contents

 Introduction
 Drill string
 Drill pipes
 Heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP)
 Bottom hole assembly (BHA)
 Drill collars
 Stabilizers
 Reamers
 Other BHA equipment
 Introduction

 The drill string is the mechanical linkage

connecting the drill bit on bottom to the rotary
Drill pipe String
drive system on the surface.
 The drill string is divided on two parts: the drill

pipe string and the BHA.

 The drill bit is not considered as a part of drill

string.
BHA

BIT
 Introduction

 Functions of drill string

The drill string serves the following functions :

1. Transmit and support axial loads - WOB

2. Transmit and support torsion loads - Torque

3. Transmit hydraulics to clean the hole and cool

the bit.

4. Guides and controls the trajectory of the bit

 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe:
Heavy seamless steel pipe with welded and threaded tool
joints. Drill pipes are used to:

• Transfer the torque from the

drilling machine (TDS or rotary
table) to the bit
• Take up any tension forces in
order to handle the BHA along
the length of the hole
• Allow circulation of mud around
the hole for lubricating and
cooling the bit and for removal of
cuttings from the wellbore
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
classification:
Drill pipes are classified by:

 Outer diameter, OD: from 2 3/8” to 6 5/8”

 Length: 18-22 ft, 27-32 ft, 38-45 ft

 Connections: API regular (REG), internal flush (IF), full

hole (FH)…etc.
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
classification:
 Drill pipe grade:
 Drill
Identification by pipeon
Grooves string
Pin
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
classification:
 Drill pipe class:
Unlike casing and tubing, which are normally run new,
drill pipe is normally used in a worn condition.

Depending on the degree of wear drill pipes are classified

as:
- New: No wear, has never been run in hole
- Premium: Remaining wall not less than 80%.
- Class 2:Remaining wall not less than 70%.
- Class 3:Remaining wall less than 70%.
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
classification:
 Drill pipe and tool joint color code identification:

Tool Joint Condition Bands

Classification bands for drillpipe and tool

joints

Stencil marking for permanent classification.

One punch mark = Premium Class
Two punch marks = Class 2
Three punch marks = Class 3

DP & T-J Class Num & Col of T-J condition Color of band
band
New One white Scrap or shop red
Premium class Two white repairable

Class 2 One yellow

Class 3 One orange Field repairable Green
Classification of
used drill pipe:

API RP 7G
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
Drill Pipe
classification:
Weights
When referring to Drill Pipe Weights, there are four important
ones:

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

Nominal Weight - Refers to an obsolete standard. ( Weight of

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

Adjusted Weight – Refers to the weight per foot of pipe including

the upset but excluding the tool joint based on a length of 29.4 ft

Approximate Weight – The average weight per foot of pipe and

tool joints of Range II pipe. This approximate weight is the
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe
classification:
Calculating Approximate
Weights
approx.adj.wt.DP29.4approx.wt.tool jt
Wt/ft 
29.4tool jt adjustedlength

Wt DP Adjusted 29.4 Wt ToolJt Approx

Wt/ft 
29.4L ToolJtAdj
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints

 Provide connections for the drill string

 Separate pieces of metal welded to the seamless tube

 Thick enough to have pin or box cut into them.

 Hard Facing to encounter abrasive wear which prolongs life

of T.J.
 Taper on box side is 18 Deg. Which enables it slid past

doglegs and restrictions. Taper on pin side is 35 deg.

 Drill pipe string
Tool joints

• All API tool joints have a minimum yield strength of 120,000

psi regardless of the grade of the drill pipe they are used on
(E, X, G, S) .
• API sets tool joint torsional strength at minimum 80% of the
tube torsional strength.
• Make up torque is determined by pin ID or box OD. The
make up torque is 60% of the tool joint torsional capacity.
The equation for determining make up can be obtained from
the appendix of API RPG7. ( Numeral A.8.2 ). This equation
is rather complex, so the API developed a series of charts to
find the recommended make up torque to any connection
given the tool jt OD of box and ID of pin. These charts can
be found in API RP 7G ( Figures 1 to 25 )
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints make-up
torque
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints make-up
torque

Line Pull Gauge Load Cell

 Drill pipe string
Tool joints make-up
torque

4 feet
4 feet

The joint has to be tightened to 32000 ftlb

How much should the gauge show in each case
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints make-up
torque

4 feet
4 feet

The joint has to be tightened to 32000 ftlb

How much should the gauge show in each case
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints upset:

- IEU (internal-external upset): the tool joint OD is larger than the

drill pipe and the tool joint ID is less than the drill pipe. Generally
IEU connections are the strongest available couplings.

