Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors

Module – 2
Drill String Design
& BHA Selection

Section – 2
Drill String Design
 REFERENCES

• API RP 7G Drill Stem Design and Operating

Limits
• API SPEC 7 Specifications for Rotary Drilling
Elements
• API SPEC 5D Specifications for Drill Pipe
• SLB Drill String Design manual
• TH Hill DS-1 Drill String Design
• WCP Recommendations for BHA Design to
Minimize Bending Stress
 API RP 7G

• Table 1-3 New Pipe Data

• Table 4-5 Premium Pipe Data
• Table 6-7 Class Two Pipe Data
• Table 8 Tool-joint Data
• Table 10 Make-up Torque Data
• Table 13 DC Weight, 14 M/U Torque
• Fig 26-32 Drill Collar BSR Data
 Functions of the Drill String

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

Transmit and support axial loads - WOB

Transmit and support torsional loads - rpm

Transmit hydraulics to clean the hole and cool the bit.

The Drill String includes all tubular equipment between the Swivel and
the bit: Kelly, Surface Safety Valves, DP, HWDP, DC, Jars, Shock Subs,
Bumper Subs, Junk Baskets, Accelerators etc…
 Mechanical Properties of Steel

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

Strain & stretch: Strain = Stretch divided by original length

Young Modulus : E = Stress divided by Strain = 30,000,000 psi

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

Minimum Yield Stress:
The stress which gives a strain of 0.5% (0.005”). When the stress is removed, the
steel will have acquired 0.2% of permanent deformation.

Ultimate Tensile Stress
The max stress on the curve, very close to the stress which will break the steel
 Stress
Steel is an elastic material, up to a limit. If a tensile load is applied to steel (STRESS),
the steel with stretch (STRAIN). If you double the load, you will double the amount the
steel stretches.
Stress is defined as load ÷ cross section area. Units are usually Pounds per Square
Inch. Stress is usually given the symbol σ (Greek symbol Sigma).

Pull Harder (more stress)!!! But it will stretch more (more strain)!!!
 Stress - example
• If a new 5” drill pipe has a cross
sectional area of 5.2746 square
inches and it supports a load of
100,000 lbs, what is the Stress
in the pipe?

Stress = Load ÷ Area

Stress = 100,000 ÷ 5.2746

Stress = 18,960 psi
• If a new 3.5” drill pipe has a
cross sectional area of 4.3037
square inches and it supports a
load of 100,000 lbs, what is the
Stress in the pipe?

Stress = Load ÷ Area

Stress = 100,000 ÷ 4.3037

Stress = 23,235 psi
 Strain

Strain is defined as the amount of stretch ÷ the original length. Strain does
not have any units, being a ratio. Strain is usually given the symbol Ε (Greek
symbol Epsilon).
Strain can be due to applied stress or it can be due to the thermal expansion.

 Original Length  ---------------- Stretch ----------------- 

 Strain - example
• A drill string is 10,000 ft long and is • A drill string is 5,000 ft long and is
stuck in the hole. The pipe is marked stuck in the hole. The pipe is
with chalk at the rotary table. After marked with chalk at the rotary
pulling up on the pipe, another mark table. After pulling up on the pipe,
is made on the pipe. The marks are 2 another mark is made on the pipe.
feet apart. What is the strain? The marks are 2 feet apart. What is
the strain?

• Strain = Stretch ÷ Original Length • Strain = Stretch ÷ Original Length

• Strain = 2 ÷ 10,000 • Strain = 2 ÷ 5,000
• Strain = 0.0002 • Strain = 0.0004
 Stress-Strain relationship

Hooke’s Law states that “Within the Elastic

Limit, Stress is proportional to Strain”

If Stress ∝ Strain, then Stress ÷ Strain

must be a constant.

This constant is called Young’s Modulus

of Elasticity. The Greek symbol Ε
(Epsilon) is used to denote Young's
Modulus.

