Basic Drill String Design

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Basic Drill String Design

1 Basic Drill String Design

1.1

Drill Pipe Characteristics

1.1.1

Introduction

Drill strings are subjected to forces of tension, torsion and bending when drilling a well. Designing
a drill string to accommodate these forces requires knowledge of the physical characteristics of the pipe
and the terminology used to identify these characteristics.

1.1.2

Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to

List the four basic functions of the drill string.

Define the term "pipe grade" and list the four commonly used grades of drill pipe.

Identify and define the three weight titles associated with drill pipe.

Identify the eight API drill pipe sizes.

Explain how drill pipe is classified by inspection and list the five drill pipe inspection classes.

1.1.3

Functions of the Drill String

The Drill string must be designed to serve four basic functions

Transmit and support axial loads.

Transmit and support torsional loads.

To withstand potential fatigue damage.

To transmit hydraulics to clean the hole and cool the bit.

Applying sound engineering criteria to the selection of tubulars can help prevent failures as oil
wells become deeper and environments more harsh.
The strength of tubulars, such as drill pipe is defined by a combination of pipe grade, weight, size
and condition.

1.1.4

Pipe Grade

Grade indicates the yield strength of the drill pipe. There are four commonly used grades of drill
pipe. These are:

E-75

X-95

G-105

S-135
There are four grades not in general use. These are:

D-55

N-80

C-75

V-150

The grade of drill pipe can be specified with or without the number following the letter. For
example, either "Grade E" or "Grade E-75" is correct.

Basic Drill String Design

The numbers in the pipe grade specifically refer to the yield strength of the pipe. For example,
grade G-105 pipe has a minimum yield strength of 105,000 lb/in (psi).

Yield strength
Grade
E-75
X-95
G105
S-135

Min
psi
75,000
95,000
105,000
135,000

Max
Mpa
517
655
724
931

psi
105,000
125,000
135,000
165,000

Mpa
724
862
931
1138

Tensile Strength
Min
psi
Mpa
100,000
689
105,000
724
115,000
793
145,000
1000

Figure 1 Drill Pipe Yield Strengths

1.1.5

Pipe Weight

The pipe weight must be considered, as it is part of the hook load on the derrick. This effects the
depth a rig is capable of drilling to safely. It is important that the specific weight of drill pipe is referred to.
Drill pipe is listed under three different weight titles. These are nominal weight, plain end weight
and approximate weight.
Nominal Weight
Drill pipe is purchased and referred to by its nominal weight. The nominal weight is the pipes
"given name" and refers to the wall thickness of the pipe it does not refer to its actual weight.
Plain End Weight
Plain end weight is the weight per foot of a non-upset, non-threaded and non tool-jointed piece of
pipe.
Approximate Weight
This is the average weight per foot of a joint of complete drill pipe. It includes the non-upset
section, the upsets and both tool joints. The approximate weight depends upon the size and type of tool
joints on a piece of pipe. This is the value used in hook load calculations.
Weight Comparisons
The following table shows the weight comparisons for a 5" G-Grade drill pipe with a nominal
weight of 19.5 lb/ft, a 0.362" wall thickness and H-90 connections

Size

Wall Inches

5"

0.362

Nominal
Weight lb/ft
19.5

Plain End
Weight lb/ft
17.93

Approximate
weight lb/ft
22.32

Figure 2 Drill Pipe Weights

1.1.6

Pipe Size

API drill pipe is designated in terms of its outside diameter on the non-upset sections. There are
eight different sizes. These are: 2 3/8", 2-7/8", 3-1/2", 4", 4 1/2", 5", 5-1/2" and 6-5/8"

Basic Drill String Design

1.1.7

Pipe Class

Once drill pipe has been used, normal wear and other use related defects cause the pipe to
loose some of its original strength. API has developed inspection criteria to determine the extent of
damage. These criteria are used to assign the pipe to "classes" according to the extent of the damage.
The inspection examines the following conditions with all the criteria having to be met for a drill pipe to
gain the specific class.

OD wall wear

Dents and mashes

Slip area mechanical damage. Crushing, necking, cuts and gouges

Stress induced diameter variations. Stretched or shot.

Corrosion cuts and gouges, longitudinal and transverse.

Fatigue cracks

Internal corrosion and pitting

Internal erosion and wear.

