Drilling Assembly Handbook Smith

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DRILLING ASSEMBLY
HANDBOOK
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https://oil-com.blogspot.com/
DRILLING ASSEMBLY
HANDBOOK
©1977, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992,
1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2007.
Smith International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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P.O. Box 60068 · Houston, Texas 77205-0068

U.S. and Canada: 800-877-6484 · Tel: 281-443-3370
www.smith.com
Requests for permission to reproduce or translate all or any part of

the material published herein should be addressed to the Marketing
Services Manager, Smith International, P.O. Box 60068, Houston,
Texas 77205-0068.
T he following are marks of Smith International, Inc.:

Drilco, Grant, Ezy-Change, RW P, Shock Sub, Hevi-Wate,
Ezy-Torq and Drilcolog.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bottom-Hole Assemblies .............................. 1
Differential Pressure Sticking ........................ 27
Bit Stabilization ........................................... 31
Drill Collar ................................................... 37
Hevi-Wate姞 Drill Pipe ................................... 105
Tool Joints ................................................... 117
Kellys .......................................................... 135
Inspection .................................................... 143
Rotating Drilling Heads ................................ 159
Additional Information ................................. 173
Index ........................................................... 179
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PREFACE
This handbook was prepared by Smith
engineers to help rig personnel do a better
job.
It summarizes proven drilling techniques

and technical data that, hopefully, will
enable you to drill a usable hole at the
lowest possible cost. Carry it in your hip
pocket for easy reference.
If there are any questions about the

Drilling Handbook, just call your nearest
Smith representative or talk with our
service people when they visit your rig.
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The Field Operations, Sales,

Business Development and
Engineering Departments.
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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
P.O. Box 60068
Houston, Texas 77205-0068
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1
SECTION ONE
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ASSEMBLIES
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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.
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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:
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· Prevent doglegs and key seats.

· Produce a smooth bore and full size hole.
· Improve bit performance.
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· 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
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-
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).
Figure No. 1
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Another factor to consider is the bending char-

acteristic of the drill stem. With no weight on the
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bit, the only force acting on the bit is the result of

the weight of the portion of the string between the
bit and the tangency point. This force tends to
bring the hole toward vertical. When weight is
applied, there is another force on the bit which
tends to direct the hole away from vertical. The
resultant of these two forces may be in such a
direction as to increase angle, to decrease angle
or to maintain constant angle. This was stated by
Arthur Lubinski (research engineer for Amoco) at
the spring meeting of the Mid-Continent District,
Division of Production, in Tulsa, March 1953, and
was based upon the assumption that the drill stem
lies on the low side of an inclined hole (see Figure
No. 2).
In general, it is easier to drill a hole in soft forma-
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.
Figure No. 2
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
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
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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
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select a location so that the well may be allowed to

drift into the target area. If it is desired to reach a
certain point on the structure, and it is known that
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the well will drift in a certain direction up-structure,

it is desirable to move the location down-dip so,
when drilling normally, the bottom of the well will
drift into the target area.
From the contractor’s standpoint, valuable time
can be spent in planning the drill stem and the bit
program along with the hydraulics.
Drift planning will include obtaining the largest
drill collars that may be safely run in a given hole
size and planning for optimum bit weights to get
the best rate of penetration. If it is anticipated that
there will be a problem maintaining the deviation
within the contract limits, there are more extreme
methods available which will assure a more nearly
vertical hole and still allow relatively high rates
of penetration.
Arthur Lubinski and Henry Woods (research engi-

neer for Hughes Tool Co.) were among the first to
apply mathematics to drilling. They stated in the early
1950s that the size of the bottom drill collars would be
the limiting factor for lateral movement of the bit,
and the Minimum Effective Hole Diameter (MEHD)
could be calculated by the following equation:
Bit size + drill collar OD
MEHD =
2
Robert S. Hoch (engineer for Phillips Petroleum
Company) theorized that, while drilling with an
unstable bit, an abrupt change can occur if hard
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
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For example:
Data: 121/4 in. bit
95/8 in. casing (coupling OD = 10.625 in.)
Minimum drill collar size = 2 (10.625 in.) - 12.250 in.
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= 9 in. OD
Data: 311.2 mm bit
244.5 mm casing (coupling OD = 269.9 mm)
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Minimum drill collar size = 2 (269.9 mm) - 311.2 mm

= 228.6 mm OD
Drill Collar Size Limits
Lateral Bit Movement
Minimum permissible drill collar OD = 2

(casing coupling OD) – Bit OD
Robert S. Hoch
Bit OD + collar OD
Drift diameter =
2
Woods and Lubinski
Figure No. 3
WHY RESTRICT TOTAL HOLE ANGLE?

Total hole angle should be restricted (1) to stay on
a particular lease and not drift over into adjacent
property; (2) to ensure drilling into a specific pay
zone like a stratigraphic trap, a lensing sand, a fault
block, etc.; or (3) to drill a near vertical hole to meet
legal requirements from regulatory agencies, field
rules, etc.
The restriction of total hole angle may solve
some problems but it is not a cure-all. As can be
seen in Figure No. 4, the typical 5° limit does not
assure a wellbore free of troublesome doglegs.
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Figure No. 4
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WHY RESTRICT RATE OF HOLE ANGLE CHANGE?

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Lubinski pointed out in his work in the early 1960s

that the rate of hole angle change should be the
main concern, not necessarily the maximum hole
angle. He expressed this rate of hole angle change
in degrees per 100 ft. In 1961 an API study group
published a tabular method of determining maxi-
mum permissible doglegs that would be acceptable
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,
offsets, spirals and ledges.
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
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

Tension Tension
Top view
of key seat
section
Lateral
force
Tension Tension
Figure No. 5
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH

DOGLEGS AND KEY SEATS
Drill Pipe Fatigue
Lubinski presented guidelines in 1961 for the rate
of change of hole angles. He said that if a program
is designed in such a way that drill pipe damage is
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avoided while drilling the hole, then the hole will

be acceptable for conventional designs of casing,
tubing and sucker rod strings as far as dogleg
severity is concerned. A classical example of a
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severe dogleg condition which produces fatigue

failures in drill pipe can be seen in Figure No. 5.
The stress at Point B is greater than the stress at
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Point A; but as the pipe is rotated, Point A moves

from the inside of the bend to the outside and back
to the inside again. Every fiber on the pipe goes
from minimum tension to maximum tension and
back to minimum tension again. Cyclic stress
reversals of this nature cause fatigue failures in
drill pipe, usually within the first two feet of the
body adjacent to the tool joint, because of the
abrupt change of cross section.
Lubinski suggested that to avoid rapid fatigue
failure of pipe, the rate of change of the hole angle
must be controlled. Suggested limits can be seen in
Figure No. 6. This graph is a plot of the tension in
the pipe versus change in hole angle in degrees per
100 ft (30.5 m). This curve is designed for 41/2 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 stress
endurance limits of the drill pipe under various
tensile loads and in various rates of change in hole
angle. If conditions fall to the left of this curve,
fatigue damage to the drill pipe will be avoided.
To the right of the curve, fatigue damage will
build up rapidly and failure of the pipe is likely. It

can be seen from this plot that if a dogleg is high
in the hole, with high tension in the pipe, only a
small change in angle can be tolerated.
Conversely, if the dogleg is close to total depth,
tension in the pipe will be low and a larger
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)
Figure No. 6
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If the stress endurance limit of the drill pipe is

exceeded because of rotation through a dogleg, an
expensive fishing job or a junked hole might develop.
Stuck Pipe
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Sticking can occur by sloughing or heaving of the

hole and by pulling the large OD drill collars into a
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key seat while pulling the drill stem out of the hole.
Logging
Logging tools and wirelines can become stuck in
key seats. The wall of the hole can also be damaged,
causing hole problems.
Running Casing
Running casing through a dogleg can be a very
serious problem. If the casing becomes stuck in the
dogleg, it will not extend through the productive
zone. This would make it necessary to drill out the
shoe and set a smaller size casing through the pro-
ductive interval. Even if running the casing to the
bottom through the dogleg is successful, the casing
might be severely damaged, thereby preventing the
running of production equipment.
Cementing
The dogleg will force the casing over tightly against
the wall of the hole, preventing a good cement bond
because no cement can circulate between the wall
of the hole and the casing at this point.
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.
Production Problems
It is better to have a smooth string of casing to pro-
duce through. Rod wear and tubing leaks associ-
ated with doglegs can cause expensive repair jobs.
It may be difficult to run packers and tools in and
out of the well without getting stuck because of
distorted or collapsed casing.
HOW DO WE CONTROL HOLE ANGLE?

Now that we have some ideas as to the possible
causes of bit deviation and the problems associated
with crooked holes, let’s look at two possible
solutions using the pendulum and the packed
hole concepts.
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Pendulum Theory
In the early 1950s, Woods and Lubinski collabo-
rated in mathematical examination of the forces
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on a rock bit when drilling in an inclined hole. In

order to make their calculations, they made three
basic assumptions:
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1. The bit is like a ball and socket joint, free to turn,

but laterally restrained.
2. The drill collars lie on the low side of the hole
and will remain stable on the low side of the hole.
3. The bit will drill in the direction in which it is
pushed, not necessarily in the direction in which
it is aimed.
Consequently, the forces which act upon the bit
can be resolved into:
1. The axial load supplied by the weight of the
drill collars.
2. The lateral force — the weight of the drill collar
between the bit and the first point of contact
with the wall of the hole by the drill collar (pen-
dulum force). Pendulum force is the tendency of
the unsupported length of drill collar to swing
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).
Height to point of tangency

(Pendulum force)
Restoring force of drill
collar weight
Reaction of
formation
Figure No. 7
3. The reaction of the formation to these loads may

be resolved into two forces — one parallel to the
axis of the hole and one perpendicular to the
axis of the hole.
This work made it possible to utilize gravity as
a means of controlling change in the hole angle.
Special tables were prepared to show the necessary
weight for the bit to maintain a certain hole angle.
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These tables also show the proper placement of a

stabilizer to give the maximum pendulum force
and the maximum weight for the bit. The effects of
using larger drill collars can also be determined.
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These tables or graphs may be obtained from your

Smith representative. They are called “Drilling
Straight Holes in Crooked Hole Country,” Publication
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No. 59 (see page 174 for details).
Packed Hole Theory

Most people today use a packed hole assembly to
overcome crooked hole problems and the pendu-
lum is used only as a corrective measure to reduce
angle when the maximum permissible deviation
has been reached. The packed hole assembly is
sometimes referred to as the “gun barrel” approach
because a series of stabilizers is used in the hole
already drilled to guide the bit straight ahead. The
objective is to select a bottom-hole assembly to be
run above the bit with the necessary stiffness and
wall contact tools to force the bit to drill in the gen-
eral direction of the hole already drilled. If the
proper selection of drill collars and bottom-hole
tools is made, only gradual changes in hole angle
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. 8
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING

A PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY
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Length of Tool Assembly

It is important that wall contact assemblies provide
sufficient length of contact to assure alignment
with the hole already drilled. Experience confirms
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that a single stabilizer just above the bit generally

acts as a fulcrum or pivot point. This will build
angle because the lateral force of the unstabilized
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collars above will cause the bit to push to one side

as weight is applied. Another stabilizing point, for
example, at 30 ft (10 m) above the bit will nullify
some of the fulcrum effect. With these two points,
this assembly will stabilize the bit and reduce the
tendency to build hole angle. It is, however, not
considered the best packed hole assembly.
As shown in Figure No. 9, two points will con-
tact and follow a curved line. But add one more
point with a stiff assembly, and there is no way
you can get three points to contact and follow a
sharp curve. Therefore, three or more stabilizing
points are needed to form a packed hole assembly.
Figure No. 9
Stiffness
Stiffness is probably the most misunderstood of all
the points to be considered about drill collars. Few
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.
For example, if an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter
bar is deflected 1 in. (25.4 mm) under a certain
load, a 4 in. (101.6 mm) diameter bar will deflect
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16 in. (406.4 mm) under the same load.

Here are some numbers for moments of Inertia (I),
proportional to stiffness. They represent the stiffness
of popular drill collars of various diameters.
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OD ID OD ID OD ID
(in.) (in.) I (in.) (in.) I (in.) (in.) I
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51/4 21/4 29 63/4 21/4 100 9 213/16 318

1
6 /4 21/4 74 7 /4 213/16
1
115 10 313/16 486
1
6 /2 21/4 86 81/4 213/16 198 11 313/16 713
Large diameter drill collars will help provide the

ultimate in stiffness, so it is important to select the
maximum diameter collars that can be safely run.
Drill collars increase in stiffness by the fourth power
of the diameter. For example, a 91/2 in. (241.3 mm)
diameter drill collar is four times stiffer than a 7 in.
(177.8 mm) diameter drill collar and is two times
stiffer than an 8 in. (203.2 mm) diameter drill collar
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

can be a critical factor for a packed hole assembly.
Wall Support and the Length of Contact Tool

Bottom-hole assemblies must adequately contact the
wall of the hole to stabilize the bit and centralize
the drill collars. The length of contact needed between
the tool and the wall of the hole will be determined
by the formation. The surface area in contact must
be sufficient to prevent the stabilizing tool from dig-
ging into the wall of the hole. If this should happen,
stabilization would be lost and the hole would drift.
If the formation is strong, hard and uniform, a
short narrow contact surface is adequate and will
ensure proper stabilization. On the other hand, if
the formation is soft and unconsolidated, a long
blade stabilizer may be required. Hole enlargements
in formations that erode quickly tend to reduce
effective alignment of the bottom-hole assembly.
This problem can be reduced by controlling the
annular velocity and mud properties.
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PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLIES

Proper design of a packed hole assembly requires a
knowledge of the crooked hole tendencies and drill-
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ability of the formations to be drilled in each partic-

ular area. For basic design practices, the following
are considered pertinent parameters:
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Crooked hole drilling tendencies:

· Mild crooked hole country.
· Medium crooked hole country.
· Severe crooked hole country.
Formation firmness:
· Hard to medium-hard formations.
– Abrasive.
– Non-abrasive.
· Medium-hard to soft formations.
Mild Crooked Hole Country

The packed hole assembly shown in Figure No. 10
for mild crooked hole country is considered the
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
collar between Zone 1 and Zone 2. When rough

drilling conditions are encountered, a vibration
dampener will increase penetration rate and add
life to the drill bit. Wear and tear on the drilling
rig and drill stem will also be reduced.
Mild Crooked Hole Country (Minimal Assembly)
Zone 3 String stabilizer

30 foot large diameter
drill collar
Vibration dampener
(when used)
String stabilizer
Zone 2
Large diameter
short drill collar
Zone 1 Bottom hole stabilizer
Bit
Note: In very mild crooked hole country the vibration
dampener may be run in place of the short drill collar.
Figure No. 10
Medium Crooked Hole Country

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A packed hole assembly for medium crooked hole

country is similar to that for mild crooked hole
conditions but with the addition of a second stabi-
lizing tool in Zone 1. The two tools run in tandem
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provide increased stabilization of the bit and add

stiffness to limit angle changes caused by lateral
forces (see Figure No. 11).
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Medium Crooked Hole Country

drill collar
Vibration dampener
(when used)
String stabilizer
Zone 2
Large diameter
Dual stabilizers short drill collar
Bottom hole stabilizer
Bit
Figure No. 11
Severe Crooked Hole Country

In severe crooked hole country three stabilization
tools are run in tandem in Zone 1 to provide maxi-
mum stiffness and wall contact to aim and guide the
bit. In 83/4 in. (222.3 mm) and smaller hole sizes, it is
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
total assembly. It will allow the tools in Zone 1 and
Zone 2 to perform their function without excessive
wear due to lateral thrust or side-loading from
excess deflection above (see Figure No. 12).
Severe Crooked Hole Country

* drill collar
Vibration dampener
(when used)
Large diameter
Tandem stabilizers short drill collar
String stabilizer
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Bottom hole stabilizer

Bit
*Note: Use short drill collar in 8 /4 in. and smaller holes.
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Figure No. 12
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Mild, Medium and Severe Crooked Hole Country

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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.
As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar
length in feet is approximately equal to the hole size
in inches, plus or minus 2 ft. For example: a short
collar length of 6 to 10 ft would be satisfactory in
an 8 in. hole.
Mild Medium Severe
Zone 3
Zone 2 *
* Short drill collar *
Zone 1
* 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
As a general rule of thumb, the short drill collar

length in meters is equal to 12 times the diameter
of the hole in meters, plus or minus 0.6 m. For
example: a short collar length of 1.8 to 3.0 m
would be satisfactory in a 203.2 mm hole.
STABILIZING TOOLS
There are three basic types of stabilizing tools:
(1) rotating blade, (2) non-rotating sleeve and
(3) rolling cutter reamer. Some variations of
these tools are as follows:
1. Rotating Blade
A rotating blade stabilizer can be a straight blade
or spiral blade configuration, and in both cases the
blades can be short or long (see Figure No. 14).
The rotating blade stabilizers shown in Figure
No. 14 are available in two types: (a) shop repairable
and (b) rig repairable.
Stg. rig
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replaceable
Stg. I.B. sleeve
Stg.
welded
blade
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Figure No. 14
a. Shop Repairable
The shop repairable tools are either integral
blade, welded blade or shrunk on sleeve construc-
tion. Welded blade stabilizers are popular in soft
formations but are not recommended in hard for-
mations because of rapid fatigue damage in the
weld area.
b. Rig Repairable
Rig repairable stabilizers have a replaceable
metal sleeve like the Ezy-Change姠 stabilizer.
These tools were originally developed for remote
locations but are now used in most areas of
the world.
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.
· 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
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
is stationary, it acts like a drill bushing and, there-
fore, will not dig into and damage the wall of the
hole. It does have some limitations. The sleeve is
not recommended to be used in temperatures over
250°F (121°C). It has no reaming ability and sleeve
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life may be short in holes with rough walls (see

Figure No. 15).
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Figure No. 15
Non-rotating stabilizer
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).
Figure No. 16
3 point BH reamer
MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED HOLE

COUNTRY IN HARD TO MEDIUM-HARD
FORMATIONS
In Zone 1-A (directly above the bit), a rolling cutter
reamer (see Figure No. 17) should be used when
bit gage is a problem in hard and abrasive forma-
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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.

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Hard to Medium-Hard Formations

6 point
BH reamer
Zone 3
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3 point BH rig
BH reamer BH I.B. replaceable
sleeve
Zone 2 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.
Figure No. 17
Rotating blade-type tools are effective in Zone 2

for all three conditions of crooked hole tendencies.
In very mild crooked hole country, a non-rotating
sleeve-type tool will be all right (see Figure No. 18).

Zone 3 Stg. rig

Stg. I.B. replaceable
sleeve
Zone 2 Or
Zone 1
Mild Med. Sev. Zone 2

Note: In very mild crooked hole country,
a non-rotating stabilizer may be used
in Zone 2.
Figure No. 18
With the slightest deviation from vertical, drill

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collars will lie on the low side of the hole because of

their enormous weight. Therefore, the function of
Zone 3 is to centralize the drill collars above Zone 2.
Both the rotating blade and the non-rotating sleeve
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stabilizers may be used for this job in hard to

medium-hard formations (see Figure No. 19).
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Non-rotating Stg. rig

Zone 3 replaceable
Stg. I.B. sleeve
Or Or
Zone 2
Zone 1
Zone 3
Mild Med. Sev.
Figure No. 19
Any stabilizers run above Zone 3 are used only

to prevent the drill collars from buckling or becom-
ing “wall stuck,” and in most cases, will have very
little effect on directing the bit.
MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED

HOLE COUNTRY IN HARD TO
MEDIUM-HARD FORMATIONS
In Figure No. 20, it is shown that some type of
rotating blade stabilizer is recommended in
Zone 1-B with hard to medium-hard formations
and medium to severe crooked hole tendencies.
For severe crooked hole drilling, one of the same
types of tools can be used in Zone 1-C.