Ε for Steel = 30,000,000 psi

(30 x 106 psi)
Ε for Aluminum = 10,500,000 psi
(10.5 x 106 psi)
 Young's Modulus - example
• A pipe of 5 in2 cross section area is
stuck. After over-pulling 100,000 lbs a
stretch of 5’ is noted. How deep is the
stuck point?
• Stress = 20,000 psi
• Strain = 20,000 ÷ 30,000,000
• = 0.00067
• Strain = 5 ÷ original length
• so original length = 5 ÷ 0.00067
• = 7,463’
• A pipe of 4.5 in2 cross section area is
stuck. After over-pulling 100,000 lbs a
stretch of 5’ is noted. How deep is the
stuck point?
• Stress = 22,222 psi
• Strain = 22,222 ÷ 30,000,000
• = 0.00074
• Strain = 5 ÷ original length
• so original length = 5 ÷ 0.00074
• = 6750’
 Stress - Strain graph (elastic limit)

Graph showing Stress (PSI) vs Strain

At D; Ultimate Tensile
Strength reached
120000 D

100000 C
E
80000 B
At E; material fails
From B; region of plastic
60000 behaviour (permanant
deformation)
40000
A to B; region of
20000 elastic behaviour
(reversible)
A
0
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01
 Mechanical Properties of Steel

120

Yp (ASTM method)
Yp (API method) Uy
100
Elastic Limit

80

Stress
σ (ksi) 60

Proportional
Limit

40

20

0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.22 0.24

Strain
ε (in/in)
 Yield Strength / Tensile Strength

• Yield Strength: is the level at which the material changes

from predominately elastic to predominately plastic strain
behavior. Unit for this measure is PSI.

• Tensile Strength: is the highest stress level a material

achieves before it breaks. The unit for this measure is Lbs.
 Design Factor

DF = Rating /Applied Load

• Used for casing and tubing design and for Drill String
Design
• DF < 1.0 ⇒ Failure may or may not occur

Note: not to be confused with Safety Factor

– SF = Failure Load/Applied Load
– SF < 1 ⇒ Failure is imminent
 Design Considerations

Tension

Torsional Strength

Burst

Collapse

Biaxial collapse and Torsion

Buoyancy

Axial Loads

Buckling
 Pipe Ratings - Tension

DP tube Tensile Rating is given by:

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

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

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

0.096167* J *Yp
Q=
OD
where J is the polar moment of inertia:
π
J= (OD4 − ID4 )
32
The results can be found in API RP7G Table 2, 4 & 6

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

Tool joints Yield formula is much more complex

 Pipe Ratings - Burst

DP tube Burst Rating is given by Barlows formula:

2 *Yp * t
PBurst = 0.875*
OD
where Yp is Min Yield Strength, OD and ID are nominal diameters
and t is the thickness

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

 Pipe Ratings - Collapse

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

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

Derivations can be found in API RP7G Appendix A and yield the

results found in Table 3, 5 & 7

One major assumption to use the tables is that

the pipe is under no axial load
 Pipe Ratings of Used Pipe

The strength of DP is determined by the strength of the weakest

point, thus the “worst case” has been assumed for calculating
tensile, torsional, burst and collapse resistance of DP

For calculating tensile and torsional ratings of used DP, it must be

assumed that the ID has its nominal value and that all the wear has
taken place uniformly on the outside of the pipe

For calculating burst and collapse ratings of used DP, it must be

assumed that the OD has its nominal value and that all the wear has
taken place uniformly on the inside of the pipe
 Exercise - Ratings

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

Torsional Rating (Torsional Yield Strength)

Tensile Rating: (Min Tensile Yield Strength)

Burst Rating: (Min Internal Yield Pressure)

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

 Pipe Ratings – Biaxial Collapse

When the string is in tension, the Collapse rating is further de-rated:

PBiaxialCollapse
=K < 1
PNonimalCollapse

PBiaxialCollapse 4 − 3Z 2 − Z
=
PNominal Collapse 2
AxialLoad
Z=
0.7854(OD2 − ID2 ) *YpAverage
Notes:

The use of the Average Yield Stress not minimum

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

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

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

• For OD and ID, use Table 1 RP-7G

• For Avg Yp Use Table in section 12.8 RP 7G

Grade YpAvg
E 85,000
X 110,000
G 120,000
S 145,000
 Pipe Ratings – Biaxial Torsion

• Simultaneous torsion reduces DP tube tensile capacity and vice versa.

• When back reaming, pulling on stuck pipe or fishing, high magnitude
combined tension and torsion on the drill pipe may occur.
• DP Torsional Yield Strength under tension is given by:

0.096167* J T2
Q= * Yp − 2
2

D A

where T is the total tension applied

This value may, or may not, be lower than the Tool-Joint

Torsional Yield strength
 Buoyancy

Buoyancy is the weight of the displaced fluid

Buoyancy is usually accounted for via BF

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

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

Buoyancy is creating a force acting at the bottom of the drill string

and placing the lower portion of the drill string in compression and
reducing the hook load by HP x CSA
 Exercise - Buoyancy

We are running open ended DCs:

9” x 3” – 192ppf
The fluid in the well is 14 ppg
The depth is 10000 ft

• What is the hook load with BF?

