A New High Strength Drill Pipe Maximizing Safety and Performace in Low Temperature Enviornments

摘要

Extreme low temperature and hostile drilling environments such as the “Arctic” are driving the industry to adapt their drilling programs to new challenges and to develop fit-for-purpose drilling string solutions. Proprietary arctic grades already exist for temperatures as low as –40°C. However, for high-strength drill pipe it is necessary to meet the drilling loads associated to temperatures conditions as low as –60°C. Arctic drilling is one of the most vivid examples of how the oil and gas industry is called upon to adapt to ever-increasing demand for energy resources. This evolution is driving the industry to develop suitable drill string solutions. VAM Drilling is at the forefront of these developments for these types of environments. The need for such drill pipe is derived from well topology constrains in active regions such as Russia, Eastern Europe, CIS, Alaska and Canadian. The underlying issues are not uniquely related to the service temperature of these tubulars but rather to the high risks associated with susceptible damages during ground transportation and surface handling and especially in "arctic" fields (permafrost). Controlling critical manufacturing parameters is a key factor to reach top of the range products. Steel microstructure, chemical composition, cleanliness and heat treatment process control are critical to achieve high impact toughness on high strength drill pipe. Controlling yield strength and hardness are instrumental to achieve the established product performance and allowing drilling contractors and operators to safety and efficiently drill in these environments. The paper presents the appropriate steel chemistries and manufacturing controlled processes required to meet safe operating industry standards and performance-driven drilling practices. This includes a range of parameters to be considered by managers and drilling engineers involved with specifications when planning wells and designing drilling products for low temperature environments.