Stg. rig
Zone 3
replaceable
Stg. I.B. sleeve
Or
Zone 2
Zone 1
Med. Sev. Zone 1-B

Note: The same tools would
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be used in Zone 1-C for

severe crooked hole country.
Figure No. 20
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MILD, MEDIUM AND SEVERE CROOKED

HOLE COUNTRY IN MEDIUM-HARD TO
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SOFT FORMATIONS
Tools for use in medium-hard to soft formations,
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
degrees of crooked hole tendencies, rotating blade
stabilizers are recommended (see Figure No. 21).

Medium-Hard to Soft Formations
Stg. I.B.
Zone 3 BH I.B.
BH rig Stg. rig
replaceable replaceable
sleeve sleeve
Or Or
Zone 2
Zone 1
Mild Med. Sev. Zone 1-A Zone 1-B & C

Zone 2
Zone 3
Figure No. 21
Modern packed hole assemblies, when properly designed

and used, will:
1. Reduce rate of the hole angle change. A smooth
walled hole with gradual angle change is more
convenient to work through than one drilled at
minimum hole angle with many ledges, offsets
and sharp angle changes.
2. Improve bit performance and life by forcing the
bit to rotate on a true axis about its design center,
thus loading all cones equally.
3. Improve hole conditions for drilling, logging
and running casing. Maximum size casing can
be run to bottom.
4. Allow use of more drilling weight through
formations which cause abnormal drift.
5. Maintain desired hole angle and course in direc-
tional drilling. In these controlled situations, high
angles can be drilled with minimum danger of
key seating or excessive pipe wear.
PACKED PENDULUM
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Because all packed hole assemblies will bend,

however small the amount of deflection, a per-
fectly vertical hole is not possible. The rate of
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hole angle change will be kept to a minimum but

occasionally conditions will arise where total hole
deviation must be reduced. When this condition
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occurs, the pendulum technique is employed. If it

is anticipated that the packed hole assembly will
be required after reduction of the hole angle, the
packed pendulum technique is recommended.
In the packed pendulum technique, the pendu-
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
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).
Packed Pendulum
Packed hole assembly

Vibration dampener
Drill collars
Bit Pendulum
Figure No. 22
REDUCED BIT WEIGHTS

One of the oldest techniques for straightening the
hole is to reduce the weight on the bit and speed up
the rotary table. By reducing the weight on the bit, the
bending characteristics of the drill stem are changed
and the hole tends to be straighter. In recent years it
has been found that this is not always the best proce-
dure because reducing the bit weight sacrifices con-
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siderable penetration rate. Worse, it frequently brings

about doglegs as illustrated in Figure No. 23. As a
point of caution, the straightening of a hole by reduc-
ing bit weight should be done very gradually so the
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hole will tend to return to vertical without sharp

bends and will be much safer for future drilling. A
reduction of bit weight is usually required when
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changing from a packed hole assembly to a pen-

dulum or packed pendulum drilling operation. An
under-gage stabilizer is sometimes run immediately
above the bit to prevent dropping angle too quickly.
Figure No. 23
CONCLUSION
In summation, a well-engineered bottom-hole
assembly, with the proper selection of stabilizing
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
possible to complete and produce the well. Both the
drilling contractor and oil company operator should
realize additional profits from a well-planned pro-
gram. Careful planning will usually result in the
best drill stem for a given job.
DOWNHOLE VIBRATIONS?
Back in 1959, Smith began to market the first suc-
cessful downhole vibration dampener to meet a very
obvious need. Drillers were having 10 to 15 drill col-
lar failures per well in 121/4-in. (311.2 mm) holes
going to 6,000 ft (1,830 m) in a rough-running area.
Ordinary measures failed to solve the problem. The
Shock Sub 姞 or vibration dampener was introduced
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into the drill stem and the drill collar failures were
reduced.
A second benefit was increased bit life. A third
benefit was then achieved by increasing both rotary
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speed and bit weight and further stepping up daily

drilling depth. In rough-running areas, the down-
hole vibration dampener has become a way of life.
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Its use has been extended to many areas, worldwide.

Downhole data collected by a major oil company,
provided a glimpse of what really goes on at the bot-
tom of the hole. Using a downhole instrumentation
sub, they measured among other things bit weight,
rotary speed, vertical vibrations and bending stress
in the sub.
Without even being aware of it at the surface,
small changes in such things as rotary speed, bit
weight or formation can cause fantastic gyrations to
occur at the bottom of the hole. Vibrations develop
that cause impact loads on the bit several times the
load indicated at the surface. Bending loads in the
sub increase by perhaps 10 times.
These events indicate how vague our knowledge
of “downhole dynamics” really is. We’ve learned to
cope with them to some degree.
IMPROVE HOLE OPENER

PERFORMANCE BY USING
A VIBRATION DAMPENER
AND STABILIZERS
Hole opening performance
can improve with the use
of a vibration dampener
and a stabilizer.
1. Stabilizer
A stabilizer placed at 60 ft
(18.3 m) and 90 ft (27.4 m) in
the drill stem will help to min-
imize drill collar bending.
2. Drill Collar
Higher stress concentrations
exist in the connection. Add to
this the bouncing of the drill
stem caused by rough run-
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ning and the result can be drill

collar connection failures.
3. Stabilizers
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A stabilizer will center the

collars in the hole above the
hole opener and make the
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load on the cutters more

uniformly distributed.
4. Vibration Dampener
A vibration dampener will
minimize vibrations caused
by the hole opener stum-
bling over broken forma-
tions and reduce the shock
loads on the cutters and
the drill collars.
5. Hole Openers
The collars are so much
smaller than the hole, they
bend and whip, loading first
one cutter, and then the next.
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.
Notes
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2
SECTION TWO
om DIFFERENTIAL
PRESSURE
STICKING
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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-
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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
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stem in key seats.
REDUCING DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE STICKING

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Can Be Effectively Reduced By Using the Following Tools:

Hevi-Wate姞 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
stem varies with the formation being drilled, the
size of the hole, etc. Your Smith representative
can provide field data for your area.
Conventional
drill collar
Hevi-Wate
drill pipe
IB stabilizer
Spiral drill
collar Stuck area
Hydra-shock®
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Spiral equalizes
pressure in
stuck area
IB stabilizer
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(Integral blade)
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Near Bit
IB stabilizer
Figure No. 24
3
SECTION THREE
om BIT
STABILIZATION
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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
If the drill collar directly above the bit leans

against the hole wall, angular misalignment
occurs. The penalty on bit performance depends
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-
ful effects to exist. First, the full weight on the bit
is shifted from one cone to the other, causing rapid
breakdown of tooth structure and bearings. Weight
should be evenly distributed on all three cones.
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
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.
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Avoid both angular and parallel misalign-

ment with properly selected stabilizing assem-
blies. The higher the degree of stabilization,
the greater the benefits.
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Figure No. 25 Figure No. 26
Parallel Misalignment Angular Misalignment

Parallel misalignment Angular misalignment
is caused by the use of is caused by the use of
small drill collars (in small drill collars (in
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.
Bit Stabilization 33
Figure No. 27
Figure No. 27 shows a photograph of a broken

medium, soft to medium formation bit that has
run off center. Note the cone shell, between rows
of cutting structure, has been grooved by the
rings of uncut bottom-hole formations.
Figure No. 28
Figure No. 28 shows a photograph of a medium

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formation bit that has suffered gage wear and gage

rounding due to angular misalignment.
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Figure No. 29
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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
are missing. The bit was run too long in an abra-
sive formation. When the bit is pulled like this,
the last portion of the hole was drilled undergage.
The entire tapered portion of the hole must be
reamed out to the new bit gage.
34 Bit Stabilization
Figure No. 30
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
dampener run in the bottom-hole assembly will help
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.
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4
SECTION FOUR
om DRILL
COLLAR
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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 &
om
Gas Journal.
IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DRILL COLLAR

PIN AND BOX CONNECTIONS
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Drill collar manufacturers recommend connection

sizes based on the balance of pin and box bend-
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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
accommodate excess thread compound, foreign

matter and thread wear (see Figure No. 31).
Figure No. 31
See the guides and tips for proper selection of

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connections for various ODs and IDs on pages 78

through 95.
RECOMMENDED DRILL COLLAR CARE

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AND MAINTENANCE
Three points that are a must for good drill collar
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performance are:
1. Must properly lubricate shoulders and threads
with drill collar compound.
2. Must use proper torque; must be measured.
3. Must immediately repair minor damage.
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.
Drill Collar 39
4. Lift sub pins should be cleaned, inspected and

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
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
the line pull in pounds is foot-pounds (ft-lb) of
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torque. Use feet and tenths of a foot.

1. The length of the tong arm in meters multiplied
by the line pull in kilograms is kilogram-meters
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(kg-m) of torque.
2. A 4.2 ft tong arm and 2,000 lb of line pull at
the end of the tong, will produce 4.2 ft times
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2,000 lb, or a total of 8,400 ft-lb of torque (see

Figure No. 32).
1. A 1.28 m tong arm and 907 kg of line pull at
the end of the tong, will produce a 1.28 m times
907 kg or a total of 1,161 kg-m of torque (see
Figure No. 32).
40 Drill Collar
90°
4.2 ft
2,000 lb line pull

Fully effective tong arm
Torque = 4.2 ft x 2,000 lb
= 8,400 ft-lb
90°
4.2 ft
3,000 lb line pull

Fully effective tong arm
Torque = 4.2 ft x 3,000 lb
= 12,600 ft-lb
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45°
45°
ft
4.
2
2
4.
ft
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3 ft 3 ft
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3,000 lb line pull 3,000 lb line pull

Ineffective tong arm
Torque = 3 ft x 3,000 lb
= 9,000 ft-lb
Figure No. 32
3. A line pull measuring device must be used

in making up drill collars. It is important that
line pull be measured when the line is at right
angles (90°) to the tong handle.
4. When applying line pull to the tongs, it is bet-
ter to apply a long steady pull rather than to
jerk the line. Hold pull momentarily to make
sure all slack is taken up.
5. The proper torque required for a specific drill
collar should be taken from a table of recom-
mended torques for drill collars. For a 63/4 in.
(171.5 mm) OD x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm) ID with a
NC 50 connection, the table indicates a torque
of 32,200 ft-lb (4,460 kg-m) (see pages 54
through 65).
Drill Collar 41
Recommended Minimum Torque (ft-lb)

Connection OD Bore of Drill Collar (in.)
Type (in.) 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
NC 50 63/4 36,700 35,800 32,200 30,000 26,600
6. It should be emphasized that the torque values

shown in the table are minimum requirements.
The normal torque range is from the tabulated
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.
Rig Maintenance of Drill Collars

1. It is recommended practice to break a different
joint on each trip, giving the crew an opportunity
to inspect each pin and box every third trip. Inspect
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
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drill collars.
3. Periodically, based on drilling conditions and
experience, a magnetic particle inspection
should be performed, using a wet fluorescent
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and black light method.

4. Before storing the drill collars, they should be
cleaned. If necessary, reface the shoulders with
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a shoulder refacing tool, and remove the fins

on the shoulders by beveling. A good rust pre-
ventative or drill collar compound should be
applied to the connections liberally, and
thread protectors installed.
HERE IS THE WAY TO FIGURE THE DRILL

COLLAR MAKEUP TORQUE YOU NEED
As discussed on pages 38 through 41, you must
use the recommended makeup torque and this
torque must be measured with an accurate device.
There are two steps that must be worked out
for all hookups:
Step No. 1
Look in the torque tables, pages 54 to 65, and find
the minimum torque recommended for the size
drill collars (OD and ID) and type of connection.
42 Drill Collar
Step No. 2
Divide the torque value by the effective length
of the tong arm (see Figure No. 33). This will give
the total line pull required.
Effective tong arm length
90°
Cathead pull
Figure No. 33
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Example:
For 42 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 3.5 ft
For 48 in. tongs, divide by 12 in. = 4 ft
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For collars with 63/4 in. OD x 21/4 in. ID and
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NC 50 (41/2 in. IF) connections, the tables recom-

mended 36,741 ft-lb of makeup torque. Say the
“effective” tong arm length is 50 in. then:
50 in.
= 4.2 ft
12 in.
36,741 ft-lb
= 8,748 lb of line pull
4.2 ft
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
Drill Collar 43
The 8,748 lb (4,000 kg) of line pull is the

total pull required on the end of this 4.2 ft
(1.27 m) tong. This may or may not be the amount
of line pull reading on the torque indicator, as this
depends on the location of the indicator.
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.
The amount of cathead pull will

be the same as the line pull
reading on your Torque Indicator.
Snub line
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Torque indicator
90°
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Step No. 1 Look up the minimum

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recommended torque
required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by
the effective tong length.
The answer is pounds pull reading for the
line pull indicator when in this position.
Figure No. 34
44 Drill Collar
Torque indicator

90° Snub line

recommended torque
required.
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Figure No. 35
Torque indicator

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Snub line 90°
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recommended torque required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque value by the
effective tong length.
Figure No. 36
Drill Collar 45
Torque indicator

be 1/2 of the line pull reading on
your Torque Indicator.
90°
Snub line

recommended torque
required.
Snub
line Figure No. 37

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Snub line
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Torque indicator
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90°
recommended torque
required.
Step No. 2 Divide this torque by the
effective tong length.
The answer is pounds pull reading
for the line pull indicator when in
this position.
Snub line Figure No. 38
46 Drill Collar

Snub line
Torque indicator
90°
recommended torque
required.
Snub
this position.
line Figure No. 39
Torque indicator
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90°
Snub line
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recommended torque
required.
this position.
Snub
line Figure No. 40
Drill Collar 47
The amount of cathead pull

will be the same as the line
pull reading on your Torque
Snub line Indicator.
90°

recommended torque
required.
Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will be
Snub
the pounds pull reading for
the line pull indicator when line
in this position.
Torque
Figure No. 41 indicator
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The amount of cathead pull will be

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

90°
Torque
indicator

recommended torque
required.
Snub the effective tong length.
line Step No. 3 Divide this by 2. This will
be the pounds pull reading
om
for the line pull indicator

Figure No. 43
Snub line
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oi
90°
Torque
indicator

recommended torque
required.
be the pounds pull reading
for the line pull indicator
Drill Collar 49
The amount of cathead pull will be

the same as the line pull reading
on your Torque Indicator.
Snub line
Torque indicator
90°

recommended torque
required.
length.
be the pounds pull read-
ing for line pull indicator
Snub line tion.
om
Figure No. 45
Snub line
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oi
90°

recommended torque
required.
length.
Step No. 3 Divide this by 3, and mul-
tiply by 2. This will be the
pounds pull reading for
the line pull indicator
Snub
line
Torque indicator
Figure No. 46
50 Drill Collar

your Torque Indicator
Snub line
90°
recommended torque
required.
Step No. 3 Divide this by 5, and multi-
ply by 4. This will be the
pounds pull reading for the
line pull indicator when in
this position.
om
Snub
line Torque indicator
Figure No. 47
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The amount of cathead pull will Torque indicator

oi
90°
Snub line

recommended torque
required.
Step No. 3 The answer is pounds pull
reading for the line pull indi-
cator when in this position.
Drill Collar 51
HOW DO YOU APPLY AND MEASURE

MAKEUP 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
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
desired pull is not exceeded. This often causes
errors in application of the torque.
Hydraulic Load Cells

For measuring the amount of applied line pull,
many rigs use hydraulic load cells. Load cells are
simple devices that are generally very reliable.
A load cell device usually consists of three parts:
(1) a small hydraulic cylinder, (2) a pressure gage
om
that reads pounds of pull, and (3) a rubber hose

to connect the cylinder and the gage. One must
remember that the gage reads in pounds of force
and not in foot-pounds of torque. You must mea-
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sure the length of the tongs in feet. And then you

multiply the gage reading (pounds) by the tong
length (feet) to get foot-pounds of torque.
oi
Automatic Torque Control System

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
adapted to hydraulic makeup systems.
The ATCS includes an intrinsically safe load
cell, explosion-proof air controllers and an air-
purged control panel for operation in Class 1,
Group D, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous environ-
ments. For operation in all Division 1 situations,
a power time delay unit is required.
52 Drill Collar
How Does the ATCS Help?

· Safer - The driller is freed from watching
hydraulic torque gages for the make up of each
connection, thus letting him focus his attention
on the rig floor activities.
· Reduces trip time - Automatic application of
makeup torque results in faster and optimum rig
floor rhythm of movement.
· Reduces pin and box damage - Improper
torque is the primary cause of swelled boxes,
stretched pins, and galled threads and shoulders.
· Minimizes risk of fishing jobs - Improper
makeup torque causes washouts and twistoffs.
· Reduces rig downtime - By eliminating torque-
related failures, you can avoid the expense of
laying down damaged pipe and tools, repair or
replacement, and loss of costly rig time.
Hydraulic Line Pull Devices

Sometimes drilling rigs do not have catheads or
have catheads with insufficient capacity or simply
om
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
l.c
hydraulic cylinders and power sources.
Ezy-Torq姞 Hydraulic Cathead

oi
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.
Drill Collar 53
Give This Some Thought

Each torque measuring device has a limit for the
total amount of line pull it can accurately measure.
Know the limit of the instrument you are using and
work within the recommended range (see pages 41
through 50).
Multiple line hookups can provide many times
the normal makeup line pull. Great care should be
taken to see that the lines do not become crossed,
twisted or fouled. When it comes time for the “big
pull*,” be sure everyone is in the clear.
*Caution: Know the tong’s rating before the
pull is attempted.
The slack in the tong safety line should be suffi-
cient for the tongs to obtain full benefit of the pull
from the cathead, but short enough to prevent
complete rotation of the tongs.
om
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oi
54 Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (ft-lb) [See Note 2]

Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
of Connection (in.) (in.) 1 11/4 11/2 13/4
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†
API NC 31 41/8 7,390† 7,390† 7,390†
31/2 SH 41/4 8,858† 8,858† 8,161
41/2 10,286 9,307 8,161
41/8 6,466† 6,466† 6,466†
31/2 Reg. 41/4 7,886† 7,886† 7,886†
41/2 10,471† 9,514 8,394
41/2 9,038†
API NC 35 43/4 12,273
53/4 12,273
41/4 5,161†
31/2 XH 41/2 8,479†
4 SH 43/4 12,074†
31/2 Mod. Open 53/4 13,282
51/4 13,282
43/4 9,986†
31/2 API IF 53/4 13,949†
API NC 38 51/4 16,207
41/2 SH 51/2 16,207
om
43/4 8,786†
31/2 H-90 53/4 12,794†
51/4 17,094†
51/2 18,524
53/4 10,910†
4 FH 51/4 15,290†
API NC 40 51/2 19,985†
4 Mod. Open 53/4 20,539
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41/2 DSL 63/4 20,539

51/4
51/2
4 H-90 53/4
63/4
oi
61/4
51/2
41/2 Reg. 53/4
63/4
61/4
53/4
API NC 44 63/4
61/4
61/2
51/2
53/4
41/2 API FH 63/4
61/4
61/2
41/2 XH 53/4
API NC 46 63/4
4 API IF 61/4
5 DSL 61/2
41/2 Mod. Open 63/4
53/4
63/4
41/2 H-90 61/4
61/2
63/4
61/4
5 H-90 61/2
63/4
73/4
63/4
51/2 H-90 73/4
71/4
71/2
63/4
51/2 Reg. 73/4
71/4
71/2
41/2 API IF 61/4
API NC 50 61/2
5 XH 63/4
5 Mod. Open 73/4
51/2 DSL 71/4
5 Semi-IF 71/2
1. Basis of calculations for recommended makeup torque assumes the use of a

thread compound containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered metallic
zinc with not more than 0.3% total active sulfur, applied thoroughly to all threads
Drill Collar 55

Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2 33/4
4,640†
6,853
6,853
6,853
6,466† 5,685
7,115 5,685
7,115 5,685
9,038† 9,038† 7,411
10,825 9,202 7,411
10,825 9,202 7,411
5,161† 5,161† 5,161†
8,479† 8,479† 8,311
11,803 10,144 8,311
11,803 10,144 8,311
11,803 10,144 8,311
9,986† 9,986† 9,986† 8,315
13,949† 12,907 10,977 8,315
14,653 12,907 10,977 8,315
14,653 12,907 10,977 8,315
om
8,786† 8,786† 8,786† 8,786†