- EU (external upset): Tool joint ID is approximately the same as

the pipe. The OD is upset.
- IU (internal upset) Tool joint ID is less than the pipe. Tool joint OD
is approximately the same as the pipe. This type is often termed
“slim-hole” pipe.

“upset”: Where the pipe joins the tooljoint, the pipe wall
thickness is increased.
 Drill pipe string
Tool joints upset:
 “Upset”: where the pipe joins the tooljoint, the pipe wall
thickness is increased.
 This increased thickness is used to decrease the frequency
of pipe failure at the point where the pipe meets the tool-
joint.
IU, EU,
( ID stays the same ) IEU
( OD stays the same )
 Drill pipe string
Drill string Connections
The most common thread style in drill pipe is NC
The thread has a V-shaped form and is identified by the pitch
diameter, measured at a point 5/8 inches from the shoulder
Connection Number is Pitch dia*10 truncated to two digits

The size of a rotary shouldered

connection is fixed by its gauge point
pitch diameter.
If the pitch diameter is 5.0417
in  This is an NC50
5/8” connection
GAUGE POINT PITCH
DIAMETER Multiply 5.0417 by 10  50.417
Choose first two digits  50
Hence NC 50
 Drill pipe string
NC Drill string Connections

• There are 17 NC’s in use : NC-10 (1 1/16”) through NC-

77 (7 3/4”)
• Typical sizes: NC 50 for tool joints with 6 1/2” OD for 5”
pipe and NC 38 for 4 3/4” tool joints and 3 1/2” pipe.

• Seal is provided by shoulder not threads. A clearance

exists between the crest of one thread and the root of the
mating thread

• Use of Lead based dope vs Copper based dope for DCs.

Not for sealing but for lubrication, to help make-up and
prevent galling
 Drill pipe string
Connection
Interchangeability

NC NC3 NC NC4 NC46 NC5

26 1 38 0 0
Int Flush IF 2-3/8 2-7/8 3-1/2 4 4-1/2
Full Hole FH 4
Extra Hole XH 2-7/8 3-1/2 4-1/2 5
Dbl DSL 3-1/2 4-1/2 5-1/2
Streamline
Slim Hole SH 2-7/8 3-1/2 4 4-1/2
Ext Flush EF 4-1/2
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

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

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

 The Drill Pipe selection must address the following:

 Drill Pipe must allow to drill to TD
 Drill Pipe must support all weight below it (BHA+DP)
 Drill Pipe must provide Overpull capacity
 Drill Pipe must resist burst and collapse loads
 Drill Pipe must withstand slip crushing force
 Drill Pipe might have to work in H2S environment
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:
Mechanical Properties of
Steel

Young Modulus
E = Stress divided by Strain (=
30,000,000)
Stress & Strength
Stress = Strength divided by Cross
Section Area
Strain & stretch
Strain = Stretch divided by original length
Elastic Limit
Limit of stress beyond which, when the stress is removed, the
steel will have acquired a permanent stretch.
Ultimate Tensile Stress
The stress which will break the steel
 Drill pipe string
Stresses on DP

 Minimum yield strength: the specific value at which the pipe

will permanently distort.
 Minimum Tensile Strength: specific value at which the pipe
will snip or pull apart.
 Tortional Strength: Amount of twist..
 Burst Strength: Sum of DP Pressure and HP at that point
 Collapse Strength: Hp outside at a specific point. It is
balanced if DP are open ended.
Depth of hole is primary factor in determining type of DP.
 Drill pipe string
Stresses on DP
 Minimum Yield Stress
The stress which gives a stretch of 0.5% (0.005”). When the
stress is removed, the steel will have acquired 0.2% of
permanent deformation.
 Minimum Tensile Strength: specific value at which the
pipe will snip or pull apart.
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:
P
Tension Design: Working Strength

 Depth of hole is primary factor in

determining type of DP.

Drillpipe Ldp
 The greatest tension (working load Pw)

on the drill string occurs at the top joint

at the maximum drilled depth

Drillcollars Ldc
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:
P
Tension Design: Working Strength

 Total weight carried by the top joint of drill

pipe when the drill bit is just off bottom:


T Ldp Wdp Ldc Wdc BF  Drillpipe Ldp

Where: Ldp = length of Drill Pipe

Wdp = weight of Drill Pipe per unit length
Ldc = length of Drill Collars Drillcollars Ldc
Wdc = weight of Drill Collars per unit
length
 Drill string design
Tension design
The drillstring is not designed according to the minimum yield
strength!!!
If Drill Pipe reaches yield:
• Drill Pipe can have permanent deformation.

