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• • e *■ *
m t *• r * » • k
DEEP WELL DRILLING
The Principles and Practices of Deep
Well Drilling and a Hand Book of Use-
ful Information for the Well Driller
By
WALTER H. JEFFERY
Copyright, 1921, by W. H. Jeffery.
Published by
W. H. JEFFERY COMPANY.
Toledo, Ohio
Printed by
OILDOM PUBLISHING COMPANY
Woolworth Bldg.. New York, N. Y.
• . . - 1
ti>
To the drillers of the United
States and of Canada, the men
who have developed modern
practices of well drilling at home
and abroad, this volume is re-
spectfully dedicated.
PREFACE
Well drilling is an ancient craft, although comparatively a
modern industry. Deep well drilling as practiced today began
with the drilling of Drake's first oil well at Titusville, Pa., in 1859.
The business of drilling deep wells, for petroleum, stimulated by
the wonderful development of the internal combustion engine,
has since spread to many parts of the world and has developed
into one of the foremost industries of the United States, requiring
the services of an army of experienced drillers. The search for
petroleum is destined to lead the driller to the uttermost parts of
the earth. These men learn both the theory and the practice of
their craft by working in the derrick. Several schools now offer
courses in petroleum technology and the University of California
has a course in well drilling methods. It is to be hoped that some
of our universities and technical schools may add to their cur-
ricula a complete course in deep well engineering. For the
drilling of a well 5,000 feet deep, or drilling in a foreign country
where the geological formations may not be known are both engi-
neering undertakings. Although rule of thumb methods have,
to a large degree, been followed by the well driller, yet his work
is beset by many difficulties and unforeseen obstacles that are
often overcome only by his own ingenuity and resourcefulness.
There are several valuable technical works covering, in a gen-
eral way, the different branches of the petroleum industry or
descriptive of drilling practices in certain localities, also during
the past few years the U. S. Bureau of Mines has performed an
admirable service in studying the problems of the driller and at
frequent intervals publishing technical papers covering various
phases of the subject. However, so few books have appeared
that describe in detail modern well drilling practices, that the
author was led to attempt this work.
3
463293
4 PREFACE
The different well drilling methods include the cable, or percus-
sion, pole tool, hydraulic rotary, core drill and hydraulic jetting.
In some localities the combination cable and hydraulic rotary
s^ystem is employed.
Geology plays an important part in well drilling and a study of
the rock formation and stratification, in the locality where the
well is to be drilled, is necessary to determine the type of drilling
outfit best adapted to the purpose. For drilling hard sandstones
and limestones the cable tool outfit is suitable equipment, while
soft formations are mote successfully penetrated with the rotary
outfit. In localities where soft formations and hard rock alter-
nate, a combination cable and hydraulic rotary outfit may be the
best equipment. The author has undertaken in this volume to
cover the processes of drilling wells by the two methods now most
generally used : the cable tool and the hydraulic rotary, including
the building of the derrick, drilling, handling casing, fishing for
lost tools and the completion of the well according to the best
practice of present day expert drillers.
Specifications here shown of material for building the several
types of derricks and for complete outfits of drilling tools have
been carefully worked out and are believed to be accurate accord-
ing to modern practice.
Different fields present their own drilling problems. It is
obviously impossible within the limits of a single volume to treat
in detail the drilling peculiarities of every field, but it has been
the aim of the author to cover the whole subject as completely as
possible in a general way.
The author hopes that this book, the work at odd moments of
many years, may find a place both as a guide to the student or
the inexperienced and as a handbook of information and refer-
ence for the practical driller, and he asks the reader's indulgence
for any errors or omissions.
WALTER H. JEFFERY.
Toledo, Ohio, March 3, 1921.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I Geology. — Origin of petroleum and natural
gas. — Bibliography . . . . . 7
II Standard or cable tool system of drilling — rigs,
derricks and specifications, drilling outfits . 43
III Standard or cable tool system of drilling. —
Spudding, driving pipe, drillings under-ream-
ing, bit dressing . . . . .97
IV Fishing for tools fast or lost in the hole . .158
V Rotary process of drilling . . . .184
VI Combination cable and rotary system of drilling 223
VII Drilling by the hydraulic circulating system. —
Use of mud laden fluid . . . . 236
VIII Casing methods. — Casing used in various fields,
collapsing pressures, safe lengths of string,
casing equipment ..... 249
IX The use of packers ...... 291
X Cementing casing. — Shutting off bottom water 301
XI Shooting wells . . . . . . 323
XII Finishing the well. — Finishing and shutting in
oil wells, pumping equipment, setting
screens and liners, washing wells, shutting
in gas wells ...... 336
XIII Cost of drilling wells in various localities . 365
XIV Strength of materials . . . . . 371
XV General information ..... 391
XVI State laws relating to drilling, abandoning and
plugging oil and gas wells and to oil and gas 463
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
For illustrations and for valuable information furnished for
this volume the author is indebted to Mr. George Otis
Smith, Director, Mr. Philip S. Smith, Acting Director,
Mr. A. E. Path and Mr. W. S. W. Kew, of the U. S. Geological
Survey, Washfngton, D. C. ; The U. S. Bureau of Mines,
Washington, D. C. ; Mr. Eugene F. Coste, E.M., Calgary,
Alberta; The National Supply Co., Toledo, Ohio; The Oil
Well Supply Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.; The Lucey Mfg. Co.,
New York; The Carnegie Steel Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.; The
National Tube Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.; The John A. Roebling's
Sons Co., Trenton, N. J.; The Columbian Rope Co., Auburn,
N. Y. ; The Sanderson-Cyclone Drill Co., Orrville, Ohio; The
Union Tool Co., Torrance, Calif. ; The Norwalk Drilling Tool
Co., Norwalk, Ohio ; The Waverly Oil Works, Pittsburgh, Pa. ;
The Hope Natural Gas Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Hughes
Tool Co., Houston, Texas; Parkersburg Rig & Reel Co.,
Parkersburg, W. Va. ; Metric Metal Works, Erie, Pa.;
The Eastern Torpedo of Ohio Co., Tulsa, Okla.; Mr. F. H.
Hillman, Vice-President, The Standard Oil Co. of California,
San Francisco, California; Prairie Oil and Gas Company,
Independence, Kas. ; Perkins Oil Well Cementing Co., Los
Angeles, Calif.; Mr. Harry Hillman, Mr. C. S. Wright, Mr.
John F. Tucker, Mr. Geo. J. Vollmayer, and Mr. R. F. Hill,
of The National Supply Co.; Mr. A. G. Heggem, Tulsa,
Okla.; Gunn Bros., Humble, Texas; Larkin Packer Co.,
Bartlesville, Okla.; Mr. D. D. Wertzberger, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Mr. W. R. Martin, Medicine Hat, Alberta; Mr. A. H. Bran-
don, Toledo, Ohio; Mr. G. H. Ashley, State Geologist of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Chas. M. Boughton, of the Geological
Survey of Kansas, for assistance in preparing manuscript
to Miss Beth Price and to many others.
CHAPTER I
GEOLOGY — ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM AND
NATURAL GAS— BIBLIOGRAPHY
Petroleum, natural gas and artesian water occur in many of the
stratified rocks forming the earth's crust. The thickness of these
strata varies in different localities. In California the sedimentary
rocks from the Quaternary to the granites and metamorphics lie
in massive beds, aggregating a thickness of more than 25,000 feet.
In Northern Ohio, where the more recent formations are absent,
the Trenton limestone, lying at nearly the base of the one hun-
dred or more producing formations, is reached at depths of 1,200
to 1,500 feet from the surface. A glance at the accompanying
chart of producing horizons in North America will illustrate this.
The older the formation, for example the Trenton limestone of
the Ordovician age, the harder will the rocks be found. Hard
limestones, while they cannot be drilled rapidly, present few drill-
ing difficulties. The rocks of later periods, as the shales and
sandstone of Wyoming and California of Cretaceous and Tertiary
age, are usually soft and caving and must be drilled by a process
of under-reaming. The more recent alluvial deposits of the Gulf
Coastal Plain and some parts of California and Mexico can only
be successfully penetrated by the rotary system. Thus a study
of the geological formations in the locality to be drilled is essen-
tial to determine the type of drilling outfit best suited to the work.
The United States Geological Survey and the Canadian Geologi-
cal Survey have studied and reported upon large areas of the
North American Continent, and in the United States many of the
state geologists have much valuable data upon the stratified rocks
of their respective states. When^ therefore, it is desired to drill
in localities where doubt may exist regarding the nature of the
formations to be penetrated, it would be well to consult thie geolog-
ical publications reporting on the region to be prospected. The
7
8 DEEP WELL DRILLING
authorities are usually glad to furnish such information if it is a
matter of record, otherwise to offer valuable suggestions.
Surface indications of oil or gas occur in but few localities. In
broken or mountainous regions, as in Wyoming, an occasional oil
seepage is found, and in California there are many such seepages.
In Mexico asphalt springs occur, and in the Island of Trinidad
we have the famous pitch lake. Along the Athabasca River in
Northern Alberta for a distance of several miles the so-called tar
sands crop out and asphalt oil seeps from them. At one point
on this river, where it flows over a fault line, escaping natural gas
forms many bubbles on the surface of the water. Yet consider-
able drilling has been done in that locality without developing a
paying oil field. Oil sands sometimes are located where they
crop out or are exposed, due to erosion, the folding of the struc-
ture, or to mountain uplift. Oil and gas fields usually are located
by searching for geological structures favorable for the accumula-
tion of these deposits.
ANTICLINAL THEORY FOR ACCUMULATION OF
OIL AND GAS
The basis of the anticlinal theory is that oil and gas, being
lighter than water, naturally find their way to the highest point in
the water bearing stratum in which they may be present. Thus in
drilling along the axis of an anticline or on the crest of a dome,
gas may be found but no oil. Lower down on the dome or on the
flanks of the anticline, oil may occur and little or no gas, while
near the base of the anticline or dome, or in the syncline (the
revers.e structure of the anticline), water may be encountered,
with usually no trace of oil or gas.
The anticline is an arch or fold in the stratified rocks that form
the earth's crust, (See Fig. No. 1. There are several types of the
arch or fold, the most common of which are the anticline, the
dome and the anticlinal dome.* The anticline is a long fold with
the dips of its sides inclining away from a line called the axis.
Thus in describing an anticline geologists use the terms "strike"
and "dip"; the strike being the general direction along the crest
or axis and the dip the sloping away on either side from the axis.
The dome is, as its name implies, a domelike uplift in the stratum,
FlK. 1- Anticline •
standing alone, with the dip sloping away on all sides from the
crest. Anticlinal domes sometimes occur at intervals along the
top of a main anticlinal fold. Such domes are common in Okla-
homa, Wyoming and California.
Syncline. — The syncline is the reverse of the anticline and,
while usually unfavorable for the accumulation of oil, yet oil has
been found in them.
Synclines, that are productive of oil, usually are not water bear-
Plg 2. Syncline
ing and, due to the absence of water pressure, the direction of the
oil is reversed from that in the anticline and by gravity it has
drained into the lowest point or trough of the structure.. Oil has
■ Illustration alter Doreey Hager! ' ''i:
10 DEEP WELL DRILLING. ..
been found on the flanks of a syncline where the basin is filled
with water.
Oil in commercial quantity has bceen found in synclines in shale
formations above the regular oil bearing formation, probably
forced there through fissures in the rocks. This condition has
been developed in the syncline outside the structure of the Salt
Creek field of Wyomii^. In the Coalings, California, oil field,
oil occurs in both the syncline and the anticline.
Monocline. — The monocline is a structure whose dip is in one
direction and where the oil bearing formation may rise to the
surface. Oil occurring in commercial quanti^ in monoclines
FlK. i. Monocline *
where the oil sands crop out is usually heavy and forms asphalt
beds that seal the outcrop, confining the remaining oil. Light
paraffine oil would in most cases escape where the oijt bearing
sand was exposed, thus draining the sand for a considerable area
in proximity to the outcrop. The well location should, therefore,
be at a distance from the outcrop.
Near Barranquilla, Colombia, there are numerous seepages of
oil and natural gas. One of these seepages has formed a large
mound of asphalt, locally named the "big Volcan," yet several
wells drilled within a few miles of this surface showing failed to
find oil in paying quantity.
Terrace.— Commercially profitable oil pools are sometimes
found on terraces. The terrace may be a horizontal bench, ex-
1 after Doraey Hftger.
GEOLOGY
11
tending along a gentle slope, or a locality where the dip of an
anticline becomes more nearly flat.
In addition to the structures above described, oil is often found
Fig. 4. Terrace
arourtd volcanic necks or chimneys and in saline domes. The top,
or on the flank near the top, of an anticline or a dome, however,
is the best location for a test well.
The anticline and the dome are sometimes found in close prox-
imity to each other. The accompanying plate * illustrates this
condition where the Lamb anticline and the Torchlight dome
occur in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. The anticline in this
instance is a small one, extending over only a few sections. There
are many long anticlines ; for example, the Preston anticline along
the Red River, crossing Grayson and Fannin Counties, Texas, and
Bryan and Marshall Counties, Oklahoma, and extending for a
distance of over forty miles. The dome usually is a small round
structure, as shown on the chart.
The sub-surface contour lines on this chart show numbers indi-
cating the distance at that point to the top of the Greybull sand,
above or below sea level. In other words, if it were possible for
one to follow any one of these contour lines on the ground, he
would always be at exactly the same elevation. Referring again
to the chart, it will be observed that the elevations reach from 0
to 2,800 feet above sea level and from 0 to 600 feet below sea
0
• Footnote:
Reproduction of map in the U. S. Geologrical Survey Bulletin No.
656, by Charles T. Lupton.
»
12
DEEP WELL DRILLING
level. Putting it another way, the total elevation as shown on
this chart would be the sum of the distances below and above sea
level or 3,400 feet.
Faults. — ^A fault is a displacement or a slip in the strata, the
result of which may be the breaking off of an oil bearing forma-
tion and abutting of its face against an impervious bed. This
may either cause the oil to escape to the surface, or if the contact
between the broken off oil bearing bed and the impervious rock
face is sufficiently close, it may seal up the oil. Thus, on one side
Fig. 5. Fault
of the fault line good wells would be secured, while on the other
side, the sand would be barren. (See Fig. No. 5.) The oil field
of the Puente Hills district of southern California is a good ex-
ample, of oil accumulation along faults.
Although the structures here described are favorable for the
accumulation of oil, yet it does not follow that all such structures
may prove to be productive. One or more necessary elements
may be lacking. The sand may be too hard or close, or it may
be water bearing. Also the oil or gas present in past ages may
have long since escaped for want of an impervious shale or other
confining "cap rock," so called.
The procedure followed by geologists in seeking for and in
locating favorable structure for the accumulation of oil and gas,
and in locating well sites will not here be discussed. The author
is not a professional geologist, and for such geological information
i^
13
k • ,
•
* _ •
\
GEOLOGY 15
respectfully refers his readers to the following works on the
subject :
Economic Geology, by Frederick G. Clapp.
Oil Finding, by E. H. Cunningham-Craig.
Practical Geology, by Dorsey Hager.
Popular Oil Geology, by Victor Zeigler.
Publications of U. S. Geological Survey.
Geology is an applied science with reference to the oil and gas
industry and has made good in a large way in the development
of the oil fields of the United States. Recently Mr. George Otis
Smith, Director of the U. S. Geological Survey, in an address
before the Association of Petroleum Geologists at Dallas, Texas,*
stated that at his direction a test was made of the measure of
agreement between the structure mapping and the results of the
drill in a number of townships of the Osage lands with the result
that the geologist, when his work had been tested by the drill,
had been right 87 per cent of the time.
Those undertaking the development of new fields, or selecting
the location for a "wild cat" well, would do well to secure a
competent geologist to assist them.
ROCK FORMATIONS
It is essential that the well driller have a working knowledge of
rock formations. He should be able to identify the shales and the
conglomerates, the varying grades and colors of the sandstones,
the limestones and dolomites, and the slates. He should recognize
also the igneous or crystalline rocks such as granites, quartz, lava,
etc. Oil and gas and usually water are found only in the porous
stratified formations. If, therefore, the driller should find himself
working in granite or other igneous rocks (intrusions of igneous
rocks in stratified formations excepted), he may as well abandon
further drilling. As an exception to prove the rule : oil in com-
mercial quantity was found in a few wells drilled in Placerita
Canyon, Los Angeles County, Calif ornia^ where the oil occurred
in the granite, as a result of the granite being faulted against
• Southwestern Oil Journal, Ft. Worth, Texas. March 26, 1920.
16 DEEP WELL DRILLING
sedimentary rocks from which the oil had seeped into the broken
granite.
POROSITY AND SATURATION OF OIL SANDS
The dolomitic limestones, due to solution, dolomitization or
fracturing, are the most porous of the many formations carrying
oil, their percentages of voids in some cases running as high as
33 1/3 per cent. Next in porosity are the conglomerates and
loose coarse sands, similar to those found in the Coastal Plain oil
fields in Te^^as and in California, which contain from 20 to 30
per cent, voids. The sandstones are variable, some more porous
than others, but usually their voids will not exceed 15 to 20 per
cent. Due perhaps to the fact that in nearly all beds of dolomite
and limestone there are places where the rock is exceedingly
hard and close, the sandstones are more favorably regarded as
oil producing formations (for example, th^ Wall Creek Sand-
stones of Wyoming are well saturated with oil and rank with the
best oil producing san<Js of this country). Shales are lowest in
the scale and although they sometimes contain oil they are not
favorable reservoirs, their porosity averaging not more than five
per cent.
Oil Content of Sand. — A limestone or sandstone with 15
per cent, of voids and thoroughly saturated would contain ap-
proximately 15 per cent, of its volume in oil, or 15 cubic feet of
oil per hundred feet (7.5 gallons per cubic foot). Thus an oil
sand 100 feet thick, covering the space of one acre (43,560 square
43,560x7.5x15
feet) would contain j^ — j — __ . ^tv- = 116,678 barrels.
The United States Government uses 10 per cent, as an average
saturation of oil sands. The figures usually employed in estimat-
ing the oil content of sands are one gallon per cubic foot of sand,
approximating 1,000 barrels per acre foot of sand. This estimate
must be regarded as an average only, and may not be accurate
when applied to specific fields or properties where the saturation
factor might be as high as 25 per cent or as low as 5 per cent.
GEOLOGY
17
The production curve method of approximating the oil content of
sands is much more accurate as applied to individual wells, prop-
erties or localities. The U. S. Bureau of Mines, in a recent pub-
lication, deals at length in an able manner with this subject for
many of the oil fields of this country, (a)
Estimates of the proportion of oil that is left in the sands, and
that is not recoverable, are from 10 to 75 per cent, and vary
greatly according to locality and to different authorities. J. O.
Lewis estimates that the average recovery factors for the fields
of the United States are from 10 to 20 per cent, (b) A recovery
factor of 50 per cent, is often used, but this is only an approxima-
tion and probably is too high as an average for all fields.
(a) U. S. Bureau of Mines, Bulletin No. 177, The decline and ultimate
production of oil wells, with notes on the valuation of oil proper-
ties, by Carl H. Beal, pp. 9-12.
(b) U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 148, Oil recovery methods, by
J. O. Lewis, pp. 26-32.
Footnote: Ref. "Practical Oil Geology," by Dorsey Hagrer.
^
\ v-\
li
\
< v
.'I r
1 •
18
DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR "SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA
Compiled from reports of the United States Geological Survey, of the
Geological Surveys of several of the States and from the original chart of
sands below Pittsburgh coal by the late F. H. Oliphant.
This chart was prepared with a view of showing the various oil and
gas sands with reference to their age and position in the stratified rocks
forming tlje earth's crust. Owing to the fact that some of the oil fields
have not been given thorough geological study and also that geologists
are not yet certain regarding the age of several of the formations, this
chart is approximated. Dotted lines indicate points at which uncertainty
exists.
Era
Geological
System ,
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation
or Sand
Character
Thick-
ness.
Feet
Locality
Where
Productive
Quater-
nary
Recent
Series
and
Pleis-
tocene
Pliocene
Sands overlying
cores of salt
and gypsum
•
Calcareous sands
In some salt domes
of Gulf Coast of
Texas and Louisi-
ana
Dewitt
Calcareous sands
1200-
1500
Gulf Coast
Fernando Group
Conglomerate
sandstone,
gravel and
sand
1000
California
•
Etchegoin For-
mation
Buff (!iuartsoze
sandstone
300-
1000
Coalinga, McKit-
trick-Sunset, San-
ta Clara Riyer &
Los Angeles. Cali-
fornia
Ter-
tiary
■0
c
Upper
Miocene
Fleming Clay
Calcareous Clay
200-500
Gulf Coast
.a
U
Middle
Miocene
and Low-
er Mio-
cene
Monterey Group
including Mod-
el© and Puente
Formations, Sa-
linas Shale
and Vaqueros
Formation
Thinly laminat-
ed shale with
layers of sand-
stone. Coarse
brown sand-
stone
100-
1800
Santa Maria.
Summerland. '
Los Angdes,
Puente Dis-
trict, Coalinga.
McKittrick-Sun-
set and Santa
Clara River, Cal.
Oligo-
cene
Catahoula
Blue sandstone
and green clay
250-600
Gulf Coast Deep
Sand
GEOLOGY
19
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR ''SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA^Continued
Era
Geological
System
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation
or Sand
Character
Thick-
ness,
Feet
Locality
Where
Productive
Tertiary
Oligocene
White River
Clay, conglom-
erates and
sandstone
1000
Douglas, Wyoming
Sespe formation
Brown sandstone
with beds of
conglomerate
3000
Santa Clara River,
and Simi Valley,
Calif.
.5
Eocene
Yequa formation
Green clays with
lenses of sand
375-750
Gonzeles, Webb and
Zapata Counties,
Tex. (gas)
*
Cook Mountain
(Claiborne)
Marls and green
sands
400
Oil City, Tex. (oil)
Tejon formation
Brown sandstone
and conglom-
erate and gray
shale
2000-
3500
Coalinga, Calif.
Meganos forma-
tion
'
Simi Valley, Calif.
Wasatch sand
Yellow sandstone
and gray shale
2000
Spring Valley, Fos-
sil, Hilliard and
Labarge, Wyo.
Creta-
ceous
Upper
Creta-
ceous
Chico formation
«
Massive buff
sandstone with
layers of gray
shale
4000
Coalinga, Calif.
Navarro forma-
tion
Clays, shales,
thin beds sand-
stone
800
Corsicana, Tex.
Teapot sand-
stone
Buff sandstone
50-1000
•
Wyoming
Parkman sand-
stone
Buff sandstone
50-1000
Wyoming
Pierre shales
Gray shales, buff
sandstones,
thin shelly lime
500-
1000
Florence, Colorado.
Elk Basin and
Cody, Wyoming
•
Hygiene
0
Light gray to
greenish gray
sandstone
100-250
Boulder, Colorado*
20
DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR "SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Era
Geological
System
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation
or Sand
. ■ -'i.Ti - ^=
Character
Thick-
ness,
Feet
Locality
Where
Productive
Creta-
ceous
Shannon sand
Buff sandstone
50
Salt Creek, Big
Muddy and Pilot
Butte, Wyo.
Virgelle sand-
stone
Coarse gray
sandstone in^
terbedded
with shale
200-380
Montana and Al-
berta, Can. (gas)
Niobrara
Gray and buff
shales, lower
part sandy
200-900
Powder River . Wj o .
and Boulder. Col.
Upper
Creta-
ceous
0.
1
o
Upper Wall
Creek sand-
stone (Lentil
of Benton
shale)
Buff to white
sandstone
100-125
Salt Creek and Bis
Muddy. Wyo.
.y
Lower Wall
Creek sand-
stone
White, quartzite
sandstone
20-30
Salt Creek and Bis
Muddy, Wyo.
S
Frontier forma-
tion
Gray, yellow, buff
and brown
sandstones,
with thin beds
of conglomer-
ate and chert
pebbles
450-650
Spring Valley, By-
ron, Cody, Grass
Creek and Elk
Basin, Wyo.
Torchlight sand
15^7
Big Horn Basin,
Wyoming
Peay sand
50
Big Horn Basin,
Wyoming
Aspen formation
Gray and black
shale with beds
of gray sand-
stone
1200-
1800
Spring Valley, Wyo.
»
Mowry shale
(Kimball sand)
Gray slaty shale
with beds of
sandstone
200-300
Basin, Grey bull.
Lander and Moor-
croft, Wyoming
J
GEOLOGY
21
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR "SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Era
Geological
System
u
o
N
Geological
Series or
Group
Creta-
ceous
Upper
Creta-
ceous
Producing
Formation
or Sand
Thermopolis
shale
First and second
muddy sands
(near base of
Thermopolis
shale)
Nacatoch sand
Taylor marl
Annona (Austin
chalk)
Eagle Ford shale
(Blossom sand)
Woodbine sand
Bear River
Dakota sand-
stone
Character
Dark shale with
beds of rusty
sandstone
Shale with beds
of buff sand-
stone
Thick-
ness,
Feet
400-800
Gray to green
sandstone with
layers of clay
Bluish gray marl
or clay with
layers of cal
careous sand
stone
Gray to white
chalky lime-
stone with beds
of sand
Soft sandstone
with layers of
clay
Shaly clay and
dark greenish
sand
Shale with beds
of buff sand-
stone
Gray sandstone
75-200
500-600
200-500
50-100
300-400
800-
1500
200-300
Locality
Where
Productive
Oregon Basin and
Cody, Wyoming
Lance Creek and
Rock River, Wyo.
Shreveport, Caddo,
De Soto and Red
River, Louisiana,
Mexia and Groes-
beck, Texas (gas)
Corsicana.? Thrall,?
and San Antonio,?
Texas .
Caddo, La.. San An-
tonio, Texas
Caddo, La.
Louisiana, Texas
Spring Valley, Wyo.
North Dakota, Wy-
oming, Montana,
Alberta, Canada
(gas)
22
DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR *'SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA^Continued
Fra
o
o
o
o
o
Geological
System
Creta-
ceous
Jurassic
Triassic
Carbon-
iferous
CO
S
s
a*
Geological
Series or
Group
Lower
Creta-
ceous
Creta-
ceous?
Permian
Series
Upper
Coal
Meas-
ures
Producing
Formation
or Sand
Cloverly (Grey-
bull sand)
Trinity sand
Morrison
Sundance forma-
tion
Cbugwater for-
mation
Albany (Wichita)
"Red Beds"
Cisco
Strawn
Embar formation
Goodridge sand
Character
Conglomerates
with thin lay-
ers of sand-
stone
Fine sand with
lentils of sandy
clay
Variegated shale
and sandstone
Shale, limestone
and sandstone
Red sandy shale,
thin beds of
sandstone and
gypsum
Limestone
shale
and
White, buff and
red sandstone
Shales, lime-
stones, sand-
stones, coal
Sandstone
shale
and
Light gray lime-
stone , shale
and chert
Sandstone
Thick-
ness,
Feet
10-60
400-700
150-250
150
1000
500
10-100
800
900-
3000
225
Locality
Where
Productive
Greybull, Byron,
Powder River and
Douglas. Wyo.
Medill. Oklahoma.
N. E. Texas
Cody and Powder
River, Wyoming
N. E. Wyoming
Lander, Wyoming
Electra, Texas
Healdton. Okla..
Cotton and Ste-
phens Counties,
Okla. and South-
ern Utah
Petrolia and Ranger
Texas
Palo PintoCo.,
Electra and Rang-
er, Texas
Lander. Wyoming
Bluff, Utah
GEOLOGY
23
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR "SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Era
•
Geological
System
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation or
Sand
Character
Thick-
ness,
Feet
Locality Where
Productive
Approxi-
mate
Depth
below
Pitts-
burgh
Coal,
Feet
1
*
(
1
1
1
Carbon- g
iferous -c
• *
cd
a
1 en
C
c
a,
1
j
Middle
coal
measures
Tensleep
sandstone
•
Cross bedded
quartz sand-
stone
50-200
Central
Wyoming
Connelsville
sand
Yellowish
gray conglom-
eratic sand-,
stone
25-50
West Virginia
40
Morgantown
sand
Fine grained
gray sand-
stone
20-75
West Virginia
80
Macksburg
sandstone
Coarse gray
sandstone
5-90
S. E. Ohio
200
•
Lower
coal
measures
First Cow
Run sand
Coarse, pebbly
gray sandstone
8-35
S.W.Penna.,
S. E. Ohio and
W. Virginia
320
500 foot
Macksburg
sand
Soft sandstone
and conglom-
erate
5-30
S. W. Penna.,
W. Va. and S.
E.Ohio
450
1
Second
Cow Run
sand
Coarse, white
sandstone
40-85
S. W. Penna.,
W. Va. and S.
E. Ohio
600
0-*
Bridgeport
sand
Conglomerate
and sandstone
20-35
Bridgeport.
Illinois
700 andjSOO ft.
Macksburg
sands
Coarse gray
sandstone
20-60
S. W. Pen^na.,
W.Va.,S. E.
Ohio and Ky.
850-925
Potts-
ville
group
Salt sands
White sand-
stone
25-175
S. W. Penna.,
W. Va.. S. E,
Ohio and Ky.
950-1080
Ralstonjgroup
(Hoy sand)
Red and gray
sandstone
650
Garber, Okla.
•
Buxtonfsand-
sandstone
Sandstone and
shale
700-
1000
Ponca, Okla.
Musselman
sand
Sandstone and
shale
300-400
Cleveland, Okla.
•
Hogsh'ooter
lime
Limestone
100-150
Oklahoma
Layton sand
Soft gray sand-
stone
25-50
Oklahoma
Wayside sand
Brown sand-
stone
5-30
Kansas
iA^
24
DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR *'SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Era
Geological
System
u
o
CO
Car-
bonif-
erous
e
2
B
C
Geological
Series or
Group
Potts-
ville
group
CO
0)
•c
'a
a
9)
V
09
M
2
u
Bend
Series
Chester
group
Producing
Formation or
Sand
Character
Cleveland sand
Peru sand
Fort Scott, Os-
wego or Wheel
er eand
Squirrel sand
Skinner sand
Varner sand
Winslow
formation
Red Fork sand
Bartlesville or
Glenn sand
Sandstone
Brown sand-
stone
Brown lime-
stone with lay-
ers of sand-
stone
Sandstone
Sandstone
Booch sand
Tucker sand
Scott or
Dutcher sand
Buchanan
sandstone
Gordon
McCIesky
Burkburnett
(deep)
Mounds
Benoist or
Kirkwobd
sand
McCIoskey
sand
Sandstone
Thick-
ness.
Feet
5-35
10-50
75
10-138
Sandstone
Gray to brown
sandstone
Bluish green
sandstone
Sandstone
Conglomerate
and sandstone
Limestone
and shale
Limestone
and shale
Limestone
and shale
Sandstone
White sand-
stone
Sandy lime-
stone
10-55
20-50
25-200
Locality Where
Productive
Kansas and Ok-
lahoma
Kansas and Ok-
lahoma
Kansas and Ok-
lahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Augusta. Kan.
deep?
Muskogee.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Approxi-
mate
Depth
below
PitU-
burgh
Coal.
Feet
Kansas and Oic-
lahoma
25-100
15-35
50-130
350-400
S. E. Okla.
Cushing, Okla.
Oklahoma
Casey and Rob
inson. 111., and
Princeton, Ind.
Electra.
Ranger, Tex.
Ranger. Tex.
Burkburnett.
Tex.
20-50
Oklahoma
20-55
Robinson.
Bridgeport and
Sandoval. 111..
Oakland City.
Ind.
10-25
Robinson and
Bridgeport. 111.
GEOLOGY
25
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR '^SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Bra
Geological
System
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation or
Sand 1
Character
Thick-
ness,
Feet
Locality Where
Productive
Approxi-
mate
Depth
below
Pitts-
burgh
Coal.
Feet
■
Pocono
group
•
Boone (Mis-
sissippi lime)
White lime-
stone
200-400
Oklahoma
Big lime
Massive lime-
stone with lay-
ers of sand
140
S. E. Ohio and
W. Va.
1175
!
1
Keener sand-
stone
White sand-
stone
40-90
S. E. Ohio and
W. Va.
1275
Big Injun
sand
Squaw sand
Coarse gray
sandstone in-
terbedded
with gray to
green shale
100-300
S. W. Penna.,
W. Va., S. E.
Ohio and Ky.
1340
1425
v^ar-
bon-
ifer-
ous
Wier sand
Gray sand-
stone
15-105
West Va.
1535
Berea grit
Fine grained
white to gray
sandstone
5-170
S. W. Penna.,
W. Va., S. E.
Ohio and Ky.
1700
1
First. 100 ft.
or Gantz sand
White to gray
sandstone
50-100
W. Penna., W.
Va. and S. E.
Ohio
1850
&
50 ft. sand
White to gray
sandstone
30-50
W. Penna. and
W. Va.
1885
Second or 30
ft. sand
Soft pebbly
sandstone
20-35
W. Penna. and
W. Va.
2000
Beaver Creek
sand
Cherty lime-
stone
10-30
Kentucky
Devo-
nian
Stray or
Bowlder sands
White to gray
sandstone
10-50
W. Penna. and
W. Va.
2050
Third or Gor-
don sand
Soft white
pebbly sand-
stone
1-75
W. Penna., W.
Va. and Ohio
2130
Fourth, fifth
and sixth
sands
Soft, white
sandstones
5-30
each
S. W. Penna.
and W. Va.
2200,
2260 &
2590
Upper
De-
vonian
a
9
2
o
9
1
First, second
and third War-
ren sands
Gray sand-
stones and
shales
5-35
each
N. W. Penna.
2700.
2815 &
2900
Speechly
sand
Hard sand-
stone
1-85
N. W. Penna.
2
Tiona sand
Hard sand-
stone
5-100
N. W. Penna.
3020
26
DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR "SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Continued
Era
Geological
System
Geological
Series or
Group
Producing
Formation or
Sand
Character
■
Thick-
ness.
Feet
Locality Where
Productive
Approxi-
mate
Depth
below
Pitts-
bursh
Coal.
Feet
<
Devonian
Upper
Devonian
Cherry Grove
sand
Gray sand-
stone
N. W. Penna.
and W. N. Y.
3150
Lower
Devonian
Bradford sand
Chocolate col-
ored sand-
stone
10-150
N. W. Penna.
and W. N. Y.
3460
Elk Co. sands
Brown sand-
stone
N. W. Penna.
and W. N. Y.
3650
Kane sand
Sandstone
N. W. Penna.
and W. N. Y.
3775
Hamilton
formation
Gray lime-
stone and blue
shales
200-350
Petrolia and Oil
Springs, Ont.
5330
Comiferous
limestone
(Onondaga)
Dark gray
cherty lime-
stone
15-200
N. E. and Cen-
tral Ohio, W.
N. Y., Ky. and
Ontario
5625
.y
Silurian
Niagara
Group
Oriskany sand-
stone
Fine grained
cherty white
sandstone
15-55
N. Y., S. Ind.
and Ont.
5660
2
Guelph lime-
stone
Light to buff
dolomite
100-185
Ontario and W.
New York
5700
Niagara lime-
stone
Dolomite
120-350
W. New. York,
Ont. and Ind.
5820
.•
Clinton
limestone*
Clinton
sandstone
Variegated
crystalline
limestone
Fine grained
gray sand-
stone
lO-lOO
5-75
Central Ohio
and Welland
Co., Ont.
5985
6025
Medina Red
sandstone
Medina white
sands
Soft red sand-
stone
White sand-
stone
10-50
5-36
W. New York
and Welland
Co., Ont.
6085
6200
■■
Ordovi-
cian
*
Trenton lime-
stone, upper
Trenton lime-
stone, lower
Gray-blue
dolomitic lime-
stone
50-800
N. W. Ohio,
Ind. and Ky. .
N. W. Ohio, W.
New York, Ky.
and Ont.
8700
9200
Cam-
brian
Calciferous
and Potsdam
sandstone
Sandstone
with beds of
shale and dolo-
mite
1000
New Yofk, Ga.,
Ala. and Ont.
Quebec group
New Foundland
and New
Brunswick
9230
*The Clinton limestone may be the horizon of the lower sand in the Scottsville. Ky.. fielcf.
GEOLOGY 27
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS OR «<SANDS" IN WHICH OIL
AND GAS ARE FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA— Concluded
The oil bearing formations of Mexico are not included in the
chart, for the reason that their exact co-relation with other for-
mations has not yet been determined. The oil in the fields of
Mexico occurs in several formations of Tertiary and Cretaceous
age.
Note: The thickness of the formations co- related in this chart
are the total thickness of the formation or group where an oil
bearing stratum occurs. For example, in the Strawn formation
of Texas, 900 to 3,000 feet thick, the actual oil bearing sand may
be only a few feet in thickness. The thickness of oil sands also
varies in different localities, sometimes disappearing or "pinching
out," as the drillers say, only to recur in a nearby well.
The names of oil sands originate in various ways, sometimes
from the town or locality where they crop out, as the Berca grit,
which rises to the surface at Berea, Ohio ; or from the finding of
oil at a certain town, as the Macksburg and Bartlesville sands;
or they may be named for the man who first drilled into a new
sand ; or the farm where such a sand was found. The Speechly,
Glenn and McClesky were thus named.
The same sand may be known by two or more names in dif-
ferent localities; thus the Cow Run sand of Southern Ohio is the
Bridgeport of Illinois; the Berea, the 100 foot and the Gantz are
doubtless one and the same ; and other sands of Pennsylvanian age
bear different names in Pennsylvania, in Illinors and in Okla-
homa. Making due allowance for repetition, however, and for the
many "stray" and unnamed sands, there are upward of one
hundred oil and gas producing sands in North America, occurring
in the sedimentary rocks, from the Quaternary to the Cambrian.
28 DEEP WELL DRILLING
GEOLOGICAL TERMS
QUATERNARY
Time division which embraces the recent and Pleistocene
epochs, i.e., the later portion of the Cenozoic era, otherwise known
as the post- Pliocene or Post-Tertiary. The term was proposed by
J Desnoyers in 1829 to cover these formations which were
formed just anterior to the present. Quaternary embraces the
soft formations and more recent stratified rocks laid down during
the glacial period and the early human period.
TERTIARY
Time division which includes the Eocene, Oligocene, Niocene
and Pliocene periods or the earlier portions of the Cenozoic Era.
The name was first used by G. Cuvier and H. Brongniart in
1810. Period of development of the mammals, snakes, birds,
fishes. Rock formations of the Tertiary age, while somewhat
harder than those of the Quaternary, are soft formations.
CRETACEOUS
The group of stratified rocks which normally occupy a posi-
tion above the Jurassic and below the Tertiary. Named for the
chalky character of many of its rock formations. Contains soft
limestones and thick beds of soft sandstone, as, for example, the
Wall Creek Sandstone of Wyoming. The age of the big reptiles.
JURASSIC
Period between the Triassic and Cretaceous. Named for the
rocks in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. They contain clays,
shales, sandstones, limestones and coal. The age of the Dinosaurs
and large marine forms.
TRIASSIC
Occupies a position above the Permian and below the Jurassic.
The rocks of this age were classified by German geologists into
three principal formations and grouped under the name Trias.
These formations indude marls, paper shales, red and mottled
sandstones, dolomites, limestones, gypsum and rock salt. Life
forms include earlier mammals, shell fish, etc.
J
GEOLOGY 29
CARBONIFEROUS
The great series of stratified rocks which occur above the De-
vonian and below the Triassic. As the name implies, these
formations are the home of the principal coal beds. They con-
tain also marine limestones, sandstones, shales, gypsum and salt.
The presence of igneous (volcanic) rocks that are found in some
localities inter-bedded with the sedimentary deposits may be at-
tributed to the emanations from volcanoes. Vegetation was
luxuriant and widely distributed during this age. Life forms
were chiefly fishes, mollusca, various insects, and the early amphib-
ian.
DEVONIAN
The series of stratified rocks that were formed after the Silur-
ian period and before the Carboniferous. The name Devonian
was first used by Sir R. Murchison and A. Sedgwick to describe
the rocks of this period in the district of Devon, England. The
stratigraphy includes the Old Red Sandstone, thick beds of lime-
stone, slates, shales, marl grits and quartzite. Fauna was, with
the exception of a few insects, confined to marine forms : crustace-
ous, corals, fishes. It is known as the age of fishes.
SILURIAN
The series of strata that lie above the Ordovician and below
the Devonian. The name was first introduced for a series of
rocks in England, a region formerly inhabited by the Silures.
The rocks are principally of marine origin and consist of sand-
stones, limestones, shales, grits and rock salt. Life forms were
limited to those of aquatic origin.
ORDOVICIAN
The period between the Cambrian and the Silurian. Next to
the lowest group of stratified rocks in the Geological scale. In-
cluds all types of sedimentation, when flat or undisturbed, and
where subjected to eruptive forces, slates, quartzites, chlorite,
schists, tuflFs, lavas and other metamorphosed rocks are rep-
resented. Life forms were Trilobites, Mollusca (shell fish) and
a few insects. Some of the shells were 12 to 15 feet in length.
30 DEEP WELL DRILLING
CAMBRIAN
Earliest group of stratified rocks resting on the Pre-Cambrian
or Igneous rocks. Stratification includes shales, slates, sand-
stones, hard dolomitic limestones, conglomerates and quartzites.
In some parts of the world the Cambrian be<Js are of great thick-
ness, 10,000 to 40,000 feet. Life forms were similar to those of
the Ordovician period.
IGNEOUS ROCKS
Rocks produced by the action of intense heat, or by the soldifi-
cation of the interior molten magma of the earth. These rocks lie
below all of the several series of stratified rocks, except where
they occur as intrusions within sedimentary rocks or as extrusion
sheets and include granites, schists, basalt, lava and other meta-
morphosed and crystalline forms.
ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
There has been much discussion by geologists, chemists and
other scientists, with reference to the origin of petroleum and
natural gas, but with no unanimity of conclusion. There are
three general theories for the origin of the hydcrocarbons, each
of which has had eminent supporters: the organic theory, the
inorganic chemical theory and the volcanic theory.
The adherents of the organic theory also are divided in opinion
as between vegetable, or animal and fish remains, or both, as the
organisms ie««-which the hydrocarbons were derived.
Following is a brief outline of the arguments for the divergent
views:
Organic origin.*
That both oil and gas are the product of natural distillation of
organic (vegetable and animal) remains imprisoned in the strati-
fied rocks. Those who uphold these views, perhaps the most
orthodox, point for evidence to the coals, admittedly formed
First report Geolosrical Survey of Ohio, by Edward Orton.
U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 330, Data of Geochemistry, by
Frank Wigglesworth Clarke, pp. 619-641.
. Hofer, Das Erdol, 1906.
ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS 31
from vegetable matter, to marsh gas, to the limestones which are
the deposit of vast quantities of animal or fish remains.
To the argument that organic remains could hardly be confined
in sufficient quantity to account for the vast amount of oil in the
stratified rocks, answer is made that the quantities of seaweed
known to exist, the great bodies of vegetation, such as the Sar-
gasso Sea, and the myriads of small shellfish which must have
existed in past ages would furnish the necessary elements. For
further proof we are referred to the gas that is distilled from coal,
to the medicinal product known as "ichthyol," an oil found in
Galician fish beds, and to the various oils derived from vegetables.
Inorganic origin.
This hypothesis is that' oil and gas (hydrocarbons) are the re-
sult of chemical reactions within the earth. Among the argu-
ments advanced is that large quantities of calcium, iron and other
carbides are contained within the earth, and that percolating
waters, gaining access to these deposits, would generate hydrocar-
bon gases, which under heat and pressure are condensed into pe-
troleum as we find it. (1 and 2) Acetylene gas produced from the
action of water on calcium carbide is cited in support of this
theory. Various hydrocarbons containing part at least of the
constituents of petroleum* have been produced by chemists in
laboratory experiments. **
Volcanic origin.
This hypothesis is that the fluid magma of the earth's heated
interior contains large quantites of carbon, and sulphur — ^both
chemical properties of petroleum — and that both oil and gas are
the products of hydrocarbon gaseous volcanic emanations, con-
densed and held in their passage upward in the many porous
stratified rocks where they are now found.*
1. The American Petroleum Industry, pagres 8-13. by Bacon and
Hamor.
2. U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin No. 401, Relation between local
magnetic disturbances and the genesis of petroleum, by George
P. Becker.
•• Mendel6efs' Principles of Chemistry, Vol. I.
• Volcanic origin of natural gas and petroleum. Journal of Canadian
Mining Institute, Vol. VI, by Eugene Coste, B.M.
Petroleum and Coals, Journal of Canadian Mining Institute, part of
Vol. XII, by Eugene Coste, E.M.
22 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Many natural phenomena are cited in support of this theory:
the inflammable gases and the bituminous odors in the emanations
of Vesuvius, Etna and other volcanoes ;t sulphuric vapors and
other gases associated with hot springs; the gas, mud and hot
water "blow outs" in the oil fields of Baku in the Caucasus, and
in the Gulf Coast.
Other arguments advanced are:
The solid hydrocarbons, as the Ozokerite deposits of Boryslaw
Galicia, which occur in veins and faults, cutting the strata ; and
the graphites which have been found in gneisses, in granite and in
other rocks of volcanic origin.
In the oil fields of the Gulf Coast and of Mexico, much of the
oil occurs around volcanic necks and in gait domes, or associated
with sulphur deposits.
Analogy of the chemical composition of petroleum and that of
the emanations of volcanoes: chloride salts, sulphur, carbonic
acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, hydrocarbons and salt water.
The lake of asphalt on the island of Trinidad is said to be in
the crater of an extinct yolcano.
It is apparently the same oil and the same gas in all of the one
hundred or more sands in which they are found and probably
have escaped into these sands from the fluid magma below.
Eugene Coste has very fully covered the subject of volcanic
origin of oil and gas in his several papers read before the Canadian
Mining Institute.*
The late George F. Becker has ably reviewe'd the subject of the
genesis of oil and he has added a new suggestion with an accom-
panying chart, showing irregular compass declinations in the
vicinity of most of the important oil fields of this county.**
t Geologic, by A. DeLapparent.
• Natural gas in Ontario, Journal Canadian Mining Institute, Vol.
Ill, pp. 68-89; The Volcanic Origin of Natural Gas and Petroleum, Jour-
nal Canadian Mining Institute. Vol. VI. pp. 73-128; Petroleum and Coals,
Journal Canadian Mining Institute, part of Vol. XII.
•• Bulletin No. 401, U. S. Geological Survey, Relations between Local
Magnetic Disturbances and the Genesis of Petroleum, by Geo. F. Becker.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 33
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PUBLICATIONS OF THE OIL
AND GAS GEOLOGY OF PARTS OF
NORTH AMERICA
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PUBLICATIONS
Eastern Field
8th Annual Report — The Trenton limestone in Ohio and Indiana,
by E. Orton.
Bulletin 198 — The Berea grit oil sand in Cadiz quadrangle, Ohio,
by W. T. Griswold. .
Bulletin 213 — Asphalt, oil and gas in southwestern Indiana, By M.
L. Fuller.
Bulletin 225 — Oil and gas fields of eastern Greene Co., Pa., by R.
W. Stone.
Bulletin 285 — ^The Ninevah and Gordon oil sands, Greene Co., Pa.,
by F. G. Clapp.
BulletSn 304— Oil and gas fields of Greene Co., Pa., by R. W.
Stone and F. G. Clapp.
Bulletin 318 — Geology of oil and gas fields in Steubenville, Bur-
gettstown and Claysville quadrangles, Ohio, West Virginia
and Pennsylvania, by W. T. Griswold and M. J. Munn.
Bulletin 346 — Structure of the Berea oil sand in the Flushing
quadrangle, Harrison, Belmont and Guernsey Counties, Ohio,
by W. T. Griswold.
Bulletin 454 — Coal, oil and gas of the Foxburg quadrangle,
Pennsylvania, by Eugene Wesley Shaw and Malcolm J.
Munn.
Bulletin 456— Oil and gas fields of the Carnegie quadrangle, Pa.,
by M. J. Munn.
Bulletin 471 -A- 1 — Petroleum and Natural gas in Kentucky, by M.
J. Munn.
Bulletin 531 -A — ^The Menifee gas field and the Ragland oil field,
Kentucky, by M. J. Munn.
Bulletin 541-A — Oil and gas in the northern part of the Cadiz
quadrangle, Ohio, by D. D. Condit.
34 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Bulletin 579 — Reconnaissance of oil and gas fields in Wayne and
McCreary Counties, Kentucky, by M. J. Munn.
Bulletin 621-H — Anticlines in the Clinton sand near Wooster,
Ohio, by C. A. Bonnie.
Bulletin 621-N — Structure of the Berea oil sand in the Summer-
field quadrangle, Guernsey, Noble and Monroe Counties,
Ohio, by D. Dale Condit.
Bulletin 621-0 — Structure of the Berea oil sand in the Woodsfield
quadrangle, Belmont, Monroe and Guernsey Counties, Ohio,
by D. Dale Condit.
Bulletin 661 -A — The Cleveland gas field, Cuyahoga County, Ohio,
with a study of rock pressure by G. Sherburne Rogers.
Bulletin 661-D— The Irvine oil field, Estill County, Ky., by E. W.
Shaw. •
Bulletin 688 — The oil fields of Allen County, Kentucky, by
Eugene Wesley Shaw and Kirtley F. Mather.
Mid-continent Fields
Bulletin 238 — Economic geology of the lola quadrangle, Kansas,
by G. I. Adams, E. Haworth and W. R. Crane.
Bulletin 260 — Oil and gas of the Independence quadrangle, Kas.,
by F. C. Schrader and E. Haworth.
Bulletin 260 — Notes on the geology of the Muskogee, Okla., oil
fields, by J. A. Taff and M. K. Shaler.
Bulletin 381 -D— The Madill oil pool, Okla., by J. A. Taff and W.
J. Reed.
Bulletin 531-B — Oil and gas development in north-central Okla-
homa, by Robert H. Wood.
Bulletin 541 -B— Structure of the Fort Smith-Poteau gas field.
Ark. ; The Glenn oil and gas pool and vicinity, Okla., by C
D. Smith.
Bulletin 602 — Anticlinal structure in parts of Cotton and Jefferson
Counties, Okla., by Carroll H. Wegemann.
Bulletin 621-B— The Healdton, Okla., oil field, by C. H. Wege-
mann and Kenneth C. Heald.
Bulletin 621-C— -The Loco gas field, Stephens and Jefferson Coun-
ties, Okla., by C. H. Wegemann.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 35
•
Bulletin 621-G — The Lawton, Oklahoma, oil and gas field, by C.
H. Wegemann and Ralph Howell.
Bulletin 641 -B — The oil and gas geology of the Foraker quad-
rangle, Osage County, Oklahoma, by K. C. Heald.
Bulletin 641 -E — A» anticlinal fold near Billings, Noble County,
Oklahoma, by A. E. Path.
Bulletin 658 — Geologic structure in the Cushing oil and gas field,
Oklahoma, bv Carl H. Beal.
Bulletin 661 -B — Structure of the northern part of the Bristow
quadrangle. Creek County, Oklahoma, by A. E. Path.
Series of Bulletins 686-A to V inclusive — Structure and oil and
gas resources of the Osage Reservation, Okla., by C. F.
Bowen, Wilson B. Emery, Dean E. Winchester, K. C. Heald,
Oliver B. Hopkins, Frank R. Clark, E. Russell Lloyd, Kirt-
ley F. Mather, Sidney Powers, H. M: Robinson, R. V. A.
Mills, P. V. Roundy, C. S. Ross and Frank Reeves.
Bulletin 691 -A — The structure of parts of the central Great
Plains, by N. H. Darton.
Bulletin 691-C — Geologic structure of the northwestern part of
the Pawhuska quadrangle, Okla., by K. C. Heald.
Professional Paper 120-H — A contribution to the geology of
northeastern Texas and southern Oklahoma, by Lloyd Wil-
liam Stephenson. (The Preston Anticline.)
Professional Paper 128-C — ^The origin of the faults, anticlines
and buried "Granite Ridge" of the northern part of the Mid-
Continent oil and gas field, by A. E. Fath.
Louisiana, North Texas and Gulf Coast
Bulletin 184 — Oil and gas fields of the western interior and
northern Texas coal measures and of the Upper Cretaceous
and Tertiary of the western Gulf Coast, by G. I. Adams.
Bulletin 212 — Oil fields of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coastal
Plain, by C. W. Hayes and W. Kennedy.
Bulletin 260 — Oil fields of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, by N.
M. Fenneman.
Bulletin 260 — Salt, gypsum and petroleum in Trans-Pecos, Texas,
by G. B. Richardson.
36 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Bulletin 282 — Oil fields of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coastal
Plain, by N. M. Fenneman.
Bulletin 429 — Oil and gas in Louisiana, by G. D. Harris.
Bulletin 619 — ^I'he Caddo oil and gas field, Louisiana and Texas,
by George Charlton Matson.
Bulletin 621-E — ^A reconnaissance in Palo Pinto County, Texas,
with special reference to oil and gas by C. H. Wegemann.
Bulletin 621-J — ^A reconnaissance for oil near Quanah, Hardeman
County, Texas, by C. H. Wegemann.
Bulletin 629 — Gas in the area north and west of Fort Worth, by
Eugene Wesley Shaw ; Gas prospects south and southeast of
Dallas, by George Charlton Matson; with notes on the gas
fields of central and southern Oklahoma, by Carroll H.
Wegemann.
Bulletin 661-C— The DeSoto Red River oil and gas field of
Louisiana, by G. C. Matson and Oliver B. Hopkins.
Bulletin 661-F — The Corsicana oil and gas field, Texas, by G. C
Matson and O. B. Hopkins.
Bulletin 661-G — ^The Palestine salt dome, Anderson County,
Texas; the Brenham salt dome, Washington and Austin
Counties, Texas, by Oliver B.. Hopkins.
Bulletin 716-D — Natural Gas Resources Available to Dallas and
other cities of Central North Texas, by E. W. Shaw and P.
L. Ports.
Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana
Bulletin 213— The Boulder, Colo., oil field, by N. M. Fenneman.
Bulletin 260 — Oil and asphalt prospects in Salt Lake Basin, Utah,
by J. M. Boutwell.
Bulletin 260— The Florence, Colo., oil field, by N. M. Fenneman.
Bulletin 260 — Natural gas near Salt Lake City, Utah, by by G. B.
Richardson.
Bulletin 340-F— Petroleum in southern Utah, by G. B. Richard-
son.
Bulletin 340-F— The LeBarge oil field, Uinta Co., Wyo., by A. R.
Schultz.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 27
Bulletin 350 — Geology of the Rangely oil district, Rio Blanco
County, Colo., by H. S. Gale.'
Bulletin 381-D— Development in the Boulder oil field, Colo. ; The
Florence oil field, Colo., by C. W. Washbume.
Bulletin 452 — The Lander oil field, Fremont County, Wyo., by
E. G. Woodruff.
Bulletin 471-A-3— The Powder River oil field, Wyoming, by C.
H. Wegemann.
Bulletin 471 -A-4 — Petroleum and natural gas in Utah, by E. G.
Woodruff.
Bulletin 531-C — Geology and petroleum resources of the De
Beque oil field, Colo., by E. G. Woodruff.
Bulletin 541 -C — The Douglas oil and gas field. Converse County,
Wyoming, by V. H. Barnett ; The Shoshone River section,
Wyoming, by D. F. Hewett.
Bulletin 541-D — Oil and gas near Green River, Utah, b> C. T.
Lupton.
Bulletin 581-C — The Moorcroft oil field and the Big Muddy dome,
Wyoming, by V. H. Barnett.
Bulletin 621-F — Possibilities of oil and gas in the Porcupine dome.
Rosebud Co., Montana, by C. F. Bowen.
Bulletin 621-L — Oil and gas near Basin, Big Horn County,
Wyoming, by C. T. Lupton.
Bulletin 641-C — Possibilities of oil and gas in North Central
Montana, by Eugene Stebinger.
Bulletin 641-G— Geology of the Upper Stillwater Basin, Still-
water and Carbon Counties, Montana, by W. R. Calvert.
Bulletin 641-1 — ^Anticlines in central Wyoming, by C. J. Hares.
Bulletin 641 -J — ^Anticlines in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation,
Montana, by Eugene Stebinger.
Bulletin 656 — ^Anticlines in the southern part of the Big Horn
Basin, by D. F. Hewett and C. T. Lupton.
Bulletin 661-E — The Bowdoin dome, Montana, a possible reser-
voir of oil or gas, by A. J. Collier.
Bulletin 670— The Salt Creek oil field, Wyoming, by C. H. Wege-
mann.
38 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Bulletin 691-D — ^Geology and oil and gas prospects of the Lake
Basin field, Montana, by E. T. Hancock.
Bulletin 691-E — Oil and gas geology of the Birch Creek-Sun
River area northwestern Montana, by Eugene Stebinger.
Bulletin 691 -F — Anticlines in a part of the Musselshell Valley,
Musselshell, Meagher and Sweetgrass Counties, Montana,
by C. F. Bowen.
Bulletin 711-A — The Famham anticline. Carbon County, Utah,
by F. R. .Clark.
Bulletin 711-D — Oil in the Warm Springs and Hamilton domes,
near Thermopolis, Wyoming, by A. J. Collier.
Professional Paper 56 — Geography and geology of a portion of
southwestern Wyoming with special reference to coal and
oil, by A. C. Veatch.
California
Bulk in 285— The Salt Lake oil field, California, by Ralph
Arnold.
Bulletin 309— The Santa Clara Valley, Puente Hills and Los
Angeles oil districts, California, by G. H. Eldridge and Ralph
Arnold.
Bulletin 317 — Preliminary report on the Santa Maria oil district,
Santa Barbara County, California, by Ralph Arnold.
Bulletin 321 — Geology and oil resources of the Summerland dis-
trict, Santa Barbara County, California.
Bulletin 322 — Geology and oil resources of the Santa Maria oil
district, by Ralph Arnold and Robert Anderson.
Bulletin 340-F — ^The Miner Ranch oil field. Contra Costa County,
California, by Ralph Arnold.
Bulletin 357 — Preliminary report on the Coalinga oil district,
Fresno and Kings Counties, California, by Ralph Arnold and
Robert Anderson.
Bulletin 398 — Geology and oil resources of the Coalinga district,
California, by Ralph Arnold and Robert Anderson.
Bulletin 406 — Preliminary report on the McKittrick- Sunset oil
region, Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties, California, by
Ralph Arnold and H. R. Johnson.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 39
Bulletin 431- A — Preliminary report on the geology and the oil
prospects of the Cantua-Pantoche region, California, by
Robert Anderson.
Bulletin 471-A-5 — Petroleum and natural gas in California by
Robert Anderson.
Bulletin 541-2 — Reconnaissance of the Barstow-Kramer region,
California, by R. W. Pack.
Bulletin 581-D — Geology and oil prospecte of Waltham, Priest,
Bitterwater and Peachtree Valleys, California, by R. W.
Pack and W. A. English.
Bulletin 603 — Geology and oil resources of the west border of the
San Joaquin Valley, north of Coalinga, California, by Robert
Anderson and Robert W. Pack.
Bulletin 621 — Geology and oil prospects of the Cuyama Valley,
California, by Walter A. English.
Bulletin 653 — Chemical relations of the oil field waters in San
Joaquin Valley, California, by G. S. Rogers.
Bulletin 691-H— Geology and oil prospects of the Salinas Valley,
Parkfield areia, California, by Walter, A. English.
Bulletin 691-M — Structure and oil resources of the Simi Valley,
southern California, by William S. W. Kew.
Professional Paper 116 — Sunset-Midway oil field, California, by
R. W. Pack.
Miscellaneous
Bulletin 250 — The petroleum fields of the Pacific Coast of Alaska,
by G. C. Martin.
Bulletin 431 -A — Natural gas in North Dakota, by A. G. Leonard;
The San Juan oil field in San Juan County, Utah, by H. E.
Gregory; Gas and oil prospects near Vale, Oregon and
Payette, Idaho, by C. W. Washburne ; Gas prospects in Har-
ney Valley, Oregon, by C. W. Washburne.
Bulletin 471- A-2 — Petroleum and Natural Gas in Alabama, by M.
J. Munn.
Bulletin 541-D — Petr&leum'near Dayton, N. Mexico, by G. B.
Richardson.
40 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Bulletin 581-B — Oil and gas in the western part of the Olympic
Peninsula, Wash., by C. T. Lupton.
Bulletin 641-D — Structure of the Vicksburg-Japkson area, Miss.,
with special reference to oil and gas, by O. B. Hopkins.
Bulletin 661-L— Oil and gas possibilities of the Hatchetigbee anti-
cline, Ala., by O. B. Hopkins.
Bulletin 691-G — The Nesson anticline, Williams County, N.
Dakota, by A. J. Collier.
Bulletin 691-J — ^Asphalt deposits and oil conditions in south-
western Arkansas, by H. D. Miser and A. H. Purdue.
Bulletin 711-B — Oil shale in western Montana, southeastern Idaho
and adjacent parts of Wyoming and Utah, by D. D. Condit.
Bulletins of the Several States and of Canada
Geological Survey of Ohio—
. Fourth Series, Bulletin 12, The Bremen Oil Field, by J. A.
Bownocker.
Bulletin 1 — Oil and Gas, by Edward Orton, Jr.
Geological Survey of Pennsylvania —
Topographic and Geologic Survey Map of the Oil and Gas
Pools of southwest Pennsylvania by Richard R. Hice.
Bulletins of the Pennsylvania Geological Survey are reported
to be out of print.
Geological Survey of West Virginia —
Volume 1-A — Petroleum and Natural Gas, by I. C. White.
Volume 12 — Detailed County Report on Marshal, Wetzel,
and Tyler Counties, by R. V. Hennen.
Volume 13 — Detailed County Report on Pleasants, Wood and
Ritchie Counties, by G. P. Grimsley.
Volume 14 — Detailed County Report on Wirt, Roane and
Calhoun Counties, by Ray V. Hennen.
Volume 15 — Detailed County Report on Jackson, Mason
and Putnam Counties, by C. E. Krebs.
Volume 16 — Detailed Report on Cabell, Wayne and Lincoln
Counties, by C. E. Krebs.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 41
Volume 17 — Detailed County Report on Doddridge and Har-
rison Counties, by R. V. Hennen.
Volume 18 — Detailed County Report on Monongalia, Mar-
ion and Taylor Counties, by R. V. Hennen.
Volume 19 — Detailed Report on Kanawha County, by C. E.
Krebs.
Volume 21 — Detailed Report on Logan and Mingo Counties
by Ray V. Hennen and David B. Reger.
Volume 22 — Detailed Report on Boone County, by C. E.
Krebs.
Volume 24 — Detailed Report on Lewis and Gilmer Counties,
by D. B. Reger.
Volume 30 — New Edition of Coal, Oil, Gas, Limestone and
Iron Ore Map.
Geological Survey of Illinois —
Bulletin 16— Oil, Coal, Lead, Zinc, by Frank W. DeWolfe. *
University of Texas —
A Reconnaissance Report on the Geology of the Oil and
Gas Fields of Wichita and Clay Counties, Texas, by J. A.
Udden and Drury McN. Phillips.
Bulletin 1753 — Notes on Geology of the Glass Mountains, by
J. A. Udden; Geologic Exploration of the Southeastern
Front Range of Trans-Pecos, Texas, by C. I. Baker and W.
F. Bowman,
California State Mining Bureau —
Bulletin 63 — Petroleum in southern California, by P. W.
Prutzmann.
Bulletin 69 — Petroleum Industry of California, by R. P. Mc-
Laughlin and C. A. Watitig.
Bulletin 72 — Geologic Formations of California.
Ontario Bureau of Mmes —
24th Annual Report, Record of Wells- Drffled -for Oil and
Gas in Ontario, by Cyril W. Knight.
42 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Canada Department of Mines —
Petroleum and Natural Gas Resources of Canada, by M. R.
Campbell.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Practical Geology, by Dorsey Hager, McGraw Hill Book Co.,
N. Y.
Popular Oil Geology, by Victor Zeigler.
Economic Geology, by Frederick G. Qapp.
Oil Finding, by E. H. Cunningham-Craig.
A Treatise on Petroleum, by Sir Boverton Redwood.
Principles of Oil and Gas Production, by Johnson and Huntley.
Hand Book of Natural Gas, by Henry P. Westcott.
\*"
J
CHAPTER II
STANDARD OR CABLE TOOL SYSTEM OF
DRILLING
RIGS, DERRICKS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF MATERIAL,
DRILLING OUTFITS
RIG
The first requisite in the drilling of a well is the derrick or rig.
The derrick may usually be built from lumber and timbers availa-
ble in the locality where the operations are to be carried on. For
the sills, walking beam, pitman, sampson post, headache post,
bull wheel posts, jack posts, crown block and engine block, hard
wood, oak preferred, should be used. For the derrick, pine, hem-
lock or other soft wood will answer. On the Pacific Coast Oregon
pine is successfully used for the entire rig. Beech#and maple can
also be used for the sills, etc. Rotary rigs used in the Gulf Coast
fields are built throughout of Southern pine.
The rig, so called, consists of the derrick, surmounted by the
crown block, which carries the crown pulley, sand pump pulley
and casing pulleys ; the bull wheels for spooling the drilling cable ;
the calf wheel for spooling the casing line ; the band wheel with
shaft and crank ; tug pulley, nailed on to the band wheel for
transmitting power, by means of the bull rope, to the bull wheels ;
the sand reel for spooling the sand pump line; walking beam
mounted on the sampson post; jack posts which carry the band
wheel shaft; headache post; belt house; walk from derrick to
engine house; all supported on posts and sills. Cement founda-
tions are often used for heavy derricks in California.
Derricks are built in varying size and degree of strength ac-
cording to the depth. of well to be drilled and the weight of the
pipe or casing to be handled. For the well fifteen hundred feet
or less in depth and for handling light strings of casing the 72
43
44 DEEP WELL DRILLmC
fool derrick with single tug and four inch band wheel shaft will
answer, while for the 4,000 foot California well a 106 foot derrick,
doubled, with 6 inch Ideal clutch sprocket rig irons is necessary.
For shallow drilling the Star and the Cyclone Machines and the
portable rig, of which the National, elsewhere illustrated, is a
good t3rpe, are successfully used.
The steel derrick and the derrick made of pipe are good equip-
ment where one derrick is to be used over and over again as in
gas well drilling, or for use in hot climates where wood rapidly
deteriorates, or in localities where timber is scarce. Steel der-
ricks, including steel walking beams, bull wheels, band wheel, etc.,
are now manufactured in all sizes for drilling to depths up to
5,000 feet.
WOOD DERRICKS
The derrick built of wood continues to be the most generally
used despite the growing popularity of the steel and pipe derrick.
There are several reasons, chiefly that the average oil field
worker is more familiar with the wood rig and it is easier to make
repairs to it than to the rigs built of metal.
In the following pages diagrams and specifications of material
are shown for practically all of the sizes and types of wood rig
used in this country, for cable, combination cable and rotary, and
rotary drilling. Detail diagrams, illustrating construction of the
several parts, methods of framing, etc., are also included, to-
gether with the following brief description of the process of
construction.
DIRECTIONS FOR ERECTING WOOD DERRICKS
(Refer to diagrams Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10.)
The nose sill and mud sills must be framed to receive the main
sill, sub sill and sand reel sill, and the latter three sills are framed
to mount the sampson post, jack posts, tail post, knuckle post
and braces. All mortises should be cut wide enough to admit keys
or wedges. (See diagram Fig. 7.)
First place the nose sill. No. 1 on diagram, and next the mud
sills. Numbers 2 and 3. Then place the main sill. No. 4, so it will
.^
1 Nose Sill.
2 Mud Sills.
3 Mud Sills.
4 Main Sill.
5 Sub Sin.
6 Sand Reel Sill.
7 Bumper, Engine Block
to Main Sill.
8 Engine Block.
9 Engine Mud Sills.
10 Derrick Side Sills.
11 Derrick Floor Sills.
12 Foundation Posts,
13 Bull Wheel Posts.
14 Bull Wheel Shaft.
15 Bull Wheel, Brake Side.
16 Bull Wheel, Tug Side.
17 Calf Wheel Posts.
18 Calf Wheel Shaft.
19 Calf Wheel.
20 Calf Wheel Skeleton Rim.
21 Sand Reel Reach,
22 Band Wheel Shaft.
23 Iron Tug Wheel for Calf
Wheel.
24 Back Jack Post Box.
25 Tug Pulley.
26 Band Wheel.
27 Front Jack Post Box and
28 Shaft. Crank, Wrist Pin
and Flanges.
29 Irbn Sand Reel.
30 Sand Reel Posts.
31 Jack Post.
32 Pitman.
33 Sand Reel Lever.
34 Sampson Post.
35 Sampson Post Braces.
36 Derrick Crane' Post.
37 Headache Post,
38 Walking Beam.
39 Jack Post Brace.
40 Derrick Ladder.
41 Derrick Cornice.
42 Derrick Girts.
Fig. 7.— 74-foot Standafd i^
Elevator
43 Derrick Braces.
44 Bull Wheel Cants.
45 Bull Wheel Arms.
46 Calf Wheel Cants.
47 Calf Wheel Arms.
48 Belt.
49 Adjuster Board
50 Derrick Floor.
51 Bull Wheel Post Brace.
52 Crown Pulley.
53 Sand Pump Pulley.
54 Casing Pulley.
55 Sand Line.
56 Drilling Cable.
57 Casing Line.
58 Bull Rope.
59 Calf Rope.
60 Temper Screw
61 Temper Screw Pulleys.
62 Center Irons.
63 Stirrup.
64 Calf Wheel Gudgeons (not
Visible).
55 Bull Wheel Gudgeons (not
Visible).
66 Brake Band for Bull
Wheel.
67 Brake Lever for Bull
Wheel.
58 Brake Staple for Bull
Wheel.
59 Sand Reel Hand Lever.
70 Brake Lever and Staple for
Calf Wheel,
n Brake Band for Calf Wheel,
11 Telegraph Wheel.
73 Derrick Crane with Chain
Hoist and Swivel Wrench.
?5 Crown Block.
76 Temper Screw.
77 Rope Socket.
78 Jars.
79 Stem.
30 Bit-
Bl Bailer or Sand Pump.
WOOD DERRICKS 47
cross the nose and mud sills at an angle of three degrees. Set the
posts for the four comers of the derrick, so that the bottom of the
derrick mud or side sills, No. 10, will be flush with bottom of main
sill. Next place the derrick floor sills.
Comer posts for California or other heavy derricks should be
supported on either concrete or timber footings. (See diagrams
Figs. 8 and 148.)
Construction of the derrick is commenced by erecting the first
leg members at an angle according to the dimensions of the top
and bottom and the height of the derrick. (The angle of the legs
of a 74-foot derrick with 20-foot floor and 6-foot top would be
jibout six degrees.) The two boards forming the leg, No. 41, are
nailed together, one at a right angle to the other, making a corner
in which are nailed the horizontal girts, No. 42, and the diagonal
braces. No. 43. Heavy derricks should be doubled with extra
planks, called doublers, nailed to the outside of the legs for their
entire length. When erecting leg members use starting leg
planks of unequal length for each leg ; otherwise, if both timbers
in the leg were of equal length, the joint or point where the next
limbers joined, would be weakened. It is for this purpose that
starting legs longer and shorter than the regular leg timbers are
used. (See Fig. No. 121.) If additional strength is required or,
as a protection against high winds, extra girts and braces nailed
on the outside of the derrick and called "sway" or wind braces
are used, see Fig. 147.
The crown block, consisting of the three or more courses of
boards nailed one on the other on all four sides of the derrick
top, surmounted by the water table and the two bumpers, is then
built. (See Fig. 9.) Crown, sand and casing pulleys are then
mounted.
If an iron crown block is used,- it can be taken apart and the
several parts and pulleys hoisted to the top one at a time and
{assembled. When the wood crown of the derrick is built a gin
pole is rigged on it for convenience in hoisting parts into the
derrick, walking beam, etc.
The Sampson post and braces, jack posts and braces, headache
48 DEEP WELL DRILLING
post, sand reel post and braces and knuckle post are put in their
respective places, bolted and keyed (see details, Figs. 9 and 10).
Engine block and sills, and bumper from engine block to end
of main sill are then placed.
Center irons are fitted to Sampson post and walking beam, and
latter is hoisted into position; and the pitman connected to it.
The band wheel and tug pulley are built into the shaft, crank
and flanges and mounted in the jack post boxes bolted to top of
the jack posts. The bull wheel and calf wheel posts and braces are
put up and these wheels are built and put in place. (See Figs.
7, 11 and 148.)
The sand reel and lever are the last working parts to be placed,
for the sand reel runs by friction from the band wheel and the
surface of the latter should be carefully trued up and smoothed
off to insure perfect f rictional contact.
The rig is completed by laying the floor in the derrick and the
walk from the derrick to the engine house, building the belt
house, engine house, etc.
The hole in the derrick floor, through which the well is drilled,
is cut according to the length of the walking beam, usually about
8 feet from the front or side of the floor toward the band wheel.
A trap door is provided about the center of the floor for con-
venience in handling casing, etc. Heavy derricks for under-
reaming or rotary drilling are sometimes equipped with a cellar,
on the bottom of which the casing spider is placed. For pulling
pipe the cellar is convenient as a means for supporting hydraulic
jacks. (Refer to Fig. 150.)
Derricks erected in open country, or localities that are subject
to high winds, should be guyed with ^-inch galvanized strand
anchored to dead men buried in the ground. Eight guy lines are
sometimes used, each line, instead of extending out from the cor-
ner of the derrick, passing diagonally across the derrick to the
opposite side.
WOOD DERRICKS
49
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
COMPLETE DOUBLE TUG STANDARD RIG WITHOUT
CALF WHEELS, DERRICK 74 FEET HIGH
As Used in the Deep Fields of Penna., Ohio and West Va.
(Refer to Fig! 7.)
Number
of Pieces
Pine
Sise.
Inches
Length,
Feet
1
Main Sill
16x16
16x16
14x24
14x16
14x14
14x14
12x12
12x12
8x20
8x10
8x 8
6x 8
6x 8
6x 8
2X12
2x12
2x12
2x10
2x10
2x 8
2x 8
2x 6
2* 6
2x 6
2x 4
2x 4
2x 4
1x12
1x12
1x12
Ix 6
16x16
12x12
8x10
6x13
5x5x12
4x16
4x10
3x 5
28
1
Sampson Post .•
16
4
Walking Beam
24
1
Sub SiU
16
2
Mud Sills
18
4
Mud Sills
14
1
Sand Reel Sill, Post and Block
18
2
Pony Sills:
12
2
Engine Blocks
8
2
Derrick Side Sills
22
6
Derrick Sills
20
1
Bumper Post
22
3
Braces
16
4
Braces and Headache Post
14
3
Girts
18
16
Boards
18
25
Boards *
16
36
Boards
20
90
Boards
16
8
Boards
20
20
Boards
16
12
Boards
20
30
Boards
16
16
Boards
14
30
Boards «
16
10
Boards
12
3
False Arms
12
175
Boards.
16
70
Boards
14
70
Boards
12
20
Boards
16
1
Oak
Bull Wheel Shaft
14
2
Bull Wheel Posts
10
Sand Reel Lever
10
Crown Block
16
12
Jack Post and Knuddc Brace
■14
12
3
14
Use specification of Rig Irons, Nails, Bolts, Cants, etc., shown
on page 51, omitting call wheel mateml as follows:
1 90-inch Skeleton Rim for Calf Wheel.
1 Iron TuflT Wheel for Calf Wheel.
1 16-inch Bowl Calf Wheel Qudgreon with Band and Bolts.
1 80-inch Flangre Calf Wheel Qudgreon with Band and Bolts.
4 CasinflT Pulleys. 8 2 H -inch Plain Cants
1 Brake Band for Calf Wheel. 40 1-inch Plain Cants.
1 Brake Lever for Calf Wheel. 8 8- inch Oak Arms.
1 Brake Staple for Calf Wheel. 1$ Handles.
50
DEEP WELL DRILLING
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
COMPLETE DOUBLE TUG STANDARD RIG WITH
CALF WHEEL, DERRICK 82 FEET HIGH,
USING STANDARD RIG IRONS.
(D. D. WERTZBERGER.)
As Used in the Deep Sand Districts of Oklahoma and Kansas.
(Refer to Fig. 7.)
Number
of Pieoea
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
8
1
3
1
' 4
' 3
32
22
25
32
4
80
8
8
40
8
10
24
8
3
30
14
175
60
55
18
1
1
1
2
2
Pine
Walking Beam
MainSm
Sampson Poet
Sub Sill
MudSiUs
MudSiUs
NoaeSill
MudSiUs
Casing Sills in Pit
TaU Sill and Posts
Pony Sills
Timbers lor Pit
Derrick Sais
Engine Block
Bunting Pole and Pit
Calf Wheel Brace
Braces
Braces and Headache Poet.
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards..,
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards....
Boards..'.
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards...!
Boards
Boards...
Boards
Boards
Boards
Sise.
Inches
Oak
BuU Wheel Shaft
Jack Poet..:
Calf Wheel Shaft
Calf Wheel Posts......
BuU Wheel Posts.... ^
14x24
16x16
14x16
14x16
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
12x12
12x12
12x12
8x 8
8x20
6x 8
6x 8
6x 8
6x 8
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x10
2x10
2x10
2x 8
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
Ix
Ix
Ix
Length,
Feet
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
12
12
12
Ix 6
18x18
16x16
18x18
12x12
12x12
24
28
16
16
18
16
16
14
14
18
12
12
20
16
22
16
16
14
20
18
16
20
18
16
20
18
16
20
18
16
14
18
16
14
16
14
12
16
14
12
7
14
10
WOOD DERRICKS
51
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
COMPLETE DOUBLE TUG STANDARD RIG WITH
CALF WHEEL, DERRICK 82 FEET HIGH, USING
STANDARD RIG IRONS— Continued
(D. D. WERTZBERGER)
Number
of Pieces
1
1
2
1
4
Oak
Top of Derrick.
Swing Lever...
Crown Blocks. .
Pitman
Keys
Sise.
Ibches
9x10
9x10
6x14
6x14
3x 5
Length.
Feet
12
10
16
12
16
T
For a rig built at a distant from supplies add:
1
1
Extra Pitman.
Extra Timber.
14x14
18
If Pit or Cellar is not needed, deduct:
2
2
22
12x12
6x 8
2x12
12
22
18
If galvanized iron engine house is desired, deduct 40 1 x 12-
inch X 14-foot pine boards and add 24 pieces 26-inch x 7 foot and
14 pieces 26-inch x 9-foot galvanized iron.
Specifications of 4J4- or 5-inch Rig and Calf Irons.
1 Shaft, Crank, Collar and Wrist Pin.
1 Pair Flanges with Keys and Bolts.
1 Set Center Irons Complete with Bolts.
1 Round Iron Stirrup with Bolts.
2 Bull Wheel Gudgeons with Bands and Bolts.
1 30-inch Crown Pulley.
1 22-inch Wire Sand Line Pulley.
1 Jack Post Box, Closed.
1 Jack Post Box, Open.
1 9-inch X 28-foot Brake Band.
1 1% X 9-inch Brake Lever.
1 9-inch Brake Staple.
1 90-inch Rim with 8% x 9-inch Bolts.
1 48-inch Tug Wheel with Split Hub.
1 16-inch Bowl Gudgeon with Band and Bolts.
1 30-inch Flange Gudgeon with Band and Bolts.
1 6-lnch X 28-foot Brake Band.
1 6-inch Brake Staple.
1 1% X 6-lnch Brake Lever.
4 22-lnch Casing Pulleys.
!
52 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Specification of 4^- or 5-inch Rig and Calf Irons, Concluded.
40 l-lnch Plain Cants for 10 foot Band Wheel. (
1$ 2% -inch Grooved Cants )
1€ 2% -inch Plain Cants (For 7-foot Tugr Pulley.
24 1 -inch Plain Cants
1€ 2Vi-inch Qrooved Cants
8 2 V^ 1-inch Plain Cants
96 1 -inch Plain Cants > For 8-foot Bull Wheels.
16 10-inch Oak Arms
82 Handles.
8 2% -inch Plain Cants
40 1 -inch Plain CanU }>For 7 H -foot Calf Wheel.
8 8 -inch Oak Arms
16 Handles.
2 8 -foot lengths 9&-inch Cable Chain.
2 1%-inch Hook Bolts, 6% feet long:.
1 40-inch Double Drum Iron Sand Reel with Beveled Pulley- and 4 or
4% -inch Shaft.
Nails, Bolts and Washers.
100 Pounds 8d Wire Nails.
200 Pounds 16d ditto.
200 Pounds 30d ditto.
8 %" X 18" Machine Bolts with TT Square Nuts
4 %" X 12" Double ESnd Bolts, 1 Square and 1 Hexaffon Nut.
6 T^'' X 28" Double End Bolts. TT Square Nuts.
8 %" X 18" Machine Bolts, with %" Square Nuts.
4 %" X 26" Machine Bolts.
4 %" X 24" Machine Bolts.
8 %" X 20" Machine Bolts.
18 %" X 18" Machine Bolts.
18 %r X 16" Machine Bolts.
16 %" X 14" Machine Bolts.
4 %" X 12" Machine Bolts.
82 %" X 10" Machine Bolts.
10 %" X 8" Machine Bolts.
4 %" X 6" Machine Bolts.
4 %" X 4" Machine Bolts.
96 %" W. I. Washers.
28 %" ditto.
72 %" Cast Washers.
4 %" X 40" D. E. Bolts.
20 %" C. I. Washers.
1 Piece 1%" X 18" Plain End Pipe.
100 Pounds Babbitt Metal.
1 600-foot Coil Guy Wire.
n
. rr
iO
J'
B19i<I
WOOD DERRICKS
61
WOOD DERRICKS
«.
SPECIFICATION OP MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA RIG, DERRICK 84 FEET HIGH
WITH 20-FOOT BASE.
<Refer to Figure 8.)
Pieces
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
2
2
1
6t
3
1
2
4
1
4
2
11
1
1
1
2
3*
2
3
2
2
12
8'
1
3
%
46
20
4
32
4
14
4
Oregon Pine
Walking Beam.
Engine Block:
Main SiU
Sub Sill
Tail SiU and Sand Reel Po«t
MudSiUs
NoeeSiU
San.pson Poet
Jac : Poet.
Engine Mud Sills
Engine Pony Sills
Knuckle Poet
Derrick Foundation
Derrick Cellar or Pit
Derrick Cellar or Pit
Casing Sills
BuU Wheel and Calf Wheel Poets
Back Brake
Bumpers
Der ick Side SUls
I>errick Sills. Casing Rack and Blocking
Sand Reel Lever
Headache Post
Bunting Pole
Stringers for Walk
Crown Block
Jack Poet Braces
Bull Wheel and Calf Wheel Poet Braces
Sampy- n Poet Braces
Dead Men
Derrick Cellar or Pit
Short Braces, Roof Stringers and Keys and J. P. Bunting
Size.