• What is the hook load with Archimedes principle?
• What is the hook load with Pressure Area Force?
 Buoyancy

What happens if the fluids inside and outside are different?

What happens if the well is deviated?

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

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

• The buoyancy factor can only be used to determine the Axial Load on surface
provided the fluids inside and outside are the same.
• The pressure-area approach is the preferred technique used to determine the
axial tension or compressive load at any point in a tubular string. Free body
diagrams (FBD) are constructed for that purpose.
• The FBD is constructed by simply drawing a sketch of the physical system and
identifying all of the loads that are applied to the tubular. These loads are
then summed and set equal to zero (since the system is static).
 Bending Strength

Joint Flexing
Tension

Compression
 Buckling

A tube subjected to a load will bend

Bent is a condition in which the bending

increases proportionally with load

When a little increase in load will result in

large displacements, the tube is said to be
buckling

The tube may not necessarily be yielded as

buckling does not necessarily occur
plastically

The load which produces buckling is called

the Critical Buckling Load
Neutral Point (Vertical Hole)

Neutral point is the point where the

drill string transitions from tension
to compression

Needs to be kept in the BHA

Drill Collars and HWDP
picked up to ensure enough
weight is available
Neutral Point (Inclined Hole)

• For an inclined hole the

inclination has to be taken
into account.

• For a well at 45° only 71% of

BHA weight is available in air.
 The Principles

Forces acting on a Bit in an inclined hole

(for a string rotating off bottom).
θ

Available weight:
W = w x L x BF x cos (θ θ)
where:
θ is the hole inclination in degrees
W is the available weight of the DCs
w is weight per unit length
L is the length of DCs below the Tangent
Available weight BF is the buoyancy factor

BF = 1-(MW/65.5) (for mud weight in ppg)

 Neutral Point (NP)

In deviated wells

• Available WOB = (Buoyed BHA Weight) x cos (inclination)

Available WOB x DF
• BHA Weight in air =
BF x cos (α)

where DF = Design Factor (usually DF = 10 - 20%)

 Neutral Point (NP)

Example:
Hole Size: 12 ¼ “
Well Inclination: 45°
Mud Density: 11 ppg
Required WOB : 40,000 lbs
Use a design factor of 10%

How many DC’s (8 ¼ ”, 160 lbs/ft) this BHA will require?

If the number of DC’s is limited to 6, how many HWDP should be
added to the string? (HW= 5”, 49.7 lbs/ft)
 Neutral Point - answer

• cos(45) = 0.707
8 ¼” DC are 5120 lb/32ft

• BF for 11ppg = 0.831
5” HWDP are 1540 lb/31ft

Required BHAair WT = (40000 x 1.1)÷(0.831 x 0.707)

= 74982 lbs
Number whole DC = 74982 ÷ 5120
= 15 DC

There are only 6 DC available; how many HWDP are required?

Required BHAair WT = 74982 lbs

6 x DC = 5120 x 6
= 30720 lbs
Amount HWDP = (74982 – 30720) ÷ 1540
= 29 joints of HWDP
 Drill String Design Factors
Tension Design Factor, DFt

Governs maximum allowable tension on the system. SLB DFt is 1.1

Margin of Over Pull MOP, MOP

Desired excess tensile capacity over an above the hanging weight of the
string at Surface. SLB MOP is in the range 50 to 100Klbs

Excess BHA Wt, Dfbha

Amount of BHA in terms of Wt in excess of that used to drill to assure all

compressive and torsional loads are kept in the Drill Collars. SLB Dfbha is 1.15
 Drill String Design Factors
Torsion Design Factor

No Design Factor is required. Tool Joints are made up to 60% of their torsional
capacity, and Tool joints are designed to 80% of the tube Torsion Capacity.
Thus if the design limits to tool joint makeup, there is an adequate design factor
built into the system

Collapse Design Factor, DFc

Tube is de-rated to account for Biaxial Tensile reduction and a design factor of
is used. SLB DFc is 1.1-1.15
 Drill String Design Factors

Burst Design Factor, DFb

Simple burst is used with no allowance for axial effects. SLB DFB is 1.0

Buckling Design Factor, DFB

In Highly deviated wells it is possible to use DP in compression, provided it is not

buckled.
 Drill String Design Process

• Design the Collars

– Max Drill Collar OD which can be handled, fished and drilled with
– Connection Selection
• BSR
• Torque capability
– Excess BHA weight
• WOB
– Stabilization
 Drill String Design Process-2

• Slip Crushing forces on DP

• Over Pull Tensile design at surface
• Lengths of Drill Pipe Sections
• Burst Design Check
• Collapse under stress Design check
 BHA Design

Minimum Drill Collar Weight & Neutral Point

1. DF for excess BHA=1.15

Maximum Available Wt.