Internal fatigue cracks.

Any evidence of fatigue cracks or washouts and the pipe is designated as scrap.
(See figure 3 for the inspection criteria)

There are five classes of drill pipe indicating the amount of wear a joint of pipe has sustained
during its lifetime.

New

Premium or class 1

Class 2

Class3

Scrap

All new drill pipe becomes premium class as soon as it is used. New drill pipe indicates it is
directly from the manufacturer and has never been used. As soon as a joint of new pipe is picked up for
use on a rig it is re classified as premium or class 1 pipe. Interestingly this allows the manufacturers a
broader set of tolerances with the pipe having to conform to the requirements for Premium grade rather
than the new specification.

Basic Drill String Design

Figure 3 Class Inspection Criteria

Basic Drill String Design

Class

OD

Pipe
ID

Wall

Torsional
Yield ftlbs

Tensile
Yield lbs

OD

Tool Joint
ID

M/U TRQ
ft.lbs

New
Premium

5.000"
4.8552"

4.276"
4.276"

0.362"
0.290"

57633
45199

553833
436150

6.5000"
5.9062"

3.250"
3.250"

25724
21914

Class 2

4.7828"

4.276"

0.253"

39166

378605

5.8125"

3.250"

19244

Figure 4 Dimensional and Strength Variation with Class

Figure 4 illustrates the changes in dimensions and mechanical properties of 5" G-105 pipe with
H-90 connections according to the different class specifications.

Basic Drill String Design

2.2

Mechanical Limits of the Drill String

2.2.1

Introduction
This section covers the theory of the mechanical limits of drill pipe.

2.2.2

Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to:

Define the terms limit of elasticity, limit of plasticity, and yield strength, tensile strength and torsional
strength as they relate to drill pipe.

Explain the effect tensile load has on torsional yield strength.

Explain the causes of drill pipe fatigue failure.

Define the term endurance limit as it relates to drill pipe fatigue.

Explain the effect of yield strength, surface finish, environment and tension have on the endurance
limit of the drill pipe.

2.2.3

Tension

Drill pipe is designed to lower, support and raise large loads. The application of a load, which
must be supported causes tensile stresses in the pipe.

2.2.4

Elasticity

One important property of steel is that, under certain conditions of loading it is elastic in nature
and can be stretched and once the load is removed it will return to it's original size and shape.
The elastic nature of steel is difficult to measure without the aid of instruments.
The elastic behaviour of steel is extremely important when designing and load bearing steel
structure or part.
If a bar of steel L cm long and A square cm in cross sectional area is fixed at one end and a load
P applied to the free end the bar will stretch or elongate a small amount, e. If the load P is removed, the
bar will return to its original length.
This type of non-permanent deformation is called elastic deformation and elasticity is the
property which permits a material to deform under a load and return to it's original shape once the load
is removed.
Within the elastic range of a material, if a load P is applied to the bar the bar will elongate a small
amount. If more weight is added to the load P, the increase in elongation will be proportional to the
weight added. For any successive increase in load, there will be a corresponding proportional increase
in elongation (Hookes Law).
So, for each increase in stress, there will be a corresponding proportional increase in strain, and
when the stress is removed the strain disappears and the bar returns to its original length.
The maximum stress that the bar can take without becoming permanently deformed is known as
the elastic limit.

2.2.5

Plasticity

The elastic condition has a limit and at some point of loading when the load is removed the bar
will not return to its original length but will be longer than it was originally. The bar is then permanently
deformed or plastically deformed. The amount of deformation is referred to as the permanent set.

Basic Drill String Design

l

Plasticity is the ability of the material to assume permanent deformation without breaking.
The plastic limit is the point of highest stress the material can withstand before failure occurs
this is also the tensile strength of the material.

Elastic Deformation

Plastic Deformation

e
P
P

Permanent
Set

Figure 5 Elastic and Plastic Limits

2.2.6

Proportional Limit

The proportional limit is the greatest stress a material is capable of sustaining without deviating
from the law of proportionality of stress to strain (Hookes Law). In metals, the elastic limit and the
proportional limit practically coincide.