Inches
Pole,
Calf Wheel Bra-e
Engine Hr ise Studding
Engine House Sills
Derrick Foundation (Redwoo^i).
Derrick Foundation (Redwood).
Walk. Floor and Girts
Band Wheel, Surface Or • Side.
Girts.
Girts and Top of Derrick (12). Doublers (20).
Girts
Doublers
Starting Legs
Uxl4x
14|c30
24x24
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
16x16
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
16x16
12x12
8x10
8x 8
6x6x16
6x 8
4x 6
6x 6
6x16
6x 6
6x
6X
6x
6z
6
6
6
6
4x 6
4x 4
4x 4
4x 4
3x12
3x12
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x10
Length,
Feet
26
9
32
20
16
16
10
16
16
14
7
6
4
14
16
12
12
6
7
23
20
12
14
28
20
14
18
16
14
20
20
16
18
18
16
20
16
20
20
18
16
14
24
26
* Not needed if Steel Crown Block is used,
t Not needed if Concrete ' are used.
62
DEEP WELL DRILLING
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OP MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA RIG, DERRICK 84 PEET HIGH
WITH 20-POOT EASE. (Continued.)
Pieces
36
4
8
7
5
17
22
15
6
3
9
40
5
8
16
16
30
40
75
50
60
50
1
1
1
1
1
1
Oregon Pine
Derrick Less and to cut up
Short Starting Legs
Belt House. Forge House Stringers
Belt House, etc
Belt House
Braces
Belt House, Braces and B. W. Spools
Belt House and Braces
Belt House and Engine. House
Engine House
Engine House
Engine and Belt House, Ladder and to cut up
Belt House
Girts
Braces
Braces *
Housing and Boards
Housing and Boards
Housing and Boards
Housing and Boards
Housing and Boards
Ladder Strips, Roof Battens, etc
Hardwood
Bull Wheel Shaft
Calf Wheel Shaft
Pitman
Top of Crown Block
Top of Crown Block
Top of Beam and Dog
Sise.
Inches
2x10
2x10
2x 8
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
2x
lKx6
lKx6
8
6
6
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
12
12
12
12
12
12
6
16x16
16x16
5x5x
5x14
4x 6
4x 6
2x12
Length,
Feet
16
18
20
16
26
20
16
18
14
12
20
16
12
20
14
12
20
18
16
14
12
16
14
6
12
16
12
16
If outside or wind braces and girts are used, add the following:
4
Outside Girts
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x12
2x 8
2x 8
2x 8
2x 8
18
4
Outside Girts
16
4
Outside Girts
14
2
Outside Girts ,
20
8
Outside Braces
22
8
Outside Braces
20
'8
Outside Braces
18
8
Outside Braces
16
Specification for Ideal Rig and Calf Iron Outfits.
1 Shaft, 7-6/12 feet lonfir* with Crank, Wrist Pin, 2 Collars and 2 Keys.
1 Pair Flangres with Keys and Bolts.
1 Set Center Irons Complete with Bolts.
1 Stirrup.
2 Bull Wheel Gudgreons with Bands and Bolts.
1 30-inch Crown Pulley.
1 24-inch Sand Line Pulley.
1 7-inch X 28-foot Brake Band.
1 7-inch Brake Staple.
1 7 -inch Brake Lever.
1 Jack Post Box, Closed.
t Jack Post Plate.
WOOD DERRICKS
63
WOOD DERRICKS
SPBCIPICATION OP MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIPORmA RIG, DERRICK 84 PEST HIGH
WITH 20.POOT BASE— Concluded.
4 Turnbuckle Rods, 1 hi inches x 8 6/12 fe«t.
2 Jack Post Rods. IH inches x 8 4/12 fee t<
2 Eye Bolts, % x 22 Inches.
2 Double End Bolts, % inch x 9 6A2 feet.
1 Double End Bqlt,% inch x 8 feet.
1 7-foot Sprocket Tuff Rim with Bolts.
1 42-inch Sprocket Wheel.
1 Sprocket Clutch with Straps and Keys.
1 Clutch Liever Complete with Bolts.
1 80-inch Flansred Calf Wheel. Oudfireon with Bands and Bolts.
1 16-inch Calf Wheel Oudfireon with Band and Bolts.
1 Calf Wheel Box.
1 6-inch X 28*foot Brakcf Band.
1 6-inch Brake Staple.
1 6-inch Brake Lever.
4 22-inch Casinsr Line Pulleys.
2 Calf Wheel Box Eye Bolts, 1^ Inches x 4 feet
1 Calf Wheel Box Double End Bolt, 1^ x 26 inches.
65 feet No. 1030 Sprocket Chain.
Sand Reel
1 Iron Sand Reel with 5-inch Shaft and 42 x 12-inch Pulley, with
Lever.
Nails, Bolts and Washers.
100 Pounds 60d Nails.
150 Pounds 30d Nails.
200 Pounds 20d Nails.
100, Pounds 16d Nails.
100 Pounds lOd Nails.
Z % X 8 -inch Machine Bolts.
8 % X 10-inch Machine Bolts.
26 ^ X 12-inch Machine Bolts.
10 % X 14-inch Machine Bolts.
12 % X 16-inch Machine Bolts.
35 ^ X 18-inch Machine Bolts.
18 ^ X 20-inch Machine Bolts.
2 ^ X 22-inch Machine Bolts.
3
2
3
2
4
4
1
126
%
%
X 26-inch Machine Bolts.
X 24-inch Machine Bolts.
X 32-inch Machine Bolts.
X 42-inch Machine Bolts.
X 28-inch Machine Bolts.
X 28-inch D. E. Bolts.
Piece IH-inch Pipe, 18 Inches
Ions, (not threaded).
%-inch Cast Iron Washers.
20 1-lnch Cast Iron Washers.
100 %-inch WroufiTht Iron Washers.
30 1-inch Wrougrht Iron Washers.
600 feet % -inch Galvanized Guy Wire.
Cants, Arms and Handles
66.1
16 3
8 3
24 1
16 3
8 8
80 1
8 3
40 1
X 8-inch X
X 8-inch X
X 8-inch x
X 8-inch X
X 8-inch X
X 8-inch X
X 8-inch x
X 8-lnch
10-foot Band Wheel Cants.
7-foot Grooved Tugr Pulley Cants.
7-foot Plain Tugr Pulley Cants.
7 -foot Plain Tugr Pulley Cants.
8-foot Grooved Bull Wheel Cants.
8-foot Plain Bull Wheel Cants.
8-foot Plain Bull Wheel Cants.
7 H -foot Plain Calf Wheel Cants.
8-inch X 7% -foot Plain Calf Wheel CanU.
16 12-ihch Oak Bull Wheel Arms.
8 12-inch Oak Calf Wheel Arms.
48 Bull and Calf Wheel Handles.
Exact Length to Cut Girts and Braces.
First Braces, 18 feet, 9 inches.
Second Braces, 17 feet, 6 inches:
First Girts, 18 feet, 2% inches.
Second Girts, 16 feet, 9% Inq^es.
Third Girts, 15 feet, i% inches.
Fourth Girts, 14 feet, 1/16 inch.
Fifth Girts, 12 feet. 7% inches.
Sixth Girts, 11 feet, 2% inches.
Seventh Girts, 9 feet, 9% inches.
Eighth Girts, 8 feet, 4% inches.
Ninth Girts, 7 feet. 3/16 inch.
Third Braces, 16 feet, 2 inches.
Fourth Braces 14 feet, 10 inches.
Fifth Braces, 13 feet, 7 inches.-
Sixth Braces, 12 feet, 3 inches.
Seventh Braces, 11 feet, 1 inch.
Biffhth Braces, 10 feet.
64
DEEP WELL DRILLING
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OP MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
COMPLETE DOUBLE TUG STANDARD RIG,
DERRICK 84 FEET HIGH, USING pEAL
CHAIN DRIVEN CALF AND RIG IRONS,
AS USED IN THE DEEP FIELDS
OF NORTH TEXAS.
(PRAIRIE OIL ft GAS COMPANY.)
(Refer to Figure 8.)
Note: This rig will answer for the deep fields of Wyoming.
Number
of Pieces
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
6
1
1
4
1
4
1
1
2
2
1
3
4
10
26
40
4
4
4
4
42
22
130
4
• 4
6
8
24
29
74
Main SiU— Fir
Walking Beam— Fir
Sub Sill
Sampson Post
Mudsills
Mudsills
Mud Sills — Engine House
Mudsills
NoaeSUl
Foundation Posts
Back Brake
Derrick Comers
Engine Pony Sills
Engine Block
Casing Sills
Derrick Side Sills
Derrick Sills
Casing Sills (2-8')
Bunting Pole
Casing Rack and Pit
Calf Wheel Post Brace
Jack Post and Sampson Post Braces
Braces
Headache Post
Bull Wheel Post Braces
Braces
Dead Men
Braces.
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards ^
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
16x16
14x30
16x16
16x16
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
14x14
12x12
12x12
12x12
8x18
10x12
8x10
8x10
8x10
6x 8
6x
6x
6x
6x
6x
6x
6x
6x
4x
3x12
2x12
2x12
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
6
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2x
2x
2x
2x
12
12
12
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
8
6
6
6
6
32
24
18
16
18
16
14
14
14
14
5
14
12
16
14
22
20
16
22
20
16
16
16
14
14
14
16
16
20
20
18
16
14
12
26
24
20
18
16
12
10
20
22
20
18
16
WOOD DERRICKS
65
WOOD DERRICKS
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
COMPLETE DOUBLE TUG STANDARD RIG,
DERRICK 84 FEET HIGH, USING IDEAL
CHAIN DRIVEN CALF AND RIG IRONS,
AS USED IN THE DEEP FIELDS
OF NORTH TEXAS— Concluded.
(PRAIRIE OIL ft GAS COMPANY.)
Number
of Pieces
12
24
245
71
43
22
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
3
1
Pine
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Boards
Oak
Bull Wheel Shaft
Calf Wheel Shaft
Jack Post
Tail Sill and Post
Bull Wheel Posts
Calf Wheel Posts
Bumper
Swing Lever
Crown Blocks
Pitman
Knuckle Post
Keys
Top of Beam
Size,
Inches
6
4
12
12
12
6
18x18
18x18
16x16
12x12
12x12
10x12
8x10
8x10
6x16
6x16
6x16
3x 5
2x14
Length,
Feet
1 Set 5 or 6-inch Ideal Rigr Irons as specified on psLges 62>63.
Nails, Bolts and Washers.
200 Pounds lOD Wire Nails.
50 Pounds 16D Wire Nails.
200 Pounds 20D Wire Nails.
100 Pounds SOD Wire Nails.
100 Pounds 40D Wire Nails.
50 Pounds i»OD Wire Nails.
2 % X 42-inch Machine Bolts.
4 ^ X 6 -inch Machine Bolts.
2 % X 8 -inch Machine Bolts.
10 % X 10 -inch Machine Bolts.
28 44 z 12 -inch Machine Bolts.
Z9 % X 14 -inch Machine Bolts.
1 % X 16 -inch Machine Bolts.
26 % X 18 -inch Machine Bolts.
14 % X 20 -inch Machine BolU.
4 % X 22 -inch Machine Bolts.
2 % X. 24 -inch Machine BolU.
5 % X 26 -inch Machine Bolts.
4 % X 46 D. E. BolU.
2 % X 11' 6" D. E. BolU.
2 1% X 8' 6* D. E. BolU (for back brace).
1 1!4'' X 15 D. E. BolU.
1 Piece r X 18- Pipe.
12
16
16
14
12
16
14
6
12
18
11
14
14
10
16
14
8
14
6
S0« foot Coil Of M" Galv. Strand.
66 DEEP WELL DRILLING
WOOD DERRICKS
There has been continuous improvement in the character and
construction of the wood derrick, and steel and iron are displac-
ing wood for the working parts. The Ideal chain driven clutch
sprocket rig and calf irons have become standard equipment for
handling long and heavy strings of casing, and for continuous
under-reaming, (See Fig. 12.)
Fig. 12. Ideal RlK Iron.B.
The wood sand reel has almost disappeared ; the reel made
of iron and steel having taken its place. The drilling of deep
3,000- to 4,000-foot wells developed the need for a sand reel
equipped with a double, or auxiliary, friction or brake wheel. It
was found in withdrawing a heavy bailer from the hole, or in
running it to the bottom and holding the reel against the back
brake, that the long run generated frictional heat that injured the
surface of the band wheel, the back brake block and also the sand
reel pulley. To remedy this the sand reel with two pulleys was
devised (see Fig. 13). The taper pulley is run by friction against
the band wheel when puUit^ out, and the straight faced pulley is
used as a brake wheel against the back brake block in lowering
WOOD DERRICKS
Fig. 14. ParkeraburK Steel and Wood Bull '1
PIk- 15. Parkeraburs 8te«t and Wood Calf Wh«el Shaft.
68 DEEP WELL DRILUNG
the bailer. Thus the frictional load is divided between the band
wheel and the back brake block.
Several types of steel bull wheel and calf wheel shafts are now
quite generally used in California, Wyoming and Texas, of which
the Parkersburg, Figs. No. 14 and 15, and Ross arid Seely
are good examples.
For heavy work the steel crown block with pulleys in iron
bearings (Fig. 16) has quite generally superseded the wood
crown block.
Pie. IS. steel Crown Block.
In some of the deep fields Carnegie steel bull wheels and calf
wheels are used in conjunction with the wood derrick. Minor
parts of the derrick, too, are receiving more attention, as evi-
denced by the accompanying illustration of swing lever irons for
the.sand reel (Fig. 17).
Deep well drilling is becoming, in increasing degree, an engi-
neering proposition, requiring in all its branches improved me-
chanical equipment.
WOOD DERRICKS
DEEP WELL DRILLING
STEEL DERRICKS
STEEL DERRICKS
SI
li'-
Hi
a
111
=1!!
DEEP WELL DRILLING
I!
at)
Mi
lis
OS'S
Ml
ill
STEEL DERRICKS
FlK- >1. CarneKle Steel Calf Wheel, Detail DlaKram.
Steel RiK Blte—T-V over KUdKeona, ahaft Kf O. D. Pipe, %" thick.
Weleht. approxlmatelr. 2,40a pounds.
Wood Rig Size — ^fl'-O" over gudKeona, shaft 18" O, D. Pipe, %" thick.
Weight, approximately, £,340 pounds.
Cast iron gudgeons, spoke type. Inserted In end and riveted to shafts.
Standard 90" cast Iron Hprocket rim bolted to wood-lined ateel plate
rim. Made for use with either S or fi-lnch Imperial or Ideal Rig Irons.
CORRUGATED IRON REQUIRED FOR DRIU-INO RIGS
0-Foot California Rig
12 Pieces— i
-0" lo
2i Fleces-i
Ifl" lo
4 Pieces— 6
-0- lo
SB Plecee— 6
-6- lo
« Pieces— T
-0- lo
10 Pieces— 1
-6- lo
-0" lo
St Pieces— (
-6' lo
-0- lo
3 Pieces—!
-6- lo
[K-0- 1
SB Pieces— 3
'K '
24 Pieces— 4
4 Pieces— B
-"o- I
34 Pieces— I
'"' '■
27 Pieces— J
lo; 1
2S PI«es— r-O- 1
7 PiecBB— 9'-e" 1
28 Pieces— 1
'-0-
4 Pieces— 1
•-0-
IB Pleces-S-
0- lo
6- !
80 Pieces— 8
o;,i
33 Pieces— 7
^; 1
10 Pieces— 6
o; 1
23 Pieces— B
17 Pieces— S
-0- 1
a- 1
6 Pieces— 4
-o;!
19 Pieces— 3
DEEP WELL DRILLING
PORTABLE RIGS 75
NBILL TUBULAR DERRICKS
Made from Steel Pipe
The pipe derrick has grown in popularity due to its indestructi-
bility, the ease with which it can be erects and taken down, and
the fact that repair members, pieces of pipe, are readily obtain-
able. The Neill derrick is made by Lee C. Moore & Co., Pitts-
burgh, in sizes and weights for various service as follows :
Pipe Derricks, including ladder, gin pole, top and crown block.
Height. Feet
Leg Diameter,
Inches
Weight, per
Foot. Pounds
Total Weight.
Pounds
74
3' Single
7.57
8.680
74
3* Duplex
13.37
11.050
74
3' Triplex
17.00
12.130
81
3" Single
7.57
9.530
81
3' Duplex
13.37
12.000
81
3* Triplex
17.00
13.185
84
4' Duplex
18.36
17.950
84
4* Triplex
24.15
20.350
91
4' Duplex
18.36
21.700
91
4» Triplex
24.15
22.300
98
4" Duplex
18.36
24.000
98
4" Triplex
24.15
25.000
105
4' Duplex
18.36
26.200
105
4' Triplex
24.15
29.800
112
4' Triplex
24.15
36.900
119
4* Triplex
24.15
43.000
Safe Working Load for Neill Tubular Derricks, with Safety
Factor of 4
Leg Diameter,
Inches
' Safe Load.
Pounds
Leg Diameter ,
Inches
Safe Load.
Pounds
3 Single
3 Duplex
64.900
138.470
4 Duplex
4 Triplex
171.150
187.780
The manufacturers furnish steel sills, bull wheels, band wheel,
calf wheel and walking beam if desired.
PORTABLE RIGS
The portable drilling rig is a practical outfit for drilling 1,800
to 3,000 feet where long strings of casing are not necessary.
The National Portable Rig illustrated is recommended by the
manufacturer, for service as follows :
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Irilling
work-
17,000
:rated)
Wfeet,
load
Steel,
Wfeet,
load
ety4.
Fls. i3. Natlonsl Portable DrilllQK Klff.
PORTABLE RIGS
three heights,
84 feet, 20 ft.
Pis. 24. Parkersburgr Portable HIk with Bolted Derrick.
For drilling not more than 3,000 feet, wBere under-reaming is
not necessary and when it may be diflicuh to secure rig builders,
ihe bolted derrick is a convenient and efficient rig. The timbers
are all framed and the girts, braces and legs are all bored for
bolts, ready for erection. All parts are numbered.
78 DEEP WELL DRILLING
DRILLING OUTFITS
The drilling outfit must be selected according to the locality in
which the well is to be drilled, character of formation, depth of
well, etc An outfit suitable for one district would be inadequate
in another. The combinations are so many and so varied that it
would be difficult to give complete specifications for drilling in all
the fields. Following are specifications for several standard out-
Tlg. !5. Cyolone Gasoline Driven Machine.
fits, which may be added to or changed according to conditions.
A practical driller may usually be depended upon to choose a
suitable outfit for the well he intends to drill.
Outfit for drilling not deeper than 600 feet. A small drilling
machine such as the Keystone, Star or Cyclone is a suitable outfit
for this work. The Cyclone machine here shown is equipped
with a gasoline engine, and driven over the roads by its own
traction. These outfits are complete with all necessary ropes and
tools.
• DRILLING OUTFITS
Ontfit for drilUng 700 to 1,200 foot wells.— The Star Drilling
Machine (Fig. 26) is a very good outfit for this work. It has an
engine mounted on the frame, and the boiler on an extra truck.
FiK. at.
The heavy Star machines are rated by the manufacturer for drill-
ing 2,500 and even 3,000 ft. wells and, while they will perform
this service, the regular standard derrick is considered by most
operators as better equipment for deep drilling.
Star machines come fully equipped with all necessary ropes and
tools.
80 DEEP WELL DRILLING •
ft
Outfit suitable for drilling to 1,800 feet and for handling not |
more than 1,000 feet of 17-pound casing, where rock formations
stand up :
1 74-foot Standard derrick with 2 x 8-lnch legrs, using: 4^inch or 4%-
inch rig: irons or No. 1 National portable drillingr rig:.
1 25 H. P. Boiler.
1 10% X 12 (23 H. P.) Engrine.
95 feet 10-inch 5-ply Rubber Belt with Clamps.
1 2 or 2 H -inch x 1800-foot hawser laid Drilling: Cable.
1 % or 7/16-inch x 1800-foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
• 1 2% -inch X 85-foot Bull Rope. •
1 1%-inch X 6-foot Ball Bearing: Temper Screw.
1 New Era Rope Socket, 2% x 3% x 7 I. &• H. Joint.
1 Set 5% -inch diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch stroke, 2% x 3% -7 I. &
H. Joint.
1 4% -Inch X 34-foot Aug:er Stem, 2% x 3% -7 I. & H. Joint.
1 14-inch All Steel Spudding: Bit, 425 pounds. 2% x 3% -7 I. & H.
Joint. .
1 Set (2) 10-inch All Steel Drilling: Bits, 500 pounds each, 2% x 3%-7
I. & H. Joint.
1 Set (2) 8%-inch All Steel Drilling: Bits, 400 pounds each, 2% x 3% -7
I. & H. Joint.
1 Set (2) 6%-inch All Steel Drilling: Bits, 300 pounds each, 2% x 3% -7
I. & H. Joint.
1 Each 10, 8^ and 6% -inch Tool Gaug:es.
1 Set (2) Tool Wrenches for 4-inch Squares, 200 pounds each.
1 No. 2 Barrett Type Tool Jack with Rack.
1 7-inch X 19-foot W. I. Bailer with Forg:ed Valve.
1 5-inch X 25-foot W. I. Bailer with Forg:ed Valve.
1 One Ton Improved Chain Hoist.
1 Swivel Wrench for 4-inch Squares.
1 2% X 3%-inch-7 Box for welding.
1 2% X 3%-inch-7 Pin for welding.
1 1,800-foot Aluminum Measuring Line with Reel.
1 Spudding Shoe.
1 %-inch X 450-foot Wire Casing Line.
1 Set (2) 10-inch Fair's Regular Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 Set (2) 8% -inch Fair's Extra Heavy Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 Set (2) 6% -inch Fair's E^tra Heavy Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 26-inch Single All Iron Improved Snatch Block for Wire Line.
1 26-inch Double All Iron California Pattern Extra Heavy Casing
Block for Wire Line.
1 4-inch Double Swivel Casing Hook.
1 Pair No. 15 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
1 Set 10-inch Drive Clamps for 4-inch Squares with Wrench.
1 10-inch Hollow Drive Head.
5 Derrick Lamps.
1 Telegraph Wheel with Line.
See pages 90-91 for list of general supplies needed with all
outfits.
Estimated cost of above outfit at PiQ:sburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $4,650.00.
Note: If Standard Derrick is used add 1 Derrick Crane with 1x6
Beam and if National Rig is used deduct the Bull Rope.
DRILLING OUTFITS 81
Outfit suitable for drilling to 2,500 feet and for handling not
more than 1,800 feet of 17-pound casing, where rock formations
stand up :
1 74-foot Standard Derrick with 2 x 8-inch legs, using: 4% -inch
Double Tugr Rig Irons, or No. 2 National Portable Drilling Rig
or Parkersburg Bolted .Derrick. ^
' 1 25 H. P. Boiler.
1 11 X 12 (25 H. P.) Engine.
95 Feet 12-inch 6-ply Rubber Belt and Clamps.
1 2% -inch X 2,500^foot Hawser Laid Drilling Cable.
1 %-inch X 2,500-foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
2 2% -inch x 85-foot Bull Ropes (for Standard Rig).
1 2-inch X 6-foot Heavy Ball Bearing Temper Screw.
1 New Era Rope Socket, 2% x 3%-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Set 5% -inch diameter Drilling Jars, 5-inch stroke, 2% x 3% -7 I. &
H. Joint.
1 4%-inch X 36-foot Auger Stem, 2% x 3%-7 L & H. Joint.
1 4% -inch X 12-foot Sinker Bar, 2% x 3%-7 L & H. Joint.
1 14-inch All Steel Spudding Bit, 550 pounds, 2% x 3%-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Set (2) 10-inch All Steel Drilling Bits, 600 pounds each, 2% x 3% -7
L & H. Joint.
1 Set (2) 8^-inch All Steel Drilling Bits, 500 pounds each, 2% x 3%-7
L & H. Joint.
1 Set (2) 6% -inch All Steel Drilling Bits, 350 pounds each, 2% x 3% -7
L & H. Joint.
1 Each 10-inch, 8% -inch and 6% -inch Tool Gauges.
1 Set (2) Tool Wrenches for 4-inch squares, 225 pounds each.
1 No. 2 Barrett Type Tool Jack with Rack.
1 One Ton Improved Chain Hoist.
1 Swivel Wrench for 4-inch Squares.
1 7-inch X 19-foot W. I. Bailer with Forged Valve.
1 5-lnch X 25-foot W. I. Bailer with Forged Valve.
1 5-inch Larkin Sand Pump.
1 2% -inch X 3%-inch-7 Box for welding.
1 2% -inch X 3%-inch-7 Pin for welding.
I 2,000-foot Aluminum Measuring Line with Reel.
1 Spudding Shoe.
1 %-inch X 600-foot Wire Casing Line.
1 26-inch Double All Iron Improved Snatch Block for Wire Line.
1 26-inch Triple All Iron California' Pattern Extra Heavy Casing
Block for Wire Line.
1 4-inch Double Swivel Casing Hook.
1 Set (2) 10-inch Fair's Extra Heavy Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 Set (2) 814-inch Fair's Extra Heavy Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 Set (2) 6^ -inch Fair's Extra Heavy Wrought Iron Elevators.
1 Pair No. 15 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
1 Set 10-inch Drive Clamps for 4-inch Squares, with Wrench.
1 10-inch Hollow Drive Head.
5 Derrick Lamps.
1 Telegraph Wheel with Line..
Estimated cost of above, outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $5,600.00.
See pages 90-91 for list of general supplies needed with all
outfits.
Note: If Standard Derrick is used, add 1 Derrick Crane with 1 x 6
Beam ai*d if National Rig is used deduct the Bull Ropes.
. I ■ ■ ■ .
y. .' : ■ : .• . . 1 ; ^...-i;. • ' ;■ i ^'' rl
82 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Outfit suitable for drilling to 3,000 feet and for handling not
more than 2,500 feet of 20-pound casing, where rock {ormations
stand up :
1 82-foot Standard Derrick: with 2 x S-inch leffs. doubled with 2 x 10-
inch, usingr 4% -inch Double Tugr RiR Irons with 8-foot Bull Wheels
or Parkersburgr Bolted Derrick.
1 30 'H. P. Boiler. •
1 11% X 12 (28 H. P.) Engine.
95 Feet 12-inch x 6-ply Stitched Rubber Belt with Clamps.
1 2% -inch X 3,000-foot Hawser Laid Manila DriUinfir Cable or
1 %-inch X 3.500-foot Steel Wire Drillinfir Cable.
1 2% X 300-foot lenirth Hawser Laid Manila Cable for splicinfr to Wire
Cable to be used as a "cracker/*
1 % or 9/16-inch x 3.500-foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 %-inch X 600-foot Wire Casing Line.
1 1%-inch X 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
2 2^ -inch x 95-foot Bull Ropes.
1 2-inch X 6-foot Ball Bearing Temper Screw with extra clamps for
wire cable.
1 New Era Rope Socket, 3% x 4% -7 I. & H. Box, 5-inch Square.
1 New Era Rope Socket, 2\ x 3%-7 I. & H. Box, 4-inch Square.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable with 3% x 4^-7 L & H. Box.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable with 2%, x 3^-7 L & H. Box.
1 Set 6^ -inch Diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch stroke, 3^ x 4^-7 L &
H. Joint.
1 Set 5% -inch Diameter Drilling Jars, 5-inch stroke, 2%, x 3^-7 L &
H. Joint.
1 5-inch X 32-foot Stem, 3% x 4^-7 L & H. Joints.
1 4 H -inch X 36-foot Stem. 2% x 3%-7 L & H. Joints.
1 4%-inch X 16-foot Sinker, 2^4 x 3^-7 L & H. Joints.
1 Set 13-inch 1.000 pound All Steel Bits. 3^ x 4M-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Set 10-inch 750 pound All Steel Bits, 3% x 4%-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Set 8% -inch 500 pound All Steel Bits, 3% x 4^4-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Set 6% -inch 400 pound All Steel Bits. 2\ x 3^-7 L & H. Joint.
1 Substitute, 2^ x 3«Vi Pin, 3% x 4% Box.
1 Substitute, 3% x 4% Pin. 2% x 3% Box.
1 3,000-foot Aluminum Measuring: Line with Reel.
1 9-inch X 19-foot Bailer.
1 7-inch X 19-foot Bailer.
1 5-inch X 25-fnot Ban<»r.
1 Each 13, 10, 8. and 6%-incl} Tool Oaug:e8.
1 5% -inch I<arkln Sand Pump.
1 Set 350 Pound Tool Wrenches. 5-inch Square.
1 Set 275 Pound Tool Wrenches, 4-inch Square.
1 No. 2 Barrett Jack with Rack.
1 Ball Bearing: Derrick Crane with 4x5 Beam.
1 1 or IH-Ton Chain Hoist.
1 Barrett Swivel Wrench with Plates for 5 and 4 -inch square.
1 SpuddinK Shoe.
1 14-inch O. D. Drive Head.
1 Set 14-inch O. D. Drive Clamps made of 5 x 5 x 18-inch iron, with
Wrench.
5 Derrick Lamps or 1 Steam Turbine Electric Generator with Wiring:
and Lamps.
1 Teleg:raph Wheel and Line.
1 Set 14-inch O D. Fair's Reg:ular Elevators.
1 Set 10-inch Fair^s Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 8 -inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 6% -inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 28 or 32-inch Double Casing: Block.
1 28 or 32-inch Triple Casing: Block. ^
1 4% or 5-inch Casing: Hook.
1 8 Ml -inch Casing Hook.
1 Boiler Feed Pump or 1-2% H. P. Gasoline Bng:ine with Pump.
1 Heavy Casing Tonvs.
DRILLING OUTFITS 83
For 3,000 feet.
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa./ including
general supplies but not including derrick, $7,500.00.
If necessary to reduce the hole below 6^ inch, 5 3/16-inch
casing may be used and a set of 5 3/16-inch Bits, Jars, Rope
Socket and Stem should be added.
See pages 90-91 for list of general supplies needed with all
outfits.
Outfit suitable for drilling to 4,000 feet and for handling not
more than 3,000 feet of 24-pound casing, where rock formations
stand up:.
1 82-foot Standard Derrick with 2 x 10-inch leffs. doubled all around
with 2 X 12-inch, usinfr 5-inch Rig Irons, with 8-foot Bull Wheels,
11 or 12-foot Band Wheel and Steel Sand Reel with 6-inch Shaft,
and Calf Wheel.
1 40 H P. Boiler.
1 13 X 1^ (42 H. P.) EniTine (12 x 12 migrht answer).
95 feet 12-inch 6-ply Stitched Rubber Belt with Clamps. . '^ *
1 2^ or 2% -inch x 4,000-f6ot ^lawser I^id Hanila Prillinfir Cable or
1 1-inch X 4.500-foot Extra Strong: or Ploufrh Steel Wire DrUlinsr
Cable.
1 2% or 2%-inch x 400-foot lengrth Hawser Laid Manila Cable for
"cracker." *,
1 %-inch X 4,500-foot Steel Wire Sand Line. «
2 3-inch X 96-foot Bull Ropes.
1 1-inch X 800-foot Steel Wire Casinfr Line. * .
1 l^-inch X 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 2^ -inch X 6-foot Ball Bearing Temper Screw with Extra Clamps
for Wire Cable. "''"'
1 New Era Rope Socket with 3% x 4% I. Sc H. Box.
1 New Era Rope Socket with 2\ x Z\ I. & H. Box.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable with 3>A x 4^ L & H. Box.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable with 2% Jc 3% L & H.Box.
1 Set 6% -inch diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch Stroke, 3% x i^ I. & H.
Joints.
1 Set 5% -inch diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch Stroke, 2% x 3^:1; & H.
Joints. . . : :
1 6%-inch X 34 foot Stem with 3H x 4% Pin. 4x5 Box. *' ^
1 5-inch X 34-foot Stem with 2% x 3% Pin. 3% x 4% Box. ' ' j ;
1 4%-inch X 36 foot Stem with 2% x 3% Joints. ■ >^ *
1 4^-inch X 16 foot Sinker with 2% x 3% Joints.
1 Set 17-inch 1,600 pound All Steel Bits with 4x5 Pins, 5-inch Qquafe.
1 Set 13-inch 1,200 poun4 All Steel Bits with 4 x .6. PHui. •S^iWshiJSouat'e.
1 Set 10-inch 800 pound All Steel Bits with.3U'^ 4% Pins. • '
1 Set 8^ -inch 650 pound All dteel Bits with 3^4 x 4% Piqs. ^
1 Set 6% -inch 400 pound AH Steel Bits with 1% x Z%. Pinii. ' '
1 Substitute. 2% x 3^ Pin. 4x5 Box. » •
1 Substitute. 8% X 4% Pin. 4x5 Box. '
1 Substitute, 2% x 3% Pin. 3% x 4^ Box.
1 Substitute, 4x5 Pin. 2% x Z% Box.
1 Substitute, 4x6 Pin. 3tt x 4% 16ox.
1 Substitute, 8^ X 4^ Pin, 2% x Z% Box. '
1 Each 17. 13. 10. 8% and 6% -inch Tool Gauges.
1 11-lnch X 16 foot Bailer.
1 9-jnch X 19 foot Bailer. . ■ > .utl:''.-'
' , ■ : ' ( •' 1 • -
84 DEEP WELL DRILLING
For 4,000 feet.
1 7-inch X 25 foot Bailer.
1 .5-inch X 25 foot Bailer.
1 5Vi-inch Larkin Sand Pump.
1 Set 5-inch 450. pound Tool Wrenches, 5-inch Square.
1 Set 4-inch 300 pound Tool Wrenches, 4-inch Square.
1 No. 2 Barrett Jagk .^with K9.ci^
1 Ball Bearing: Derrick Crane with 4 x 5-inch Beam.
1 Bit Pulley and Chain.
11% Ton Chain Hoist.
1 Barrett Swivel Wrench with Plates for 5 and 4 -inch Square.
1 4,000 foot Aluminum Measuring: Line with Heel.
1 Spudding: Shoe.
1 18-inch O. D. Drive Head.
1 14-inch O. D. Drive Head.
1 Set Drive Clamps made of 5 x 5 x 24-inch Iron.
5 Derrick Lamps or 1 Steam Turbine Electric Generator with Wiring:
and Lamps.
1 Telegraph Wheel and Line.
1 Set 18-inch O. D. Reg:ular Elevators.
1 Set 14-inch O. D. Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 10-inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 8 H -inch Fairs or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 6% -inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
Note: If very long strings of casing are to be handled, Wilson, Dunn.
O. W. S. Co. Double Gate .or Lucey Rex Elevators, instead of Fair's or
Scott's are recommended.
1 32-inch Triple Casing Block.
1 32-inch Double C asing Block.
1 5% -inch Casing Hook.
1 3% -inch Casing Hook.
• 1 Type U 2% H. P. Novo Pumpinip Outfit.
1 Heavy Casing Tongs. '*''
1 Bit Ram. 300 pound.
Estimated cc^t of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $10,000.00.
Note: See pages 90-91 for list of general supplies needed with all
outfits.
Outfit suitable for. drilling 5,000 feet and for handling not more
than 3,500 feet 28-pound casing, where rock formations stand up :
1 84 *foot Standard Derrick with 2 x 12-inch legs, doubled all around,
with 2 X 14-inch, 6-inch California Rig Irons and Steel Crown
Block, Double Friction Sand Reel, 12-foot Band Wheel and Double
12-inch Brakes.
1 60-H. P. BoHer.
1 14 X 14 (50 H. P.) Engine.
1 2% or 2% -inch x 5,000 foot Hawser Laid Manila Drilling Cable or
1 1-inch X 5,500-foot Extra Strong or Plough Steel Wire Drillinsr Cable.
1 2%-inch X 400 foot Manila CT>Ie for "cracker."
1 11/16-inch X 5,500-foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 IH-inch X 800 foot Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 5,000 foot Aluminum Measuring Line with Reel.
1 36-inch Triple Casing Block.
1 6% -inch Casing Hook.
]^ote: Instead of using double land triple blocks, use the four casing
pulleys in the steel crown block and the triple block for the
traveling block. x
Balance of outfit may be the same as outfit for drilling 4*,000
feet. J ..V
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick,. $12,000.00!
:V- : ; /; . ..'.\ i..'\ ■•.: ■> ^' . ' . . '
.•-..» .'.i •. . • i ■ ' ; • . i I.
DRILLING OUTFITS 85
Outfit suitable for drilling 2,500 feet and for. handling not
more than 2,500 feet of 20-pound casing, where under-reaming
is necessary:
^ - » • • •
1 82-foot Standard derrick, with 2 x 8-inch legs, doubled with 2 x 10-
inch, usingr 4^ or 5-inch Double Tug: Rier and Calf. Irons.
1 30 H. P. Boiler.
1 12 X 12 (30 H. P.) Engrlne. ,
1 10-inch Under Reamer with Extra Set of Cutters^ .
1 8% -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set of Cutters.
1 6% -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set of Cutters.
1 Block for dressing: Under Reamer Cutters.
1 3-inch X 65-foot Calf Rope.
1 %-inch X 800 foot Casingr Line.
1 32-inch Triple Casing: Block only. _,
Balance of outfit may be the same as the regular outfit for
drilling 2,500 feet as shown on page 8L
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $6,750.00.
Outfit suitable for drilling 3,000 feet and for handling not more
than 3,000 feet 24-pound casing, where under-reaming is neces-
sary:
1 84-foot Standard Derrick, with 2 x 10-inch lepS, rtoublerl with
2 X 12-inch, using: 5-inch Ideal Clutch Sprocket Rig: and Calf
Irons with Steel Crown Block.
1 40 H. P. Boiler.
1 12 X 12 (30 H. P.) Eng:ine.
95 Feet 12-inch x 6 Ply Stitched Rubber Belt with Clamps.
1 %-inch X 3,500 foot Steel Wire Drilling: Cable.
1 2 %-inch X 300 foot leng:th Hawser Laid Manila Cable for Cracker.
1 % or 9-16-inch x 3,500 foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 1-inch X 800 foot Steel Wire Casing Line.
2 2H-inch x 95 foot Bull Ropes.
1 2 %-inch X 6 foot Ball Bearing: Tamper Screw with Extra Clamps
for Wire Cable.
1 New Era Rope Socket with 3% x 4% I. & H. Box, 5-inch Square.
1 New Era Rope Socket with 2% x 3% 1. & H. Box, 4-inch Square.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable, with 3% x 4% I. & H. Box.
1 Babcock Rope Socket for Wire Cable, with 2% x 3% J. & ,H. Box.
1 Set 6',4-inch diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch Stroke, 3% x 4% I. & H.
Joints. ... , ,. .
1 Set 6 %-inch diameter Drilling: Jars, 5-inch Stroke, 2% x 3% I. & H.
Joints. • : . ,
1 5-inch x 32 foot Stem, 3% x 4%-7 L & H. Joints.
1 4 %-inch X 36 foot Stem, 2% x 3% -7 L ^ H. .Joints.
1 4%-inch X 16 foot Sinker, 2% X 3%-7 L & H. Joints.
1 Set 15%-inch 1,500 pound All Steel Bits, 3% x 4% I.« & H. Pin.
1 Set 12%-inch 1,150 pound All Steel Bits, 3% x 4% L & H. Pin.
1 Set 10-inch 800 pound All Steel Bits. 3% x 4% L & H. Pin.
1 Set 8%-inch 550 pound All Steel Bits, 3% x 4% I. & H. Pin.
1 Set 6%-inch 400 pound All Steel Bits, 2% x 3% L & H. Pi^i.
1 12%-inch Under Reamer with extra set of Cutters. '
1 10-inch Under Reamer with extra set of Cutters. .
1 8 %-inch Under Reamer with extra set of Cutters.
1 6%-inch Under Reamer with extra set of Cutters.
' /
1
k - ■ . • - .
86 JEEP WELL DRILUNG
For 3,000 feet.
1 Block for DressinfT Under Reamer Cutters.
1 Substitute, 2% n Z%, Pin, Z% x iV4 Box.
1 Substitute. 3^ X 4% Pin, 2% x Z\ Box.
1 3,000-foot Aluminum MeaJiurinff Line.
1 11-inch X 16 foot Bailer.
1 9 -inch X 19 foot Bailer.
1 7-inch X 25 foot Bailer.
1 6-inch -X' 25' foot Bailer.
1 Each 15%. 12%, 10, $% and 6%-inch Tool Gauffes. •
1 6% -inch L<arkin Sand Pump.
1 Set 350 pound Tool Wrenches. 6-inch square.
1 Set 275 pound Tool Wrenches. 4-inch square.
1 No. 2 Barrett Jack with Rack.
1 Ball Bearing: Derrick Crane with 4x5 Beam.
1 1 or 1% Ton Chain Hoist.
1 Barrett Swivel Wrench with Plates for 5 and 4 -inch square.
1 Bit Pulley and Chain.
1 Spudding Shoe.
6 Derrick L<amps or
1 Steam Turbine Electric Generator with Wiring and Lamps.
1 Telegrraph Wheel and Lihe.
1 Set 15% -inch Fair's or Scott's Regrular Elevators.
1 Set 12% -inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 10-inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 8% -inch Fair's or Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 Set 6% -inch Fair's. Scott's or Wilson's Extra Heavy Elevators.
1 5% -inch Casing- Hook.
1 32^-inch Triple Casing: Block onl^.
12% H. P. Novo Type U Pumping Outfit.
1 Heavy Casing: Tongr. Type B, Dunn.
1 Set Casing: Wag:ons.
Note: See pag:e 90-01 for list of g:eneral supplies needed with all outfits.
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $11,250.00.
