Drillpipe Washout

12 January 2009 We have a string of 5-1/2" DP with VX-57 (old Omsco TM4-57) threads.
The string is 20 months old and being used on development wells some
of which are moderate ERD. In the last well we have seen two
separate washouts in the DP tube. One about 2ft from a pin TJ and
the other exactly the same distance from the box TJ. The wash is
about 3-4cm long x 1cm think (like a slot). It seems to coincide
with an internal upset (tube ID is 4.6" TJ ID is 4" and there is an
taper in the last 2ft of the tube either end tube.

We will be performing material tests and additional inspections on
the two joints in question. The fact that we have two separate
incident so close together obviously gives cause for concern. The
pipe is being inspected to DS-1 cat.5 every ~4 wells on our
development. This equates to ~60,000 ft or 1000 hrs approx. Some
wells are more challenging than others.

Anyone have this kind of experience before and can add
comment/suggestion?

Appreciate the help.

Dave Brecknock
Devon Energy, Brasil

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