2.2.7

Yield Point

The yield point is the stress at which a material exhibits a specified limiting elongation. For Oil
field tubulars this elongation is 0.2%. This is the value referred to in the drill pipe grade G-105 pipe has a
minimum yield strength of 105,000 psi. It is also referred to as the yield strength.
0.2% elongation or permanent set is established to allow a standard to measure deformation.
The only way of proving a material has reached its elastic limit is to deform it beyond the elastic limit.

2.2.8

Tensile Strength

As a material enters the plastic range, exceeding the elastic limit, the material becomes
stronger from work hardening. This means a higher stress is required to further deform the material.
This continues until the maximum stress the material can withstand is reached. This is referred to as the
Tensile strength. Once the tensile strength of a material is exceeded the material will rupture.

2.2.9

Maximum Allowable Hook Load

When drilling a well the main concern is how much can we pull on a string of drill pipe. The yield
strength and tensile strength then become very important. From the previous discussion it is obvious
that the stress must be kept below the materials tensile yield point. This point is referred to as the tensile
yield strength or maximum allowable hook load for the drill pipe.

Basic Drill String Design

A - Proportional Limit
or Elastic Limit

B
S
T
R
E
S
S

B - Yield Point or
Yield Strength

0.2% Permanent Set

C - Tensile Strength
D - Elastic Range
E - Plastic Range
D

STRAIN

Figure 6 Stress / Strain Diagram for Drill Pipe Elongation

2.2.10 Calculating the Tensile Yield Strength

The Following formula is used to calculate the tensile yield strength, the yield point for a purely
tensional load on the drill pipe.
Pt = YmA
Where:
Pt
Ym
A

=
=
=

minimum tensile yield strength - pounds

Minimum unit yield strength - psi
Pipe cross sectional area - in

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe.
Then:
Ym
OD
ID

=
=
=

105,000 psi for grade G

4.8552 in
4.276 in

105,000 (  /4) (4.8552 - 4.276)

436,150 lb.

Solution:

Basic Drill String Design

2.2.11 Torsion
One of the functions of the drill pipe in addition to supporting load is to rotate the bit and BHA.
Rotation causes torsional stress to be imparted to the drill string. Wall friction, stabiliser hang up and
other down hole conditions will increase the torque required to rotate the tube. If the torque becomes too
great, the tube may fail.

2.2.12 Torsional Yield Strength

The torsional yield strength of a drill pipe is defined as the resistance of the tubular to failure by a
twisting torque or force. The torsional yield strength is based upon the shear strength equal to 57.7% of
the minimum yield strength (figure 1).
For Pure Torsion:
When the drill string is not under any tensile load the following formula is applied.

0.096167 J Ym
D

Minimum Torsional yield strength, ft/lb

Ym
J
D

=
=
=

minimum yield strength, psi

Polar moment of inertia
=
Outside diameter, in

Q
Where:

(  /32)(OD4- ID4)

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe.
Then:
Ym
J

=
=

105,000
(  / 32) (4.85524 - 4.2764 )

(0.096167) ((  / 32) (4.85524 - 4.2764 )) (105,000)

4.8552

45199 ft/lb

Solution:

2.2.13 Combined Torsional and Tensional Yield

When a joint of drill pipe is subjected to a combined load of torque and tension, its ability to resist
torsional failure is reduced, as part of the strength of the drill pipe must go to supporting the tensional
load. In this case, as would be seen during normal drilling operations the following formula is used.

Qt

(0.096167 J)
D

Ym - (P)
(A)

Where:
Qt
J
D
Ym
P
A

=
=
=
=
=
=

Minimum torsional yield strength under tension - ft/lb.

Polar moment of Inertia
=
(  / 32) (4.85524 - 4.2764 )
Outside diameter - in
Minimum yield strength - psi
Total load in tension - pounds
Cross sectional area - in

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 100,000 lbs.