12,794† 12,794† 12,794† 10,410
16,931 15,139 13,154 10,410
16,931 15,139 13,154 10,410
10,910† 10,910† 10,910† 10,910†
15,290† 15,290† 14,969 12,125
18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125
18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125
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18,886 17,028 14,969 12,125

12,590† 12,590† 12,590† 12,590†
17,401† 17,401† 17,401† 16,539
22,531† 21,717 19,546 16,539
23,674 21,717 19,546 16,539
oi
23,674 21,717 19,546 16,539

15,576† 15,576† 15,576† 15,576†
20,609† 20,609† 19,601 16,629
23,686 21,749 19,601 16,629
23,686 21,749 19,601 16,629
20,895† 20,895† 20,895† 18,161
25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
25,509 23,493 21,257 18,161
12,973† 12,973† 12,973† 12,973† 12,973†
18,119† 18,119† 18,119† 18,119† 17,900
23,605† 23,605† 23,028 19,920 17,900
27,294 25,272 23,028 19,920 17,900
27,294 25,272 23,028 19,920 17,900
17,738† 17,738† 17,738† 17,738†
23,422† 23,422† 22,426 20,311
28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
28,021 25,676 22,426 20,311
18,019† 18,019† 18,019† 18,019†
23,681† 23,681† 23,159 21,051
28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
28,731 26,397 23,159 21,051
25,360† 25,360† 25,360† 25,360†
31,895† 31,895† 29,400 27,167
35,292 32,825 29,400 27,167
35,292 32,825 29,400 27,167
34,508† 34,508† 34,508† 34,142
41,993† 40,117 36,501 34,142
42,719 40,117 36,501 34,142
42,719 40,117 36,501 34,142
31,941† 31,941† 31,941† 31,941†
39,419† 39,419† 36,235 33,868
42,481 39,866 36,235 33,868
42,481 39,866 36,235 33,868
23,003† 23,003† 23,003† 23,003† 23,003†
29,679† 29,679† 29,679† 29,679† 26,675
36,741† 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
38,379 35,824 32,277 29,965 26,675
and shoulders. Also using the modified screw jack formula as shown in the IADC
Drilling Manual and the API Recommended Practice RP 7G. For API connections
and their interchangeable connections, makeup torque is based on 62,500 psi
stress in the pin or box, whichever is weaker.
56 Drill Collar

Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
of Connection (in.) (in.) 1 11/4 11/2 13/4
7.....
51/2 API FH 1
7 /4
71/2
73/4
71/4
API NC 56 71/2
73/4
85/8
71/2
65/8 Reg. 73/4
85/8
81/4
71/2
65/8 H-90 73/4
85/8
81/4
85/8
81/4
API NC 61 81/2
83/4
95/8
85/8
81/4
51/2 IF 81/2
83/4
95/8
91/4
81/2
83/4
65/8 API FH 95/8
91/4
91/2
95/8
91/4
API NC 70 91/2
93/4
105/8
om
101/4
105/8
101/4
API NC 77 101/2
103/4
115/8
Connections with Full Faces
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8*5/8
7 H-90 81/4*
81/2*
81/2*
83/4*
75/8 API Reg. 9*5/8
oi
91/4*
91/2*
9*5/8
75/8 H-90 91/4*
91/2*
10*5/8
85/8 API Reg. 101/4*
101/2*
85/8 H-90 101/4*
101/2*
Connections with Low Torque Faces
7 H-90 83/4
95/8
91/4
75/8 Reg. 91/2
93/4
105/8
93/4
75/8 H-90 105/8
101/4
101/2
103/4
85/8 Reg. 115/8
111/4
103/4
85/8 H-90 115/8
111/4
2. Normal torque range — tabulated minimum value to 10% greater. Largest diameter
shown for each connection is the maximum recommended for that connection. If
the connections are used on drill collars larger than the maximum shown, increase
the torque values shown by 10% for a minimum value. In addition to the increased
minimum torque value, it is also recommended that a fishing neck be machined to
the maximum diameter shown.
3. H-90 connections makeup torque is based on 56,200 psi stress and other factors
as stated in Note 1.
4. The 27/8 in. PAC makeup torque is based on 87,500 psi stress and other factors
Drill Collar 57

Bore of Drill Collars (in.)
2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4 31/2 33/4
32,762† 32,762† 32,762† 32,762†
40,998† 40,998† 40,998† 40,998†
49,661† 47,756 45,190 41,533
51,687 47,756 45,190 41,533
40,498† 40,498† 40,498† 40,498†
49,060† 48,221 45,680 42,058
52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058
52,115 48,221 45,680 42,058
46,399† 46,399† 46,399† 46,399†
55,627† 53,346 50,704 46,935
57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935
57,393 53,346 50,704 46,935
46,509† 46,509† 46,509† 46,509†
55,707† 55,707† 53,628 49,855
60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855
60,321 56,273 53,628 49,855
55,131† 55,131† 55,131† 55,131†
65,438† 65,438† 65,438† 61,624
72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
72,670 68,398 65,607 61,624
56,641† 56,641† 56,641† 56,641† 56,641†
67,133† 67,133† 67,133† 63,381 59,027
74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
74,625 70,277 67,436 63,381 59,027
67,789† 67,789† 67,789† 67,789† 67,184
79,544† 79,544† 76,706 72,102 67,184
83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
83,992 80,991 76,706 72,102 67,184
75,781† 75,781† 75,781† 75,781† 75,781†
88,802† 88,802† 88,802† 88,802† 88,802†
102,354† 102,354† 101,107 96,214 90,984
108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984
108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984
om
108,842 105,657 101,107 96,214 90,984

108,194† 108,194† 108,194† 108,194†
124,051† 124,051† 124,051† 124,051†
140,491† 140,488 135,119 129,375
145,476 140,488 135,119 129,375
145,476 140,488 135,119 129,375
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53,454† 53,454† 53,454† 53,454†

63,738† 63,738† 63,738† 60,970
72,066 69,265 65,267 60,970
60,402† 60,402† 60,402† 60,402†
72,169† 72,169† 72,169† 72,169†
84,442† 84,442† 79,536 74,529
oi
88,581 84,221 79,536 74,529

88,581 84,221 79,536 74,529
73,017† 73,017† 73,017† 73,017†
86,006† 86,006† 86,006† 86,006†
99,508† 99,508† 99,508† 96,284
109,345† 109,345† 109,345† 109,345†
125,263† 125,263† 125,263† 125,034
141,134 136,146 130,777 125,034
113,482† 113,482† 113,482† 113,482†
130,063† 130,063† 130,063† 130,063†
68,061† 68,061† 67,257 62,845
74,235 71,361 67,257 62,845
73,099† 73,099† 73,099† 73,099†
86,463† 86,463† 82,457 77,289
91,789 87,292 82,457 77,289
91,789 87,292 82,457 77,289
91,667† 91,667† 91,667† 91,667†
106,260† 106,260† 104,166 98,799
113,845 109,183 104,166 98,799
113,845 109,183 104,166 98,799
112,887† 112,887† 112,887† 112,887†
130,676† 130,676† 130,676† 130,676†
147,616 142,429 136,846 130,870
92,960† 92,960† 92,960† 92,960†
110,782† 110,782† 110,782† 110,782†
129,203† 129,203† 129,203† 129,203†
*5. Largest diameter shown is the maximum recommended for these full faced
connections. If larger diameters are used, machine connections with low torque
faces and use the torque values shown under low torque face tables. If low
torque faces are not used, see Note 2 for increased torque values.
(†)6. Torque figures succeeded by a cross (†) indicate that the weaker member for
the corresponding OD and bore is the BOX. For all other torque values the
weaker member is the PIN.
58 Drill Collar
Recommended Minimum Makeup Torque (kg-m) [See Note 2]

Size and Type OD Bore of Drill Collars (mm)
of Connection (in.) (mm) 25.4 31.7 38.1 44.4
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†
API NC 31 104.8 1,022† 1,022† 1,022†
31/2 SH 107.9 1,225† 1,225† 1,128
114.3 1,422 1,287 1,128
104.8 894† 894† 894†
31/2 Reg. 107.9 1,090† 1,090† 1,090†
114.3 1,448 1,315 1,160
114.3 1,250†
API NC 35 120.6 1,697
127.0 1,697
107.9 714†
31/2 XH 114.3 1,172†
4 SH 120.6 1,669†
31/2 Mod. Open 127.0 1,836
133.3 1,836
31/2 API IF 120.6 1,381†
API NC 38 127.0 1,929†
41/2 SH 133.3 2,241
139.7 2,241
om
120.6 1,215†
31/2 H-90 127.0 1,769†
133.3 2,363†
139.7 2,561
4 FH 127.0 1,508†
API NC 40 133.3 2,114†
4 Mod. Open 139.7 2,763†
41/2 DSL 146.0 2,840
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152.4 2,840
133.3
139.7
4 H-90 146.0
152.4
oi
168.7
139.7
41/2 Reg. 146.0
152.4
158.7
146.0
API NC 44 152.4
158.7
165.1
139.7
146.0
41/2 API FH 152.4
158.7
165.1
41/2 XH 146.0
API NC 46 152.4
4 API IF 158.7
5 DSL 165.1
41/2 Mod. Open 171.4
146.0
152.4
41/2 H-90 158.7
165.1
171.4
158.7
5 H-90 165.1
171.4
177.8
171.4
51/2 H-90 177.8
184.1
190.5
171.4
51/2 Reg. 177.8
184.1
190.5
41/2 IF 158.7
API NC 50 165.1
5 XH 171.4
5 Mod. Open 177.8
51/2 DSL 184.1
5 Semi-IF 190.5

Drill Collar 59

Bore of Drill Collars (mm)
50.8 57.1 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2
641†
947
947
947
894† 786
984 786
984 786
1,250† 1,250† 1,025†
1,497 1,272 1,025
1,497 1,272 1,025
714† 714† 714†
1,172† 1,172† 1,149
1,632 1,402 1,149
1,632 1,402 1,149
1,632 1,402 1,149
1,381† 1,381† 1,381† 1,150
1,929† 1,785 1,518 1,150
2,026 1,785 1,518 1,150
2,026 1,785 1,518 1,150
om
1,215† 1,215† 1,215† 1,215†

1,769† 1,769† 1,769† 1,439
2,341 2,093 1,819 1,439
2,341 2,093 1,819 1,439
1,508† 1,508† 1,508† 1,508†
2,114† 2,114† 2,070 1,676
2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676
2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676
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2,611 2,354 2,070 1,676

1,741† 1,741† 1,741† 1,741†
2,406† 2,406† 2,406† 2,287
3,115† 3,003 2,702 2,287
3,273 3,003 2,702 2,287
oi
3,273 3,003 2,702 2,287

2,153† 2,153† 2,153† 2,153†
2,849† 2,849† 2,710 2,299
3,275 3,007 2,710 2,299
3,275 3,007 2,710 2,299
2,889† 2,889† 2,889† 2,511
3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
3,527 3,248 2,939 2,511
1,794† 1,794† 1,794† 1,794† 1,794†
2,505† 2,505† 2,505† 2,505† 2,475
3,264† 3,264† 3,184 2,754 2,475
3,774 3,494 3,184 2,754 2,475
3,774 3,494 3,184 2,754 2,475
2,452† 2,452† 2,452† 2,452†
3,238† 3,238† 3,100 2,808
3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
3,874 3,550 3,100 2,808
2,491† 2,491† 2,491† 2,491†
3,274† 3,274† 3,202 2,910
3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
3,972 3,650 3,202 2,910
3,506† 3,506† 3,506† 3,506†
4,410† 4,410† 4,065 3,756
4,879 4,538 4,065 3,756
4,879 4,538 4,065 3,756
4,771† 4,771† 4,771† 4,720
5,806† 5,546 5,046 4,720
5,906 5,546 5,046 4,720
5,906 5,546 5,046 4,720
4,416† 4,416† 4,416† 4,416†
5,450† 5,450† 5,010 4,682
5,873 5,512 5,010 4,682
5,873 5,512 5,010 4,682
3,180 3,180† 3,180† 3,180† 3,180†
4,103 4,103† 4,103† 4,103† 3,688
5,080 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
5,306 4,953 4,462 4,143 3,688
60 Drill Collar

177.8
51/2 API FH 184.1
190.5
196.8
184.1
API NC 56 190.5
196.8
203.2
190.5
65/8 Reg. 196.8
203.2
209.5
190.5
65/8 H-90 196.8
203.2
209.5
203.2
209.5
API NC 61 215.9
222.2
228.6
203.2
209.5
51/2 IF 215.9
222.2
228.6
234.9
215.9
222.2
65/8 API FH 228.6
234.9
241.3
228.6
234.9
API NC 70 241.3
247.6
254.0
om
260.3
254.0
260.3
API NC 77 266.7
273.0
279.4
l.c
203.2*
7 H-90 209.5*
215.9*
215.9*
222.2*
75/8 API Reg. 228.6*
oi
234.9*
241.3*
228.6*
75/8 H-90 234.9*
241.3*
254.0*
85/8 API Reg. 260.3*
266.7*
85/8 H-90 260.3*
266.7*
7 H-90 222.2
228.6
234.9
75/8 Reg. 241.3
247.6
254.0
247.6
75/8 H-90 254.0
260.3
266.7
273.0
85/8 Reg. 279.4
285.7
273.0
85/8 H-90 279.4
285.7
Drill Collar 61

Bore of Drill
Collars (mm)
50.8 57.1 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2
4,530† 4,530† 4,530† 4,530†
5,668† 5,668† 5,668† 5,668†
6,866† 6,603 6,248 5,742
7,146 6,603 6,248 5,742
5,599† 5,599† 5,599† 5,599†
6,783† 6,667 6,316 5,815
7,205 6,667 6,316 5,815
7,205 6,667 6,316 5,815
6,415† 6,415† 6,415† 6,415†
7,691† 7,375 7,010 6,489
7,935 7,375 7,010 6,489
7,935 7,375 7,010 6,489
6,430† 6,430† 6,430† 6,430†
7,702† 7,702† 7,414 6,893
8,340 7,780 7,414 6,893
8,340 7,780 7,414 6,893
7,622† 7,622† 7,622† 7,622†
9,047† 9,047† 9,047† 8,520
10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
10,047 9,456 9,070 8,520
7,831† 7,831† 7,831† 7,831† 7,831†
9,282† 9,282† 9,282† 8,763 8,161
10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
10,317 9,716 9,323 8,763 8,161
9,372† 9,372† 9,372† 9,372† 9,289
10,997† 10,997† 10,605 9,968 9,289
11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
11,612 11,197 10,605 9,968 9,289
10,477† 10,477† 10,477† 10,477† 10,477†
12,277† 12,277† 12,277† 12,277† 12,277†
14,151† 14,151† 13,979 13,302 12,579
15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579
15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579
om
15,048 14,608 13,979 13,302 12,579

14,958† 14,958† 14,958† 14,958†
17,151† 17,151† 17,151† 17,151†
19,424† 19,424† 18,681 17,887
20,113 19,423 18,681 17,887
20,113 19,423 18,681 17,887
l.c
7,390† 7,390† 7,390† 7,390†

8,812† 8,812† 8,812† 8,429
9,963 9,576 9,023 8,429
8,351† 8,351† 8,351† 8,351†
9,978† 9,978† 9,978† 9,978†
11,675† 11,644 10,996 10,304
oi
12,247 11,644 10,996 10,304

12,247 11,644 10,996 10,304
10,095† 10,095† 10,095† 10,095†
11,891† 11,891† 11,891† 11,891†
13,758† 13,758† 13,758† 13,312
15,117† 15,117† 15,117† 15,117†
17,318† 17,318† 17,318† 17,287
19,512 18,823 18,081 17,287
15,689† 15,689† 15,689† 15,689†
7,982† 17,982† 17,982† 17,982†
9,410† 9,410† 9,299 8,689
10,263 9,866 9,299 8,689
10,106† 10,106† 10,106† 10,106†
11,954† 11,954† 11,400 10,686
12,690 12,069 11,400 10,686
12,690 12,069 11,400 10,686
12,673† 12,673† 12,673† 12,673†
14,691† 14,691† 14,401 13,659
15,740 15,095 14,401 13,659
15,740 15,095 14,401 13,659
15,607† 15,607† 15,607† 15,607†
18,067† 18,067† 18,067† 18,067†
20,409 19,692 18,920 18,093
12,852† 12,852† 12,852† 12,852†
15,316† 15,316† 15,316† 15,316†
17,863† 17,863† 17,863† 17,863†
62 Drill Collar
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†
API NC 31 104.8 10,019† 10,019† 10,019†
31/2 SH 107.9 12,010† 12,010† 11,065
114.3 13,946 12,619 11,065
104.8 8,766† 8,766† 8,766†
31/2 Reg. 107.9 10,692† 10,692† 10,692†
114.3 14,197 12,900 11,380
114.3 12,255†
API NC 35 120.6 16,640
127.0 16,640
107.9 6,997†
31/2 XH 114.3 11,495†
4 SH 120.6 16,370†
31/2 Mod. Open 127.0 18,009
133.3 18,009
31/2 API IF 120.6 13,540†
API NC 38 127.0 18,913†
41/2 SH 133.3 21,974
139.7 21,974
om
120.6 11,912†
3 1/2 H-90 127.0 17,346†
133.3 23,176†
139.7 25,115
4 FH 127.0 14,793†
API NC 40 133.3 20,731†
4 Mod. Open 139.7 27,096†
41/2 DSL 146.0 27,847
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152.4 27,847
133.3
139.7
4 H-90 146.0
152.4
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158.7
139.7
41/2 Reg. 146.0
152.4
158.7
146.0
API NC 44 152.4
158.7
165.1
139.7
146.0
41/2 API FH 152.4
158.7
165.1
41/2 XH 146.0
API NC 46 152.4
4 API IF 158.7
5 DSL 165.1
41/2 Mod. Open 171.4
146.0
152.4
41/2 H-90 158.7
165.1
171.4
158.7
5 H-90 165.1
171.4
177.8
171.4
51/2 H-90 177.8
184.1
190.5
171.4
51/2 Reg. 177.8
184.1
190.5
41/2 API IF 158.7
API NC 50 165.1
5 XH 171.4
5 Mod. Open 177.8
51/2 DSL 184.1
5 Semi-IF 190.5

Drill Collar 63

50.8 57.1 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2
6,291†
9,292
9,292
9,292
8,766† 7,708
9,646 7,708
9,646 7,708
12,255† 12,255† 10,048
14,677 12,477 10,048
14,677 12,477 10,048
6,997† 6,997† 6,997†
11,495† 11,495† 11,268
16,003 13,753 11,268
16,003 13,753 11,268
16,003 13,753 11,268
13,540† 13,540† 13,540† 11,274
18,913† 17,500 14,883 11,274
19,867 17,500 14,883 11,274
1,9867 17,500 14,883 11,274
om
11,912† 11,912† 11,912† 11,912†

17,346† 17,346† 17,346† 14,114
22,956 20,526 17,834 14,114
22,956 20,526 17,834 14,114
14,793† 14,793† 14,793† 14,793†
20,731† 20,731† 20,295 16,439
25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439
25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439
l.c
25,607 23,086 20,295 16,439

17,070† 17,070† 17,070† 17,070†
23,593† 23,593† 23,593† 22,424
30,548† 29,445 26,501 22,424
32,097 29,445 26,501 22,424
oi
32,097 29,445 26,501 22,424

