Supply chain disruptions often cause delays in receiving essential drilling parts like drill rods and tubes. In the meantime, implementing rigorous maintenance and care protocols can help you squeeze extra life out of your existing equipment.
Inspect and Maintain Preventively: Prevention is always cheaper than replacement. Proper care begins with unpacking, moving, and storing your equipment correctly. Drill rod threads are finely tooled joints; avoid "stabbing" during makeup, which can dent pin and box ends. Always keep threads clean, free of debris, and apply thread compound at every make and break.
Care for Your Threads: Never confuse thread compound with grease. Use a high-quality anti-seize compound with at least 50% zinc particle content. This prevents galling and leaking while resisting water washout, rust, and corrosion. This applies not just to rods, but to casing, running gear, and bolts.
Lubricate Your Drill String: Effective lubrication is one of the simplest ways to reduce equipment wear.
Polymer/Additive Approach: Using a mix of polymers (like Matex and Torqueless) reduces bit vibration, lowers borehole torque, and keeps steel components free of rust and debris.
Traditional Grease Approach: If you prefer "old school" grease, ensure it is extra-tacky, heat/pressure resistant, and capable of withstanding extreme cold.
Note: Do not mix these two methods; Torqueless will strip tacky grease from the rods.
Multi-Purpose Lubrication: Always have high-pressure, water-resistant multi-purpose grease on hand for other tools, such as the insides of core barrels, to keep equipment running smoothly and minimize friction-related wear.
Utilize Polymer Programs: Consistent use of the right polymers is critical for in-hole equipment longevity. Polymers mitigate issues like swelling clays, running sands, and broken ground. Products like Torqueless specifically reduce in-hole torque, protecting the entire drill string from unnecessary stress and environmental corrosion.
Even after supply chains return to normal, these maintenance practices remain essential for cost-effective operations. If you need assistance in establishing a mud program or selecting the right additives, consult with a technical expert to ensure your equipment runs as efficiently as possible.
Source Reference: Epiroc - How to Extend Drilling Equipment Life While Waiting for New Parts (https://www.epiroc.com/en-ca/applications/mining/exploration-and-geoscience/resources/the-drillers-blog/how-to-extend-drilling-equipment-life-while-waiting-for-new-parts)
