Minimizing Casing Wear in Dog Legs

Abstract

Procedures are presented for estimating the amount of casing wear produced in wells by the rotation of tool joints, drill pipe, and drill pipe protectors against casing. The procedures are based upon experimental information and limited field measurements developed over a period of several years [1–5]. The procedures have been used with moderate success in predicting the casing wear rates seen in the field for a limited number of cases. The paper again emphasizes that with the proper use of drill pipe protectors casing wear can be minimized. In addition, the paper presents suggested procedures for selecting drill pipe protectors to assure consistent casing wear performance.