Underground Construction - May 2022 - 13

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
maximum rig torque in low speed. By applying this recommended torque at
each make-up cycle, the stress the thread encounters from the bending and
the drilling forces is evenly spread across all components of the thread. This
helps prevent excessive wear. If the joint is not properly torqued, the pin and
box can result in not only galling and grinding of the threads downhole but
also result in the pin and/or box carrying more load than the other member,
which, in turn, results in mushrooming and failure.
Before a project even begins, operators can help avoid over torqueing by
matching drill pipe to the drill. If the drill has 3,000 lbs of torque, the drill pipe
needs to be able to handle that amount.
Once on the job, operators can further reduce wear by bringing the pin and
box together slowly, working up to the specifi c torque recommendation versus
quickly spinning a drill up to its maximum torque. Operators should guide the
two threads of a drill string together instead of forcing them into place. This
requires vigilance by the operator, who can track the drill's gauges to make sure
they are not driving the pin too hard. The heat created when forcing a pin and
box together will begin to embrittle the thread, which can lead to breaks or weld
the threads of the drill string together.
Easing into the recommended torque will help improve the life of the threads.
FOLLOW A MAINTENANCE REGIMEN
Consistent maintenance practices also play a large role in getting the most out
of drill pipe, especially when using new pipe. By investing a little time before
each day on a job, operators will improve jobsite ROI and reduce the worry
of downtime correlated to a damaged pipe or broken drill string. Common
maintenance practices include:
* Threading drill pipe together a few times before its fi rst use on the job
to break in threads
* Keeping threads clean if debris is present
* Thoroughly lubricating drill pipe before each use with the
manufacturer's recommended drill pipe thread compound
* Inspecting drill pipe for sharp edges or any damaged thread,
which indicates a string was previously forced together
* Inspecting the shoulders of the box and pin on your drill pipe for Mushrooming
* Inspect drill pipe for cracks and excessive wear past the
Manufactures guidelines
* Inspect Saver Sub or drive chuck for excessive wear or debris
* Rotate pipe within the rod basket
The normal wear and tear that occurs on an HDD jobsite does not have to
cut down the useful life of drill pipe. Operators are encouraged to keep track of
how they use their equipment, follow specifi ed equipment recommendations
for use and properly maintain their equipment to increase drill pipe longevity.
By following these practices, they'll be able to reduce the risk of unplanned
downtime, and ultimately improve jobsite ROI.
For more information on Ditch Witch drill pipe solutions, please visit https://
www.ditchwitch.com/parts/drill-pipe. *
A NEXT-GEN ROCK
DRILL. BACKED
BY A ROCK DRILLING
DYNASTY.
Rock might be a barrier to some-but not the Ditch Witch®
The latest in a veteran line of rock drills, the compact AT32 lets you
maneuver into small spaces, pulverizing rock with 1,200 ft·lbs of
inner rotational torque-and over 25 years of experience behind you.
Learn more at ditchwitch.com/AT32.
AT32.
The latest in a veteran line of rock drills, the compact AT32 lets you
maneuver into small spaces, pulverizing rock with 1,200 ft·lbs of
inner rotational torque-and over 25 years of experience behind you.
Learn more at ditchwitch.com/AT32.
SPONSORED CONTENT
UCONonline.com | MAY 2022
13
http://www.ditchwitch.com/parts/drill-pipe http://www.ditchwitch.com/parts/drill-pipe http://www.ditchwitch.com/AT32 http://www.UCONonline.com
Underground Construction - May 2022

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