stand

The Stand: A Building Block in Drilling and Well Completion

In the world of oil and gas drilling, the "stand" plays a crucial role. It's not a single piece of equipment, but rather a fundamental unit of the drilling process, representing a specific length of drill pipe ready for deployment.

The Stand Defined:

A stand refers to a series of connected joints of drill pipe that are racked in the derrick or mast when making a "trip" – that is, pulling the drill string out of the well or lowering it back in. On most drilling rigs, a stand typically consists of three lengths of drill pipe screwed together, resulting in a total length of approximately 90 feet (27 meters).

Why Stands Matter:

The stand concept is critical for several reasons:

• Efficiency: By organizing the drill pipe into manageable stands, drilling operations become more efficient. Crew members can quickly assemble and disassemble stands, minimizing downtime and maximizing drilling progress.
• Safety: Standardized lengths of drill pipe within a stand ensure consistency and reduce the risk of accidents. The controlled handling of stands prevents potentially hazardous situations, such as pipe misalignment or falling pipe.
• Logistics: Stands are easily transported and stored, simplifying logistics on the rig.
• Drilling Depth Management: The use of stands allows for the precise tracking of drilling depth.

Variations in Stand Length:

While the typical stand length is 90 feet, variations exist depending on the specific drilling operation. For instance, some rigs might use stands with two or four joints of pipe, and the overall length can change depending on the size and type of drill pipe being used.

Stand Handling:

Handling stands involves various procedures:

• Making a Trip: When pulling the drill string out of the well, the drill pipe is disconnected in stands. Each stand is then lifted by the traveling block and swung into the derrick, where it is stored until the next trip.
• Running a Trip: When lowering the drill string back into the well, stands are assembled on the rig floor and then connected to the drill string, one stand at a time.

The Stand's Role Beyond Drilling:

The concept of stands extends beyond just drilling. In well completion operations, stands of casing (steel pipe used to line the wellbore) or tubing (pipe used to transport oil or gas) are also utilized.

Conclusion:

The stand is an essential element of drilling and well completion operations. It simplifies logistics, increases safety, and contributes to the efficient and precise execution of these complex processes. By understanding the role of the stand, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies involved in bringing oil and gas resources to the surface.