Delta: Delivering the Difference

Workstrings International was delighted to recently co-author and latterly co-present the Delta connection with NOV at the IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok. The presentation was based on the SPE paper: Focus on Reducing Cost of Ownership Drives the Development of the 4th Generation Drill Pipe Connection Design. 

Delta? is the new fourth generation, double-shouldered drill pipe connection (DSC) with a focus on ruggedness and service life extension. What operators can now benefit from is:

Lower Cost of Ownership

• Minimised wear damage at stab increases service life and reduced repair cost
• Wider field inspection tolerances reduce repair frequency without compromising performance
• Enhanced connection geometry reduces material loss thus allowing more recuts

Enhanced Performance

• High torque capability (4% more than XT?) 
• Improved hydraulic performance (comparable to XT? or higher). Slimline profile (6-5/8”TJ OD) with the 5-?” DP can be used to drill hole sections that 5” DP was previously used for
• Enhanced fatigue resistance compared with XT? leading to extended DP life

Simplicity 

• 50% faster makeup (6-7 turns compared with 11-13 on a second generation connection)
• Deeper stabbing thus minimising thread damage
• Reduction in minimum required gripping distance from the box face allowing simpler rig floor operation

With over 100 runs across both offshore and onshore operations the Delta has already developed a track record and reputation for lowering the cost of ownership, and subsequent cost of drilling operations. In post-deployment inspections, it is evidenced that Delta can provide a 15-25% reduction in connection damage compared with the second generation DSC. In the SPE paper (IADC/SPE-190968-MS), you will find more information and additional advantages of running the Delta as well.  

Workstrings currently stocks both 5.5” and 4.5” Delta? 544 and 425 connections, so please get in touch with your local Workstrings representative to discuss how Delta could optimise the drilling of your next well.