Specification for Ranger, Texas, outfit for drilling 4,000 feet
and for handling not more than 3,500 feet of 28-pound casing,
where under-reaming is necessary:
1 84 foot Standard Derrick with 2 x 10-inch legrs, doubled with
2 X 12-inch, using: 6-inch Ideal Clutch Sprocket Riff and Calf
Irons, with Steel Crown Block.
1 50 H. P. Boiler.
1 12 X 12 or 13 X 14 Drilling: Eng:ine.
1 1-inch X 4,500 foot Steel Wire Cable.
1 2% -inch X 400 foot Manila Cable for Cracker.
1 %-inch X 4,500 foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 Irinch X 1,000 foot Steel Wire Casing: Line.
2 3-inch x 95 foot Bull Ropes.
95 feet 12-inch x 6 Ply Stitched Rubber Belt.
2 12-inch Belt Clamps.
1 2% -inch X 6 foot Temper Screw with Mechling: Wire Line Clamps.
1 5% -inch X 34 foot Stem. 3% x 4% Pin. 4x5 Box.
1 6-inch X 34 foot Stem. 2% x 3% Pin. 3% x 4% Box.
1 4% -inch X 36 foot Stem, 2% x 3% Box and Pin.
1 Prosser Swivel Wire Line Rope Socket, 3% x 4% Box.
1 Prosser Swivel Wire Line Rope Socket. 2% x 3% Box.
1 New Era Rope Socket. 3 % x 4 % Box.
1 Set 6% -inch Jars. 3% x 4% Joints.
1 Set 5% -inch Jars, 2% x 3% Joints.
1 Set 18-inch 2.200 Pound Bits. 4x6 Pins.
1 Set 15% -inch 1,800 Pound Bits. 4x5 Pins. i
1 Set 12% -inch 1.400 Pound Bits. 3% x 4% Pins.
1 Set lO-inch 950 Pound Bits. 3% x 4% Pins.
1 Set 8% -inch 750 Pound Bits. 3% x 4% Pins.
DRILLING OUTFITS 87
For 4,000 feet.
•1 Set 6^-inch 600 Pound Bits, 2% z 3% Pins.
^ 2% X Z\ Pins are standard on 6 H -inch bits but if 6 ^ •inch 26
Pound CasinfT is used, the collar of the 294 x 894 Joint would be
too larffe to permit a fishing socket to fro over it, so the 2% x 3^
Joint is a better size to use in the 26 pound casinfr-
Substitute, 2% x 3% Pin, 4x5 Box.
Substitute, 3% X 4% Pin, 4x5 Box.
Substitute, 2^x3% Pin, 3^x4^ Box.
Substitute, 4x6 Pin, 2^x3% Box.
Substitute. 4x5 Pita, 3^x4% Box.
Substitute, 3^x4^ Pin, 2^ x 3^ Box.
15% -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set Cutters.
12% -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set Cutters.
10-inch Under Reamer with Extra Set Cutters.
8^ -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set Cutters.
6^ -inch Under Reamer with Extra Set Cutters.
Block for dressing: Under Reamer Cutters.
Set 5-inch 400 pound Tool Wrenches.
Set 4-inch 300 pound Tool Wrenches.
No. 2 Barrett Jack with Rack.
Barrett Swivel Wrench with Plates for 5-inch and 4-inch squares.
2 Ton Cyclone Hoist.
Ball Bearingr Derrick Crane with 4x5 Beam.
Bit Pulley and Chain.
14-inch X 15 foot Bailer.
11-inch X 19 foot Bailer.
9-inch X 19 foot Bailer.
7-inch X 25 foot Bailer.
5% -inch X 30 foot Bailer.
Each 18, 15%, 12%, 10, 8% and 6% Tool Gauffes.
Set Spiders and Slips for 15%, 12%, 10, 8% and 6% Casing.
Set 20-inch O. D. Wilson Elevators.
Set 15% -inch Wilson Elevators.
Set 12% -inch Wilson Elevators.
Set 10-inch Dunn Elevators.
Set 8% -inch Dunn Elevators.
Set 6% -inch Dunn Elevators.
42-inch Triple Casingr Block.
6% -inch Casing: Hook.
Type A Dunn Tong:s.
Dunn Tool Support.
Steam Turbine Electric Generator with Wiring: and Lamps.
Spudding: Shoe.
Steel Forg:e.
Slack Tub.
Type U 2% H. P. Novo Pumping: Outfit.
400 Pound Bit Ram.
Telegraph Wheel.
Wire Teleg:raph Line.
Set Casing: Wag:ons.'
4,000 foot Aluminum Measuring: Line and Reel.
For list of small tools and fittings see pages 90-91.
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $15,000.00.
Outfit suitable for drilling 5,000 feet and for handling 4,000
feet 28-pound casing, where under- reaming is necessary :
1 84 foot standard California Derrick using: 7% -inch Ideal Clutch,
Sprocket Riff and Calf Irons, Steel Crown Block with 5 Cas-
ing: Pulleys, and Ideal Double Friction Sand Reel, with 6-inch
Shaft and Crais Swing: Lever Attachment.
1 70 H. P. California Boiler.
1 14 X 14 (60 H. P.) Eng:ine.
88 DEEP WELL DRILLING
For 5,000 feet.
95 Feet 14-inch 8 Ply Stitched Rubber Belt.
1 1-inch X 5,500 foot Extra Strong or Plough Steel Wire Drillingr
Cable. ■■■ .u i
1 11/16-inch X 5,500 foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 1%-inch X 1,000 foofi 3teel Wire Casing Line.
1 Set 22-inch 2.500 Pound Bits, 4x5 Pins. ,
1 22-inch Tool Gauge.
1 20-inch O. D. Under Reamer with 4x5 Pin.
1 Set 24-inch O. D. Elevators or if these cannot be had, a special
Swivel threaded to screw into Couplings of 24-inch O. D. Drive
Pipe in lieu of Elevators. r
1 42-inch Quadruple Extra Heavy Casing Block.
1 Spider with Liner and Slips for 20-Inch O. D„ 15% -inch, 12%-jnchv
10-inch 8%-inch and 6% -inch Casing.
1 5,000 foot Aluminum Measuring Line with Reel.
1 7% -inch Casing Hook.
With the exception of the aboVe items, the outfit for drilling
4,000 ft. for Ranger, Texas, specified on pages 86-87 may be used.
Estimated cost of above outfit at Pittsburgh, Pa., including
general supplies but not including derrick, $20,000.00.
Specification of an outfit for drilling 7,500 feet and for handling
4,500 feet of 3C-pound casing, where the rock formations stand up:
Note: All of the equipment for this deep drilling is not regularly
manufactured by oil well supply companies and part of it would have to
be made to order. This specification is based on the experience of the
People's Natural Gas Co., in drilling their well 7,250 feet on the Geary
farm near McDonald, Pa., and of the Hope Natural Gas Co. in drilling*
their wells 7,270 feet on the Goflf farm near Bridgeport, W. Va., and
7,579 feet on the Lake farm near Fairmont, W. Va.
It has been the practice of the Hope Company to use standard derrick
and outfit such as would be used in drilling in 3,000-foot well to drill these
deep wells down to about that depth and then, as the depth of the well
increases, to replace the light with heavy equipment suitable for drilling
greater depths. See record of Lake log. Chapter XV.
Derrick: 100 feet in height with 26-foot base, doubled from top to
bottom and reinforced with 6- x 8-inch oak timbers bolted in the corners
and extending from, foundation to crown block.
Crown block constructed of 8 x 20-inch oak timbers or of 15-inch
steel I beams, and equipped with 4 casing pullevs. Walkinp: beam, oak,
22 X 36 inches, 27 feet long. Bull wheels, 10 feet in diameter with, 2
brake wheels for 12-inch brake bands and tug side witlj three grooves
for triple tug, 24-inch oak shaft with 6-inch cast steel or forged
gudgeons. Band wheel, 14 feet in diameter with 18-Inch face, 7^ -inch
diameter shaft with forged steel crank, 8 inches thick at the shaft end
and 4-inch diameter wrist pin and 60-inch fianges. Tug pulley, 8 feet
in diameter with 3 grooves for 3-inch bull ropes. Sampson post, 24 inches
square. Crown pulley, 36 inches in diameter with 6-inch steel shaft.
Center irons similar to those furnished with 7% -inch Ideal Rig irons.
Stirrup made of 3-inch round iron. Sand pump pulley 24 Inched in
diameter with 4%-rinch steel shaft. Sand reel, 6-inch by 15-foot shaft,
48-inch pulley with 16-inch face and steel fianges 1 inch thick with
extra 1-inch plate for center fiange, making it 2 inches thick. Jack post
boxes and guy rods similar to those furnished with 7% -inch Ideal rig
irons. All sills and timbers should be fifty per cent, heavier than those
used on the derrick for. 3,000 foot drilling.
2 30-H. P. Portable Boilers.
1 14 X 14 (50-H. P.) Engine or 2 30-H. P. Engines connected with
»haft Coupling.
150 feet 16 -inch 8 -Ply Stitched Rubber Belt.
1 2^ -inch X 4,000 foot Hawser . Laid Manila Drilling Cable.
1 Special 8,000-foot Plough Steel Wire Drilling Cable, 1 ^ inphes in
diameter at top, tapering to %-inch in diameter at bottom.
DRILLING OUTFITS 89
For 7,500 feet.
1 11-16-inch X 8,000 foot Steel Wire Sand Line.
1 2% -inch X 7-foot Ball Bearing: Temper Screw with Extra Heavy
Manila Clamps and £xtra Heavy Wire Line Clamps.
1 New £ra Rope Socket, 3^x4^ Box.
1 New Era Rope Socket, 3x4 Box.
1 Prosser Wire Line Rope Socket, 3^^ x 4^^ Box.
1 Prosser Wire Line Rope Socket, 3x4 Box.
Note: The collars on all tools for the 6% -inch hole with 3x4 Joints
should be turned to 5% inches diameter. Bits for 30-pound casing:
should be 6^ -inch.
1 Set 8-inch diameter Drillingr Jars with 5-inch stroke, 4x5 Joints.
1 Set 6% -inch diameter Drillingr Jars with 5-inch stroke, 3^ x 4%
Joints.
1 Set 51^ -inch diameter Drillingr Jars with 5-inch stroke, 3x4 Joints.
1 6-inch X 32-foot Stem, 3Vi x 4^ Pin, 4x5 Box.
1 5-inch X 34-foot Stem, 3^x4^ Joints.
1 4% -inch X 38-foot Stem, 3x4 Joints.
1 Set 18-inch 2,000-pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
1 Set 15^ -inch 1,500-pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
1 Set 12^ -inch 1,150-pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
1 Set 10-inch 800-pound All Steel Bits, 3^x4^ Pins.
1 Set 8^ -inch 600-pound All Steel Bits, 3^ x 4Vi Pins.
1 Set 6% -inch 450-pound All Steel Bits, 2% x3% or 3x4 Pins.
1 Each 18, 15^. 12 V^. 10, 8% and 6% -inch Tool Gaugres.
1 11-inch X 19-foot Bailer.
1 9-inch X 19-foot Bailer.
1 7-inch X 25-foot Bailer.
1 5-inch X 40-foot Sectional Bailer.
1 7-inch Larkin or Model Sand Pump.
1 Set 550-Pound Tool Wrenches, 5^ -inch square.
1 Set 450-Pound Tool Wrenches, 5-inch square.
1 Set 350-Pound Tool Wrenches, 4% -inch square.
1 No. 4 Extra Heavy Barrett Jack with Rack.
1 Ball Bearing: Derrick Crane with 4 x 5-inch T Iron Arm.
1 2-Ton Moore Chain Hoist.
1 No. 3 Barrett Swivel Wrench with 4%, 5 and 5% -inch Plates.
1 Spudding: Shoe.
1 Bit Ram.
1 20-inch O. D. Drive Head.
1 Set California Pattern Drive Clamps made of 7 x 7 x 24-inch Iron
with Wrench.
6 Derrick Lamps.
1 Steam Turbine Electric Generator with Wiring: and Lamps.
1 Teleg:raph Wheel and Line.
1 Set 15% -inch Wilson Extra Heavy Elevators with 2% -inch Links.
1 Set 12^ -inch Wilson Extra Heavy Elevators with 2Vi-inch Links.
1 Set 10-inch Wilson Extra Heavy Spring: Latch Elevators with
2% -inch Links.
1 Set 8 H -inch Wilson Extra Heavy Spring: Latch Elevators with
2% -inch Links.
1 Set 6% -inch Wilson Extra Heavy Spring: Latch Elevators with
2Vi-inch Links.
1 40-inch Quadruple Bronze Bushed Steel Casing: Block.
1 8% -inch Extra Heavy Casing: Hook or Strapped C Hook.
1 4^ -inch Casing: Hook.
1 1%-inch X 1,200-foot Plou-gh Steel Wire Casing: Line.
3 3-inch x 135-foot Manila Bull Ropes.
1 Novo Pumping: Qutflt with 4-H. P. Gas Eng:ine.
1 M Dunn Casing: Tong:s with Bushing:s for 16%, 12 1^ and 10-inch
Casing:.
1 C. X. Dunn Casing* Tong:s with Bushing:s for 8^ and 6% -inch
Casing:.
1 Oak Casing- Pole.
12 1%-inch Wire Rope Clips.
6 11/16-inch Wire Rope Clips.
1 7,500 foot Measuring Line with Reel.
90
DEEP WELL DRILLING
For 7,500 feet.
1 Tool Substitute, 8H x 4H Pin, 4x6 Box.
1 Tool Substitute, 4x6 Pin, 8H x 4H Box.
1 Tool Substitute, 3x4 Pin, 3% x 4H Box.
1 Tool Substitute, 3% x 4% Pin, 8x4 Box.
1 Spider and Slips for 16%, 12%, 10, 8% and 8%-inch CasingT.
Note: See Pagres 90-91 for list of g^eneral supplies necessary with all
outfits.
Note: In puttlnff in the long: strings of casing: used in 7,600-foot
well, the hole should be filled with water and a disc inserted in the
casing: to fioat it down and relieve the strain on the derrick, casing:
blocks, etc.
Outfit for drilling 7,500 feet where under-reaming is necessary :
No well, to the writer's knowledge, has ever been under-reamed
to a depth of 7,500 feet, and the operation would be exceedingly
difficult. For this purpose calf wheels, under reamers, etc., would
have to be added to the above outfit and it might be necessary to
use a 80- to 100-horsepower boiler and 60- to 75-horsepower
engine to handle the casing, etc.
Note: No estimate of cost is furnished for this outfit, for the reason
that much of the equipment would have to be specially made.
Small Tools and Supplies Needed With All Outfits
1
6
1
1
1
1
Steel Tool Box with Padlock.
Hay Fork Pulleys.
Never Slip Pipe Grip.
Anvil.
Star Blower for Forg:e.
Emery Wheel to run on
Blower.
2 14-Pound Sledg:es with Han-
dles.
2 B.'P. Hammers.
2 derrick Hatchets.
2 Blacksmith Tong:s.
15-inch Combination Wrench.
18 -inch Trimo Wrench.
Chain Ton8:s, %- to 2^ -inch.
Chain Ton8:s, 1- to 6-inch.
2-inch Crumble Tong:s.
2% -inch Crumble Tong:s.
Cold Chisel.
Splitting: Chisel.
Steel Punch.
Hardie.
Flatter.
Casing: Splitter.
Flue Cleaner.
3 -inch Boiler Tube Expander.
14-inch Flat File.
12-inch yk Round File.
6-inch Slim Taper Files.
Ax with Handle.
Pick with Handle.
Mattock with Handle.
Brace.
3 Aug:ers, 1- to 2-inch.
3 Aug:er Bits, %- to %-inch.
1 1-inch Ship Aug:er.
1 Aug:er Handle.
1 Expansive Bit.
1 Belt Punch.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1 Screw Driver.
1 Saw.
1 No. 3 Steel Square.
1 12-inch Draw Knife.
1 Shovel.
1 Coal Scoop.
1 14-inch Ditching: Spade.
2 2 X 12-inch Jack Screws.
1 Crow Bar.
1 50 foot Metallic Tape.
1 No. 2 Combination Vise.
1 Ratchet Stock and Dies to
Thread, 1 to 2-inch Pipe.
1 Malleable Stock and Dies to
Thread % to 1-inch Pipe.
1 Pipe Cutter.
1 1-lnch Pipe Tap.
1 2- inch Pipe Tap.
1 Hack Saw Frame.
12 Hack Saw Blades.
1 6-inch Long: Handle Melting:
Ladle.
1 No. 14 Steel Oiler.
1 Railroad Oiler, Long: Spout.
1 Derrick Pail.
1 Wire Thread B^ush.
1 Pair Combination Pliers.
10 Pounds No. 9 Smoke Stack
Guy Wire.
6 Pounds Rivet Iron.
1 Pound Bailer Rivets.
1 Pound Emery.
50 Pounds Babbitt.
10 Pounds Tool Steel.
2 Pounds Hand Hole Gaskets.
1 Pound Graphite.
6 Pounds Asbestos
Packing:.
Millboard
DRILLING OUTFITS
91
Smmll Tools and Supplies Needed WitH All Outfits— Concluded.
2 Pounds Square Piston Pack-
ing:.
2 Pounds Hemp or Flax Packinif.
6 Pounds H-inch Red Sheet
Packing.
6 Pounds 1/lS-inch C. B. S. Sheet
Packing.
5 Gallons Cylinder Oil.
6 Oallons Engine Oil.
1 Gallon Lard Oil.
1 Pail Tallow.
5 Pounds Cup Grease.
10 Pounds Jack Post Grease.
1 Pound White Lead.
6 Pounds Waste.
26 Feet 1-inch Hose with Coup-
lings and Nozzle.
If derrick lamps are used
add:
1 Barrel Torch Oil,
1 Pound Lamp Wick.
300 Feet 1-inch Pipe.
200 Feet 2-inch Pipe.
6 1-inch Tees.
6 2-inch Tees.
S 1-inch Ells.
5 2-inch Ells.
6 1-inch Pluffs.
S 2-inch PlufiTS.
12 1-inch Assorted Nipples.
12 2-inch Assorted Nipples.
3 1-inch Lip Unions.
8 2-inch Flansre Unions.
3 2 X 1-inch Bushiners.
Six ^-inch Bushinffs.
3 1-inch Brass Globe Valves.
2 2- inch Brass Globe Valves.
'i 1-inch Brass Check Valve.
2 2-inch Iron Cocks.
TYPICAL COMPLETE DRILLING OUTFIT WITH EXTRA
PARTS, FISHING TOOLS, ETC., FOR USE IN FOREIGN
. FIELDS
1 Set 6- inch Ideal Chain Driven Rig: and Calf Irons, with Wood
Work, Nails, Bolts, Sand Reel, etc., as specified on pagres 62-63.
1 40 H. P. Oil Country Type Boiler for not less than 100 pounds
pressure, complete.
1 Boiler Mounting: with 8-inch Tires.
1 12 X 12 Steam Engrine complete.
1 2% -inch X 2,000-foot Hawser Laid Manila Drilling: Cable.
1 2% -inch X 1,000-foot Hawser Laid Manila Drilling: Cable.
1 %-inch X 3,600-foot extra strong:, 6 x 19 Wire Drilling: Cable.
1 9/16-inch x 3,800-foot Wire Sand Line.
1 1-inch X 1,100-foot Wire Casing: Line.
200 Feet 1%-inch Plain Laid Rope.
200 Feet 1-inch Plain Laid Rope.
200 Feet %-inch Plain Laid Rope.
1 12-inch X 6-ply x 100-foot Rubber Belt or
1 12-inch X 6-ply x 100-foot Canvas Belt.
6 Sets 12-inch Extra Heavy Belt Clamps and 24 Extra Bolts.
1 Belt Tig:htener.
6 Each %-inch, %-inch and 1-inch Wire Rope Clips.
2 2H-inch x 95-foot Bull Ropes.
14Hx2%x4 Duplex Boiler Feed Pump complete with Brass
Plung:er.
1 Myers' Low Down Pump.
1 Moon Turbine Generator with 650 feet of Weatherproof Wire, 15
Lamp Sockets, 10-25 Watt Lamps, 4-40 Watt Lamps, 4-60 Watt
Lamps and with Double Pole Switch with Fuses, 35 Knobs and
Tapes.
1 6 H -inch X 36-foot Drilling: Stem, 4 x 6 Box, 3^x4% Pin.
1 6 -inch X 40-foot Drilling: Stem, 3^x4% Box, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 4%-inch X 40-foot Drilling: Stem, 2% x 3% Box, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 4^-inch X 27-foot Drilling: Stem, 2% x 3% Box, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 3 H -inch X 40-foot Drilling: Stem, 2^ x 3% Box, 2% x 3^ Pin.
1 3 H -inch X 26-foot Driling: Stem. 2^ x 3% Box, 2^, x Z^, Pin.
3 Sets 6 H -inch, 6-inch stroke. Drilling: Jars, 3^ x 4% Box and Pin.
3 Sets 5^ -inch, 6-inch stroke. Drilling: Jars, 2% x 3^ Box and Pin.
3 Sets 4^ -inch, 6-lnch stroke. Drilling: Jars, 2^ x 3^ Box and Pin.
2 New Era Rope Sockets for 2% -inch Rope, 3% x 4% Box.
2 New Era Rope Sockets for 2% -inch Rope, 2% x Z% Box.
2 New Era Rope Sockets for 2% -inch Rope, 2^ x 8^ Box.
2 Babcock Rope Sockets for %-inch Wire Rope, 3^ x 4^ Box.
2 Babcock Rope Sockets for %-inch Wire Rope, 2% x Z% Box.
2 Babcock Rope Sockets for %-inch Wire Rope, 2^ x 3^ Box.
1 Pressor Swivel Rope Socket for %-inch Wire Rope, 2% x 3% Box.
1 Set of 6 3/16-inch 250 Pound All Steel Bits, 2^ x 3% Pins.
92 DEEP WELL DRILLING
1 Set of 6 % -inch 400.Pouna All Steel Bits, 2% x 3% Pins.
1 Set of 8 % -inch 550 Pouiid All Steel Bits, 3^x4% Pins.
1 Set of 10 -inch 750 Pound 'All Steel Bits, 3*4 x 4% Pins.
1 Set 12 Vi -inch 1,050 Pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
1 Set 15^ -inch 1,400 Pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
1 Set 18 -inch 1,700 Pound All Steel Bits, 4x5 Pins.
2 4 X 5 Boxes to weld.
2 3% X 4^ Boxes to weld.
2 2% X 3% Boxes to weld.
2 2^ X 3^ Boxes to weld.
2 3^ X 4% Pins to weld.
2 2% X 3% Pins to weld.
2 2% X 3%. Pins to weld.
1 Sub, 4 X 5 Box, 3% X 4% Pin.
1 Sub, 3% X 4% Box, 4 ' x 5 Pin.
1 Sub, 3^ X 4% Box, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 Sub, 2% X 3% Box, 3^ x 4^ Pin.
1 Sub, 3% X 4% Box, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 Sub, 2% X 3% Box. Shi x 4% Pin.
1 Sub. 2% X 3% Box, 2^ X 3% Pin.
1 Sub, 2% X 3^ Box, 2% x Z% Pin.
• 1 Sub, from 8^"" D. B. X. Casing: to 2% x 3% Tool Box.
1 Sub. from 6%" D. B. X. Casing to 2% x 3% Tool Box.
1 Sub, from 5 3/16'' Boston Casing: to 2% x 3% Tool Box.
14" X 25-foot Wrougrht Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
1 4%" X 25-foot Wrought Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
1 5^^" X 25-foot Wrought Iron Bailer wfth Forged Steel Valve.
17" X 25-foot Wrought Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
19" X 20-foot Wrought Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
1 11" X 20-foot Wrought Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
1 14" X 20-foot Wrought Iron Bailer with Forged Steel Valve.
1 Bailer Dump for 2-inch Pipe.
1 2^ -inch X 6-foot Improved Ball Bearing Temper Screw with
Inserted Boxes and with Manila Clamps for 2% -inch Rope
1 Set of Heavy Mechling Wire Rope Clamps with extra set of slips.
1 Set 450 Pound Tool Wrenches, 5^ -inch Square.
1 Set 3^0 Pound Tool Wrenches, 4Vi-inch Square and Liner to 4-inch.
1 Set 250 Pound Tool Wrenches; 3 V^ -inch Square.
1 6-inch Larkin Sand Pump.
1 16 Vi -inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 3% x 4^ Pin.
1 12 V& -inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 3% x 4^ Pin.
1 10 -inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 3^x4% Pin.
1 8% -inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 6% -inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 2% x 3% Pin.
1 5 3/16-inch Double or Wilson Under Reamer, 2^x3% Pin.
1 Style D Anvil to dress 6, 8 and 10-inch Bits.
1 Style D Anvil to dress 12^ and 15 1^ -inch Bits.
3 Extra Sets Cutters for each size Under Reamer.
2 Extra No. 17 Bolts for each size Under Reamer ,
1 Ball Bearing Derrick Crane complete with 2 -ton Hoist and Barrett
Swivel Wrench with 5% -inch Square and 5-inch Plate including
Bit, Pulley and Chain.
1 No. 2 Barrett Tool Jack with Rack.
1 15^-inch Spider with Liner and Wedges for 15V&, 12^, 10, 8%; 6%
and 5 3/16-inch Casing.
1 6-inch Extra Heavy California Casing Hook.
1 4^ -inch Extra Heavy California Casing Hook.
1 36-inch Quadruple Bronze Bushed Steel Casing Block.
1 Each 10-inch. 8-inch and 7-inch Hartz Steel Snatch Blocks.
1 Set 15% -inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2% -inch Links.
1 Set 12% -inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2% -inch Links.
1 Set 10 -inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2 -inch Links.
1 Set 8% -inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2 -inch Links.
1 Set 6% -inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2 -inch Links.
1 Set 5 3/16-inch Wilson or Dunn Elevators with 2 -inch Links.
1 Each 15%, 12%. 10, 8%, 6% and 5 3/16-inch Tool Gauges.
1 Spudding Shoe Complete for Manila Rope.
1 Set Box and Pin Gauges, 2% x 3%, 2% x 3%. 3% x 4%, and 4x6.
1 Set 15% -inch Casing Clamps with 10-inch Ears.
1 Set 12% -inch Casing Clamps.
DRILLING OUTFITS 93
1 Set 10 -inch Casing: Clamps. ■«■
1 Set 8^ -inch Casing: Clamps.
1 Set 6% -inch Casing: Clamps. .
1 Set 5 3/16-inch Casing: Clamps. 'j
1 No. 4 Star Blower. **
1 Guiberson-Mills Handle and Jaws for 15 1^ -inch, 12^ -inch, 10-inch,
8% -inch, 6% -inch and 5 3/16-inch Casing:.
1 3,500-foot Aluminum Measuring: Line Complete with Clamps and
Reel.
1 300 Pound Bit Ram.
2 No. 2, 22 X 20 X 66, Steel Tool Boxes.
1 Set 6 x 6 X 24-inch California Pattern Drive Clamps with 5-inch
Square and 3x7 Bolts.
1 Forg:ed Steel Drive Clamp Wrench for 3-inch Bolts.
2 3 X 17-inch Drive Clamp Bolts, California Pattern.
1 Steel Drive Shoe for 20-inch O. D. Drive Pipe.
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 15 1^ -inch I. D. Casing:.
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 12^ -inch I. D. Casing:.
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 10 -inch I. D. Casing:.'
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 8% -inch I. D. Casing:.
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 6% -inch I D. Casing:.
2 Steel Drive Shoes for 5 3/16-inch I. D. Casing:.
1 Each 20-inch O. D., 15^ -inch, 12 1^ -inch and 10-inch Hollow Steel
Drive Heads.
1 Butler Portable Steam Hammer with Anvil.
1 50 Bbl. Galv. Storag:e Tank.
1 56 Bbl. Galv. Storag:e Tank.
1 60 Bbl. Galv. Storag:e Tank.
(The above tanks to be nested for convenient shipment.)
1 3-inch Boiler Tube Expander.
1 2-inch Pipe Tap.
1 1-inch Pipe Tap.
1 -%-inch Pipe Tap.
1 %-inch Pipe Tap.
1 %-inch Pipe Tap.
1 %-inch Pipe Tap.
1 3-inch Freeman's Flue Cleaner.
1 50-foot Lufkin Metallic Tape Measure.
400 Feet %-inch Wire Rope for Derrick Stays
10 Pounds No. 9 Smoke Stack Guy Wire.
1 Emery Wheel for Star Blower.
2 Never Slip Pipe Grips.
1 No. 14 Vulcan Chain Tong:s.
1 No. 15 Vulcan Chain Tong:s.
1 2-inch United Pattern Steel Lined Klein Tong:s with 24 Extra Bits.
1 2% -inch United Pattern Steel Lined Klein Tong:s with 24 Extra Bits.
1 2 -inch Crumble Tong:s.
1 2% -inch Crumble Tong:s.
1 Set Casing: Wag:ons.
2 100-Ton Double Piston Outside Pump Hydraulic Jacks.
1 No. 3 Combination Vise!
1 No. 2 Armstrong: Malleable Pipe Vise.
1 Ratchet Stock and Dies to thread 1 to 2-inch pipe.
1 No. 1 Malleable Stock and Die.
1 No. 7 Little Giant Screw Plate.
1 No. 1 Barnes 3-Wheel Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 2 Barnes 3 -Wheel Pipe Cutter.
6 Extra Wheels for No. 1 and No. 2 Barnes Pipe Cutters.
8 2-inc^ 18 H -pound B. W. Iron Cocks.
1 C Penberthy Injector.
1 1-inch Jarecki Jet.
12 2-inch Malleable Tees.
24 1-inch Malleable Tees.
12 %-inch Malleable Tees.
12 2-inch Malleable Ells.
24 1-inch Malleable Ells.
12 V^-inch Malleable Ells.
94 DEEP WELL DRILLING
24 2 -inch C. I. Pluffs.
24 1 -inch C. I. Pluffs.
12 H-inch C. I. Pluffs.
18 1-inch Jenkins Globe Valves with 24 Extra Discs.
24 1-inch Malleable Lip Unions.
12 2 X 1-inch Cast Iron Bushingrs.
12 1 X ^-inch Cast Iron Bushings.
12 2-inch 4-Bolt O. C. Flangre Unions.
6 H-inch Std. Brass Olobe Valves.
24 2-inch Assorted Nipples.
86 1-inch Assorted Nipples.
12 %-inch Assorted Nipples.
1 16H X 12% -inch Swagred Nipple.
1 16^ X 10 -inch Swaffed Nipple.
1 10 X 8 H -inch Swagred Nipple.
1 8% X 6% -inch Swagred Nipple.
1 6% X 6 3/16-inch Swagred Nipple.
1 6% X 2 -inch Swagred Nipple
1 Largre size I. & H. Anvil.
1 8-Pound B. P. Hammer.
1 14-Pound C. P. Sledgre with Handle.
1 14-Pound S P. Sledgre with Handle.
1 12-Pound S. P Sledgre with Handle.
6 8-Pound Splitting: Chisels.
6 1% -Pound Cold Chisels.
1 Casingr Splitter.
1 %-inch Calking: Chisel.
1 B. S. Hardie.
1 3 -inch B S. Flatter.
1 6% -Pound B. S. Set Hammer.
1 %-inch Top Fuller, 3% -Pound.
1 %-inch Bottom Fuller, 4-Pound.
1 %-inch Top Swaffe, 8 Vi -Pound.
1 H-inch Bottom Swagre, 4-Pound.
1 Diamond Point Chisel, 1^ -Pound.
1 Hot Chisel with largre hole for handle, 6-Pound.
1 Cold Chisel, Splittinsr, with largre hole for handle, 5-Pound.
2 1^ -Pound Steel Hand Punches.
2 26-Pound Crow Bars.
2 Pairs Blacksmiths' Tongrs, 27-inch, Straigrht Lip.
1 Dozen Oil Kingr Hatchets for Rigr Builders.
1 6% -inch X 9/16-inch Sand Line Cap.
1 8% -inch X 9/16-inch Sand Line Cap.
1 12H X 10-inch Stufflngr Box Casing: Head.
1 10 X 8^ -inch Stuffing: Box Casing: Head.
1 8% X 6% -inch Stuffing: Box Casing: Head.
1 6% X 6 3/16-inch Stuffing: Box Casing: Head.
1 6% -inch 4-way Common Casing: -Head.
1 12-inch Combination Wrench.
1 15-inch Combination Wrench.
1 24-inch Stillson Wrench.
T 14-inch Trimo Wrench.
1 6% X 2% -inch Barrel Oil Saver. ,
1 Drilling: Oil Saver for %-inch Wire Rope.
2 Peavies.
2 2-inch X 20-inch Common Jack Screws.
2 IV^-inch X 12-inch Common Jack Screws.
2 Square Point D Handle Shovels.
2 Round Point Long: Handle Shovels.
2 6-Pound Railroad Picks.
2 6-Pound Mattocks.
6 Pick and Mattock Handles (8 of each).
1 No. 3 Steel Square.
1 No. 106 Fray Ratchet Brace.
1 %-inch X 86-inch Irwins' Solid Center Ship Aug:er.
1 1 -inch X 36-inch Irwin's Solid Center Ship Aug:er.
1 1%-inch X 86-inch Irwin's Solid Center Ship Atigrer.
1 1^-inch X 86-inch Irwin's Solid Center Ship Aug:er.
2 26-inch No. 7 Hand Saws.
DRILLING OUTFITS 95
2 26-inch No. 8 Diston Rip Saws.
1 14-inch Compass Saw.
1 6-foot 6-inch Cross Cut Saw with Handle.
1 No. 9 Adjustable Hack Saw Frame.
12 12-inch Hack Saw Blades.
1 No. 1 Morrill Hand Saw Set.
1 No. 4 Morrill Cross Cut Saw Set.
1 12-inch Common Draw Knife.
1 No. 9 Carpenters' Level.
1 Screw Driver.
1 No. 6 Iron Jack Plane.
1 10-inch Combination Pliei;yi.
1 N9. 14 Copperized Oiler.
1 No. 18 Copperized Oiler.
8 No. 3 Steel Bottom Oilers.
12 Pairs of Heavy Strap Hingres, 12-inch.
1 Set 8 -inch Outside and Inside Calipers.
12 12-inch Hingre Hasps and Staples.
4 1-inch Extra Heavy Turnbuckles.
6 Pounds Rivet Iron.
1 Pound Bailer Rivets.
4 Bars %-inch Round Iron.
4 Bars 4i-inch Round Iron.
4 Bars %-inch Round Iron.
4 Bars 1 -inch Round Iron.
10 Feet 1-inch Hexagron Tool Steel.
25 Qallons Cylinder Oil.
25 Gallons Engrine Oil.
6 Gallons Lard Oil.
5 Pounds Cup Grease.
10 Pounds Jack Post Grease.
6 Pounds Waste.
1 Pail Tallow.
1 Pound White Lead.
5 Pounds Hand Hole Gaskets.
5 Pounds %-inch Asbestos Piston Packing:.
10 Pounds %-inch C. B. S. Packing:.
10 Pounds l/16^inch C. B. S. Packing:.
10 Pounds %-inch Red Eye Packing:.
10 Pounds 1/16-inch Red Eye Packingi.
10 Pounds 40 X 40 X 3/32 Asbestos Mill Board.
20 Feet 1-inch 4-ply Steam Hose.
40 Feet 1-inch 3-ply Water Hose.
100 Pounds No. 4 Babbitt.
1 6-inch Long: Handle Melting: Ladle.
1 1 Pound Box Dry Graphite.
6 12-inch Half-Round Bastard Files.
6 10-inch Flat Bastard Files.
2 12-inch Square Bastard Files.
2 10-inch Round Bastard Files.
6 6-inch Slim Taper Files.
. 6 6-inch Slim Taper Files.
1 Wire Thread Brush.
1 Clark's Larg:e Expansive Bit with 2 Cuttera
8 No. 8 O. K. Lease Hatchets.
6 No. 3 O. K. Lease Hatchet Handles, 18 -inch.
1 Double Bit Axe with Handle.
1 Sing:le Bit Axe with Handle.
12 Sledg:e Handles.
1 Swan Aug:er Handle.
24 6-inch Hartz Steel Hay Fork Pulleys.
8 No. 1 Grooved Derrick Wheels.
3 150-foot Wire Teleg:raph Cords.
1 No. 14 Belt Punch.
1 No. 6 Scorcher Derrick Stove.
1 24-inch Grindstone mounted on Frame.
1 No. 6 Steel Wheelbarrow.
1 No. 1 Adze Eye Nail Hammer.
1 No. 3 Boiler Ratchet.
96
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Fishing Tools.
3% -Inch.
3% -inch.
3% -inch.
3% -inch.
2% X 3^ -inch.
2% X 3% -inch.
6^ -inch Dia. Jars,
1 5 3/16-inch Fluted Swagre, 2^ x
1 6% -inch Fluted Swagre, 2% x
1 8%' -inch Fluted Swagre, 2% x
1 10 -inch Fluted Swa^e, 2% x
1 Set 41^ -inch x 36-inch stroke Fishing: Jars,
1 Set 5^ -inch x 36-inch stroke Fishing: Jars,
1 6 3/16-inch Friction Socket, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 6% -inch Friction Socket, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 8% -inch Friction Socket, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 Side Jar Socket to run in 6% -inch to catch
2% X 3% Pin.
1 Three Prong Rope Grab for 5 3/16-inch, 2% x 3^ -inch.
1 Three Prong Rope Grab for 6% -inch, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 Combination Socket for 8%<-inch Hole to catch 2% -inch New Era
Rope Socket, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 Combination Socket to run in 6% -inch hole, with side opening:
and 2 sets of Slips, 2% x 3% -inch.
1 Combination Socket to run in 5 3/16-inch hole, with side opening
and 2 sets of Slips, 2^ x 3% -inch.
1 Slip Socket for 15 Vi -inch hole with Bowl for 18-inch hole, 2% x 3%
Pin, bore of Socket to be large enough to go over 4x5 Box on
51^ -inch Stem, with 2 sets of Slips to catch Box on Stem or
Collar on 18-inch or 15 Vi -inch Bits.
2 Slip Sockets for 10-inch hole with Bowl for 12^ -inch hole. 2% x Z%
Pin, one to be bored to go over 5-inch Box and the other to be
bored 6Vi-inch, and an extra Bowl for 18-inch hole and Slips to
catch 6% and 5Vi-inch Collar.
Slip Socket for 8-inch hole with Bowl for 10-inch hole, 2% x 3%-
inch, bore 5% -inch, with 2 sets of Slips.
Long Slip Socket for 8-inch hole, bore 5% -inch. 2% x 3%, to go
over Jars and take hold of Stem, with 2 sets of Slips.
12^ -inch Fox Trip Casing Spear, 2% x 3% -inch.
10 rinch Fox Trip Casing Spear, 2% x 8% -inch.
8^ -inch Fox Trip Casing Spear, 2% x 3% -inch.
6% -inch Fox Trip Casing Spear. 2% x 3% -inch.
5 3/16-inch Fox Trip Casing Spear, 2^ x 3%-inch.
Spud for 8-inch hole. 7-foot, 2% x 3% -inch.
Spud for 6% -inch hole, 7-foot, 2% x 3% -inch.
Spud for 5 3/16-inch hole, •7-foot, 2% x 3%-inch.
Jar Tongue Socket for 6% -inch hole, 2% x 3% -inch.
Jar Tongue Socket for 5 3/16-inch hole, 2% x 3% -inch.
Side Jar Socket for 5 3/16-inch hole to catch 4^ -inch Jars, 2^x3^
Pin.
Drive Down Socket for 5 3/16-inch hole, 2% x 3% Pin.
Drive Down Socket for 6% -inch hole, 2% x 3% Pin.
Drive Down Socket for 8% -inch Hole, 2% x 3% Pin.
Bowl for 12^ -inch Casing.
Bowl for 10 -inch Casing.
Bowl for 8% -inch Casing.
10-inch M. & F. Forged Steel Nipple.
8% -Inch M. & F. Forged Steel Nipple.
6% -inch M. & F. Forged Steel Nipple.
5 3/16-inch M. & F. Forged Steel Nipple.
Boot Jack for 6% -inch hole, 2% x 3% Pin.
Boot Jack for 5 3/16-Inch hole, 2% x 3% Pin.
Center Rope Spear for 6%-inch hole, 2% x3% Pin.
Center Rope Spear for 5 3/16-inch hole, 2%x3^ Pin.
8-inch Bit Hook, 10 ft. long, 2% x3% Pin.
Horse Shoe Trip Rope Knife Complete with Jars and Sinker for
Manila Rope.
6%-inch and larger Rope Knife for Wire Line.
Jar Bumper, 300 Pounds, 12 ft. long.
6%-inch Hollow Reamer with 2% x3% Pin.
8%-inch Hollow Reamer with 2%x3% Pin
Estimated cost of above outfit, including rig irons and general
supplies, $30,500.00.
CHAPTER III
STANDARD, OR CABLE, TOOL SYSTEM OF DRILL-
ING—RIGGING UP, SPUDDING, DRIVING PIPE,
DRILLING, UNDER-REAMING, BIT DRESSING
RIGGING UP
When the rig is ready and the drilling outfit is on the ground
the first work is the "rigging up" of the derrick and drilling
outfit.
The boiler is first set up about 50 to 100 feet from the engine
house and connected with the water supply. The stack is raised
by means of a gin pole and then guyed with No. 9 wire or wire
strand. Drilling boilers (See illustration) are usually tested at
150 pounds hydrostatic pressure, and they should be equipped with
extra hand hole plates for convenience in cleaning. In California,
a tubular boiler with dome, mounted in a frame of timbers or in
98 DEEP WELL DRILLING
brickwork, and with cast iroa front and back, is extensively used
instead of the fire box type boiler for drilling.
