A drill collar is a thick-walled, heavy tubular component used in bottom hole assemblies (BHA) to: Provide weight on bit (WOB) for efficient drilling Improve wellbore stability and directional control Minimize buckling of drill pipes Serve as stiffeners for measurement tools (MWD/LWD)
Parameter | Standard Range | Special Options |
---|---|---|
Material Grade | API 7-1 AISI 4145H | Non-magnetic (Monel/K500) |
Outer Diameter | 3" - 11" (76-279mm) | Custom oversized designs |
Wall Thickness | 2-4" (50-100mm) | Spiral grooves available |
Length | 30-31ft (9.1-9.5m) | Short subs (5ft/1.5m) |
Weight | 1,500-6,000 lbs/ft | Buoyancy-assisted models |
Connection Type | NC, FH, REG (API 7-2) | Premium threaded designs |
Process | Details | Advantages |
---|---|---|
Forging | Hot-forged from alloy steel billets | Superior grain structure |
Heat Treatment | Quench & temper to 285-341 BHN | Optimal hardness/toughness |
Machining | CNC-turned with stress relief grooves | Precise dimensional control |
Inspection | 100% UT + magnetic particle testing | Guaranteed defect-free |
Type | Key Features | Applications |
---|---|---|
Standard | Smooth OD, straight bore | Vertical/conventional drilling |
Spiral | External helical grooves | Reduce differential sticking |
Non-Magnetic | Monel 400/K500 alloy | MWD/LWD tool housing |
Short | 1/3 normal length | Kick-off sections |
Adjustable | Telescoping design | Precise WOB control |