All About Drill Pipes: What are They & What are They Used For? Drill pipes are essential and versatile tools for drilling and natural resource exploration. They are critical across many industries, from deep well drilling in the oil and gas industry to mineral extraction and geothermal development. Despite their importance, drill pipes are frequently underappreciated in discussions about essential oilfield equipment. We aim to address this issue! Below, we will take a closer look at drill pipes, exploring aspects such as their classification, applications and sizing. Whether you're an industry stakeholder or just curious about the machinery driving resource exploration, this post provides a clear guide to understanding drill pipes and their various functions. What is a drill pipe?  In the field of drilling, where extracting valuable resources from beneath the earth's surface is a crucial and intricate task, a drill pipe plays a key role. A drill pipe is a seamless tube manufactured to endure the rugged and challenging conditions encountered in drilling operations. This seamless design process guarantees longevity, minimizing the risk of weak points that might undermine the pipe's structural integrity. They come in a variety of sizes, strengths, and wall thicknesses. A drill pipe typically constitutes a large portion, usually around 95%, of what is known as the ‘drill string’. Read on for more information on drill strings! A key characteristic of a drill pipe is its hollow interior. The fact a drill pipe is hollow is essential for drilling because it lets fluid flow through the pipe.  What is a drill pipe used for?  A drill pipe has two main functions: Torque Transmission: Drill pipes are designed to transfer drilling torque over long distances, often spanning several miles, from the drilling rig's surface down to the drill bit. Fluid Circulation: A drill pipe serves as a conduit for drilling fluid, also known as ‘drilling mud’, allowing it to flow down from the surface and back up the wellbore. Drilling fluid is crucial for cooling the drill bit, carrying cuttings to the surface, and maintaining pressure in the well. Given the substantial depths reached in drilling operations, which can extend up to nearly 15,000 feet, connecting different drill pipe sections is necessary. This connection process typically involves welding together threaded tool joints, including the box tool joint and the pin tool joint, to create a continuous length of drill pipe. What are drill strings? A drill string is the interconnected assembly of various components used to bore into the ground or seabed for resource extraction purposes. Drill strings can vary in length and composition depending on the depth and complexity of the drilling operation. They usually comprise multiple drill pipes, tool joints, drill collars, and the drill bit itself. What materials are used in drill pipes?  Drill pipes made out of steel are the most common. The specific steel alloy used is typically high-strength, low-alloy steel (HSLA). This type of steel is chosen for its ability to withstand the harsh conditions encountered during drilling, including high-stress levels, corrosion, and wear. Aluminum is also occasionally chosen, due to its light-weight characteristic. Aluminum pipes are well-suited for situations where weight is a critical factor, such as remote drilling or when equipment weight limitations need to be considered. In some cases, drill pipes may be coated with materials like nickel or other anti-corrosion coatings to provide additional protection against corrosion. Drilling pipe classification After inspection, drill pipes are categorized into one of three classes: N-Class (New Pipe): These are the strongest and newest pipes available, typically in excellent or near-pristine condition. P-Class (Premium Pipe): Premium pipes are a step down from N-Class. They have experienced some wear but are still highly functional. C-Class (Used Pipe): C-Class pipes further subdivide into C-1, C-2, and C-3, depending on their condition. They range from well-worn pipes to those nearing the end of their serviceable life. The specific rating indicates the extent of wear and longevity, making C-Class pipes suitable for less demanding drilling tasks. Once a pipe is no longer usable, it gets marked with a red band and assessed for scrap. Drill pipes can be expensive, so they are often reused. Types of drilling pipes  Drill pipes vary, tailored to specific drilling needs. Common types include regular and heavyweight drill pipes, with spiral pipes for enhanced torque transmission and speciality pipes for directional and horizontal drilling. Understanding these different types of drilling pipes is essential for selecting the right tools and equipment to optimize drilling efficiency and effectiveness in diverse geological conditions.  Regular drill pipe A regular drill pipe, or standard drill pipe, comes in various sizes and outer diameters. The most common outside diameter for regular drill pipes ranges from approximately 2 3/8 inches to 6 5/8 inches. Drilling pipes are typically manufactured in standard lengths, with the most common options being 30 feet (9 meters) and 45 feet (14 meters). Longer lengths may be used for deeper drilling projects. Many regular drill pipes have a center upset or thick wear pads. These features prevent the outer surface of the drill pipe from grinding against the rough walls of the borehole. Center upsets reduce wear and friction, prolonging the lifespan of the drill pipes. Heavy weight drill pipe  A heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP) is characterized by its thicker walls and significantly higher weight per foot (lb/ft) compared to regular drill pipes. These