To prevent deformation damage to drill pipe, API recommends

the use of maximum allowable design load
Tmax = 0.9 x Tyield ….(2)
Tmax = Max. allowable design load in tension , lb
Tyield = theoretical yield strength from API tables , lb
0.9 = a constant relating proportional limit to yield
strength
(Or a tension Design factor of 1.1 be applied to design loads.
These accomplish the same thing)
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

Margin of Overpull:
 Minimum tension force above expected working load to

account for any drag or stuck pipe. Margin of overpull is

the difference between the maximum allowable load less
the actual load

 Choice of MOP should consider

 Overall drilling conditions
 Hole drag
 Likelihood of getting stuck
 Dynamic loading
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

Margin of Overpull:
 The maximum allowable load:

Tmax = 0.9 x Minimum Yield Strength = 0.9 x Tyield

 Margin Of Overpull:

MOP Tmax - T
 
T Ldp Wdp Ldc Wdc BF

The maximum allowable load depend on the class of DP.

 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

Margin of Overpull:

 The maximum length of Drill Pipe that can be used will be:

Tyield 0.9 MOP Wdc

Ldp   Ldc
Wdp BF Wdp
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

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 without MOP and with MOP of
100,000 lb
• Use DDH Tables for the values of Approximate Weight
(Wdp) and for Minimum Yield Strength
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:
Solution without MOP

Maximum design load ( Tmax)

Tmax = 0.9 x Minimum Yield Strength
Tmax= 0.9 x 436, 150 = 392,535 lb

Actual Load carried T

T= 0.85 [ 21.92 x Ldp + 150 x 600]

392,535  0 150
L dp   * 600 16,962 ft
21.92 x0.85 21.92

Max. Drilling Depth = Ldp + Ldc = 16,962 + 600 = 17,562 ft

 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

Torsion No Design Factor Required. Tool Joints are made up

to 60% of Torsional Capacity, and Tool joints are designed to
80% of the tube Torsion Capacity.

Collapse DFc Tube is de-rated to account for Biaxial Tensile

reduction and a design factor is used (DFc is 1.1-1.15)
 Drill pipe string
Drill pipe selection:

Burst DFb Simple burst is used with no allowance for axial

effects (DFB is 1.0)

Buckling DFB In Highly deviated wells it is possible to use DP

in compression, provided it is not buckled.
 Drill pipe string
Heavy wall drill pipe:
 Heavy wall tubes attached to extra length
tool joints
 Also available in spiral design

 Has the same OD as a standard drill pipe

but with much reduced inside diameter
(usually 3” for 5” DP) and has an integral
wear pad upset in the middle.
 Tool-Joint and Rotary shouldered
connection just like DP
 HWDP, although stiffer than DP, can also
buckle
 Drill pipe string
Heavy wall drill pipe:

Functions
 It is used between standard Drill Pipe and Drill Collars to
provide a smooth transition between the different sections of
the drill string components. This prevents the DP from
buckling
 Can be used in compression

 Used in place of DC sometimes to keep Drill Pipe in tension

 Used for directional drilling

 Drill pipe string
Heavy wall drill pipe:
HWDP in Compression?

• HWDP can be run both in tension and in compression

BUT!!!
• Manufacturers recommend not to run HWDP in
compression in hole sizes larger than 12 ¼”
• Experience shows that they should not be run in
compression in Vertical Holes
• If run in compression, rules of thumb are:
• TJOD + 6” > OH diameter
• 2 x TJOD > OH diameter
 Bottom hole assembly
Functions:

 Used to maintain the drill bit concentrically in the hole

 Provide concentration of “Drilling Weight” to the bit

 Keep the big tubular from the side of the hole

 The BHA is composed from drill collars, stabilizers, reamers

and other special equipment.

 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:
 They are heavy thick-walled pipes designed to give sufficient
weight on bit (WOB) and simultaneously ensure that the drill
string is in tension.
 Threads turned onto the actual pipe ends. No increase in the
external diameter or reduction of the inner diameter at the
threads.
 Comes in many OD and ID sizes, typically 4 ¾” to 9 ½” OD.

 Most commonly in lengths of 30-31 feet.