Basic Drill String Design

Then:
J
D
Ym
P
A

=
=
=
=
=

(  / 32) (4.85524 - 4.2764 )

4.8552
105,000
100,000
(  /4) (4.8552 - 4.276)

Solution:

(0.096167) (  / 32) (4.85524 - 4.2764) x

4.8552

Qt =

=
=

0.4305

105,000 -

100,000
((  /4) (4.8552 - 4.276))
102202.88

43995 ft / lbs

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 200,000 lbs.
=

40167 ft / lbs

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 300,000 lbs
=

32808 ft / lbs

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 400,000 lbs
=

18017 ft / lbs

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 430,000 lbs
=

7563 ft / lb

For API 5", G-Grade 19.5 lb/ft, premium grade drill pipe supporting a tensile load of 436149 lbs
=

81 ft / lbs

Figure 7 Torsional / Tensile Load Cross Plot

10

Basic Drill String Design

Figure 8 Effect of Class on the Torsional / Tensile cross plot

2.2.14 Fatigue
Usually a drill string is designed for its capability to withstand tensile loads under static
conditions. This takes into account yield strength, tensile strength and maximum hook load.
Most failures occur not through tension failure but through fatigue failure.
Fatigue is failure resulting from the progressive growth of irregularities to major cracks caused by
the repetitive cycling of stresses.
In many industries where fatigue failures limit the life of equipment, industry standards have been
established which permit the design of equipment to operate at stress levels, which assure indefinite life
free from fatigue failure. Additionally equipment can be designed to operate at certain stress levels for a
finite period before failure occurs. These designs will incorporate various periods of peak loading above
the average stress level.

2.2.15 Nature of Failures

Very little statistical data concerning the nature of failures in drill pipe has been accumulated and
published. Reports made to the AAODC confirm the consensus of personal observations from many in
the industry that failures occur in the following manner:
1)

Most failures in drill pipe occur while rotating or when picking the pipe up off bottom immediately
after drilling rather than when pulling on stuck pipe.

2)

Most failures occur within 4 ft of the tool joint at either end of the pipe.

3)

Failures are frequently associated with severe pitting on the inside of the pipe, and these cracks
appear to have started from the inside. Multiple cracks are frequently observed in severely pitted
pipe failures. Progressive crack growth is indicated.

4)

Failures that appear to originate from the outside of the pipe are usually associated with slip marks
or surface damage. Progressive crack growth is indicated

5)

Even when failure occurs as a result of pulling on stuck pipe failure frequently occurs in a location
where fatigue cracks have developed but not progressed to failure.

11

Basic Drill String Design

2.2.16 Fatigue Failure

Any metal part subjected to a cyclic variation is stress will fail through the progressive growth of
small irregularities to larger cracks and fractures even when the average stress is less than the yield
strength of the material. This type of failure is a high-cycle, low-stress fatigue failure. Characteristically
the fatigue failure shows concentric semicircular marks illustrating periodic growth in the crack.
If we look at a round bar that is held in a bend when it is rotated, we find that every fibre of the
bar is stretched in tension and then compressed. If there are any irregularities when they reach the
tensile side of the bend it is opened up and forced to grow. If the stress level at the base of the
irregularity is large enough the irregularity will enlarge progressively until the remaining solid material is
too weak to support the total load and a failure occurs. This failure will be instantaneous.

Figure 9 Effect of Bending on Fatigue

In the oil industry, a great deal of testing has been performed on full size drill pipe and tool joint
specimens. The results are plotted as stress vs. the number of cycles.

Figure 10 Loading Method for R.R.Moore Test Specimens

12

Basic Drill String Design

From these plots, the stress level below which failures do not occur is called the endurance
limit. At stress levels above the endurance limit failure will occur at a predictable period in the life of
part.

Figure 11 Endurance Limit for D and E grade pipe in Air

Tests with notched specimens show a sharp decrease in the endurance limit when compared to
the same material that was tested without notches.

2.2.17 Effect of Tensile Strength on Endurance Limit

In drill pipe steels, increases in yield strength are obtained without relative increases in ultimate
strength from published data the following properties can be seen.

Grade

D-55
E-75
S-135

Elongation
Minimum Yield
strength, psi.
55,000
75,000
135,000

Rupture minimum
Tensile strength,
psi.
95,000
100,000
147,000

Ratio Minimum
yield to minimum
tensile strength
58%
75%
91%

Figure 12 Relative Increase in Tensile Strength with Grade

Comparing the endurance limits for these materials there is even less improvement from grade
E-75 to S-135. The endurance limit for grade E-75 specimens was 26,000 psi, 89% of the 29,000 psi
value obtained for S-135 specimens.

2.2.18 Effect of Surface Finish

The type of surface finish effects the endurance limit of drill pipe. Improvements in the endurance
limit can be seen from an "as forged" state to "hard rolled" to "machined" to "ground".

