Drill pipe is a tool used for oil drilling and is part of the OCTG pipe. Its diameter and model are one of the most important parameters in drilling. The larger the diameter, the greater the drilling efficiency and load-bearing capacity.
Common drill pipe diameter standards
1. Imperial drill pipe diameter standard
The imperial drill pipe diameter standard is a common one. Its unit is inches (inch). Common diameters are: 2 3/8 inches, 2 7/8 inches, 3 1/2 inches, 4 inches, 4 1/2 inches, etc.
2. Metric drill pipe diameter standard
The metric drill pipe diameter standard refers to the standard with diameter in millimeters (mm). The more common diameters are: 60mm, 73mm, 89mm, 102mm, 114mm, etc.
Common drill pipe models and their parameters
The drill pipe model is also an important parameter in drilling. Different models of drill pipes are suitable for different drilling needs. The following are several common drill pipe models and their parameters (taking the imperial system as an example):
Model |
Diameter (in.) |
Capacity (10,000 lbs.) |
Application |
NC26 |
2 3/8 |
69 |
Shallow well |
NC31 |
2 7/8 |
106 |
Shallow well |
NC38 |
3 1/2 |
159 |
Middle well |
NC46 |
4 1/8 |
259 |
Middle well |
NC50 |
4 1/2 |
291 |
Deep well |
5 |
5 |
380 |
Deep well |
5 1/2FH |
5 1/2 |
517 |
Ultra-deep well |
From the table above, it can be seen that the diameters and parameters of different models of drill pipes are different. In drilling, it is necessary to select the appropriate drill pipe model according to actual needs.
How to choose the right drill pipe model
The following factors need to be considered when choosing the right drill pipe model:
1. Well depth and well diameter
This is the first factor to consider when choosing a drill pipe. Generally speaking, the greater the well depth and well diameter, the thicker the drill pipe required, and its bearing capacity should be enhanced accordingly. Therefore, for deep wells or large-diameter wells, drill pipes with larger diameters and higher strength should be selected.
2. Drilling geological conditions
Different geological conditions have different requirements for drill pipes. In softer formations, thinner drill pipes can be selected to save costs and improve efficiency; in hard or complex geological conditions, drill pipes with larger diameters, stronger materials, and higher bearing capacity need to be selected to ensure the stability and safety of drilling.
3. Drill bit and wellbore size
The size of the drill bit and wellbore should match the drill pipe. The diameter of the drill pipe should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the wellbore to ensure that the drill pipe can be lifted and rotated smoothly in the wellbore. At the same time, the length of the drill pipe should also be selected according to actual needs to adapt to different drilling depths and working environments.
4. Drilling operation conditions
Harsh construction conditions (such as high temperature, high pressure, high humidity, etc.) will affect the performance of the drill pipe. Under these conditions, it is necessary to select a drill pipe with higher strength, better corrosion resistance and longer service life.
5. Drill pipe material and performance
Drill pipes are usually made of high-strength alloy steel to ensure their reliability under high pressure, high temperature and harsh environments. Different materials and performance characteristics will affect the service life and drilling efficiency of the drill pipe. Therefore, when selecting a drill pipe, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as its material, strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. In addition to the above key factors, it is also necessary to consider factors such as the connection method of the drill pipe (such as API threaded connection or non-API threaded connection), price, and supply channels.
Summary
In summary, choosing the right drill pipe specification model requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, and weighing and selecting according to actual needs and conditions. It is recommended to consult professionals or refer to relevant standards and specifications when selecting drill pipes to ensure that the selected drill pipes can meet actual drilling needs and have good performance and reliability.