Reliability starts
with every pipe.

1. Identify every element

   Responsible

   The person responsible for tool records.

   Checks

   Match markings, item number, dimensions, grade and connection to the passport and certificate. For a batch certificate, establish the link between the individual pipe and the documented batch.

   Required evidence

   A register entry linked to the manufacturer’s documents.

   Hold / reject when

   Markings are unreadable, documents do not match the item, or its origin cannot be traced.

   Operating requirements

   Subs require documented material and origin; manufacture from previously used drill collars is not permitted.

   Technical basis

   API Spec 5DP — Drill PipeAPI Spec 7-1 — Rotary Drill Stem Elements

   Manufacturer documents establish product specifications. NGB matches them to each element’s markings and maintains the tool register.

2. Inspect, measure and perform NDT

   Responsible

   A qualified independent NDT provider; the responsible engineer defines the inspection scope.

   Checks

   Before each well, check condition and dimensions and perform NDT in the required areas. Methods and acceptance criteria depend on the tool type. Inspection equipment requires documented calibration or setup verification.

   Required evidence

   A report identifying each element, date, methods, results and disposition.

   Hold / reject when

   A current report is missing, required inspection scope is incomplete, or results fail the acceptance criteria.

   Operating requirements

   NDT follows an agreed API / DS-1 programme for the tool type. Methods, inspection areas and rejection criteria are set before work begins.

   Technical basis

   API RP 7G-2 — Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem ElementsAPI Spec 7-2 — Threading and Gauging of Rotary Shouldered Connections

   The NDT programme follows API RP 7G-2, applicable DS-1 criteria and manufacturer instructions. Inspection before every well and the maximum intervals are mandatory NGB rules.

3. Verify drill string and BHA compatibility

   Responsible

   The drilling engineer.

   Checks

   Check sizes, pin and box connections, subs, required lengths, permitted loads and operating limits of all elements, including rented tools.

   Required evidence

   An agreed BHA drawing and assembly list aligned with the well programme.

   Hold / reject when

   Connections are incompatible, specifications are unverified, or loads exceed permitted limits.

   Operating requirements

   Keep the BHA drawing and sketches with outside diameter, inside diameter and length. Sub working length must be at least 1.5 times the bore diameter and meet the minimum in the agreed drawing; select bit subs for the specific bit. Spiral integral-blade stabilizers must be 1/8–1/16 inch under nominal, according to size; full-gauge stabilizers are not accepted. At the rig, verify three working Top Drive subs, six lifting caps and six lifting subs for each required drill-collar diameter, at least two safety clamps and two spare drill-collar joints of each size. The assembly list defines additional accessible reserves and required subs.

   Technical basis

   API Spec 7-1 — Rotary Drill Stem ElementsAPI Spec 7-2 — Threading and Gauging of Rotary Shouldered ConnectionsAPI RP 7G-1 — Drill Stem Performance PropertiesHWDP 127 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–7SDC 247.65 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–5

   Selection uses element specifications, connection geometry and permissible loads. The actual tool set must match the agreed BHA drawing.

4. Protect connections in transit and storage

   Responsible

   The person responsible for transport or storage, and the receiving person at the rig.

   Checks

   Check thread and shoulder cleanliness and signs of impact or corrosion. Fit suitable, serviceable protectors to both pin and box ends. Store tools on supports clear of the ground.

   Required evidence

   A receiving-inspection entry, with damage recorded separately.

   Hold / reject when

   Dirt, corrosion or damage is present, or a connection has not been checked after losing its protection.

   Operating requirements

   Every receiving inspection checks both connection ends and protectors; missing protection requires re-inspection.

   Technical basis

   NOV Grant Prideco 5C — running and handlingHWDP 127 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–7SDC 247.65 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–5

   Cleanliness, thread protection and storage follow the specific tool manufacturer’s instructions and NGB receiving procedures.

5. Prepare and control connection make-up

   Responsible

   The rig crew under the responsible specialist’s supervision.