13

Basic Drill String Design

Figure 13 Effect Of Surface Finish on Endurance Limit

2.2.19 Effect of Corrosive Environment

The continuous immersion in a corrosive fluid while undergoing cyclic stressing is extremely
damaging to steel. Conducted tests indicate a severe reduction in the ability of S-135 pipe to withstand
bending fatigue when immersed in seawater. No endurance limit is indicated for specimens run in
seawater.

Figure 14 Effect of Corrosive Environment on Endurance Limit

2.2.20 Combined Stresses of Tension and Bending

Referring to the earlier example of a bending drill pipe Figure 9 we noted each fibre is alternately
in tension and compression. If a high tensile load is added to the pipe the stresses can vary from
maximum tension to minimum tension without the pipe ever becoming compressed. The addition of this
tensile stress reduces the ability of the pipe to withstand cyclic stresses.

14

Basic Drill String Design

Additional factors are the sharpness of the bend the pipe is rotating in and the amount of tensile
load on the specific area of the drill pipe. The sharper the angle and the greater the tension the faster
the drill pipe fatigues.

Figure 15 Effect Of Gradual Dogleg on Drill Pipe Life

Figure 16 Effect of Sharp Doglegs on Drill Pipe Life

It is worth noting that all fatigue experienced by a piece of drill pipe is cumulative. If exposed to
high stress bending in a sharp dogleg the joints are damaged by this although it may be of short
duration, shortening their effective life. The life of the pipe depends upon its cumulative history at
various stress levels, a short period of stress can significantly shorten the life of a joint of pipe. This
damage cannot be detected by any current field method until cracks develop.

15

Appendix

Tensile Requirements and Properties

Pipe Grade
Steel
E
G
S135
S165

Sigma
Ultimate (psi)
100000
130000
160000
175000

Sigma Min
Tensile Yield (psi)
75000
105000
135000
165000

Minimum Fatigue Stress

Endurance Limit (psi)
22000
25000
31000
33000

M. Elasticity
(psi)
30 x 10^6
30 x 10^6
30 x 10^6
30 x 10^6

Density
lb/gal
65.4
65.4
65.4
65.4

Poisson's
Ratio
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

Aluminum
Al 2014-T6

64000

58000

18000
for 2.0 x 10^6 revolutions

10.6 x 10^6

27 @ 29
with TJ steel

0.33

Titanium
Ti-641-AV

130000

120000

40000

17 x 10^6

33 @ 35
with TJ steel

0.35

HW 1340 MOD
HW 4145H MOD

95000
140000

55000
110000

20000
20000

30 x 10^6
30 x 10^6

65.4
65.4

0.3
0.3

100000
110000

15000
15000

30 x 10^6
27.7 x 10^6

65.4
65.4

0.3
0.3

Class
New
Premium
Class 2

OD
5.000"
4.855"
4.783"

ID
4.276"
4.276"
4.276"

Wall
0.362"
0.290"
0.253"

Class
New
Premium
Class 2

OD
4.500"
4.366"
4.298"

ID
3.826"
3.826"
3.826"

Wall
0.337"
0.270"
0.236"

Class
New
Premium
Class 2

OD
3.500"
3.352"
3.280"

ID
2.764"
2.764"
2.764"

Wall
0.368"
0.294"
0.258"

Class
New
Premium
Class 2

OD
2.875
2.731"
2.657"

ID
2.151"
2.151"
2.151"

Wall
0.362"
0.290"
0.253"

