Drill pipe, tubing, and casing are all part of the family of seamless rolled products known as oil country tubular goods (OCTG). They are one of the biggest expenses for both onshore and offshore oil rigs and need to be properly protected during transport and storage.
Why Safe Handling and Storage of OCTG is Important
Surface-to-surface contact can damage OCTG equipment. Poorly handled and stored OCTG can result in costly repairs that can delay a project’s completion or do irreparable damage to an otherwise productive well. Damaged OCTG not only puts wells at risk but also creates safety hazards for workers.
Handling Tubular Goods
There are several ways to protect OCTG during the handling process. These include:
- Rhino™ Tubular Handling Systems, designed for safe high-density storage, lifting, and transport of all types of tubular piping. Rhino systems provide structural support that ensures that bundles of casing and tubing don’t collapse during transport.
- Lifting bails that fit into the tubing’s threaded connections and allow quick connection for lifting and transport. Look for lifting bails with precision machined threads and shoulders, as well as phosphate coated threads that provide superior protection from corrosion. Another critical consideration point is the safe working load (SWL) capability of the bail.
- Roughneck™ Stabbing Guides that prevent damage or connection failure when connecting the pin and box threads to a string of pipe. Molded to fit the specific dimensions of a thread profile, a stabbing guide functions as a funneled guide for the pipe.
Storing and Transporting Tubular Goods Prior to Use
When you practice proper storage before use, this ensures undamaged OCTG. Fortunately, you can accomplish this by using the following:
- Thread and line pipe protectors. You’ll want to protect your threaded connections against mechanical damage during handling and corrosion for long-term storage. Operators use thread protectors to cover and protect threaded connections from the elements during handling and storage.
- Pipe chocks are devices made from polyethylene that provide a stable resting position for tubular pipes. You’ll need to nail them into the wood to keep the pipe safe and secure during storage and transportation.
- Bumper rings fit around pipes and prevent damage when pipes collide during handling or transport. These polyethylene rings provide a layer of protection that eliminates contact between pipes.
Let MSI Pipe Protection Technologies Help You Protect Your OCTG
To ensure the integrity of your OCTG during storage and transport, turn to MSI Pipe Protection Technologies’ proven solutions. Our pipe storage and handling products protect your equipment from damage and corrosion – and keep your projects on time and on-budget.
Contact MSI today to learn more about our pipe protection technologies, or call us toll-free at 877-276-9208.