Maximum Working Wt.
= 1.15

Neutral Point (NP) to tension should be in drill collars

 BHA Design

Drill Collar Weight & Neutral Point

Tension

Neutral
point

Compression Design
WOB

WOB WOB
 BHA Design

Procedure For Selecting Drill Collars:

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

BF = 1- (MW/65.5)

where
BF =Buoyancy Factor, dimensionless
MW =Mud weight in use, ppg
65.5 =Weight of a gallon of steel, ppg
 BHA Design
Procedure For Selecting Drill Collars:

2. Calculate the required collar length to achieve the desired weight on bit:
DC Length = 1.15* WOB / (BF * Wdc)
where:
WOB=Desired weight on bit , lbf (x 1000)
BF =Buoyancy Factor, dimensionless
W dc =Drill collar weight in air, lb/ft
1.15 =15% safety factor.
The 15% safety factor ensures that the neutral point remains within the
collars when unforeseen forces (bounce, minor deviation and hole friction)
are present.
 BHA Design

Procedure For Selecting Drill Collars:

3. For directional wells:

DC Length = DC Length Vertical / Cos (Inc.)

where: Inc. = Well inclination

Note that for horizontal wells drill collars are not normally used and BHA
selection is based entirely on the prevention of buckling
 Exercise
Number and Size Of Drill Collars

Determine the number of 9 inch OD by 3 inch ID drill collars

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

Where does this place the Neutral Point of Bending?

What if the hole inclination is 30° ?
BHA Design

Sufficient Drill Collar weight should

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

For excess BHA weight, use 15%

Max Available Wt
= 1.15
Max Working Wt
 BHA Design
Procedure For Selecting Drill Collars:

1. Determine the buoyancy factor for the mud weight in use using the
formula:
MW =Mud weight in use, ppg
BF = 1- (MW/65.5) 65.5 =Weight of a gallon of steel, ppg

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

WOB=Desired weight on bit , lbf (x 1000)

DC Length = 1.15* WOB / (BF * Wdc)
Wdc =Drill collar weight in air, lb/ft
DC Length = DC Length Vertical / Cos (I)
1.15 =15% safety factor.
 Bending Stress Ratio

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

Recommended BSR ranges: Traditional BSR Recommended BSR

< 6 inches 2.25 - 2.75 1.8 - 2.5

6 – 7 7/8 inches 2.25 – 2.75 2.25 - 2.75
>/= 8 inches 2.25 – 2.75 2.5- 3.2
 Bending Stress Ratio

High risk of High risk of

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

Weak Weak
Box Pin

1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5

Bending stress ratio

 Stiffness

• The BHA must have sufficient Stiffness to stabilize the BHA,

optimize ROP and prevent the formation of Key Seats, ledges and
doglegs

• The larger the DC, the stiffer the BHA

• Stiffness Coefficient :
= Moment of Inertia x Young’s Modulus of Elasticity
= л (OD4 – ID4) / 64 x 30.000.000
 Stiffness Ratio
• The SR measures the stiffness of a connection in a transition between 2
types of pipe
• Based on field experience, in a transition
from one collar or pipe to another the SR
should not exceed
– 5.5 for routine drilling
– 3.5 for severe or rough drilling

SR =
Zlwr
=
(4
ODupr ODlwr − IDlwr
4
)
(
Zupr ODlwr ODupr − IDupr
4 4
)
Note: Stiffness ratios are calculated using tube ODs &
IDs, not connections.
 Torsion limits for DC

• Torque is rarely limited by the DC connection because it is

usually higher in the DP at surface and lower in the DC.

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

problems.

• BH Torque at any point should not exceed 80% of make-up

torque for the connections in the hole to avoid over tightening
connections which can lead to damage of seals.
 BHA Design Process

Design the Collars

– Max OD DC which can be handled, fished and drilled with
– Excess BHA wt
• WOB
• Buoyancy
• Excess factor
– Connection Selection
• BSR
• Torque capability
– Transition between collars and/or pipes
• SR
– Stabilization and other directional requirements
 Exercise

On a land rig we find the following collars:

9” OD x 3” ID – 6 5/8” FH connection
8” OD x 3” ID – 6 5/8” REG connection
6 ¼” OD x 2 ¼” ID – NC46 connection
Given that we will drill a vertical 12 ¼” hole, with 9.5 ppg mud and 65000 pounds
in a relatively hard formations, what API collar would you recommend?

