Failure analysis of large-size drilling tools in the oil and gas industry

Abstract

The safety problem of large-size drilling tools in large-size boreholes has become increasingly prominent with the exploration and development of deep and ultradeep wells. This study analyzes the causes of large-size drilling tool failures from the engineering point of view via statistical analysis, experimental material test, and vibration and bending analyses. Results show that the violent downhole vibration changes the drilling tool's mechanical properties. These changes results in an uneven distribution of hardness and reduced impact work, finally leading to the initiation of fatigue cracks at stress concentration points. Drilling tool bending is closely related to drilling parameters and BHA configuration. Unreasonable BHA configuration and drilling parameters increase BHA bending and accelerate fatigue failure. Once a crack is generated, the corrosive ions in water-based drilling fluids invade the microcrack, causing the corrosion of the drilling tool material. As a result, the strength is reduced, and the fracture is aggravated. Therefore, measures for preventing the failure of large-size drilling tools are proposed. We hope that the results of this work can provide useful guidance for drilling engineers.