 Acceptable connections: REG, NC, FH, H-90

 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:
Functions:
 Provide weight to the bit when drilling

 Maintain weight to hold the drill pipe in

tension
 The neutral point must be kept within the
drill collars column (use max 90% of the drill
collar weight)
 Control direction and inclination of wells to
drill straighter holes
 Provide the pendulum effect to cause the bit
to drill a nearly vertical hole
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:
Drill collars types
 Slick drill collar: used to put weight on bit

 Spiral drill collar: used in order to minimize contact area with

the formation to avoid differential sticking
 Non magnetic drill collars: used in directional drilling to
avoid magnetic interference with down hole measuring tools
such as MWD and LWD
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:

Drill Collars Strapping

length

OD

elevator slip
Fish neck recess recess I
connection D
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
Characteristics

DC connections are rotary shouldered connections and can

mate the various DP connections

The shoulder provide the only positive seal against fluid

leakage

The lubricant is Copper based dope

The connection is the weakest part of the entire BHA

The DC connections go through cycles of tension-compression

and are subject to bending stresses

Improper M/U torque, improper or insufficient lubricant,

galling can all lead to connection failure
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
Stress Relief Features

Stresses in DC connections are concentrated at the base of

the pin and in the bottom of the box

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

DCs and other BHA components are however much stiffer

than the DPs and much of the bending stresses are transferred
to the connections.

These bending stresses can cause fatigue failure at the

connections (Stress Relief Groove / Bore Back)
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
Stress Relief Pin Feature
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
Stress Relief Pin & Box Features
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
 The stress relief groove is to mitigate the fatigue cracks
where the face and threads would have otherwise joined
 The Bore Back serves the same purpose at the bottom of the
box
 Stress relief features should be specified on all BHA
connections NC-38 or larger.
 Pin stress relief grooves are not recommended on
connections smaller than NC-38 because they may weaken
the connection’s tensile and torsional strength.
 Bore Back boxes could be used on smaller connections.

 The Low-Torque face is to increase the compressive stress at

normal M/U torque above that of a regular face
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
 The low torque feature
consists in removing part of
the shoulder area of the pin
and box.
 This allows for lower make
up torque maintaining
adequate shoulder loading.
 It is a common feature in
large OD connections.
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
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.

 Drilling 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.
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars
connections:
Torque Limits for
DC
M/U Torque as % of total
 API recommended make-up torque
DC< 7 in DC>7 in
torque for connections is a
percentage of the total PAC 79.5% N/a
torsional yield of the H-90 51.1% 56.2%
connection API NC 56.8% 62.5%
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:
Drill collars selection:

 Selection of drill collar diameter for a slick or pendulum

assembly is based on the required effective minimum hole
diameter.

 The size of the bottom drill collar would be the limiting factor
for lateral_movement ofthe size  DC _ diameter
bit _bit.
Min _ effective hole _ diameter
2
 Bottom hole assembly
Drill collars:

Drill collars selection:

 Typical sizes of drill collars to be run in each hole section:

 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:

Weight of BHA:

BHA weight must be sufficient to:

 Provide the planned WOB

 Take in account the Buoyancy

 Take in account hole inclination

 keep the neutral point of axial loads is within the BHA – with
a safety factor of 15%
 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:

Neutral point:

 The neutral point in a drill string can be defined as the

point where the string changes from tension to
compression

 This point is a function of WOB and buoyancy

Lnp = {WOB} / {WDc x BF}

Where WDC = Collar linear weight & BF = Buoyancy Factor

 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:
Drill Collar Weight & Neutral Point :
Neutral Point (NP) should be in drill collars

Tension
Max Available Wt
1.15
Max Working Wt
Neutral
point

Compression Design
WOB

WOB
 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:
Buoyancy:
 Buoyancy is the weight of the displaced 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
 Buoyancy is usually accounted for via BF

BF = 1- (MW / 7.85)
Where: BF =Buoyancy Factor, dimensionless
MW =Mud weight in kg/l
7.85 =Weight of steel kg/l
 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:
Determining the number of drill collars:
 Calculate the required number of drill collar to achieve the

desired WOB:
1.15 *WOB *1000
Number _ DC 
9.1* DCweight * BF
where:
WOB=Desired weight on bit, ton
BF =Buoyancy Factor, dimensionless
DCweight =Drill collar weight in air, kg/m
9.1=length of DC joint
1.15 =15% safety factor, ensures that the neutral point remains
within the collars.
 Bottom hole assembly
BHA design:

Determining the number of drill collars:

 For a deviated hole the required number of drill collar to

achieve the desired WOB will be:

1.15 *WOB *1000

Number _ DC 
9.1* DCweight * BF * cos 

Where: α = hole inclination

 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers:
 Support the BHA away from the hole wall so that the
probability of differential sticking is reduced
 Help concentrate the weight of the BHA on the bit

