Page 46: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Feb/Mar 2013)

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removed and cleaned, and then threads are steam cleaned and inspected for defects or corrosion.

Drifting. Each joint is drifted from the box end with a nylon-bodied drift of appropriate OD. If the drift passes through the joint without

Drilling & Completions binding, the operator is assured that the ID of the entire joint is

Figure 1. A Weatherford ComCAM onshore bucking system can make-up suffcient to allow the drill bit 5.5in diameter drillpipes in double or triple joints per stand, delivering substantial to effciently pass through it savings to operators in their transportation and downhole deployment costs. downhole.

Thread lubricant. Each thread is packing order is recorded, with l A hydraulically operated, doped such that it is ready for feld each joint being numbered and the inclined tip/table for moving pipe running, in accordance with client pertinent data being recorded in joints from the single joint pipe rack requirements, prior to reinstalling shipping documents. to the pipe feeding facility.

the thread protectors. A recent advancement in tubular l A pipe feeding system consisting

Pipe tallying. Each joint is laser management services is the ability of custom designed hydraulic jack tallied, and the length and size to make up doubles or triples – stands to move pipe horizontally in data are tagged onto it, either with connecting two or three joints and out of the bucking unit.

a stick-on printed label or laser- offine and off the rig foor – with l A double pipe rack to receive printed bar code applied directly the advent of bucking machines made-up joints from the bucking to the pipe surface. This provides with associated torque/turn machine.

an extra level of assurance to the recording systems. One example

Australian operator that the pipe of such a machine is an automated Offine benefts arriving at the rig site has been system (Figure 1) comprised of: The reduction in on-location, properly prepared and inspected l A hydraulically operated bucking drill foor pipe handling has from a quality assurance/quality unit with 15in-diameter pass several advantages for an control (QA/QC) perspective. through and a torque capability up operator’s commitment to safety,

Accessory installation. If required, to 160,000ft lbf. environmental stewardship and additional tubular accessories such l A skid-mounted, electrically operational effciency: as centralizers, foat equipment or powered hydraulic power supply Improved wastewater management. casing bits are installed per operator unit. Storage compounds for pipe joints specifcations. l A control panel with torque must be washed off and replaced

Racking and transportation. The process controller and torque/turn with a running compound prior joints are installed in tubular recording system. to downhole deployment, which transport frames or ‘wine racks’ l Two single-joint pipe racks located introduces challenges for the safe for transportation to the rig. The either side of the bucking unit. handling of waste fuids. Washing

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