating is given by:

π 2 2
T Yield = * (OD − ID ) * Yp
4
where Yp is Min Yield Strength and OD and ID are nominal diameters

The results can be found in API RP7G Table 2, 4 & 6

Tool Joints are always stronger in tension than the pipe they are attached to.
 Pipe Ratings - Torsion
DP tube Torsional Yield is given by:

0.096167 * J * Yp
Q=
OD
where J is the polar moment of inertia:

π 4
J = ( OD − ID 4 )
32
The results can be found in API RP7G Table 2, 4 & 6

Tool joints are almost always weaker than the tubes they are attached to

Tool joints Yield formula is much more complex

 Pipe Ratings - Burst

DP tube Burst Rating is given by Barlows formula:

2 * Yp * t
PBurst =
OD
2 * Yp * t
PBurst ( NewPipe ) = 0 . 875 *
OD
where Yp is Min Yield Strength, OD and ID are nominal diameters
and t is the thickness.

The results can be found in API RP7G Table 3, 5 & 7

 Pipe Ratings of Used Pipe

The strength of DP is determined by the strength of the weakest point, thus the
“worst case” has been assumed for calculating tensile, torsional, burst and
collapse resistance of DP

For calculating tensile and torsional ratings of used DP, it must be assumed that
the ID has its nominal value and that all the wear has taken place uniformly on the
outside of the pipe

For calculating burst and collapse ratings of used DP, it must be assumed that the
OD has its nominal value and that all the wear has taken place uniformly on the
inside of the pipe. It means we need to play with the WT of the pipe and keep
nominal the OD.
 Exercise 5 - Ratings

For a 5” nominal OD, 19.5# nominal weight, X-95, both New and Premium,
calculate:

Torsional Rating (Torsional Yield Strength)

Tensile Rating: (Min Tensile Yield Strength)

Burst Rating: (Min Internal Yield Pressure)

Compare with Table 2,3,4,5 of API RP7G

 Pipe Ratings - Collapse

DP tube Collapse Rating is given by 7 formulas (!):

The ratings will depend on the D/t ratio and one the Grade of the pipe

Derivations can be found in API RP7G Appendix A and yield the results found in
Table 3, 5 & 7

One major assumption to use the tables is that the pipe is

under no axial load
 Collapse Design

The DP will collapse if:
External Differential Pressure Load > Collapse pressure rating

DF = Collapse Rating / C

C = External Differential Pressure Load

C = (Po-Pi)+2Pi /(D/t)

A Design factor of 1.15 is used:

External Differential Pressure Load < Collapse rating / 1.15
 Design Factor

DF = Rating /Applied Load

Used for Casing and Tubing design and for Drill String Design

DF < 1.0 ⇒ Failure may or may not occur

DF can be bigger than 1.0

Note: not to be confused with Safety Factor

SF = Failure Load/Applied Load

SF < 1 ⇒ Failure is imminent
 Design Factors

Tension: 1.1
Burst:1.2
Collapse: 1.15
Torsion: No Design Factor Required.

Not DF but will be considered in Drill String Design:

Margin of OverPull: 50-100K

Excess BHA Wt: 1.15
Buckling: In highly deviated wells it is possible to use DP in compression, provided it is
not buckled
 Pipe Ratings – Collapse/Burst

DF = Rating /Applied Load

DF Collapse: 1.15
DF Burst: 1.2

What is the worst case scenario for collapse?

What is the worst case scenario for burst?

 Exercise 6 – Collapse

We will run a BHA in on 5 in, 19.5 lb/ft, Grade E, Premium drill pipe.
Average Yp= 85,000 psi.

There is a float valve in the BHA and the annulus will have 12.0 ppg mud.

1. What is the collapse rating?

2. How much 5 in DP can we run not to exceed a DF of 1.15?
 Design Considerations

Tension

Torsional Strength

Burst

Collapse

Biaxial (Tension and Torsion)

Biaxial (Tension and Collapse)
 Pipe Ratings – Biaxial Collapse
When the string is in tension, the Collapse rating is further de-rated:

P Biaxial Collapse
= K < 1
P Nonimal Collapse

PBiaxial Collapse 4 − 3Z 2 − Z
=
PNo min al Collapse 2
Axial Load
Z=
π
(OD 2 − ID 2 ) * YpAverage
4
Notes:

The use of the Average Yield Stress not minimum

For used pipe, ID has nominal value and wear is on the outside
Pipe Ratings – Biaxial Collapse
 Biaxial Collapse

For nominal Collapse

Use D/t and correct formula Spec 7G Appendix A 3

Use the results found in Table 3-6 RP-7G

For OD and ID, use Table 1 RP-7G

For Avg Yp Use Table in section 12.8 RP 7G

Grade YpAvg
E 85,000
X 110,000
G 120,000
S 145,000
 Exercise 7 – Biaxial Collapse

We are going to dry test a liner lap at 9,000 ft. We will run in with a packer set in
tension with 50,000 lbs. We will run the packer in on 5 in, 19.5 lb/ft, grade E premium
drill pipe. Avg Yp= 85,000 psi. At the time of the test there will be nothing inside the
drill pipe. The annulus will have 12.0 ppg mud.

