Drill Pipe Tips

These common defects, their usual effects, probable causes and possible corrections, are listed in this chart to help Tuboscope customers recognize their drill
pipe problems in time to do something about them.

PROBLEM: PROBLEM: PROBLEM: PROBLEM: PROBLEM:

Tube Body Surface Notching NECKING BENT PIPE GALLED SHOULDERS BELLED BOXES
PROBLEM:
SLIP AREA MASH (Usually located near either or (Most often found in the slip area
USUAL EFFECT:
WASHOUT (Located in slip area) both upsets) and center third of pipe body) Distorted connection, loss of
USUAL EFFECT:
(Usually occurs near pin end USUAL EFFECT: USUAL EFFECT: USUAL EFFECT: Loss of shoulder seal, excessive shoulder seal, will not mate
upset taper or in area from lower Surface impression, stress Reduced pipe O.D. / I.D., body Accelerated O.D. wear in pipe shoulder to shoulder standoff, properly with another connection,
part of slip area to box and upset concentrator wall thinning body and tool joints, vibration, false make-up torque, unstable split body
taper) high stress level, advanced connection (wobble) PROBABLE CAUSE:
PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE:
USUAL EFFECT:
fatigue Improper make up torque,
Defective slip component, Stuck pipe, over-pull (stretch), PROBABLE CAUSE:
Hole in pipe, drop in mud improper slip handling, excessive excessive hook load PROBABLE CAUSE: Insufficient lubrication on additional down-hole make up,
pressure, string separation, lost connection make-up or breakout, Bending in slips, setting tool joint shoulders, insufficient make-up thin tool joints, improper thread
time POSSIBLE CORRECTION: lubricants
bending pipe in slips too high above slips, improper torque, shoulder fins, high spots
Avoid sticking pipe, avoid over-
PROBABLE CAUSE:
tong/line geometry, no back up on shoulder POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
pull, consult API RP 7G for load
Surface notching, cyclic stressing, tong on makeup or breakout, poor Maintain tool joint O.D., consult
Improve slip/bowl maintenance, limits per pipe class POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
fatigue cracking transportation handling, dropping API RP 7G charts or tool joint
use care while setting sips. Apply rotary tool joint compound
PROBLEM:
pipe on racks, critical rotary manufacturer recommendations,
POSSIBLE CORRECTION: Consult API RP 7G for maximum to shoulders when doping
EXPANSION speeds, picking up pipe with for proper make up torque per
Minimize surface notching, height setting of tool joints above connection, remove shoulder fins
(Usually located above the pin winch line in center, improper drill tool joint class, minimize
reduce stress level, and avoid slips by beveling shoulder, remove
and below the box which had collar weight additional down-hole make up,
critical rotary speed. Move high spots by refacing, consult
been backed off) API-RP 7G or the tool joint use only recommended rotary tool
bottom-hole pipe up hole on trips, PROBLEM: POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Surface Notching Consult API RP 7G for maximum manufacturers charts for proper  joint compound, use stabbing
taper transition zone, use shock USUAL EFFECT:
guide, recut box
subs TONG CUTS Expanded O.D. /I.D. split pipe or height setting of tool joints above make-up torques per tool joint
(Usually located near pin and box tool joint slips, use both tongs, placed 90° class, use stabbing guide PROBLEM:
PROBLEM: end upsets) apart, consult API RP
RP 7G or the STRETCHED PINS
TWIST OFF PROBABLE CAUSE: tool joint manufacturers PROBLEM:
USUAL EFFECT: Stuck pipe, internal explosion for PIN BREAK USUAL EFFECT:
(Usually occurs near pin end recommendations for proper
Multiple surface notches, stress back off (Cup type failure) Distorted connection, will not
upset taper or in area from lower make-up torque per tool joint
concentrators mate properly with another
part of slip area to box end upset POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
class, minimize breakout torques, USUAL EFFECT: connection, possible pin break
taper) PROBABLE CAUSE: Avoid sticking pipe, minimize minimize down-hole torques, use String separation, fishing job, lost
Tongs placed on pipe, worn tool explosive force. Be sure explosive properly spaced stripping time PROBABLE CAUSE:
USUAL EFFECT:
 joints, improper tong jaws, poor is placed in tool joint area, between pipe layers to minimize Improper make-up torques,
String separation, fishing job, lost PROBABLE CAUSE: additional down-hole make-up,
handling carefully inspect pipe before re- bending in storage or transit,
time Improper trip make-up torque, improper thread lubricant
use avoid tough rough handling when
POSSIBLE CORRECTION: additional downhole make-up,
PROBABLE CAUSE: moving pipe, use slings to winch POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Place tongs only on tool joint, improper type of lubricant
Surface notching, cyclic stressing, PROBLEM: pipe, avoid critical rotary speeds, Consult API RP 7G or tool joint
maintain tool joint diameter, use producing excessive tension vs.
