Pipe washout.

[sajidaminshah]

please someone help me in a querry, that how do we locate drill pipe washout ? what methods are used for that ?

[costas68gr]

its little to be late but you can locate for threads!

[vanthodc]

Usually Mud logging unit will be do it by base on Pump output and lag check!

[oileruis]

Hi...if you have a mudlogging unit in your rig, they can help you. In other cases, if the mudloggers doesnt have any idea or you dont have a mudlogger available, you can use a tracer (chemical or mechanical). Take in mind the following things:
1- Minimum ID on the entire string (including, DP, motors, MWD/LWD, nozzles, etc). This will help you to determine the maximum concentration/amount of mechanical tracer to be use...to avoid plug the inside of drilling string/bha/bit nozzles.
2- Which one of the tracer is available in your rig: Chemical, its a chemical different from the mud, you can easily trace such chemical in the mud system and shale shakers. Mechanical, like rice or wall nut (there is several types of products), its just "rice" or "wall nut", also you can check those components on the shale shakers.
3- Calculate the volumen of each section in the hole (inside the string, annulus between open hole and BHA, open hole and DP, etc), calculate how many strokes do you need for each volume.

So, the procedure its simple. If you suspect a washout in the string, drop some tracer inside the drilling string (break a connection and put it inside the pipe), make up again the pipe, set the mud pump stroke counter in Zero, start pumps at low flow rate (30-50 gpm), take the strokes/time to see the tracer in the shale shakers. With this number of strokes/time you can determine where is the washout (no 100% accuracy, but will lead you to know where is the problem).

Other option is to run wire line systems to check electrical/electronicallly where is the washout, but it will cost more money and time.