1. What is the collapse load on the bottom joint of DP?

2. What is the design factor?
 Biaxial Torsion

Simultaneous torsion reduces DP tube tensile capacity and vice versa.

When backreaming, pulling on stuck pipe or fishing, high magnitude combined
tension and torsion on the drill pipe may occur.

DP Torsional Yield Strength under tension is given by:

2
0.096167 * J 2 T
Q= * Yp − 2
D A
Where:
T is the total tension applied.
A is the Cross Sectional Area
D is the OD of the pipe

This value may, or may not, be lower than the Tool-Joint Torsional Yield
strength
 Torsion Design

Tool joints are normally weaker than the tubes to which they are attached.

To prevent downhole make-up and a possible resulting torsional failure, the

operating torsion should never exceed tool joint make-up torque.

Provided this condition above is met, there is no need for a design factor
 Tool Joint Torsion Under Tension
1. Simultaneous tension reduces the torsional yield strength of pin-weak connections
2. Connection make-up torque beyond a given point reduces connection tensile capacity

It is commonly assumed that the string tensile capacity is limited by the tube.
Which is true.

But make-up imparts stresses to the tool-joint pin neck, which can be additive to the string
tension. As make-up torque is increased, a point will be reached when the pin neck and no
longer the tube, is the weak member in tension.

Conclusion: do not exceed Maximum make-up torque.

If the wellbore and drill string geometry were predicting a surface torque higher than the make-
up torque, consider the effect this may have on the string overall tensile capacity. Use API RP 7G,
appendix A.
 Exercise 8 – Combined Torsion and Tension

A new string of 5 in DP, 19.5 lb/ft, G105, NC50, with a Hook-load of 250klbs, is stuck.

1. What is DP Torsion Yield Strength?

2. What is Tool Joint Torsion Yield Strength?
3. What is drill pipe Make-Up Torque?
4. What is the maximum torque that can be applied to the pipe if 100klbs over pull is
applied to work the string free?
 Other Loads

Collapse & Collapse under Tension

Burst

Torsion & Torsion under Tension

Other loads not covered here

Bending Loads

Fatigue estimations

Vibrations Loads

Shock Loads
 Burst Design

The DP will Burst (yield by the action of internal pressure) if:

internal differential pressure load > burst pressure rating

DF = Burst Rating /B

B = Internal Differential Pressure Load

B = (Pi-Po)

A Design factor of 1.20 is used:

Internal Differential Pressure Load < Burst rating / 1.20
 Exercise 9 – Burst Load

The worst load case happens during the DST operations in a gas well.
The pressure at surface is: BHP – Gas gradient with no backup.

In the last exercise assume we are performing a DST test in the well at 9,000 ft with
BHP 200 psi less than the mud weight.

1. What is the burst design factor (DF) on the top of the Premium Grade E?
Exercises 6 - 9
Buoyancy, Axial Load
and Buckling
 Buoyancy

Buoyancy is the weight of the displaced fluid

Buoyancy is usually accounted for via BF

Buoyancy is creating a hydrostatic effect: the Pressure-Area Force

The forces acting on a drillstring are the self-weight and the hydrostatic
pressure of the drilling fluid

Buoyancy is creating a force acting at the bottom of the drill string and placing
the lower portion of the drill string in compression and reducing the hook load
by HP x CSA
Archimedes Principle
 Exercise 10 – Hook Load
(Pressure Area Force)
We are running open ended DCs:
9” x 3” – 192ppf
The fluid in the well is 14 ppg
The depth is 10000 ft

What is the hook load with BF?

What is the hook load with Archimedes principle?

What is the hook load with Pressure Area Force?
 Buoyancy

What happens if the fluids inside and outside are different?

What happens if the well is deviated?

How do you calculate the Axial Load at any point in the string?

What happens at the junction from a DC to a DP?

The buoyancy factor can only be used to determine the Axial Load on surface provided
the fluids inside and outside are the same.

The pressure-area approach is the preferred technique used to determine the axial
tension or compressive load at any point in a tubular string. Free body diagrams (FBD)
are constructed for that purpose.