DC 4145H MOD
DC 15-15LC MOD

API Recommended Practice 7G

Variation with Class

5" Drill Pipe nominal weight 19.5 lb/ft

80%
70%

4 1/2" Drill Pipe nominal weight 16.6 lb/ft

80%
70%

3 1/2" Drill Pipe nominal weight 13.3 lb/ft

80%
70%

2 7/8" Drill Pipe nominal weight 10.4 lb/ft

80%
70%

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil

Appendix

* Drill Pipe Data

Tube Size OD
inches
mm

Tube Size ID
inches
mm

2 3/8

1.995
1.815

50.7
46.1

4.85
6.65

2.441
2.151

62
54.6

6.85
10.40

2.992
2.764
2.602

76.0
70.2
66.1

9.5
13.3
15.5

3.958
3.826
3.640

100.5
97.2
92.5

13.75
16.60
20.00

2 7/8

3 1/2

4 1/2

60.3

73.0

88.9

114.3

Nom Weight
lbs/ft

Tool Joint
OD range

ID range

3 1/8 - 3 3/8
2 7/8 - 3 3/8

1 3/4 -2
1 3/8 -2

3 3/4 - 4 1/8
3 1/8 - 4 1/4

2 1/8 - 2 7/16
1 1/2 - 2 5/32

4 5/8 - 4 3/4
4 1/8 - 5 1/4
5 - 5 1/2

2 11/16 - 3
2 1/8 - 2 3/4
2 1/4 - 2 9/16

5 3/4 - 6 3/8
5 7/8 - 6 3/8
6 - 6 5/8

3 1/4 - 3 7/8
2 3/4 - 3 3/4
2 1/2 - 3 5/8

127.0

4.276
4.000

108.6
101.6

19.50
25.60

6 3/8 - 7 1/4
6 3/8 - 71/4

2 3/4 - 3 1/2
2 3/4 - 3 1/2

5 1/2

139.7

4.778
4.670

121.4
118.6

21.90
24.70

7 - 7 1/2
7 - 7 1/2

3-4
3-4

25.20

8 - 8 1/2

4 1/4 - 5

6 5/8

5.965

New Drill Pipe Data and Tool Joint Range

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil

Appendix

Nominal
Size
inches

Drill Pipe Data

Nominal
Approx
Weight
Weight
lbs/ft
lbs/ft

Type Upset
and Grade

Tool Joint Data

Connection
Type
OD
inches

ID
inches

2 3/8

6.65

7.11
6.99

EU-G105
EU-G105

NC26(IF)
SLH90

3 3/8
3 1/4

1 3/4
1 13/16

2 7/8

10.40

11.09
10.95
11.55
11.26

EU-G105
EU-G105
EU-S135
EU-S135

NC31(IF)
SLH90
NC31(IF)
SLH90

4 1/8
4
4 3/8
4 1/8

2
2
1 5/8
1 5/8

3 1/2

13.3

14.71
14.06
14.92
14.65

EU-G105
EU-G105
EU-S135
EU-S135

NC38(IF)
SLH90
NC38(IF)
SLH90

5
4 3/4
5
5

2 7/16
2 9/16
2 1/8
2 1/8

4 1/2

16.6

18.36
18.79
18.62
19.00

EU-G105
IEU-G105
EU-S135
IEU-S135

NC50(IF)
NC46(XH)
NC50(IF)
NC46(XH)

6 5/8
6 1/4
6 5/8
6 1/4

3 3/4
3
3 1/2
2 3/4

19.50

22.62
21.93
23.48
22.61

IEU-G105
IEU-G105
IEU-S135
IEU-S135

5 1/2(FH)
NC50(XH)
5 1/2(FH)
NC50(XH)

7
6 5/8
7 1/4
6 5/8

3 3/4
3 1/4
3 1/2
2 3/4

5 1/2

21.90

25.38
26.50

IEU-G105
IEU-S135

FH
FH

7 1/4
7 1/2

3 1/2
3

6 5/8

25.20

28.20

IEU-G105
IEU-S135

FH
FH

8 1/4
8 1/2

4 3/4
4 1/4

29.63

New Tool Joint and Type Upset

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil

Appendix

# Mechanical Specifications 3 1/2" 13.3 lb/ft Drill Pipe NC38 Connections

Tensile Yield Data ( lbs )

Connection Make-Up Torque ( ft.lbs )

Grade

New

Premium

Class 2

New

Premium

Class 2

E-75
X-95
G-105

271569
343988
380197

212150
268723
297010

183398
232304
256757

9054
10163
11106

7274
8822
9879

6268
7785
8822

S-135

488825

381870

330116

14965

12569

10768

# Mechanical Specifications 4 1/2" 16.6 lb/ft Drill Pipe NC46 Connections

Tensile Yield Data ( lbs )

Connection Make-Up Torque ( ft.lbs )

Grade

New

Premium

Class 2

New

Premium

Class 2

E-75

330558

260165

225771

16997

12085

10647

X-95

418707

329542

285977

17765

15035

12813

G-105
S-135

462781
595004

364231
468297

316080
406388

19829
22436

16546
21230

14288
18083

# Mechanical Specifications 5" 19.5 lb/ft Drill Pipe NC50 Connections

Tensile Yield Data ( lbs )