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

• Check your recommended DCs with your recommended BSR

• What the SR between the DC and 5” DP would be?

• Is it acceptable?
• If not what would you do?
• What would be your final BHA? Length? Buoyed Weight?
 Drill Pipe Selection Principles
• Drill Pipe selection is governed by two major factors:
Size + Weight --- Strength!

• Usually the Drill Pipe with largest OD and ID is preferred

• Less pressure loss in the string
• More hydraulics available at the bit

• The Drill Pipe selection must address the following:

• Drill Pipe must allow to drill to TD
• Drill Pipe must support all weight below it (BHA+DP)
• Drill Pipe must provide Over Pull capacity
• Drill Pipe must withstand slip crushing force
• Drill Pipe must resist burst and collapse loads
• Drill Pipe and tool joints must withstand torsion loads
• Drill Pipe might have to work in H2S environment
 Tension Design

The drill String is not designed according to the minimum yield strength!!!
If DP reaches yield: it can have permanent deformation.

API recommends the use of maximum allowable design load

Tmax = 0.9 x Tyield

Tmax = Max. allowable design load in tension , lb

Tyield = theoretical yield strength from API tables , lb

IPM Defines a tension DF of 1.1 be applied to design loads. These accomplish

the same thing. Do not double dip!
 Tension Design

1. Determine max design load (Tmax) :

(1)
Tmax = 0.9 x Minimum Yield Strength (or /1.1)..lb

2. Calculate total load at surface using

Tsurf =[(Ldp ×Wdp +Ldc ×Wdc )]×BF

(2)

3. Margin of Over Pull (MOP): minimum margin of tension above expected

working load. Margin of Over Pull is normally 50 to 100k. Choice of MOP
should consider: overall drilling conditions, hole drag, likelihood of getting
stuck, slip crushing force, dynamic loading.

MOP = Tmax- Tsurf (3)

 Tension Design

4. The maximum length of Drill Pipe that can be used is obtained by

combining equations 1,2 and 3 and solving for the length of DP

Tyield ×0.9−MOP Wdc

Ldp = − ×Ldc ….(4)

Wdp ×BF Wdp

 Slip Crushing Force

• Slips because of the taper try to crush the Drill Pipe. This hoop
stress is resisted by the tube, and this increases the overall
stress in the steel
2
HoopStress Sh DK  DK 
= 1+ +  
TensileStress St 2Ls  2Ls 
D = Pipe OD (in) ; Ls =Sliplength(in)
ο
K = 1/ tan(y + z) ;y =SlipTaper(9 27 45 ) ' ''

z =ArcTan(µ) ; µ = coeff Friction(0.08for dope)

 Slip Crushing Force

• Generally expressed as a Factor

HoopStress
Workingload* = EquivalentAxialLoad
TensileStress
Horz to Tang Stress Ratio
Sh
HkLoad = TAxial DP SLIP LENGTH
St TUBE 12 in 16 in
2 3/8 1.25 1.18
2 7/8 1.31 1.22
3 1/2 1.39 1.28
4 1.45 1.32
4 1/2 1.52 1.37
5 1.59 1.42
5 1/2 1.66 1.47
6 5/8 1.82 1.59
 Tension Design

• You can only drill as far as you can set pipe in the slips.
• Different than over pull, this is based on working loads

T yield ×0 .9
Sh
ST W dc
Ldp = − ×Ldc
W dp ×BF W dp
 Exercise

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

5” / 19.5 lb/ft Premium G-105 DP with NC50 connections.

Calculate the maximum hole depth that can be drilled ?

Assume BF = 0.85
– Carry out calculations with MOP of 100,000 lb
– Use API - RP7G Tables for the values of Approximate Weight
(Wdp) and for Minimum Yield Strength
 Exercise

A drill string consists of 600 ft of 8 ¼ in x 2-13/16 in drill collars and

the rest is a 5 in, 19.5 lb/ft Grade X-95 drill pipe with NC50
connections. If the required MOP is 100,000 lb and mud weight is
10 ppg, calculate:
1) The maximum depth of hole that can be drilled when using
Premium Drill Pipe. (MOP only)
2) What is the maximum depth that can be drilled, taking into
consideration slip crushing force with 16” slips? To what hook-
load does this correspond? What is the MOP in this case?
3) What if we use 12” slips
 Mixed String Design
Step 1
– If we use different drill pipe, the weaker pipe goes on bottom
and stronger on top
– Apply equation to bottom drill pipe first:

