Drill “string

Semi-submersible rigs are often referred to as semis , and are a floating type of rig. Like the jack-up, a semi is self contained. The structure is supported by large pontoons which are ballasted with water to provide the required stability and height. The rig is held in position by anchors and mooring lines or dynamically positioned by thrusters. A large diameter steel pipe ( riser ) is connected to the sea-bed and serves as a conduit for the drill string. The blowout preventer (BOP) is also located at the sea-bed ( sub sea stack ). 

Between the bit and the surface, where the torque is generated, we find the drill string (Fig. 3.9). While being mainly a means for power transmission, the drill string fulfils several other functions, and if we move up from the bit we can see what those are. 

Most rigs are now fitted with a system whereby the drill string is rotated by a drive mechanism in the mast rather than by the rotary table at rig floor level. Thus 90 foot sections can be drilled before connections need to be made, and the drill string can be rotated while pulling out of the hole in 90 foot sections. This improved system, which speeds up the operation and allows better reaming of the hole is known as top drive. 

For various reasons, such as to change the bit or drilling assembly, the drill string may have to be brought to surface. It is normal practice to pull stands consisting of 90 ft... 

Until downhole motors became available a whipstock (Fig. 3.15) which is a slightly asymmetric steel joint, was inserted in the drill string. The assembly is oriented downhole and a rathole is drilled which is then enlarged to full bore hole size. The technique is still used in wells where hole conditions e.g. high temperatures, are unsuitable for downhole motors (see below). 

However, coiled tubing drilling is limited to slim holes, and the reliability of some of the drill string components such as downhole motors needs further improvement. Presently, the cost of building a new customised CTD rig limits the wider application of this emerging technology. 

This term describes a situation whereby the drill string cannot be moved up or down or rotated anymore. The pipe can become stuck as a result of mechanical problems during... 

Figure 5.37 depicts the basic set up of a wireline logging operation. A sonde is lowered downhole after the drill string has been removed. The sonde is connected via an insulated and reinforced electrical cable to a winch unit at the surface. At a speed of about 600m per hour the cable Is spooled upward and the sonde continuously records formation properties like natural gamma ray radiation, formation resistivity or formation density. The measured data is sent through the cable and is recorded and processed in a sophisticated logging unita the surface. Offshore, this unit will be located in a cabin, while on land it is truck mounted. In either situation data can be transmitted in real time via satellite to company headquarters if required. 

Much confusion exists as to the best choice of lubricant additives for a given situation. Evaluation both in the laboratory and in the field is difficult because of the dynamic nature of the drilling fluid and the wide range of factors that influence drill string torque and drag. Liquid lubricants are used at concentrations of 0.25—4 vol %, soHd materials at ca 6—29 kg/m (2—10 Ib/bbl). 

If the drill string becomes differentially stuck, mechanical methods or spotting fluids can be appHed, or the hydrostatic pressure can be reduced (147). In general, penetration of water- or oil-based spotting fluids into the interface between the filter cake and the pipe accompanied by dehydration and cracking results in reduction of differential pressure across the drill string (147,148). Spotting fluids are usually positioned in the open hole to completely cover the problem area. 

Drilling Muds in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry. Since 1941, chromium chemicals have been used in the drilling of wells to combat fatigue corrosion cracking of drill strings, with about one metric ton of sodium chromate being used aimuaHy for an average West Texas well. Other early uses were in gas-condensate wells in Louisiana and East Texas. 

The drill string, consisting of a drill bit, drill collars, drill pipe, and kelly, is assembled and lowered into the conductor pipe. Drilling fluid, better known as drilling mud, is circulated through the kelly and... 

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