Drilling Operation Guidelines for Optimal Drill Pipe Performance

Provided by China Welong | renee@welongpost.com

Optimize Drilling Parameters to Ensure Stability & Efficiency

To maximize drilling performance and prevent drill string damage, it is essential to select the appropriate rotary speed and weight on bit (WOB) based on:

• Formation type
• Borehole diameter
• Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) configuration

Avoid exceeding critical RPMs:
When the rotary speed reaches the critical speed, the drill pipe may experience resonance due to the alignment of axial, lateral, and torsional vibration frequencies with the drill pipe’s natural frequency. This resonance causes:

• Severe drill string instability
• Extra fatigue stress
• Accelerated tool failure

Excessive WOB issues:
Too much WOB increases bit resistance and risks:

• Drill string sticking
• Bending of BHA
• Borehole deviation
• Thread fatigue failure

Anti-Corrosion Measures for Harsh Environments

When drilling in corrosive environments, apply the following best practices:

1. Add Oxygen Scavengers & Corrosion Inhibitors to the drilling fluid
2. Maintain a drilling fluid pH of 10 or higher
3. Use corrosion-resistant drill pipe, such as sour service (H2S-resistant) grades
4. Opt for internal-coated drill pipe to reduce fluid-metal contact
5. Prefer lower steel grade drill pipe, when strength requirements permit, to enhance corrosion fatigue resistance

These practices help reduce:

• Hydrogen-induced cracking
• Pitting
• Fatigue failure due to environmental stressors

Thread Disconnection Best Practices

When disassembling drill pipe threads at the wellhead:

1. Use low gear rotation speed at the start of the disconnection
2. Maintain slight hook spring tension to avoid pressure between thread surfaces
3. Only lift the top drive or hook once the threads are fully disengaged
   • Prevents thread galling
   • Avoids the upper drill pipe impacting the box shoulder due to spring rebound

These steps preserve thread integrity and prevent unintentional mechanical damage to the tool joints

Our Recommendation: Always operate within safe limits of torque, RPM, and WOB. Take proactive measures to prevent vibration and corrosion-related damage—this ensures longer service life, reduced downtime, and safer drilling operations.

Contact us for full technical support or product customization:
renee@welongpost.com