attributes make a heavy weight drill pipe exceptionally well-suited for demanding drilling applications. HWDP is designed to address challenges like borehole control, wellbore stability, and high-pressure environments in deep drilling. Its added weight helps maintain drilling accuracy. How are the sizings of drill pipes measured? To determine the sizing of drill pipes, each individual joint is referred to as a ‘Single’ and categorized further by its length, typically using a three-part API length range classification: one, two, or three. The most common length for drill pipes is "range two," a crucial factor when calculating drilling depth as it encompasses the entire drill string, including the drill pipe. Drill pipes come in various sizes and materials, ensuring a suitable option for every project. Similarly, API classes group drill pipes based on size and material, assessing factors like yield strength, tensile strength, the drill-pipe body, and the tool joint. API classes are assigned through rigorous inspections, with a particular emphasis on evaluating used drill pipes. How strong is a drill pipe?  The strength of a drill pipe varies depending on several factors, including its material, size, and design. As mentioned, drill pipes are manufactured from HSLA, which provides exceptional durability and resistance to the extreme conditions encountered in drilling operations. The strength of a drill pipe is often expressed in terms of its tensile strength, which can range from 100,000 pounds to well over 1,000,000 pounds per square inch (psi), depending on the specific type and grade of the pipe. Heavyweight drill pipes (see above!) have higher tensile strengths than regular drill pipes. The strength of a drill pipe is a critical factor in its ability to transmit torque, withstand axial loads, and endure the rigors of drilling at various depths and in diverse geological formations. How to maintain and inspect drill pipes  Maintaining and inspecting drill pipes ensures their longevity and safe performance in drilling operations. Regular maintenance involves cleaning, protecting against corrosion, and monitoring wear and tear. Prior to each use, a thorough visual inspection is essential, checking for cracks, deformations, or other signs of damage. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as magnetic particle testing (MPT) or ultrasonic testing (UT), can be employed to detect internal flaws. Regularly inspecting the threaded connections for wear and ensuring they are properly lubricated is crucial. Additionally, monitoring the center upsets and wear pads can help prevent excessive friction and prolong the drill pipe's lifespan. How can TIOT help you? Determining the proper drill pipe for your drilling project can be a difficult choice to make. Luckily, our drilling experts are available to answer questions on your drilling tool selection. Give us a call for answers today! … [Read more...]

What are Slips and Elevators in the Drilling Industry? For those new to the drilling industry, or those looking in from the outside, the tools and processes used to extract resources can be confusing. There are oil field tools and equipment that are essential to a drilling rig, while others are optional. If you’re interested in getting into the drilling industry, it’s imperative that you are familiar with all of these tools, including the essentials like slips and elevators. Learn more about these slips and elevators below! Slips and Their Importance Slips fit around the body of a drill pipe and are used to suspend the drill string in the drilling hole. When installed, they are wedged in the taper of the rotary table’s opening and because they have serrated insets, they are able to grip the outside of the tubular when it is set on the rotary table. Slips are typically installed by the drilling rig team. To set them, the slips are placed around the drill pipe, which is then lowered until the serrated insets take hold of the drill pipe. When it is time to disassemble the slips and drill pipe, the rig team will work backwards. One crew member will lift the drill pipe up, while another will take the slip by the handles and remove them from the rotary table. One thing to note when using slips is if the drill collar does not have an elevator shoulder, a safety clamp will need to be used above the slips. This safety clamp will ensure that if the serrated insets of the slips fail, the slips won’t fall into the drilling hole, rather, they will be “caught” by the safety clamp. Elevators and Their Importance An elevator is used to raise and lower the drilling pipe in and out of the drilling hole by latching around the top of the drill string pipe joints. Most elevators are hinged and the drilling rig team can open and close them by using the latch with handles on either side of the elevator. When installing the elevator, it should be attached to the hook or the Top Drive with either links or bails and because a drilling elevator is tapered, it can tightly latch to the drilling pipe without damaging it. Beckets and bails can then be added to an elevator to give extra room for your crew to maneuver the elevator and complete their work efficiently. In important to mention that in special circumstances a drill string won’t have a shoulder, so a lifting sub will be added to the end of a joint to help lift the drill string. The elevator will then be attached to the lifting sub to lower and raise the drill collars from the drilling hole. As you can see slips and elevators are essential to a drilling rig. If you’re ready to purchase your slips and elevators, give us a call today! Our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have about your specific drilling sites. … [Read more...]