The FBD is constructed by simply drawing a sketch of the physical system and
identifying all of the loads that are applied to the tubular. These loads are then
summed and set equal to zero (since the system is static).
 Example – Axial Loads
Fa

We are running:
540’ of open ended DCs, 8” x 3” – 147ppf
5” DP, 19.5# and 4.276” ID to surface, G-105, NC-50
The fluid in the well is 14.8 ppg
The depth is 13500 ft
The string is hanging freely in the mud, no WOB is applied

Determine the Axial Load (Fa) at surface,

at the bottom of the DP,
at the top of the DCs and
at the bottom of the string.

Plot Fa against depth

Where is the neutral point of Tension & Compression?
 Example – Axial Loads
Fa

We are running:
540’ of open ended DCs, 8” x 3” – 147ppf
5” DP, 19.5# and 4.276” ID to surface, G-105, NC-50
The fluid in the well is 14.8 ppg
The depth is 13500 ft
The string is hanging freely in the mud, no WOB is applied

What happens if a WOB of 30000 lbs is applied?

Determine the Axial Load (Fa) at surface, at the bottom of the DP, at
the top of the DCs and at the bottom of the string.

Plot Fa against depth

Where is the neutral point of Tension & Compression?
 Example – Axial Loads

The only force acting on the bottom of the pipe is due to pressure exerting
on the exposed cross-sectional area.

The force is negative, indicating a compressive force.

∑ F y = 0 = F a + HP 13500 A DC ⇒ F a = − P 13500 A DC

F a = − (0 .052 x 14 .8 x 13500 (
psi )( π 4 ) 8 2 − 3 2 in ) 2

F a = − 448 .800 lbs

HP13500 x CSA
 Example – Axial Loads

The forces acting on the top of the DCs are due to pressure on the
exposed cross-sectional area, and to the weight.

The force is again negative, indicating the top of the DCs are in
compression.

HP13500 x CSAp

∑F y = 0 = F a − W DC + HP 13500 A DC ⇒ F a = − P13500 A DC + W DC

Fa = − (0 . 052 x 14 . 8 x 13500 psi )(π 4 ) (8 2 − 3 2 )in 2 + 147 x 540 (lbs)

Fa = − 369 . 400 lbs
 Example – Axial Loads

The forces acting on the bottom of the DP are due to pressure on the exposed
cross-sectional areas, and to the weight of the DCs

∑F y = 0 = Fa − HP 12960 (A DC − A DP ) − WDC + HP 13500 A DC

Fa = + (9974 psi )( π 4 ) (8 2 − 5 2 + 4.276 2 − 3 2 )in 2 − 369400 (lbs)

Fa = 8.850 lbs

The force is positive, indicating the bottom of the DPs is in

tension.

There is a discontinuity in the axial force where the x-section of HP13500 x CSAp
the pipe changes.
 Example – Axial Loads
Fa

The forces acting at the top of the DP (surface) are due to pressure on the
exposed cross-sectional areas, to the weight of the DCs and to the weight of
the DPs:

∑F y = 0 = Fa − WDP − HP12960 (A DC − A DP ) − WDC + HP13500 A DC

F a = (21 . 93 # )(12960 ft )+ 8850 (lbs)

F a = 293062 lbs

Of course the force is positive, indicating a tension at surface.

Note: with the use of BF:

Fa = [(21.93 # )(12960 ft ) + ( 147 #)x( 540 ft) ](1 − 14 . 8 65 .5 )(lbs)

Fa = 281437 lbs
 Example – Axial Loads

The plot of Fa against depth does show the
discontinuity at the junction from DC to DP.

In this particular example, the Neutral Point of
tension compression
(tension=compression=0lbs) is exactly at the
junction.

If a WOB of 30klbs is applied, the curve will
shift to the left and the Neutral Point will
move up into the DPs. The bottom of the DP
will then be in compression -21150 lbs
 Exercise 11 – Axial Loads
Same exercise with the same string but with the following
conditions:
MW is 14.8 ppg, WOB is zero
MW is 14.8 ppg, WOB is 30,000 lbs
Depth of 13,500’ and 15,500’

Determine the Axial Load (Fa) at surface, at the bottom of the

DP, at the top of the DCs and at the bottom of the string.

Plot Fa against depth.

What happens to the neutral point of Tension & Compression as
the depth increases?

Construct a spreadsheet valid for any MW, any TD.
 Exercise 11 – Fa against depth
-600,000 -500,000 -400,000 -300,000 -200,000 -100,000 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000
0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000
Axial Force - No WOB Axial Force - WOB = 30,000 lbs
Buckling
 Buckling

A tube subjected to a load will bend

Bent is a condition in which the bending

increases proportionally with load

When a little increase in load will result in large

displacements, the tube is said to be buckling

The tube may not necessarily be yielded as

buckling does not necessarily occur plastically

The load which produces buckling is called the

Critical Buckling Load
 Buckling: an instability failure
Buckling is a stability failure. In order to understand buckling, it is necessary to
understand the nature of stability

Consider three balls at rest on three different surfaces.