The engine is mounted on the engine block and the belt pulley
is lined up with the band wheel. The boiler and engine connec-
tions are made; steam pipe from the boiler to the engine, and
feed water from engine pump to boiler. Belt is next placed
around belt pulley and the band wheel and properly damped.
Some drillers first clamp the belt, then place it around the
FlK- 28. Drilling Eaglni
engine pulley and start the edge of it on rim of band wheel and
spike it; then start engine and run belt on band wheel, tear-
ing the belt over head of spike in the operation. This is bad
practice. A belt tightener should be used to draw the ends of belt
tt^ther for clamping. Engine throttle is connected by means of
a telegraph wheel on headache post and telegraph line to throttle;
and engine reverse pipe is run into derrick at a place convenient to
the driller's reach.
Several extra balances should be part of the equipment of a
drilling engine to help balance the load when drilling at depth, or -
RIGGING UP 99
handling heavy tools. Note the type of lubricator used, capacity
two quarts.
An internal combustion drilling engine manufactured by Clark
Bros. Co. is now being introduced. It is a four-cylinder reversible
engine of the automobile type, using gas or gasoline, and mounted
on wheels. This engine might serve for use in localities where
water is not available.
Two bull ropes are passed around the tug pulley on band wheel
and over tug side of bull wheels. One end of sand line is carried
up into derrick and over the sand sheave, thence down to the
spooling drum on sand reel and spooled. The other end of the
sand line is fastened by means of two clips to the bail of the
bailer.
In stringing a Manila cable, it is best to select the end of the
cable with the nap or projecting ifibres pointing toward the coil.
This end is carried up over the crown pulley and down under the
bull wheel shaft and made fast. Engine is started and the cable
spooled. The reason the nap or lay of the cable should be down-
ward toward the rope socket is that the cable is subjected to
greatest wear and strain when on the up stroke in drilling and
in pulling but, and, if the lay of the rope is in the opposite direc-
tion, the tendency to fray and wear out will be minimized.
The Barrett jack circle (Fig. 55) is bolted to the derrick floor
in a position that will allow the tool wrench handles to engage
with the jack and circle post.
A forge is erected at one side of the derrick. It can be built
of brick or a steel portable forge may be used. A steam blower
should'be used to furnish the forced draft.
The derrick crane with a chain hoist and a swivel wrench
should be set up in right corner of derrick nearest walk, to handle
bits from the derrick floor to the forge and on the anvil.
It is customary to swing and balance the tool wrenches by
means of a pole fixed across one of the upper derrick girts, to
each end of which is fastened a rope, one attached to the eye or
handle in the wrench, the other connected to a counter weight
sufficient to balance the wrench.
100
DEEP WELL DRILLING
v.-
Illustration of section
of the end of a walking
beam suspending a com-
plete string of drilling
tools, consisting of the
temper screw with
clamps, drilling cable,
rope socket, s'nker bar,*
jars, auger stem and
drilling bit, all connected
and ready for drilling.
Figr. 29. (Oil Well Supply Co.)
RIGGING UP 101
The temper screw (Fig. 44) is suspended from the
walking beam and the temper screw elevator is con-
nected with small size rope passed over hay fork
pulleys, attached to walking beam, and fastened to
counterweights, so that when screw is taken up while
drilling the weigh'.s will balance it.
DIRECTIONS FOE CONNECTING UP THE TOOLS
Insert the end of the cable in the neck of rope socket
and draw it down through the hole in the side. Unlay
the three strands of the cable for a dis'ance of
about 12 to 15 inches from hole in socket, ac-
cording to size of cable and socket. Ta' e a piece
of cable or bull rope about 12 inches long and
separate it into yarns. Insert about 25 of these
yarns between two of the strands as close to the
socket as possible and wrap the two s rands
just below the yarns, being careful that the yarns
project an equal distance on each side. Next
■insert the same number of yarns between ihc
remaining strand and the two just wrapped ami
wrap the three strands together. Repeat this
process once or twice or until the ends of the
yarns last inserted come out even with the end
of the cable. Then twist together the three
strands of the cable and wrap them securely to
the end. Smooth out the inserted yarns around
the end of the cable and pull it back through the Fig. 31.
socket until the end is drawn tightly into the Rope
"woodpecker" hole. This makes a secure fast-
ening of the cable in the socket and the greater the
strain on the cable, the lighter it will hold in the socket.
Lay the stem on the ground back of the bull wheels
with a piece of timber under the pin end. Carry the
cable and rope socket out over the bull wheels and
pbove the second girt. Screw the rope socket to the
stem and tighten the joint in the following manner :
102 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Place one of the tool wrenches on the wrench square of the
sockpt, under the socket, and the other wrench on the square of
the stem, over the stem. Bring the ends of the wrench handles as
close together as possible. Pass the chain of a chain wrench
around the two handles and tighten up with the wrench. This
will make a sufficiently tight joint to hold until it can he set up
in the regular way with the tool jack. Hoist the stem into the
derrick, screw the pin of the bit into the box on the stem and
tighten the joint with the jack. Be careful to brush and clean
all grit, grease and dirt from the box and pin threads of all tools
before the joints are screwed together.
COiMM£NCING THE W£LL— SPUDDING
The first operation in the drilling of a well is spudding a hole
through the surface soil to the first or bedrock and, where the
rock lies close to the surface, setting a length of wood conductor;
br in driving pipe to the rock where there is too great a depth of
surface soil to use a conductor. This conductor or drive pipe
should be of a suitable size to permit free passage of the first or
largest size casing. In shallow wells drive pipe in 8 inches
diameter may be used, while in deeper wells, or in wells requiring
several strings of casing, drive pipe as large as 20 inches to 24
inches should be used.
As it is impossible to drill with the walking beam in commenc-
ing the well, owing to the length of the string of tools, the first
drilling is done by spudding, so called. A jerk line, to which h
attached a spudding shoe, is connected to the cable just above \hc
bull wheel. (See Fig. 33.) The other end of the jerk line is
made fast to an iron spool (furnished with spudding shoe) which
revolves on the band wheel crank wrist pin. The crank imparts
a jerking motion to the cable which causes the tools to rise and
fall. , ^
DIRECTIONS FOR APPLYING NATIONAL SPUDDING SHOE
The jerk line and bridle line should
be carefully measured as indicated in
figure No. 33.
The jerk line may be made of wire
or Manila cable. If Manila is used,
splice an eye in the end fastened to
spudding shoe, as a knot adds weight
which may cause tipping of the shoe.
If wire line is used, wire rope clips ^^_^^ National wi« Line
may be used to make the loop or eye. Spudding shoe
The bridle line should be made of good sand line, J^-inch or
larger in diameter.
Make the jerk line according to length indicated in Fig, No. 33
and attach it to wrist pin and spudding shoe.
Slack drilling cable and hook spudding shoe over it.
Make loop about 2 feet long on one end of the bridle line.
Pass this loop between the double girts above the bull wheels
and put a short block of wood through it. This block should rest
about 2 feet from the center of the girts on the tug side of the
derrick.
Pass bridle line back of and under bull wheel shaft and measure
for length as shown at C and D in Fig. No. 33.
Fasten bridle line to spudding shoe as shown at (E) in Fig. No.
33 and be sure to bring it up under the part of the cable which
passes from bull wheel shaft to spudding shoe on the forge side of
the derrick. This is necessary in order that when shoe is un-
hooked and dropped to the floor, the bridle line will fall clear of
the cable.
In spudding or drilling through the surface soil, or in soft
formations, the tools should be turned ; otherwise if the bit is
allowed to drill without turning a "flat hole," as the drillers say,
may result. The tools are turned by simply twisting the cable
several turns in one direction, and then in the opposite direction.
If, on twisting the cable, it has a tendency at once to twist back,
it is an indication that the tools are not turning and the driller
104
DEEP WELL DRILLING
o
i
u
o
c
w o
lo S
•o ft
6 ^
** C
^§
§2
O "M
§1
O ®
V t
a o
0) OQ
OOB
O
bO U
ft q>
03
»4 C
■2-55
^3
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O
DRIVING PIPE 105
should pull out and resume drilling a few feet above where he
stopped in order to avoid a flat hole. At intervals, as the hole
deepens, the bull wheel brake is released and sufficient slack of the
cable is let out to reach bottom and "make hole." Enough water
is poured in the hole to mix the drillings and they are removed
with the bailer or sand pump as described on page 122. WHen
spudding has proceeded to a sufficient depth, 85 to 125 feet, the
temper screw is suspended from the walking beam, then clamped
to the cable, and drilling with the walking beam is begun.
DRIVING PIPE
•
Drive pipe, so threaded that the ends of the pipe will meet in
the coupling, should be used. For shallow driving of only a few
joints of pipe, casing may be used, but for driving 100 feet or
more regular heavy drive pipe is necessary. A steel drive shoe
should always be screwed to the lower joint, and the inside of the
Pig. 34. Drive Clamps
shoe below the shoulder should be exactly the same diameter as
the inside of the pipe. In ordering the shoe it is best to state the
weight per foot of the pipe or the exact inside diameter of it.
Otherwise, should the pipe be larger inside than the shoe, the re-
sulting projection of the shoe might cause the bits to lodge in it
or the shoe to break.
The driving is done with a pair of drive clamps which are
clamped on the wrench square of the stem below the pin. A hoi-
106 DEEP WELL DRILLING
low or a drop drive head fitted to the top of the pipe receives the
blow delivered by the stem and the damps.
For very long drives a wood maul is recommended, for thus
the blow is cushioned and danger of the pipe collapsing or tele-
scoping is minimized. In driving with a maul a solid drive head
Tie. SE. Drive Hwd Fig, 38. Drive Shoe
is used and a pair of guides is sometimes erected in the derrick,
similar to those used in driving piles.
In both methods of driving the stroke is obtained in the same
way as in spudding 3nd the spudding shoe is used.
When driving pipe ahead of the tools, the driller should adjust
the stroke of the tools so that the blow delivered is just enough to
move the pipe. If, after several blows, the pipe does not drive or
appears to spring back, it would be advisable to stop driving and
run the tools, for it may be foimd that a stratum of soft shale,
hard day or a boulder has been encountered.
If it is shale or day that has retarded the pipe, it is suggested
that the driller pour about a barrel of water in the hole, run the
tools and drill a few inches. This should mix and soften the
formation sufHciently to drive the pipe into or through it.
If a boulder has impeded the progress of the pipe, it should be
drilled throi^h, if possible, and the pipe pulled back five to ten
feet and the- boulder broken up by a shot of dynamite. Water
should be poured in to a depth of twenty feet over the explosive
DRIVING PIPE , 107
to direct its force downward. The chargtt'may be detonated by
means of water-proof fuse or an- electric battery.
An effective way to shoot a boulder is to use a string of tubing
reaching to the boulder, in the bottom joint of which a charge of
dynamite is confined by means of a cast iron bushing screwed into
the lower coupling. Water should be poured into the tubing to
tamp the charge, and the explosion should break both the bushing
and the boulder, without damaging the tubii^.
Two strings of drive pipe should be used for extremely loi^
drives, the larger pipe being driven as far as practicable, the core
cleaned out, and the smaller pipe driven inside the larger. As the
pipe is driven it becomes necessary to clean out the core of soil
or sand. This is done with the drilling tools by the ordinary
spudding or drilling operation and, by usii^ water in drilling,
the cuttings may be removed with the sand pump or bailer.
Fie. 3T. Drive Pipe
Refer to table of sizes for drive pipe in Chapter XV, General
Information.
In drilling soft formations it sometimes becomes necessary to
drive the casing, which might collapse under ordinary drivii^
methods. Long strings of casing may be driven by using an in-
verted or drive down trip casing spear, Fig. 106, whose slips
are engaged in the lower joint of casing. The driving is done
with long stroke jars on a heavy stem.
108 DEEP WELL DRILLING
DRIVING PIPE BY THE KELLY SYSTEM
James W. Kelly, while drilling in Colombia, found it impossible
lo penetrate the soft formations in that country by ordinary
drilling or under-reaming methods, and he devised a system of
driving the casing. He rigged a drive pipe ring and wedges with
links on each side to engage the beckets of double blocks for a
lower clamp, and an ordinary casing clamp, made extra heavy,
with similar links and single blocks for the upper clamp. He then
reeved a wire casing line between these four blocks and a heavy
casing block and hook operated on the casing line from the calf
wheel (See Fig. 38). By this means he not only secured a power-
ful downward pull on the pipe or casing, but was enabled to keep
a constant strain on it, thus neutralizing the tendency for it to
spring back under the driving blows.
He removed the coupling from the top joint of casing and in its
place used an ordinary hollow screw drive head as a protection
both to the casing and the coupling. The driving was done with
a heavy steel maul with a reduced shank, or mandrel, which
plunged in a drop drive head, engaging in the hollow drive head.
He used the maul until as much of the casing as could safely be
driven by this method had been put in ; then changed to a drive-
down trip casing spear, which engaged in the lower joint of casing
and was driven with 48-inch stroke jars operated on the drilling
tools, using the walking beam.
CALIFORNIA RIVETED STOVE PIPE CASING OR
DRIVE PIPE
For sinking the first or drive pipe string of casing through the
soft clays, gravels and alluvium of the Tertiary period in Cali-
fornia, there has been developed a system of driving "stove pipe"
casing, so called. The use of stove pipe casing is well described in
"Oil Production Methods," a treatise on California well prac-
tices,* as follows :
"Riveted, or 'stove pipe,' casing is made of steel or iron
sheets, riveted at the seams, and is used especially for the
* Oil Production Methods, by Paul M. Paine and B. K. Stroud, pp.
79-80.
DRIVING PIPE
Fir as. DriTlng Pipe by the Kelly Syatem
DEEP WELL DRILLING
first String to be inserted in a well. It is made by cutting the
sheets into the proper size, panching and countersinking the
rivet holes, then rolling to shape and fastenii^ with rivets.
The pipe most commonly used in the United States has two
thicknesses of sheets, so placed with respect to each other
that the end of one sheet is set opposite the center of the
other, so that at the end of a joint the inside sheet projects
for half its length beyond the outside sheet, leaving a corre-
sponding recess at the other end (See Fig. 39). This double
riveted casing is made in joints two or three feet in lei^h,
and, for ease in handling, several of these joints are riveted
together into sections of from ten to twenty-one feet before
placing in the well. Frequently the pipe is 'picked' with a
sharp-pointed pick, denting the outside to take up any slack
fie- 3i- Stove Pipe Casing
between the outside and inside sheets and assist the rivets
to prevent it from pulling apart. It is advisable to place on
the bottom of the first or 'starter' joint, a steel shoe of slightly
greater diameter than the outside of the pipe. This cuts away
any irregularities projecting from the side of the hole and
dears a passage for the casing. Stovepipe casiAg shoes are
made from three to fourteen inches in length and are riveted
directly to the starter joint. The latter is usually made of
three thicknesses for the first eighteen feet, and when a steel
shoe is not used, the innermost sheet is lapped bat;k over the
outside for six or eight inches and riveted there. This is
known as the 'turnback' starter and, while it is not as rigid
as the solid steel shoe and does not contribute as well to the
starter joint, it has the advantage of a smaller outside diam-
DRILLING 111
eter, thus reducing the size of the hole to be drilled by the
tools.
"The merits of riveted pipe are mainly that its smooth,
uniform outside surface is a great aid in carrying the casing
down through loose and sandy material which has a tend-
ency to fall in and bind against the couplings on screw
casing. Screw casing, however, is more easily handled and
may be raised and lowered at will, while the riveted pipe,
when ofice started in the hole, is not raised and can be lifted
out only by the use of a spear."
Riveted casing is put in by the same driving and under-
reaming methods as screw casing.
DRILLING
The operation of drilling, or "making hole," of keeping the
correct tension on the cable, of running the tools neither too tight
nor too loose, of maintaining the right motion, as it is termed, is
difficult of explanation and the knowledge can be acquired only
by actual work in the derrick. The driller should know by the
feel of the cable, which transmits the jar of the tools, whether
or not his drilling stroke is right and his tools are "hitting" prop-
erly. The driller frequently gr,asps the cable and feels the jar,
the better to determine when to let out screw, when to regulate
motion, when the cuttings are impeding the bit and should be
cleaned out; to know when he is passing from a hard to a soft
formation and vice versa. In short the "feel" of the cable usually
tells the experienced driller what he should know about the con-
dition of his tools down in the hole. The cause of many of the
driller's troubles and fishing jobs is that he may have' allowed his
tools to drill too far or too fast without giving them sufficient
attention.
Perhaps as good a description of drilling motion as has ever
been written is stated in a few words in Bureau of Mines Bulletin
No. 182, "Casing Troubles and Fishing Methods in Oil Wells,"
page 8, by Thomas Curtin, as follows :
" 'Motion' is the engine control applied by the driller in the
112 DEEP WELL DRILLING
raising and dropping of cable tools. A driller who thoroughly
understands motion has mastered his trade so far as the operation
of the drilling tools is concerned."
The careful driller, when lowering the tools into the hole, ap-
plies the bull wheel brake at intervals as the tools approach the
bottom, and allows the tools to touch bottom on the stretch or
spring of the cable. Nearly as much of the drilling stroke is im-
parted to the tools by the stretch of the cable as by the play of
the walking beam, and if the tools should be run to bottom the
result would be to "drill too loo§e."
The engine load varies and, of course, grows heavier as the hole
deepens, thus impeding the drilling motion. This may be regu-
lated by adding, as needed, one of the extra balances to the engine
fly wheel. Drilling engines usually are equipped with three extra
balance rims for this purpose.
DRILLING IN THE DIFFERENT FORMATIONS
SHALE
Shale is soft and comparatively easy to drill, however, as it
breaks up into large flakelike pieces and readily mixes with water
into a thick sludge, the driller should be sure his tools are turning ;
otherwise a flat hole, so called, may result. A long drilling stroke
should be used and the tools kept well up, with a stiff tension on
the cable. The driller should be careful in passing from a shale
to a harder formation that his tools do not glance off into a
crooked hole. In drilling soft or sticky shale that may tend to
"mud up" the tools a more rapid drilling motion may be necessary.
SLATE
Slate is similar to shale, except that it is more brittle and
harder. As the bit breaks through the thin bedded layers, there
is a tendency for the tools to stick, and there should be the same
care to avoid flat and crooked holes as when drilling shale. Tools
should be kept up, with tension on the cable, and the bit should be
watched to be sure it is properly dressed and true to gauge.
Hard nodules of iron pyrites, ranging in size from marbles to
bowling balls, sometimes occur in the slates. They are difficult
DRILLING IN DIFFERENT FORMATIONS 113
to drill or to break and have a tendency to deflect the tools into a
crooked hole.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone, as its name implies, is formed from grains of sand
laid down in water, and occurs in all degrees of hardness from
soft stone that can be crushed in the hand to quartzite, a hard
sandstone formed by the deposit of crystalline quartz between its
grains. All sandstones act as an abrasive on the drilling bit and
wear it down rapidly ; therefore the bit should be tempered hard
and frequently gauged. Sand does not mix into mud in drilling
but settles to the bottom of the hole. A little clay dropped in the
hole will assist in keeping the sand in suspension. Sandstone is
not difficult to drill and hole can be made rapidly by using a short
stroke and, with easy tension on the cable,* "running loose," as the
drillers say. Owing to the tendency of the sand and cjittings to
settle rapidly, thus impeding the bit, the hole should be cleaned
out after drilling each screw, or every few feet. A sand pump
will be found better than the bailer for bailing out sandstone cut-
tings.
LIMESTONE
Limestone is a rock formed from pulverized shells, and other
organic remains deposited in water. It is found in varying hard-
ness from chalk to hard crystalline limestone or marble. Some
limestones are exceedingly porous, and water coCirses and caverns
occur in them, caused by the chemical action of waters carrying
acids in solution. The limestones encountered in drilling in
North America are usually very hard and slow progress is made
in drilling them. Should the tools break into a cavern, they
should be lowered until they touch bottom and then it is best to
drill slowly and carefully until a few feet have been drilled. If
the floor of the cavern lies at an angle, it may be difficult or im-
possible to prevent the tools from deflecting and the hole becoming
crooked When this occurs, a "shot" of nitro-glycerin or dyna-
mite may break up the rock so that the hole can be continued
straight. A large cavern may necessitate an additional string of
casing to case it off.
114 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Limestone should be drilled with heavy bits and long stems to
give weight and force to the blow. A long stroke, with the cable
at easy tension, is recommended.
Suggestion for drilling very hard limestone : temper the bits by
adding two tablespoons ful of blue vitriol to the water in the slack
tub. Do not allow the vapor from the tub to get into the eyes, for
the vapor from blue vitriol is injurious to the eyes.
GRANITE
The granites are the base on which the vast structure of strati-
fied rocks rests and, in so far as the hope of finding oil or gas in
them is concerned, drilling may just as well be abandoned when
granite is reached. In mountainous or volcanic regions, however,
there sometimes occurs -an intrusion of granite in the stratified
rocks that \t may be necessary to penetrate. Granite is an igneous
(volcanic) rock, cooled and hardened into its present form from
molten magma. It is, therefore, exceedingly hard and difficult to
drill. Heavy, thick bits or star bits should be used, with a heavy
stem, and the largest size joints possible.
Granites should be drilled slowly and carefully, for usually
there are joints or cracks intersecting them in every direction.
Obviously when the bit enters one of these cracks at an angle,
the tools will, in all likelihood, go off crooked, and a crooked hole
in granite is difficult to straighten. This may sometimes be ac-
complished by filling the hole past the crack with scrap iron
broken into small pieces, and then drilling it out. If this is un-
successful, shooting with dynamite or a small quantity of nitro-
glycerin may break up the rock sufficiently to permit the hole to
be continued straight.
Caving of hole can sometimes be prevented by keeping the hole
filled with water. The pressure exerted by the water will support
the wall.
Sometimes in drilling a soft water sandstone the cuttings and
grains of sand settle rapidly around the tools, causing them to
stick, with resultant fishing jobs. This can be overcome by drop-
Note: For more detailed descriptions of drillinir in various forma-
tions, refer to Drill Work, Methods and Cost, by R. R. Sanderso;:!.
DRILLING WITH MANILA CABLE 115
ping in the hole at frequent intervals a shovelful of blacksmith
coal. The coal will prevent the tools from becoming fast.
In very soft or caving rock it may not be possible to drill with
any kind of a bit. For such work an under-reamer should be
used. There are several very good under- reamers on the market
for this purpose.
BITS OUT OF GAUGE
When drilling in an abrasive formation, it is a good plan to
gauge the bit every time it is withdrawn from the hole. If the
bit has been worn off on either side enough to reduce its size, it
should be removed and a fresh bit put on, and with it, a set of
long-stroke fishing jars. Thus, if the new bit, out to full gauge,
should become stuck in the hole that might have been drilled
slightly smaller by the off -gauge bit, it can be released by a few
sharp strokes on the long jars.
DRILLING WITH A MANILA CABLE
The Manila cable is better adapted to driving in a dry hole
than the wire cable. Formerly, or up to about fifteen years ago,
the Manila cable was used almost exclusively for all kinds of drill-
ing. The wire cable now has come into general use, however,
particularly for drilling in wet holes and soft or caving for-
mations.
In drilling with a Manila cable it is important that the driller
use the correct motion, and that he run the tools neither too tight
nor too loose. If the former, he may "strand" (one strand or
third stretching more than the others) or otherwise injure the
cable; if the latter he will not "make hole," as the drillers say.
The driller should be able to determine by the tension on the cable
and by the jar of the tools whether or not he is drilling correctly.
He should regulate the speed of the engine to his drilling stroke
and let out or, if need be take up screw, so that the drilling will be
done, as much as possible, by the spring or stretch of the rope.
Or, to put it another way, the drilling stroke should be adjusted
by engine speed and by regulating the throw of the band wheel
crank, so that it will conform to the rebound of the tools after the
bit strikes the rock. If the driller should be in doubt about his
116 DEEP WELL DRILLING
stroke or the tension of his cable it would be advisable to slow
down his motion when, if the jar is regular, he probably would be
drilling too loose. If, on slowing down, the tools should "peg
leg," or the jar be irregular, his tension at the usual drilling
motion would be right.
When the cable begins to "lift," as the drillers say, or to take
up stretch, it indicates that the tools are drilling off, or are at the
limit of the cable's elasticity, and screw should at once be let out.
If the drilling motion is too slow or the tension too loose, the
cuttings will settle to the bottom and obstruct the bit, or the bit
will not "mix mud," meaning the required -mixing of the cuttings
and the water.
For ordinary drilling from one-half to two barrels of water,
according to the size of the hole, is sufficient.
When drilling in a caving formation the water should not be
poured in the hole ; it is better to lower it to bottom in the bailer
and dump it.
Should a water sand be encountered, frequent bailing may be
necessary; otherwise the tools will run more slowly and drilling
will be retarded.
When a new cable is used, before attempting to drill with it,
the tools should be run to the bottom of the hole and out again
several times, meanwhile applying warm water to the cable. This
treatment will take part of the stretch out of the cable and set its
lay. When commencing to drill with it, for the first few screws it
will be found that hitching on will be at a point only about a foot
above the previous hitch after drilling a full screw, due to the
excessive stretch of the new rope.
Should a new cable be put on at depths greater than 1,500 feet,
its stretch may at first keep pace with the making of hole. There-
fore the driller should give a new cable careful attention and be
sure not to clamp it too long or too hard in one place to avoid in-
juring it.
DRILLING WITH A WIRE CABLE
The wire drilling cable now is almost iiniversally used for
drilling in deesp wet holes and in. soft or shale formations that
DRILLING WITH A WIRE CABLE 117
"mud up." Some drillers splice two or three hundred feet of
manila cable to the lower end of a wire cable. This is termed a
cracker and serves to add spring to the wire cable. For descrip-
tion of method of splicing Manila and wire rope, refer lo chap.er
"General Information."
When an all-wire cable is used, the cable is leaded in the rope
socket, which is usually the old style Babcock socket bored with
a smaller diameter hole than the Manila rope socket. The end of
rope is opened and the wires spread out- It is then fastened in
the socket by melted lead or babbitt poured into the neck.
The tools will not turn so readily with an all-wire cable as with
the Manila cable, or the wire cable and cracker. When an all- wire
cable is used a swivel rope socket is recommended.
The Manila rope clamps on the temper screw will not answer
for wire line and it is necessary to use one of several good wire
line clamps for thcTwrpose, which can-be used with the ordinary
temper screw.
118 DEEP WELL DRILLING^
There are several different styles of wife cable. Some drillers
prefer the rope made of fine wires composed of six strands of
nineteen wires each and a hemp center; while others will use
only the coarse wire lines made of six strands of either seven
or eight wires each and a hemp <:enter. The rope made of small
wires is more flexible and more easily handled, although not so
strong as the rope composed of large wires. Also the fine wires,
by the constant friction against the casing or the wall of the hole,
are more easily worn and broken, thus causing the rope to fray
and weaken.
Care should be given a wire cable to guard against kinking,
for kinksjare difficult to remove, and a line that has kinked usually
wears out or breaks at that point. The use of spooling flanges on
the bull wheel shaft is recommended, for they provide for proper
spooling of the wire cable. It is not good practice to have too
much line wound around and spread out over the length of the
shaft.
The strain and vibration on the rig is much greater with a wire
cable than with the Manila, and if the jack post and boxes are
not anchored, there is danger of their working loose. The method
of anchoring them is by means of "bridle irons" consisting of two
long bolts connecting the jack-post box with a stirrup or plate
fitted under the mud* sill.
In drilling with a wire cable, it is good practice to drill the first
tew hundred feet .of hole with an old Manila cable, otherwise if
drilling is attempted from the surface with a wire line it should
be done carefully, for with a short drilling line there is little or no
spring, causing a severe strain on the cable and rig. In drilling
the hard limestones of the North Texas field, it is customary to
spud for the first 500 feet or to a depth where sufficient spring is
secured with the wire line to warrant clamping on the temper
screw.
Drilling with a wire cable is more difficult than with the Manila
cable, especially when an all-wire line with no "cracker" is used,
and requires the close attention of the driller. If, for example, a
stratum of soft rock is encountered just below a hard formation
DRILLING WITH A WIRE CABLE IW
such as limestone, the tools will make hole much more rapidly in
the soft rock, necessitating the frequent "letting out of screw."
If the driller should not let out screw fast enough to keep pace
with the tools, the stretch of a Manila cable would largely provide
for this without injury to the cable. Not so with the wire line,
however, for there is little stretch to it and, if drilling proceeds
beyond the limit of elasticity, the cable may part.
The driller should easily determine when to let out screw, for
when that point is reached, the tools usually "peg leg," that is, they
hit on every alternate stroke.
Should the driller be negligent about letting out screw, and the
limit of elasticity of the cable be reached, there would be dai^r
of breaking the jars or of whipping the cable ofT at the rope socket.
BACK TWIST
After the tools are
run back into the
hole, they should be
raised clear of the
bottom and, before
clamping on, the cable
twisted or turned,
one turn for each 100
feet of depth, in the
direction opposite to
its lay; that is, a left
lay line is twisted to
the right, and vice
versa. This is done
to neutralize the ten-
dency of the line to
twist with its lay. A
special wrench with
jaws to conform to
the rope is made for
this purpose, pi^ 4j Putting "bftok twist" in Wire Cable
120 DEEP WELL DRILLING
In putting a wire cable On the bull wheel shaft, it sh'^uld be
spooled so the line will draw under the shaft instead of over it.
This has a tendency to remove twist from the line.
Sometimes in drilling a formation that becomes muddy or
sticky the tools "mud up" and make little or no progress. This
may be overcome by a little faster motion and keeping the tools up.
When wire rope used for drilling is laid aside for any length
of time it quickly rusts and deteriorates unless it is properly cared
for. It should be coiled in a small fuel tank filled with oil or in a
solution of soft water and soda.
When -drilling with a wire cable, a wood drilling plug should be
used to center the line in the hole and keep it from rubbing the
casing. The plug is made with a taper, so it will wedge into the
casing. A hole is bored in the center, through which the cable
passes, and it is sawed in half lengthwise, for convenience in
placing it around the cable.
Wire cables have a tendency to twist with their lay when they
are slacked, or in jarring down, and to twist opposite to their lay
when a strain is put on them. For example with a left lay cable
prolonged jarring down might cause a joint to unscrew, or keeping
a tension on it would tend to tighten the joints.
DRILLING
When- the drive pipe has been "landed" on the rock, drilling
is commenced. The .tools are run in the hole and the rope clamps
of the temper screw are clamped to the cable, which should be
wrapped with strands of rope or marline to increase diameter
of cable sufficiently to form a wedge, or knot above the clamps.
The pitman is connected to the wrist pin on the. band wheel
crank ; the engine is started, and the walking beam begins its up
and down movement, thus imparting the necessary stroke to the
tools. This stroke is regulated by adjusting the wrist pin to the
hole in the crank which will provide the length of stroke desired.
As the bit cuts its way into the rock, the main screw of the
temper screw is turned and let out until the entire length of the
screw has been run out. It is customary, after drilling the length
of the screw, or "running a screw," in the vernacular of the'
DRILLING 121
driller, to withdraw the tools and clean out the
hole. The bull ropes are "thrown on"; the
slack of the cable is taken up until the temper
screw is lifted slightly, and the temper screw
rope clamps are loosened ; the pitman is removed
from the crank wrist pin ; the walking beam is
lowered out of working position, and the tools
are pulled from the hole and the bull ropes
thrown. The bailer or the sand pump is next
run to the bottom to clean out the cut-
tings,- and withdrawn. The tools are
then run back into the hole ; the pitman
is replaced on the crank, and the walkin;;
beam is brought down into position ; the
temper screw main screw is taken up, or
rim back into the reins and the clamps
are again clamped on to the cable, and
drilling is resumed.
JARS
After the hole has been spudded or
the pipe driven to bed-rock the jars are
added tc the s'ring of tools. They are
connected between the rope socket and
stem. Some expert drillers drill suc-
cessfully without jars, but for drilling in
strata that change from sandstone or
limestone to shale or slate, jars should
be used. Jars are made with any length
of stroke desired, but for ordinary drill-
ing five- to eight-inch stroke is sufficient.
Fig. 44. Should the tools stick the function
Temper Screw ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ .^^ ^^ ^^^.^ ^^^ implies, to
jar them loose. This can usually be done by letting
out a few inches of slack in the cable, enough to
lower the upper rein of the jars, and then, by the
drilling operation, jar the tools free. ^'jars*
122 DEEP WELL DRILLING
When dritUng without jars, the driller should be careful, in
passing from sandstone to a shale or state formation, not to at-
tempt to drill too fast nor too loose, otherwise his tools may stick
in the shale.
Jars are more liable to wear and to breakage than any other
tool the driller uses. They should be carefully watched and, if a
crack or weak place is detected, they should at once be replaced
with a new set, otherwise a difficult fishing job may result,
CLEANING OUT
Cleaning out is done with the sand pump and the bailer. The
sand pump (Fig. 47) has a sucker valve with a plunger, so that
when the pump is lowered to the bottom of the hole and the
plunger is pulled up the mixture of drillings and water is drawn
into the pump, which
is then raised to the
surface by means of
the sand reel and
sand 'line, and
dumped.
The bailer is simply
a long tube with a
dart valve in the bot-
tom. When it is
lowered to the bottom
the dart strikes and
opens the valve, thus
admitting the water
or mixture. When
the bailer is drawn up
the valve closes and
the fluid is retained
in the tube until it
reaches the surface,
when it is eiViptied by
FiK. 46. Running the Banar Striking the dart on
DRILLING
the derrick floor, or in the trough for carrying off the
sand pumpings.
When it is desired to clean out the hole of all cuttings,
or when drilling in caving or sandy strata, it is best to
use a sand pump. The bailer will handle more water or
thin mud than the sand pump, but it is not as effective
as the sand pump for cleaning the hole.
DRILLING BITS
The drilling bit is, perhaps, the most important
tool in the well -driller's equipment, for while the
derrick, boiler, engine and the entire outfit are
necessary, yet most of it is above ground and
visible, while the bit is out of sight, performing
the chief operation of "making hole." The bit
should be given especial attention to be sure it
is of a type that is adapted to the forrnations to
be penetrated.
There are several styles of bits for different
kinds of drilling which are briefly described as
follows :
Spudding Bits. — Used for commencing the
well where the drillir^ is in soft alluvium such
as sand and clay. This bit is short, wide and ■
thin, with the edge dressed to a sharp angle for
> fast digging.
Regular Bits. — Used for all-round rock drill-
ing. This bit has a long shank sloping into
round shoulders, with a water course of medium
width. It is a good bit for drilling hard sand-
stones or hmestones ; but for shales or slates, or
.formations that "mud up" the Mother Hubbard
type is a better bit.
Mother Hubbard Bits. — This type of bit is
quite generally used for drilling all kinds of rock
Laririn' formations. It has a short, straight shank, end-
Pump ing in sharp angular shoulders. The water
124 DEEP WELL DRILLING
course is wide and rounding. It is adapted for drilling where
ihe hole "muds up," as the drillers say. The sharp shoulders on
the Mother Hubbard bit cause it to cut I'.s way through the mud
when pulling out.
California Bits. — This bit, as its name implies, originated in
California, where the drilling is in soft and caving formations.
■2 Fig. 53
Ht
The shank slopes gently to the shoulder, so that caving material will
not have a tendency to lodge at the shoulder. It is from six inches
to eighteen inches longer than the regular and Mother Hubbard
bits, and the water course runs the entire length of the blade,
through the shoulder to the wrench square. The cutting edge is
concaved or slightly cut out in the center, the better to break up
and cut shale.
DRILLING 125
A bit with a round blade, somewhat after the style of a round
reamer, has sometimes successfully been used for drilling soft or
caving formations.
Star bits are used for drilling exceedingly hard formations, such
as granite, and for creviced formations, also for straightening
crooked holes.
DIAGRAM AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEASURING BITS
(Refer to Fig. 53)
A. Lengrth of bit. P. Size of wrench square.
B. Lengrth of water course. G. Diameter of collar.
C. Lengrth of collar. H. Thickness of blade.
D. Width of water course. I. Thickness of blade through
E. Width of blade. water course.
A. C. Distance across corners.
The drilling bits should be carefully watched and frequently
gauged, to be sure they are true to size. Bits should be dressed as
often as necessary and care should be exercised in properly
tempering them after dressing. A bit that is too soft may batter
and grind off at the edges, reducing the size, or a bit that is too
hard will chip or crack.
CARE IN MAKING UP JOINTS
It is essential that the joints of all tools be screwed up or set up
as tightly as possible. The reason taper joints are used on all
drilling tools is that it is impossible to make a straight thread,
tight after it has been used for a short time.
The taper joint, however, after it is set up, can be made so
tight by a little further use of the jack and wrenches that it is
almost impossible for it to unscrew during the ordinary process of
drilling, and it is difficult to take it apart or "break it" except
by powerful work with the jack.
New joints should not set up tight, shoulder to shoulder, but
should allow a space of at least 1/32 of an inch, after the joint
has been screwed up as far as it will go, to take up future wear.
Every time a joint is screwed together the threads of both the
box and the pin should be first well brushed and then washed to
be sure they are perfectly clean. This is important, for a dirty
126 DEEP WELL DRILLING
thread cannot be made sufficiently tight, and might unscrew and
cause an expensive fishing job.
Tig. 54. Tool Joint
The Barrett Jack used to screw up tool joints should not be
allowed to he about where dirt can get into its mechanism. Thert *
Fig, S5. Barrett Jack and Rack
have been numerous accidents to men using these jacks when
the pawl would not fall in place, due to dirt, or other fore^^
Toot wrench
matter, clogging the jack. Also the teeth in the circle, or rack,
must be kept clean and not allowed to accumulate dirt. And if
there are any broken or worn teeth, it may be best to discard the
rack and get a perfect one.
DRILLING 127
TO STRAIGHTEN A CROOKED HOLE
When drilling in inclined formations, there is a tendency for
the tools to follow the dip of the strata, particularly when passing
from a soft to a harder formation, resulting in a "crooked" hole.
When the deflection of the* tools causes the hole to start off
crooked or on a slant from its true perpendicular, this condition
may be determined by an examination of the bit. If the wearing
edges are unduly worn, it is apparent that the bit has been rubbed
against the wall of the hole, indicating that the hole has veered off
at an angle. If this condition should continue, the result would
be a hole in which it might be iippossible to put the casing or even
to proceed much further with the drilling.
There are several methods of straightening the crooked hole.
Filling it up with crushed stone or cement or even with pieces of
wood and drilling it oUt will sometimes answer. A straightening
process that has proved successful is to fill up the hole to a point
above that at which it started crooked with crushed limestone.
On top of the stone several short pieces of rope are dropped. In
the operation of drilling, the bit will pound around on the rope
until it (the rope) has worked up around the bit and into the
wall of the hole, which will have a tendency to keep the bit
straight. When drilling is resumed, it should be done with a
four-wing star bit, until the hole is straightened.
Other means of straightening a crooked hole are by using a
hollow reamer (See Fig. 57), or by running a star bit or a hollow
reamer on a string of casing that will just go down inside the hole.
In this case the shoulder of the bit or reamer is turned off and
threaded to fit the coupling on the casing.
UNDER REAMING
Under reaming in soft or caving formations is the most difficult
kind of drilling and requires the constant attention of the driller.
Several improved under reamers have come into use during the
last few years. Of these, the Double, the Wilson and Willard
and the Swan under reamers are good types.
The illustration (Fig. 58) shows a Double Under Reamer with
128 DEEP WELL DRILLING
the cutters or lugs expanded ready for reaming. The cutters are
compressed to enter the casing and held in that position by a con-
fining ring. As the under reamer enters the casing, the ring
slides up on the body of the reamer and is then removed. As the
under reamer passes through the bottom of the casing, the cutters
are automatically expanded by
powerful springs, so they extend
far enough out to ream a hole
of suflficient size to permit ihe
fl
M
Fig. 67. FiB. 58.
Hollow Reamer Double ruder
Reamer, Type K
couplings of the casing to pass freely. When it is desired to
withdraw the under reamer from the hole, the casing shoe, or the
bottom of the casing compresses the cutters as the reamer is
drawn into the casing.
Fig. 59 of the Wilson under reamer shows the cutters set to
enter the casing. Fig. 60 shows the same reamer with the cutters
expanded ready to ream. The cutters of the Wilson under reamer
are set to enter the casing by means of a lever or setting pin,
which is removed as the cutters pass down the casing.
UNDER REAMING
For under reaming it is necessary
to use a rig with a calf wheel for
handling the casing, which is allowed
to follow the reamer in order to pre-
vent the hole from caving in on the
tools. A drive shoe or casing shoe
should be screwed on the bottom of
the casing. The driller must carefully
tally each joint of casing as it is added
to the string, and he should make ac-
curate allowance for the length of
thread that he screws into each coup-
ling ; for he must know at all times
the exact length of his string of cas-
ing. This is necessary for the reason
that his reamer is rising and falling
just below the bottom of the casing
and, if he is not careful, he may brea'v
the reamer cutters by strking them
against the casing shoe.
There has recently come into use
a special adding machine for adding
feet and inches which is employed by
some of the drillers in North Texas.
The chief difficulty in under-ream-
ing in soft formations where the cas-
ing follows the tools is in keeping the
casing free or, as the drillers say,
prevening it from "free-ing," which
is caused by the wall of ihe hole cav-
ing against it. The tendency to freeze
is reduced by raising and lowering the
casing at frequent intervals.
The swinging drilling spider is a
valuable improvement for handling
casing. It is suspended on the casing
line and operated by the calf wheel.