 Minimize bending and vibrations which cause tool

joint wear and damage to BHA components such as
MWD
 Reduce drilling torque by preventing collar contact
with the side of the hole and by keeping them
concentric in the hole
 They are used as a fundamental method of
controlling the directional behavior of most BHAs
( pendulum BHA, packed hole BHA and building
BHA)
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers:
Types: stabilizers are classified according to:
 Position: near bit or string

 Operating mode: rotating or non-rotating

 Blade construction: integral, welded or

replaceable blade
 Blade coverage: partial or full-Wrap

 Size (gauge): fixed or adjustable

 Material: steel or non-magnetic

 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers position in the drill string :

Near-bit stabilizer features:

 Foot below the blades is very short

 Bottom connection is box

 Bottom connection might be bored for float valve

String stabilizer features:

 Normal foot length

 Bottom connection is normal (pin)

 Box connection might be bored for float valve

 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers operating modes :

Rotating stabilizers could be:

 Integral blade stabilizer (IBS)

 Welded blade stabilizer (used only for soft

formations)
 Replaceable sleeve type

Non-rotating stabilizers with:

 Rubber blades on steel sleeve (e.g. DRILCO),
replaceable
 Aluminum blades for higher wear, temperature
and oil resistance.
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades forms :

Straight blades:
 Generates lot of torque and
vibration
 Wide flow path

Spiral blades:
 Less torque and vibration

 RH spiral promotes cuttings

lift, pumps mud upwards
 Can be partial wrap or full
wrap (360°)
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

Integral blade stabilizer (IBS):

 Higher strength

 360° blades cover (full wrap) possible

(great contact area)

Welded blades stabilizer:

 Rugged

 Low cost

 Custom mandrels

 Drill collars can be bladed

Integral Blade Stabilizer
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

sleeve stabilizer:
 One piece body

 Field changeable sleeves

 Various gauge sizes

 Reduced contact area

 Not full wrap

 Various types of gauge protection

 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

Non-rotating sleeve stabilizers:

 Aid the forces of gravity in maintaining a vertical hole when
properly placed in the lower drill-collar string
 The sleeve has large circulating areas between the ribs to
provide maximum mud flow
 The sleeve centers drill collars without under-reaming hole

 Ribs do not wear rapidly under gauge since rotation is

between sleeve and mandrel
 Replaceable wear ring
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

Non-rotating sleeve stabilizers:

 Free vertical travel of sleeve on stabilizer body

 One-piece seamless sleeve construction helps prevent loss of

sleeve in the hole
 Drilling fluids act as lubricants to avoid friction between the
stabilizer mandrel and the non-rotating sleeve
 Rubber ribs are easily cut off in case of wash-over. Sleeve’s
inner steel bushing will easily pass inside wash pipe
 Hardened wear surface is recommended on all stabilizer
bodies for 9” or larger drill collar sizes
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

Adjustable gauge stabilizers (AGS):

 An AGS is a stabilizer where the gauge can be changed while
the drill string is downhole
 Different suppliers have different ways of operating this tool

 Features of the AGS

• Size change by load or pull on bit

• Locking by flow at pumps on

• Status signal:

stand pipe pressure change

Adjustable gauge stabilizers
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers blades construction :

Cuttings bed impellers (CBI):

 Reduces torque and drag by removing cutting that settle on
the low side of the well bore and reduce the well bore
coefficient of friction
 Ideal for long tangent sections with angles in excess of 40°

 Restores circulation

 Can helps in increasing rate of penetration

 Can extend the reach of ERD wells.

 Bottom hole assembly
Cuttings bed impellers
 Bottom hole assembly
Roller reamers:

Reamers are used to:

 Straighten and smooth crooked holes

 Restore undergauge holes to gauge

 Smooth out irregularities and remove keyseats

 Decrease rotational torque in a wellbore, and typically may be

used as substitutes for conventional string or near bit

stabilizers
 Bottom hole assembly
Stabilizers hardfacing:
 Tungsten

Composite rod utilizes a non –ferrous matrix to

suspend the carbide. it is the best known hardfacing
and is used in formations which are soft to medium
in hardness .it is best suited to welded blade
stabilizers

 TCI (Tungsten Carbide Inserts)

TCI is another hardfacing which lends itself to hard

adrasive drilling ;although it is declining in use in
some areas due to being replace by superior
hardfacings.

