Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Water Well Drill Pipe
Important Things to Know About Drill Pipe
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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.
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.
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 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.
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
Make Up Torque and Initial Break-In of New Connections: 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.
Hard Banding: 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 formation 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 a 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: 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.
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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Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Water Well Drill
Choosing a water well drilling rig requires careful consideration before signing on the dotted line. It&#;s not an impulse decision. While price is the most common consideration for many people, there are quite a few other aspects to consider &#; some of which may outweigh the influence of price. Think about the service and support, training and quality; and don&#;t forget about the ever-important mud pump.
Whether shopping new or used, a little research and education will help identify the right drill to meet your needs.
Service and Support:
Service is just as important as the product itself, so don&#;t skimp on the partner you choose.
Look for a company that supports its customers, even after the sale. Oftentimes, if a product comes with a cheap price tag, it also comes with a subpar support model. The manufacturers of these discounted rigs might not be around long or won&#;t be there to help you with questions or issues after the sale.
Instead, choose a manufacturer who is known for their after-sale support and resources. If they offer training manuals, videos and technical support, they are likely a trustworthy manufacturer who will help further the success of your business. Look for a company who has actual people answering their support calls. If they can answer not only your product questions, but also your operation and application questions, the company is likely dedicated to the success of its customers, not just making a sale.
A reliable company should be there when you need them with global parts shipping and expert support available by and . By partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced manufacturer, you&#;ll be able to tap into their familiarity with the products and logistics to get the most out of your water drilling equipment.
Another good indication of a reliable manufacturer is their warranty. One of the best ways to determine a company&#;s confidence in its products is by reviewing the warranty policies that accompany a purchase.
Training:
Proper training is essential to the success of your operation, so work with a manufacturer who offers a safety and operational overview.
Operating a new piece of equipment presents a list of potential challenges. If an operator has not worked on a water well drill, or even if they have but are inexperienced with the brand or model, training is essential.
Many manufacturers offer onsite training, which is a great way for drillers to gain hands-on experience before beginning a project. Proper training helps operators become familiar with equipment, as well as the different roles on a drill site. By learning the roles and responsibilities on a jobsite, operators can minimize the risk of injury. Find a manufacturer who understands these roles and works with you to share safe operating procedures.
Quality:
Don&#;t cut corners on materials and components if you want a drill that will perform well and last over time.
&#;You get what you pay for&#; is an over-used phrase, but it&#;s true. A higher-quality product might cost a bit more, but when it performs better, causes fewer problems and lasts longer, those few extra dollars are worth it. Plus, low-quality drills typically have little to no resale value compared to higher-quality models.
Look for a manufacturer that discloses the quality of the materials they use, along with the assembly processes. Find a heavy-duty welded steel frame and thick drill pipes to ensure the drill can withstand challenging conditions. Some manufacturers cut corners by using thinner steel. This can cause the frame to bend or twist while driving or prematurely wear due to corrosion in hot, humid climates.
Having a robust water well drill pipe and other strong components can also make a huge difference. Some manufacturers cut costs by offering inferior water pipe instead of heavy-duty ASTM A500 spec drill pipe. And while drill pipe can cost 10 times more than water pipe, if your drill is 100 feet into the ground in a remote location and you hit hard soil or rocks, a broken pipe could mean a major setback. This situation could take hours to resolve or mean moving to a new site and abandoning your pipe to rectify. Look for manufacturers that use at least 1 ¾-inch-diameter drill pipe and connections made of heat-treated alloy steel. Lower-quality drills often use ¾- or 1-inch water pipes intended for less intense applications.
With quality components, drill operators also limit trips to a repair shop for replacement parts for their water well drilling rig.
The Secret is in the Mud Pump:
The power of your system and depth of the hole are directly related to the quality and power of your centrifugal pump.
The mud pump is an essential component of the water well drilling process. A powerful centrifugal pump is required to flush out the cuttings from the hole, allowing for the proper depth of drilling and a high-quality well hole. Once your pump can no longer flush out the cuttings, you have reached maximum depth capacity. The power and efficiency of a mud pump increases this depth, allowing you to drill deeper compared to other methods.
Some people may choose to cut corners and buy a cheaper mud pump from another manufacturer, which can result in poor performance by purchasing a pump with specs not tailored to their specific drill. Choosing a mud pump from an OEM means that it will provide the most optimal performance when paired with the drill.
Choosing Well Water Drilling Equipment
A knowledgeable drill manufacturer will work with you to identify the ideal drill for your needs. Soil type, geographical location and intended use will help determine which drill is best. Work with a company who supports your drilling mission during every step of the process. A true partnership will present the best results.
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