130 DEEP WELL DRILLING
By means of it, the casing can be raised or lowered at any time
without interfering with or suspending drilling operations.
The hole is first drilled with an ordinary bit 15 to 40 feet, or as
far ahead of the casing as the cavings or the length of the string
of tools will permit, and the hole is then reamed out with the
under reamer.
When hard or non-caving rock is encountered, it may be pos-
sible for the driller to ream ahead of his casir^ 25 to 50 feet, but
he will have to use his judgment when it is safe to do this.
It is inadvisable to drill so far ahead of the casing that the top
of the rope socket will be below the casing shoe, for on the up-
stroke of the tools the top of the rope socket might strike against
the shoe and break the cable.
Fig. 62. Baker Shoe
The Baker spudding shoe (Fig. 62) is extensively used in
California where, -if the wall of the hole caves around the casii^,
the teeth of the shoe will cut through the cavings when the casing
is worked up and down. The handling of frozen casing is further
described under Fishing for Casting, pages 172-179.
The casing is supported by a spider with slips, or wedges set
on the cellar floor. The wedges have milled teeth which engage in
the casing and hold it suspended above the under reamer. (Refer
to Fig. 162 and further description on page 275.)
In California, where nearly all cable drilled wells must be
under-reamed, and an occasional stratum of hard rock or "shell"
is encountered which it is difficult to ream, the drillers use an
BIT DRESSING 131
eccentric or "sidehilt" bit. This is an ordinary bit with the wear-
ing edges dressed out on one side and hammered down on the
other sufficiently that the bit will ream a hole large enough for the
casing to follow.*
REAMING
It sometimes becomes necessary, for the purpose of re-setting
casing at a lower depth, or to enlarge a hole that has already
been drilled, to ream it out to the larger diameter. For this pur-
pose a round reamer is used. The reamer is a bit made thick
enough nearly to fill the diameter of the hole, but with deep water
channels.
BIT DRESSING
Correct dressing of the bits is an important part of well drilling.
If the tool dresser is inexperienced, inefficient, or careless in his
bit dressing, he may ruin the bits, cause serious delays, fishing
jobs, or even the loss of the tools or of the hole.
The writer, years ago, in the company of one of the best drilling
.contractors in the country, visited one of his rigs. The tool
dresser was just beginning to dress a bit. This contractor, in
clean clothes and fresh linen, watched the operation for a moment,
then stripped off his coat, took the sledge from the "toolie" and
proceeded to dress the bit. Carefully he hammered the cherry
red steel from the center of the bit out to the edge^ his blows
growing lighter as he reached the corner of the bitr Then he
turned it over and repeated the operation. Placing the bit back in
the forge, he carefully heated it, withdrawing it from the fire two
or three times to observe its color. When it was heated suffi-
ciently he again placed it on the anvil and went at it with the
V-ledge, at intervals slipping the gauge over it, and stoving and
shaping it until it looked as though it had just come from* the shop.
Not yet satisfied, he heated it again and then trimmed off with a
splitting chisel th^. small fringe of steel that had worked over the
shoulder or into the water course, and then he finished the job
• Oil Production Methods, by Paul M. Paine and B. M. Stroud, 1913.
132 DEEP WELL DRILLING
with a small hand hammer, finally gauging it once more to be sure
it was true to gauge. As we walked out of the rig, he remarked :
"The way that tool dresser was abusing that bit might have caused
me a flat hole or a fishing job, so I thought I would give him an
object lesson."
The forge is usually a four-foot square box filled with clay or
built up of fire brick. The bellows has given place to 'the Star
blower operated by steam. For bits ten inches and smaller the
No. 3 blower with outlet for 2-inch tuyere is large enough, but for
bits 12j4-inch and larger the No. 4 blower with 3-inch tuyere
should be used.
Mr. R. R. Sanderson has very well covered the subject of
dressing and tempering bits in his book on shallow water well
drilling, "Drill Work, Methods and Cost," from which the follow-
ing description is adapted:
A fire is built in bottom of forge and fuel gradually added
under a light blast until the forge is filled. If blacksmith coal is
used it will have a tendency to coke together, obstructing the blast.
To correct this, openings should be made through the coal, at in-
tervals, by prying it up at different points with a poker, in such a
way that only the center of the mass is disturbed. The result
should be a wall of heated coke surrounding the loosened center,
which may be 10 to 20 inches in diameter, according to the size of
the bit to be heated. An opening is made in one side of the wall of
coke and enough of the fire raked from the center to leave a space
somewhat larger than the bit. After the bit has been carefully
cleaned of all mud and cuttings (cuttings sometimes contain iron
pyrites, which when heated, liberate sulphur, harmful to steel), it
is placed in the fire, so that the cutting edge extends three to four
inches beyond the center of fire.
Bit should not be jammed through the wall, nor pressed down
against the coals with such force as to break down the fire, thus
shutting off the blast.
In winter when the bit is very cold, it should not at once be
covered when put in the fire, but should remain on top of the hot
coals for a few minutes and turned three or four times to warm
BIT DRESSING 133
the steel slightly, before subjecting it to the full heat of the^forge.
After the bit has been covered with the coked coal previously
scraped from the center of the fire, a small amount of fresh fine
coal should be sprinkled around the edge of the coke just put on.
By repeating this at intervals the supply of coke can be main-
tained.
After the bit has been sufficiently heated on one side, it should
be turned over so that the other side is next the fire. It is very
essential to have the bit evenly heated, and it may be necessary
to turn it several times to accomplish this, but it is best to turn it
as few times as possible, not to disturb the fire.
If the flame and smoke have a tendency to dart back beneath the
bit, through the water channel, it can be prevented by placing
some ashes or earth below the bit just at the edge of the fire.
The fire should not be forced too strongly, for the bit must be
allowed time to heat evenly. Also the bit should not be left to
"soak" in the fire after the proper heat has been reached. Some
drillers cut down the blast and allow the bit to remain in the hot
coals for several minutes, after it is hot enough to dress, believing
the steel in better condition to dress, owing to greater amount of
heat absorbed. This is not only a waste of time, but harmful to
the bit, as the hot coals draw the carbon from the outer shell of
the steel.
The bit should be so placed in the fire that. for 4 to 5 inches up
from the cutting edge it will be heated to the same temperature.
Some tool dressers think it necessary to heat the bit for only a
couple of inches on the end, but if this practice is followed, a
cracked bit may result, as the steel will not be heated far enough
back to allow the metal to "flow" under the heavy blows used in
stoving back the edge.
Owing to the fact that the corners of a bit are much thinner
than any other part and will thus heat much more rapidly, they
must be carefully watched, to see that they do not burn. If the
fire has been made so that it has an even temperature throughout
and the bit has been properly placed in it, there is not much danger
of burned corners, but if the fire is "dirty" so that th*^ heat is not
134 DEEP WELL DRILLING
unifor;n, the proper heating of bit becomes almost an impossi-
bility.
A "dirty" fire may be caused by an accumulation of ashes or of
burned-out coke ; or it may be the result of poor quality fuel. If
coke is the fuel, impurities may clinker over the tuyere, or pieces
of slate obstruct the blast.
If coke is the fuel used, the forge should be cleaned out after
each heat; if coal, the forge should be cleaned within the space
surrounded by the coke wall.
It will be noted when cleaning out the forge in which coal is
used, that there are numerous small pieces of very hard coke.
This coke should not be used over again, as it is more ash than
coke, and contains impurities that are very injurious to the steel.
So far as possible, the steel in the bits should be kept in the same
condition as when it left the factory. Coal for heating containing,
sulphur or phosphorus should not be used, as both elements are
injurious to steel when heated. Bits may also be ruined by over-
heating. Iron may be heated until the sparks fly without injury,
but overheating a bit has a tendency to draw or burn out the car-
bon, leaving the steel porous and brittle, in other words, a "burned
bit."
If by any chance a bit should be burned, it is best to cut away
the injured portion, as it is impossible to work burned steel, or to
temper it.
When a bit is first dressed, it should not be heated higher than
a dark cherry red, or from 1,350 to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the next heat the temperature may be higher, gradually
increasing during successive heats until the driller has found the
heat at which the steel can best be worked and tempered to secure
good drilling results. For average bit steel, temperatures of from
1,400 to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit will be found suitable. Bit
steel, however, never should be heated higher than a light cherry
red.
STEEL COLORS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.
Skilled observers may vary 100** in their estimates of relatively
low temperatures by color and beyond 2,200** F. it is practically
BIT DRESSING
impossible to make estimates with any certainty whatever. (Bul-
letin No. 2, Bureau of Standards, 1905.)
G36
681 IVI I jwa, vj
700 1292 Dark rea.
800 1172 Dull cherry-red.
900 1652 Cherry-red.
1000 1B32 Bright cherry-red.
1100 2012 Orange-red.
1200 eiB2 Gran ea- yellow.
UOO 2872 Tellow-whlta
1100 2EG2 White welding beat.
IGOO 2712 Brilliant white.
1400 2S12 Dazzling white (bluish white).
From booklet published by the Halcomb Steel Co.. 1»08.
Fig. 63. Derriek Crane Outnt
For handling bits, a derrick crane, chain hoist and swivd
wrench are used. Fig. 63 illustrates the method of handling a bit
from the stem to the forge, thence to the anvil and for supporting
it while it is being screwed into the box of the stem. A bit pulley
and chain, suspended from the trolley of the crane, are sometimes
used for convenience in turning bits on the anvil.
136 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Shaping the Bit. — To shape a bit quickly and accurately, it is
necessary to understand the functions of the various parts com-
posing the cutting end and to know the relations which these
parts bear to each other. These parts are the Cutting Edge, the
Faces, the Corners, the Wearing Surfaces or Wearing Edges, the
Shoulders and the Water Courses or Channels.
After bit has been heated to proper temperature, it is placed
on the anvil block with one of the flat sides down.
For small bits an ordinary sledge and a ball pein hammer will
suffice, but for large bits a bit dressing ram will be found a time
saving addition. to the outfit. The ram is a forged steel device,
shaped something like a baseball bat, with an iron ring fitted into
it at a point where it will balance when suspended from a derrick
girt. A line of two inch pipe connects the suspending rope with
the wrist pin on band wheel crank and the engine furnishes the
power for the stroke. The tool dresser grasps the handle of the
ram and directs the blows on the bit.
Hammering is begun first at center, working outward toward
the corners, the heaviest blows being used at center, and gradually
growing lighter as the corners are approached. After one side
has been hammered for a short time, the bit is turned and the
process repeated on the other side. This is continued until the
bit has been sufficiently stoved. Care must be exercised to see
Fig. 64. Bit Ram
that one side does not receive more or heavier blows than the
other, as unequal hammering will result in a cutting edge off
center. The cutting edge should also be kept in a straight line and
not allowed to become rounded, for a bit with a round edge will
not cut rock rapidly.
The angle of the faces should be neither too sharp nor too flat..
If the angle is too sharp, it is impossible to put sufficient wearing
surface on the bit; and in hard rock drilling this may result in a
BIT DRESSING
137
hole which is not perfectly round — or as the drillers say, a "flat"
hole. On the other hand, if the bottom of the bit is too flat, the
cutting speed is reduced. The correct angle varies according to
the size of bit, and also the condition of the rock.
For drilling hard rock a bit with flat faces and heavy corners
and cutting edges should be used. The sharper bit may make
hole faster when first put on, but the corners and edges will more
Fig- 65. Diagram of Angles for bit faces
quickly be broken down, with consequent danger of a pinched
hole. When this happens, reaming is necessary to prevent the
next full gauge bit from sticking in the hole.
Where broken- or creviced formations are encountered a flat
bit should be used, for a bit with thin cutting edge has a tendency
to wedge in the cracks, thus deflecting the tools, and a crooked
hole will result.
In stoving the bit, it will be noticed that not only is the width
increased, but also the metal around the wearing edges is ex-
panded. To prevent these points from becoming -too far apart,
they should frequently be hammered down, during the stoving
operation. Some tool dressers finish stoving the bit before driv-
ing down these points, but this is not good practice, because if the
bit requires much stoving, these points become so spread that it
requires considerable hammering to bring them back. As this
138 DEEP WELL DRILLING
heavy hammering has a tendency not only to increase the width
but to drive the metal back into the body of the bit, cutting
edge is likely to be forced out of straight line. If the points are
kept well worked down as the stoving proceeds, the bit will shape
up more symmetrically and with less labor. Another disadvantage
of waiting until after stoving before driving down the points is
that, as the, points project somewhat from the body of the bit,
they will cool rapidly, and if driving these chilled points down
into the hot steel is attempted, a cracked bit may result. All the
parts being worked should be at the same temperature, so that
the steel will "flow" evenly and uniformly under the hammer
blows.
When evenly heated steel is hammered, the effect will be to
force the grains more closely together or to refine and toughen it.
If unevenly heated, however, it will cause it to crack or check
where the soft grains are crushed against the harder steel. While
these checks cannot be seen, they are nevertheless there, and after
the bit has been tempered several times, large pieces may spall off.
As heated steel cools there is formed a thin shell of harder steel
enveloping the end of the bit and increasing in thickness as cooling
progresses. Should the bit be too heavily hammered while in this
condition the cooler grains of steel on the surface will not fuse
with the more plastic steel below, resulting in crushing the outer
shell and ultimately in checking or cracking of the bit.
In stoving, the steel is forced back into the water channels, thus
increasing the thickness of the bit through the center. The water
channels should be hammered down at the same time that the
points referred to above receive attention. To reach into the
hollow channels, it will be necessary to use the peen of sledge.
The bit should not become so thick through the water channels
that heavy hammering is required to reduce it, thus forcing the
middle of cutting edge outward, causing a "bellied" bit, as the
drillers say.
As it is impossible, even by the most careful hammering, wholly
to prevent an accumulation of metal around and in the water
channels, it will be necessarv to cut out and trim the channels
BIT DRESSING 139
with a hot chisel. For this work a chisel with a half round edge
should be used. If a cutter having a straight edge is used it will
form sharp corners in the bottom of channels and these may cause
a crack to start in the steel.
Some drillers use a fuller, corresponding in shape and size with
the channels, to keep the channels straight and clean.
If the bit being dressed is not far out of gauge and if the cor-
ners are not badly ground away or broken off, the stoving required
to restore the cutting edge will be sufficient to spread the bit so
that the corners and wearing edges can be sharpened and brought
to gauge.
When the bit to be dressed is in bad condition, requiring much
stoving, it should be heated to a light cherry red and heavy blows
used until it has been sufficiently stoved, unless the operation takes
so much time that the bit begins to cool, when the blows should be
lightened.
Small bits and bits in bad condition usually require three heats
to complete the dressing, the first for stoving, cutting out the
water channel and trimming any part which shows signs of check-
ing; the second for turning down and shaping the comers and
wearing edges and finishing with a hand hammer, while the third
is for tempering.
If a bit is not in bad condition and is of sufficient size to hold a
heat, it can be dressed in two heats; the first for shaping and the
second for tempering.
Sometimes it is necessary to dress a bit that is almost full
gauge, with a good cutting edge and one good corner and one very
bad comer. This is a difficult operation, for unless it is properly
handled there is danger of having a low corner when the bit is
finished. There are two ways to prevent this unequal distribution
— to draw the steel toward the low comer by hammering, or by
cutting from the good corner enough steel to make the two
comers equal.
Bits in fairly good condition require little stoving, perhaps a
quarter of an inch over gauge, or just enough to sharpen the
cutting edge and to furnish sufficient metal to dress the comers
140 DEEP WELL DRILLING
and wearing edges. However as no two bits are alike, it is diffi-
cult to lay down a rule. To fill out the corners and edges of bits
that are worn or broken they may have to be stoved an inch over
gauge. Too much stoving should be avoided for the extra metal
will have to be either worked back into the bit or cut off.
After the stoving operation is completed, the bit is turned on
edge, so that the shoulders will clear the outer edge of anvil and
the shoulders above the corners are driven down.
If one corner is farther from the center than the other, allow-
ance must be made for this and the hammering so done that when
the shoulders are both driven down, the corners will be equi-
distant from the center.
While shoulders are being dressed, the bit gauge should
frequently be used, that the operation may not be overdone.
When the shoulders have been driven down so that the corners
come to gauge, shoulders above the wearing edges are driven
down by working from the corner outward. In doing this the
wearing edges on both sides of the bit should be brought down
together, that is, the bit should be turned over several times dur-
ing the hammering. As the first part of this operation usually re-
quires some heavy hammering, it should be done while the metal
is at its highest heat.
The wearing edges are dressed down until they are 1/16 inch
smaller than the gauge, while the corners come out full size. The
reason for this is that in driving them down the steel will be
forced out past the faces of bit and allowance must be made for
the expansion which will take place when this metal is worked
back into the bit.
The bit is now laid flat, as in stoving, and the wearing edges
and corners are shaped.
To drive back the extra steel at these points without expanding
the bit, the hammer should be so held that the blows fall at an
angle toward the face. This works the steel away from the wear-
ing edges into the body of bit.
After the bit has been thus hammered until the wearing edge is
nearly even with the faces, the position of the hammer is changed
BIT DRESSING 141
and blows the same as in stoving are used, until the edges are even
with the faces. The bit should just fill the gauge, but if a
little large, due to the operation just described, it may easily be
trued by slightly driving down the edges.
The bit should now be about a dull red or a little cooler and
ready for the final hammering. Using a small hammer, lj4 to 2
pounds, the cutting edge, wearing edges and corners should be
gone over with light blows, but many of them. This tends to
toughen the grain of the steel, causing the bit to wear better.
•In gauging a bit, it should fill the gauge, but it should be so
dressed that the gauge will pass over it freely.
The angle between faces and the shape of corners, shoulders
and wearing edges of a bit should vary according to the character
of the formation to be drilled. For hard rock, the corners should
be made rather flat, with heavy shoulders extending straight up-
ward from the corners and wearing edges. The heavy shoulders
add strength to the corners and edges by reinforcing them with
metal.
Heavy shoulders and wearing edges should also be used in
sandstone, owing to its abrasive qualities.
In drilling soft shale or slate, a bit with heavy shoulders has a
tendency to become wedged in the hole, so the shoulders should
taper backward from the corners with the wearing edges dressed
out thin. This is called a "feather edge."
For rock much broken and fissured, the bit should be provided
with heavy shoulders and very full wearing edges that fill a large
part of the circle^ somewhat similar to a round reamer.
A bit for gravel, sand or clay should have an angle of from 70
to 75 degrees between the faces, and thin wearing edges.
When boulders are encountered in this material, it is necessary
to use a rock bit, as the cutting edge and corners of the gravel bit
are too thin to withstand hard drilling.
Fig. No. 66 illustrates a poorly dressed bit. The cutting edge is
rounding, thus making blunt corners. One comer is farther from
the center than the other, which will put an extra strain on the
tools, by forcing them out of center line of hole. There are na
142 DEEP WELL DRILLING
wearily edges and the water channels are filled up. This bit
would only drill about one-third as many feet per day as a proper-
ly dressed bit.
Fig. No. dJ shows the result of unequal heating and deep tern-
pering. The crack through the center has been started by ham-
mering the bit while the steel was hotter on the outside than the
inside, and enlarged by setting the bit too deep in the water when
tempering.
The steel in Fig. No. 66 is in fairly good condition and the bit.
when corrected, can be used, but the steel in Fig, No. 67 is spoiled
for a distance of about 8 inches from the end.
BIT DRESSING • 143
The cuts, Fig. Nos. 68 and 69, are different views of the same
bit illustrating how it should look when properly shaped. This
bit was dressed for hard rock drilling with straight cutting edge,
deep corners, heavy shoulders, full wearing edges and clean water
channels.
TEMPERING THE BIT
There are two methods of tempering ; one is to heat the bit, set
it in water to a certain depth and leave it to cool. This is known
as tempering by quenching.
The other, and most satisfactory, is drawing the temper and con-
sists of heating the bit to a certain temperature, then cooling the
end by allowing it to stand in shallow water fl)r a few minutes,
after which it is withdrawn and the heat allowed to "run" (the
heat of the parts to be tempered is on an ascending scale, see color
chart) until the cutting edge and the steel for a distance of J^
inch above the cutting edge are at the desired temperature or
jcolor, when the bit is set back in the water and allowed to cool.
We will first consider this method.
The cooling box or trough should be fitted lengthwise with two
pieces of pipe, 1J4 inches in diameter, and with centers 4 inches
apart. The bottom of the pipes should be about 2J^ to 3 inches
above the bottom of the box. There are now on the market sheet
steel slack tubs that are much used for this purpose.
The bit is heated for a distance of from 3 to 4 inches on the end,
to a dull cherry red, never higher than this ; and with some steels
it may be better to heat to a lower temperature.
It is best to bring the bit to heat slowly and evenly, using a slow
blast, that the metal all through the end may be, as nearly as possi-
ble, the same temperature.
Enough clear, clean water is poured into the temper box so that
when the bit is put in it the water will just reach to the top of the
bit faces. When the bit has been heated to the right temperature,
it is placed in the box, so that the faces rest on the two pipes.
While the bit is cooling, the water should be stirred to keep it in
motion, or better, the box may be arranged to have a stream of
144
• DEEP WELL DRILLING
water entering at the bottom and running through it. If the water
is allowed to remain stationary it may cause cracking of the steel.
The bit should not be set deeper in the water than the top of the
faces and shallower if possible.
After the bit has been in the tempering trough for two or three
minutes, it is removed and with a file, a brick or piece of sandstone,
the shoulders are scoured until they are bright. The first will be
a straw color and successively, a light brown, a duller brown,
brown with purple spots, light purple, dark purple, light blue,
darker blue, blue tinged with green and so on. The following
table shows the differences in temperature to run the full color
scale :
•
Light Straw Color
Full Straw Color
Light Brown
Darker Brown
Brown Fading into Purple
Light Purple
Dark Purple
Light Pigeon Blue
Darker Blue
Blue with Green.
Fahrenheit
430
460
490
500
510
530
550
570
600
630
Centigrade
221.1
237.8
254.4
260.
265.6
276.7
287.8
298.9
315.. 6
328.
For rock of medium hardness the temper should be stopped be-
tween the full straw and the darker brown. For extremely hard
rock the temper may be a deeper color. Bits for drilling very soft
rock and shales may be tempered hard, for the cutting edges are
not easily broken in such formations and the harder temper pre-
vents the bit from rapidly wearing out of gauge.
In limestone or other hard rock, it is best to temper as hard as
possible and yet have the steel tough, in order to keep the bit to
gauge as long as possible.
The colors above will vary somewhat with the kind of steel
used, and the driller will have to experiment to determine the
right colors for the bits he is. using.
It is necessary that the water in which tempering is done be
perfectly clean, as dirt or an oil film will cause the colors to show
up differently; also dirty or oily water will interfere with the
BIT DRESSING 145
penetration of the temper, resulting in a thin hard shell of steel,
which may cause the bit to crack or pieces to spall off.
If the steel cracks in tempering, the water should first be heated
almost to the boiling point. Some drillers use salt solution or
cyanide of potassium.
If it is desired to temper by the "quenching" method, it is only
necessary to heat the bit to the right temperature, then set it in
the water and allow it to cool. The temperature to which it
should be heated depends upon the hardness of the rock being
drilled, also the kind of steel used, and can be determined only by
experiment.
The quenching method is all right for soft or medium hard rock,
but for very hard rock, it is best to draw the temper in order to
be sure the steel will stand.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEATING, DRESSING AND TEMPER-
ING UNDER.REAMER CUTTERS
(Union Tool Co.)
To dress Cutters — Bring slowly to an orange heat which is
about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and do not forge at a temperature
below a red heat, plainly visible in daylight. The heel of every
cutter, in dressing, must be kept parallel with the cutting edge,
or, in other words, be sure the bottom of the cutter is straight
across, which is the shape or form of all new cutters. If cutting
edge is stove back of the heel, the cutters may wedge on the
tongue, crushing them. After dressing cutters, allow them to
cool to hand warm before reheating for tempering.
To temper Cutters — Heat slowly and evenly to 1,450 or 1,500
degrees Fahrenheit, which is indicated by a cherry red, then dip
about J^ inch of the cutting edge into clear water, stirring the
cutter around to keep the water in close contact with its surface.
Allow the cutter to remain in the water until the cutting edge is
cool, then quickly dip it half way into the water to prevent a
check or crack forming between the hot and cold parts. Polish
the cutting edge to observe the color, and when it has run down
146 DEEP WELL DRILLING
to a straw color on the edge, set the cutter to a depth of about 1
inch in clear water or a bath of mud, and allow to cool slowly.
Note: The most important feature of the treatment of cutters is to
heat them slowly and uniformly, to prevent the setting: up of strains
In .the steel, caused by uneven expansion or contraction, which migrht
develop into cracks when the tool is put in service.
MEASURING THE DEPTH OF HOLE
At frequent intervals during the progress of drilling a well it
becomes necessary to measure the depth of the hole, particularly
when it is desired to keep an accurate record of the formations
penetrated. A steel measuring line on a reel is used. A convenient
method of handHng the reel and line is by clamping the reel to the
engine fly wheel and using the engine power for reeling in the
line. A weight should be attached to the bottom of the line. The
line should be one with raised figures for convenience in reading.
When sufficient line has been run out to nearly reach the bottom
of the hole, it should then be carefully let out a few inches at a
time with a man holding the line in the center of the hole to keep
it from binding on the casing. By keeping the line taut and feel-
ing for the impact of the weight on the bottom, the true depth is
easily determined.
Difficulty is sometimes experienced in measuring the depth of
deep wells having long strings of casing, due to the measuring
line adhering to the casing owing to magnetism or other agency.
This can be in part overcome by using a heavier weight and soap-
ing the line or coating it with heavy grease.
Drillers approximate both the depth at which they are drilling
and the number of feet drilled during a "tour" or 12 hour shift
by the simple process of tying a short piece of rope or twine
around the cable at the point where it leaves the bull wheel shaft
when the tools are resting on bottom. By knowing the exact
height of the derrick, it is possible to determine with a fair degree
of accuracy the progress being made in feet by noting the position
in the derrick of the piece of string attached to the cable.
The following suggestions to operators for the correct measur-
MEASURING THE DEPTH OF HOLE 147
ing of oil wells have been issued by the California State Mining
Bureau : *
"Methods of measuring the depth of oil wells and the amount of
casing put into them are of extreme importance in order that
water shall be shut off at the proper depth and casing perforated
between the proper depths. While the water may appear of slight
importance to some careful operators, it has been found that gross
errors are frequent enough to justify some general regula-
tion. * * *
"1. All measurements must be made with a steel tape. Cloth
or metallic tapes cannot be depended upon, as they are subject to
great change in length. A five- foot stick used on a sand or drill-
ing line, for distances more than 200 feet, is inaccurate. The rea-
sons for such inaccuracy are that exact markings on the line at
the ends of the stick are difficult to make and their great number
quickly multiplies the error.
**2. The depth of the well shall in all cases be determined by
running a bailer or string of tools to the bottom. The unit of
measurement, when cable tools are used, shall be the distance
from the floor of the derrick along the sand line over to a point
level with the top of the flanges of the reel. This is commonly
known as the distance the derrick 'measures over,' and details for
such measurement are stated below. If measurement is on the
drilling line, it shall be from the floor over to a point near the
bull wheel and five feet above the floor, as determined by setting
up a five-foot stick,
"The depth of a rotary hole, before casing is put in, shall be
determined by measuring each stand of drillpipe with steel tape,
measurements to be from top of tool box joint to bottom of
shoulder on tool joint pin.
"3. The length of a string of casing shall, when considered
necessary by the supervisor or deputy, be determined by measur-
ing to the shoe of the casing from the derrick floor. This measure-
ment can be made on the drilling line by using an underreamer,
• Extract from Article by A. W. Ambrose, Bureau of Mines, Water
Problems of the Oil Field, The Oil and Gas Journal, Nov. 5, 1920.
: : M
148 DEEP WELL DRILLING
a latch-jack or any other tool which definitely locates the shoe of
the casing.
"4. A derrick should be 'measured over' immediately before it
is intended to measure the depth of well or of casing. A measure-
ment made when the rig is new may not be correct after the rig
and rig irons have been in use for some time.
"The 'distance over' can be determined in the following manner,
using a bailer and sand line :
"(a) Run the bailer into the well a short distance and tie string
on the sand line level with the surface of the floor, using a straight
edge or steel square to determine the correct position.
"(b) Tie a strand of rope (target) tightly on the sand line at
a position on a level with the top of sand reel flanges, laying a
straight stick on top of the flanges to determine this position.
"(c) Lower the bailer into the well until the target is within
easy reach from the derrick floor. Attach the end of a steel tape
to the sand line at the target. Raise the bailer until another target
can be fastened at the end of the tape and tie another target.
Lower the bailer, detach tape, hoist bailer and attach tape at the
second target, hoist bailer and set third target. Repeat the opera-
tion until it is possible to measure with the tape to the target first
set at the floor. The tape must be shorter than the height of the
derrick, so that it will not go over the pulley at the crown block.
"When a target is tied to the line, paint should be put on the
line above and below the target to show any displacement of the
target.
"To measure into the well, after the unit length or 'distance
over' is determined, hold the bottom of the bailer dart, when
raised, level with the surface of the floor, set a target at the top
of the flanges of the reel, lower the bailer until the target is level
with the floor and set a second target at the reel. Correct count
of the targets is most easily kept by detaching and keeping each
one as it reaches the floor.
"The depth can also be conveniently measured when the bailer
is pulled out of the well by setting the first target even with the
floor, while the bailer is on the bottom, hoisting until the target
WELL LOGS 149
reaches the flanges of the reel, set new targets at floor level and
remove old ones as they reach the reel."
WASHING OUT THE SAND
The formations penetrated by the drill should be carefully
watched, particularly when a possible oil or gas bearing sand is
encountered. Samples of the sand should be washed perfectly
clean in warm water the better to judge of its character and
quality.
LOG OF WELL
Drillers should keep an accurate log of the formations passed
through during the drilling of every well. This log should show
the thickness and character of each formation, including changes
in color that may occur in any one stratum, and should record all
showings of water, gas and oil. When a sample of the formations
is required, the driller should secure a supply of small bottles with
a blank label pasted on each. A sample of each formation is
then placed in the bottles and the thickness, color and name of
the formation recorded on the label.
Graphic charts are often employed to illustrate well logs.
Geologists have established a system of symbols to designate the
different formations, as, irregular dots for sandstone, blocks for
limestone, etc., refer to diagram of well log. Fig. 70.
WELL LOGS
The terms used in drillers' logs to describe formations passed
through do not always conform to the technical names familiar
to geologists and engineers. The following extracts from a paper
by Mr. Arthur Knapp, M. E., before a meeting of the American
Institute of Mining Engineers entitled "Rock Classification from
the Oil Driller's Standpoint'** are enlightening :
"The ordinary well log is subjected to a great deal of criticism,
much of which is well founded. Sometimes, though, the difficulty
in interpreting the log is due to the fact that the geologist or
engineer using the logs does not know the limitations of the drill-
* Reprinted from Oil and Gas Journal.
DEEP WELL DRILLING
^Mm"
White «imnick,40'
BiMjhM'.BO'
WELL LOGS 151
ing method used. The rotary drill, especially, has inherent limita-
tions that make it difficult to secure definite information at all
times. The identification of well-defined key beds is about all
that can be expected from the rotary log. The formation in a
drilled hole, as reported by the driller, has a direct relation to the
speed with which the drill makes the hole or to the reaction of the
various strata on the bit, called the "feel of the bit." When this
is not thoroughly understood by the geologist or engineer en-
deavoring to interpret the log, the result is an erroneous correla-
tion with other wells or a discarding of the log as worthless.
GENERAL TERMS
''Hard and Soft. — Hard and soft are relative terms. In the case
of well logs, they are very misleading as they are used in connec-
tion with both resistance to abrasion and resistance to percussion.
In technical rock classification, hardness is relative resistance to
abrasion. The term brittleness is used in connection with re-
sistance to blows. These terms are misleading to the geologist or
engineer who is not familiar with both the cable-tool, or standard
tool, method of drilling and the rotary method. In the case of
the standard tools, the driller's report of the hardness of the for-
mation is in terms of its resistance to blows. * * *
"The rotary driller would reverse the terms. The limestone is
hard in that it resists the abrasive action of the bit, while the
gypsum might be soft in that it is readily cut by the rotary bit. It
is rare that wells drilled by the standard tools are correlated with
those drilled by the rotary, but the technologist who has worked
with well logs from one system might be misled when working
with the other.
''Sticky, — ^With the rotary drill a formation is sticky which cuts
in large pieces that adhere to the bit and drill pipe. A formation
that is sticky with the rotary is usually sticky with the cable tools.
On the other hand, formations are encountered in which the cable
tools stick, either owing to the elasticity of the formation or to
the fav^ that the drilled-up particles do not mix readily with the
152 DEEP WELL DRILLING
water in the hole and settle so quickly as to stick the bit. These
formations might not appear sticky at all to the rotary driller.
''Sandy. — This term may be used accurately by the cable-tool
driller. He obtains samples of the formation through which he
passes, of sufficient size to determine the relative amount of sand
to clay or sand to shale in any formation. In the case of the
rotary drill, this term is misleading.
"The rotary well is drilled with the aid of a "mud" of varying
density. It is usually thought of as a mixture of clay and water
with a small amount of suspended sand. As a matter of fact this
mud often. contains as high as 40 to 50 per cent. sand. * * *
"It is impossible to settle out the very fine sand in any rotary
mud. An easy and quick way to separate the two for examination
is to fill the glass of a centrifugal separator half full of mud and
add a saturated solution of common salt. The sand will be
thrown to the bottom when the machine is turned for a short time.
The mud alone can be turned indefinitely without any appreciable
separation.
"Any change in the density of the mud changes its capacity to
carry sand. * * *
. "These properties of the mud lead to error in the observation of
the formation. If a clay formation containing a moderate amount
of sand is encountered while drilling in a mud low in sand content,
the mud will absorb most of the sand, which will not settle out in
the overflow ditch and its presence in the formation will not be
noted, if not felt by the action of the bit in drilling. If, sometime
later, the mud is thinned by adding water this sand will appear in
the overflow and may be attributed to a formation many feet be-
low the one from which it actually originated.
j|e j|e >|e >|e ]|(
"A change in the speed of pumping the mud also causes a
change in the amount and size of the cuttings that appear at the
surface. Thus, in the case of the rotary, "sandy" may have little
or no meaning when applied to a formation. The term sandy is
often used in contradistinction to sticky. A formation that drills
easily and is not sticky is often put down as sandy because sand
WELL LOGS 153
tends to interfere with the stickiness; sand does not always ac-
count for the lack of stickiness but the latter is often attributed
to its presence. .
''Dark and Light, — * * * A wet specimen, fresh from the
hole, has an entirely different color from the same specimen dried.
Specimens, when dried, bleach and deteriorate. Many of them
air slack or oxidize and change composition altogether. The
terms light and dark should be used only for the extremes. * * *
"It is better to use a definite name such as slate-colored or
chocolate-colored shale.
FORMATIONS
«
''Clay, Gumbo, Tough Gumbo, — Clay is readily recognizable by
the "feel of the bit" while drilling with either cable tools or
rotary. To some drillers all clay is gumbo while to others gumbo
is only stick]/ clay. Some clays have the property of cutting in
large pieces but do not adhere excessively to the bit and drill
pipe and are designated as "tough."
"Sand, Packed Sand, Water Sand, Quicksand, Heaving Sand,
Oil Sand, Gas Sand, — Free, uncemented sand is easily recognized
by the feel of the tools in both systems of drilling. In rotary terri-
tory, we often run across the term "packed sand." This is a sand
that is slightly cemented with some soft easily broken cementing
materials, such as calcium carbonate. * * ♦
"The cementing material is dissolved by the mud, or the sand
grains are all broken apart before reaching the surface, so that
the driller finds only sand in the overflow. A microscopic examina-
tion of sands from the overflow often shows cementing material
to be present.
"Water sand is a sand containing water. There is no specific
sand associated with water; any porous formation may or may
not contain water. * * *
"A sand containing no cementing material nor clay very often
caves badly in the hole. If this sand settles with such rapidity as
to threa,ten to stick the tools, it is designated quicksand. Such a
free sand may, on the other hand, have such properties that it
154
DEEP WELL DRILLING
ROCK CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
DrUlera*
Technical
Term
Use in Rotary System
Use in Cable-tool System Equivalent
Sand
Any uncemented sand
Any uncemented sand; Sand
sdso many slightly ce-
mented sands or very
.
porous formations
Water nnd
Sands, the samples of
which appear clean and
bright
Sands tested and found to
Sands producing water
Sand
produce water
• ^
Quicksand
Sands that cave and settle
Sands that cave and set-
Sand
rapidly
tle rapidly
Heaving aand
Sands that cave and are
Sands that cave and are
Sand
forced up the hole
forced up the hole
OUsand
Sands or other porous for-
Sand or other porous for-
OUsand
mations containing oil
mation containing oil
Gas sand
Sands or other porous for-
Sand or other porous for-
Gas sand
mations containing gas
mation containing gas
Gravel
Any formation having the
feel of gravel while drill-
Correctly used
Gravel
Boulders
lug
Large loose pieces of any
formation
Correctly used
Boulders
Clay
Clay or soft shale; usually
not sticky
Correctly used
Clay, or sandy clay
Gumbo
Soft sticky clay
Soft sticky clay
Clay
Shale
Formations having parallel
bedding
Consolidated days
Shale
Rock
Any consolidated forma-
tion
Any rock formation con-
Term not used
Rock
Gas rock
Term not used
Rock
taining gas
Chalk rock
Applied to light-colored
chalk only
Terms used interchange-
Correctly used
Chalk
Sand rock
Correctly used
Sandstone
sandstone*
ably for all cemented
formation
Packed sand
Loosely cemented sand
Correctly used
Sandstone
SheU
Thin layer of hard ma-
Thin layer of hard ma-
Rock
terial
terial
Shell rock*
Any consolidated forma-
Formation containing
Rock with shells
tion containing fossil
shells
shells
Flint or flinty rock
Any very brittle rock
Correctly used
Flint
Limestone
Limestone, also hard shale
Correctly used
Limestone
Lignite
All fossil wood
Correctly used
Lignite or fossil
wood
Gypsum
Correctly used when rec-
ognized . also reported as
limestone or shale or
sticky gumbo
Correctly used
Gypsum
Shells
Fossil shells
Fossil shells
FossU shells
seems to tend to float. It not only caves but fills the hole above
its original horizon, sometimes heaving clear to the surface. This
sand is called a heaving sand. The presence of gas or a high
hydrostatic head often accounts for the heaving of the sand.
* * An oil sand is a sand containing oil . Any porous stratum might
* These are rotary drillers' terms; the ,cable drillers' terms are sandstone and rock with
shells, respectively*
WELL LOGS 1S5
contain oil. A porous, stratum containing oil is very often called
a sand, although it may actually be a limestone.
''A gas sand is any sand containing gas ; even a hard limestone
is sometimes designated as a gas sand.
**Boulders and Gravel, — True boulder formations are rarely
encountered in drilling for oil. They are encountered above the
Trenton in Ohio and Indiana and occasionally in California. Con-
cretions are often encountered which fall into the hole and follow
the bit for some time and are reported as boulders. ♦ * *
"Shale, — Shale, to many drillers, is only that kind of true shale
which appears in the overflow, or bailer, in flakes, that is,
laminated shale with well-defined bedding. Other drillers in-
clude formations that are sedimentary in character and are con-
solidated enough to appear in the overflow, or bailer, in pieces
as large as a pea or larger. They usually call a shale too hard to
scratch with the finger nail rock, particularly in rotary territory.
"Rock, Gas Rock, Chalk Rock, Sand Rock, Sandstone, Shell,
Shell Rock, Flinty Rock, Limestone, Lignite. — ^When the rotary
driller strikes anything hard and does not know what it is, he puts
down rock. If this hard substance is a concretion near the sur-
face, it is a rock just the same as the most consolidated formations
are deeper down. The cable-tool driller has a much better gen-
eral knowledge and a .much better chance to get samples and
hunts for some name to apply to the formation.
''A gas rock is any rock formation containing gas; the term
is applied to both sandstone and limestone.
"Sand rock, or sandstone, is usually recognized by the rotary
driller, except when it is so soft as to be classified as packed sand.
The harder formations appear in the overflow in pieces sufficiently
large to be readily recognized. The cable-tool driller is able to
recognize sandstone and all other hard formations as he finds
large formations in the bailer.
"Shell is a very misleading term. If a driller, either rotary or
cable-tool, drills from a soft formation into a hard one he gives
it what he considers its proper name. If, however, after drilling
for a short distance, he goes back into a soft formation again he
156 DEEP WELL DRILLING
IS liable to put down shell. This shell may be from a few inches
to a foot or two in thickness, it means a thin layer or shell of rock.
"Shell rock means a rock formation containing fossil shells, un-
less the driller is very careless or misunderstands the term shell,
in which case he may put down shell rock, meaning a thin shell of
rock." ;
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
DRILLING AND FISHING TOOLS
When making specifications for drilling outfits, the operator
should be careful that the sizes of the joints on the drilling tools
are suited to the inside diameter of the casing in which they are
to be used ; also that in case of a fishing operation there may be
sufficient space between the casing and the collar of a lost tool
for a fishing socket to go over it. For example, a 2^ x 3j4 joint
with a 5j4-inch diameter box collar is the largest size joint that
may be used in 6^-inch casing, but for 6j4-inch 24-pound casing,
which is S.92-inches inside diameter, a 5j4-inch collar would not
leave sufficient space to enable a socket to go over it, therefore it
would be hazardous to use the 2^ x 3^-inch joint, and the next
size smaller, 2j4 x 3j4 would be better.