Tyield ×0.9−MOP Wdc

Ldp = − ×Ldc
Wdp Wdp
Step 2

Drill collars and bottom drill pipe act as the weight carried
by top section…effectively the drill collar

Apply the equation for top drill pipe last
 Mixed String Design
• Step 1
– If we use different drill pipe, the weaker pipe goes on
bottom and stronger on top
– Apply equation to bottom drill pipe first

Pt ×0.9−MOP Wdc
Ldp = − ×Ldc
Wdp ×BF Wdp

Step 2

Drill collars and bottom drill pipe act as the weight carried
by top section…effectively the drill collar

Apply the equation for top drill pipe last
 Exercise – Mixed Drill Pipe
An exploration rig has the following grades of drill pipe to be run in a 15,000 ft deep
well :
• Grade E : New 5” OD –19.5 # NC 50
• Grade G : New 5” OD – 19.5# NC 50
It is desired to have an MOP of 50000 lbs on the grade E pipe. The total length and
weight of drill collars plus heavy-walled drill pipe are 984 ft and 101,000 lb
respectively. MW at 15,000 ft = 13.4 ppg.
Calculate :
1. Max. length of E pipe that can be used.
2. Length of G pipe to use.
3. MOP for the G and E pipe.
4. Max weight on slips for the G and E pipe.
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Solution G
13.4 1
( a) BF =1− =0.7954 0
Ldp2
65.5
5

and Tyield ×0.9−MOP Wdc

Ldp = − ×Ldc E Ldp1
Wdp ×BF Wdp

The lightest grade (Grade E) should be used for the bottom part of
the hole, while the highest grade should be used at the topmost LBHA
section. Thus, Grade E will carry the weight of drill collars and
heavy-wall drill pipe. The second term of the equation should
include the combined weight of these items.
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Wdc ×Ldc = weight of DCs + weight of HWDP

=101,000 lb

395,595× 0.9−50,000 101,000

Ldp= −
20.85× 0.7954 20.85
Ldp=13,609 ft
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Slip Crush on top of Grade E

395 ,595 ×0 .9
1 . 42 101,000
Ldp = −
20 .85×0 .7954 20 .85
Ldp = 10 , 275 ft
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

MOP at top Joint of Grade “E”

Weight on the top joint of Grade “E”

10,275 * 20.85 = 214,233 lb Grade “E”
and 101,000 lb BHA
Total Air Weight is 315,233 Lb
Buoyed Weight is 315,233 * 0.7954 = 250,736 Lb

MOP = Tyield * 0 . 9 - Tsurf

= (395 , 595) x 0. 9 - 250 , 736

MOP = 105 , 299

 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Accumulated length of drill string will consist of :

drill collar and heavy-walled drill pipe = 984 ft
Grade E drill pipe = 10,275 ft
Total = 11,259 ft
The top part of the well will consist of Grade G of length
15,000 – 11,259 = 3,741 ft
Check Grade G for suitability
This grade will carry a combined weight
of Grade E + drill collars and heavy-walled drill pipe.
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Assume Slip Crush

Wt Below " G" =10,275×20.85+101,000 G

1 Ldp2
= 315,233 0
5
553 ,833×0 .9
315 , 233 E Ldp1
Ldp = 1 . 42 −
21 .93×0 .7954 21 .93 LBHA
Ldp = 5,749 ft
Hence, under the existing loading conditions, 5,749 ft of
Grade G could be used as a top section. In our example only
3741 ft are required.
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:
Weight on the top joint of Grade G (String Weight)
3741 ft * 21.93 = 82,040 lb Grade “G”
And 315,233 lb Grade “E” and BHA
Total Air Weight is 397,273 Lb
Buoyed Weight is 397,273 * 0.7954=315,991 Lb

MOP = Tyield * 0.9 − Tsurf

Over Pull is limited by the
= 553,833×0.9−315,991 Grade “E”
MOP =182,458
T yield * 0 . 9
Max Slip Load =
1 . 42 ( For 5 in DP )
= 553 , 833 × 0 . 9 / 1 . 42 = 351 , 021 lb
 Exercise on Mixed Drill Pipe – Solution:

