How long are well drilling pipes?

There are a variety of types and classifications of drilling pipe that vary in their construction, properties, and applications. In order for an offshore driller to select the most appropriate type of drilling pipe for a given operation, it is important to understand the different types and classifications and their properties.

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In this post, we will discuss the different types of drilling pipes and their uses. We will also highlight some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing a drilling pipe for your project.

In onshore drilling operations, rigs often use 3 joints of range 2 drill pipe (each approximately 31.5 ft long) to build a “stand” of drill pipe that will be approximately 94.5 ft tall. These stands allow drilling a longer section of hole at a time before a section of string needs to be added, which requires making new connections. This makes the drilling process more efficient and reduces the number of times when the hydraulic pressure seen by the formation is changed. Sometimes these rigs will build their stand from 2 joints of Range 3 drill pipe joints (each approximately 45 ft long). This article will list the pros and cons of using Range 3 pipe instead of the most common Range 2 drill pipe.

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a.      ½ the number of connections to build the stands of range 3.

b.      Fewer connections mean less time for makeup and break out.

c.       Fewer connections mean fewer opportunities for connection handling damage and therefore fewer repairs and possibly less freight to the repair facility.

d.      Fewer connections to makeup and break out means less wear and tear on pipe handling equipment such as iron roughnecks, elevators, etc.

e.      Reduced handling time will reduce the higher-risk operations of having people in the red zone.

2)      Less Pressure Losses

a.      As the drilling fluid passes through the drill pipe, each tool joint forms a restriction for the flow. Having fewer restrictions reduces pressure losses.

b.      Reduced pressure losses will allow for reduced pumping power and/or reduce wear on pumps.

c.       In the annulus, the impact of the pipe on equivalent circulating density (ECD) will be lower. In layman terms, the pressure seen by the formation will be reduced, reducing the possibility of damaging the rock.

3)      Less Weight

a.      The tool joints are the heaviest component for the drill pipe per foot. Increasing the tube body length decreases the contribution of the tool joint to the joint’s adjusted weight per foot.

b.      For example, taking 5 in. 19.5 ppf drill pipe with GPDS™ 50 connection, there is a 5.6% reduction in weight. This grows more significant as the tube becomes smaller.

4)      Lower Torque and Drag

a.      The lower adjusted weight will contribute to a reduction of contact forces between the string and the hole or casing. That lower force will translate in less friction, reducing the torque and drag seen in drilling. In other words, you may be able to drill further with the same rig.

5)      Lower price per foot

a.      Although the price per joint will be higher, the price per foot will be lower due to the fewer joints required to meet the string length requirements.

Cons of using range 3 pipe

1)      Shipping can be more complicated.

a.      Range 3 lengths can cause logistical challenges with freight services as they cannot be containerized. Trucking may also be more complicated in some locations.

2)      Not every licensee can repair the pipe.

a.      Range 3 lengths do not always fit inside every licensee repair shop. It may require a special feed to the machine or investing in new handling equipment.

3)      Pipe tends to wear faster

a.      We have seen multiple users of range 3 pipe say that this pipe wears faster. Despite being lighter, this pipe has greater chances of seeing contact between the thinner pipe section and the formation under deflection. The only hardbanded section, the tool joints, cannot prevent that wear.

4)      Need to adjust rig fingerboard height

a.      Often this is an issue when calculating stand length on range 2 versus range 3 (i.e. 3 joints of range 2 will be about 94.5 feet long, while 2 joints of range 3 will be about 90 feet). That is for new pipe; after multiple connection recuts, the stands will become shorter.

b.      A properly arranged fingerboard designed for range 2 joints may be located at the approximate height for range 3 tool joints, which may require an adjustment of the fingerboard height.

There are excellent applications to use Range 3 drill pipe, it is not suited for every application. Please contact your local #GrantPrideco representative to determine if Range 3 is right for you.

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