SINKER BARS.
Formerly the sinker bar was considered a necessary adjunct of
every string of drilling tools. For a number of years, however,
the sinker has been little used, although it usually is a part of
each drilling outfit specification.
The sinker is sometimes used to add weight to the tools in
drilling exceedingly hard rock or for drilling in a hole full of
water. Also the sinker sometimes is useful for lengthening a
string of tools for purpose of straightening a crooked hole or
for use as a short fishing stem.
DRILLING IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER
When drilling in temperatures of zero or below, the driller
should be careful that his tools do not crystallize and break.
WELL LOGS 157
After pulling out and running the tools back into the hole they
should be suspended about 20 feet off bottom for at least 10
minutes before attempting to run them. This will permit the
•
temperature of the tools to rise approximately to the temperature
of the hole. Otherwise the bit, jars or even the stem might snap
like a pipe stem.
MOVING BACK BOILER WHEN DRILLING IN
If the boiler is not located at a safe distance from the well, it
is good practice to move it back before drilling in; otherwise,
should the well make a large volume of gas, there might be danger
of its catching fire.
SHUTTING DOWN
When shutting down and leaving a drilling well, it is customary
to place one of the tool wrenches over the open hole and then to
rest the drilling tools on it. This closes the hole, prevents objects
from falling in and people from tampering with it.
BELLING CASING
Before beginning to drill inside drive pipe or casing the top
coupling should be removed and the pipe belled out to protect the
drilling cable from injury through contact with threads or the
top of the pipe.
CHAPTER IV
PISHING POR TOOLS PAST OR LOST IN THE HOLE
Fishing jobs, so called, are like the accidents that sometimes
happen in the best regulated families: They may often be pre-
vented by care and attention, but they happen to the mose capable
driller using the best outfit obtainable. Fishing is the bane of the
drilling contractor and is the cause of vexatious delays and
financial loss in many drilling operations. Therefore it is essen-
tial to take every precaution with drilling tools and to exercise
care in drilling, to the end that fishing jobs may be avoided as far
as possible.
Every drilling outfit should include several of the fishing tools
most generally needed in fishing for lost tools, such as long stroke
jars, rope knife, jar bumper, combination socket, slip socket, horn
socket, rope spear, etc. Special tools for any of the unusual fish-
ing jobs that sometimes occur may be had at supply stores or tool
shops, or can be made to order according to the emergency to be
met.
That the driller may be prepared intelligently to fish for lost
tools it is essential that he know the exact dimensions of all of his
tools that go down in the hole, including the fishing tools, for these
occasionally becomie fast or lost in the hole. It would be well to
keep a record of the following tool dimensions :
Sizes of Joints, includinsr exact lensrth and desrree of taper of all pins.
Outside diameter of neck and barrel of rope sockets; also their length,
and diameter of the hole at top.
Diameter of collar of all boxes and pins.
Diameter and lensrth of stems.
All bit dimensions, includinsr lensrth over all, width, thickness and sise
of wrench square.
Diameter and lensrth of bailers and sand pumps.
Dimensions of under-reamer cutters.
Dimensions of all flshinff tools.
158
FISHING ]
Illustrating the principle of slips used in many fishing tools.*
FlK. Tl. Spear Slip T\g. 72. Socket Slips
In the following pages are suggestions for the correct tools to
use and methods to be employed for various fishii^ jobs.
FISHING JARS
As fishing jars are used with nearly all other fishing tools, they
are the most important fishing tool the driller uses. They have a
longer stroke than drillii^ jars, from 24 to 48 inches, and they
should be well made from good quality steel, with carbon content
ranging between .50% and .60%, for the work they must per-
form would amount to abuse for any other tool. Fishing jars
are run below the stem instead of above as in drilling.
The jars are used for jarring up, for jarring down and for
jarrii^ both ways, according to the nature of the fishing opera-
tion, and it may sometimes be necessary to run them for hours in
the effort to move a fast tool.
Jars should be carefully examined for cracks or other defects
before running them, for broken jars in the hole would add
greatly to the difhculties of the fishing operation, to say the least.
There is one important difference between drilling and fishing:
in drilling the tools are loose in the hole and, if the driller has
not hitched on at the proper place, the result may be that he will
drill either too tight or too loose, but the cable will not be dam-
160 DEEP WELL DRILLING
aged. Not so in fishing, however, for the object fished for is
stationary and hitching on must carefully be done to secure the
maximum stroke of the jars and to avoid straining or breaking the
cable. When the fishing string has been rjin to the top of the lost
tool and a hold secured, the tools are raised slowly, juntil the jars
strike. As the bull ropes can be thrown oflF only while the bull
wheels are in motion it is essential that the cable be flagged, so
that in pulling out to thrqw the ropes the cable will not be pulled
up too tight. A string, or "flag," is tied to the cable at the derrick
floor or the top of the casing and the cable is run down several
feet, then quickly pulled out until the string clears the floor, when
the bull ropes are thrown. The cable is slacked slightly and the
screw is clamped on. The engine is then turned over slowly until
the jar of the jars striking is felt and screw is let out or taken up
until a satisfactory jarring stroke is secured.
For jarring down the hitch would be adjusted after the jars
strike down instead of up. For jarring both ways the stroke
would have to be adjusted by putting the wrist pin out in the
crank sufficiently to cause the jars to strike on both the up and
the down stroke.
It is good practice to start jarring or fishing, using a short
stroke, with the wrist pin in the second hole of the crank, and
then increase the crank stroke or throw as needed.
FISHING FOR A LOST OR PARTED CABLE
If the cable breaks from its own weakness and the tools are
known to be free, the cable and tools attached to it may usually
be recovered by means of a rope spear run on a rope socket and
set of jars, no stem being necessary. If the spear should not
readily take hold, jarring down lightly should engage its prongs
in the mass of rope sufficiently to enable both the cable and the
tools to be withdrawn.
If the tools are found to be fast or wedged by sediment, it
will be necessary to jar up until the hold of the spear is loosened,
and the next operation is to cut the rope, if possible, otherwise
it will have to be chopped up into fragments with a rope
FISHING
161
chopper and removed with a mouse trap, a device similar to a
bailer, with an inward opening flat valve in the bottom. See
Fig. 75.
To cut the rope, a V, or hook, rope Itnife and rope knife jars
Fig. 73,
Fig. 74.
Fig. 75.
Fig. 76.
Fig. 77.
Ftg. 78,
Rope Spear.
Eope Grab.
Rope Kalfa
Knife.
Sinker.
Jara,
are connected to a string of sucker rods and run down into the
lost rope. Next a rope grab, with a small joint and collar that
will go down in the hole and clear the rods carrying the rope
knife, is connected, by means of a substitute from the tool joint
162 DEEP WELL DRILLING
to the sucker rod joint, to another string of sucker rods and
run down, being careful not to go down as far as the rope knife.
The grab is entangled in the rope and pulled up, to get a tension
on it, and then the rope knife is lowered as far as it is possible
to get it and the cable is cut.
After the rope has been cut, the knife and string of rods are
left in the hole until after the rope grab and cable have been
withdrawn. If it is found, after the cut cable is out, that it was
not cut off near the rope socket, it may be necessary to repeat*
the operation or to cut up the remaining rope with a chopper,
to clean out the rope from top of rope socket, so that a fishing
tool will go over it.
FISHING FOR TOOLS FAST IN THE HOLE
When, in drilling without jars, the tools become fast, due
either to the bit "muddying" or to something lodging against it,
or to any other of a number of causes, the first thing usually
attempted is to run the bumper, Fig. 98. A strain is taken on
the cable and the bumper is operated as described on page 169.
If this should not loosen them, the driller usually resorts to
"switching," so called. This is done by letting out sufficient
screw to provide slack in the cable, then by placing the wrist pin
out in the last hole of the crank, a long stroke is secured with
the walking beam. By this process the tools can often be pulled
loose. A direct strain will sometimes free the tools, but this may
result in parting the cable. If the tools cannot be pulled in this
way, it becomes necessary to cut the cable and fish them out.
Cutting is done with a rope knife, with jars and swivel, operated
on the sand line.
CUTTING THE CABLE
The knife used for Manila cable is usually the horseshoe type,
Fig. 76. The cutting knife is clamped around the cable and the
knife, jars and sinker are lowered until the knife rests on the
top of the rope socket. The line is then reeled in until the slack
is taken up and, by means of alternately releasing the sand reel
FISHING 163
brake and then setting it, sufficient play is given the jars to fur-
nish stroke for cutting off the cable.
For cutting wire cable there are several improved wire rope
knives on the market, of which Fig. 79 is a type.
After the cable has been cut and removed from the hole, an-
Fig. 79. Fig. 80, Fig. 81.
WIra Rope Knife Slip Socket ComblnattoD Socket -
other rope socket, with a stem and a set of fishing jars with
twenty-four to thirty-six-inch stroke, is connected (the fishii^
string is connected with the stem above the Jars to add weight
to the stroke in jarring) with either a slip socket, Fig. 80, or a
combination socket. Fig. 81. The slip socket has slips similar to
an inverted U, with milled teeth on each proi^. Combination
socket slips are in three pieces and bear against a stiff coil spring
in the barrel of the socket. The principle of operation is the
satne with he th sockets ; i, e., when the slips engage with the lost
tool and the fishing tools are raised or jarred up, the taper ?n
164 DEEP WELL DRILLING
the bottom of the socket causes the slips to take a firm grasp, .
and the harder the pull, or jar, the more securely will the socket
hold. This outfit is run down to within a few feet of the lost
tools and then lowered very slowly until the socket is in contact
with them. A gentle strain is then taken on the cable and, if
the socket has taken hold, the temper screw is clamped on and
jarring up is begun. If the tools are not cemented in the hole
by sediment lodging around them or not otherwise hopelessly
fast, a few minutes jarring should start them.
If, after jarring for a'few hours, the tools cannot be released,
the next operation is to jar up and jar down alternately to break
the hold of the fishing socket. If the hold cannot be broken, it
will be necessary again to cut the cable, pull out and string up
another rope socket, short stem or sinker, and a spud, Fig. 82,
or spear. Then by spudding around the tools in the hole it may
be possible to loosen them so that by repea*ting the fishing opera-
tion with another socket both strings of tools may be recovered.
FISHING FOR A BIT OR A ROPE SOCKET
When a bit has unscrewed, or the cable has pulled out of the
rope socket, a combination socket. Fig. 81, is the tool usually
used. This socket is provided with two sets of slips, one set to
engage in the threads of the pin on the bit, the other to take hold
of the barrel or neck of the rope socket. The same outfit of
fishing jars, etc., used with the slip socket may also be used with
the combination socket. In a fishing job of this kind, there is
usually little difficulty in picking up the lost tools and little or
no jarring is necessary. Sometimes, however, in the case of a
lost bit, it may be found that the bit has fallen over against the
wall of the hole in such a position that the socket will not go
over the pin. It is then necessary to run down with a bit hook,;
Fig. 83, to straighten up the bit so the socket will catch it.
HORN SOCKET
The horn socket, which has no slips, but simply takes a friction,
hold, is often successfully used to catch a bit or other single tool
that may be loose in the hole. Horn sockets and slip sockets may
be ■fitted with a detachable bowl, so that one socket can be used in
two or more sizes of hole.
FISHING FOR ROPE SOCKET THAT CANNOT BE CAUGHT
WITH COMBINATION SOCKET, SLIP SOCKET OR
HORN SOCKET
In rare cases, such as the combination socket slips failing to
hold, or owing to the lost tools almost filling a small diameter
hole, so that the other sockets will not go over them, a rope
\
I^i,^: ,,^'8- 84. Fig. 85: Fig. 86. Fig. 87.
Bit Hook Horn Socket Corriigaced Hope Socket' Drive Down
with Bowl Frlrclon Tongue Socket Socket
166 DEEP WELL DRILLING
socket tongue socket, Fig. 86, may answer. This socket has a
tongue, or spear, with a slip that enters the rope socket neck,
taking hold both inside and outside of the rope socket.
FISHING FOR ROPE SOCKET WITH BATTERED NECK
If the top of a rope socket has been battered so that a combina-
tion socket will not take hold, a corrugated friction socket. Fig.
85, xnay catch it. If not, it will be necessary to reduce the neck
of the rope socket with a drive down socket so that the slips in
the combination socket will catch it.
After lost tools have been freed and before pulling out, it is
a good plan to fill the hole for several hundred feet with water,
so that, if the hold of the fishing tool should break, the water will
cushion the fall of the tools.
FISHING FOR A BROKEN STEM
If the pin has broken off, the fishing operation is described
under "Rasping" and "Milling a Pin."
If the stem breaks through the round, the broken part may be
caught with a horn socket, long friction socket or a slip socket.
If the break occurs through the wrench square, a horn socket,
long friction socket, or corrugated friction socket, may catch and
hold it. If none of these will hold, a square socket that will fit
over the broken square may recover it.
A stem seldom breaks through the collar, but if this happens,
a collar socket should be used. If the collar is so large that it al-
most fills the hole, it may be possible to reduce it with a rasp so
that a socket will take hold.
RASPING
For filing oflF the collar of a tool when the pin has broken off,
or to reduce a battered pin or tool/ so a socket will catch it, a
side rasp, or two wing rasp, is used. This tool is what its name
implies and is simply used as a file to rasp off the sides of the tool
until a socket will take hold.
FISHING 167
MILLING A PIN
When a pin has been broken oH of a tool and the lost tool is of
, size that nearly fills the diameter of the hole, so that no socket
Fig. 88. Fig. 89. Fig. 00. Fig. 81. Milling Jack and Wheel Fig. 92.
BldeKagp Two-wing Collur Socket In operation Mililng
Hasp Tool.
will go over it, it can sometimes be recovered by milling a new pin
on it, so a combination socket will take hold,
A milling tool is connected to the bottom of a string of tubing
and let down until the tool rests on the top of the lost tool. A
milling wheel is then clamped to the top of the tubing and is
168 DEEP WELL DRILLING
driven by means of rope transmission from the bull wheel shaft.
The weight of the column of tubing forces the milling tool to
feed down until the pin is cut. The use of a milling jack simpli^
ties a milling job, for the jack sustains the weight and r^^lates
the feed of the tubing.
IMPRESSION BLOCK
If a lost tool cannot be fished out it is a good plan to take an
impression of the pin, or top of the tool. This is done by fitting
a block of wood into the bowl of a horn socket and then pressing
wax or soap in the socket and against the block. It is a good
idea to drive a few nails into the face of the block, as a means of
holding the wax or soap. The socket is then run down on top of
the lost tool and the weight of the tools allowed to rest on it. An
impression in the soft substance in the socket is thus secured.
FISHING FOR BROKEN JARS
Broken jars present several different kinds of fishing jobs.
When the upper half of the jars is brokeir and comes out with
the tools, the lower half may be caught by means of the jar
tongue socket, which is provided with slips that take hold of the
protruding tongue of the lower jar. A boot jack, Fig. 100, or
latch jackj may also be used to catch the lower half of the jars.
If the tongue of the lower jar is broken off, leaving the two
reins protruding, or if the upper part of jars breaks near the
head or crotch, leaving the reins reaching up, they may be caught
with the center jar socket. If one rein is broken off, a jar rein
socket, or side jar socket may take hold.
A single rein of a broken jar may sometimes be fished out with
a horn socket into which has been driven a piece of wood; the
rein catching between the wood and the inside of the socket
bowl.
If both lower reins are broken off near the crotch, a slip socket
or horn socket, is the tool to use.
FISHING 169
RELEASING LOCKED JARS
Sometimes jars stick or "lock;" or a piece of rock or other
substance may lodge against the rope socket, wedging the tools
above the jars so that it is impossible to get a stroke. For this
fishing job a jar bumper is used. This device is operated on the
sand line. It has a U shaped bottom which fits around the cable
and is loosely held by a bolt passing through it. A strain is taken
on the cable, the bumper is clamped on it and lowered until it
reaphes the rope socket, or the object lodged against it; then it is
raised 10 or 12 feet and dropped. A few blows should crush the
wed^ng material, or loosen the jars. The bumper should not be
run too long, for it might batter the rope socket neck. If the
bumper does not release the tools, the cable must be cut and a
fishing socket used.
170 DEEP WELL DRILLING
PISHING FOR LOST BAILER OR SAND PUMP
This is usually a simple operation, for if the bail of the sand
pump or bailer is not broken, it can be caught with a latch jack,
or boot jack. Fig. 100. If the bail is broken off, a sand pump
grab may take hold of it, or if the bailer or pump is considerably
smaller than the hole, a horn socket may catch it. For a bailer
with broken bail, and that nearly fits the hole, a casing spear may
be necessary.
In emergencies a latch jack or sand pump grab can be made
at the well from the upper half of a set of jars.
If all other means fail to extract the lost bailer or sand pump,
it will have to be drilled up and the pieces mixed with the sedi-
ment and removed with the bailer, or sand pump. The electric
magnet is a convenient means of picking up such drilled up
fragments of tools.
FISHING WHERE JOINT HAS UNSCREWED
Where one of the joints in the string of tools has unscrewed
and the situation is discovered before the joint has been drilled
on and battered, it may be possible, by turning the tools, to screw
the joint together, in the well, a sufficient number of threads to
hold until the tools can be pulled out and the joint tightened. If
this is not possible, the dropped tools can probably be recovered
with a combination socket. Should the pin be so battered that
the combination socket will not catch it, other means. herein
described may prove efficacious.
DRILLING PAST LOST TOOLS
When it is impossible to fish out lost tools, the only alternative
is to drill past them. This is done by lowering a whip stock, at-
tached to a sand line, until the bottom of the whip stock rests
on the top of the lost tools. Drilling is then resumed in the
regular way, but the driller should be careful in this operation
that his tools do not slant oflE into a crooked hole. It is some-
FISHING
m
times possible to spud around the lost tools, thus making a recess
in the wall of the hole to receive them, so that, in drilling past,
the hole can be kept straight. After drilling far enough
to be sure the hole is true, the tools are withdrawn and
the whip stock is pulled out.
If, as sometimes happens, the whip stock breaks
away from the sand line, it may be fished out with a whip
stock grab.
' '
■ Pig. 98. Fig. 99. Pig. 100.
;Jar Bumper Bailer or Sand Boot Jack
Pump Grab
172 DEEP WELL DRILUNG
SPEARING AROUND FAST TOOLS
When tools become cemented in the hole by sediment and cut-
tings settling around them, or it they are covered by a caving
wall, they can sometimes be loosened by spudding or spearing
around them. For tools caught in only a few feet of sediment
or cuttings, an 8 or 10 foot spud may answer, but where cavings
have buried them a long spear is necessary. The spear should
be as loi^, or better, a few feet longer than the total length of
the tools. They are usually 50 to 65 feet in length. A spear for
use in 8-inch or smaller holes is made of steel plate 1-inch thick,
and formed convex on the outside and concave inside, in width
about two-thirds the diameter of the hole, A spear, owing to
its length, should be run slowly and carefully that it may not be
bent or sprung. By drilling or spudding around the lost tools,
partly filling the hole with water and occasionally bailing or
pumping out the sediment, it may be possible to clean out the
hole around the tools clear to the bottom. This should loosen
them so they can be recovered by any of the fishing methods here
described.
PISHING FOR CASING
Fig. 104. Fig. 106.
Die CouplinE M. Ac F. Die NIn)le
The parting of a string of casing frequently
presents troublesome fishing jobs. Parted cas-
ing can usually be removed with either a bull
dog or a trip casing spear. The bull dog spear,
as its name implies, takes a bull dog hold which
cannot be broken, except by breaking the spear,
but in this case both the casing and perhaps part
of the spear are left in the hole. When parted
Fo/^rip'^pear casing is known to be free the bull dc^ spear is
FISHING 173
suitable, but if there is any chance that the casing may be fast in
the hole, a trip spear should be used, for, if the casing cannot be
pulled, the slips of the spear can be tripped, releasing its hold, and
it is then drawn out. If the parted casing cannot be jarred loose
and pulled out, it may be possible to connect the upper part of the
string with that which has remained in the hole by means of a case
hardened die nipple, or coupling. These devices are screwed on to
the lower joint of casing. (When the coupling is left on the top
joint of the casing in the hole, the male and female nipple is used,
and when the coupling has been pulled off, the steel coupling is
used to make the connection.) The casing is then lowered until
the nipple or coupling, as the case may be, connects with the lost
casing. It is almost impossible properly to engage the threads of
the parted casing, but the steel nipple or coupling, being hardened,
thread cutting dies, will sometimes cut their way on to the cas-
ing, or into the coupling, so that the string of casing is united.
In calculating the depth of thread that may have been cut by
the die, allowance should be made for the taking up of threads
in the string of casing.
FROZEN CASING
Frozen is the term used by drillers when casing becomes im-
movable owing to cavings lodging against it, or if for any other
reason it becomes fast. This difficulty is often experienced in
soft formations where it is necessary to under-ream the casing
and carry it down as drilling proceeds. If frozen casing cannot
Fisr. 106. Mills Drive Down* Spear
be freed by means of a trip spear and long stroke jars, or by the
use of hydraulic jacks, it may be possible to force or drive it down
by using a drive down trip spear. Fig. 106. This spear has slips
similar to the regular casing spear, except that the teeth are re-
versed, so that they engage in the casing on the downward thrust
of the spear. It should be run with long stroke jars. Casing that
WEilt DRILLING
cannot be pulled can thus, inhiany
cases, be driven as far as it may be
necessary or feasible to force it.
When all other means of pulling
frozen ca3ing have failed, a system
of pulling and jarring, used with
success in California and illustrated
in the accompanying diagram may
prove efficacious. A mandrel substi-
tute is a specially made tool having a
tool box, a mandrel top somewhat
similar to a rope socket neck, but
solid, and between the neck and box
a shoulder, threaded to fit a casing
coupling. The casing spear is
screwed to the box of the substitute,
a casing coupling is fitted to the
threaded shoulder and the coupling
is screwed to the bottom joint of the
fishing string of casing. This outfit
is lowered until the spear has en-
gaged in the frozen casing at the
point where the pulling is to be at-
tempted. Next a slip socket or a
combination socket is strung with
long stroke fishing jars and stem with
rope socket, and the fishing tools are
lowered and a hold secured with the
socket on the mandrel. Thus, with
the solid connection provided by the
spear and the hold with the socket,
combined pulling with hydraulic
jacks on the casing and jarring with
the socket exert a powerful force,
^'fackJ.* sSfanf'MandrS which can be further augmented with
Subalilute'
• Illustration Irom Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 182.
FiSHINtf ifs
a second set of jacks pulliftg on the frozen Casing. This is likely
to result in the parting of the casing, hoWever.
* * The mandrel substitute may also be used to pull frozen cas-
ing broken off or cut off and left in the bottom of the hole. When
this is done, the fishing string of casing may be of the same size
as the lost casing and a short stem or sinker should be connected
between the spear and the substitute, so that, if the top joint of
the casing should be split, the spear may be run dowtt far enough
to secure a firm hold.
A bull dog hold of a casing spear can usually be broken by jar-
ring both ways until the teeth of the slips either are broken or
worn smooth enough for the spear to slip in the pipe.
If the casing can neither be pulled nor driven, it is possible to
save that portion of it that may be above the point where the
freeze occur^-ed. This can sometimes be determined by sounding
with a weight and line outside the casing. If the casing has been
under-reamed and there is n<5t sufficient space between the cas-
ing and wall of the hole for sounding, the point of the freeze may
be located by running a drive down spear and testing for vibra-
tion. No vibration will be felt until the spear is above the freeze.
A casing cutter is then lowered to a point just above the freeze
and the casing is cut and removed.
The Jones casing cutter is lowered on tubing to the point where
it is desired to cu^t the casing. The tubing is first turned a half
turn to the, left to set the spi^ings or braces that hold the cutter in
position;. it is then turned to the right until the casing has been
cut. This cutter has a mandrel that operates automatically by
the weight of the tubing.
The California style casing cutter is used for cutting heavy
California casing. It is lowered on tubing to the point at which
the casing is to be cut, and the jar and mandrel are lowered on
a rope inside the tubing. The mandrel enters an opening in the
cutter and iis jarred down to back up the cutter blocks as the clit-
ter wheels ciit into the casing.
••Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 182, Casingr Troubles and Fishinff
Methods in oil ^ells, by Thonias Gurtin.
176 DEEP WELL DRILLING
To continue the well, it is then necessary to reduce to the next
size smaller casing that will go down inside the casing left in the
hole.
When conditions pennit, that part of the casing above the bot-
Fla. 108.
"iMan^l and Jan
torn of the next size larger casing may be cut off and recovered
{excepting the water string.) When this is done, the casing that
has been cut should either be belled out to fit the next size or a
casing adapter. Fig, 111, should be lowered over the top of the cut
FISHING 177
off casing, to guide the tools on entering it. This practice is fol-
lowed in California.
Occasionally in diverse ways, casing is collapsed ; by the pres-
sure of water surrounding it, a boulder lodging against it, the
caving in of the wall of the hole, or by reason of its own weight.
It usually can be swaged out straight by running a swage through
it.
Tig. 111. Adapter Fig. 112. Swage Ftg. lia. Roller Swase
An improved roller swage. Fig. 113, with a series of rollers
mounted in it, would probably swage out casing that was badly
collapsed or dented where the old style swage might fail.
A swage should be run with long stroke fishing jars. In swag-
ing out collapsed casing, it is a good plan, if the tools are availa-
ble, first to run a sw^e several sizes smaller than the casing, then
run the next lai^er size and so on until a swage fitting the casing
will go through it.
If casing cannot be swaged true, the only remedy is to pull it, if
178 DEEP WELL. DRILLING
possible, and remove the .collapsed pieces. If this cannot be done
by using double and triple snatch blocks, which will provide 5
lines to increase the. leverage and reduce the strain, then it may
be necessary to employ hydraulic jacks. ■ Two 100-ton jacks
should be powerful enough either to start the casing or part it.
Fig. 114. PuUing Casing with Hydraulic Jacks and Elevators
A drive pipe or casing ring with wedges or slips should be ^et
to hold the casing, and the jacks set, one on each side, under the
ring. After the casing has been released, it can be pulled in .the
usual way.
If drive pipe ring with wedges is not available, the jacks may be
set under the ears of the elevators. When this is done ^ firm
foundation of heavy timbers should be provided for the jacks
FISHING
179
and they should be set at a slight an^e toward the pipe. (See
Fig. No. 114.)
SIDETRACKING CASING
Occasionally, particularly in the California fields, operators
have drilled past and sidetracked casing that has been broken off
and left in the hole. This could hardly be accomplished in hard
formations, however. An eccentric or enlarging bit, dressed out
on one side more than on the other could be used for this pur-
pose. *
SHOOTING CASING
When it is desired to pull casing in the Mid-continent fields it is
the practice to shoot it off with a charge of nitro-glycerin. This
is done by lowering on a length of squib wire a casing squib,
fitted with wire wickers that project upward.
When the point in the casing at which it is
desired to shoot is reached, the wire is pulled
up, causing the wickers of the squib to engage
in the coupling. The shot is exploded by drop-
ping a weight as described under Shooting,
page 317. The explosion usually breaks the
coupling, but otherwise does not injure the
casing and that portion of it above the shot
can be recovered.
When it is desired to pull casing that may
be fast owing to sand pumpings, sediment or
cavings lodging against it, a casing splitter.
Fig. 116, is sometimes usefl. This tool is
equipped with a mandrel with spring and a
friction loop. The spring on the mandrel is
set and the loop is pushed up against the body
of the tool before it enters the casing, thus preventing the knife
from cutting. When the tool has reached the point at which it is
desired to split, it is pulled up a few inches, causing the Ipop to
hold or drag in the casing sufficiently to -trip the knife or cutter.
^17. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin 182, Casing: Troubles and Fishingr
Methods in Oil Wells, pp. 27-29, by Thomas Curtin^
Fig. 115.
CasinsT Squib
180 DEEP WELL DRILLING
By jarring down the casing is then split, allowing the sediment to
flow in through the slots. The splitter may also be used in lieu
of a perforator by cutting shorter slots and being careful
not to split the couplings.
FISHING FOR TOOLS IN A CAVING HOLE
When tools have become fast owing to the wall of
hole caving in against them, the ordinary fishing proc-
esses may serve to a^ravate the difficulty by causing
further caving. In such cases, a casing bowl and slips
operated on a string of casing have been used with suc-
cess. It is first necessary to cut the cable. The casing
bowl is then screwed to a joint of casing of a size that
will go down the hole and also go over the tools. Addi-
tional joints of casing are added until the bowl reaches
the lost tools. The slips are then lowered
on a string of smaller pipe until they en-
gage with the rope socket. The casing is
next pulled up until the taper in the bowl
causes the slips to take a firm hold. A
solid connection with the fast tools is thus
secured, and by using either double and
'riple blocks, or hydraulic jacks, or both,
ihe casing and tools may be released.
The Kessleman Casing Bowl, Fig. 117,
is sometimes used for the purpose of ex-
cluding water from the casing while fish-
FiB 118 ''^^" ^* '^ equipped with a rubber gasket
silitte^r around the bottom, so that when it is low-
ered upon the , tools, the gasket makes
water-tight connection, and the water above the bowl
can then be bailed out; thus, with the water pressure
removed, making it easier for the fishing tools, and
particularly the jars, to work. caBing Bowl
FISHING
181
FISHING FOR UNDER-REAHER CUTTERS,
PIECES OF STEEL THAT ARE DRILLED
UP AND OTHER SHALL OBJECTS
The "Helrazer" electric magnet fishii^ tool is
O recommended for picking out
such small pieces, and the manu-
facturers' circular states that the
magnet will lift out a bit pro-
vided it is not fast in the hole.
This device derives its Hfting
power from current furnished
• by aeroplane non spill storage-
batteries, contained within the
Fi». 119. **^ol. It is operated on a rope
socket, or stem, and is run in the
hole the same as any other fishing
tool. It is equipped with a simple
switch that is closed by the im-
pact of the tool when it strikes
bottom, or by a light up-stroke
with the jars. The batteries may
be recharged from a derrick
lighting generator.
LIFTING CAPACITIES OF HEL-
RAZEB BLECTBIO MAGNET
FISHING TOOLS
Size Hole (or, Inches.
4% B a/16 a . S% 814 10 1214
lAttlne Capuclty, Founds.
SOO 1000 1500 ITDO 3000 EOOO TEOD
Attachment
Fie. 120.
Magnetic Slip
Catcher ^j^j^ ^^^ ^^ accomplished by
simply dropping in the hole a number of glass bot-
tles and running the tools on them until the rubber
has been sufficiently cut to pieces so that it can be
removed with the bailer or sand pump.
182 DEEP WELL DRILLING
FISHING FOR LOST TEMPER SCREW BALLS, SET
' SCREWS, ETC. ^
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ . • • ' . " <-
Such small objects are difficult to drill up and may injure the
bit. They may be picked lip by making a thick paste of cracked
grain mixed with water. This dropped down the hole will envelop
the small objects and the mass can be caiight in the bailer. The
"Helrazer" electric magnet tool is a good device for picking up
such small pieces.
FISHING OUT TOOLS AND CASING TOGETHER
Occasionally the tools become lodged in the casing in such a
way that they cannot be jarred nor fished out, and it may be neces-
sary to remove the casing and tools. If, as sometimes happens,
the casing cannot be started with elevators, hydraulic jacks are
necessary. After the casing has been started and the first joint
has been pulled out and unscrewed, it will then be necessary to
"strip it," as the drillers say, over the cable. This is a tedious
process and consists of removing the cable from the bull wheel
shaft and passing it through each joint of casing. As the casing
is pulled, joint by joint must thus be stripped, until the casing
above the point where the tools have lodged in it and tools have
been removed.
. USE OF ACID
When tools are stuck in limestone and they cannot be spudded
free, they may sometimes be successfully released by the use of
muriatic acid, which acts upon the limestone and dissolves it.
Acid will not be effective on any other rock formation except
limestone or dolomites;
(
V
MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR FISHING
Fishing for lost tools should be done slowly, carefully: and with
the correct tool for the peculiar fishing job undertaken.
In running an jr socket or fishing tool it should be remembered
that there is a chance of leaving the. fishing tools in the hole on
top of the lost tools, thus further complicating the situation.
FISHING 183
Therefore lower the fishing outfit slowly, keeping accurate rec-
ord of the exact depth at which the lost tools are lodged and
knowing how much cable to run out to reach them. When ap-
proaching the lost tools, slow down and feel the way inch
.by inch until the fishing tool lands on the lost tools. Then
let out a little slack in the cable, sufficient to allow the fishing tool
to settle over the lost tool, take a gentle strain to see if the tool
has taken hold and pull out if possible. If the tools cannot be
moved, jar up a few strokes and if this does not break the hold
or move the tools it may be safe to jar up, using longer and more
powerful strokes, until the tools are released.
If, after several attempts, the socket does not take hold, let
out slack until the jars strike, and then jar down lightly; this
may force the fishing tool over the lost tools and cause it to take
hold.
When the tools are free and, upon pulling out, they again
lodge, instead of heavily jarring up on them in an effort to start
them, jar down and force them back a few feet. Thus, by alter-
nately jarring down and then up you may be able to get them out.
When it is impossible to make the slips of the fishing socket
catch or hold on the lost or broken tool, a hold can sometimes be
secured by dropping a piece of carpet down the hole or pack-
ing it into the fishing socket in such a way that it will form a fric-
tion contact between the slips and the lost tool when the socket
goes over it.
CHAPTER V
ROTARY PROCESS OF DRILLING
The hydraulic rotary system of drilling has been employed for
many years in the drilling of comparatively shallow water wells
through soft formations. The use of the rotary system for drill-
ing deep oil wells, however, dates from the successful drilling of
the famous Spindle Top gusher near Beaumont, Texas, by
Captain J. F. Lucas in the year 190L The outfit he used was
light and, as measured by present standards, very crude, and the
fact that he was able to finish the well with it at all marked his
work as an engineering feat. Indeed it opened a new epoch in
deep drilling in alluvial deposits, and made possible the develop-
ment of the Gulf Coastal fields of the United States and the
fields of many foreign countries. The continuous development
of and improvement in rotary drilling methods and equipment
have resulted in the wide use of this system and it has superseded
cable tools in practically every field where the formations can
be penetrated by the rotary process.
The hydraulic rotary process consists of rotating a column of
drill pipe, to th.e bottom of which is attached a rotary drilling
bit, and, during the operation, circulating through the pipe a
current of mud laden fluid, under pressure, by means of special
slush pumps. The circulation of the mud fluid performs the
three-fold service of washing up the cuttings outside the drill
pipe ; plastering up the wall of the hole, thus preventing caving,
and by the mudding process (elsewhere described) sealing up
water and gas bearing formations, preventing the escape of these
elements, when desired.
The hole is drilled by the cable process by the rising and
falling of the tools, pounding and fracturing the rock ; the rotary
process drills the hole by the bit rubbing or boring into the forma-
tion, aided by the circulating fluid. Fewer strings of casing are
184
ROTARY DRILLING
187
required with the rotary process of drilling than with the cable
tool method, the mudding of the walls serving the purpose, to a
certain extent, of casing.
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
GULF COAST ROTARY RIG— 112 FT. DERRICK
WITH 24-FOOT BASE. (Refer to Fig. 121.)
Pieces, Size, Inches Lenffth, Feet.
2 Engrine Mud SiUs 16 z 16 16
2 Bngrine Pony SiHs 14 z 14 10
1 Engrine Block : 18 x 24 12
4 Side Sills C 10 z 10 26
6 Derrick Sills Q 8 z 10 24
2 Casingr Sills H 8 z 10 26
2 Foundation Sills K 8x10 26
6 Corner Sills D and Blocking • 8 z 10 16
1 Bumper J 8 z 10 12
2 Gin Poles L. 4 x 6 14
38 Derrick Floor, Girts, Top, etc 2 x 12 24
32 Girts and Doublers 2 x 12 20
34 Derrick Corners 2 z 12 16
20 Starting: Less, Girts, Top, etc t 2 z 10 18
66 Less, Doublers and Girts 2 x 10 16
8 Girts 2 X 10 14
8 First Braces 2 z 8 24
16 Second and Third Braces 2 z 8 22
12 A Braces, Top, etc 2 z 8 20
41 Legrs, etc 2 z 8 16
14 Braces 2z 6 20
16 Braces 2 z 6 18
8 Braces 2 x 6 16
16 Braces 2 z 6 14
8 Braces 2 z 6 12
14 Ladder 2 x 4 16
8 Top Braces 1 x 6 16
10 Ladder Strips 1 x 4 16
50 Boards 1 x 12 16
4 20-inch Derrick Pulleys.
100 Lbs. 30d Nails.
200 Lbs. 20d Nails.
25 Lbs. lOd Nails.
4 %-inch X 24-inch Mch. Bolts with Washers.
2 %-inch X 11-foot D. E. Bolts with Washers.
Extra or Wind Girts and Braces
6 Outside Girts 2
4 Outside Girts 2
4 Outside Girts 2
4 Outside Girts 2
8 Outside Braces 2
8 Outside Braces 2
16 Outside Braces 2
8 Outside Braces 2
For deep rotary drilling, derricks 106 to 130 feet in height
are used, thus providing space for handling "stands," so-called,
of drill pipe consisting of four or five joints instead of three.
This enables the driller to run in and pull out the drill pipe and
drill the hole in much less time.
X 12
22
X 12
20
X 12
18
X 12
14
X .8
28
X 8
24
z 8
22
X 8
20
188 DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA ROTARY RIG— 106 FT. DERRICK
WITH 24.FOOT BASE.
Pieces Size, Inches Lengrth, Feet
2 Engrine Mud Sills 16 x 16 16
2 Engine Pony Sills 14 x 14 12
1 Engine Block 24 x 24 14
2 Side Sills 12 x 12 26
8 Derrick Sills 10 x 12 24
2 Casingr. Sills / 14 x 14 24
5 Corner Sills and Blocking 12x12 20
2 Bumpers and Gin Poles 12x12 14
2 Blocking 8 x 10 20
2 Dead Men 6 x 6 20
6 Pump Foundation 6 x 6 18
3 Outside Drill Pipe and Crown Railing 4x4 14
20 Derrick Foundation 3 x 12 18 .
52 Girts, Derrick and Pump House Floor and
Doublers 2x12 24
4. Girts ; 2 X 12 22
4 Girts 2 X 12 20
16 Girts and Outside Drill Pipe Platform 2 x 12 18
40 Doublers, Girts and Top 2x12 16
8 Outside Drill Pipe Platform and Top 2 x 12 14
4 Starting Legs 2 x 10 26
4 Short Starting Legs 2 x 10 18
42 Derrick Legs 2x10 16
4 Outside Drill Pipe Platform 2 x 8 16
8 Braces 2 x 6 24
16 Braces 2 x 6 22
8 Braces 2 x 6 20
20 Braces and Outside Drill Pipe Platform.... 2x6 18
2 Crown Railing , 2 x 6 16
34 Ladder, and to cut up 2x 4 16
20 Girts , 1% X 12 16
8 Braces 1% x 6 16
16 Braces 1% x 6 14
16 Braces 1 % x 6 12
40 Ladder Strips, etc 1x6 16
50 Boards 1 x 12 16
1 Steel Crown Block with 5 Pulleys.
100 Pounds 30d Nails.
250 Pounds 20d Nails.
25 Pounds lOd Nails.
4 %-inch X 24-inch Mch. Bolts with Washers.
2 %-inch X 11-foot D. E. Bolts with Washers.
'Add for reinforcing corners:
«f 6 X 6 12
24 6 X 6 16
Add for outside or wind braces:
4 Outside Girts 2 x 12 24
8 Outside Girts 2 x 12 22
4 Outside Girts 2 x 12 18
4 Outside Girts 2x12 14
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 28
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 24
16 Outside Braces 2 x 8 22
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 20
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 16
ROTARY DRILLING
189
p5-0-i
Lxiddar Side
Orow WorKjt S'6e
Pomp Sid**
WMiNaiOX
a
Pig-. 122. Diagrram of Carnegrie 86-Foot Structural Steel Rotary Derrick.
The Carnegrie Steel Co. makes this derrick in five si«es, 59 feet, 72 feet,
80 feet, 86 feet and 106 feet in heigrht.
Refer to pages 375-377 for safe working loads for derricks.
DEEP WELL DRILUNG
ROTARY DRILLING
192 DEEP WELL DRILLING
RIG .
The rig for rotary drilling consists of a derrick and the neces-
sary rotary machinery, no bull wheels and walking beam being
required. The sand reel is not used for there is no means of
operating it. The sand line is spooled on the draw works drum,
sometimes being wound over the casing or drilling line. A steel
crown block is usually used.
Erecting the derrick, refer to Fig. 121.
If the ground where the derrick is to be built is not level the
pump side should face toward the downward slope to secure the
advantage of the drainage for the slush trench, see Fig. 156.
The derrick corners, consisting of two courses of 2 x 12-inch
boards, eight feet in length, are first laid. Half way between
each corner foiir pieces of 2 x 12-inch boards three feet in
length are spaced one foot apart. The comer sills D, and the
short side sills* are placed on these 2 x 12-inch footings. Next
the casing sills and derrick side sills are put in place. The
engine mud sills are set so the ends will abut against the side
sill, the engine pony sills are placed on the mud sills, and the
engine block mounted on them. The engine block and sills are
framed and keyed as shown in Fig. 149.
In placing. the side sills a margin of two and one quarter inches
should be left between the end of one sill and the sill on which
it rests at each corner to provide a shoulder or base for the end
of the leg timbers.
Description of the erection of a standard derrick on page 47
will answer also for the rotary derrick. The derrick floor sills
are next placed and the derrick floor and engine walk are laid.