21,118† 21,118† 21,118† 21,118†
27,943† 27,943† 26,575 22,546
32,113 29,487 26,575 22,546
32,113 29,487 26,575 22,546
28,330† 28,330† 28,330† 24,623
34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
34,586 31,853 28,820 24,623
17,589† 17,589† 17,589† 17,589† 17,589†
24,566† 24,566† 24,566† 24,566† 24,269
32,004† 32,004† 31,222 27,008 24,269
37,006 34,264 31,222 27,008 24,269
37,006 34,264 31,222 27,008 24,269
24,049† 24,049† 24,049† 24,049†
31,755† 31,755† 30,405 27,538
37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
37,991 34,811 30,405 27,538
24,431† 24,431† 24,431† 24,431†
32,107† 32,107† 31,400 28,541
38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
38,955 35,790 31,400 28,541
34,383† 34,383† 34,383† 34,383†
43,244† 43,244† 39,861 36,833
47,849 44,504 39,861 36,833
47,849 44,504 39,861 36,833
46,787† 46,787† 46,787† 46,291
56,935† 54,391 49,489 46,291
57,919 54,391 49,489 46,291
57,919 54,391 49,489 46,291
43,306† 43,306† 43,306† 43,306†
53,445† 53,445† 49,128 45,918
57,597 54,051 49,128 45,918
57,597 54,051 49,128 45,918
31,188† 31,188† 31,188† 31,188† 31,188†
40,240† 40,240† 40,240† 40,240† 36,167
49,814† 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
52,035 48,570 43,762 40,628 36,167
64 Drill Collar

177.8
51/2 API FH 184.1
190.5
196.8
184.1
API NC 56 190.5
196.8
203.2
190.5
65/8 Reg. 196.8
203.2
209.5
190.5
65/8 H-90 196.8
203.2
209.5
203.2
209.5
API NC 61 215.9
222.2
228.6
203.2
209.5
51/2 IF 215.9
222.2
228.6
234.9
215.9
222.2
65/8 API FH 228.6
234.9
241.3
228.6
234.9
API NC 70 241.3
247.6
254.0
om
260.3
254.0
260.3
API NC 77 266.7
273.0
279.4
l.c
203.2*
7 H-90 209.5*
215.9*
215.9*
222.2*
75/8 API Reg. 228.6*
oi
234.9*
241.3*
228.6*
75/8 H-90 234.9*
241.3*
254.0*
85/8 API Reg. 260.3*
266.7*
85/8 H-90 260.3*
266.7*
7 H-90 222.2
228.6
234.9
75/8 Reg. 241.3
247.6
254.0
247.6
75/8 H-90 254.0
260.3
266.7
273.0
85/8 Reg. 279.4
285.7
273.0
85/8 H-90 279.4
285.7
Drill Collar 65

50.8 57.1 63.5 71.4 76.2 82.5 88.9 95.2
44,419† 44,419† 44,419† 44,419†
55,586† 55,586† 55,586† 55,586†
67,331† 64,748 61,270 56,311
70.078 64,748 61,270 56,311
54,908† 54,908† 54,908† 54,908†
66,517† 65,379 61,934 57,024
70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024
70,658 65,379 61,934 57,024
62,909† 62,909† 62,909† 62,909†
75,420† 72,327 68,745 63,636
77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636
77,815 72,327 68,745 63,636
63,057† 63,057† 63,057† 63,057†
75,529† 75,529† 72,710 67,594
81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594
81,785 76,296 72,710 67,594
74,747† 74,747† 74,747† 74,747†
88,722† 88,722† 88,722† 83,551
98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
98,527 92,735 88,951 83,551
76,795† 76,795† 76,795† 76,795† 76,795†
91,021† 91,021† 91,021† 85,933 80,029
101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
101,178 95,283 91,431 85,933 80,029
91,909† 91,909† 91,909† 91,909† 91,090
107,848† 107,848† 104,000 97,757 91,090
113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
113,878 109,809 104,000 97,757 91,090
102,745† 102,745† 102,745† 102,745† 102,745†
120,400† 120,400† 120,400† 120,400† 120,400†
138,773† 138,773† 137,082 130,449 123,357
147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357
147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357
om
147,569 143,251 137,082 130,449 123,357

146,692† 146,692† 146,692† 146,692†
168,191† 168,191† 168,191† 168,191†
190,480† 190,476 183,197 175,409
197,239 190,476 183,197 175,409
197,239 190,476 183,197 175,409
l.c
72,474† 72,474† 72,474† 72,474†

86,417† 86,417† 86,417† 82,665
97,708 93,911 88,490 82,665
81,894† 81,894† 81,894† 81,894†
97,848† 97,848† 97,848† 97,848†
114,489† 114,189 107,836 101,048
oi
120,099 114,189 107,836 101,048

120,099 114,189 107,836 101,048
98,997† 98,997† 98,997† 98,997†
116,609† 116,609† 116,609† 116,609†
134,915† 134,915† 134,915† 130,544
148,251† 148,251† 148,251† 148,251†
169,834† 169,834† 169,834† 169,523
191,352 184,589 177,310 169,523
153,860† 153,860† 153,860† 153,860†
176,341† 176,341† 176,341† 176,341†
92,279† 92,279† 91,188 85,206
100,650 96,753 91,188 85,206
99,109† 99,109† 99,109† 99,109†
117,228† 117,228† 111,796 104,789
124,449 118,352 111,796 104,789
124,449 118,352 111,796 104,789
124,284† 124,284† 124,284† 124,284†
144,069† 144,069† 141,230 133,953
154,354 148,033 141,230 133,953
154,354 148,033 141,230 133,953
153,054† 153,054† 153,054† 153,054†
177,174† 177,174† 177,174† 177,174†
200,140 193,108 185,538 177,437
126,037† 126,037† 126,037† 126,037†
150,200† 150,200† 150,200† 150,200†
175,176† 175,176† 175,176† 175,176†
66 Drill Collar
KNOW FIELD SHOP WORK

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-
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.
Straightness
Collars should be inspected by supporting near
each end and checking for run-out. As a rule of
thumb, collars with more than 1/4 in. (6 mm)
run-out should be straightened.
Threading
Threads should be gaged with high-quality, hard-
ened-and-ground gages. Thread form, lead and
om
taper should be inspected, using approved gages.

Thread roots should be free from sharp notches
(see page 97 for oilfield thread forms).
l.c
Cold Working
Thread roots should be cold worked in accordance
with procedures established for rolling or peening.
oi
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
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.
Drill Collar 67
Load
After rolling, these fibers

remain in compression
Figure No. 49
Gall-Resistant Coating
A gall-resistant coating should be applied to all
newly cut threads and shoulders. This conditions
the shiny threads and shoulders so that lubricant
will adhere to the surface.
Newly machined threads are bright and shiny
before being coated. The gall-resistant compound
om
is usually a manganese or zinc phosphate coating,

produced by immersing in a hot chemical solution,
which gives the threads and shoulders a dark appear-
ance (see Figure No. 50). Such a coating acts as
l.c
a lubricant, separates the metal surfaces during the

initial makeup and assists in holding lubricant in
place under makeup loads.
oi
Figure No. 50
68 Drill Collar
Stress Relief Contours

The API relief groove pin and the API Bore Back
box remove unengaged threads in highly stressed
areas of the drill collar joint (see Figure No. 51).
This provides a more flexible joint, less likely to
crack in fatigue, because bending in the joint
occurs in areas of smooth relief surfaces.
Smooth surfaces and radii, free of tool marks, permit higher bending
loads without fatigue cracking. Serial numbers must not be stamped in
relief grooves.
Last scratch of box thread Large radii reduce stress

covered by pin; no thread concentrations.
roots exposed to corrosive
drilling fluid.
Figure No. 51
om
SPECIAL DRILL COLLAR FEATURES

Spiral Drill Collars
The purpose of the spiral drill collar is to
l.c
prevent differential sticking (see page 27).

The reduction of wall contact between the
oi
drill collars and the wall of the hole greatly

reduces the chances of the collars becoming
wall stuck.
The box end is left uncut for a distance of
no less than 18 in. (457 mm) and no more
than 24 in. (610 mm) below the shoulder.
The pin end 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.
Note: The weight of a round drill
collar will be reduced approximately
4% by spiraling.
Figure No. 52
Drill Collar 69
Slip and Elevator Recesses

Slip and elevator recesses are
designed to cut drill collar han-
dling time by eliminating lift subs
and safety clamps. Extreme care is
taken in machining smooth radii,
free of tool marks. Added fatigue
life is obtained by cold rolling the
radii at the upper shoulder with a
Cold
specially designed cold rolling
tool. Slip and elevator recesses work
may be used together or sepa-
rately (see Figure No. 53).
Figure No. 53
Low Torque Faces

To prevent shoulder separation, the compressive
om
stress created by the makeup torque must be of such

a magnitude that the shoulders remain together
under all downhole conditions. On large diameter
drill collars the shoulder can become so wide that
l.c
the makeup torque required for an adequate com-

pressive stress can not be obtained.
Low torque faces are used to achieve an increase
oi
in the compressive shoulder stress at the shoulder

bevel when a connection smaller than optimum is
used on large drill collars.
The low torque face feature was designed to
accommodate the problem of reducing the area of
the total shoulder face without creating a notch
effect that would occur if a larger bevel is used.
Instead of increasing bevel size to decrease
the shoulder face area, the counterbore of the
box is machined to a larger diameter to reduce
the compressive box section at the shoulder.
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.
70 Drill Collar
Figure No. 54 is a comparison of the shoulder

widths of a connection with and without a low
torque feature.
Figure No. 54
BUOYANCY EFFECT OF
DRILL COLLARS IN MUD
All picked up drill collar weight is not available to
load the bit in fluid drilled holes due to the buoy-
ancy effect.
Buoyancy Factors
g/cc Buoyancy
Mud Weight or Correction
om
(lb/gal) (lb/ft3) sp gr Factor

8.34 62.3 1.00 .873
9 67.3 1.08 .862
10 74.8 1.20 .847
l.c
11 82.3 1.32 .832

12 89.8 1.44 .817
13 97.2 1.56 .801
oi
14 104.7 1.68 .786

15 112.2 1.80 .771
16 119.7 1.92 .755
17 127.2 2.04 .740
18 134.6 2.16 .725
19 142.1 2.28 .710
20 149.6 2.40 .694
21 157.1 2.52 .679
22 164.6 2.64 .664
23 172.1 2.76 .649
24 179.5 2.88 .633
Mud lb/gal
BF = 1 –
65.5
Buoyancy Factors
To find the corrected or buoyed drill collar weight,
use the above Buoyancy Correction Factor for the
mud weight to be used.
Drill Collar 71
Example:
If a drill collar string weight is 79,000 lb in air,
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:
If a drill collar string weight is 35,830 kg in air,
how much will it weigh in 1.44 g/cc mud?
Buoyed drill
collar weight = Drill collar weight x
correction factor
= 35,834 kg x .817
= 29,276 kg
DRILL PIPE —
DRILL COLLAR SAFETY FACTOR
Drill pipe will be subjected to serious damage if
om
run in compression. To make sure the drill pipe is

always in tension, the top 10 to 15% of the drill
collar string must also be in tension. This will put
the change over from tension to compression, or
l.c
neutral zone, down in the stiff drill collar string

where it is desirable and can be tolerated. A 10%
oi
Safety Factor (SF) should be written as 1.10, 15%

as 1.15, etc.
From the above buoyancy effect example, the
maximum weight available to run on the bit
would be:
Buoyed weight
Maximum bit weight available =
1.15 (15% SF)
= 64,543 lb
1.15
= 56,124 lb
Buoyed weight
Maximum bit weight available=
1.15 (15% SF)
= 29,276 kg
1.15
= 25,457 kg
Bit weight x SF
Drill collar air weight =
BF
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).
72 Drill Collar
Weight of 31 ft Drill Collar (lb)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar (in.)
Collar
OD
(in.) 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
1
3 /2 662.2 640.2
31/8 725.5 703.6 679.0 622.1
31/4 791.5 769.5 744.9 688.0
33/8 813.5 756.6 689.3
31/2 884.6 827.7 760.5
33/4 1,034.6 977.7 910.5
37/8 1,113.5 1,056.6 989.4 911.8 823.8
41/2 1,138.1 1,070.9 993.3 905.3
41/8 1,222.2 1,154.9 1,077.3 989.4
41/4 1,308.8 1,241.6 1,164.0 1,076.0
41/2 1,489.9 1,422.6 1,345.0 1,257.1
43/4 1,681.3 1,614.0 1,536.4 1,448.5 1,350.2
51/2 1,883.0 1,815.8 1,738.2 1,650.3 1,552.0
51/4 2,095.2 2,027.9 1,950.3 1,862.4 1,764.1 1,626.7
51/2 2,317.6 2,250.3 2,172.7 2,084.8 1,986.5 1,849.1 1,758.9
53/4 2,550.4 2,483.1 2,405.5 2,317.6 2,219.3 2,081.9 1,991.7
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
61/4 3,047.0 2,979.8 2,902.2 2,814.2 2,715.9 2,578.5 2,488.3 2,359.0
om
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

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
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
71/4 4,164.4 4,097.2 4,019.6 3,931.6 3,833.3 3,695.9 3,605.7 3,476.4
l.c
71/2 4,469.7 4,402.4 4,324.8 4,236.9 4,138.6 4,001.2 3,910.9 3,781.6

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
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
oi
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

81/2 5,794.0 5,726.7 5,649.1 5,561.2 5,462.9 5,325.5 5,235.3 5,106.0
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
91/2 6,451.0 6,373.4 6,285.4 6,187.2 6,049.7 5,959.5 5,830.2
91/4 6,628.6 6,751.0 6,663.1 6,564.8 6,427.4 6,337.2 6,207.9
91/2 7,216.6 7,139.0 7,051.1 6,952.8 6,815.4 6,725.2 6,595.8
93/4 7,615.0 7,537.4 7,449.4 7,351.1 7,213.7 7,123.5 6,994.2
101/2 7,946.1 7,858.1 7,759.8 7,622.4 7,532.2 7,402.9
101/4 8,365.1 8,277.1 8,178.8 8,041.4 7,951.2 7,821.9
101/2 8,794.5 8,706.5 8,608.2 8,470.8 8,380.6 8,251.3
103/4 9,234.2 9,146.2 9,047.9 8,910.5 8,820.3 8,691.0
111/2 9,498.0 9,360.6 9,270.4 9,141.1
111/4 9,958.4 9,821.0 9,730.8 9,601.5
111/2 10,429.2 10,291.8 10,201.6 10,072.2
113/4 10,910.3 10,772.9 10,682.7 10,553.3
121/2 11,401.8 11,264.3 11,174.1 11,044.8
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
Drill Collar 73
Drill Collar Weights (lb/ft)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar (in.)
Collar
OD
(in.) 1 11/8 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2 213/16 3 31/4
1
3 /2 21 21
31/8 23 23 22 21
31/4 26 25 24 22
33/8 26 24 22
31/2 29 27 25
33/4 33 32 29
37/8 36 34 32 30 27
41/2 37 35 32 29
41/8 39 37 35 32
41/4 42 40 38 35
41/2 48 46 43 41
43/4 54 52 50 47 44
51/2 61 59 56 53 50
51/4 68 65 63 60 57 53
51/2 75 73 70 67 64 60 57
53/4 83 80 78 75 72 67 64
61/2 90 88 85 83 79 75 72 68
61/4 98 96 94 91 88 83 80 76
om
61/2 107 105 102 99 96 92 88 85

63/4 116 114 111 108 105 101 98 94
71/2 125 123 120 117 114 110 107 103
71/4 134 132 130 127 124 119 116 112
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71/2 144 142 140 137 134 129 126 122

73/4 154 152 150 147 144 139 136 132
81/2 165 163 160 157 154 150 147 143
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81/4 176 174 171 168 165 161 158 154

81/2 187 185 182 179 176 172 169 165
83/4 198 196 194 191 188 183 180 176
91/2 208 206 203 200 195 192 188
91/4 220 218 215 212 207 204 200
91/2 233 230 228 224 220 217 213
93/4 246 243 240 237 233 230 226
101/2 256 254 250 246 243 239
101/4 270 267 264 259 257 252
101/2 284 281 278 273 270 266
103/4 298 295 292 287 285 280
111/2 306 302 299 295
111/4 321 317 314 310
111/2 336 332 329 325
113/4 352 348 345 340
121/2 368 363 361 356
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
74 Drill Collar
Weight of 9.4 m Drill Collar (kg)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm)
Collar
OD
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)
31/2
(76.20) 298.8 288.9
31/8
(79.37) 327.4 317.5 306.4 280.7
31/4
(82.55) 357.2 347.2 336.2 310.5
33/8
(85.72) 367.1 341.4 311.1
31/2
(88.90) 399.2 373.5 343.2
33/4
(95.25) 466.9 441.2 410.9
37/8
(98.42) 502.5 476.8 446.5 411.4 371.8
41/2
(101.60) 513.6 483.2 448.2 408.5
41/8
(104.77) 551.5 521.2 486.1 446.5
4 1/4
(107.95) 590.6 560.3 525.2 485.6
41/2
(114.30) 672.3 642.0 606.9 567.3
43/4
(120.65) 758.7 728.3 693.3 653.6 609.3
51/2
(127.00) 849.7 819.4 784.4 744.7 700.3
51/4
(133.35) 945.4 915.1 880.1 840.4 796.0 734.0
51/2
(139.70) 1,045.8 1,015.5 980.4 940.8 896.4 834.4 793.7
5 3/4
om
(146.05) 1,150.9 1,120.5 1,085.5 1,045.8 1,001.5 939.5 898.7

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
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
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
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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
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
71/4
oi
(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

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
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
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
81/4
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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
101/2
(254.00) 3,585.6 3,546.0 3,501.6 3,439.6 3,398.9 3,340.5
101/4
(260.35) 3,774.7 3,735.0 3,690.7 3,628.7 3,588.0 3,529.6
101/2
(266.70) 3,968.5 3,928.8 3,884.4 3,822.4 3,781.7 3,723.4
103/4
(273.05) 4,166.9 4,127.2 4,082.9 4,020.9 3,980.2 3,921.8
111/2
(279.40) 4,286.0 4,223.9 4,183.2 4,124.9
111/4
(285.75) 4,493.7 4,431.7 4,391.0 4,332.6
111/2
(292.10) 4,706.2 4,644.1 4,603.4 4,545.1
113/4
(298.45) 4,923.2 4,861.2 4,820.5 4,762.2
121/2
(304.80) 5,145.0 5,083.0 5,042.3 4,983.9
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
Drill Collar 75
Drill Collar Weights (kg/m)

Drill Bore of Drill Collar in. (mm)
Collar
OD
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)
1
3 /2
(76.20) 32 31
31/8
(79.37) 35 34 33 30
31/4
(82.55) 38 37 36 33
33/8
(85.72) 39 36 33
31/2
(88.90) 43 40 37
33/4
(95.25) 50 47 44
37/8
(98.42) 54 51 48 44 40
41/2
(101.60) 55 51 48 44
41/8
(104.77) 59 55 52 48
41/4
(107.95) 63 60 56 52
41/2
(114.30) 72 68 65 60
43/4
(120.65) 81 78 74 70 65
51/2
(127.00) 90 87 83 79 75
51/4
(133.35) 101 97 94 89 85 78
51/2
(139.70) 111 108 104 100 95 89 84
53/4
om
(146.05) 122 119 116 111 107 100 96

61/2
(152.40) 134 131 127 123 118 112 107 101
61/4
(158.75) 146 143 139 135 130 124 120 113
61/2
(165.10) 159 156 152 148 143 136 132 126
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63/4
(171.45) 172 169 165 161 156 150 145 139
71/2
(177.80) 186 183 179 175 170 163 159 153
71/4
oi
(184.15) 200 197 193 189 184 177 173 167

71/2
(190.50) 215 211 208 203 199 192 188 182
73/4
(196.85) 230 227 223 219 214 207 203 197
81/2
(203.20) 245 242 238 234 230 223 219 212
8 1/4
(209.55) 262 258 255 250 246 239 235 229
81/2
(215.90) 278 275 271 267 262 256 251 245
83/4
(222.25) 295 292 288 284 279 273 269 262
91/2
(228.60) 310 306 302 297 290 286 280
91/4
(234.95) 328 324 320 315 309 304 298
91/2
(241.30) 346 343 339 334 327 323 317
93/4
(247.65) 366 362 358 353 346 342 336
101/2
(254.00) 382 377 373 366 362 355
101/4
(260.35) 402 397 393 386 382 376
101/2
(266.70) 422 418 413 407 403 396
103/4
(273.05) 443 439 434 428 423 417
111/2
(279.40) 456 449 445 439
111/4
(285.75) 478 472 467 461
111/2
(292.10) 501 494 490 484
113/4
(298.45) 524 517 513 507
121/2
(304.80) 547 541 536 530
76 Drill Collar
PREVENTING PIN AND BOX FAILURES IN

DOWNHOLE TOOLS
The first rotary shouldered connection (pin by
box) was used in drilling in 1909. It’s simple and
rugged and nobody has designed anything basi-
cally better, since. However, it is subject to fatigue
failures if it’s asked to work beyond its endurance
limit, or if a few simple rules are not followed in
its manufacture and use.
We’ve written detailed booklets on care and use
of drill collars. You can have one by writing to us,
as suggested on the following page. However, if
you’ll follow a few simple rules, listed below, and
briefly detailed on the following pages, you can
stay out of trouble.
Rule — Use Correct Makeup Torque

Our experience indicates that perhaps 80% or more
of all premature connection failures are due to
incorrect makeup torque (see pages 37 through 65).
om
Rule — Use Proper Thread Compound

A good grade of drill collar compound contains
powdered metallic zinc in the amount of 40 to 60%
l.c
by weight (see page 38).
Rule — Proper Tong Position

Position tongs 8 in. (203 mm) below the box shoul-
oi
der. Torque indicator should be located in snub line

90° to tong arm (see pages 42 through 50).
Rule — Use Systematic Inspection

Fatigue is an accumulative and progressive thing.
Cracks ordinarily exist a long time before ultimate
failure, and can be detected by proper inspection
methods (see pages 143 and 152).
Rule — Require Best Joint Design and Processing

Much has been learned about how joint design
and machining methods affect fatigue resistance
(stress level) (see pages 37 through 70).
Rule — Get Factory Quality From Field Shops

To the extent possible, require the same machining
and processing used by drill collar manufacturers
(see page 66).
Rule — Treat Tools Like Machinery, Not Pipe!

