Increasing service life of the washpipes and reducing costs in the drilling operations

The paper considers factors influencing service life of the washpipe swivel joint wear parts. Efficient solution to the problem of increasing service life of the washpipe assembly top drive unit would enable the oil and gas companies to increase the running time and avoid hazards to humans or the environment. During a drilling operation, fluids are circulating through the drill string from the surface to cool and lubricate the drill bit, and flush cuttings and other particles out of the wellbore. The upper end of the rotating drill string is mechanically connected to the rotating rod of the swivel or top drive. The washpipe assembly unit ensures a leak-proof connection between the stationary and non-rotating turnable element or top drive element, known as the gooseneck, and the drill string rotating upper end. Washpipe is a component used in the drilling operations, especially in oil and gas drilling, to transport the drilling fluid. The washpipe primary function is to transport the drilling fluid from the drilling rig to the bit. This fluid cools the bit, lubricates it, and helps remove the cuttings from the wellbore. The washpipe is a critical component in the drilling industry subject to intense wear in the high-pressure fluid circulation system. Increasing the washpipe service life with simultaneous reduction of costs is a priority for operators striving to improve efficiency and profitability of their operations. The paper analyzes approaches to achieve these goals through selecting the materials, maintenance practices, fluid management, and technological innovations.
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