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.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: "Make Up" in Drilling & Well Completion

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of these is NOT an example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts?

a) Connecting sections of drill pipe.

Answer

This is a common example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

b) Assembling a casing string.

Answer

This is a common example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

c) Mixing drilling mud in a mud tank.

Answer

This is an example of "make up" in the sense of mixing and preparing a substance.

d) Installing a downhole packer.

Answer

This is a common example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

2. "Making up" a threaded connection usually involves:

a) Using a wrench to tighten the parts.

Answer

This is the primary method for securing threaded connections.

b) Welding the parts together.

Answer

Welding is not typically used to join threaded connections in drilling.

c) Using a hydraulic jack to press the parts together.

Answer

Hydraulic jacks are used for other tasks, not typically for threaded connections.

d) Using a specialized adhesive to bond the parts.

Answer

Adhesive is not commonly used to join threaded connections in drilling.

3. What is an example of "make up" in the sense of mixing and preparing a substance?

a) Connecting a drill bit to the drill string.

Answer

This is an example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

b) Preparing a cement slurry for wellbore cementing.

Answer

This is an example of "make up" in the sense of mixing and preparing a substance.

c) Stringing up drill pipe for a drilling operation.

Answer

This is an example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

d) Installing a Christmas tree on a wellhead.

Answer

This is an example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts.

4. "Making up" for lost drilling time could involve:

a) Replacing a faulty drill bit.

Answer

This is a necessary action, but not directly related to "making up" for lost time.

b) Working extra hours to catch up on schedule.

Answer

This is a common strategy for "making up" for lost time.

c) Adding additional casing to the wellbore.

Answer

This is not directly related to "making up" for lost time.

d) Increasing the weight on the drill string.

Answer

This is a drilling technique and not directly related to "making up" for lost time.

5. What is the opposite of "make up" in the context of drilling and well completion?

a) "Breakout"

Answer

This is the correct opposite term, signifying disassembly and separation.

b) "Take apart"

Answer

While similar, "breakout" is more specific to drilling and well completion.

c) "Disconnect"

Answer

This is a more general term and not as specific to drilling operations.

d) "Remove"

Answer

This is a general term and not as specific to drilling operations.

Exercise: "Make Up" Scenario

Scenario: A drilling crew is preparing to run a new string of casing into the wellbore. The casing is delivered in 30-foot sections, and the crew needs to connect these sections together to form a complete casing string.

Task: Describe the steps involved in "making up" the casing string. Be sure to include the tools and equipment that would be used, and any safety precautions that need to be considered.

Exercice Correction

Here are the steps involved in "making up" the casing string:

Inspect the casing sections: Before connecting, each section should be thoroughly inspected for damage, wear, or defects.
Prepare the casing ends: Clean the male and female threads on the ends of the casing sections using appropriate tools like a wire brush or thread cleaner.
Align the casing sections: Position the sections so the male and female threads align correctly.
Apply thread compound: Apply a thread compound to the male threads to prevent galling and ensure a smooth, secure connection.
Connect the sections: Use a casing tongs or other specialized equipment to turn the male end of one section into the female end of the other.
Torque the connection: Tighten the connection to the specified torque value using a torque wrench. Ensure proper tension is applied for a secure fit.
Visual inspection: After tightening, visually inspect the connection for any leaks, gaps, or misalignments.
Repeat for each section: Continue the above steps to connect all the casing sections until the complete string is assembled.

Tools and equipment:

Casing tongs
Torque wrench
Thread compound
Wire brush or thread cleaner

Safety precautions:

Wear appropriate safety gear, including hardhat, safety glasses, and gloves.
Ensure the casing sections are properly supported and secured during the "make up" process.
Be aware of the weight and potential hazards associated with handling heavy casing sections.
Use proper lifting techniques and equipment to prevent injuries.
Never stand directly beneath a suspended casing section.
Always follow the drilling company's safety protocols.

Books

Drilling Engineering: A Complete Well Construction Manual by Robert J. Rosato: Offers comprehensive coverage of drilling operations, including detailed explanations of various "make up" processes.
Well Completion Engineering by G.B. Asheim: This book focuses on the completion phase of well construction, with sections dedicated to "make up" techniques for casing, tubing, and downhole equipment.
Drilling and Well Completion Engineering: A Practical Guide by R.G. Hughes: Provides a practical understanding of drilling and completion processes, covering "make up" procedures for different tools and components.

Articles

"Make Up vs. Break Out: A Glossary for Drilling and Completion" by [Author Name] (Search relevant industry journals and websites like SPE, SPEE, and other technical publications)
"The Importance of Proper Make Up Procedures in Drilling" by [Author Name] (Search online databases like ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and Google Scholar for relevant articles)
"Understanding the Role of Make Up in Cementing Operations" by [Author Name] (Focus on articles discussing cementing and its relation to "make up" procedures)

Online Resources

Drilling & Completion Resources: Schlumberger (https://www.slb.com/services/drilling-and-well-completion): Provides various technical resources and articles on drilling and completion procedures, including information on "make up."
Baker Hughes: Drilling & Completion (https://www.bakerhughes.com/products-services/drilling-and-completion): Offers extensive resources on drilling and completion technologies, with sections dedicated to "make up" techniques and equipment.
Halliburton: Drilling & Completion (https://www.halliburton.com/industries/oil-and-gas/drilling-and-completion): Provides information on various drilling and completion services and technologies, potentially including information on "make up."

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