(A) (B) (C)

Stable Neutral Unstable
Tree types of equilibrium

What happens if each ball is disturbed slightly from its equilibrium and then released?

Ball A returns to its original position, Ball B remains in its new position, and Ball C moves
away from its original position until it reaches a new equilibrium.
The equilibrium of the Ball A is stable, Ball B is neutral, and BaIl C is unstable.
Lubinski’s Effective Force
 Lubinski’s Effective Force

The two factors that promote buckling in pipes are axial force and pressure. In
addition to the axial stress, the pressures (in and out) induce a radial and a
tangetial stress: the pipe is subject to triaxial stresses

A convenient way of reducing a triaxial system to a pseudo-uniaxial system,
has been developed by Lubinski who describes a fictitious force, relating pressure
to buckling.

F fict = A o P o − A iP i

The fictitious force is sometimes called the stability force. It is not the buoyancy
force.

It is combined with the axial force to form a so-called “effective force”.

F eff = F a + A o P o − A iP i
Lubinski’s Effective Force

Ai
Ao

Pi
Aw

Po

Ao
Ai

Aw
 Exercise 11bis – Effective Tension

Calculate the Neutral Point of Buckling depth (or distance from the
bit)

MW is 14.8 ppg, WOB is zero

MW is 14.8 ppg, WOB is 30,000

Depth of 13,500’ and 15,500’

What happens to the neutral point of Bending distance from the

bit as the depth increases?
 Sinusoidal and Helical Buckling

Buckling will occur if Feff < Fcrit

Initially the pipe will buckle sinusoidally

As the compression increases, the pipe will eventually buckle helically

Sinusoidal Buckling for a vertical well: Sinusoidal Buckling for inclined wells:
1
1  4EIw eff sin φ  2
Fcrit = − 3.5 x (EIw 2
eff )3
Fcrit = −  
 rc 
Helical Buckling for a vertical well: Helical Buckling for inclined wells:
1

Fcrit = − 5.55 x (EIw 2

1
)
3  EIw eff sin φ  2
eff Fcrit = − 5.6  
 rc 
Buckling – Vertical Section
Buckling – Horizontal Section
 Buckling – 3D visualization

3D visulaization of the deformed drill string with amplification factor = 400.

 Buckling – Effective Forces

Fcrit

Buckling occurs
Buckling may occur Buckling do not occur

Feff < 0 Feff = 0 Feff > 0

 Buckling Criteria

If tension is a positive axial force, a positive Feff indicates no buckling.

Likewise, a negative Feff indicates that buckling may occur if the magnitude of the
critical force (Fcrit) required to initiate buckling is exceeded.

To initiate buckling:
Feff < Fcrit

Once buckling is initiated:

Feff < 0 (at top and bottom of the pipe) -> totally buckled pipe

Feff > 0 (at top) and Feff < 0 (at bottom) -> partially buckled pipe

Feff = 0 -> neutral point (buckling stops)
 Buckling - Neutral Point
Klinkenberg has described the neutral point as the transition between the region of the tube where
buckling may occur and the region where buckling is impossible.

above the neutral point The tube is in a state of stable equilibrium

below the neutral point it is in a state of unstable equilibrium

at the neutral point it is in a state of neutral equilibrium.
Lubinski describes the neutral point as the point that divides the string into two portions: the
weight of the upper portion being that suspended from the elevators and the weight of the lower
portion being equal to the applied force at the lower end.

Lubinski’s definition also can be stated as the point where the tube can be cut in two without
changing the weight suspended at the surface. If can be done, it must be neutral at the point of the
cut.

There are numerous synonymous definitions of the neutral point. It is called the Neutral Point of
Bending or Neutral Point of Buckling.
It must not be confused with the Neutral Point of
Tension & Compression
 Buckling
Beyond this set of equations, it must be noted that:

In vertical wells, to simply avoid buckling of the DP or HWDP, it is just necessary to

keep the buoyed weight of the BHA exceeding the WOB

In deviated wells, DP can be used to provide WOB because buckling of the DP is
delayed by the effort required to lift that DP to the high side of the hole. Sinusoidal
buckling will not occur as long as the (effective) compressive force in the drillstring
does not exceed the critical buckling load.

Helical buckling load is usually very high in high inclination wells and it would be
easier to run out of pipe weight before helical buckling can occur. Before you reach
that load in the inclined part, you would have helical in the vertical part of the well.

