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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Drilling & Well Completion: Break-out

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Break-out

Breaking Out: Unscrewing the Joint in Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, the term "breaking out" refers to the process of unscrewing a joint of pipe or a component of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). This crucial operation is often necessary during various drilling and well completion activities, including:

1. Retrieving Equipment:

  • Pulling the Drill String: Breaking out the drill pipe joints allows for the retrieval of the entire drill string after drilling operations.
  • Retrieving the BHA: Disconnecting components of the BHA, such as drill bits, stabilizers, and downhole motors, requires breaking out the respective joints.

2. Replacing Equipment:

  • Changing Drill Bits: When the drill bit wears out, it needs to be replaced. Breaking out the drill collar, which connects the drill bit to the drill pipe, enables this replacement.
  • Adding or Removing Tools: Breaking out joints allows for the addition or removal of tools like reamers, casing scrapers, or perforating guns during well completion operations.

3. Troubleshooting Issues:

  • Investigating Stuck Pipe: If the drill string becomes stuck, breaking out the drill pipe allows for inspection and potential remedial action.
  • Addressing Mechanical Failures: In cases of downhole tool malfunction, breaking out joints might be necessary to retrieve the faulty equipment or make repairs.

Breaking Out: The Process

Breaking out a joint involves applying torque to the connection, effectively unscrewing the threaded components. The process typically utilizes specialized equipment such as:

  • Torque Wrenches: These tools apply precise torque to the joint, ensuring proper unscrewing without damaging the equipment.
  • Rotating Heads: Rotary tables or top drives are employed to rotate the pipe while applying torque, facilitating the break-out process.
  • Hydraulic Power: In some cases, hydraulic power is used to apply torque and facilitate the breaking out of particularly challenging connections.

Safety Considerations:

  • Proper Equipment: Using the correct tools and ensuring their proper maintenance is crucial for safe break-out operations.
  • Thorough Inspections: Before breaking out any joint, a thorough inspection is necessary to identify potential hazards or damage.
  • Experienced Personnel: Trained and experienced personnel should carry out break-out operations, adhering to safety protocols.

Breaking out joints is a critical aspect of drilling and well completion operations. Understanding this process, the associated equipment, and the importance of safety precautions is essential for successful and efficient operations in the oil and gas industry.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Breaking Out in Oil & Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of "breaking out" in the oil and gas industry?

a) Connecting different sections of pipe. b) Unscrewing joints of pipe or BHA components. c) Testing the strength of pipe connections. d) Lubricating the drill string.

Answer

b) Unscrewing joints of pipe or BHA components.

2. Which of the following is NOT a reason for breaking out a joint?

a) Retrieving the drill bit. b) Adding a perforating gun during completion. c) Testing the well pressure. d) Investigating stuck pipe.

Answer

c) Testing the well pressure.

3. What type of equipment is commonly used to apply torque during breaking out?

a) Pressure gauges. b) Torque wrenches. c) Drilling mud pumps. d) Safety valves.

Answer

b) Torque wrenches.

4. Which of these safety precautions is NOT essential during breaking out operations?

a) Using the correct tools. b) Inspecting the joint before breaking out. c) Wearing protective gloves. d) Having experienced personnel perform the operation.

Answer

c) Wearing protective gloves.

5. Breaking out a joint is crucial for which activities in the oil and gas industry?

a) Drilling and production only. b) Exploration and production only. c) Drilling and well completion only. d) Exploration, drilling, and well completion.

Answer

d) Exploration, drilling, and well completion.

Exercise: Breaking Out Scenario

Scenario: During a drilling operation, the drill bit wears out and needs to be replaced.

Task: Describe the steps involved in breaking out the drill collar (which connects the drill bit to the drill pipe) to facilitate the drill bit change. Include the necessary equipment and safety considerations.

Exercice Correction

**Steps:**

  1. **Stop the drilling operation and circulate mud.** This ensures the hole is clean and pressure is stabilized.
  2. **Inspect the drill collar joint.** Check for any signs of damage or wear, ensuring the joint is safe to break out.
  3. **Position the torque wrench.** Attach the torque wrench to the drill collar. The torque wrench should be rated for the size and type of connection.
  4. **Apply torque gradually and slowly.** Rotate the drill collar with a rotating head or top drive, gradually applying torque. Avoid excessive force, which could damage the connection.
  5. **Unscrew the joint.** Continue applying torque until the joint unscrews, allowing the drill collar to be removed.
  6. **Inspect the joint and the drill collar.** Examine the threads for wear or damage. Ensure both components are clean and ready for the new drill bit.
  7. **Connect the new drill bit.** Install the new drill bit to the drill collar, ensuring it's properly aligned and tightened.
  8. **Re-run the drilling operation.** Resume drilling operations once the new bit is installed and the drill string is properly connected.

**Equipment:**

  • Torque wrench
  • Rotating head or top drive
  • Hydraulic power unit (optional)
  • Safety equipment (gloves, hard hat, safety glasses)

**Safety Considerations:**

  • Ensure experienced personnel are conducting the operation.
  • Use the correct torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Never apply excessive force, as this could damage the connection or injure personnel.
  • Always maintain a safe distance from moving equipment.
  • Implement safety procedures and equipment as per company and regulatory guidelines.

Books

  • Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion by Schlumberger (covers drilling and completion operations, including joint connections and break-out)
  • Drilling Engineering by Robert F. Anderson (includes chapters on drilling equipment, drill string design, and wellbore operations, which involve break-out procedures)
  • Oil Well Drilling Technology by J. Edward Jennings (explains various aspects of drilling, including connections, tools, and troubleshooting, which often involve break-out)

Articles

  • "Breaking Out a Stuck Pipe" by SPE Journal (focuses on specific techniques and strategies for unscrewing stuck drill pipe, a common issue in the industry)
  • "The Importance of Proper Torque Management in Oil & Gas Drilling" by Rigzone (discusses the critical role of torque control in break-out operations to avoid damage and ensure safe unscrewing)
  • "Downhole Tools and Their Role in Well Completion" by Oil & Gas Journal (explains how various downhole tools, including those used for break-out, contribute to well completion)

Online Resources

  • Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary: https://www.slb.com/resources/oilfield-glossary (Provides definitions of common oilfield terms, including "break-out" and related concepts)
  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Website: https://www.spe.org/ (Offers a vast collection of technical papers, presentations, and resources on drilling and well completion, including topics related to break-out)
  • Oil & Gas Journal: https://www.ogj.com/ (Provides news, articles, and technical information on the oil and gas industry, covering various aspects of drilling and well completion)

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine terms like "break-out" with "drill pipe," "BHA," "well completion," "torque," "stuck pipe," or "unscrewing."
  • Utilize quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases like "breaking out joints" in quotation marks to ensure the search focuses on those exact words.
  • Add relevant industry terms: Include terms like "oil & gas," "drilling," "completion," or "downhole" to narrow down your search results.
  • Explore related terms: Look for synonyms and related concepts, such as "unscrewing," "disconnecting," "torque management," or "stuck pipe" to find more relevant content.
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