 Geothermal

Geothermal hardfacing utilizes tungsten carbide

bricks which are brazed to the stabiliser blade and
surrounded by tungsten impregnated composite
rod ,an excellent hardfacing for hard ,adrasive
drilling
 Bottom hole assembly
Basic Rotary Assembly:

Three types of BHAs:

 Drop Assembly (Pendulum)

 Build Assembly (Fulcrum)

 Packed Hole Assembly

 Bottom hole assembly
Basic Rotary
Assembly:
Propping BHA:
 Dropping assemblies act as a pendulum

to create and control a negative side

force
Fs = Wc x BF x Tl x sin Ø
Where: Fs: Side force on bit (lbs)
Wc: Weight below tangency (lbs/ft)
Tl: Length of pendulum (ft)
Ø: Inclination of pendulum
BF: Buoyancy factor
 Bottom hole assembly
Basic Rotary
Assembly:
Building BHA:
 The fulcrum uses a stabilizer inserted into

the drill string just above the bit

 WOB (if sufficient) will cause the bottom

DC to bend
 In holes with inclination > 5°, DC will bend

towards lowside of the hole

 This bend will cause bit to exert a sideforce

against the highside of the hole, resulting

in a buildup of angle as drilling progresses
 Bottom hole assembly
Basic Rotary
Assembly:
Packed hole BHA:
 Stabilizers are placed at specified points

to control the drillstring and to minimize

downhole deviation
 The increased stiffness on the BHA from

the added stabilizers keeps the drillstring

from bending and force the bit to drill
straight ahead
 The packed hole assembly is used to
maintain angle or build/drop at mild rates
 Bottom hole assembly
Basic Rotary
Assembly:
Typical configurations:
 Bottom hole assembly
Other BHA
Equipment:
 Jars

 Bumper sub

 Accelerator

 Shock absorber

 PDM

 MWD

 Hole opener

 Under reamer
 Bottom hole assembly
Jars:

In situations where the BHA is differentially stuck or where

fishing is on -going ,it may be necessary to impose a
mechanical shock or impact onto the BHE.
There are three main types of impact tools :
Hydraulic jars
Mechanical jars
Hydro-Mechanical
 Bottom hole assembly
Jars:
 A , jar is a mechanical devise used downhole to deliver load to

another downhole component especially when that component

stuck .

 Energy is stored in the drill string and suddenly released by

the jar when it fires .

 Jars can be designed to strike up ,down ,or both .

 In the case of jarring up above a stuck bottom hole

assembly ,the driller slowly pulls up on the drill string but the
BHA does not move .
 Bottom hole assembly
Jars:

 Since the top of the drill sting is moving up ,this means that
the drill string itself is stretching and storing energy.

 When the jars reach their firing point ,they suddenly allow
one section of the jar to move axially relative to a second ,
being pulled up rapidly in much the same way that one end of a
stretched spring moves when released.

 After a few inches of movement ,this moving section slams into

a steel shoulder, imparting an impact load.

 Bottom hole assembly
National Oilwell Hydraulic/Mechanical Drilling Jar

 This jar combines the mechanical “safety” latch with a

hydraulic delay sequence on the up jarring stroke .The down
jarring stroke is achieved mechanically .

 To jar upward , overpull is applied to the drill string until the

preset mechanical latch setting is overcome and the jar enters

the hydraulic delay sequence .

 The desired overpull above free string weight is then taken as

the jar continues to slowly open under hydraulic restriction

(delay) with the drawworks brake applied . After the hydraulic
delay ,the jar enters the free stoke and the mandrel accelerates
to the fully extended position creating a jarring impact .
 Bottom hole assembly
National Oilwell Hydraulic/Mechanical Drilling Jar

 Simply lowering the drill string resets the latch . The jar is then

ready for another jarring cycle or to resume normal drilling

operations.

 To jar down ,the drill string is lowered until the compressive

force applied to the jar exceeds the preset mechanical latch

setting .The latch releases allowing the mandrel to accelerate
to the fully closed position creating a downward jarring impact .

 Raising the drill string until free movement stops indicates the

latch has reset . The jar is ready for another jarring cycle or to
resume normal drilling operations.
 Bottom hole assembly
Jars:

Different types of jars

 Drilling jars

- Allow torque transmission to the bit

- Allow jarring in both directions

 Fishing jars

- Not designed to withstand drilling stresses

- Incorporated in string RIH to free the fish after back off

- Usually used to jar upward

 Bottom hole assembly
Bumper sub:

The Bumper Sub provides durable and economical upward or downward

bumping action for fishing operations.

Full torque transmission and circulation can be maintained through the

tool at any times, in any stroke position.