Guard pins and boxes from damage and lubricate
them properly. They’ll give lots of trouble-free service!
Drill Collar 77
IF YOU HAVE AN EPIDEMIC OF DRILL COLLAR

FAILURES THAT YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN:
First, get a copy of Smith’s Publication No. 39, “How
to Drill a Usable Hole” which was compiled from a
series of articles published in World Oil magazine.
This brochure of pictures and examples explains
controlling of hole deviation, the reasons holes
become crooked and the problems that can result. If
you would like a copy of this brochure, we will be
glad to send you one. Just indicate the publication
number and address your request to:
Smith Services — Drilco Group
Product Management
P.O. Box 60068
Second, to solve a drill collar problem, call your
area Smith representative. This person has been
trained in the care and maintenance of drill collars.
Also, you can call anyone with Smith for informa-
om
tion to help find a solution to such problems. After

all, helping customers solve drill collar problems is
the way our company started.
Suppose you need help right now! Call Smith
l.c
and tell our telephone operator “I have a drill collar

problem and I want to talk with someone who can
help me.”
oi
If you have time, write a letter giving us all the

facts.* We will answer promptly. Smith is inter-
ested in your drill collar problems, both solving
them and helping to prevent them in the future.
*Smith Services Product Management
P.O. Box 60068
When writing or calling about a drill collar
problem, please specify:
1. Connection size and type, relief features,
and length.
2. OD and ID of drill collars.
3. Torque applied.
4. Length of tongs.
5. Type of torque indicator.
6. Service time of connections.
7. Location of failure (pin or box).
8. Type of thread compound.
9. Drilling conditions.
78 Drill Collar
GUIDES FOR EVALUATING DRILL COLLAR OD,

ID AND CONNECTION COMBINATIONS
The BSR (Bending Strength Ratio) is used in the
following charts as a basis for evaluating compati-
bility of drill collar OD, ID and connection combi-
nations. The BSR is a number descriptive of the
relative capacity of the pin and box to resist bend-
ing fatigue failures. It is generally accepted that a
BSR of 2.50:1 is the right number for the average
balanced connection, when drilling conditions
are average.
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
the following guidelines:
1. For small drill collars 6 in. (152.4 mm) OD and
below, try to avoid BSRs above 2.75:1 or below
2.25:1.
2. For high rpm, soft formations and when drill col-
om
lar OD is small compared to hole size (example:

8 in. (203.2 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole,
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.
l.c
3. For hard formations, low rpm and when drill

collar OD is close to hole size (example: 10 in.
(254.0 mm) OD in 121/4 in. (311.2 mm) hole,
oi
81/4 in. (209.6 mm) OD in 97/8 in. (250.8 mm)

hole), avoid BSRs above 3.20:1 or below 2.25:1.
However, when low torque features (see page 69)
are used on large drill collars, BSRs as large as
3.40:1 will perform satisfactorily.
4. For very abrasive conditions where loss of OD is
severe, favor combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1.
5. For extremely corrosive environments, favor
combinations of 2.50:1 to 3.00:1.81
How to Use the Connection Selection Charts on Pages 80

through 95.
The charts appearing on pages 80 to 95 were pre-
pared with the BSR guidelines as reference.
1. The best group of connections are defined as
those that appear in the shaded sections of the
charts. Also the nearer the connection lies to the
reference line, the more desirable is its selection.
2. The second best group of connections are those
that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on
the left. The nearer the connection lies to the
Drill Collar 79
3. The third best group of connections are those

that lie in the unshaded section of the charts on
the right. The nearer the connection lies to the
Example:
Suppose you want to select the best connec-
tion for 93/4 in. (247.7 mm) x 213/16 in. (71.4 mm)
ID drill collars.
Referring to the following chart (see Figure
No. 55).
Reference line
213/16 in. ID
2nd choice
10
1st choice
3rd choice
OD (in.)
93/4
75/8 H-90
om
91/2
NC 70
75/8 Reg.
(Low torque)†
l.c
65/8 FH
oi
Figure No. 55
For average conditions, you should select in

this order of preference:
1. Best = NC 70 (shaded area and nearest
reference line).
2. Second best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) (light
area to left and nearest to reference line).
3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 (light area to right
and nearest to reference line).
But in extremely abrasive and/or corrosive
conditions, you might want to select in this order
of preference:
1. Best = 75/8 in. Reg. (low torque) =
strongest box†.
2. Second best = NC 70 = second strongest box.
3. Third best = 75/8 in. H-90 = weakest box.
† The connection furthest to the left on the chart has the

strongest box. This connection should be considered as
possible first choices for very abrasive formations or
corrosive conditions.
80 Drill Collar
11/2 in. ID
2.50
2.75
2.25
63/4
53/4
51/2
51/4
53/4
NC 38
43/4
31/2 XH
NC 35
41/2
om
41/4
OD (in.)
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NC 31
31/2 Reg.
4 /4
3
27/8 XH
oi
33/4
31/2 PAC
31/2
27/8 Reg.
NC 26
31/4
33/4 27/8 PAC
23/8 Reg.
23/4
23/8 PAC
21/2
Reference line
Drill Collar 81
13/4 in. ID
2.50
2.75
2.25
53/4
51/2
51/4
53/4
NC 38
43/4
31/2 XH
41/2 NC 35
41/4
om
NC 31
43/4
OD (in.)
31/2 Reg.
27/8 XH
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33/4
31/2 PAC
oi
31/2
27/8 Reg.
31/4
NC 26
33/4
27/8 PAC
23/4
23/8 PAC
21/2
21/4
Reference line
82 Drill Collar
2 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
61/2
61/4 NC 46
63/4
NC 44
53/4
51/2
51/4 NC 40
53/4
om
NC 38
43/4
OD (in.)
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31/2 XH
41/2
NC 35
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41/4
43/4
NC 31
31/2 Reg.
27/8 XH
33/4
31/2 PAC
31/2
31/4
NC 26
33/4
Reference line
Drill Collar 83
21/4 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
7 3/4
51/2 FH
71/2
NC 56
71/4
73/4
51/2 Reg.
NC 50
63/4
61/2
61/4
om
NC 46
63/4
OD (in.)
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53/4
NC 44
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51/2
51/4
NC 40
53/4
NC 38
43/4
41/2 31/2 XH
NC 35
4 /4
1
Reference line
84 Drill Collar
21/2 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
10
9 3/4
91/2 NC 70
91/4
93/4 75/8 Reg.*
65/8 FH
83/4
81/2
OD (in.)
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51/2 IF
7 H-90*
81/4
NC 61
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83/4
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65/8 H-90
7 3/4 65/8 Reg.
51/2 FH
71/2
NC 56
71/4
73/4
5/
NC
1 2
Reference line
Re
50
g.
* 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.)
Drill Collar 85
21/2 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
73/4
51/2 Reg.
63/4 NC 50
61/2
61/4
NC 46
63/4
53/4
NC 44
51/2
OD (in.)
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51/4
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NC 40
5 /4
3
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43/4
NC 38
41/2
31/2 XH
41/4 NC 35
43/4
Reference line
86 Drill Collar
213/16 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
111/2
111/4
113/4
85/8 H-90*
103/4
101/2
NC 77
85/8 Reg.*
101/4
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10
OD (in.)
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93/4
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75/8 H-90*
91/2
NC 70
91/4
93/4
75/8 Reg.*
65/8 FH
83/4
81/2
51/2 IF
81/4 7 H-90*
6/
6/
NC
5 8
5 8
Re
H-
61
Reference line
90
g.

Drill Collar 87
213/16 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
81/4
NC 61
83/4
65/8 H-90
73/4
65/8 Reg.
71/2
51/2 FH
NC 56
71/4
73/4
51/2 Reg.
63/4
OD (in.)
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NC 50
61/2
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61/4
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63/4
NC 46
5 /4
3
51/2 NC 44
51/4
Reference line
88 Drill Collar
3 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
113/4
111/2
111/4
113/4
103/4 85/8 H-90*
101/2
NC 77
85/8 Reg.*
101/4
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OD (in.)
10
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93/4
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91/2 75/8 H-90*
NC 70
91/4
93/4
75/8 Reg.*
65/8 FH
83/4
81/2
7 H 61
NC
5 / 90*
1 2I
-
Reference line
F

Drill Collar 89
3 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
81/2
51/2 IF
8 /4
1
7 H-90
NC 61
83/4
65/8 H-90
73/4
65/8 Reg.
71/2
51/2 FH
NC 56
71/4
73/4
OD (in.)
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63/4 51/2 Reg.

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NC 50
61/2
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61/4
63/4
NC 46
53/4
51/2
NC
Reference line
44
90 Drill Collar
31/4 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
123/4
113/4
111/2
111/4
113/4
85/8 H-90*
103/4
101/2
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NC 77
OD (in.)
85/8 Reg.*
101/4
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10
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65/8 IF
93/4
75/8 H-90*
91/2
NC 70
91/4
93/4
75/8 Reg.*
83/4 65/8 FH
NC
7H 1
5/
1 2
Reference line
-90
IF
6

Drill Collar 91
31/4 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
83/4
81/2
51/2 IF
81/4 7 H-90*
NC 61
83/4
7 3/4
65/8 H-90
65/8 Reg.
7 /2
1
51/2 FH
7 /4 NC 56
OD (in.)
1
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73/4
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63/4
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51/2 Reg.
61/2 NC 50
61/4
63/4
53/4
NC 46
51/2
Reference line

92 Drill Collar
31/2 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
113/4
111/2
111/4
113/4
103/4 85/8 H-90*
101/2
NC 77
101/4 85/8 Reg.*
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OD (in.)
10
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65/8 IF
93/4
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91/2
75/8 H-90*
NC 70
91/4
93/4
75/8 Reg.*
83/4
NC
7H 1
5/
6/
1 2
5 8
Reference line
-90
IF
FH
6

Drill Collar 93
31/2 in. ID
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
83/4
65/8 FH
81/2
51/2 IF
81/4
7 H-90*
NC 61
83/4
7 3/4
65/8 H-90
65/8 Reg.
71/2
OD (in.)
71/4 51/2 FH
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NC 56
73/4
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63/4
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51/2 Reg.
61/2
NC 50
61/4
Reference line

94 Drill Collar
31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
51/2 H-90 73/4
71/2
71/4
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
21/4
73/4 21/2
213/16
3
63/4 31/4
31/2
61/2
71/4
5 H-90
73/4
63/4
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OD (in.)
21/4
ID (in.)
61/2 21/2
213/16
3
61/4 31/4
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31/2
63/4
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73/4
41/2 H-90
63/4
61/2
61/4 2
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
21/4
21/2
63/4
213/16
5 /4
3 3
31/4
51/2
Reference line
Drill Collar 95
31/2 H-90 to 51/2 H-90 Selection Charts
2.75
3.00
2.50
2.25
4 H-90 61/2
61/4
63/4
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
53/4
2
21/4
5 /2
1 21/2
213/16
51/4
53/4
31/2 H-90
51/2
51/4
OD (in.)
ID (in.)
2
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53/4 21/4
21/2
43/4
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Reference line
Caution: The use of the 90° thread form on drill collar sizes less than
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71/2 in. OD may result in hoop stresses high enough to cause swelled
boxes. For this reason the API 60° thread form is preferred over the
above sizes of the 90° thread form.
H-90 Thread 60° Thread
In order to produce the same shoulder load (L) — see illustration —

on connections of the same size but with different threads (H-90 and
60°), the makeup torque must produce a greater force (F90) for an
H-90 thread than for a 60° thread (F60). This means the torque
requirement is greater for the H-90 thread than the 60° thread, if the
connections are equal size. When the makeup torque produces the
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.
96 Drill Collar
Rotary Shouldered Connection Interchange List

Common Name Pin Base Same As or
Size Diameter Threads Taper Thread Interchanges
Style (in.) (tapered) per In. (in./ft) Form* With (in.)
23/8 2.876 4 2 V-0.065 27/8 SH
(V-0.038 rad) NC 26**
27/8 3.391 4 2 V-0.065 31/2 SH
(V-0.038 rad) NC 31**
Internal 31/2 4.016 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 SH
Flush (V-0.038 rad) NC 38**
(IF) 4 4.834 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 XH
(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**
(EH) 5 5.250 4 2 V-0.065 41/2 IF
(V-0.038 rad) NC 50**
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51/2 DSL
27/8 2.876 4 2 V-0.065 23/8 IF
(V-0.038 rad) NC 26**
31/2 3.391 4 2 V-0.065 27/8 IF
Slim (V-0.038 rad) NC 31**
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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**
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31/2 3.327 4 2 V-0.065 27/8 XH

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 23/8IF
27/8 SH
31 3.391 4 2 V-0.038 rad 27/8IF
31/2 SH
38 4.016 4 2 V-0.038 rad 31/2IF
Num. 41/2 SH
Conn. 40 4.280 4 2 V-0.038 rad 4 FH
(NC) 41/2 DSL
46 4.834 4 2 V-0.038 rad 4 IF
41/2 XH
50 5.250 4 2 V-0.038 rad 41/2IF
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.
Drill Collar 97
OILFIELD THREAD FORMS

The following thread forms are used on practically
all oilfield rotary shouldered connections. Only
the 60° thread form is an API thread. The Modified
V-0.065 (not shown) has been replaced and is
interchangeable with the API V-0.038R.
V-0.038R
2 in. Taper Per Foot (TPF) on Diameter
4 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: V-0.038, 4 TPI, 2 in. TPF
Used with:
API NC 23, 26, 31, 35, 38, 40, 44, 46 and 50
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API IF 23/8, 27/8, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 51/2 and 65/8 in.

API FH 4 in.
XH 27/8 and 31/2 in.
Figure No. 56
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V-0.038R
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Used with:
API NC 56, 61, 70 and 77
Figure No. 57
98 Drill Collar
V-0.040

Used with:
API Reg. 23/8, 27/8, 31/2 and 41/2 in.
API FH 31/2 and 41/2 in.
Figure No. 58
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V-0.050
Used with:
API Reg. 65/8 in.
API FH 51/2 and 65/8 in.
Figure No. 59
V-0.050

Used with:
Drill Collar 99
API Reg. 51/2, 75/8 and 85/8 in.

Figure No. 60
H-90
31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 2 in. TPF
Used with:
H-90, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 5, 51/2 and 65/8 in.
Figure No. 61
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H-90
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31/2 Threads Per In. (TPI)

Thread profile gage must be marked: H-90, 31/2 TPI, 3 in. TPF
Used with:
100 Drill Collar
Depth of
counterbore = 5/8 in.
Except PAC = 3/8 in.
30°
Diameter of To flank of first

counterbore full depth
thread (min)
H-90, 7, 75/8 and 85/8 in.

Figure No. 62
Full Diameter
Connection Threads Taper Depth of the
Size per per Thread Counterbore
(in.) In. In. (in.) (in.)
†23/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/2 213/32
†27/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/2 219/32
†NC 23 4 2 31/8 25/8
†23/8 Reg. 5 3 31/8 211/16
†23/8 IF 4 2 31/8 215/16
†27/8 Reg. 5 3 35/8 31/16
†27/8 XH, EH 4 2 41/8 323/64
†27/8 IF 4 2 35/8 329/64
†31/2 Reg. 5 3 37/8 39/16
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†NC 35 4 2 37/8 313/16

†31/2 XH, EH 4 2 35/8 37/8
†31/2 FH 5 3 37/8 43/64
†31/2 IF 4 2 41/8 45/64
†31/2 H-90 31/2 2 41/8 43/16
†4 FH 4 2 45/8 411/32
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†4 H-90 31/2 2 43/8 49/16

†NC 44 4 2 45/8 411/16
†41/2 Reg. 5 3 43/8 411/16
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†41/2 FH 5 3 41/8 47/8

†41/2 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 457/64
†41/2 XH, EH 4 2 45/8 429/32
†5 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 511/64
†41/2 IF 4 2 45/8 55/16
†51/2 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 57/16
†51/2 Reg. 4 3 47/8 537/64
†51/2 FH 4 2 51/8 529/32
†NC 56 4 3 51/8 515/16
†65/8 Reg. 4 2 51/8 61/16
†65/8 H-90 31/2 2 51/8 61/16
†51/2 IF 4 2 51/8 629/64
†NC 61 4 3 55/8 61/2
†7 H-90 31/2 3 55/8 69/16
†65/8 FH 4 2 51/8 6 27/32
†75/8 Reg. 4 3 53/8 73/32
†NC 70 4 3 61/8 73/8
†75/8 H-90 31/2 3 61/4 729/64
†65/8 IF 4 2 51/8 733/64
†85/8 Reg. 4 3 51/2 83/64
†NC 77 4 3 65/8 81/16
†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.
Drill Collar 101
Pin base diameter

1
/2 in. To flank of first full depth thread (max.)
(H-90 and 27/8 in. XH = 3/8 in.; PAC = 1/4 in.)
Pin end
Pin diameter Pin cylindrical
length diameter
Dimensional Identification of Box Connections
(Not for Machining Purposes)
Connection Taper Pin Pin End Pin Cyl. Pin Base
Size Threads per Foot Length Diameter Diameter Diameter
(in.) per In. (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
†23/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/4 25/64 25/16 23/8
†27/8 PAC 4 11/2 21/4 21/4 231/64 217/32
†NC 23 4 2 27/8 25/64 229/64 29/16
3
†2 /8 Reg. 5 3 27/8 129/32 233/64 25/8
3
†2 /8 IF 4 2 27/8 225/64 249/64 27/8
†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 IF 4 2 33/8 253/64 39/32 325/64
†31/2 Reg. 5 3 35/8 219/32 325/64 31/2
†NC 35 4 2 35/8 29/64 35/8 347/64
1
†3 /2 XH, EH 4 2 33/8 31/4 345/64 313/16
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1
†3 /2 FH 5 3 35/8 33/32 357/64 4
1
†3 /2 IF 4 2 37/8 33/8 329/32 41/64
†31/2 H-90 31/2 2 37/8 331/64 315/16 41/8
†4 FH 4 2 43/8 39/16 411/64 49/32
†4 H-90 31/2 2 41/8 313/16 45/16 41/2
†NC 44 4 2 43/8 357/64 433/64 45/8
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†41/2 Reg. 5 3 41/8 319/32 433/64 45/8

1
†4 /2 FH 5 3 37/8 353/64 411/16 451/64
1
†4 /2 H-90 31/2 2 43/8 47/64 441/64 453/64
1
43/8 47/64 423/32 453/64
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†4 /2 XH, EH 4 2
†5 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 421/64 459/64 57/64
†41/2 IF 4 2 43/8 433/64 59/64 51/4
†51/2 H-90 31/2 2 45/8 439/64 53/16 53/8
†51/2 Reg. 4 3 45/8 423/64 513/32 533/64
†51/2 FH 4 2 47/8 51/64 523/32 553/64
†NC 56 4 3 47/8 421/64 523/32 57/8
5
†6 /8 Reg. 4 2 47/8 511/64 57/8 6
5
†6 /8 H-90 31/2 2 47/8 53/16 513/16 6
†51/2 IF 4 2 47/8 537/64 69/32 625/64
†NC 61 4 3 53/8 53/32 69/32 67/16
†7 H-90 31/2 3 53/8 55/32 65/16 61/2
†65/8 FH 4 2 47/8 515/16 641/64 63/4
†75/8 Reg. 4 3 51/8 523/32 657/64 7
†NC 70 4 3 57/8 527/32 75/32 75/16
5
†7 /8 H-90 31/2 3 6 57
5 /64 13
7 /64 25
7 /64
5
†6 /8 IF 4 2 47/8 641/64 711/32 729/64
†85/8 Reg. 4 3 51/4 641/64 727/32 761/64
†NC 77 4 3 63/8 613/32 727/32 8
†85/8 H-90 31/2 3 61/2 641/64 85/64 817/64
Low Torque Face
†See page 96 for interchangeable connections.