Final Design

• BHA 984 Ft long weighing 101,000 lb in air

• Approx 336 joints of Grade “E”. Max length 10263 ft
• Approx 123 joints Grade “G”. Max Length 3752 Ft
• Max Over pull G = 182,458
• Max Over pull E = 105,000 lb (Grade “E” Limited)
• Max Wt in Slips For Grade “G” 351,000 lb
• Max WT in Slips for Grade “E” 250,000 lb
 Exercise - Mixed DP

An exploration rig has the following grades of DP to be run in a 15,000 ft deep

well :
Grade E : New 5” OD –19.5 # NC 50
Grade G : New 5” OD – 19.5# NC 50
It is desired to have an MOP of 50000 lbs on the grade E pipe. The total length and
weight of DCs plus HWDP are 984 ft and 101,000 lb respectively.
MW at 15,000’ = 13.4 ppg. The slips being used are 16” slips.

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

What is the length of G pipe to use?

Check the MOP for the G pipe. Your conclusion?

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

It is planned to use the following assembly:

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

Calculate the Maximum Over pull if I get stuck at TD

 Other Loads

• Collapse under Tension

• Burst
• Other loads not covered here
– Shock Loads
– Bending Loads
– Buckling Loads
– Torsion
– Torsion with Simultaneous Tension
 Biaxial Collapse

• Collapse load is worst when For dry test work where pipe is run
in empty

PBiaxialCollapse 4 − 3Z 2 − Z
=
PNominal Collapse 2
Load
Z=
0.7854(OD2 − ID2 ) *YpAverage

• Note the use of the Average Yield Point not minimum

 Biaxial Collapse

• For nominal Collapse

– Use D/t and correct formula Spec 7G Appendix A 3
– Use the results found in Table 3-6 RP-7G
• For OD and ID, use Table 1 RP-7G
• For Avg Yp Use Table in section 12.8 RP 7G

Grade YpAvg
E 85,000
X 110,000
G 120,000
S 145,000
 Exercise on Collapse

• We are going to dry test a liner lap at 9,000 ft. We will run in with a
packer set in tension with 50,000 lb. We will run the packer in on 5
in 19.5 #/ft Grade E premium grade DP. At the time of the test there
will be nothing inside the drill pipe. The annulus will have 12.0 ppg
mud. What is the collapse load on the bottom joint of DP?

• New 5” Grade E 5” OD, 4.276” ID, Avg Yp= 85,000 psi

 Exercise on Collapse – Solution

• Premium has 80% wall remaining

– Wall will be 0.8*(5-4.276)/2=0.2896
• ID will be 4.276”
• OD will be 4.276+2*0.2896 =4.855”
Load
Z=
0.7854(OD2 − ID2 ) *YpAverage
50,000
Z=
0.7854(4.855 − 4.276 ) *85,000
2 2

Z = 0.1417
 Exercise on Collapse – Solution

PBiaxialCollapse 4 − 3Z − Z
2
=
PNominal Collapse 2
4 − 3* 0.141672 − 0.14167
=
2
PBiaxialCollapse
= 0.922
PNominal Collapse
• Nominal Collapse is 7,041
• Biaxial reduced collapse is 6,489
 Exercise on Collapse – Solution

• Collapse load is 9,000*0.052*12 = 5616 psi

• Design load is 5616*1.15 = 6,458
• De-rated collapse is 6489, so we are ok
• Collapse design factor is 6489/5616 = 1.16

• IPM Specified Collapse design factor is 1.1-1.15

 Burst

• Barlows formula applies

2 *Yp* t
PBurst =
D

• Results are found in Spec 7G Table 3,5 & 7

 Exercise on Burst Load

• Worst load case happens during DST operations in a gas well.

Pressure at surface is BHP- gas gradient with no backup

• In the last example assume we are performing a DST test in the well
at 9000 ft with BHP 200 psi less than the mud wt. What is the burst
DF on the top of the Premium Grade E
 Exercise on Burst Load - Solution

• From last Example 5” 19.5# E Premium

– OD=5, Wall = 0.2896” Yp= 75,000
• Burst = 8688
• BHP= 12*0.052*9,000-200=5,416 psi
• P Surf= 5416-900=4516 psi

• Design factor = 8688/4516=1.92

 Directional Control

• Holes move because of forces at the bit.