Neutral point of bending can intuitively be found at the following distance from the bit:
H = WOB / buoyed weight per foot of string
Exercise 11bis – Fa against depth
Neutral Points
 Neutral Points
Neutral Point of Tension & Compression:

The point within a tube where the sum of the axial forces = 0

Useless in DS design
Fa = 0

Neutral Point of Bending:

The point within a tube where the buoyed weight of the tube
hanging below that point is equal to an applied force at its
bottom end

The point within a tube where the sum of moments = 0

The point where the VME triaxial stress =0

Feff = 0
BHA Selection
BHA Design

Sufficient Drill Collar Weight should be

available so that the Neutral Point is in the
DCs and buckling is avoided

For excess BHA weight, use 15%

Max Available Wt
= 1 . 15
Max Working Wt
 Drill Collar Selection Principles

Drill Collar selection is governed by two major factors:

Weight and Stiffness --- Size!

Usually the largest OD collar that can be safely run is the best selection:

More weight available to account for WOB, buoyancy, hole inclination and a
safety factor

Greatest stiffness to resist buckling and smooth directional tendencies

Cyclical movement is restricted due to tighter Clearances

Usually Shortest BHA possible to:

Reduce handling time at surface

Minimize # of Connections in the hole

Minimize total DC in contact with the wall for differential sticking exposure
 BHA Design
Procedure For Selecting Drill Collars:

1. Determine the buoyancy factor for the mud weight in use using the formula:

MW =Mud weight in use, ppg

BF = 1- (MW/65.5) 65.5 =Weight of a gallon of steel, ppg

2. Calculate the required collar length to achieve the desired weight on bit:

WOB=Desired weight on bit , lbf (x

DC Length = 1.15* WOB / (BF*Wdc) 1000)

DC Length = DC Length Vertical / Cos I Wdc =Drill collar weight in air, lb/ft
1.15 =15% safety factor.
 Exercise 12 – DC Weight
Number And Size Of Drill Collars

Determine the number of 9 inch OD by 3 in ID drill collars required to provide

a weight-on-bit of 55,000 lbf assuming:
Hole deviation = 0°
Mud density = 12 ppg

Where does this place the Neutral Point of Bending ? (From the bit)

What if the hole inclination is 30° ?
HWDP & Drill Collars
Heavy Weight Drill Pipe

Design

Heavier wall and longer tool joints

Center wall pad

Also available in spiral design

Function

Used in transition zones between DC and DP

This prevents the DP from buckling

Can be used in compression (?)

Used for directional drilling

Used in place of DC sometimes (?)

Not to be used for Weight on Bit in vertical wells
Heavy Weight Drill Pipe

Characteristics

Has the same OD as a standard DP but with much reduced

inside diameter (usually 3” ID for 5” DP) and has an integral
wear pad upset in the middle.

It is used between standard DPs and DCs provide a smooth
transition between the different sections of the drillstring
components.

Tool-Joint and Rotary shouldered connection, just like DP

HWDP, although stiffer than DP, can also buckle
Manufacturing Flow Chart
 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe

HWDP in Compression?

HWDP can be run both in tension and in compression

BUT!!!

They should not be buckled

Manufacturers recommend not to run HWDP in compression in hole sizes larger
than 12 ¼”

Experience shows that they should not be run in compression in Vertical Holes

If run in compression, rules of thumb are:

TJOD + 6” > OH diameter

2 x TJOD > OH diameter
Drilco – “Hevi Wate” Drill Pipe
 Drill Collars

Description

They are heavy walled metal tubes

The ends are threaded (box and pin)

Functions

To put weight on bit (WOB)

To keep the drill string from buckling

Types

Comes in many OD and ID sizes

Typically 4 ¾” to 9 ½” OD

Most commonly in lengths of 30-31 feet

Square collars where the holes tend to be crooked

Spiral collars where there is chance of getting stuck

Collars with elevator and slip recesses
 More functions of Drill Collars

Protect the Drill string from Bending

Control direction and inclination of wells

Drill straighter holes or vertical holes

Provide Pendulum effect

Reduce dog legs, key seats and ledges

Improve the probabilities of getting casing in the hole

Increase bit performance

Reduce rough drilling, sticking and bouncing

As a tool in fishing, testing, completing
Manufacturing Flow Chart
 Drill Collars Strapping

length
ID
OD
elevator slip
fish neck recess recess connection
Well# TRG 1 Bit # 1
Date: 28-Jul-03 Sl # 1234
Rig: IDPT Type atm 234
BHA#: 1 Manuf Hughes
Hole Size 26" Jets 20-20-20

Item Sl # ID OD FN Pin Box Length Remarks

Bit 1234 26" 7 5/8" R 0.75 New
Bit Sub SL 235 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 7 5/8 R 1.01
9 1/2" Drill Collar 9546 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 0.67 7 5/8" R 7 5/8 R 8.96
Stab 237689 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 0.93 7 5/8" R 7 5/8 R 2.36
9 1/2" Drill Collar 9503 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 0.78 7 5/8" R 7 5/8 R 9.01
9 1/2" Drill Collar 9521 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 0.95 7 5/8" R 7 5/8 R 9.04
9 1/2" Drill Collar 9520 3 1/8" 9 1/2" 1.03 7 5/8" R 7 5/8 R 8.99
 Drill Collar Connections

DC connections are rotary shouldered connections and can mate the various DP
connections.