*See page 69 for low torque face details.
102 Drill Collar
Dimensional Identification of Pin Connections

(Not for Machining Purposes)
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
purchased by Smith with customized chemistries to
assure that they will have the hardenability neces-
sary to heat treat to desired mechanical properties
for each product.
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.
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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-
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lurgical change to the welded area. Any metallurgi-

cal change induced by welding in the field will
reduce the benefits of customizing purchases and
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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
5
SECTION FIVE
om HEVI-WATE姞
DRILL PIPE
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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 30 1/2 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:
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An approximate weight of 41/2 in. OD drill

pipe is 16.60 lb/ft; 4 1/2 in. Hevi-Wate drill pipe
weighs approximately 41 lb/ft. As another
comparison, 6 1/2 in. OD, 2 1/4 in. ID drill collars
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weigh 100 lb/ft.

Example:
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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
Using Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe for Bit Weight on Small Rigs

Hevi-Wate drill pipe, run in compression for bit
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.
· 31/2 in. Hevi-Wate pipe — maximum vertical
hole 7 in.
The ease in handling saves both rig time and
trip time (see Figure Nos. 63 and 64). A long string
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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

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elevators to handle on
the rig.
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No safety clamp is required

and regular drill pipe slips
are used.
Figure No. 63
Stands back in the rack like

regular drill pipe.
Wear pad reduces the wear on

center section of drill pipe.
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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
bounce and vibrations of the drill collars, that are
transmitted up to the bottom joint of drill pipe.
When drill pipe is subjected to compressive

buckling these stress concentrations are much
more severe. Many drillers periodically move the
bottom joint of drill pipe to a location higher up in
the drill pipe string. Moving these joints to other
drill string locations does not remove the cumula-
tive fatigue damage that has been done, and may
or may not prolong the time until failure will occur.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe is an intermediate-weight
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
thickness for drill collars. Hevi-Wate drill pipe pro-
vides a graduated change in stiffness between the
limber drill pipe above and the rigid drill collars
below. This graduated change in stiffness reduces
the likelihood of drill pipe fatigue failures when
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
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Hevi-Wate drill pipe above the drill collars definitely

reduces drill pipe fatigue failures. Hevi-Wate drill
pipe’s heavy-wall design, long tool joints and long
center upset section resist the high-stress concentra-
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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
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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.
(18 joints or more)

Hevi-Wate drill pipe
IB stabilizer
Additional drill collar
Drill collar
Hydra-shock®
IB stabilizer
(Integral Blade)
Short drill collar

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Near bit
IB stabilizer
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3-Point Borrox
reamer
Figure No. 65
USING HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE IN

DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
Excessive drill collar connection failures result
from collars bending as they rotate through
doglegs and hole angle changes.
Drill collars lay to the low side of high-angle
holes. This results in:
· Increased rotary torque.
· Increased possibility of differential sticking.
· Increased vertical drag.
· Excessive wall friction that creates rolling action
and affects directional control.
Rotating big, stiff collars through doglegs,
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
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changes.
Hevi-Wate drill pipe design offers less wall
contact area between the pipe and hole wall
which results in:
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· Less rotary torque.

· Less chance of differential sticking.
· Less vertical drag.
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· Better directional control.
Hevi-Wate
Drill pipe
IB stabilizer
Spiral drill collar
Hydra-Shock®
IB stabilizer
(Integral Blade)
Short drill collar

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Near bit
IB stabilizer
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Figure No. 66
Capacity and Displacement Table —

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe
Capacity Displacement
Nominal Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL Gal BBL
Size per per per per per per per per
(in.) Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft Joint* Joint* 100 ft 100 ft
31/2xx 6.36 .151 21.2 .505 10.44 .248 34.78 .828
4 8.21 .195 27.4 .652 13.40 .319 44.66 1.063
41/2 9.48 .226 31.6 .753 18.34 .437 61.12 1.455
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
*Capacity and displacement per joint numbers are based on

30 ft shoulder to shoulder joints.
xx
With 21/4 in. ID.
Capacity — The volume of fluid necessary to fill
the ID of the Hevi-Wate drill pipe.
Displacement — The volume of fluid displaced
by the Hevi-Wate drill pipe run in open ended
(metal displacement only).
Dimensional Data Range II

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Tube Mechanical
Properties
Nominal Tube Tube
Dimension Section
Wall Tor-
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Nom. Thick- Center Elevator Tensile sional

Size ID ness Area Upset Upset Yield Yield
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in2) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb)
31/2 21/4 .625 5.645 4 35/8 310,475 18,460
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9 1
4 2 /16 .719 7.410 4 /2 41/8 407,550 27,635
41/2 23/4 .875 9.965 5 45/8 548,075 40,715
5 3 1.000 12.566 51/2 51/8 691,185 56,495
51/2 33/8 1.063 14.812 6 511/16 814,660 74,140
5 1 1
6 /8 4 /2 1.063 18.567 7 /8 63/4 1,021,185 118,845
Tool Joint Approx.

Weight
[Including
Mechanical Tube &
Properties Joints (lb)]
Nom. Connection Tensile Torsional Makeup
Size Size OD ID Yield Yield Wt/ Wt/ Torque
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb) ft Jt. (ft-lb)
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
41/2 NC 46 (4 IF) 61/4 27/8 1,024,500 38,800 41.1 1,265 21,800
5 NC 50 (41/2 IF) 65/8 31/16 1,266,000 51,375 50.1 1,543 29,200
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
See page 123 for metric conversions.
Dimensional Data Range III

Tube Mechanical
Properties
Nominal Tube Tube
Dimension Section
Wall Tor-
Nom. Thick- Center Elevator Tensile sional
Size ID ness Area Upset Upset Yield Yield
2
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in ) (in.) (in.) (lb) (ft-lb)
41/2 23/4 .875 9.965 5 45/8 548,075 40,715
5 3 1.000 12.566 51/2 51/8 691,185 56,495
Tool Joint Approx.

Weight
[Including
Mechanical Tube &
Properties Joints (lb)]
Nom. Connection Tensile Torsional Makeup
Size Size OD ID Yield Yield Wt/ Wt/Jt. Torque
(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
1 5
5 NC 50 (4 /2 IF) 6 /8 31/16 1,266,000 51,375 48.5 2,130 29,200
See page 123 for metric conversions.
TAPERED DRILL STRINGS

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The ratios of I/C or section moduli between drill

collars and Hevi-Wate drill pipe or drill pipe should
be considered to prevent fatigue damage to these
members. Experience has indicated that these mem-
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bers perform best when this ratio is less than 5.5.

Tapered drill collar strings are often necessary to
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maintain an acceptable ratio.

The chart on the next page is based on main-
taining an acceptable I/C ratio between Hevi-Wate
drill pipe and the drill collars directly below.
Example of chart use for 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm)
Hevi-Wate drill pipe:
1. For Directional Holes

a. Enter chart from bottom at 4 1/2 in. (114.3 mm)
Hevi-Wate drill pipe and proceed upward to
the “suggested upper limit for directional
holes” curve. Read to the left the maximum
drill collar size.
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size =
7 3/4 in. (196.9 mm) OD x standard bore.
2. For Straight Holes

the “suggested upper limit for straight holes”
curve. Read to the left the maximum drill
collar size.
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size =
7 1/4 in. (184.2 mm) OD x standard bore.
Suggested upper limit

81/4 for directional holes
81/2
73/4
71/2
71/4 Suggested upper limit

for straight holes
Drill collar OD (in.)
7 /2
1
63/4
61/2
61/4
61/2
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

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and/or Hard Formations)

the “suggested upper limit for severe condi-
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tions” curve. Read to the left the maximum

drill collar size.
b. Suggested maximum drill collar size = 61/2 in.
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(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.
6
SECTION SIX
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JOINTS
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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
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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
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is caused by leaking fluid, careless handling, thread

wear or galling, and swelled boxes due to outside
diameter wear.
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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
pin and box connections. It is preferable to use a

good grade of zinc thread compound that contains
no more than 0.3% sulfur. (A thread compound
containing 40 to 60% by weight of finely powdered
metallic zinc is recommended in API RP 7G.)
Proper initial makeup is probably the most
important factor effecting the life of the tool joint
connections. Here are some recommendations
to follow:
1. Proper makeup torque is determined by the
connection type, size, OD and ID, and may be
found in torque tables (see pages 130 and 131).
2. Make up connections slowly, preferably using
chain tongs. (High-speed kelly spinners or the
spinning chain used on initial makeup can
cause galling of the threads.)
3. Tong them up to the predetermined torque using
a properly working torque gage to measure the
required line pull (see page 41).
4. Stagger breaks on each trip so that each con-
nection can be checked, redoped and made up
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every second or third trip, depending on the

length of drill pipe and size of rig.
A new string of drill pipe deserves good surface
handling equipment and tools. Check slips and mas-
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ter bushings before damage occurs to the tube (see

the IADC Drilling Manual for correct measurement).
Do not stop the downward movement of the
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drill string with the slips. This can cause crushing

or necking down of the drill pipe tube. The drill
pipe can also be damaged by allowing the slips to
ride the pipe on trips out of the hole.
Good rig practices will help eliminate time con-
suming trips in the future, looking for washouts
or fishing for drill pipe lost in the hole. For more
information refer to the IADC Drilling Manual.
Tool Joints 119
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR MARKING

ON TOOL JOINTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF
DRILL STRING COMPONENTS
Company, Month Welded, Year Welded,
Pipe Manufacturer and Drill Pipe Grade Symbols
to be Stencilled at Base of Pin. Sample Markings:
1 2 3 4 5
D 9 99 V E
1 — Company
2 — Month welded
9 = September
3 — Year welded
99 = 1999
4 — Pipe manufacturers
V = Vallourec
5 — Drill pipe grade
E = Grade E drill pipe
Month Year
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1 through 12 Last two digits of year
Pipe Manufacturers (Pipe Mills or Processors) Symbols

Pipe Mill Symbol
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Active
Algoma ........................................................... X
British Steel Seamless Tubes LTD ..................... B
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Dalmine S.P.A. ................................................ D

Falck ............................................................... F
Kawasaki ........................................................ H
Nippon ............................................................. I
NKK ................................................................ K
Mannesmann .................................................. M
Reynolds Aluminum ...................................... RA
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
120 Tool Joints
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
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.
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Tool Joints 121
Figure No. 67
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Figure No. 68
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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
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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.
122 Tool Joints
RECOMMENDED IDENTIFICATION GROOVE

AND MARKING OF DRILL PIPE
Note:
1. Standard weight Grade E drill pipe designated
by an asterisk (*see page 123) in the drill pipe
weight code table will have no groove or milled
slot for identification. The API identification for
Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured
after January 1, 1995, is a milled slot only begin-
ning 1/2 in. from the intersection of the 18° taper
and the tool joint OD. The API identification for
Grade E heavy-weight drill pipe manufactured
before January 1, 1995, was a milled slot only
in the center of the tong space. ISO marking is
per the before January 1, 1995, style.
2. See API Recommended Practice RP 7G for
depth of grooves and slots.
3. Stencil grade code symbol and weight code num-
ber corresponding to grade and weight of pipe
in milled slot of pin. Stencil with 1/4 in. (6.4 mm)
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high characters so marking may be read with

drill pipe hanging in elevators.
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Tool Joints 123
Drill Pipe Weight Code

1 2 3 4
OD Nominal Wall Weight
Size Weight Thickness Code
(in.) (lb/ft) (in.) Number
4.85 .190 1
23/8
6.65* .280 2
6.85 .217 1
27/8
10.40* .362 2
9.50 .254 1
31/2 13.30* .368 2
15.50 .449 3
11.85 .262 1
41/2 14.00* .330 2
15.70 .380 3
13.75 .271 1
16.60* .337 2
20.00 .430 3
41/2 22.82 .500 4
24.66 .550 5
25.50 .575 6
16.25 .296 1
51/2 19.50* .362 2
25.60 .500 3
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19.20 .304 1
51/2 21.90* .361 2
24.70 .415 3
65/8 25.20* .330 2
*Designates standard weight for drill pipe size.
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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.
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124 Tool Joints
Standard Weight Grade E Drill Pipe
Figure No. 69
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Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe

API Before January 1, 1995
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(page 122)
Figure No. 70
LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7).
Tool Joints 125
Standard Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe

(page 122)
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Figure No. 71
Heavy-Weight High-Strength Drill Pipe

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(page 122)
Figure No. 72
LPB = Pin tong space length (see API Spec. 7).
126 Tool Joints
Heavy-Weight Grade E Drill Pipe

API After January 1, 1995
See Note 2
(page 122)
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Figure No. 73
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Tool Joints 127
Standard Weight Grade X Drill Pipe

See Note 2
(page 122)
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Figure No. 74
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Heavy-Weight Grade X Drill Pipe

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See Note 2
(page 122)
Figure No. 75
128 Tool Joints
Standard Weight Grade G Drill Pipe

See Note 2
(page 122)
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Figure No. 76
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Heavy-Weight Grade G Drill Pipe

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See Note 2
(page 122)
Figure No. 77
Tool Joints 129
Standard Weight Grade S Drill Pipe

See Note 2
(page 122)
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Figure No. 78
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Heavy-Weight Grade S Drill Pipe

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See Note 2
(page 122)
Figure No. 79
130 Tool Joints
Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums

New
Drill
Pipe Type Box Pin Makeup
Size Connection OD ID Torque
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (ft-lb)
NC 26 (IF) 33/8 13/4 4,125
OH 31/4 13/4 3,783
OH 31/8 2 2,716
23/8 SL H-90 31/4 2 3,077
WO 33/8 2 2,586
PAC 27/8 13/8 2,813
27/8 SH (NC 26) 33/8 13/4 4,125
OH 33/4 27/16 3,336
OH 37/8 25/32 5,264
SL H-90 37/8 27/16 4,579
SL H-90 37/8 25/32 6,777
27/8 PAC 31/8 11/2 3,443
WO 41/8 27/16 4,318
XH 41/4 17/8 7,969
NC 31 (IF) 41/8 2 1/8 7,122
NC 31 (IF) 41/8 2 7,918
NC 31 (IF) 43/8 15/8 10,167
1
3 /2 SH (NC 31) 41/8 21/8 7,122
SL H-90 45/8 3 7,590
SL H-90 45/8 211/16 11,142
OH 43/4 3 7,218
OH 43/4 211/16 10,387
NC 38 (WO) 43/4 3 7,688
NC 38 (IF) 43/4 211/16 10,864
31/2 NC 38 (IF) 5 29/16 12,196
NC 38 (IF) 5 27/16 13,328
NC 38 (IF) 5 21/8 15,909
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 29/16 16,656
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NC 40 (4 FH) 53/8 27/16 17,958

NC 40 (4 FH) 51/2 21/4 19,766
SH (3 1/2 XH) 45/8 29/16 9,102
OH 51/4 315/32 13,186
OH 51/2 31/4 16,320
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 213/16 14,092
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NC 40 (4 FH) 51/4 211/16 15,404

NC 40 (4 FH) 51/2 27/16 18,068
NC 40 (4 FH) 51/2 27/16 18,068
NC 46 (WO) 53/4 37/16 17,285
NC 46 (IF) 6 31/4 20,175
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NC 46 (IF) 6 3 23,538
4 NC 46 (IF) 6 3 23,538
NC 46 (IF) 6 31/4 20,175
NC 46 (IF) 6 3 23,538
NC 46 (IF) 6 25/8 26,983
NC 46 (IF) 6 27/8 25,118
OH 57/8 33/4 16,346
FH 6 3 20,868
FH 6 23/4 23,843
FH 6 21/2 26,559
NC 46 (XH) 61/4 31/4 20,396
NC 46 (XH) 61/4 3 23,795
NC 46 (XH) 61/4 23/4 26,923
NC 46 (XH) 61/4 21/2 29,778
41/2 NC 50 (IF) 63/8 33/4 22,606
NC 50 (IF) 63/8 33/4 22,606
NC 50 (IF) 63/8 35/8 24,741
NC 50 (IF) 63/8 31/2 26,804
NC 50 (IF) 65/8 27/8 36,398
NC 50 (XH) 63/8 33/4 22,606
NC 50 (XH) 63/8 31/2 26,804
NC 50 (XH) 61/2 31/4 30,868
NC 50 (XH) 61/2 3 34,191
5 NC 50 (XH) 65/8 23/4 38,044
51/2 FH 7 31/2 37,742
51/2 FH 71/4 31/2 43,490
51/2 FH 71/4 31/4 47,230
FH 7 4 33,560
FH 7 33/4 37,742
51/2 FH 71/4 31/2 43,490
FH 71/2 3 52,302
Note:
*1. The use of Outside Diameters (OD) smaller than those
listed in the table may be acceptable on Slim-Hole (SH)
tool joints due to special service requirements.
Tool Joints 131
Torque Chart Drill Pipe Tool Joint Recommended Minimums

Used
(Box Outside Diameters Do Not Represent Tool Joint Inspection Class)
Box Makeup Box Makeup Box Makeup
OD Torque OD Torque OD Torque
(in.) (ft-lb) (in.) (ft-lb) (in.) (ft-lb)
31/4 3,005 33/16 2,467 35/32 2,204
31/16 2,216 31/32 1,967 231/32 1,600
3 1,723 231/32 1,481 215/16 1,244
231/32 1,998 231/32 1,998 231/32 1,998
31/16 1,994 3 1,500 231/32 1,300
225/32 2,455 223/32 2,055 221/32 1,667
33/8 4,125 5
3 /16 3,558 31/4 3,005
31/2 3,282 37/16 2,794 313/32 2,481
319/32 4,410 317/32 3,752 315/32 3,109
317/32 3,767 317/32 3,767 37/16 2,666
319/32 4,529 317/32 3,770 315/32 3,029
31/8 3,443 31/16 3,427 231/32 2,801
35/8 3,216 39/16 2,500 317/32 2,200
323/32 4,357 321/32 3,664 35/8 3,324
311/16 3,154 321/32 2,804 321/32 2,804
329/32 5,723 313/16 4,597 33/4 3,867
41/16 7,694 331/32 6,500 37/8 5,345
4 6,893 329/32 5,726 327/32 4,969
43/16 5,521 41/8 4,491 43/32 3,984
43/8 8,742 49/32 7,107 47/32 6,045
49/32 5,340 47/32 4,600 45/32 3,700
43/8 7,000 45/16 6,000 41/4 4,868
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
421/32 9,875 49/16 8,300 415/32 6,769
423/32 10,957 45/8 9,348 417/32 7,785
415/16 11,363 413/16 9,017 43/4 7,877
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5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444

53/32 14,419 415/16 11,363 427/32 9,595
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
51/32 8,800 431/32 7,500 429/32 6,200
413/16 9,017 423/32 7,300 421/32 6,200
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415/16 11,363 413/16 9,017 43/4 7,877