fatigue cracking COLLAPSE avoid dropping string manufacturer recommendations
only correct long jaws, use sharp make-up/torque
(Usually begins near tube center, for proper make-up torques per
POSSIBLE CORRECTION: tong dies
often travels toward both ends) POSSIBLE CORRECTION: tool joint class, minimize
Minimize surface notching,
reduce stress level, avoid critical PROBLEM: USUAL EFFECT:
Tool Joint Consult API RP 7G charts or the additional downhole make-up,
rotary speed. Move bottom-hole CHAIN CUTS Flattens tube, circulation block, tool joint manufacturer use only recommend compound,
PROBLEM:
pipe up taper transition zone, use (Usually found in an area over string separation recommendations for proper use stabbing guide, recut pin
WASHOUT
shock subs and just above pin end upset) make-up torque per tool joint
PROBABLE CAUSE: USUAL EFFECT: class, minimize additional PROBLEM:
USUAL EFFECT: Excessive O.D. pressures, drill GALLED THREADS
PROBLEM: Erosion of shoulder (face) seal downhole make-up, use
Circumferential grooves (notch) at stem test, O.D. wear, I.D. erosion
FATIGUE CRACKING and threads, mud pressure loss, recommended rotary tool joint USUAL EFFECT:
pin end upset area, stress
(Predominately found near pin POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
string separation, lost time compound Damages mating threads, false
concentrators, cold worked metal
end upset taper and in an area Consult API RP 7G or drill pipe torque, improper make-up,
PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBLEM:
from box end upset taper to lower PROBABLE CAUSE: manufacturers collapse charts per connection wobble, leaking
Leaking shoulder (face) seals, PIN BREAK
part of slip area) Excessive spinning; chain slip pipe class, minimize O.D. wear, shoulder seal, washout, pin
damaged shoulder (face) seals, (Flat fracture type failure)
keep pipe straight, and prevent insufficient make up torque, break, drop string, lost time
USUAL EFFECT: POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Washout, twist off, string Power change tension, consider I.D. erosion with plastic coating galled threads producing USUAL EFFECT: PROBABLE CAUSE:
separation, lost time, pipe loss use of power pipe spinner excessive shoulder standoff, String separation; fishing job, lost Thread damage, handling without
PROBLEM: time
shoulder fins rolled between thread protectors, cross
PROBABLE CAUSE:
PROBLEM:
O.D. WEAR
seals, high spots on shoulder- PROBABLE CAUSE:
threading, worn threads, improper
Cyclic stressing, surface notches Surface Notching (Usually appears in center third of
(false make-up torque), excessive Pin wobble due to insufficient lubrication, dirty connection,
(corrosion, cuts, etc), hydrogen RUBBER CUT EXTERNAL RING pipe body)
shoulder removal by refacing, make-up, shoulder fins, false defective kelly saver sub
embrittlement CORROSION USUAL EFFECT: stretched pin threads, dirty torque, fatigue cracking at thread POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
(Usually found in an area Body wall thinning, reduced threads and shoulders, mis- root, galled threads Handle pipe only with thread
Dampen stress, avoid critical approximately 2’ above pin end tensile capacity, reduced cross stabbing connection, improper
tool joint) protector, use care in stabbing
rotary speeds, minimize surface section, reduced collapse  jacking of stands in stand back POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Consult API-RP 7G charts or the and make-up, use stabbing guide,
notching, move bottom-hole pipe USUAL EFFECT:
resistance area recut worn threads, use only
up hole on trips, use shock subs, tool joint manufacturer
Circumferential groove, stress PROBABLE CAUSE: POSSIBLE CORRECTION: recommended rotary tool joint
and prevent H2S in flow. Use recommendations for proper
concentrator Abrasive formations, bent pipe, Consult API RP 7G charts for compound, clean connections
lowest strength pipe where make-up torque per tool joint
deviated hole, high rotary speeds proper make up torque per tool class, repair shoulder fins, use before use, repair or replace kelly
possible. Minimize rate of change PROBABLE CAUSE:
Corrosion / erosion at ends of drill  joint class, or tool joint stabbing guide, repair galled saver sub
in hole deviation POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
pipe/ casing protectors– poor mud manufacturer recommendations, threads
Straighten pipe, minimize ole PROBLEM:
PROBLEM: drain/ cleaning at protector end remove shoulder damage by SHOULDER FINS
deviation/rate of change, and
Surface Notching refacing. If possible, recut PROBLEM:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
avoid critical rotary speeds USUAL EFFECT:
CORROSION PITTING connection; remove shoulder fins PIN BREAK
Periodically move or remove by beveling shoulder; consult API- (Flat fracture type failure when Prevents shoulder make-up, false
(General in location) PROBLEM:
protector, clean pipe at ends and RP 7G, or tool joint manufacturers torque and make-up are known to torque, leaking shoulder seal,
ID. EROSION
USUAL EFFECT: under protector recommendations for maximum be satisfactory) wash-out, connection wobble, pin
(General location but often
Bodywall loss, localized surface shoulder removal by refacing; break, drop string, lost time
PROBLEM:
appears near upset areas) USUAL EFFECT:
notch, stress concentration keep thread protectors installed PROBABLE CAUSE:
Surface Notching USUAL EFFECT:
String separation; fishing job, lost
PROBABLE CAUSE:
while picking up, laying down, Mating tool joint with different
HAMMER MARKS Body-wall thinning, reduced time
Water, oxygen, CO2, salt, H2S, handling, transporting, or storing O.D.’s, handling damage
(Usually found on tube in areas cross-section, reduced tensile
stress pipe; clean threads and shoulder PROBABLE CAUSE:
near the pin and box end tool capacity, reduced collapse POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
before make-up; use care when H2S, hydrogen embrittlement,
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
 joints) resistance Maintain tool joint O.D‘s if
tripping pipe; use use only pipe pe excessive pin tension
Maintain mud PH above 9.5, use possible, remove fins by refacing
USUAL EFFECT:
PROBABLE CAUSE:
 jack tool with wide
wide area contact.
