Pipe Care and Handling - Golden Rules

Golden Rules for Basic Drill Pipe Care and Handling

1) Always makeup to the recommended MAXIMUM makeup torque. Do NOT exceed recommended max makeup torque. See performance sheet.

2) ADJUST makeup torque according to thread compound friction factor (FF) greater than 1.0 FF to 1.15 FF compound. Questions? Contact Workstrings Engineering.

3) Connections received with STORAGE COMPOUND require the COMPLETE REMOVAL prior to the application of a running thread compound.

4) Be LIBERAL with the thread compound in the box, the base of the box and on the pin; use a copper-based or a compatible thread compound. Ensure 360 DEGREES of coverage of the threads, torque shoulders, as well as 360 DEGREES of coverage on the seal surfaces on completion pipe.

5) Stabbing guides are MANDATORY for all Grant Prideco dual shouldered tool joints, VAM connections and most Tenaris/Hydril connections.

6) Always ENSURE proper pipe alignment.

7) MINIMIZE clamp pressure.

8) MAXIMIZE the distance between the box shoulder and lower jaw die per OEM guidelines (1”-2” minimum for most tool joints).

9) When moving pipe horizontally, do it with PROTECTORS on the CONNECTIONS.

10) Always return drill pipe with PLASTIC composite thread protectors and ADD FRESH THREAD COMPOUND when laying down the pipe.

11) Consider running a FRICTION-REDUCING or LUBRICATING FLUID to reduce down-hole torque and abrasion. Drill pipe non rotating protectors are discouraged and can cause pipe damage.

12) Always STOP pipe movement before setting slips, especially while tripping in the hole.

13) ENSURE Top Drive Saver Sub pin connection are free of damage and debris.

14) Recommend running WORKSTRINGS’ ELEVATORS with WORKSTRINGS’ DRILL PIPE to ensure the CORRECT ELEVATOR BORE is used.

15) Ensure that the correct Top Drive Bell Guide is installed.

Preventing and Troubleshooting Connection Damages

1) Ensure torque gauges are CALIBRATED correctly.

2) Ensure the connections are CORRECTLY aligned.

3) Break out torques greater than 90% of the original make-up torque indicate down-hole make-up and should be addressed.

4) Ensure the thread compound is CLEAN, DEBRIS & WATER FREE AND APPLIED CORRECTLY. Keep lid on compound container when not being used.

5) Ensure that the rig’s WEIGHT COMPENSATOR is working properly and a minimum amount of weight is applied during connection make-up.

6) Use a SLOW rotation speed during spin-up and break-out of the first 5-6 threads. Do NOT exceed recommended maximum spin-up RPM as recommended per the OEM guidelines. Premium connections should start slow up to 25 RPM until proper engagement is verified then increase speed up to ~100 RPM to shoulder engagement. This may be less critical for API and GPDS™/uGPDS™/EIS™/HT™ connections, as the connection taper stabs deeper. However, following the same slow/fast spinning is a good practice.

Hardbanding, Internal Coating and Rust Grip® External Coating

1) When tripping, check the condition of the HARDBANDING on the drill pipe.

2) If the hardbanding is WORN down flush to the tool joint, ensure the pipe does not go back in the well open hole, especially the horizontal section.

3) Check the HARDBANDING between each well and replace any that is less than 1/32” raised.

4) Use TEFLON, POLYURETHANE or PLASTIC-COATED METAL DRIFTS ONLY; metal drifts will damage internal coating.

5) Use RUST GRIP® external coating to prevent O.D. corrosion in corrosive completion fluids. RUST GRIP® can only be used on Workstrings’ owned tubular assets.

NOTE: More detailed running procedures for proprietary rotary-shouldered connections are available from the OEM’s website (NOV Grant Prideco, Vallourec and Tenaris), Workstrings Engineering or Workstrings’ website.