5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444
5 12,569 47/8 10,179 425/32 8,444
57/32 7,827 55/32 6,476 55/32 6,476
55/16 9,937 57/32 7,827 53/16 7,157
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57/16 12,813 55/16 9,937 51/4 8,535

515/32 13,547 53/8 11,363 59/32 9,228
59/32 9,228 53/16 7,147 55/32 6,476
59/16 15,787 57/16 12,813 53/8 11,363
55/8 17,311 51/2 14,288 513/32 12,080
55/8 17,311 51/2 14,288 513/32 12,080
515/32 12,300 53/8 10,375 55/16 8,600
53/8 12,125 59/32 10,066 53/16 8,071
59/16 16,391 57/16 13,523 511/32 11,418
55/8 17,861 515/32 14,214 53/8 12,125
513/32 12,080 55/16 9,937 51/4 8,535
519/32 16,546 515/32 13,554 53/8 11,363
525/32 21,230 55/8 17,311 51/2 14,281
523/32 19,626 59/16 15,787 515/32 13,554
529/32 16,626 525/32 13,239 523/32 11,571
523/32 11,571 521/32 9,955 519/32 8,365
513/16 14,082 523/32 11,571 521/32 9,955
515/16 17,497 527/32 14,933 53/4 12,415
67/32 25,547 61/16 21,018 515/16 17,497
57/8 15,776 525/32 13,239 511/16 10,773
61/32 20,120 529/32 16,626 513/16 14,082
63/32 21,914 531/32 18,346 527/32 14,933
63/16 24,645 61/32 20,127 515/16 17,497
69/32 27,429 61/8 22,818 6 19,244
621/32 25,474 61/2 20,205 613/32 17,118
623/32 27,619 69/16 22,294 15
6 /32 19,147
615/16 35,446 63/4 28,737 65/8 24,413
617/32 21,238 67/16 18,146 611/32 15,086
65/8 24,412 61/2 20,205 613/32 17,118
625/32 29,828 65/8 24,412 617/32 21,238
71/32 38,892 627/32 32,031 611/16 26,560
2. Makeup torque is based on the use of 40 to 60% by weight

of finely powdered metallic zinc, applied to all threads
and shoulders.
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
allowing us to reprint this information.
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7
SECTION SEVEN
om KELLYS
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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

Figure No. 80 Figure No. 81
Kelly Lengths
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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.
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End Connections
Square Kellys
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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
5 3
**6 6 /8 Reg. — 7 /4 — 6 5/8 FH 73/4
**6 in. square kelly not API.
136 Kellys
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
31/2 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 NC 31 41/8
41/4 65/8 Reg. 41/2 Reg. 73/4 53/4 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

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Figure No. 82
API Max. Across Across

Nom. Bore Flats Corner Radius Radius
Size A B C R* Rc
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
21/2 11/4 21/2 3.250 5
/16 15/8
3 13/4 3 3.875 3
/8 115/16
31/2 21/4 31/2 4.437 1
/2 27/32
1 13 1 1
4 /4 2 /16 4 /4 5.500 /2 23/4
51/4 31/4 51/4 6.750 5
/8 33/8
**6 31/2 6 7.625 3
/4 313/16
** Corner configuration at manufacturer’s option.

** 6 in. square kelly not API.
Kellys 137
Square Kellys
Figure No. 83
Hexagon
API Kellys
Max. Across Across
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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
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41/4 21/4 41/4 4.781 5

/16 225/64
51/4 31/4 51/4 5.900 3
/8 261/64
1 3
6 3 /2 6 6.812 /8 313/32
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* Corner configuration at manufacturer’s option.
HOW TO BREAK IN A NEW KELLY

When Picking Up a New Kelly
Before picking up a new kelly, check your kelly
bushing. The rollers, pins or bearings may need
replacing to return the drive assembly to like new
status. Also check the bushing body for journal
area wear and body spreading. A loose fitting drive
unit can badly damage a new kelly on the first well
drilled. Remember to lubricate kelly drive surfaces.
Check Wear Pattern on Corners of Kelly

The major cause for a kelly to wear out is the
rounding off of the drive corners. This rate of wear
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
138 Kellys
on the kelly’s corners usually indicates a loose fit

between the two.
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.
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Maximum Wear Pattern Width for New Kellys with New

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Drive Assembly (in.)

Figure No. 84
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Figure No. 85
Kellys 139
New kelly with new drive assembly. The drive

edge will have a wide flat pattern with a small
contact angle.
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
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kelly near the roller center.

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Figure No. 87
Worn kelly with worn drive assembly. The

drive edge is a curvature with a high contact angle.
Inspection
At regular intervals, have the kelly’s threaded connec-
tions checked by your Drilco inspector. Remember
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
140 Kellys
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
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
round sections. We do not recommend welding
on the hexagonal or square surfaces of the kelly.
Remachine Drive Surfaces

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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
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remachined kelly. The bore diameter of your

kelly must be small enough to allow enough
wall thickness for remachining. Ask your
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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.
8
SECTION EIGHT
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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 uti-
lizes several types of nondestructive testing
(NDT) methods to inspect these primary areas for
potential problems. Visual (VT), magnetic particle
(MT), liquid penetrant (PT), ultrasonic (UT) and
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electromagnetic (ET) testing methods are all uti-

lized for efficiency and detection capabilities.
When inspecting the threaded connections on
drill collars, Hevi-Wate, stabilizers, reamers, hole
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openers, kellys, as well as other downhole drilling

tools, the primary NDT method of inspection is the
magnetic particle inspection method. This com-
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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
magnet (see Figure No. 88). If the notch is narrow,

the magnetized particles will form a bridge between
the poles. Cracks in threaded connections or in other
locations behave the same way when magnetized.
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Particle
buildup
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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. 89
Inspection 145
Proper maintenance and inspection of downhole

tools begins with proper cleaning. The threaded
areas are cleaned by a wire brush adapted to an
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
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All connections are magnetized with DC mag-

netizing coils utilizing the continuous method of
particle application. The continuous method pro-
vides for magnetizing the part to be inspected at
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the same time of magnetic particle application,

thus ensuring proper magnetization and superior
defect detection (see Figure No. 91). Magnetic
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particles are attracted to any cracks present by

the principle shown in Figure No. 88.
Figure No. 91
146 Inspection
Using ultraviolet light, the inspector’s experi-

enced eye detects any build up of magnetic particles
in the thread roots of the pin connection (see Figure
No. 92). A magnifying mirror enables the inspector
to look into the thread roots of the box connection.
Figure No. 92
If a crack indication is found, the inspector polishes

it with a soft fibrous wheel to verify the presence of a
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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
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blacklight to verify that the indication is a crack.

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Figure No. 93
Inspection 147
As part of the inspection record, the drill collar ser-

ial number, tally length, OD and ID are noted. Also
connection size and type, field repairs made, and
number of connections inspected are recorded. Joints
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.
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Figure No. 94
Drill Pipe Inspection

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The Drilcolog姠 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. 95
148 Inspection
Ultrasonic End Area Inspection

Ultrasonic techniques may be used to inspect the
slip areas and other high-stress areas of the drill
pipe tube (see Figure No. 96). These high-stress
areas, located in the 36 in. section of tube nearest
either tool joint, are areas of major concern when
inspecting drill pipe. Smith’s ultrasonic equipment
can locate internal fatigue cracks and washed areas
before they become problems.
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Figure No. 96
OTHER SERVICES AND SPECIFICATIONS

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In addition to the specific services shown above,

other types of drilling tools, rig hoisting equipment
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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-
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.
Inspection 149
SHOULDER REFACING
The Smith portable, electric powered shoulder
refacing tools are designed to repair minor shoul-
der connection damage in the field (see Figure
No. 97). Drill collar and drill pipe shoulder faces
are smoothed with adhesive-backed emery paper,
leaving a surface that is flat and smooth. Many
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.
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Figure No. 97
150 Inspection
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).
Figure No. 98
The adhesive-backed refacing discs are easy to

apply and replace (see Figure No. 99).
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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.
Inspection 151
Figure No. 100
Care should be taken in removing only the min-

imum amount of material. When making field
repairs, operators should be skilled and understand
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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
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more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) cumulatively (see API

Recommended Practice RP 7G, current edition).
Note: Portable equipment used to repair
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threaded connections in the field will not restore

the product within the tolerances of a new part.
152 Inspection
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.
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Figure No. 101

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After completion of the inspection and repair

operation, a rust preventative is applied to all con-
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nections on tools that are to be stored before the

next use (see Figure No. 102). On tools that are to
be used immediately, an API thread compound is
applied to the threads and shoulders (see Figure
No. 103).
Figure No. 102
Inspection 153
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 hand-
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ling copper sulfate solution. Always pour acid

into water. Mix the solution in an area with eye
wash fountain, or where large amounts of water
are available for flushing, in case solution comes
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in contact with any part of the body.
HOW TO USE YOUR TOOL

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JOINT IDENTIFIER
1. With the thread form, determine the number
of threads per inch in the pin or box (see Figure
No. 104). On the scale, threads per inch are indi-
cated by the number following the type of joint.
Figure No. 104
154 Inspection
2. On pins without a relief-groove or turned cylin-

drical diameter, caliper diameter at base (see
Figure No. 105).
Figure No. 105

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3. To measure tapered diameter of pins with relief-

grooves or cylindrical diameters, ask someone
to hold two straight edges against threads and
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caliper at shoulder as shown (see Figure No. 106).

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Figure No. 106
Inspection 155
4. On identifier scale, find the type of joint which

corresponds to the pin base diameter measured
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.
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Figure No. 107
5. To find the type of box, hold the end of the

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scale marked box to mouth of counterbore, as

shown, and read the nearest size and type of
joint having corresponding number of threads
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per inch (see Figure No. 108).
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
customer’s operating personnel in field mainte-
nance and defect prevention.
Special compact and light-weight equipment
allows travel to offshore and remote locations
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Figure No. 109
9
SECTION NINE
ROTATING
DRILLING HEADS
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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
drilling 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
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drilling heads are diverters and that you must

never use them as a blowout preventer.
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Figure No. 110
APPLICATIONS
Air and Gas Drilling
Air and gas drilling were the first applications for
rotating drilling heads. Typically, air and gas
drilling are used in very hard formations and for-
mations 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
· Reduced formation damage.

· Fewer wellbore problems such as lost circulation
and sloughing of sensitive shales.
· Immediate indication of zone productivity.
· Reduced mud cost.
Underbalanced Drilling
Underbalanced drilling is where the hydrostatic pres-
sure created by the drilling fluid column is less than
the formation pressure. Benefits of underbalanced
drilling include:
· Reduced formation damage.
· Accurate and immediate evaluation of
well potential.
· Improved production rates.
· Increased penetration rates.
· Reduction in drilling problems associated
with pressure depleted zones such as stuck
pipe and lost circulation.
· Reduced drilling time and costs.
Flow Drilling
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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:
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· Horizontal wells with fractured formations.

· Preventing damage to producing formation(s).
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· Preventing plugging of fractures while drilling

and well completion.
· Reducing drilling time and costs.
Geothermal Drilling
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
diverted from the rig floor for safety. Rotating
drilling heads specifically designed for geothermal
drilling typically have two sealing elements (strip-
per rubbers). The upper stripper rubber seals
around the kelly while drilling and the drill pipe
and tool joints when tripping in and out of the
hole. The lower stripper rubber has a larger ID to
allow sealing around the larger drill stem compo-
nents such as drill collars.
System Components
The Smith Services rotating drilling head consists
of five major components (see Figure No. 111).
(1) (a) Bowl with integral inlet and outlet flanges
or (b) body with separate spool having inlet
and outlet flanges.
(2) Stripper rubber.
(3) Drive ring and bearing assembly .
(4) Drive bushing assembly with kelly drive
bushing and clamp.
(5) Lubricator system (not shown).
Drive bushing
Stripper rubber
Bearing assembly
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Bowl
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Figure No. 111 (RDH 2500)
Bowl Assembly with Integral Inlet and Outlet Flanges

(Models 7068 and 7368)
The bowl assembly installs on top of the BOP stack
and below the rotary table. The bowl is stationary
and has a clamp assembly that locks the drive
ring and bearing assembly firmly to the body.
Body Assembly with Separate Spool Having Inlet and Outlet

Flanges (Models DHS 1400, 8068 and RDH 2500)
The spool is installed on top of the BOP and the body
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
of the drive bushing or molded integral with the
assembly. The purpose of the stripper rubber is to
provide a seal around the kelly as it is rotated and to
seal around the drill pipe while tripping in and out of
the hole. It is easily changed by opening the clamp
and lifting the drive bushing assembly (and stripper
rubber) out of the bowl. Stripper rubbers are avail-
able in different elastomer compounds for the vari-
ous drilling environments such as high temperatures
and oil-base muds.
Stripper Rubber Elastomer Compound Selection

Oil-Base Oil-Base
Mud Mud Steam
Compound Cold Below Above or Hot
Type Air Water 140°F 140°F Water
Natural
rubber Good Best Poor Poor Fair
Butyl Good Good Poor Poor Best
Urethane Best Good Best Poor Poor
Nitrile Good Good Good Best Poor
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Drive Ring and Bearing Assembly

The drive ring and bearing assembly supports the
torsional and axial loads on the rotating drilling head
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and also provides low torque rotation. The bearing

assembly consists of two heavy-duty tapered roller
bearings, an upper and lower. The bearing assembly
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is sealed to keep contaminants out of the bearings

while at the same time retaining the lubricating oil
around the bearings.
Drive Bushing Assembly

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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Standard Rotating Drilling Heads
DHS 1400 Drilling Head: The drive bushing and
stripper rubber are retrievable through a 171/2 in.
rotary. The sealed bearing assembly is retrievable
through a 221/2 in. rotary table. It can be used
with single or dual rotating stripper rubbers. The
hydraulic accumulator operates on rig air supply.
Model DHS 1400 Drilling Head

Maximum speed ................................ 150 rpm
Through bore of wellhead adapter assembly
11 in. - 3/5,000 ............................... 111/4 in.
135/8 in. - 5,000 .............................. 135/8 in.
Through bore standard ................................ 14
Overall heights
Std. 135/8 in. - 3/5,000 inlet spool
with no outlet ................................ 341/2 in.
Std. 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4
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in.
Std. 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 501/4 in.
Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
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with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ......... 421/16 in.

Short 135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 403/4 in.
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Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet

with 7 in. casing thread outlet ........ 393/4 in.
Short 11 in. - 3/5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet .......... 393/4 in.
Rotating test pressure ........................... 600 psi
Model 7068: On this model the body is integral

with the spool and has a side outlet and a lower
flange for mounting on BOP. The drive bushing/
stripper rubber assembly will pass through 171/2 in.
rotary table. The 11 in. size is available in a “shorty”
version when space is limited beneath the rotary
table. It is available with single or dual rotating
stripper rubbers.
Model 7068
Height
Lower Maximum Side w/Stand. w/Short
Size Flange Bore Outlet Bushing Bushing
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
11 11 - 3,000/5,000 111/4 71/16 - 2,000 36 297/8
Combination
11 11 - 3,000/5,000 113/4 7 Threaded 243/4
Shorty Combination (Male)
135/8 135/8 - 3,000 14 71/16 - 2,000 36 297/8
5 5 5
13 /8 13 /8 - 5,000 13 /8 9 - 2,000 38 317/8
Notes:
1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in.
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.
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(Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4

in. on special order.) Other sizes available upon request.
Model 7368: This model also has a body that is

integral with the spool and has a side outlet and a
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lower flange for mounting on the BOP. It has the

same basic design features of larger models and is
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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.
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.)
Model 7368
Model 8068: On this model, the body does not
have an integral side outlet or mounting flange.
It is attached by clamping dogs to a spool with
flanges for 135/8, 16 and 20 in. BOPs. The drive
bushing/stripper rubber assembly passes through
a 171/2 in. rotary table. The rotating drilling head
passes through a 271/2 in. rotary table. It can be
used with mudline casing suspension systems
when attached to a 30 in. mounting flange. It is
available with single or dual stripper rubbers.
Height
Lower Maximum Side w/Stand. w/Short
Size Flange Bore Outlet Bushing Bushing
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
163/4 163/4 - 2,000 163/4 9 - 3,000 423/4 365/8
203/4 203/4 - 2,000/3,000 203/4 9 - 3,000 423/4 365/8
30 None* 283/32 None** 253/4 195/8
30 - 36 None* 269/32 None** 253/4 195/8
**Mounting flange welded directly to conductor pipe.

**Installed on conductor pipe.
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Notes:
1. Kelly bushings are available in 31/2 in. hex or square, 41/4 in.
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.
(Stationary casing stripper rubbers from 65/8 through 103/4 in.
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on special order.) Other sizes available upon request.

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Model 8068
SPECIAL ROTATING DRILLING HEADS

Geothermal Well Drilling Head: This drilling
head incorporates two stripper rubbers — upper
rubber rotates with the kelly and seals around the
drill pipe and tool joints as connections are made
stripping in and out of the hole. The lower stripper
rubber seals on the large diameter string compo-
nents such as drill collars. The body is equipped
with a port for water injection to cool and lubri-
cate the stripper rubbers and exposed seals while
stripping in and out. The elastomer components
are formulated for high-temperature service.
Model RDH 2500 High-Pressure Drilling Head:
Rated at 2,500 psi rotating test pressure. This rating
is for the body and seals only and does not
include the stripper rubber. In actual field use
there are many variables which can affect the life
and pressure capability of the stripper rubber. For
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example, if the drilling head and BOP are mis-

aligned with the rig, the performance of the strip-
per rubber is adversely affected. Other factors such
as high temperature, higher pressures, etc., also
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adversely affect the life of the stripper rubber. The

stripper rubber is a special mechanically energized
stripper rubber. The bearing chamber is sealed
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with low-pressure seals against atmospheric pres-

sure. There is a separate high-pressure seal assem-
bly to contain wellbore pressure.
Note: This product, regardless of pressure rat-

ing, is a diverter and not a blowout preventor.
The high-pressure seal assembly contains a redun-

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
hydraulic skid unit to supply low-pressure circulat-
ing lubrication to the bearings, and a separate
lubrication system to supply high-pressure lubri-
cation to the high-pressure seals. The high-pressure
lubricant system maintains hydraulic pressure at a
slightly higher pressure than the wellbore to prop-
erly 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
if either electrical or air supply is interrupted.
There is no electrical wiring required beneath
the rig floor.
Maximum speed ................................ 150 rpm
Model RDH 2500
Through bore -ofHigh-Pressure
wellhead Drilling Head
adapter assembly ................................ 133/8
Through bore of drilling
head assembly .......................................... 9
Through bore of stripper rubber .................... 6
Maximum OD .......................................... 271/4
Overall heights
135/8 in. - 3,000 inlet spool
with no outlet ..................................... 531/2
135/8 in. - 5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ................575/8
11 in. - 5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 577/8
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7 /16 in. - 5,000 inlet
with 71/16 in. - 2/3,000 outlet ............... 587/8
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Rotating test pressure ........................ 2,500 psi

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Alignment: Stack alignment is critical to the

performance and life of the rotating drilling head
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bearings and stripper rubber. Check alignment by

slowly lowering the kelly until kelly bushing
engages the drive bushing in the rotating head.
The kelly drive bushing should go into the drive
bushing freely without having to force the kelly
sideways. If the kelly drive bushing does not freely
engage into the drive bushing of the rotating
Flange
Nominal Size “Old” Nominal
and Pressure Size and Series Dia. Bolt
Rating Service OD Thickness Circle
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.)
71/16 x 2,000 6 x 600 14 23/16 111/2
71/16 x 3,000 6 x 900 15 21/2 121/2
71/16 x 5,000 6 x 1,500 151/2 35/8 121/2
71/16 x 10,000 187/8 41/16 157/8
1 1
9 x 2,000 8 x 600 16 /2 2 /2 133/4
9 x 3,000 8 x 900 181/2 213/16 151/2
9 x 5,000 8 x 1,500 19 41/16 151/2
9 x 10,000 213/4 47/8 183/4
13
11 x 2,000 10 x 600 20 2 /16 17
11 x 3,000 10 x 900 211/2 31/16 181/2
11 x 5,000 10 x 1,500 23 411/16 19
* 10 x 2,900 203/4 511/16 163/4
11 x 10,000 253/4 59/16 221/4
135/8 x 2,000 12 x 600 22 215/16 191/4
135/8 x 3,000 12 x 900 24 37/16 21
135/8 x 5,000 261/2 47/16 231/4
135/8 x 10,000 301/4 65/8 261/2
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163/4 x 2,000 16 x 600 27 35/16 233/4

