Fearnley Procter UK Ltd
Standards and Publications
NS-2 Drillstring Inspection Standard
This standard has a long history within the Oil & Gas Industry and it has been developed over the last 12 years.
Originally this standard was an Exxon specification utilised in the USA and it was then issued to Shell Expro by Exxon, as part of a Quality Improvement Project (QIP) on reduction in Drill String Failures.
Fearnley Procter UK was part of the QIP Team and was involved in developing the standard then
known as 8002-001.
In 1999 Fearnley Procter UK was handed ownership of 8002-001 for further development and wider use of it in the Industry. The first revision of NS-2 was released in November.
It is now used by a number of operators worldwide and has been instrumental, where adopted, as the principal inspection document used for the purpose of reducing drill string failures.
NS-2 covers many areas of drill string inspection not currently covered by other inspection standards such as:
- High torque connections
- Specialised drilling equipment
- Automated thread inspection
- Receipt inspection for new drill pipe
- Fishing and milling tools
- Specific inspection frequency guidelines
- Internal plastic coating on drill pipe
- Chrome alloy hardbanding
NS-2 is very much a live document and is regularly updated. The most recent supplements to NS-2 include:
- Double Shouldered Connections
- Fishing & Milling Equipment
- Integral Joint Tubing Inspection Requirements (for TTRD operations)
NS-2 is one of a range of NS Publications aimed at providing instruction and increasing knowledge and awareness within the industry. Other publications, which may be used in conjunction with NS-2 as part of a quality programme include:
- NS-1 Quality and Inspection Requirements for New and Refurbished Drilling & Completion Equipment
- NS-5 Drill String Failure Prevention Rig Team Handbook
- NS-14 Drill String Design Manual
- NS-19 The Rig Team Tool Joint and Connection Handbook
- NS-21 Drill String Knowledge Handbook
- NS-23 Drill String Procurement & Inspection Training Course Manual
Technical Review Committee
A panel of 'experts' have been assigned to review technical updates to this standard that cover the field of Oilfield Operators, Drilling Contractors, Supplier, Inspection, Repair and Drillstring Manufacturing Companies.
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