15/07/05
Premier Adds New Technology to Inventory
by Darren Mourre, Premier Oilfield Rentals Ltd

With the ever increasing challenges of extended reach and deviated wells; torque, tension, hydraulics and ECD’s (Equivalent Circulating Density) have become increasingly important considerations for the drill-ability of today’s more difficult wells. As the length and direction of wells increase, the need for drill pipe with higher tube torsional and tensile capabilities, increased tool joint torsional strength and higher make-up torque capabilities, in addition to slimmed down dimensions for ECD considerations are often required. These capabilities however are often not met by the 5” drill pipe that is currently available.

Now through the use of alternative pipe grades and connections the aforementioned qualities are attainable.
5” XT50, Z-140, 19.50ppf.

One string which boasts these characteristics is Premier’s new 5” XT50, 19.50 ppf, Z-140 grade drill string. This string was built as a tensile and torsional replacement to using 5” 25.60 ppf, NC50, S-135 drill pipe but with a hydraulic efficiency greater than that of standard 5” 19.50 ppf, NC50, S-135.

This is achieved by using the unique chemistry of the Z-140 pipe grade that provides a tube with a torsional strength within 0.5% and a tensile strength within 6% of that of 25.60 ppf S-135, but with the tube dimensions of 5” 19.50 ppf.

In addition, enhanced hydraulic gains are achieved through the use of the XT50 tool joint with dimensions of 6 1⁄2” OD X 3 3⁄4” ID when compared with the NC50 tool joint with dimensions of 6 5/8” X 3 1⁄4” ID. This change in tool joint dimensions allows for hydraulic gains in the 8 1⁄2” hole of 50 GPM versus 5” 19.50, NC50 and over 110 GPM compared with 5” 25.60, NC50 at a maximum pump pressure of 5,000 psi.

Another key advantage of this new drill string is the mechanical capabilities of the connection. The XT50 connection is 49% torsionally stronger than the NC50 and it has a make-up torque range of 28,000 ft-lbs (min) to 46,200 ft-lbs (max) compared with that of the NC50 which has a make-up torque range of 25,900 ft-lbs (min) to 26,800 ft-lbs (max).
5” XT-M50, S-135, 19.50ppf.

Furthermore, Premier has introduced another new 5” string to the North Sea market, 5” XT-M50, 19.50 ppf, S-135 drill pipe. The main difference between the XT-M and the XT is the M in XT-M, which stands for the metal to metal seal in the connection, thus making it a true gas tight connection. The advantages and uses for this are substantial, including but not limited to; drilling, completions, workovers, drill stem tests, high pressure fracs and underbalanced drilling applications.

This new drill string has the same tube as standard 5” NC50, S-135 but with the mechanical and hydraulic advantage of using the XT-M50 connection. This connection is very similar to the XT50, the tool joints are 6 1⁄2” OD X 3 3⁄4” ID, and provides hydraulics similar to the XT50 but with slightly different mechanical advantages. The XT-M50 connection is 36% stronger than the NC50 and it has a make-up torque range of 28,000 ft-lbs (min) to 42,100 ft-lbs (max) compared with that of the NC50 with a make-up torque range of 25,900 ft-lbs (min) to 26,800 ft-lbs (max).

Premier’s new 5” XT50, Z-140, 19.50 ppf and 5” XT-M50, S135 19.50 ppf drill strings are the optimum 5” drill pipe for today’s challenging wells.

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