The shoulder provide the only positive seal against fluid leakage.

The connection is the weakest part of the entire BHA.

Improper M/U torque, improper or insufficient lubricant, galling can all lead to
connection failure.

The DC connections go through cycles of tension-compression and are subject to
bending stresses.
 Joint Stress

Cracking in last thread of Pin

Stress in
Pin

Cracking in last thread of Box Stress in
Box
Joint Stress
 Stress Relief Features

Cold Rolling

Cold Rolling BHA thread roots and
stress relief surfaces increases
fatigue life by placing a residual
compressive stress in the thread
roots.

Cold rolling is beneficial on HWDP

threads, though not on normal
drillpipe tool joints.

Cold Rolling Video

Picture Source: NOV web page – Drill Collars: Product Specifications

Stress Relief Features / Cold Rolling
Cold Rolling
 Stress Relief Features

Stresses in DC connections are concentrated at the base of the pin and in the
bottom of the box

DP body bends easily and takes up the majority of the applied bending stress, DP
connections are therefore subjected to less bending than the DP body.

DCs and other BHA components are however much stiffer than the DPs and much of
the bending stresses are transferred to the connections.

These bending stresses can cause fatigue failure at the connections

Stress Relief Groove / Bore Back

 Stress Relief Features

The stress relief groove is to mitigate the fatigue cracks where the face and threads
would have otherwise joined

The Bore Back serves the same purpose at the bottom of the box

Pin stress relief grooves are not recommended on connections smaller than NC-38
because they may weaken the connection’s tensile and torsional strength.

Bore Back boxes could be used on smaller connections.

 Stress Relief Features

Normal Pin Pin with Stress Relief Groove

Normal Box Box with Bore Back Box with Stress

Relief Groove
Stress Relief Features
Stress Relief Features
 Stress Relief Groove

Relief Groove
 Lo-Torq Feature

The low torque feature consists in

removing part of the shoulder area of the
pin and box.

This allows for lower make-up torque

maintaining adequate shoulder loading.

It is a common feature in large OD

connections.
 Lo-Torq Feature

The faces and counter bores of 8-5/8” REG connections shall conform the required
dimensions for DC larger than 10-1/2”
Stress Relief Pin & Box Features
 DC Make-Up Torque

M/U Torque as % of torsional yield

API recommended make-up DC< 7 in DC>7 in
torque for connections is a
percentage of the total torsional PAC 79.5% N/a
yield of the connection.
H-90 51.1% 56.2%
API NC 56.8% 62.5%
DC Make-Up Torque
 Torsion limits for DC

Torque is rarely limited by the DC connection because it is usually
higher in the DP at surface and lower in the DC.

If DC make-up torque > DP make-up torque you have no routine

problems.

BH Torque at any point should not exceed 80% of make-up torque for
the connections in the hole to avoid over tightening connections which
can lead to damage of seals.
 Bending Stress

Joint Flexing
Tension

Compression
 Bending Strength Ratio

π ( D4 − b4 )
Zbox 32 D
BSR = =
Zpin π ( R4 − d 4 )
32 R
 Exercise 13 – BSR
Determine the Bending Strength Ratio of drill collar with a connection
NC46 (6- ¼” OD x 2- 13/16” ID )
 Bending Strength Ratio

High risk of High risk of

Premature Box Premature Pin
Failure Failure
“Balanced
Connection”
Maximum life
Fatigue Life (cycles

Weak Weak
Box Pin

1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5

Bending strength ratio

 Bending Strength Ratio

BSR is a ratio of the relative stiffness of the box to the pin for a given connection.

Drill Collar OD Traditional BSR Recommended BSR

< 6” 2.25 – 2.75 1.80 – 2.50
6 – 7 7/8” 2.25 – 2.75 2.25 – 2.75
≥ 8” 2.25 – 2.75 2.50 – 3.20
 Finding BSR

•API has generated a series of BSR

charts for every connection.
• Pages 39-44 of RP 7G list the BSR
of Connections by OD and ID of the
collar
• TH-Hill DS1 gives tables directly
listing BSRs
 Stiffness

The BHA must have sufficient Stiffness to stabilize the BHA, optimize ROP and
prevent the formation of Key Seats, ledges and doglegs

The larger the DC, the stiffer the BHA

Stiffness Coefficient :
= Moment of Inertia x Young’s Modulus of Elasticity

4 4
π (OD − ID ) 6
SC = *30 X 10
64
Exercise 14 – Stiffness Coefficient
 Stiffness Ratio

