Pipe Lay Down

Pipe Lay Down: A Critical Process in Drilling and Well Completion

In the world of oil and gas drilling, efficiency and safety are paramount. One crucial step in this process is the pipe lay down, which involves removing drill pipe from the well or derrick and storing it safely on designated pipe racks. While seemingly simple, this process is critical for several reasons, directly impacting the overall drilling operation.

Why is Pipe Lay Down Important?

Safety: Removing pipe from the well or derrick reduces the risk of accidents. A well-organized pipe rack minimizes tripping hazards and ensures clear access to equipment and walkways.
Efficiency: Properly laid down pipe allows for quick and organized retrieval during re-entry into the well. This minimizes downtime and increases overall drilling efficiency.
Space Management: Storing pipe on designated racks frees up valuable space around the rig, allowing for smoother operation and maneuverability of heavy equipment.
Preventative Maintenance: The lay down process provides an opportunity to inspect the pipe for any potential damage or wear. This early detection and repair can prevent costly downtime and potential accidents later.

The Pipe Lay Down Process:

Disconnecting the Pipe: The pipe is disconnected from the drill string and raised from the well or derrick using the traveling block and hoist.
Transfer to the Rack: The pipe is carefully transferred to the pipe rack using a dedicated crane or other lifting equipment.
Stacking and Organization: The pipe is stacked neatly on the designated racks, often using a specific organization system based on length, weight, or other factors.
Inspection and Documentation: A thorough inspection of the pipe is conducted, and any damage or wear is documented. This information can be used for future maintenance and repair.

Importance of Proper Lay Down Procedures:

Minimize Risk: Improperly laid down pipe can create tripping hazards and increase the risk of accidents.
Maximize Efficiency: A well-organized pipe rack allows for quick and efficient retrieval of pipe, reducing downtime and improving overall drilling performance.
Reduce Cost: Proper pipe lay down practices help prevent damage to equipment and minimize the need for costly repairs.

Conclusion:

The pipe lay down process may seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in the overall drilling operation. By adhering to safe and efficient procedures, oil and gas companies can ensure a safe and efficient work environment, maximize productivity, and minimize costs.

Test Your Knowledge

Pipe Lay Down Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of pipe lay down?

a) To prevent pipe corrosion. b) To store pipe safely and efficiently. c) To clean and lubricate the pipe. d) To connect the pipe to the wellhead.

Answer

b) To store pipe safely and efficiently.

2. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of proper pipe lay down?

a) Reduced risk of accidents. b) Increased drilling efficiency. c) Reduced space around the rig. d) Opportunity for pipe inspection.

Answer

c) Reduced space around the rig.

3. During the pipe lay down process, what is the pipe disconnected from?

a) The drill bit. b) The drilling mud system. c) The wellhead. d) The drill string.

Answer

d) The drill string.

4. What is the main purpose of inspecting pipe during the lay down process?

a) To ensure the pipe is compatible with the well. b) To determine the weight of the pipe. c) To identify any damage or wear. d) To measure the length of the pipe.

Answer

c) To identify any damage or wear.

5. Which of the following can result from improper pipe lay down?

a) Increased drilling speed. b) Reduced maintenance costs. c) Increased risk of accidents. d) Improved wellhead performance.

Answer

c) Increased risk of accidents.

Pipe Lay Down Exercise:

Scenario: You are a member of a drilling crew and are tasked with laying down a section of pipe after pulling it from the well.

Task:

Prioritize the steps: List the steps involved in laying down the pipe in the correct order.
- Disconnect the pipe from the drill string.
- Inspect the pipe for any damage or wear.
- Transfer the pipe to the designated pipe rack.
- Stack the pipe on the rack according to the designated organization system.
- Raise the pipe from the well using the traveling block and hoist.
- Document any observed damage or wear.
Safety Considerations: List at least three safety considerations during the pipe lay down process.

Exercice Correction

**1. Prioritized Steps:** 1. **Raise the pipe from the well using the traveling block and hoist.** 2. **Disconnect the pipe from the drill string.** 3. **Transfer the pipe to the designated pipe rack.** 4. **Inspect the pipe for any damage or wear.** 5. **Stack the pipe on the rack according to the designated organization system.** 6. **Document any observed damage or wear.** **2. Safety Considerations:** * **Clear the area around the pipe rack:** Ensure a clear path for equipment and personnel. * **Proper Lifting Techniques:** Use the correct equipment and safe lifting procedures to prevent accidents. * **Protective Gear:** Ensure all personnel are wearing appropriate safety gear, such as hard hats, safety shoes, and gloves. * **Communication:** Maintain clear communication between crew members during the entire process. * **Safe Stacking:** Stack the pipe securely to prevent tipping or falling.

Books

"Drilling Engineering" by John A. S. Dow - Provides comprehensive coverage of drilling operations, including pipe handling and lay down procedures.
"Well Completion Engineering" by Robert E. K. Earlougher Jr. - Covers various aspects of well completion, including pipe handling, storage, and lay down techniques.
"Drilling and Well Completion Operations" by Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) - A standard reference text for drilling and completion professionals, offering insights into best practices for pipe lay down.
"Petroleum Engineering Handbook" by Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) - A comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of petroleum engineering, including chapters dedicated to drilling and well completion operations.

Articles

"Pipe Handling and Lay Down Procedures: A Safety and Efficiency Guide" - A technical article focusing on best practices for pipe handling and storage, emphasizing safety and efficiency considerations.
"Optimizing Pipe Lay Down for Increased Drilling Efficiency" - An article exploring different pipe lay down techniques and their impact on drilling efficiency.
"The Importance of Proper Pipe Lay Down in Preventing Accidents" - A safety-focused article highlighting the dangers of improper pipe handling and the importance of adhering to safety procedures.

Online Resources

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Website: Provides access to a wealth of technical resources, publications, and industry best practices related to drilling and well completion.
Oil & Gas Journal (OGJ) Online: A leading industry publication with articles covering various aspects of oil and gas operations, including drilling and completion.
DrillingInfo: Offers data and analytics for the oil and gas industry, including information on drilling practices and equipment.
World Oil Magazine: Provides news and analysis on the oil and gas industry, with coverage of drilling, production, and completion technologies.

Search Tips

Use specific keywords like "pipe lay down," "drilling operations," "well completion," "pipe handling," "pipe storage," and "safety procedures."
Use quotation marks to search for exact phrases, such as "pipe lay down procedures" or "best practices for pipe lay down."
Combine keywords with location-specific terms, such as "pipe lay down practices in the Gulf of Mexico" or "pipe storage regulations in Texas."
Use the "filetype" operator to find specific file formats, like "filetype:pdf" for technical documents or "filetype:xls" for spreadsheets.
Explore websites of industry organizations like SPE, IADC, and API for relevant publications and resources.