Top 2022 Tools and Equipment in the Oil and Gas Industry With a new year comes a new set of trends in any line of work, but this is especially the case in oil and gas industry. Oil and gas are in constant demand, so oilfield tools need to be able to evolve to meet that demand. Below we will take a look at the tools we predict will be especially popular in 2022 for their cutting-edge technology and ease-of-use. Tool: Power Tongs We predict that power tongs will continue to be an invaluable tool in the oil industry as they are continuously developed to improve efficiency and the safety of drill floor operations. These wrenches are well-known for their ability to apply torque and gripping drill string components which is something that will not be replicated in 2022 by any other tool. Power tongs are generally categorized into four types: casing tongs, tubing tongs, drill pipe tongs and riser tongs. Each variation has its place in 2022’s tool line-up. Casing tongs come in a variety of sizes and are used to make or break casing tubulars. They’re essential is maintaining the opening of the well. As you might imagine from their name, tubing tongs are used to run tubulars. This allows oil and gas to actually be extracted from reservoirs. Drill pipe tongs screw together drill pipe and tubulars to form drill strings. Drill strings are then used for drilling into the ground. Riser tongs are used when working with the seafloor. They move materials from the blowout (located on the seafloor) to the drilling rig. When you invest in any essential power tong variation you can be sure that it will continue to be used for years to come. Tool: Elevators If you need to raise and lower pipe into the drilling hole, you need a drill pipe elevator. The use of an elevator in the oil industry ensures that the project can be completed. Without an elevator, many jobs would go unfinished which is why it’s on our list for the top oil and gas tools in 2022. For some additional context, the elevator attaches to the top of the pipe joints in the drill string. This allows your driller to manage the movement of the pipe. Many elevators are hinged, so they are operated by opening the latch with two handles on each side. If you’re working on a heavy-duty drilling project, you will need to add an elevator to your arsenal of tools. Tool: Top Drive Systems A top drive system is used to apply clockwise torque to the drillstring to create a borehole. These mechanical systems are an alternative to the rotary table and kelly drive.  Top drive systems can be found on the drilling rig, below the traveling block, at the swivel’s place. They move up and down to evenly apply torque to the drillstring and can be used in a variety of rigs including truck-mounted rigs and offshore rigs.  Because top drives don’t require kelly drives, a master bushing and rotary table should instead be used for support. The lack of kelly drive makes a top drive system more scalable and is essential for 2022 drilling operations. With a top drive system you can drill 90 feet before making a connection whereas with kelly systems you only have 30 feet before making a connection.  The last benefit of a top drive system we will mention is they allow rotation and circulation while back reaming out of a hole; kelly drives do not have this capability and can’t rotate the drill stem. Tool: Rig Tongs We can’t discuss the top tools of 2022 without touching on rig tongs. Rig tongs are self-locking wrenches that are used to breakout or makeup casing, tubing, or drill pipes. Examples of rig tongs are chisel tongs, casing tongs, power tongs, rotary tongs, and manual tongs.  Rig tongs are always used in pairs - one set is tied to the derrick with a cable or chain, while the other is pulled with mechanical catheads. The application of the rig tongs is dependent on torque necessary to breakout or makeup the casing or tubing.  There are three main types of rig tongs: straight tong tie drivers, angled tong tie drivers, and hammerless tong tie drivers. While all variations are used for die reslotting, they each have their own features for their specific applications.  Straight tong tie drivers are the simplest rig tong as they are straight, but they can also be the most dangerous as there is nothing to protect the operator from the hammer. As the name suggests, angled tong tie drivers have a grip that’s angled to create a perpendicular tong; they also have brass guards for the tips and handle. Finally, hammerless tong tie drivers don’t involve the use of a hammer, so they’re the safest, but they’re also the slowest for the same reason. The rig tong you choose should be specific to your jobsite. Although there are a plethora of other tools vital to the oil and gas industry in 2022, power tongs and elevators are two of our favorite. If you’re ready to purchase the drilling rig equipment, contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have or help you complete your purchase. … [Read more...]

Buying New vs Refurbished Oilfield Equipment Whenever you’re purchasing oilfield equipment, you want to get the best deal possible. But what does the best deal look like to you? Based on your purchasing criteria buying new or refurbished oilfield tools could be the right direction. The Pros of New Oilfield Equipment Purchasing new equipment means you are leveraging the best versions of their products the manufacturers believe they’ve come up with. Meaning you’re getting the most reliable and optimized tool in their line yet. Many of the improvements come via feedback from the field. Some tools are also easier to service based on their design like the EZY Torque Hydraulic Cathead. New equipment may also have a return policy if you decide you’re unsatisfied with the product. See our return policy here. When you purchase new oil rig equipment, finding supporting accessories and tools can also be easier as you’re not dealing with legacy products. The Pros of Refurbished Oilfield Equipment Yes, cutting down on capital costs is an effective way to compete in the industry and even scale up your rig fleet. And beyond the lower upfront expense, most reputable refurbished sellers offer a warranty, so you are less likely to expose yourself to immediate risk. If you have a specific tool you’ve used successfully on the field and just need to replace, refurbished can also help your budget based on the supplier’s refurbished piece. They might even let you rent their equipment. Depending on how much use the equipment has gone through, you can luck out and acquire tools that are nearly new or very lightly used. Before buying, check with the supplier to see why the equipment was refurbished. As you compare and shop new versus refurbished, map out a four square matrix. It can help to visualize your priorities and purchasing criteria. Quadrant 1 is features or benefits that would be nice to have, but not completely necessary. Quadrant 2 is your must-have criteria. If a piece of equipment aligns with everything here, it’s a much easier yes. Quadrant 3 is your deal breakers/red flags and simply aren’t a good fit for you. Quadrant 4 is something you know is necessary but not necessarily something top of mind when out on the field such as a product warranty. Questions to Ask When Shopping New Versus Refurbished Oilfield Tools When inquiring and shopping for comparisons on oilfield tools ask: How does the warranty for refurbished equipment compare to new? Why was this specific tool refurbished? Was it used for one project and then returned? What does the refurbishing process look like for tools? Browse our lines of new and refurbished oilfield equipment including diesel hydraulic power units, elevator spiders, and casing elevators. … [Read more...]