make up

"Make Up" in Drilling & Well Completion: A Multifaceted Term

In the world of drilling and well completion, the term "make up" carries a surprisingly wide range of meanings. While seemingly simple, it often encompasses crucial tasks that contribute to the smooth operation and success of a well project. Let's delve into the different ways "make up" is used:

1. Assembling and Joining: Building the Foundation

The most common meaning of "make up" in drilling is to assemble and join parts to form a complete unit. This can be seen in various scenarios:

• Stringing up drill pipe: Connecting individual sections of drill pipe together, forming a long, continuous string to reach the target depth.
• Assembling casing or tubing: Joining individual casing or tubing sections to create a robust wellbore structure for production.
• Making up a drill collar: Connecting heavy collars to the drill string to add weight and apply pressure to the formation.

2. Threading and Tightening: Ensuring Secure Connections

Another key aspect of "make up" involves screwing together two threaded pieces. This is a meticulous process often requiring specialized equipment and procedures:

• Connecting drill pipe joints: Each section of drill pipe has male and female threaded ends that are carefully screwed together.
• Installing casing or tubing: Similarly, casing and tubing sections are connected using threads, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
• Assembling downhole tools: Many downhole tools, such as drill bits, stabilizers, and packers, are made up using threaded connections.

3. Mixing and Preparing: The Art of Formulation

In certain contexts, "make up" refers to mixing or preparing a substance for a specific purpose.

• Mud tank preparation: A drilling fluid (mud) is meticulously mixed and prepared in a tank to achieve desired properties for drilling.
• Cement slurry preparation: Cement is mixed with water and additives to form a slurry that will solidify and create a permanent seal in the wellbore.
• Preparing chemical treatments: Various chemicals are mixed and prepared for specific applications in the wellbore, such as corrosion inhibitors or biocides.

4. Compensating for Delays: Staying on Schedule

Finally, "make up" can also mean compensating for lost time or deficiencies.

• Making up for lost drilling time: Due to unforeseen circumstances, such as equipment failure or delays, crews may need to work extra hours or optimize drilling operations to recover lost time.
• Making up for insufficient casing weight: In situations where the initial casing design doesn't meet the necessary strength requirements, additional casing may be added to compensate.
• Making up for inadequate well control measures: If a well exhibits unexpected pressure or flow issues, additional safety precautions or intervention may be required to "make up" for the deficiency.

Breakout vs. Make Up: The Inverse

In contrast to "make up," which signifies assembly and connection, "breakout" involves disassembling and separating parts. This is crucial during dismantling operations, retrieving equipment from the wellbore, and preparing for the next stage of work.

Conclusion

The term "make up" is integral to the language of drilling and well completion, representing a diverse set of actions and procedures that are essential for successful well operations. Understanding the various meanings of "make up" is crucial for communication and ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow in the oil and gas industry.