Care and Handling of Drill Stems

Shortages of drill pipe have hit the industry hard for the past few years. Not only has there been a lack of availability of pipe, but costs to replace discarded strings and strings for new rigs have risen sharply. Therefore, the subject of proper care and handling of drill stems becomes increasingly more important. Owners and users must get maximum life with a minimum of problems for their drill strings. Much has been done to increase the life of drill strings, but much more can be accomplished with a broader understanding and practical approach to proper care of drill stems. Although the subject of care and handling of drill stems is not new to the industry, it must be recognized that new people enter the industry every day. How well they are trained and acquainted with possible drill stem problems and the proper care of drill stems will have a direct effect upon the life of a drill string. Therefore, one of the most important steps in proper care and handling of drill stems should be to assure that all personnel associated with using and handling of drill stems are knowledgeable as to why drill strings deteriorate. Most drill pipe degradation, including tool joints, can be categorized into four broad groups: fatigue, corrosion, mechanical damage, and wear.