– Rotation causes walk or cork-screwing
– Buckling causes side forces
• Puts lateral forces on a bit
– Gravity always provides a downward
force
• deviated wells want to drop angle
 Directional Control

STANDARD BHA CONFIGURATIONS

All wells whether vertical or deviated require careful design

of the BHA to control the direction of the well in order to
achieve the target objectives.
The main means by which directional control is maintained
on a well is by the effective positioning of stabilizers
within the BHA.
 Stabilizers

Reasons for Using Stabilizers:

1. They are used as a fundamental method of controlling the

directional behavior of most BHAs.
2. Help concentrate the weight of the BHA on the bit.
3. Minimize bending and vibrations which cause tool joint
wear and damage to BHA components such as MWDs.
4. Reduce drilling torque by preventing collar contact with the
side of the hole and by keeping them concentric in the hole.
5. Help preventing differential sticking and key seating.
 Stabilizers

Types of Stabilizers & Applications :

1. Replaceable Sleeve - Valuable where logistics are a problem.

2. Welded Blade - Large hole sizes and soft formations

3. Integral blade - Maximum durability, for tough

applications. Most commonly used today.

4. Non-rotating sleeve - Very hard or abrasive formations

5. Roller reamer - Hard formations

 Directional Control

Basic Directional Drilling Control Principles

1. The Fulcrum Principle – is used to build angle ( increase

borehole inclination )

2. The Stabilization Principle – Is used to maintain angle and

direction.

3. The Pendulum Principle – Is used to drop ( reduce ) angle.

 Directional Control
The Fulcrum Principle –

An assembly with a full gauge near bit stabilizer, then 40’ – 120’ of drill collars
before the first string stabilizer, or no string stabilizer at all, will build angle when
WOB is applied.

For example in a 17 ½” hole using 9 ½” DCs if the first string stabilizer is placed at 90
ft from the bit, the assembly can build from 2.0 to 3.5 degrees per 100 ft. Decreasing
the distance will decrease the build rate as follows:

Distance NBS – String Stabilizer Expected build ( deg/100 ft )

60 ft 1.5 – 2.5
45 ft 0.5 – 1.5
30 ft 0.5 – 1.0

Note: In smaller hole sizes using smaller drill collars the expected build rate will be greater.
 Directional Control

Other factors which affect the Build Rate:

•Drilling parameters:

•Increasing WOB will increase BUR

•Increasing rotary speed will decrease the BUR
•Increasing the flow rate in soft formations will decrease the BUR due to washing
tendency.

•Formation type and dip angle of the beds.

•Hole inclination.
 Directional Control
The Stabilization Principle –

If there are three stabilizers placed in the string such that the spacing between
them is short, the BHA will resist going around a curve and will force the bit to
drill in a relatively straight path. The BHAs with this configuration are called
“packed assemblies”

The standard packed assembly is:

Bit – FG NBS – Short DC – FG Stab. – DC – FG Stab – DCs . ….

Other packed assemblies are:

Bit – FG NBS – Short DC – UG Stab. – DC – FG Stab – DC – FG stab.

Bit – FG NBS – FG String Stab - DC – FG Stab. – FG Stab. - DC . ….

 Directional Control
The Pendulum Principle –

Like its name says in a pendulum assembly the bit will try to reach
the vertical due to the pendulum effect. This assembly is designed
by placing a string stabilizer from 15’ to 60 ft from the bit and not
using NBS or using an under gauge NBS.

If the collars between the stabilizer and the bit make contact with
the hole the length of the pendulum will be reduced and if too much
WOB is placed a pendulum assembly could actually turn into a build
one; therefore, careful selection of parameters is required.
 Directional Control

Types of Rotary BHAs

• Pendulum assembly ---x --- x ------>

• Packed assembly ---x --- x --- x -x>
• Rotary Build assembly ------ x ------x>
• Steerable assembly
• Mud Motor and bent-sub assembly
 Typical Directional BHA’s
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
SLICK PENDULUM BUILD PACKED II PACKED III PACKED IV PACKED V

STAB STAB

STAB
STAB
DRILL DRILL DRILL DRILL
COLLAR COLLAR COLLAR COLLAR
DRILL
DRILL COLLAR DRILL STAB STAB
COLLAR COLLAR
STAB STAB
STAB DRILL DRILL
COLLAR COLLAR
DRILL
STAB DRILL
COLLAR
COLLAR
DRILL DRILL FULL
COLLAR COLLAR GAUGE
FULL
DRILL STAB
GAUGE
COLLAR SHOCK STAB
SUB
SHOCK DRILL
FULL COLLAR PONY
SUB
DRILL DRILL GAUGE
COLLAR COLLAR STAB FULL
DRILL GAUGE
STAB STAB
COLLAR STAB
PONY
PONY
SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK
SUB SUB SUB SUB
STAB STAB STAB