Applications:

• Place above a fishing tool or safety joint to deliver forceful blows in

both open and cased hole fishing applications

• Plug and abandonment operations where low level jarring may be

required, or when cutting strings of casing
 Bottom hole assembly
Accelerator:

 The accelerator incorporates a spring or

compressive fluid to store energy for rapid
release when the jar operates.
 The string mass between the accelerator and jar

is accelerated towards an impact that occur at

the end of the jar stroke.
 Bottom hole assembly
Jar & Accelerator
Positioning
There are a number of issues that should be considered
when positioning jars in a drill string:

Likely places for sticking to occur

Most likely jarring direction required
Well bore contact / differential sticking risk
Position of the Axial neutral point when drilling with
maximum WOB
Depth of hole section
Drag in hole section
 Bottom hole assembly
Guidelines for use of Jars in vertical
wells

In vertical wells the jar should be placed such that:

They are above the buckling neutral point even when maximum

WOB is applied
They are at least two Drill Collars above the jars

They have differential sticking prevention subs fitted, if diff.

Sticking is a risk
No stabilizers should be placed above the jars

Use accelerators in shallow hole section (Check that it will be

possible to cock and fire the jar before running them)

 Bottom hole assembly
Guidelines for use of Jars in deviated &
horizontal wells
 Do not run the jars if they are buckled (Jars should not be run below

the buckling neutral point in 45 degree wells.

 The area in the string to avoid placing jars is the pressure area neutral

point. This is the point in the string where tension in the steel is zero
and is always above the buckling neutral point
 Use jars with differential sticking prevention subs if diff sticking is a

risk
 It is important to calculate the measured weight readings at which the

jar will cock and fire. The drag in the hole may prevent the driller from
seeing the jars open and close on his weight indicator
 In horisontal well drilling, a common problem is the inability to get

sufficient force to a horizontally placed jar to fire it down

 Bottom hole assembly
Shock absorber:
 Equipment used for slowing down or eliminating the vertical or

horizontal shock from drill string.

 It can greatly reduce the damage (caused by shock) to drill bit,

drilling tool and surface drilling tool, and thus increase drilling
speed and save drilling cost.
 Bottom hole assembly
PDM:

 The positive displacement downhole motor (PDM) is powered by

the circulating of drilling fluid to provide rotation and torque to
the bit without the need for rotation of the drill string.
 Bottom hole assembly
MWD:

 The MWD is an instrument used in the control of the wellbore

path in directional drilling, it gives information about
inclination, azimuth and formation characteristics at real
time.
 It also have the ability to re-log sections of the borehole
during tripping (measurement after drilling MAD) to verify
the readings taken by the first pass.
It is composed from:
 The detection and measure system

 The transmission system

 An electric power source

 Bottom hole assembly
Hole opener:

 The hole opener is a tool used to increase the

diameter of a drilled hole.

 In some situations it is necessary to drill a hole

through the formation with a smaller diameter

than is required for the next casing. This may be
for better steering using smaller BHA.

 The arms of hole opener are fixed at a set

diameter.
 Bottom hole assembly
Under reamer:

 Used to increase a hole section to a greater

diameter than the ID of the overlaying casing.

For example when it is necessary to place a
gravel pack or create extra clearance for
running a difficult casing or liner.

 A pilot hole is drilled which is later enlarged to

the required diameter using under reamer.

 Under reamer has 02 or 03 arms with cutters

which open up to the necessary diameter

 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limits

 It is also called Endurance limit or fatigue Limit.

 It is the limit to which steel absorbs cycles of stresses for

an infinite period without getting damaged.
 Fatigue is always less when drill string is rotated inside
vertical hole.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit
Fatigue in Curved (Directional) or
Crooked Hole
 Compression and tension: the greater the curve, greater
the stress.
 Max. stress on a DP is at upset run out.
Amount of Fatigue depends on
1. Tensile load at dog leg
2. Severity of deg leg
3. RPM
4. Dimension and properties of DP
5. Mud Corrosive properties
Failure may occur on subsequent well
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Drilling tubular fatigue failures

Compression

Tension

Pipe Buckles Due Collars Buckle

Pipe Bends Due
To Excessive When Weight Is
To Hole Shape
Weight Being Applied To Bit
Applied
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

 The bending stress

versus dogleg severity
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Drill pipe
Fatigue due to Notches and Pits

 Notches and pits are called stress

risers or stress concentrators
 20” from tool joint is the most Near Slip Damage
Mashes or Dents
stress critical area.

 Tong marks on pipe body

 Slips marks
• Slips worn out Near
• Incorrect slips size Internal
Upsets
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Fatigue due to Notches and Pits

 Incorrect slips dies

 Stencil marks on DP body

 Setting slips while string in motion.

 Crown block off center causes bending of Kelly and DP joint

in RTY.
 DP protector if not removed for long periods

 Crooked or bent pipe.