plastic coatings, inhibitors, POSSIBLE CORRECTION: and beveling, use stabbing guide,
Localized surface notch, cold High velocity abrasion, sharp
oxygen scavenger, clean pipe I.D. PROBLEM:
Control H2S in flow, reduce stress handle pipe only with thread
worked metal sand (solids), drilling, fluid
& O.D., dampen stress, monitor DRY OR MUDDY CONNECTION level if possible, remove string protectors
PROBABLE CAUSE:
turbulence, general corrosion from service for period of time,
with corrosion test rings
Tapping pipe to check fluid level USUAL EFFECT: inspect tool joint threads PROBLEM:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
PROBLEM: on trip out Leaking shoulder (face) seals PROBLEM: HEAT CHECKING
Plastic coating, minimize drilling
Surface Notching fluid abrasives, inhibitors, PROBABLE CAUSE:
WEAR USUAL EFFECT:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
SLIP CUTS minimize exposure to treating Insufficient make-up torque, (Thin shoulders) Time joint body cracking,
Use brass tipped hammer, tap
(Located in slip area) acids damaged shoulders (face) washout, string separation lost
pipe lightly USUAL EFFECT:
Reduces torque capacity, belled time
USUAL EFFECT: POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Transverse surface notch, stress PROBLEM:
Consult API-RP 7G or tool joint boxes, reduced shoulder seat PROBABLE CAUSE:
SLIP AREA CRUSHING Far East Inspection Locations- area
concentrator manufacturer recommendations Rapid heating due to friction
(Located in slip area) between tool joint and formation,
PROBABLE CAUSE: Indonesia Inspection: for proper make-up torque per PROBABLE CAUSE:
USUAL EFFECT: tool joint class, or, remove Crooked pipe, high rotary speeds, casing, whip stock, etc. high
Pipe turning in slips, defective +62 (0)21 780 6265
Slip area O.D/ I.D. reduction, shoulder damage by refacing. If rotary speeds, rapid cooling
slips/bowl, improper slip handling abrasive formations
longitudinal splits in slip area, Papua New Guinea Inspection: possible, recut connection; POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
POSSIBLE CORRECTION: POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
body wall thinning +62 (0)21 780 6265 remove shoulder fins by beveling Reduce rotary speeds through
Use back-up tong for makeup and shoulder; consult API RP 7G, or Straighten pipe, reduce rotary
tight areas; minimize tool- joint-to-
breakout, do not spin pipe with PROBABLE CAUSE:
tool joint manufacturer for speeds where possible, apply
Abrupt setting of slips, defective Singapore Inspection: formation contact
rotary, improve slip/bowl maximum shoulder removal by hard facing to box and pin end
slip/ bowl maintenance, improper +65 6861 2688 tool joints where possible
maintenance, use care while refacing; keep thread protectors PROBLEM:
setting slips. slips size SHOULDER DAMAGE
Malaysia (Labuan) Inspection: installed while picking up, laying
POSSIBLE CORRECTION: +60 8 741 3020 down, handing, transporting, or USUAL EFFECT:
Stop pipe movement before storing pipe; clean threads and Leaking shoulder seal, washout.
setting slips, check slip-to-pipe fit, Malaysia (Kemaman) shoulder before make-up; use String separation, lost time
improve maintenance, and use Inspection: care when tripping pipe;
PROBABLE CAUSE:
only correct slip size +60 9 863 1885 use stabbing guide Miss-stabbing connection,
handling damage,, improper pipe
China (Shekou) Inspection:  jacking
+86 755 2669 1915
POSSIBLE CORRECTION:
Use care when tripping pipe,

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