• Leaders in Non-productive-time Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry

  • Specialists in QA/QC, Accreditation and Standards, Engineering and Training

  • Reducing Non-productive Time - Increasing Performance

  • Years of Drilling Experience Applicable to Modern Drilling Performance

  • Reducing the risk of Equipment Related Non-Productive Time

Technical Bulletins

As part of our commitment to the prevention of avoidable equipment related non-productive time we have started a library of Technical Bulletins that cover a number of topics that are directly relevant to both equipment and drilling operations.

These insights are valuable to all members of the Drilling Team so please let your colleagues know about the service which is free of charge.

Should you or your colleagues want further information with regards to any of the issues raised then just contact our Engineering team and they will get back to you.

If you would like to suggest topics for future technical bulletins then please use the Feedback form.

Technical Bulletins

Bulletins

TB: 01 Value of ACFM Inspection Fearnley International Updated version - 08/11/17- ACFM (Alternating Current Field Measurement) Inspection is detailed in the NS-2TM Drill String Inspection Standard as an optional requirement that should be considered for complex wells.
TB: 02 BHA pin connection failure This pin/pin crossover was in a rotary steerable BHA that was Geosteering - it worked through some significant doglegs so saw high bending loads while rotating - these are the key ingredients for fatigue.
TB: 03 Mixing of connections - definitions There are now quite a number of proprietary double shouldered connections that are designed to screw together with API connections. However, there is a lot of ambiguity and confusion with the terminology and what the make-up torques and combination working capabilities are.
TB: 04 Backloading of drill pipe This drill string was backloaded from a rig working in the North Sea in 2015. The majority of the connections were shipped without proper thread protectors fitted.
TB: 05 Management of Bevel Diameters BHA connection bevel diameters (NS-2™ Table 13) are different to HWDP connection bevel diameters (NS-2™ Table 12) and Drillpipe connection bevel diameters (NS-2™ Table 9). Most of the time, there are very few components that are used across these different categories, however, jars and accelerators, are two… and Circ Subs are another.
TB: 06 Stripdown vs failure analysis FPG are often asked by clients to witness the review of returned equipment which may have failed to meet expectations during use. However, sometimes there is confusion with the various parties about the actual scope of work required, or being executed.
TB: 07 Correct use of thread compounds FPDSE have investigated a significant number of connection failures where the root cause has been attributed to incorrect or insufficient thread lubricants being used for connection make-up. In most cases, the thread damage was not found until the connections were broken out. This presents a high risk of downhole failure.
TB: 08 Rig site checks on connections Good, regular visual checks on drill string connections on the rig are important in an attempt to prolong the life of the equipment and catch washouts and any other damage before they develop into a more serious issue. This page has been compiled to provide some guidance on what to look for.
TB: 09 Identification of connection torque status An investigation was recently performed where an assembly that had been assembled and torqued onshore backed-off while drilling. A dedicated fishing trip was required to retrieve the lower section which resulted in significant NPT.
TB: 10 Refacing rotary connections NS-1 states that all new rotary connections shall be provided with a benchmark (This does not apply to pin connections having a stress relief groove) in accordance with the requirements of API Spec 7-2, latest revision as a minimum.
TB: 11 Stress relief features on connections smaller than NC38 Why does NS-1™ not require stress relief grooves on pin connections smaller than NC38 when they will surely see fatigue stresses?
TB: 12 Evaluation of damage on connections Recently during load out checks, there has been an increase in the number of “catches” by our Verification Technicians who have found connections that could potentially fail if they were used towards the upper end of their operational limits. (i.e. High levels of tension/torsion/number of cycles).
TB: 13 Marking of Verified Tools Coloured marking is used through the various stages of inspection and repair to advise on the status of various areas on drill string tools.
TB: 14 Managment Protocol for Stress Relief Groove Length During verification visits, a number of tools have been found with stress relief grooves that do not dimensionally comply with API Spec 7-2 (where stress relief grooves are optional) or NS-2™, both state the range is 1” ± 1/32”.
TB: 15 New Saver Sub Manufacturing Specifications Fearnley Procter have completed numerous investigations involving damaged or failed Saver Subs and had a number of technical conversations when reviewing new manufactured ones that have been proposed for use.
TB: 16 Rig Team Checks of Saver Subs TB: 16 Rig Team Checks of Saver Subs