In the world of oilfield equipment, drill pipes and OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) are subjected to immense stress during drilling operations. Regular inspections are of utmost importance to ensure the safety and performance of these vital components. Checkups help identify potential issues, prevent costly downtime, and help improve the lifespan of the equipment.
By identifying minor issues early on, operators can address them before they become significant problems. Moreover, these examinations enable employees to maintain their proficiency, guaranteeing seamless operations when it’s time to execute a job. Proper assessments are necessary to avoid unforeseen complications and compromise employee safety and equipment integrity.
Types of Inspections
• Inspect the Octagon Plate
This plate prevents excessive wear during well operations. If it becomes worn down, operating the drill pipe could become hazardous. Therefore, inspecting the condition of the octagon plate is a vital part of any assessment routine.
• Perform a Visual Inspection
Specialized personnel familiar with OCTG should scrutinize the external surface of the pipes for signs of corrosion. It can compromise the performance of OCTG in wells, making it crucial to service them before further use.
• Pressure Testing of OCTG
This process involves subjecting all components to air or water tests, verifying their ability to endure pressure during drilling operations. Pressure testing is a crucial part of maintaining the integrity and reliability of OCTG.
Addressing Signs of Wear
Once signs of wear are identified during inspections, immediate action is essential. The presence of corrosion on the surface of OCTG or wear spots on drill pipes should remind operators to bring these items in for prompt servicing before resuming operations.
Timely maintenance and repair work can reduce the risk of accidents or injuries and prevent further damage. Additionally, well-maintained equipment ensures the safety of future operations.
Standards
Guidelines help ensure the reliability of the inspection process for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) and drill pipe components. Adhering to set procedures enables the identification of potential issues, making it possible to make acceptance/rejection decisions on tubulars during assessments.
Compliance with set requirements guarantees that all figures, dimensions, and tolerances are within required specifications, ensuring the safety and reliability of the pipes during drilling operations. Globally recognized inspection standards like API RP 7G/2, DS-1 Volume 3, and NS-2 apply depending on the customer’s drilling area requirements.
The Inspection Process
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is performed on high-stress areas like threads, slip areas, welds, and radius changes to detect cracks or fatigue. While some examinations, like visual and dimensional inspections, can be done on the field, testing must be completed in the yard to cover all methods, as a line flow is required for the assessment to be cost-effective.
Methods
- Visual Inspection (VTI)
- API/RSC Thread Inspection (API-TI)
- Dimensional Inspection (DI)
- Electromagnetic Tubular Inspections (EMI)
- Magnetic Particle (MT)
- Liquid Dye Penetrant (PT)
- Ultrasonic Inspection of Rotary-Shouldered Connections (UT-RSC)
- Ultrasonic Inspection of High-Stress Areas and Tube Upsets (UTEA)
What To Expect During Inspection
An inspector checks for cracks, galled seals, overtightened threads, pitting/corrosion, and washout of connections during the assessment to ascertain the integrity of the pipes.
Frequency of Checkups
This factor is tied to drilling conditions. The inspection is less frequent when drilling in shallow wells with little to no fatigue, and more frequent review is required for deep well drilling where pipes undergo a lot of stress.
After Inspection
Pipes get categorized into classes based on their compliance with set standards. Tubes that comply with all standards get classified as Premium Class. At the same time, non-compliant pipes get downgraded to a lower class.
Inspect Your OCTG and Drill Pipes Today
Regular inspections are the key to avoiding potential issues and ensuring a safe work environment. Waiting until it’s too late can have severe consequences. Therefore, paying attention to the importance of regular pipe inspection is crucial. By proactively maintaining your equipment, you can identify and address any concerns before they escalate, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Reach Out to Pipe Protection Experts
Partnering with a leading manufacturer ensures the highest pipe protection and maintenance level. They can provide you with reliable solutions that extend the lifespan of your OCTG and drill pipes. For more information on protecting your equipment and ensuring optimal performance, contact your preferred manufacturer today.
