Drill String

Design
 Drill String Components
• A drill string design includes several components. Drill strings are unique.
• The BHA can include the drill bit, drill collars, stabilizers, reamers, and Heavy
Weight drill pipe.
• The remainder of a drill string is drill pipe.
• A correctly designed drill string can:
• Produce a high quality hole
• Maximize performance of components
• Minimize drilling and production problems
Drill String Designs
 Drill Bit
• At the bottom of all BHAs is a drill bit.
• The bit design will vary depending on the formation.
• Its primary function is creating the hole by digging
into the earth.
• The correct bit will provide a good rate of penetration
(ROP), last a reasonable number of hours, and drill
holes the same size as the bit.
• There are essentially 2 types of bits.
• Roller Cone Bit.
• This bit gets its name because the bit teeth roll over
the bottom of the hole. Most
• Roller Cone Bits have three cones, although they may
have four or two cones.
• The Roller Cone Bit is sometimes referred to as the
“jetted bit” because its high pressure jets spray mud.
 Drill Bit
• The Fixed-Head Bit (right) doesn’t
have moving parts like the Roller
Cone Bit.
• It penetrates a formation by the
weight and rotation of the drill string.
• The cutters are made from natural,
synthetic or hybrid diamonds.
 Stabilizers
• Stabilizers are included in multiple places in a drill string, usually before and
after one or more drill collars.
• Depending on the stabilizer type its function can vary.
• A stabilizer can help maintain hole direction when used throughout the BHA
design.
• A stabilizer will help increase the stiffness of a BHA when used with larger or
smaller OD drill collars.
 Reamer
• A reamer has several drill string purposes including smoothing the wall of the
wellbore, maintains hole gauge and helps stabilize the bit.
• Reamers are generally required during hard rock formation drilling.
• The reamer is placed directly above the bit to prolong the bit life and prevent
sticking.
 Drill Collars
• The Drill Collar is located just above the drill bit to put weight on the bit
(WOB). The WOB will affect the rate of penetration.
• The Drill Collar performs additional functions including preventing the drill
string from buckling, bit support and stabilization, and maintaining a vertical or
straight hole.
 Jars
• A Jar frees stuck drill stem components during drilling or workover operations.
The driller controls the impact force of “jarring” both up and down.
• It can be placed almost anywhere in the BHA for optimal performance.
 Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (HWDP)
• The HWDP is typically located above the drill collars, and technically it is part
of the BHA.
• Sometimes referred to as transition pipe, it provides a graduated change in
stiffness between the limber drill pipe above and the BHA below.
• The graduated change in stiffness reduces the likelihood of drill pipe fatigue
failures.
• The HWDP has thicker walls than standard drill pipe, causing it to weigh twice
as much.
• The HWDP has a center upset which reduces the pipe wear and aids in
preventing critical buckling.
 Drill Pipe
• Drill Pipe is located at the very top of the drill string.
• It makes up the distance between the Kelly and the remainder of the drill
string downhole.
• The drill pipe turns the drill string and provides a conduit for the drilling mud.