 Welders connect ground cable to pipe rack> welding causes

arc pitting.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Drilling tubular types of fatigue

failures
Slip cuts, mashes and dents can lead to premature failure

Notch in pipe focuses Fatigue crack starts at Crack propagates through

and accelerates fatigue bottom of notch pipe until failure occurs
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Drilling tubular types of fatigue

failures upsets can lead to premature failure
Internal

100

80 Box
End
% 60

40

20 Pin End

0
0 8 16 24 32 40 48
Distance From Box and Pin Ends (Inches)
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

DRILLING TUBULAR FAILURE

Simultaneous Tension
Reduces Torsional Yield DRILLER STARTS
Strength in Pin Weak ROTATING PIPE.
Connections
Driller starts pulling on
pipe.

Excessive torque causes

pin to be screwed into box
until it fails in tension.
Pipe is literally torn
apart when pull
exceeds load
capacity.
Simultaneous Torsion
Reduces The drillpipe Tube
Tensile Capacity

TENSION FAILURE TORSION FAILURE

 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Connection washouts

Leak at Seal
Area

Helical
Pathways in
Thread Root.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Collapse and burst

pressure
External pressure Internal pressure

External load exceeds tube yield Internal load exceeds tube yield
strength and pipe collapses strength and pipe splits
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Bottom hole assembly stiffness ratio

5” OD x 3” ID 8” OD x 3”
ID

Abrupt changes in Selecting the

OD and ID of correct
collars. combination of
pipe sizes reduce
stress levels.

9” OD x 3” ID 9” OD x 3”
ID
For routine drilling or very low failure rate experience, keep (SR) below 5.5
For severe drilling or significant failure rate experience, keep (SR) below 3.5
 Bending resistance

 Stresses are concentrated at connections and changes in pipe

size. Stress concentration is restricted by ensuring that
changes in bending resistance are within tolerable ranges.
 The bending resistance of a BHA component is dependent
upon its section modulus

Where Z = Section modulus, in

I = Second moment of area, in
OD = Outside diameter, inches
ID = Inside diameter, inches
 Bending resistance

 The change in bending resistance is expressed in terms of a

bending resistance ratio (BRR)

 The bending resistance ratio should be

checked at changes in pipe size
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Bottom hole assembly connection failure

SOLUTION
Stress Relief
Groove on Pin

Bare back on
Box

Stress Concentrator Areas

Near Last Engaged
Thread Roots
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Split/belled box pin stretch

Excessive Excessive
torque torque

Excessive
torque

thread profile
belled
split
gauge box
box
stretched
threads
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Corrosion Fatigue
Corrosion failure is a common cause of Drill string failure.

Corrosive agents in water base mud are Oxygen, carbon dioxide,

H2s, Dissolved salt, and acids. Plastic coating inside DP may get
damaged by wire line and tools.
Factors affecting corrosion rate of DP are as follows.

1.Ph > Ph of pure water is 7. Below is acidic and above is

alkaline. Maintain a PH of 10 or higher.

2.Temperature > Corrosion rate increases with temp.

3.Corrosion rate increases with higher rate of fluid velocity

inside DP.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Minimize Risk of Sulfide Stress Cracking

 Maintain a pH of 10 or higher.
 Limit gas cutting and formation fluid invasion in well bore.
H2S invades well bore.
 Chemically treat drilling fluid for H2S inflows.
 Use lowest grade of DP capable of withstanding the required
drilling operation.
 Limit exposure of drill string to H2S environment if possible
by using H2S inhibitor.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning pays off in 3 ways.

1. Removes foreign material and allows proper make up
torque.
2. Permits better inspection of threads and sealing area.
3. Increases life of T.J by removing abrasive material.
4. Inspect threads and shoulder carefully prior to make up the
tool joint.
5. Never make up a damaged tool joint with another good
one.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Making a Good Connection

 Proper torque, proper procedure and proper lubricant.

 Drill pipe threads do not seal unlike casing and tubing
 Shoulder should be properly connected to hold tension as
well as compression.
 Little torque causes wobbling which leads to leakage
through shoulders and following three things happen.
1. Lubricant between the shoulders washes out.
2. Surface of shoulder begins to erode.
3. Lubricant is washed away from threads.
Above three indicators can be recognized when pin is found
dry.
 Drill string design
Drill String Operating
Limit

Making a Good Connection

 Galling: High stress loads on mating threads and shoulders

and inadequate torque or improperly applied thread
compound may lead to galling. Galling occurs when two
mating surfaces are not protected by lubricant freeze
together.
 Too much torque on a tool joint can cause pin to stretch
and box to bell.
 When shoulder of pin and box do not match.