A new automated tool-joint inspection system to reduce drillstring failures
- Inspectorate/OIS (GB)
- Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX (United States)
- Esso E and P U.K. (GB)
Drillstring connection failures continue to be a costly problem for the oil industry. To reduce the occurrence of these failures, operators and drilling contractors typically specify periodic nondestructive inspections to remove damage tubulars from service. Conventional inspections generally involve the use of magnetic particles, and performance is highly dependent on human factors, which can result in errors by inspectors. This paper describes the development of a new automated tool-joint inspection system (ATIS) based on electromagnetic-flux-leakage principles to detect common service-induced flaws reliably, such as fatigue cracks, stretched threads, and mechanical damage. ATIS is capable of inspecting common connections on drillpipe and drill collars in the pipeyard and at the drillsite. Laboratory testing and field experience show that ATIS limits the probability of human error and thus reduced the occurrence of costly drillstring failures.
- OSTI ID:
- 5846673
- Journal Information:
- SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drilling Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drilling Engineering; (United States) Vol. 6:2; ISSN 0885-9744; ISSN SDENE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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