Important Things to Know About Drill Pipe

By Jay Miller

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In the past, we have written about tips for selecting proper drill pipe and drill pipe maintenance. What do you need to know when it comes to this important purchase?

Here are some insights to what you need to keep in mind.

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The most important thing I can advise about selecting drill pipe for your project is to ask questions. What kind of questions, you ask? Here are a few to keep in mind: Who is the manufacturer of the drill pipe and what is the origin of the tubes and tool joints? If selecting new drill pipe, ask for the data packet or quality documentation package and go look at the pipe. Ask for a plant tour to see the pipe and the manufacturing process. If selecting or comparing used drill pipe, be sure to see the inspection reports and ask for clarification to make sure you understand the information. Study the O.D. of the pipe in comparison to the O.D. of new pipe and the minimum O.D. allowable for a connection to pass an inspection.

Today, we are going to discuss things you should know about your drill pipe.

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Don't Overlook This

Pipe dope application procedures may be the most overlooked and most important thing to know. New threads on new pipe, or freshly recut connections, need special attention to "break-in" during their initial use. We often say, "Only put dope on the threads you want to keep." But all jokes aside, the biggest problem we see when contractors have a problem with new threads is a lack of complete coverage of all threads and seal faces, deep down into the valley of the threads. All thread compounds (pipe dope) are not created equally. Pipe that has been stored for a long period of time should have "storage compound" such as ZN50. High-quality pipe dope such as Kopr Kote can harden if left on threads for a long period of time as a storage compound and create a new set of problems. Avoid putting the pipe into service until the storage compound has been removed and fresh new pipe dope has been applied.

Proper cleaning of threads before use is also a key step that is sometimes overlooked. After removing the thread protectors, threads need to be cleaned and checked before use. Mineral spirits are often used, or a high-pressure washer can be sufficient most of the time. The key is getting the threads clean so a visual inspection can verify their condition. Then pipe dope can adhere to the threads and protect them. Again, with complete coverage of all threads and seal faces.

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Drill pipe that is stored for a long period of time should be periodically rotated to prevent "rack rot." We have seen pipe that is sitting on wood timbers develop rust where the steel contacts the wood and moisture. This can cause pitting that could lead to a failure.

Also Important

The speed of rotation during break-in of new threads is critical and should be slow and steady. Most experts and manufacturers agree that it is best to make up the connection to 100 percent of recommended make-up torque. For example, manufacturers typically complete a three-cycle make and break at the factory when making maxi rig drill pipe. This is done at 100 percent of recommended make-up torque on the tool joints before they are welded onto the tubes.

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Hard banding can extend the life of drill pipe when used on rock crossings. Some manufacturers or suppliers install different types of hard banding. Hard banding can be most beneficial in rock formations to help reduce tool joint O.D. wear. Some hard band options are "casing friendly," but they do not last as long in abrasive rock formations as other types of hard band. The placement of the hard band for HDD projects can be different than what is found on oil/gas (vertical) well projects. It is beneficial to place hard band on the tapers of the tool joints to prevent wear in horizontal directional drilling.

Most HDD contractors prefer to use standard, field-proven API style connections such as 4-1/2-in. IF, 5-1/2-in. Full Hole or 6-5/8-in. Full Hole. These connections are available in their standard form, or with a "double shoulder" feature. The double shoulder versions of these connections provide a secondary shoulder at the end of the pin. This adds approximately 30 percent more torsional strength to the connection and helps prevent over-torque to the connection if "slip torque" is experienced downhole.

Inspection and stress cracks are critical aspects to monitor. Stress is not measurable until a crack develops. Steel has a "memory" and is cumulative, also referred to as fatigue. There is no way to quantify how much stress is put into a joint of pipe until a crack develops. Regular inspection is the best protection to look for cracks before they propagate all the way through the pipe, which is seen as a joint with drilling fluid leaking through it or a completely broken piece of pipe. Manufacturers have worked with heat-treating methods as well as steel components to achieve "leak before break." The goal is to have the pipe stay together even if a leak develops to avoid a downhole break. It is best to inspect drill pipe regularly, or after a particularly rough job, and especially if the pipe has been used on a tight radius. The most common failures we find from HDD projects are noted as "rotational bending fatigue," meaning that the pipe has been through a tight radius while rotating and drilling.

