Drilling Equipment Inspection
Drill pipe inspection is conducted at regular intervals based on drilling conditions and previous failures. For drill pipe inspection, Rysgaly Oilfield Services uses New Tech Systems EZ Electromagnetic Inspection (EMI) Units with a wall loss monitor. These units are capable of inspecting drill pipes ranging from 2-3/8″ to 6-5/8″.
The EMI unit is used for full-length electromagnetic inspection of drill pipe tubes. It detects internal and external pitting, cuts, gouges, localized wall loss, and fatigue cracks that may compromise the integrity of the pipe for drilling operations. Along with EMI, the pipe tube is gauged to measure wear and identify dents or mashed areas.
Wall thickness readings are obtained using a compression wave ultrasonic thickness gauge. The thresholds for downgrading pipe due to wall thickness loss are either set by the customer or based on compliance with established standards. These standards may include API RP7, T.H. Hill DS-1, NS-2, or any other specifications nominated by the customer.
In addition to inspecting the tubular body, thread inspections are performed both visually and dimensionally for API and premium connections.
We also provide magnetic particle inspection (MPI) services for drilling rig masts, sub-bases, pipe elevators, slips, tongs, sheaves, welded areas of high-pressure lines, and various other hoisting and drilling equipment. Most of these inspections are conducted using the A.C. Yoke magnetic flow technique.
To facilitate inspection, we have a sandblasting unit capable of preparing most rig parts and tools for inspection.
Bottom hole assembly inspection
Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) inspection involves examining drill collars, heavy-weight drill pipes, crossover subs, stabilizers, reamers, and bit subs. The equipment required for BHA inspection includes a magnetizing coil, black light, and various thread gauges.
The inspection process includes:
- Wet fluorescent magnetic particle inspection of threads and upset areas.
- Visual inspection of threads for mechanical damage and over-torque.
- Dimensional checks of thread components.
- Thread profile and lead checks.
BHA inspections conform to API RP7, T.H. Hill DS-1, NS-2, or any other standards specified by the customer. Inspection equipment is mobile, allowing inspections to be conducted either at the well site or the customer’s yard.
Additionally, Rysgally Oilfield Services can field-reface rotary-shouldered connections if required. Minor damage to seal areas can be repaired with refacing within set limits. Damage exceeding set limits requires shop repairs.
OCTG inspection
Used tubing inspection involves electromagnetic inspection to detect internal and external pitting, cuts, gouges, and localized wall loss that could compromise the pipe’s integrity. This process is combined with wall thickness measurements taken using a compression wave ultrasonic thickness gauge.
The thresholds for downgrading pipe due to wall thickness loss are either set by the customer or based on compliance with established standards. The electromagnetic inspection uses the same unit as drill pipe inspection.
Additional steps in the inspection process include:
- Thread inspection to assess usability for further service.
- Drifting to identify restrictions within the tube that could obstruct tool passage during production.
Tubing sizes we can inspect range from 1.660” up to 6-5/8”, and casing sizes from 4-1/2” up to 36”.
Specialty tool and fishing tool inspection
Specialty tools and fishing tools are inspected differently from standard BHA tools due to their unique design and specific operational requirements. These tools are designed to meet demanding stress and load conditions.
While connections may not conform to standard API specifications, they are inspected using traditional Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques or per the manufacturer’s inspection standards.