The SR measures the stiffness of a connection in a transition between 2 types of
pipe

Based on field experience, in a transition
from one collar or pipe to another the SR
should not exceed

5.5 for routine drilling

3.5 for severe or rough drilling

SR =
Z lwr ODupr OD
=
( 4
lwr − ID 4
lwr )
Z upr ODlwr OD ( 4
upr − ID 4
upr )
Note: Stiffness ratios are calculated using tube ODs & IDs,
not connections.
 BHA Design Process summary

Design the Collars

Max OD DC which can be handled, fished and drilled with

Excess BHA wt

WOB

Buoyancy

Excess factor

Connection Selection

BSR

Torque capability

Transition between collars and/or pipes

SR

Stabilization and other directional requirements
Exercise 14 bis – BSR & SR

BHA Design
 Exercise 14 bis
Bending Strength Ratio & Stiffness Ratio
On a land rig we find the following collars:
9” OD x 3” ID – 6 5/8” FH connection
8” OD x 3” ID – 6 5/8” REG connection
6 ¼” OD x 2 ¼” ID – NC46 connection
Given that we will drill a vertical 12 ¼” hole, with 11.5 ppg mud and 65,000 pounds
In a normal drilling environment:

What API collar would you recommend?

What would your recommendation on BSR be for the connection chosen?

Check your recommended DCs with your recommended BSR

What would be the SR between the DC and 5” DP be? Is it acceptable? If not what
would you do?

What would be your final BHA? Length? Buoyed Weight?

Where is the neutral point of buckling (distance from the bit)?
Drill Pipe Design
 Design Factor

DF = Rating /Applied Load

Used for casing and tubing design and for Drill String Design

DF < 1.0 ⇒ Failure may or may not occur

Note: not to be confused with Safety Factor

SF = Failure Load/Applied Load

SF < 1 ⇒ Failure is imminent
 Design Factors

Tension: 1.1 (or 0.9)

Burst:1.2
Collapse: 1.15
Torsion: No Design Factor Required.

Not DF but will be considered in Drill String Design:

Margin of OverPull: 50-100K
Excess BHA Wt: 1.15
Buckling: In highly deviated wells it is possible to use DP in compression, provided it is
not buckled
 Drill Pipe Selection Principles

Drill Pipe selection is governed by two major factors:

Size + Weight --- Strength!

Usually the Drill Pipe with largest OD and ID is preferred

Less pressure loss in the string

More hydraulics available at the bit

The Drill Pipe selection must address the following:

Drill Pipe must allow to drill to TD

Drill Pipe must support all weight below it (BHA+DP)

Drill Pipe must provide Overpull capacity

Drill Pipe must withstand slip crushing force

Drill Pipe must resist burst and collapse loads

Drill Pipe and tool joints must withstand torsion loads

Drill Pipe might have to work in H2S environment
 Tension Design

The drillstring is not designed according to the minimum yield strength!!!

If DP reaches yield: it can have permanent deformation.

API recommends the use of maximum allowable design load

Tmax = 0.9 x Tyield

Tmax = Max. allowable design load in tension , lb
Tyield = theoretical yield strength from API tables , lb

SLB Defines a tension DF of 1.1 be applied to design loads.

These accomplish the same thing. Do not double dip!
 Tension Design

1. Determine max design load (Tmax) :

Tmax = 0.9 x Minimum Yield Strength lb (1)

2. Calculate total load at surface using

Tsurf = [(L dp × W dp + L dc × W dc )]×BF (2)

3. Margin Of Overpull: minimum margin of tension above expected working load.

Margin of overpull is nominally 50-100k.
Choice of MOP should consider: Overall drilling conditions, hole drag, likelihood of
getting stuck, slip crushing force, dynamic loading.

MOP = Tmax- Tsurf (3)

 Tension Design

Tyield
0.9
TMax

MOP

TSurf
 Tension Design
4. The maximum length of Drill Pipe that can be used is obtained by
combining equations 1,2 and 3 and solving for the length of DP

Tyield ×0.9−MOP Wdc

Ldp = − ×Ldc
Wdp ×BF Wdp ….(4)

This equation may not work if you have two different sizes of Drill Collars.
 Exercise 15 – Selection based on MOP

Drill Collars length: 600 ft and weight in air is 150 lb/ft.

MOP = 100,000 lbs.
5 in DP, 19.5 lb/ft, Premium G-105 with NC50 connection
Assume BF= 0.85
Use API - RP7G Tables

Calculate the maximum hole depth that can be drilled without taking into
account the MOP.