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Again, I stress: Ask questions. Drill pipe suppliers and manufacturers see drill pipe on a regular basis and should be able to provide informative information through resources such as manufacturers, API, and T.H. Hill.

Jay Miller is president of J.T. Miller LLC.

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Over the past few decades, global supply chains opened many new options for manufacturing products. While most businesses sought lower-cost options overseas, recent economic events and changes in consumer preferences have led to a revitalization of American manufacturing.

Today, the manufacturing industry is looking to become more sustainable, digital, skilled, and resilient, according to McKinsey & Company. This is leading more businesses to look to the US to handle their manufacturing needs. Here is a deeper look at the reasons to invest in American manufacturing.

1. Manufacturing is a Central Part of the US Economy

While you may not initially associate the US with manufacturing, this important sector plays a central role in the growth of our economy.

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According to NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology), manufacturing contributed 12% of the US GDP in 2021. That’s about $2.3 trillion and almost 1/8th of GDP, just behind the government, finance, and professional/business services industries, according to Statista.

Recognizing this, our government and private sector do prioritize the growth and position of the US as a world-leading manufacturing economy. This results in a competitive market invested in development and technology, but also one well-supported by our government.

2. Government Incentives to Manufacture Items Domestically

When a government supports an industry, they provide incentives in the form of financial, tax, logistics, and business. This encourages the investment in and growth of a sector, and ultimately, its positive impact on the US economy.

Tax Incentives

Tax incentives are a major contributor to the strength of American manufacturing. The government offers tax rebates and exemptions for companies that manufacture in the states. To take advantage of this incentive, though, you either have to be a company that commissions an onshore manufacturer or be an onshore manufacturer acquiring materials.

Tax incentives make it more competitive to manufacture in the US. While offshore manufacturing may be known for lower production, skilled labor, and transportation costs, tax incentives can help offset those savings. It allows a business to benefit from investing in and choosing a manufacturer here in the US.

Logistical Incentives

Logistical incentives for domestic manufacturing can also make a significant impact on a business's bottom line. The US has an interconnected transport system of train, road, air, and sea travel options that make it easy to ship products anywhere. This includes shipping products around the world since the US is bordered on two sides by oceans, and the coasts are filled with ports that make sea access easier and cost-effective.

For your company, this means lower costs when shipping manufactured products wherever they need to go.

Business Incentives

Within the global supply chain, the US is a world-leading business hub. The US takes measures to create both a legal system and an economy that is favorable to domestic and international businesses.

Here, you can make connections with businesses around the world, making it easy to source materials at better costs, find materials quickly, and build a business model around US-based operations. Your business can also benefit from the competitive nature of the US business markets. There are many businesses that are willing to compete on prices and other factors that can change how your business operates.

3. A Reputation for Innovation and Quality

The main reason why companies choose to invest in American manufacturing is because of our reputation for innovation and quality across many industries. The US is known for designing products to high-quality standards, while offshore manufacturing has a reputation for using cheap and low-quality materials.

Today's consumers are increasingly aware of the quality and source of their products. According to First Insight's research, customers are 51% more focused on quality than they are on cost. More companies are taking advantage of consumers who are willing to pay more for high-quality, American-made products.

4. Access to a Skilled Workforce

The quality in US manufacturing comes from investments in technology, development, and a quality workforce. The US has a universal education system that puts it ahead of many other manufacturing centers around the world. A higher educated and tech-savvy workforce makes it easier for manufacturing companies to recruit better talent. More talented workers mean improved manufacturing processes and outcomes.

5. Compliance With Environmental Regulations

Finally, the US is largely committed to environmental protection when it comes to manufacturing. Government regulations for pollution and environmental impact are stricter here in the US than in most places overseas.

The drive for greater sustainability is not only important to the longevity of your business but is also increasingly important to customers. A Forbes study showed that customers want transparency and accountability from the brands and products they buy. They're developing preferences for companies that prioritize environmental and social positions that align with their own beliefs.

American Manufacturing Can Enhance Your Oil and Gas Business

With the revitalization of American manufacturing, it's a good time to invest in US-made products. In the oil and gas industry, MSI Pipe Protection is a manufacturer with a reputation for quality and innovation. Our pipe protection products are top-of-the-line and made in the United States. Contact us today to see how we can help you invest in high-quality products and improve safety across the oil and gas industry.

Contact us to discuss your requirements with Drill Pipe Suppliers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.