A Historical Review of Drill Pipe Capabilities and the Triggers for Change

Abstract Until very recently, drill pipe capacity has rarely been the limitation that controlled the ultimate depth or design of a wel l. Over the last 50 years drill pipe tensile and torsional capacities have typically exceeded the needs in most drilling applications; consequently, the significant separation between the capacity of the drill pipe and the actual needs of the well designs has resulted in the drill pipe being considered "dumb iron." The recent trend to drill deeper and longer reach wells has begun to push the limits of the drill pipe capacities. Improvements in drill pipe and connection technology as well as performance reliability have significantly enhanced our ability to drill these wells. Without further improvements to materials, connections and fatigue life, the capabilities of the drill pipe could become the limiting factor in some of the exciting new projects on the horizon. It is essential that manufacturers and suppliers play a larger role in well planning in order to mitigate these limitations and make sure the technologies required are available to the industry in time to coincide with the development. This paper will review the evolution of drill pipe capabilities and compare the historical expectations of the well designs. It will also review the triggers that created the need for adoption of new grades and connection standards. Lastly, it will discuss the pending new drill pipe technologies and their effect on capacity improvements.