902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety

Breaking Out Pipe

Breaking out pipe is the process of disassembling or unscrewing sections of pipe, typically during maintenance, repair, or dismantling of piping systems.

This procedure is typically performed during tripping out of the hole (removing the drill string) or when changing the drill bit. It is essential for maintaining the integrity of the well and ensuring the safety of the crew. We will cover the manual method of breaking out pipe, the newer automatic "Iron Roughneck" method.

Manual Method of Breaking Out Pipe

This is the traditional technique that involves using hand tools, such as pipe wrenches, chain tongs, or strap wrenches, to unscrew or disassemble sections of pipe without the aid of powered equipment. It is used when power tools are unavailable or unsuitable, such as in confined spaces or hazardous environments. The process requires careful coordination, physical strength, and adherence to safety protocols to avoid strain or injury.

Tools Used: The crew uses large wrenches called tongs (breakout tongs and backup tongs) and sometimes chains to grip and rotate the pipe sections.

Process:

• The drill string is lifted slightly to expose the connection between two pipe sections.
• The backup tongs are latched onto the lower pipe to hold it in place.
• The breakout tongs are attached to the upper pipe and used to apply torque, rotating the pipe to unscrew it from the lower section.
• Once the connection is loosened, the upper pipe is spun out manually or with a spinning chain.
• The disconnected pipe is moved away, often with the help of a derrickman or automated pipe-handling equipment.

Physical Effort: This method requires significant strength and coordination, as the tongs are heavy and the pipes can be under tension or stuck due to drilling conditions.

Iron Roughneck Method

The Iron Roughneck is an automated pipe-handling system used on drilling rigs to make up and break out drill pipe, casing, or tubing connections. It uses a hydraulic tool that combines spinning and torque capabilities, allowing for the safe and efficient connection and disconnection of pipe joints without manual handling.

Tools Used: The Iron Roughneck consists of a torque wrench (to apply the necessary torque to break the connection) and a spinning wrench (to rotate the pipe for unscrewing).

Process:

• The Iron Roughneck is positioned near the pipe connection.
• The torque wrench grips the lower pipe to hold it steady, while the spinning wrench grips the upper pipe.
• The spinning wrench rotates the upper pipe to break the connection, applying precise torque to avoid over-tightening or damage.
• Once the connection is broken, the spinning wrench continues to rotate the pipe until it is fully disconnected.
• The disconnected pipe is then moved away, often integrated with other automated systems on modern rigs.

Automation: The Iron Roughneck can be operated remotely or with minimal human intervention, reducing the need for workers to be near heavy, moving equipment.

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