Evolution of Tubular Handling Brings Big Safety, Efficiency Gain
Authors: Sinnott Aaron 
Published: February 2015

Technology Update

Safety and efficiency have long been the drivers in the evolution of tubular handling and running technology, from manual systems to highly mechanized and automated processes. As increasingly complex well construction demands have created new challenges and a heightened emphasis on well integrity, a more comprehensive approach to tubular management and running has emerged. Evolving beyond rotary table operations, today’s tubular running services also encompass an upstream focus on pipe preparation and makeup offline and a downstream emphasis that ensures high-integrity casing string installations to total depth (TD).

Tubular Management

Tubular management requires a comprehensive process that involves logistical planning, pipe storage, preparation, makeup, and wellsite planning to deliver pipe ready to run. A successfully executed offline process covering all of these factors yields greater consistency and reduces personnel and infrastructure requirements. Safety and efficiency gains are achievable by controlling how the pipe is handled, controlled, and run in onshore and offshore operations.

Offline pipe makeup for casing, tubing, and drillpipe is done at Weatherford with advanced oilfield bucking (Fig. 1) and torque-control makeup systems that employ the same technology used on rig systems for many years. The technology, which can be positioned at permanent facilities and on remote locations, is used to build ready-to-run double or triple stands of tubulars for delivery to the rig.

Delivery of rig-ready pipe to the wellsite limits the exposure of rig personnel to makeup and running operations and reduces pipe preparation cost and rig time. It also reduces openhole exposure time, which helps minimize wellbore stability issues and contributes to better casing running times.

Connection integrity control, beginning with planning and preparation, reduces the chance of failure and well repairs. As with rig-based systems, the offline technology makes or breaks connections using highly accurate torque measurements that are displayed and recorded.

The system ensures connection integrity and makeup parameters for API and premium thread tubing, casing, production riser, and drillpipe. Cementing accessories can also be made up and the system can be configured for subassembly of downhole equipment. Faster makeup speeds are enabled by rotational makeup and breakout technology that can be instantly reversed.

Detailed pipe connection data is collected off site or on the rig with unique identifiers barcoded on the pipe. Information recorded during offline makeup is merged with data from connections made up on the rig, including torque, length, drift, and tally. This synchronized data collection and automated traceability improves research, reduces nonproductive time, and lowers costs associated with connection integrity.

Efficiency and cost reductions are also achieved through streamlined tubulars selection, improved supply chain efficiency, and application of vendor and supplier management systems. For tubulars headed offshore, smooth logistics, packaging, and transportation depend on well-designed and -executed quayside operations.