Carry out calculations with MOP of 100,000 lbs
 Slip Crushing Force

Slips because of the taper try to crush the Drill Pipe. This hoop stress is
resisted by the tube, and this increases the overall stress in the steel

2
Hoop Stress S h DK  DK 
= 1+ +  
Tensile Stress S t 2 Ls  2 Ls 

D = Pipe OD (in ) ; Ls = Slip length (in )

ο ' ''
K = 1 / tan( y + z ) ; y = Slip Taper (9 27 45 )
z = ArcTan ( µ ) ; µ = coeff Friction (0 .08 for dope )
Slip Crushing Force
 Exercise 17 - Slip Crushing Force

Calculate the Slip Crushing Factor for a 4-1/2” DP for the 12” and 16” Slips

SH
ST
 Exercise 18 - Slip Crushing Force

SH Where:
TS = Tension from slip crushing
Ts = TL TL = Tensile load in string
ST SH/ST = Hoop stress, tension stress ratio

A new 4 1/ 2“ DP, grade G-105, 16.6 ppf has a hanging weight of 192,000 lbs,
Determine the equivalent tension due to slip crushing force (Ts) on the drill string if
16” slips are used.
 Slip Crushing Force

Generally expressed as a Factor
Hoop Stress
Working load * = Equivalent Axial Load
Tensile Stress
Horz to Tang Stress Ratio
Sh DP SLIP LENGTH
HkLoad = TAxial
St TUBE 12 in 16 in
2 3/8 1.25 1.18
2 7/8 1.31 1.22
3 1/2 1.39 1.28
4 1.45 1.32
4 1/2 1.52 1.37
5 1.59 1.42
5 1/2 1.66 1.47
6 5/8 1.82 1.59
 Tension Design

You can only drill as far as you can set pipe in the slips.

Different than overpull, this is based on working loads
 Tension Design
NEW

PREMIUM Tyield
0.9
CLASS II
TMax

TSurf Max Depth MOP

TSCF

TSurf

Tsurf =[LDP*WDP + LDC*WDC]*BF

 Exercise 19
Tension Design with MOP & Slip Crushing Force
A drill string consists of 600 ft of 8 ¼ in x 2 13/16 in drill collars and the rest is a 5 in,
19.5 lbm/ft Grade X95 drill pipe with NC50 connections. If the required MOP is
100,000 lb and mud weight is 10 ppg, calculate:
1) The maximum depth of hole that can be drilled when using a) New Pipe b)
Premium Drill Pipe. (MOP only)
2) What is the maximum depth that can be drilled taking into consideration slip
crushing force for a) and b) above? Use 16” slips and 12” slips.
3) What is the limiting factor?
4) To what hook-load does this correspond when SCF is the limiting factor and
what is the MOP in this case?
 Mixed String Design

Step 1
• If we use different drill pipe, the weaker pipe goes on bottom and stronger on
top
• Apply equation to bottom drill pipe first:

Tyield ×0.9−MOP Wdc

Ldp = − ×Ldc
BF *Wdp BF *Wdp
Step 2
• Drill collars and bottom drill pipe act as the weight carried by the top
section, effectively the drill collar
• Apply the equation for top drill pipe last
Mixed Drill String S-135

TSCF TSCF TSCF TSCF

T
G-105
X-95 S-135
G-105
E-75

X-95
X-95
G-105
E-75

X-95 E-75
E-75

BHA
E-75

D
 Exercise 20 – Mixed Drill String
An exploration rig has the following grades of DP to be run in a 15,000 ft deep
well :
Grade E : New 5” OD –19.5 # NC 50
Grade G : New 5” OD – 19.5# NC 50
It is desired to have an MOP of 50000 lbs on the grade E pipe. The total length
and weight of DCs plus HWDP are 984 ft and 101,000 lb respectively.
MW at 15,000’ = 13.4 ppg. The slips being used are 16” slips.

Calculate the Max. length of E pipe that can be used

What is the length of G pipe to use?

Check the MOP for the G pipe. Your conclusion?

Can the G pipe handle the slip crushing force at TD?
 Exercise 21
Mixed Drill String with 3 ½ in DP
Melun Oil Co wants to drill the following well:
TD = 17500 ft with 6 1/8" bit
8 1/2 hole section from 9200 to 14000 ft cased with 7"liner - TOL at 9000 ft
12 1/4"section from 3000 to 9200 ft cased with 9 5/8" casing
17 1/2" section from surface to 3000 ft cased with 13 3/8" casing

It is planned to use the following assembly:

650 ft of 4 3/4" DCs at 57.58 ppf
1200 ft of 3 1/2" HWDP at 25.34 ppf
3 1/2" DP 15.5# E-75 Premium and 5" DP 19.5# S-135 Premium to surface
MW is 9 ppg, and BF is 0.863

Calculate the Maximum Overpull if I get stuck at TD