   Checks

   Clean and inspect threads and shoulders before make-up; use the specified thread compound. Set make-up torque from manufacturer instructions and the work programme, and verify it with equipment having documented calibration.

   Required evidence

   Assembly settings and control records, plus evidence that measurement equipment is fit for use.

   Hold / reject when

   Compound or torque is unspecified, measurement is unreliable, or a connection is damaged or makes up incorrectly.

   Operating requirements

   For drill collars and HWDP, verify make-up at the contractor’s base with a Torque Master-type hydraulic wrench and record actual torque in the passport. Compound requires a quality document and must meet the connection manufacturer’s requirements.

   Technical basis

   API Spec 7-2 — Threading and Gauging of Rotary Shouldered ConnectionsAPI RP 7G-1 — Drill Stem Performance PropertiesNOV Grant Prideco 5C — running and handlingHWDP 127 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–7SDC 247.65 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–5

   Make-up torque and compound are specified for the actual connection. Values for another size or compound are not transferred to the tool.

6. Track service history and inspection intervals

   Responsible

   The person responsible for tools at the rig.

   Checks

   Record hours by operation type, wells, inspections, repairs and replacements. Schedule the required action before the 600 / 400 / 800-hour limits in the control chart below. Any shorter prescribed interval takes precedence.

   Required evidence

   A service record or log, NDT and pressure-test reports, and sub-replacement entries.

   Hold / reject when

   History is incomplete, an inspection is due, or the required inspection or replacement is undocumented.

   Operating requirements

   After every five bit runs, rotate working drill-collar connection positions and check make-up of non-working connections; interchange working and non-working drill-pipe and HWDP connections monthly. Drill-pipe test pressure is 1.5 times maximum working pressure, at least 25 MPa to 4,000 m and 30 MPa below 4,000 m, under a technical programme compatible with the tool set and test equipment ratings. If the required test exceeds those ratings, hold the set until the programme is resolved.

   Technical basis

   The 600 / 400 / 800-hour limits are set by NGB’s internal procedure. Stricter manufacturer or work-programme requirements take precedence.

7. Reassess after an abnormal event

   Responsible

   The rig supervisor reports the event; the responsible engineer determines additional inspection.

   Checks

   Stop using a suspect element after overload, impact, suspected washout or damage. Assess it before running again, regardless of the hours remaining until scheduled inspection.

   Required evidence

   An event record and an additional assessment report.

   Hold / reject when

   The cause remains unresolved or suitability for continued operation is unconfirmed.

   Operating requirements

   After cutting or repairing threads on subs, drill collars or HWDP, repeat NDT before return to service.

   Technical basis

   API RP 7G-2 — Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem ElementsHWDP 127 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–7SDC 247.65 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–5

   Additional inspection follows suspected damage, overload, repair or thread cutting, before returning the tool to service.

8. Segregate defects and document re-release

   Responsible

   The tool custodian segregates the item; the authorized engineer decides on its return.

   Checks

   Mark and separate defective, overdue or untraceable tools. After an authorized repair or resolution of the hold reason, require re-inspection before return to the operating set.

   Required evidence

   A nonconformance record, repair documents where applicable, an acceptable inspection report and written release.

   Hold / reject when

   The cause remains unresolved, acceptance criteria are unmet, or written release is missing.

   Operating requirements

   Replace drill collars according to actual condition and inspection results. The 400-hour limit concerns replacement of subs in the BHA, not automatic disposal of drill collars.

   Technical basis

   API RP 7G-2 — Inspection and Classification of Used Drill Stem ElementsHWDP 127 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–7SDC 247.65 manufacturer instructions — pages 4–5

   Physical segregation, a traceable record and written re-release are mandatory. Rejection criteria are specified for the individual tool.

Mandatory NGB inspection intervals

These intervals are NGB internal operating limits. A shorter interval required by the manufacturer, the well programme or the actual condition takes precedence. Each inspection, test and replacement is recorded against the identified tool.