163/4 x 3,000 16 x 900 273/4 315/16 241/4
163/4 x 5,000 303/8 51/8 265/8
3 5 5
16 /4 x 10,000 34 /16 6 /8 309/16
211/4 x 2,000 20 x 600 32 37/8 281/2
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203/4 x 3,000 20 x 900 333/4 43/4 291/2

211/4 x 5,000 39 71/8 347/8
1 1
21 /4 x 10,000 45 9 /2 401/4
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* Not a current API size.
Bolts API Ring

Bolt Bolt
Bolt Dia. Length
Quantity (in.) (in.) Ring No.
12 1 7 45
12 11/8 8 45
12 13/8 103/4 46
12 11/2 111/4 BX 156
12 11/8 8 49
12 13/8 9 49
12 15/8 12 50
16 11/2 13 BX 157
16 11/4 83/4 53
16 13/8 91/2 53
12 17/8 133/4 54
12 2 161/2 91
16 13/4 15 BX 158
20 11/4 9 57
20 13/8 101/4 57
16 15/8 121/2 BX 160
20 17/8 171/4 BX 159
20 11/2 101/4 65
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20 15/8 113/4 66
16 17/8 141/2 BX 162
24 17/8 171/2 BX 162
24 15/8 113/4 73
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20 2 141/2 74
24 2 183/4 BX 165
24 21/2 241/2 BX 165
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Notes
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10
SECTION TEN
om ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
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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
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Drilling Contractor, May and June 1970). In this

article, the author summarizes a study conducted
by Standard Oil Co. which examines the cause
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of downhole drilling equipment failures. This

detailed examination attempts to determine if
there are any deficiencies in steel or fabrication
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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
“How to Drill a Usable Hole” by Gerald E. Wilson,

Publication No. 39 (reprinted from World Oil,
September 1976). This brochure of pictures and
examples explains how to control hole deviation,
reasons holes become crooked and problems that
can result.
“Drilling Straight Holes in Crooked Hole
Country” Publication No. 59. These tables will
permit you to predict the effect on hole inclina-
tion, changes in weight, drill collar size and the
use of stabilizers.
“Using Large Drill Collars Successfully” by Doyle
Brinegar and Sam Crews, Publication No. 21
(reprinted from Journal of Petroleum Technology,
August 1970). Article discusses use of large drill
collars in the 9 to 11 in. size range.
“How to Bridge Drill Pipes’ Zone of Destruction”
by Charlie Miller, Publication No. 72 (reprinted
from Drilling DCW Magazine, June 1973). The
author explains the major causes of twistoffs and
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washouts in the drill string, and offers solutions

for correcting the problem — namely Drilco’s
Hevi-Wate drill pipe.
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“Heavy-Wall Drill Pipe A Key Member of the Drill

Stem” by Morris E. Rowe, Publication No. 45,
September 1976, discusses currently available
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drilling technologies utilizing heavy-wall drill pipe,

and attempts to solve fatigue failure problems.
“Bit Stabilization Effective Method to Prolong Bit
Life” by G.M. Purswell, Publication No. 50 (reprinted
from Oilweek, December 1967), recognizes that bit
stabilization is an effective method for prolonging
rock bit life and obtaining greater penetration rates.
Purswell points out that stabilization “forces the bit
to rotate around its own center.” Numerous config-
urations of semi-packed or packed bottom-hole
assemblies are reviewed and discussed as to their
application for bit stabilization.
“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.
Additional Information 175
“Predicting Bottomhole Assembly Performance”

by J.S. Williamson and A. Lubinski, Publication
No. 98 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14764 from IADC/SPE
Drilling Conference, February 1986). This paper dis-
cusses a computer program for the prediction of
bottom-hole assembly performance. Input parame-
ters include: formation dip, hole and collar size,
stabilizer spacing, etc. Output may be hole curva-
ture, hole angle or WOB.
“An Engineering Approach to Stabilization
Selection” by G.K. McKown and J.S. Williamson,
Publication No. 99 (reprinted IADC/SPE 14766
from IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, February
1986). This paper discusses a means of selecting
stabilizers based on applications and drilling con-
ditions. Experimental wear data and computer
analyses of the effects of stabilizer design on
bottom-hole assembly performance are offered.
“Degassing of Drilling Fluids” by Walter E.
Liljestrand, Publication No. 43 (reprinted from
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Oil & Gas Journal, February 1980). The purpose

of this paper is to broadly cover the subject of
degassing. It outlines the problems and discusses
the steps that must be taken to remove the gas.
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There are several ways to take each step because

there are different types of degassers shown, yet
each can do the job. Some examples of mud
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problems are also shown.

“A User’s Guide to Drill String Hardfacing” by
J. Steve Williamson and Jim B. Bolton, Publication
No. 100 (reprinted from Petroleum Engineering
International, September 1983). This paper dis-
cusses drill string hardfacings, welding processes
and important metallurgical variables involved. The
importance of proper tungsten carbide selection is
emphasized. Experimental results are discussed
for casing wear by hardfacings and for hardfacing
wear resistance. Guidelines are given for hardfac-
ing selection based on tests and field experience.
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
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.
“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.
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When ordering publications from Smith, please

indicate the publication number you are interested
in and address your request to:
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Smith International
Reader Service Dept.
P.O. Box 60068
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Houston, TX 77205-0068
Or call your Smith representative.
11
SECTION ELEVEN
om INDEX
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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
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BENDING STRENGTH RATIO

Guides for evaluating drill collar OD,
ID and connection combinations ........... 78
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BHA
Bottom-hole assemblies ............................ 1
Conclusion ............................................... 22
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Downhole vibrations ................................ 22

Factors to consider when designing
a packed hole assembly ........................ 10
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
BHA continued
Packed hole assembly - wall
support and length of contact tool ......... 12
Packed hole theory ................................... 9
Packed pendulum ..................................... 20
Pendulum theory ...................................... 8
Problems associated with doglegs
and key seats ........................................ 6
Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5
Reduced bit weights ................................. 21
Stabilizing tools ........................................ 15
Total hole angle ........................................ 5
BIT
Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32
Bit stabilization - parallel misalignment ..... 32
Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31
Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31
using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit
weight on small rigs .......................... 106
BOX
Dimensional identification of drill
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collar box connections .......................... 100

BREAK IN
How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137
BUOYANCY
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Buoyancy effect of drill collars in mud ...... 70
C
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CAPACITY
Capacity and displacement table -
Hevi-Wate drill pipe .............................. 112
COLLARS
Hookups used to make up drill
collar connections ................................. 43
Packed hole assembly - stiffness of
drill collars ........................................... 11
Stress Relief .............................................. 68
CONNECTIONS
Anti-gall protection ................................... 67
Dimensional identification of
box connections .................................... 100
pin connections .................................... 101
Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor -
tension, compression and neutral zone .. 71
Facts about cold working .......................... 66
Using the connection selection charts ....... 78
Index 181
CONNECTIONS continued
Preventing pin and box failures in
downhole tools ..................................... 76
Rotary shouldered connection
interchange list ..................................... 96
Torque chart drill pipe tool joint
recommended minimums ...................... 130
CROOKED HOLES
Medium and severe crooked hole country
in hard to medium-hard formations ....... 19
Mild, medium and severe crooked
hole country in hard to
medium-hard formations .................... 17
hole country in medium-hard to
soft formations .................................. 19
Packed hole assembly - medium
Packed hole assembly - mild
Packed hole assembly - mild, medium
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and severe crooked hole country ........... 14

Packed hole assembly - severe
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D
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
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Differential pressure sticking of

drill pipe and drill collars ...................... 27
DIMENSIONAL DATA
Hexagon kellys ......................................... 136
Square kellys ............................................ 136
DOGLEGS
and key seats ........................................ 6
DOWNHOLE TOOLS
downhole tools ..................................... 76
DRILL COLLAR
Anti-gall protection ................................... 67
Automatic torque control system ............... 51
Buoyancy effects of drill collars in mud ..... 70
box connections .................................... 100
pin connections .................................... 101
Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37
182 Index
DRILL COLLARS continued

Drill collar failures .................................... 77
Drill collar weights [kg/m] ....................... 75
Drill collar weights [lb/ft] ......................... 73
Ezy-Torq hydraulic cathead ....................... 52
Facts about cold working .......................... 66
collar connections .................................. 43
How does the ATCS help .......................... 52
How to apply and measure
makeup torque ...................................... 51
How to figure the drill collar makeup
torque needed ....................................... 41
How to use the connection
selection charts ..................................... 78
Hydraulic line pull devices ........................ 52
Hydraulic load cells .................................. 51
Know field shop work .............................. 66
Low torque faces ...................................... 69
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Minimum permissible bottom-hole drill

collar outside diameter formula ............. 4
Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97
Picking up drill collars .............................. 38
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Pipe - drill pipe - drill collar safety factor -

tension, compression, neutral zone ........ 71
Recommended minimum drill collar
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makeup torque [ft-lb] ............................ 54

makeup torque [kg-m] .......................... 58
makeup torque [N·m] ........................... 62
Refacing a drill collar shoulder .................. 149
Rig catheads ............................................. 51
Rig maintenance ...................................... 41
Slip and elevator recesses ......................... 69
Special drill collars ................................... 68
Stress relief .............................................. 68
Torque Control ......................................... 39
Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72
Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................ 74
DRILL PIPE
Dimensional data - range II
Dimensional data - range III
Hevi-Wate drill pipe ............................... 113
Index 183
DRILL PIPE continued

Dimensional identification -
heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 124
heavy-weight grade E drill pipe ............. 126
heavy-weight grade G drill pipe ............. 128
heavy-weight grade S drill pipe ............. 129
heavy-weight grade X drill pipe ............. 127
heavy-weight, high-strength drill pipe .... 125
standard weight grade E drill pipe ......... 124
standard weight grade G drill pipe ......... 128
standard weight grade S drill pipe ......... 129
standard weight grade X drill pipe ......... 127
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standard weight, high-strength
drill pipe ........................................... 125
Pipe mill codes to be stencilled at
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base of pin ............................................ 119

Pipe weight code ...................................... 123
Recommended identification groove
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and marking of drill pipe ....................... 122

Recommended practice for marking on
tool joints for identification of drill
string components ............................. 119
Straight hole drilling ................................. 2
Tapered drill strings .................................. 113
Tool joints ................................................ 117
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for
bit weight on small rigs ......................... 106
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in
directional drilling ................................. 110
the transition zone between the
drill collars and drill pipe ................... 107
What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105
F
FIELD INSPECTION
Systematic field inspection ........................ 143
184 Index
FORMATIONS
Medium and severe crooked hole
country in hard to medium-
hard formations ................................. 19
hole country in hard to medium-
hard formations ................................. 17
hole country in medium-hard
to soft formations .............................. 19
G
GRADE CODE
Pipe grade codes to be stencilled
at base of tool joint pin ......................... 120
H
HEVI-WATE DRILL PIPE
range II Hevi-Wate drill pipe .................. 112
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Dimensional data - range III

Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe for bit
weight on small rigs .............................. 106
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directional drilling ................................. 110
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the
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transition zone between the

drill collars and the drill pipe ............. 107
What is Hevi-Wate drill pipe ..................... 105
HEXAGON KELLYS
Dimensional data ..................................... 136
HOLE
Rate of hole angle change ......................... 5
Total hole angle ........................................ 5
I
IDENTIFICATION
heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124
standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124
standard weight, high-strength
drill pipe ........................................... 125
Index 185
IDENTIFICATION continued
Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at
base of tool joint pin ............................. 120
Recommended practice for marking
on tool joints for identification of
drill string components ...................... 119
IDENTIFIER
How to use the tool joint identifier ........... 152
INFORMATION
Additional technical information ............... 173
INSPECTION
International inspection services ............... 155
INTERCHANGE LIST
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K
KELLYS
Hexagon kellys - dimensional data ............ 136
How to break in a new kelly ..................... 137
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New kellys - measurements ...................... 136

Square kellys - dimensional data ............... 136
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What can you do with that old kelly ......... 140

KEY SEATS
and key seats ........................................ 6
M
MAINTENANCE
Drill collar care and maintenance ............. 37
If you have an epidemic of drill
collar failures that you can't explain ...... 77
downhole tools ..................................... 76
Rig maintenance of drill collars ................. 41
MAKEUP
Hookups used to make up
drill collar connections .......................... 43
186 Index
MAKEUP continued
How to apply and measure
makeup torque ...................................... 51
How to figure the drill collar
makeup torque needed .......................... 41
Initial makeup of new drill collars ............. 39
and marking of drill pipe ..................... 122
makeup torque [N·m]............................ 62
Recommended practice for marking on
tool joints for identification of
Rig Catheads ............................................ 51
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MATERIAL
Material and welding precautions for
downhole tools ..................................... 102
MEASUREMENTS
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New kelly measurements .......................... 136

MILL CODES
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P
PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLY
Clearance between wall of hole
and stabilizers ....................................... 11
Considerations when designing a
packed hole assembly .......................... 10
Length of tool assembly ............................ 10
Medium crooked hole country .................. 13
Mild crooked hole country ........................ 12
hole country ......................................... 14
Severe crooked hole country ..................... 14
Stiffness of drill collars ............................. 11
Wall support and length of
contact tool ........................................... 12
PACKED HOLE THEORY ...................................... 9
PACKED PENDULUM .......................................... 20
PARALLEL MISALIGNMENT
PENDULUM THEORY .......................................... 8
Index 187
PIN
Dimensional identification of drill collar
pin connections .................................... 101
PUBLICATIONS
Additional technical information ............... 173
R
REFACING
ROTATING DRILLING HEADS
Air drilling ............................................... 159
API ring joint flange data .......................... 168
Applications ............................................. 159
Body assembly ......................................... 161
Bowl assembly ......................................... 161
Drive bushing assembly ............................ 162
Drive ring and bearing assembly ............... 162
Flow drilling ............................................. 160
Gas drilling .............................................. 159
Geothermal drilling .................................. 160
Geothermal model .................................... 166
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Lubricator system ..................................... 162

Model 7068 .............................................. 164
Model 7368 .............................................. 164
Model 8068 .............................................. 165
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Model DHS 1400 ...................................... 163

Model RDH 2500 - high-pressure
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drilling head ......................................... 166

Stack alignment ........................................ 167
Standard heads ........................................ 163
Stripper rubber ......................................... 162
System components .................................. 161
Underbalanced drilling ............................. 160
RSC
S
SERVICES
International inspection services ............... 156
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Improve hole opener performance
using a vibration dampener
and stabilizers ................................ 23
SHOP WORK
SHOULDER REFACING
188 Index
SLIP
Slip and elevator recesses on
drill collars ........................................... 69
SPIRAL
Spiral drill collars ..................................... 68
SQUARE KELLY
Dimensional data ..................................... 136
STABILIZATION
Bit stabilization - angular misalignment .... 32
Bit stabilization pays off ........................... 31
Bottom-hole assemblies - stabilization ....... 15
medium and severe crooked hole
country in hard to medium-
hard formations .............................. 19
hole country in hard to
medium-hard formations .................... 17
hole country in medium-hard
to soft formations .............................. 19
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Packed hole assembly - clearance

between wall of hole and stabilizers ...... 11
Stabilization improves bit performance ..... 31
STIFFNESS
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Packed hole assembly - stiffness

of drill collars ....................................... 11
STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING ................................. 2
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STRESS RELIEF
Stress relief of drill collar connections ....... 68
SYSTEMATIC FIELD INSPECTION ............................ 143
T
TAPERED DRILL STRINGS .................................... 113
TENSION
Drill pipe and drill collar safety factor -
tension, compression and neutral zone .. 71
THREAD FORMS
Oilfield thread forms ................................ 97
TOOL JOINT IDENTIFIER .................................... 153
TOOL JOINTS ................................................... 117
heavy-weight, grade E drill pipe ............ 124
standard weight, grade E drill pipe ........ 124
Dimensional identification - standard
weight, high-strength drill pipe ................. 125
Pipe grade codes to be stencilled at
base of tool joint pin .......................... 120
Index 189
TOOL JOINTS continued

Pipe weight code ...................................... 123
Recommended practice for marking
on tool joints for identification of
TORQUE
Apply and measure makeup torque .......... 51
collar connections ................................. 43
How to figure the drill collar makeup
torque needed ....................................... 41
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makeup torque [N·m] ........................... 62

Rig catheads ............................................. 51
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Torque control - drill collars ...................... 39
TRANSITION ZONE
Using Hevi-Wate drill pipe in the
transition zone between drill
collars and drill pipe .......................... 107
V
VIBRATION DAMPENERS
Improve hole opener performance using
a vibration dampener and stabilizers ..... 23
W
WEIGHTS
Drill collar weight [kg/m] ......................... 75
Drill collar weight [lb/ft] .......................... 73
Weight of 31 ft drill collar [lb] ................... 72
Weight of 9.4 m drill collar [kg] ................
74
190 Index
Notes
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P.O. Box 60068 · Houston, Texas 77205-0068

U.S. and Canada: 800-US SMITH
Tel: 281-443-3370 · Fax: 281-233-5121
www.smith.com
© 2006 Smith International, Inc. All rights reserved.

SS-03-0031 10M 06/06 Litho in U.S.A. (SSI613)

Drilling Assembly Handbook Smith

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Drilling Assembly Handbook Smith

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

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

T he following are marks of Smith International, Inc.:

It summarizes proven drilling techniques

If there are any questions about the

The Field Operations, Sales,

HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK

Today the bottom-hole assembly serves several

· Prevent doglegs and key seats.

· Minimize drilling problems.

STRAIGHT HOLE DRILLING

Another factor to consider is the bending char-

bit, the only force acting on the bit is the result of

In a straight hole drilling contract, many of the

straight hole at high rates of penetration and avoid

select a location so that the well may be allowed to

the well will drift in a certain direction up-structure,

Arthur Lubinski and Henry Woods (research engi-

Minimum drill collar size = 2 (269.9 mm) - 311.2 mm

Minimum permissible drill collar OD = 2

WHY RESTRICT TOTAL HOLE ANGLE?

WHY RESTRICT RATE OF HOLE ANGLE CHANGE?

Lubinski pointed out in his work in the early 1960s

Dogleg Key seat

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH

avoided while drilling the hole, then the hole will

severe dogleg condition which produces fatigue

Point A; but as the pipe is rotated, Point A moves

build up rapidly and failure of the pipe is likely. It

If the stress endurance limit of the drill pipe is

Sticking can occur by sloughing or heaving of the

Casing Wear While Drilling

HOW DO WE CONTROL HOLE ANGLE?

on a rock bit when drilling in an inclined hole. In

1. The bit is like a ball and socket joint, free to turn,

Height to point of tangency

3. The reaction of the formation to these loads may

These tables also show the proper placement of a

These tables or graphs may be obtained from your

No. 59 (see page 174 for details).

Packed Hole Theory

will develop. This should create a useful hole with

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING

Length of Tool Assembly

that a single stabilizer just above the bit generally

collars above will cause the bit to push to one side

16 in. (406.4 mm) under the same load.

51/4 21/4 29 63/4 21/4 100 9 213/16 318

Large diameter drill collars will help provide the

In some areas, wear on contact tools and clearance

Wall Support and the Length of Contact Tool

PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLIES

ability of the formations to be drilled in each partic-

Crooked hole drilling tendencies:

Mild Crooked Hole Country

collar between Zone 1 and Zone 2. When rough

Mild Crooked Hole Country (Minimal Assembly)

Zone 3 String stabilizer

Medium Crooked Hole Country

A packed hole assembly for medium crooked hole

provide increased stabilization of the bit and add

Medium Crooked Hole Country