Connection Make-Up Torque ( ft.lbs )

Grade

New

Premium

Class 2

New

Premium

Class 2

E-75
X-95
G-105
S-135

395595
501087
553833
712070

311535
394612
436150
560764

270432
342548
378605
468778

18838
22345
25724
31703

15776
19919
21914
28381

14083
17497
19244
24645

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil

Appendix

Alumimum Drill Pipe

2014-T6

Minimum Yield Strength 58000 psi

Minimum Ultimate Strength 64000 psi

Maximum Tensile Load ( lbs )

Nominal
Pipe

Premium

Class 2

New

80% Nom. Wall

70% Nom. Wall

3 1/2"
4"
4 1/2"
5"

297660
313490
373520
442420

230490
244640
291570
345910

198300
211350
251890
299160

Maximum Torsional Load ( ft-lbs )

3 1/2"
4"
4 1/2"
5"

20160
25480
33310
44750

15360
19690
25740
34690

Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe Dimensions - Standard and Spiraled

Drilco

Mechanical Properties
Tube Section

Tube
Center Elevator
Upset Upset
Nominal Tube Dimensions
OD
OD
(in)
(in)
Nom.
Wall
Size
ID Thickness Area
(in)
(in)
(in)
(in)
3
4
4
5
5
6

13130
16930
22150
29890

2
2
2
3
3
4

0.625
0.719
0.875
1.000
1.063
1.063

5.645
7.410
9.965
12.566
14.812
18.567

4
4
5
5
6
7

3
4
4
5
5
6

Tensile
Yield
(lb)

Torsional
Yield
(ft-lb)

310,475 18,460
407,550 27,635
548,075 40,715
691,185 56,495
814,660 74,140
1,021,185 118,845

Tool Joint
Connection
Size
(in)

OD
(in)

ID
(in)

Tensile
Yield
(lb)

NC 38 (3 IF)
NC 40 (4 FH)
NC 46 (4 IF)
NC 50 (4 IF)
5 FH
6 FH

4
5
6
6
7
8

2
2
2
3
3
4

675,045
711,475
1,024,500
1,266,000
1,349,365
1,490,495

Approx Approx
Torsional Make-up Overall Overall
Yield
Torque Length Length
(ft-lb)
(ft-lb) Pin/Box (ft)

17,575
23,525
38,800
51,375
53,080
73,215

10,000
13,300
21,800
29,200
32,800
45,800

30/27
30/27
30/27
30/27
30/27
30/27

Sperry-Sun

31'-0"
31'-0"
31'-0"
31'-0"
31'-0"
31'-0"

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil

Appendix

Notes on drill pipe fatigue

1. Lubinski: grade E Se=20,000 at 2,000,000 cycles and
S=53,000 at 10,000 cycles
2. S/N curves; N/N0=[S/S0]1/b
3. Eastman Teleco document: S=55,000 at 10,000 cycles
and S=20,000 at 1,000,000
4. Maurer document S/N points
Grade E
stresses (ksi)
75
53
33
21
19.5
18

Grade S
135
80
45
30
21
20

cycles
1,000
10,000
100,000
1,000,000
10,000,000
100,000,000

Used Maurer points on S-N curve and solved for exponent b from Eq. 2 to
approximate single equation curve for cycles between 100,000 and 1,000,000.
5. Practical Oilfield Metallurgy book page 96
grade S S=29,000 at 2,000,000 cycles
grade E S=26,000 at 1,000,000 cycles
6. API RP7G:
S-135, Sb=20,000 [1-St/145,000]; St = tensile stress
7. Fatigue Testing of Drill Pipe, G.Y.Grondin SPE 1994
from Lubinski Grade E ;

LOG N=13.31 - 4.56 LOG(S/1000)

for corrosive fluids;

LOG N=12.30 - 4.56 LOG(S/1000)

Ferrous and Ti-based alloys

e= fatigue limit or endurance limit ( e @106 cycles)

Non-ferrrous materials
(e.g Al or Cu alloys) ( e @ 108 cycles)
10 6

log N f 108

Schematic representation of S-N curves for ferrous and non ferrous materials.

Sperry-Sun

HALLIBURTON

Sperry-Sun / Brazil