Drill Pipe Size Chart | Standard Drill Pipe Sizes

1. Drill Pipe Size Chart (Common Sizes)

The table below shows the most commonly used drill pipe sizes, typical weights, and connection types for quick reference.

2. Full Drill Pipe Sizes Table

The complete reference table below includes nominal weight, wall thickness, ID, tool joint dimensions, and connection types.

3. Drill Pipe Length Ranges

Drill pipe is a type of OCTG pipe used to transmit torque and drilling fluid during well construction. Most drill pipe is manufactured from seamless steel tube for high strength and reliability. The drill pipe length usually refers to its total length. According to the API (American Petroleum Society), the length of the drill pipe can be divided into several different range. The specific length classification is as follows:

The first category: 5.486 meters to 6.706 meters (18 feet to 22 feet).

The second category (commonly used): 8.230 meters to 9.144 meters (27 feet to 30 feet).

The third category: 11.582 meters to 13.716 meters (38 feet to 45 feet).

These lengths enable drill pipes to meet different depth drilling needs. The inner diameter, unit weight and other technical parameters of the drill pipe are part of its size specifications.

4. Drill Pipe Diameter Standards

Drilling pipe is a tool for oil drilling. The diameter of the drilling pipe is an important aspect of its size. It is one of the very important parameters in the drill. The larger the diameter, the stronger the drill efficiency and the bearing capacity. The diameter of the drill pipe generally has the following standards:

4.1 Inch-Based Drill Pipe Sizes

The diameter standard of the British pipe is a relatively common type. Its unit is inch (INCH). The common diameter is: 2 3/8 inches, 27/8 inches, 3 1/2 inch, 4 inches, 4 1/2 Inch, 5 inches, etc. These sizes of drilling pipes are widely used in oil drilling because they can meet the needs of different well depths and drilling missions.

4.2 Public drill pipe diameter standard

The diameter standard of the public drill pipe refers to the standards of millimeters (mm) in diameter. The more common diameters are: 60mm, 73mm, 89mm, 102mm, 114mm, 127mm, etc.

5. Drill Pipe Unit Weight

The unit weight of the drill pipe refers to the weight of each feet or a drill pipe. This parameter is very important for the design and planning of drilling operations. According to the API standard, the drill pipe weight can be determined according to its outer diameter and wall thickness. The unit weight of the drilling pipe can be calculated through the formula, and the specific formulas and parameters may change according to different standards and manufacturers.

In the API 5DP standard, the unit weight (WDP) of the drill pipe is usually provided by pounds per feet (LB/FT). For example, for the drill pipes of certain specifications, the unit weight may be as follows:

A. 2-3/8-inch drill pipe, the unit weight may be 7.02 pounds per feet.

B. 4 -inch drilling pipe, the unit weight may be 15.91 pounds per feet.

In addition, the specifications of the drill pipe also include a thick form, which are commonly used: internal thickness, external thickness, and thick inside and outside. These thickened forms help enhance the structural strength of the drill pipe and improve their use of use under extreme conditions.

6. Drill Pipe Upset Types

The upset is the thickened section at the end of a drill pipe where the tool joint is welded. It increases the wall thickness in the connection area, improving joint strength and fatigue resistance.

According to API Spec 5DP, drill pipe is manufactured with three standard upset types.

6.1 EU (External Upset)

The wall is thickened on the outside of the pipe end while the internal diameter remains unchanged. EU drill pipe provides higher connection strength without restricting drilling fluid flow and is widely used for smaller drill pipe sizes.

6.2 IU (Internal Upset)

The wall is thickened on the inside of the pipe end while the outside diameter remains unchanged. This design slightly reduces the internal diameter but maintains a smooth external profile.

6.3 IEU (Internal-External Upset)

The wall is thickened on both the inside and outside of the pipe end. IEU provides the highest connection strength and is commonly used for larger drill pipe sizes and demanding drilling conditions.

The appropriate upset type depends on factors such as pipe size, connection type, drilling depth, and expected loading conditions. API Spec 5DP specifies the applicable upset configuration for each standard drill pipe size.

7. Summary

In summary, the size of the drill pipe is the key factor of its design and performance, including length, diameter, and thick form. These parameters jointly determine the application efficiency and safety of drill pipes in petroleum drilling and other related fields.

Read more: 
Calculation of The Internal Capacity of Drill Pipes 

API Spec 5DP Drill Pipe Specifications, Sizes & Standard