Drilling & Well Completion

throw the chain

Throwing the Chain: A Crucial Step in Drilling Operations

In the world of drilling and well completion, every step requires precision and efficiency. One such crucial step is the act of "throwing the chain," a maneuver that involves the skillful manipulation of a spinning chain to connect a new stand of drill pipe. This article delves into the intricacies of this operation, highlighting its significance and the techniques involved.

The Mechanics of Throwing the Chain

  1. The Setup: The process begins with a stand of drill pipe (a single joint) resting on the floor, its box end tool joint facing upward. A spinning chain, attached to a cathead on the drawworks, is positioned near the box end tool joint.

  2. The "Stab": A second stand of drill pipe is carefully lowered, its pin end tool joint aiming directly at the box end of the stationary pipe. This operation, known as "stabbing," requires precision to ensure a proper connection.

  3. Throwing the Chain: Here lies the art of the maneuver. The chain is swiftly and accurately thrown upward, aiming to jump over the box end tool joint and wrap itself around the pin end tool joint. This action is crucial as it allows the spinning chain to connect to the newly added pipe.

  4. Rotation and Connection: Once the chain is successfully thrown, the cathead engages the chain, initiating the rotation of the newly added pipe. The spinning chain pulls the stand of pipe upward, tightening the connection between the box and pin end tool joints.

The Importance of a Clean Throw:

A successful throw of the chain is critical for several reasons:

  • Efficiency: A clean throw ensures a rapid and efficient connection, minimizing downtime and maximizing drilling progress.
  • Safety: A miscalculated throw can lead to chain entanglement, potentially damaging equipment and jeopardizing the safety of personnel.
  • Secure Connection: A properly thrown chain guarantees a secure connection between the pipe sections, preventing leaks and other complications.

Challenges and Solutions:

Throwing the chain can pose challenges, particularly in adverse weather conditions or when dealing with large pipe diameters. Experienced drillers employ various techniques to address these challenges, including:

  • Adjusting chain tension: Proper tension ensures the chain's trajectory and prevents entanglement.
  • Using specialized equipment: Tools like chain-throwing devices and hydraulic spinning chain systems offer greater control and precision.
  • Training and experience: Drillers undergo rigorous training and gain expertise through practical experience, mastering the art of chain throwing.

Conclusion:

Throwing the chain is a fundamental but often overlooked aspect of drilling operations. Its seemingly simple execution requires meticulous technique, precise timing, and experience. This maneuver, crucial for efficient and safe drilling, exemplifies the delicate balance of skill and precision that characterizes the industry. As drilling technology evolves, the art of throwing the chain continues to play a vital role, demonstrating the enduring importance of human expertise in the complex world of oil and gas exploration.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Throwing the Chain

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of "throwing the chain" in drilling operations?

a) To lubricate the drill pipe connections. b) To remove debris from the drill pipe. c) To connect a new stand of drill pipe to the existing string. d) To control the speed of the drill bit.

Answer

c) To connect a new stand of drill pipe to the existing string.

2. Which of the following is NOT a key element involved in the "throwing the chain" maneuver?

a) A spinning chain attached to a cathead. b) A stand of drill pipe with a box end tool joint. c) A specialized wrench to tighten the connection. d) A stand of drill pipe with a pin end tool joint.

Answer

c) A specialized wrench to tighten the connection.

3. Why is a clean throw of the chain essential for safe and efficient drilling?

a) It prevents damage to the drill bit. b) It ensures a secure connection between the pipe sections. c) It allows for faster drilling speeds. d) It reduces the risk of mud contamination.

Answer

b) It ensures a secure connection between the pipe sections.

4. Which of the following is a common challenge associated with throwing the chain?

a) Limited access to the drill floor. b) Insufficient water pressure for drilling. c) Difficult weather conditions. d) Lack of proper lighting.

Answer

c) Difficult weather conditions.

5. What is the primary benefit of using specialized equipment for chain throwing?

a) It reduces the risk of human error. b) It increases the drilling speed. c) It allows for deeper drilling depths. d) It reduces the cost of drilling operations.

Answer

a) It reduces the risk of human error.

Exercise:

Scenario: You are a drilling crew supervisor, and you are preparing to add a new stand of drill pipe. The weather is windy and the crew is having difficulty throwing the chain cleanly. Several attempts have resulted in the chain becoming tangled.

Task: Identify three strategies you could implement to help the crew overcome this challenge and achieve a clean chain throw. Explain your reasoning for each strategy.

Exercice Correction

Here are three strategies with explanations:

  1. **Adjust Chain Tension:** The wind is likely causing the chain to swing erratically. Increase the tension on the chain to reduce its movement and make it more manageable for throwing.
  2. **Use a Chain-Throwing Device:** If available, a specialized chain-throwing device provides better control and reduces the risk of tangling. This device helps guide the chain and reduces the reliance on manual manipulation.
  3. **Implement a "Two-Person Throw":** Have one crew member stabilize the chain while another throws it. This approach helps control the chain's trajectory and reduces the chance of it tangling.


Books

  • Drilling Engineering by J.P. Willis & H.D. Brantly: This comprehensive text covers various aspects of drilling engineering, including well completion, and might touch upon chain throwing.
  • Petroleum Engineering Handbook: This handbook, often used by professionals in the industry, might contain sections on drilling operations and techniques like chain throwing.
  • The Practical Driller by John W. Benton: This book offers a practical perspective on drilling operations and might include details on chain throwing and its importance.

Articles

  • "The Art of Throwing the Chain" - Search for articles with this specific title or variations on online databases like OnePetro (SPE) or other industry journals.
  • "Drilling Operations: Best Practices and Safety" - Look for articles discussing best practices in drilling, which might cover chain throwing and its safety implications.
  • "Innovations in Drilling Equipment and Techniques" - Articles exploring new developments in drilling equipment may discuss innovations related to chain throwing, such as specialized devices or hydraulic systems.

Online Resources

  • Oil & Gas Journal: This industry publication might have articles or news pieces related to drilling operations and advancements in chain throwing techniques.
  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): Search the SPE website or its database for technical papers and presentations discussing chain throwing in drilling operations.
  • YouTube: Search for videos related to "throwing the chain," "drilling operations," or "oil and gas drilling" to find demonstrations or explanations of the technique.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Use keywords like "throwing the chain," "drilling operations," "oil and gas drilling," "chain throwing technique," and "drilling equipment" in your search.
  • Combine keywords: Combine related keywords to refine your search, such as "throwing the chain drilling safety," "chain throwing technique video," or "chain throwing equipment types."
  • Use quotation marks: Put specific phrases in quotation marks to find exact matches, like "throw the chain" or "chain throwing device."
  • Include relevant industry terms: Use industry-specific terms like "drawworks," "cathead," "tool joint," and "stand of pipe" to focus your search on relevant information.
  • Explore image search: Use Google Images to find visuals related to chain throwing and identify equipment or techniques used in the process.

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