Some rotary derricks are built with the' floor extended four feet,
so the pumps can be installed outside the derrick. When this is
done, the two derrick side sills should be four feet longer, see Fig. 123.
One or more platforms must be provided in the upper part of
the derrick on which the man who handles the elevators, when
pulling out or running in drill pipe, may stand. The 112-foot
derrick usually has two platforms, consisting of three 2-inch
planks extending across the derrick on the side opposite the
:ing on the fifth and
ver platform is used
lisconnecting the drill
lists of a draw works
hain belt from the en-
:d by chain belt from
draw works; a drill
with hose, and two
ie circulation. Other
if drilling line with
strapped "C" hook,
itively few years that
been used for drilling
i, there has been con-
n the character of the
it of these improved
~ool Company's Shaft
insisting of a draw
haft with bevel gears,
e rotary, driven by a
'Under engine. The
with the chain from
shaft to the rotary,
danger to the driller,
ution in well drilling
machinery, see Fig.
127.
RIGGING UP
After the derrick
has been erected
and the steel crown
block with four,
• five or six casing
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Compound Bnglna t
Flc- 1ST. Shaft driven rotary outfit.
ROTARY DRILLING 195
pulleys (according to depth of well and quantity of drill
pipe or casing to be handled) has been put in place, — ^the
crown block may be taken apart and the several I beams
and pulleys that compose it carried to the top of • the der-
rick, one piece at a time, and there re-assembled — ^the upright
timbers that carry the draw works are fitted to the derrick sills
and girt, and the draw works and line shaft are mounted pn them.
The rotary is then placed in the exact center of. the derrick floor,
a portion of which is cut away so the rotary skids rest on the
floor sills. The engine is set close to the derrick in such a manner
that the sprocket wheel on the end of the shaft (corresponding
to the belt pulley) will be in alignment with the drive sprocket
on the draw works line or drive shaft. These two sprockets are
then connected with forty feet of steel sprocket chiin. Next the
drive shaft sprockets are belted to the high and lowi speed
sprockets on the drum shaft by means of two steel sprocket
chains, and to the clutch sprocket on the rotary with another steel
chain.
The two slush pumps are then set on one side of the derrick,
at a right angle to the draw works (see Fig. 123) and the dis-^
charge end of each pump is connected to the manifold. The
two stand pipes are next set up in the derrick and screwed into
flange unions in the manifold. A thirty-foot length of wire
wound rubber hose is connected by means of a special hose
nozzle or coupling to each stand pipe. With the latest improved
water swivels, some rotary drillers are now using but one swivel,
instead of two, requiring only a single stand pipe from the mani-
fold. A suction pipe is connected to each pump, and a foot valve
with strainer is fitted to each suction pipe. The suction pipes
should be long enough to extend out into the sump, or slush pit,
containing the mud fluid supply.
Two five hundred-pound gauges should be connected to the
manifold, one for each slush pump, to register the pump pres-
sures, for should the circulation be obstructed, the pressure
would quickly rise to a point where something might give way.
One 2-Qt. Sight Feed lubricator should be connected to upright
196
DEEP WELL DRILLING
steam line leading from the boiler to horizontal line over pumps.
Sometimes two boilers are used with rotary outfits, one to run
the engine, the other to supply steam for the slush pumps, the
2*'X20'PIPe
2:^-CLLS 1 I I Ff4X4'NlP) I
•2'/.'0ART UNION 1^~^^
2/4- HOSE
^ COURJNG
n
2VX6-NIPPLE-
WC3K=TV
P=c:?-2V0 0 GATE VAO/t
3*I.B.&ATC VALVE
i'tLL
3/. 2^ SWCDGtNlPPLL
J" CART UNION
\ XJ'*— 3X4-NIPPLE.
\ ^4>3'BUSHINC- •
1— PUMP
/ a-TTi ^ DART UNION
|to-2'i;^0N c
DERRICK FLOOR
FOOT VALVE
Figr. 128. Diagram of manifold and suction connections of slush pumps.
water supply pump and the lighting generator. To insure a con-
stant water supply, for the boilers and for drilling purposes,
a boiler feed steam pump should be included with every rotary
outfit. .' '
The boiler is set up about 100 feet from and usually on the
ROTARY DRILLING 197
side of the derrick opposite the engine and if oil or gas fuel is
used, the fuel supply connections are made. Water and steam
conections are then made between the boiler, engine, pumps and
turbine generator. The derrick is then wired for electric lights.
The lighting consists of a series of lamps strung around the
first girt to light the derrick floor, lamps above the platforms
for the man in the derrick at the fifth and ninth girts, lamps on
the crown block and, if needed, a lamp at the boiler. The engine
Fig, 129. Slush Pump.
reverse lever and the throttle telegraph wheel are mounted in the
derrick at places convenient to the driller's reach.
A ,sump or slush pit with adjoining settling pit for the mud
mixture with connecting trenches from the drill hole are dug
and diked up, refer to Fig. 156.
The drilling crew consists ol five men for each of the two
tours or shifts; the driller, the tool dresser and fireman, the
man who works up in the derrick and two men for general work,
such as helping on the derrick floor, mixing the mud, repairing,
198 DEEP WELL DRILLING
The drilling line is spooled on the drum shaft and reeved
through the four sheave traveling block and over the casing
pulleys. The usual practice in stringing the drillii^ line is to
place the block on the derrick floor and loop the line around each
of the sheaves,' allowing the loop from each sheave to extend
from the block about 10 feet from the hecket, or upper end.
Fig, 130. Double brake, two-speed draw workH.
The block is then fastened to the cat line and carried up through
the derrick into working position. The pulleys are removed
from the crown block, and one loop of the drilling line at a time
is passed between the beams of the crown block and over the
pulleys, which are then replaced in the crown block. A strapped
"C" hook is engaged in the shackle of the block and the bail of
the swivel. Next the swivel is screwed to the upper sub of the
drill stem; a sub is screwed to the lower end of the drill stem,
and a drilling bit, conforming to the size of the hole it is desired
ROTARY DRILLING 199
to drill, is screwed into the sub. One of the lengths of hose from
the manifold is connected to the swivel and the outfit is then hoisted
in the derrick and is let down through the opening in the rotary
table. The rotary driver is fitted around the stem or the grip-
ping rings are adjusted to it, depending upon the type of rotary
used, and the outfit is ready to commence drilling. Next a quan-
tity of clay and water is mixed in the slush pit to the consistency
of a thin mortar to provide mud-laden fluid for drilling. (For
more detailed information regarding mud fluid refer to pages
236-248.)
The engine is started ; the clutch on the drive shaft is engaged,
and the rotary table turns, rotating the stem and bit. The slush
pump is then started; the gate valve in the manifold is opened
and the stream of mud flows through the drill stem. When the
drill stem has drilled its length, the rotary is stopped, the hoisting
drum clutch is engaged and the stem is hoisted through the
rotary table opening, and, if a flat top rotary is used, the driving
device is pulled up, as the stem comes out, and removed. Next
the bit is unscrewed from the stem and a drill collar is connected
to the bit. The block and "C" hook are removed from the swivel
and engaged in the links of the elevators, with which a length of
drill pipe is hoisted and set in between the sub on the stem and
the drill collar on the bit. The outfit is again lowered through
the opening in the rotary table and drilling is resumed. As drill-
ing proceeds and hole is made to the extent of the length of the
drill stem, the operation of pulling out and adding a joint of drill
pipe is repeated. A set of slips that grip and support the pipe left
in the hole is fitted in the opening in the rotary table, the rotary
and slips serving the same purpose as the spider and slips used
in cable drilling. Drilling tool taper joints are often used to
connect each third or fourth length of drill pipe to prevent the
wearing or loosening of the pipe threads and to avoid the difficulty
occasioned by freezing of the pipe threads. The Hughes Tool
Joint, Fig'. 131, is a recent improvement over the ordinary tool
joint, for the threads are flattened, thus minimizing the danger of
freezing or "hooking."
DEEP- WELL.DRH.UNG
; The accompanying illustration of the interior ■
of a derrick shows the operation of "breaking,
joiitv" or unscrewing; the joints of 6-inch drill
;pipe, using special breaking out tongs for the.
■purpose.
Tool joints are used with the taper pjn on the
. bottom of the joint of drill pipe and the box on
the lopi thus conforming to the thread and. coup-
ling ends of the pipe.
* When unscrewing, or "breaking," the joints of
drill pipe a special breaking out tongs. Fig 132j4,
is used for the upper tongs. It is suspended from
a wire rope in the derrick and counterbalanced,
. and, by means of. a clevis in ihe end of the
Fig. 131. Hi^es
Tool Jolut
handle, it is shackled
with a piece of stout
wire rope, to the cor-
ner of the derrick.
An ordinary chain
tongs, whose handle
engages with the
breaking out post pro-
truding from 'the ro-
tary table, is used for
the lower tongs. Thus, '
with one wrench an-
chored by its rope to
the derrick corner
and the other turned
by the movement of
ROTAR¥ DRILLING 201:
the rotary a powerful force fox .breaking the-joints, which have
been made exceedingly light. by the rotation of the pipe in drilling,
is secured.
When a rotary with driver and slips is used one set of ele-
vators, the set used up in the derrick only, is required. When
the rotary equipped with gripping rings is used, the lower set of
elevators is needed to hold the pipe and the elevators are sup-
ported on the slide tongs. Fig. 133.
Fig. 133. Slide Tongs.
The engine and rotary are not used in setting up rotary pipe
or tool joints, for the reason that the twisting of the pipe during
dt-illing tends to tighten thetli;
■ The breaking out process is not employed for unscrewing the
202 DEEP WELL DRILLING
rotary bit. It is started by striking it a few blows with a sledge ;
then it is unscrewed by means of chain tongs pulled by a Manila
rope from the cat head.
BREAKING JOINTS OP DRILL PIPE
For quickly breaking joints of drill pipe and to prevent injury
to the threads, drillers sometimes bring the dead end of the drill-
ing line, after it has been reeved over the pulleys in the crown
block and the three sheaves in the traveling block, down to a
comer of the derrick and make it fast around a sill. To the
dead line at a point about twenty feet above the derrick floor, a
short piece of rope is attached with a counter-weight at the der-
rick end sufficiently heavy to balance the weight of the one or
more joints of drill pipe that are unscrewed. Thus the weight
lifts the pipe out of the coupling the moment the last thread is
unscrewed and prevents the threads from riding around in the
top of the coupling. The Wigle Spring Casing Hook has recently
come into use for this purpose j the spring performing the func-
tion of the counter-weight.
When drilling gumbo or soft material, the rotary bit does not
readily become dulled and it may drill for twelve hours or more,
but in drilling harder shales and sandstones, the bit must be
changed frequently. When the drill pipe is withdrawn, it is
unscrewed at the tool joints and the "stands," each consisting of
three or more lengths of pipe, are stood on the pump side of the
derrick. As the pipe comes from the hole a stream of clear
water should be played on it to wash off mud and cuttings.
When it is desired to verify a suspected strike of oil or gas,
it is necessary to set the casing, bail out the mud filled hole! and
perhaps wash it out with clear water.* For bailing, the sand line
is wound on the draw works drum and carried over the sand
line pulley. The hole may be bailed out with a long bailer,
usually 40 feet in length, in the ordinary way, or the fluid may
more quickly be removed by plugging the hole in the bit and
running in the string of drill pipe, thus, by displacement, expell-
* For description of method of washlngr the hole and the oil sand
in wells drilled by the rotary system* refer to page 862.
ROTARY DRILUNG 203
ing most of the fluid from the hole. The fluid then remaining in
the hole, however, must be bailed out.
Washing the sand is accomplished by circulating clear water
with the slush pump,
refer to page 352.
It sometimes hap-
pens in the course of
rotary drilling that
the driller "loses his
mud." This may
occur in drilling
through a cavern or
porous formation into
which the mud es-
capes. About all the
driller can do in this
case is to increase his
supply of mud, work
it to a thicker" con-
sistency, and pump it
into the hole until the
aperture is filled, or
the formation is
cemented and sealed.
When a boulder is _, ,^, _ _
'.'.&-•<'''- » UI.I—.B "" -i"—"'." wpull drill pipe.
encountered drillers
usually continue rotating the pipe until the boulder has been dis-
lodged. If the boulder is too large to be removed, it may be
drilled through with adamantine or with a Hughes bit. Ada-
mantine is a hard, abrasive substance, which, dropped in the
hole around the bit, assists it in cutting hard rock.
Sometimes during drilling in clayey or sticky strata, the bit
becomes clewed or mudded. If this should happen, raising and
lowering the column of drill pipe a few times should clear it,
The drillers call this operation "spudding."
When drillit^ in soft or caving strata and it becomes ncces-
5m deep well drilling
sary for Sny reason to stop drilling, it is a good plan to raise and
lower, or spud the column of drill pipe occasionally to prevent
ils freezii^. Should it be necessary to make repairs to or shut
down the draw works, so that pipe cannot be spudded, circulation
df the fluid should be maintained.
Usu^ly the draw works or hoist is equipped with two speeds ;
the high speed is used for handling a short column of drill pipe
and for, more quickly hoisting the block and elevators when put-
ting in pipe, the low speed for handling long strings of pipe,
putting in casing, etc. For more speedily handling short strings
of pipe only two sheaves of the block are employed, and as the
hole deepens and the string of pipe grows heavier, the third and,
next, if a quadruple block is used, the fourth sheave is brought
into play. The strapped C hook is used at all times, but the
casing hook is only used for putting in and pulling out drill
pipe, and is dispensed with for drilling.
For drilling the soft alluvial formations, the
ordinary rotary or "fishtail" bit is used. When,
as often happens, a thin shell of harder forma-
tion is encountered, it may be penetrated by
dropping in the hole a little adamantine, which,
ground into the rock by the rotating bit, assists
in cutting it.
For drilling alternating soft formations and
hard shale or sandstone, the Hughes rotary
rock drill bits are recommended. These
bits will cut limestone, although it clogs the
cutters; but where thick strata of limestone
occur, interbedded with softer formations, the
combination rotary and cable tool outfit is more
suitable.
The Hughes reaming cone bit. Fig. 136, is
recommended by the manufacturer for drilling
hard rock; It is stated that it will drill from 12 inches to 25 feet
per hour, depending on the character of the rock, and one set of
cones will make from 5 to 200 feet of hole. The results obtained
■■ROi^ARY'DRfLIitbrC?? '205
: ^tom this tool will depeftd upon' the skill of the
driller for;, to attain the- best performarice, it
should "be run at a speed and with a pressure
suited to the formation being drilled. (See
table of limits of weight bits should carry.)
Hughes bit cones
have a tendency to
wear so they may
soon become off
gauge and it is to
keep the hole out
to full size that the
upper reaming cone
is provided. These
bits are equipped
with a lubricating
attachment for
feeding oil to the
cones as an aid to
drilling.
Sectional cut.
Fig. 137, shows the
convex seat cut by
the bit, thus guid-
ing it and keeping
the hole straight.
206
DEEP WELL DRILLING
DRILLING WEIGHTS RECOMMENDED FOR HUGHES BITS.
EXPERIENCE HAS PROVEN THAT THE FOLLOWING
WEIGHTS GIVE GOOD DRILLING RESULTS ON
VARIOUS SIZED BITS:
SixeBit.
Wt. on Bit,
Sbe Bit.
Wt. on Bit»
Inches
Pounds
Inches
Pounds
2H
2.870
7H
8.650
2H
3.480
7H
9.270
3H
4.700
7H
9.560
4H
5.910
8K
10:300
5H
6.670
9
11.000
SH
7.140
9H
12.000
6H
7.900
USE LESS WEIGHT AND MORE SPEED FOR EXTREMELY
HARD FORMATIONS
This table is based upon full limit of weigrht. Caution is advised
in exceeding weights sriven in above table.
The Fair's or the side gate types of elevators are quite gen-
erally used for rotary drilling, for the
reason that the pulling and running in
of drill pipe consumes much time, and
elevators must be put on, taken off 01
adjusted as rapidly as possible.
The man up in the derrick can
quickly put on or take off Fair's or
side gate elevators, but the other types
have to be adjusted to the pipe, which
requires more time.
There are several improved side gate
elevators now on the market, such as
the Lucey Company's Rex Elevator,
which can be quickly opened or closed.
Wells drilled with a rotary are some-
times drilled into an oil producing for-
mation without warning. It is best to
be prepared, therefore, and an extra
heavy gate valve, several nipples and a
tee with plugs to fit tfie casing used
Piic. 188. Rex Side Gate should be kept On hand ready for use in
Elevators with Ions Hnks .« ^ «„^^x ^r j j n r -i
for rotary drilling. ^^^ ^^ent Of a sudden flow of Oil or gas.
ROTARY DRILLING ZO
FISHING
Lost Bit.—
The usual practice in rotary drilling when a bit is lost is
simply to drill past it and make no effort to recover
it. Perhaps the simplest method to recover a lost bit
would be by means of the recently invented electric
magnet.
Lost or Parted Drill Pipe.—
Pipe left in the hole can usually be
fished out with a washdown spear,
which is run on a string of drill pipe.
This spear is equipped with a bit for
cutting mud or cavings that have
lodged above and in the pipe. When
drill pipe has parted at the tool joint,
a steel tap with a taper thread to en-
gage in the box of the joint is run
on drill pipe to recover it.
Lost or Parted Casing. —
Either a washdown spear, as above
described, or an overshot is used.
The overshot is a device that goes
over the lost casing or drill pipe and
it is fitted with spring latches to en-
gage under the coupling of the pipe.
Pig, 140. If the drill pipe or the casing can-
OTerehot. jj^^ y^ recovered with a spear or over-
shot, drillers usually force it over into the wall of the
hole and drill past it or, as they say, "sidetrack it."
FiK. 139. Frozen Casing or Drill Pipe. —
down Frozen pipe is released by rotating a column of
pipe of large enough diameter to go down over the
couplings of the frozen pipe. To the bottom of this pipe is
attached a rotary cutting shoe. Fig. 141.
208 DEEP WELL DRILLING
When the pipe has been releas^ both strings are pulled to-
gether. Circulation must be kept up during this process.
Cones Dropped from a
Hughes Bit.— ' .
Either a basket ..icage or an
electric magnet -fishing ^ tool
should pick them up.
Cutting the Casing.— t
A string of drill pipe or tub-
ing, to the. bottom of whicli is
Fig. m. Rolary Shoe. , , t-v ^
attached a rotary ^casing cutter,
is rotated until the casing is cut off. A' mandrel with
jars, Fig. 143, is lowered on a sand line to expand
the cutting wheels. ,
Most rotary fishing tools are used with a
column of drill pipe and circulation is main-
tained to prevent the hole from caving.
Cementing the Casing. —
Owing to the fact that casing set in soft
formations may not hold, or that gas or oil
might break out around it, it is customary to
cement the casing in wells drilled with a i''8-i42.
-, . . . Rotary
rotary. See instructions for cementmg casiBg
processes, pages 301-315. - '^"*'*'-
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION REGARDING
I ROTARY DRILLING.
Fig.143, In formations where the rotary can be used, a well
Mandrel ^^y usually be drilled in much less time than by the
Rotary cable process. Also as the circulation of mud fluid
cTttOT ^^^'^ "P '''^ "'*" °^ *^^ hole, shutting off water and
caving strata, fewer strings of casing are required.
Sometimes when drilling for oil a stratum carrying a large
volume of gas at high pressure may be penetrated, causing a
blow out. This may usually be overcome by increasing the speed
~ ROtARV DRILLING 209
of the two pumps and puttmg\up their pressure sufficiently to
mud off the gas. A blow out preventer {Fig. 144) is sometimes
used for this purpose.
The driller should keep a careful tally of the measurements of
each length of drill pipe as it is added into the string, making
due allowance for the length of the thread that is screwed into
the coupling. This will enable him to know at all times the
PIk. 114. Blowout Preventer.
accurate depth of his hole and also to preserve a correct log of
the well.
The man up in the derrick should be protected from falling
by means of a rope tied round his body or with a belt buckled
about his waist and attached to a ring or snap running on the
rope to give him more freedom of movement. The two ends of
the rope are tied round the derrick girts.
Some rotary drillers drill a shallow well at a point midway
and in front of the slush pumps, in which they rest the drill stem
when not in use or when waiting to set in another joint of drill
pipe. This is termed the "rat hole."
210 DEEP WELL DRILLING
PIPE FOR ROTARY DRILLING.
(From National Tube Co. Bulletins.)
MATERIAL
Lap-welded Pipe is made of good quality soft weldable steel
rolled from solid ingots. Seamless Pipe is made of mild basic
open hearth steel of special analysis to meet the requirements.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The physical properties of the steel used in the manufacture of
this class of goods will average :
Tensile Strength : 50,000 to 60,000 lbs. per sq. in.
Elastic Limit : Not less than J4 tensile strength.
Elongation : 20 to 28% in 8 inches.
Reduction in Area: Not less than 50%.
When greater strength is desired, seamless Drill Pipe will be
made to special order from basic open hearth .30- .40 carbon steel ;
physical properties of this material will average :
Tensile Strength : 60,000 to 70^000 lbs. per sq. in.
Elastic Limit : 40,000 to 50,000 lbs. per sq. in.
Elongation: 15 to 20% in 8 inches.
Reduction in Area: 45 to 55%.
BENDING TESTS ON "NATIONAL" WELDED PIPE.
Sections cut from the ends of each length of pipe are flattened
in the direction of the diameter, to one-third (Vs) of the outside
diameter — the weld being placed at 45 degrees from the point of
maximum bend. If any of the sections tested show bad weldings,
laminations, brittleness or any unsoundness another test piece is
cut from the same end ; should the second test also prove defective,
the pipe is rejected.
ROTARY DRILLING 211
PIPE FOR ROTARY DRILLING
INTERNAL PRESSURE TEST
Each piece of pipe, welded and seamless, is subjected to the
hydraulic pressure specified for that size, as set forth in tables for
Drill Pipe.
STRENGTH OF JOINT
(a) Pulling Tests on Pipe for Drilling Purposes.
In order to determine the strength of the joint for this class of
goods, National Tube Company made pulling tests on a number of
the different sizes, the results of which are given in Table A.
It will be noted that the loads given in this table are the actual
average loads at the failure of the joint, and the averages are
based on six tests in each case. From these tests an idea can be
obtained of the additional strength gained by upsetting the pipe at
the joint.
(b) Torsional Tests on Pipe for Drilling Purposes.
The advantage of the upset in "National" Special Upset
Rotary Pipe is plainly evident from torsional tests on 4" 12j4 lb.
"National" Special Rotary Pipe. In each test two lengths of
pipe were counted together usinr various **Nat'onar' Special
Rotary Pipe joints, one end being held stationary while the other
was rotated until failure occurred.
The value of the upset in strengthening the line against torsional
strains is shown by the fact that an average of 197,000 inch-
pounds was necessary to cause failure when pipe was upset at the
joint, while an average of 145,000 inch-pounds caused failure
with the same joint when the material was not upset. Moreover,
with the "National" Upset Rotary Pipe the line did not fail
at the joint itself, showing this to be the strongest part of the line.
(See Table B.)
212
DEEP WELL DRILLING
TABLE A
ROTARY DRILL PIPE
LENGTH OF LINE EQUIVALENT TO LOAD AT FAILURE,
BASED ON ACTUAL PULLING TESTS
«
NATIONAL" ROTARY DRILL PIPE
Weight
Approximate Average Load
Length of Line Equivalent
Size
Per Foot
at Failure,
to Average Load at Failure,
Complete
in Tons
in Feet^
6
19.507
89
9125
4
12.50
56
8960
4
15.00
78
10400
4K
15.50
74
9548
4M
18.00
67
7444 -
5
17.50
58
6629
6
23.50
91
7745
6
29.00
118
8138
«
NATIONAL" SPECIAL UPSET ROTARY PIPE
4
6
12.632
19.551
99
129
15674
13196
TABLE B
TORSIONAL TESTS ON 4"-12i/i LB. "NATIONAL" SPECIAL
ROTARY AND SPECIAL UPSET ROTARY PIPE
Average Twisting
Moment at Failure
Material
Joint
Inch-Pounds
Location of Failure
Lap-welded steel pipe
Lap-welded steel pipe
TH"* coupling, pipe
not upset
TH" coupling, pipe
upset
145300
197200
At joint in two tests out of
three; in third test pipe
twisted
No iailure at Joint in five
tests
. : ■■ — r^^
• This long coupling is used in practice only on Special Upset Hotary
but was applied to Special Rotary Pipe, not upset, for the purpose of
this test. The comparison between the Standard Drill Pipe Joint and
Special Upset Rotary is even more marked.
. r
ROTARY DRILLING
213
•■ »■ JL
PIPE FOR ROTARY DRII.LING
ROTARY DRILL PII^E
♦\ - '...■■■
(National Tube Ca.)
■»
*
— i-r— ■ '^
*■
r— : — S I ■
Diameters • -
--hi.-
Weight
Threads
Couplings
Test
Thick-
Per
. Foot
4
Per
Inch
■
Pressure,
Pounds
Size
.0
"^^Ertem^l
Intehial
;n^s
O. t).
Length
Weight
2K
2.875
2.323
.276
7.830
8
3.603
5H
5.888
2000
2H
2.875
2.143
.366
10.000
8
3.693
SH
7.316
2500
3
3.500
2.764
.368
12.500
8
4.248
6H
8.777
2000
4 -
4.500
4.026
.237
11.157
8
5.303
6H
11.768
1500
4
4.500
3.990
.255
11.916
8
5.303
6H
11.768
1500
4
4.500
3.962
.269
12.500
8
5.303
6H
11.768
1800
4
4.500
3.826
.337
15.000
8
5.303
6H
11.768
2000
4K
5.000
4.506
.247
12.933
8
5.803
6H
12.988
1500 '
4K
5.000
4. 396
.302
15.500
8
5.803
6H
12.988
1600 '
4K
5.000
4.290
.355
18.000
8
5.803
6H
12.988
■ m
5
S.^3
5.047
.258
15.094
8
6. 334
IH
16.562
5
5.563
4.955
.304
17.500
8
6.334
7H
16.562
1600
5
5.563
4.813
.375
21. oca
8
4.334
7H
16.562
1800
6
6.625
6.065
.280
19.507
8
7.396
7H
19.561
1500
6
6.625
5, 939
.343
23.500
. - 8
7.396
7H-
19.S61
1500
6
6.625
5.761
.432
29.000
8
7.396
. 7H
19.561
1800
SPECIAL UPSET ROTARY PIPE
(National Tube Co.)
8 Threads per Inch.
Diameters
Weight
Upset
Couplings
Test
Thick-
ness
Per
Foot
Pres-
Size
Inside
sure
External
Internal
Length
Diameter
Diameter
Length
Weight
in Lbs.
2^/i
2.875
2.323
.276
7.841
3K
l"/i6
3.564
6H
6.743
2000
2^
2.875
2.143
.366
10.000
3K
IH
3.678
6H
7.844
2500
3
3.500
2.900
.300
10.486
3K
2K
4.248
6H
8.777
2000
4
4.500
3.958
.271
12.632
4
.3K
5.256
7H-
14. 296
.1800 .
4
4.500
3.826
.337
15.323
4
3H
5.256
7H
14. 296
2000
5
5.563
4.975
.294
17.000
4K
4K
6.303
8H
18.472
1600
5
5.563
4.859
.352
^0.000
4K
4^/Je
6.303
8H
18.472
1900
6
6.625
6.065
.280
19.551
4K
SH
7.350
8H
22.994
1500-
6
6.625
5.761
.432
28.948
J : r ,•
4K
s%
7.350
8H
22.994
1800
The! permisnibUs variation in weight is 5 per cent Ckbove utid '5 pe^
cent bejow. , , , . . »: . .i. - i
Taper of threads is ^4 -inch diameter per foot length for all sizes. ,
214
DEEP WELL DRILLING
PIPE FOR ROTARY DRILLING
SEAMLESS INTERIOR UPSET DRILL PIPE
(National Tube Co.)
Diameters
Weight
Per
Foot
Upset
Couplings
Test
Sixe
Thick-
ness
Pres-
•
Inside
sure
External
Internal
Length
Diameter
Diameter
Length
Weight
in Lbs.
•2
2.375
2.000
.1875
4.477
3
1»V6
2.892
SH
3.503
2500
2K
2.875
2.469
.203
6.002
3K
2V6
3.564
6H
6.743
2200
2H
2.875
2.323
.276
7.841
3K
l"/<i
3.564
6H
6.743
2500
3
3.500
3.063
.2187
7.939
3K
2"^
4.248
6H
8.777
1800.
3>4
4.000
3.500
.250
10.366
3K
3Vi
4.771
7H
12.060
2000
4
4.500
4.000
.250
11.756
4
3».i
5.256
7H
14.296
1800
4
4.500
3.958
.271
12.632
4
W
5.256
7H
14.296
1900
4
4.500
3.826
.337
15.323
4
ZH
5.256
7H
14. 296
2200
4M
5.000
4.500
.250
13.130
4
4li
5.756
7H
15.787
1700
S
5.563
4.975
.294
17.000
4K
4H
6.303
8H
18.472
170Q
5
5.563
4.859
.352
20.000
4K
4vfi
6.303
8H
18.472
2000
6
6.625
6.065
.280
19.551
4K
5H
7.350
8H
22.994
1600
6
6.625
5.761
•
.432
28.948
4M
s%
7.350
8H
22.994
2000
* 2-inch 10 threads per inch; largrer sizes 8 threads.
The permissible variation in weigrht is 5 per cent above and 5 per cent
below.
Taper of threads is % inch diameter per foot lengrth for all sizes.
NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING AND
ASSEMBLING PIPE FOR DRILLING PURPOSES
(From The National Tube Co.)
Considerable care should always be observed in the handling of
Pipe for drilling purposes so as to get the best service, save time
and expense, and increase the life of the pipe. For these reasons
the following suggestions are made :
First — Before Drill Pipe is screwed together, the threads both
on the pipe and in the coupling should be thoroughly cleaned, all
sand and grit entirely removed and a good application of heavy
oil or grease (mixed with graphite), applied to both. This will
make the joints screw and unscrew easily.
Second — ^When screwing the pipe into the coupling, be sure
that it is properly screwed up before lowering into the well. Do
not expect the rotary machine to screw up the joint after it has
been lowered.
Third — ^When placing a section of pipe in the coupling do not
let the section drop into the coupling. Place it in lightly so that
the weight of the pipe will not injure or turn over the first thread.
When inserting the end of the pipe into the coupling, if it does not
ROTARY DRILLING 215
enter easily and rotate freely it is not properly engaged, and
should be taken out and re-entered.
Inserting the pipe crookedly and straightening it up frequently
breaks off a portion of the end of the threads, which going down
with the pipe causes galling, and frequently spoils the joint. If
the first threads are turned over they will be ground into the re-
maining threads as the joint is screwed up. This will cause much
difficulty in unscrewing the joint, and will ruin the thread on the
pipe and in the coupling.
Fourth — ^When Drill Pipe is being pulled out of the hole and
the joints unscrewed, the weight of the section being taken off
should be carried on the hoisting lines. This can be accomplished
by attaching a weight (a trifle heavier than the pipe being un-
screwed) to the dead end of the line. As the section is unscrewed
the weight is not carried by the threads.
Fifth — Whenever a string of Drill Pipe is pulled out of a hole
it should be washed off with clean water as it is drawn out, to
remove all mud or sand, so that the thread will be clean when the
pipe is standing in the derrick.
Pipe should always be placed on boards higher than the general
level of the derrick floor.
Sixth — Do not hammer the coupling very hard. Use a small
hammer and tap lightly all around the coupling before starting
to unscrew. Too much or too hard hammering will injure the
threads, expand the coupling, and allow the ends of the pipe to
creep until they come together.
SPECIFICATION OF A TEXAS AND LOUISIANA ROTARY
DRILLING OUTFIT FOR DRILLING TO A DEPTH OF 3,000
FEET AND FOR HANDLING NOT LARGER THAN
16-INCH O. D. CASING.
Standard Rotary Derrick, 112 feet higrh with 2 x 8-inch Legrs, doubled
with 2 X 10-inch, with Steel Crown Block and six Sheaves, no Bull
Wheels, Band Wheel or Walking Beam.
1 40 H. P. Fire Box Boiler with Grate Bars and Stack.
1 CC Penberthy Injector.
1 12 X 12 Steam Bngine with 2Vi-inch Throttle and Lubricator.
1 Sprocket Wheel.
1 19-inch Improved Rotary, with bushingr and 1 set each 4 and 6-inch
Slips, and Driver for 5Vi-inch Drill Stem, also Qrippin^r Device
complete.
1 Double Brake Two Speed Draw Works with 3 Oak uprigrhts.
216 DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF A TEXAS AND LOUISIANA ROTARY
DRILLING OUTFIT FOR DRILLING TO A DEPTH OF 3,000
FEET AND FOR HANDLING NOT LARGER THAN
16-INCH O. D. CASING.
80 Feet Steel Sprocket Roller Chai.n. . .
30 Feet Steel Sprocket Roller Chain.
2 4-inch Water Swivels.
2 10 X 6 X 12 Slush Pumps. , .
16x4x6 -Boiler . Feed Pump.
1 No. 268 Myers L.- D. Pump with Handle.
1 Set 6-inch Breaking Out Tongs for Tool Joints. . ^^
1 Set 4-inch Breaking Out Tongs.
1 40-inch Triple or Quadruple Drilling Block.
1 5-inch Drilling Hook.
. 1 3% -inch Strapped C H-ook . . •
1 %-inch X 1,050-foot Wire Drilling Line.
" 1 %-inch X 3,000-f6ot Wire Sand Line. .. . •
12 Each %-inch and %-inch Wire Rope Clips.
1 5%-inch X 28-foot Round Fluted Drill Stem.
1 Upper Sub for 5% -inch Round Drill Stem.
1 Lower Male and Female "Sub for 5 %-inch Round Drill Stem and
6-inch Pipe.
1 6-inch Connection for same. . ./ .
1 6-inch Rotary Casing Shoe.
. 1 6-inch Overshot. / " •
1 4-inch Overshot.
1 4-inch Bull Dog Spear or Wash Down Trip Spear.
1 3-inch Bull Dog Spear or Wash Down Trip Spear.
2 Pes. 2-inch x 30-foot WW Drilling Hose.
4 2-inch Hose Clamps.
2 2-inch Hose Nozzles.
1 Set 3-inch Fair's Mgt. Pattern or Lucey Rex ELevators with Long
Bails.
1 Set 4-inch Fair's Mgt. Pattern or Lucey Rex Elevators with Long
Bails.
1 Set 6-inch Fair's Mgt. Pattern or Lucey Rex Elevators with Long
Bails.
1 Set. 8-inch Fair's Mgt. Pattern Elevators with Regular Bails.-
1 Set 10-inch Fair's Mgt. Pattern Elevators with Regular Bails
1 Set 12% -inch Fair'q Mgt, Pattern Elevators with Regular Bails.
2 No. 15 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
2 No. 14 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
2 No. 13 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
2 No. 12 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
2 Extra Sets Chains for each Tongs.
2 Extra Sets Jaws for each Tongs.
1 5-inch X 25-foot bailer.
Necessary amount of Rotary Drill Pipe to drill to required depth.
Suggested: 1,500 feet 6-inch Drill Pipe, 3,000 feet 4-inch Drill Pipe.
Necessary Tool Joints for Drill Pipe to drill to required depth. One
tool joint is used between every third or fourth joint of pipe.
1 3 X 3 X 15-inch Forged Steel Drill Collar.
1 4 X 4 X 18-inch Forged Steel Drill Collar.
1, 6 3^ 4 X 18-inch Forged Steel Drill Collar.
2 6 X 4-inch Forged Steel Bushings.
1 4 X 3-inch HydrauHc Swaged Nipple.
2 15 X 4-inch Shank Fishtail Drill Bits.
2 10 X 4-inch Shank Fishtail Drill Bits. '
4 8 X 4-inch Shank Fishtail Drill Bits.
4 6 X 4-inch Shank Fishtail Drill Bits.
4 6 X 3-inch Shank Fishtail Drill Bits.
300 Feet 1 %-inch Manila Rope for Cat Line.
1 10-Pound Sucker Rod Hook.
1 10-inch Drop Link Snatch Block.
1 1 X 4-ply X 50-foot Water Hose with Connections.
T r
:»j-: ; nsi
ROTARY DRILLING
217
SPECIFICATION OF A TEXAS AND LOUISIANA ROTARY
DRILLING OUTFIlr FOR DRILLING TO A DEPTH OF 3^000
FEET AND FOR HANDLING NOT LARGER THAN
v3*ATOH i^ 16-INCH CD. <CASiIfG*>t_Ctfhtlfl<WRi: . r ■-W.
'"*:'
-r^
Y^-i
1 I!*uel Tank:
ITvrbfeie Gener^tdr wllB- Ligrhting Outfit.
1 2-Quart Steam Elngrine Lubcicator for Slush Pumps.
<..
Blacksmith Outfit, Tools and
Supplies. .
1 No. 3 Star feteam Blower.
iSaO-Pound Anvil. ' ..
1 Forge for Blacksmith. Outfit.
1 Sack Blacksmith Coal.
1 Emery Wheel,; ia-M6h^'* - '
60 Fire Brick.' ' '' ' ' -?'
2 14-P6\ila« Croi^?*; Pefti Sled&es.
4 SredgeHamm^f Handles.
1 2% -inch Sql Flatter. ^
1 % -inch Top Fuller.
1 1%-inch Set Hammer.
1 1%-inch Hot Cutting Chisel.
2^ 14-inch 'HR Bast. JFiles.
e 14-inch Flat Bast. FUes.
2 %-inch Hand Cold Chisels.
2 %-inch Hand Punches.
1 %-ineh Diamond, Pt. Chisel.
1 2-inch Socket Firmer Chisel.
3 1 X 36-inch Irwins SC Ship
Augers.
1 Auger Handle.
6" Auger Bits, % to 1-lnoh.
1 100-foot Metallic Tape.
2 20-pound Crow Bars.
1 EIaohf'10>lnch and 15-inch Coes
Wrench.
1 Each 18-inch, 24-inch and 36-
inch Trimo Wrench.
1 Set Bolt Dies, % to 2 inches.
1 N6. lA Toledo Stock and Dies.
1 No. 25 Toledo Stock and Dies.
1 No. 1 Barnes Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 2 Barnes Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 3 Barnes Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 4 Barnes. Pipe Cutter.
2 Extra Cutter Wheels for each
Pipe Cutter.
1 Combination Pipe Vise, % to
4 inches.
150 Feet Telegraph Wire.
1 Gem Oil Burner.
1 3-inch Freeman's Flue Cleaner.
4 Long Handled R. P. Shovels.
2 6-foot CC Saws and Handles.
10 Pounds Hand Hole Gaskets.
10 Pounds Red Eye Sheet Pack-
ing.
10 Pounds Loose Hemp Packing.
10 Pounds %-inch Sq. Hydraulic
PackincT
10 Gallons Engine Oil.
10 Gallons Cylinder Oil.
1 Bbl. Torch or Burning Oil.
1 Long Spout Steel Oil Can.
1 26-inch 7-pt. Hand SaW.
2 Single Bit Axes. ^
1 Derrick Hatchet.
1 2-foot Steel Square.
1 Level.
1 Claw Hammer. .
1 Ratchet Bit Brace. „, .
1 Pr. 12-lnch O. ;^. Calipers.
1 Wheelbarro^m . ,.
1 Hacksaw wiit^ ~12^inch Blades.
25 Pounds White Waste.
20 Feet »4-iiM?h Black Pipe for
Flue Cleaner.
20 Feet H-inch Black. .Pipe for
Engine Reverse.
2 Derrick LamjpFs.
5 Founds Lamp Wick'.
10 Pounds White Lead.
10 Pounds Dixons Graphite.
1 Wire Thread Brush.
20 Pounds Babbitt.
1 Babbitt Ladle.
Fittings for Connecting Pump
Manifold, Pumps, Engine and
..Boiler
• (Texas- Type)
Steam Line to Engine and
Pumps.
10 2-inch Mall. Ells. .
6 2-inch Mall. Tees
3 2-inch Brass Globe Valves.
7 2-inch x 6-inch Nipples.
4 2-inch C.f; Plugs, a^.
3 2-inch C L Flange Unions.
2 2-inch Couplings.
Injector.
1 2H-inch X 2-inch Swaged
Nipple.
4 1 %-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
6 1-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
1 2-inch Mall. Tee.
1 1 %-inch Mall. EU.
6 1-inch Mall. Ells.
1 1 %-inch X 1-inch Reducer.
1 2 X 1-inch Bushing.
1 1-inch Iron Cock.
3 1-inch Brass Globe Valves.
1 1 %-inch X 1% -inch Bushing.
Water Pump. - ^
1 2-inch Tee.
1 2-inch X 1-inch Bushing.
4 1-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
2 1-incfa Mall. Ells.
1-inch Kewanee Union.
1 1-inch Iron Cock. .
1 1-inch Brass Globe Valve.
1 2-inch X 6-inch Nipple.
3 2-inch Mall. Ells.
1 2-inch Mall. Te.e.= ■'' -
'■ ••■ ■ - • • . : . ' P ' ".. ' '■• "•■■' ->.
■ ■ -vV '■ ,; .fiT'-i „
■' .-'.-il '»*• [
■ iiOOs:
J <^ . i.i.
218
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF A TEXAS AND LOUISIANA ROTARY
DRILLING OUTFIT FOR DRILLING TO A DEPTH OF 3,000
FEET AND FOR HANDLING NOT LARGER THAN
16-INCH O. D. CASING.— Concluded.
1 2-irich Flange Union.
4 2-inch x 6-inch Nipples.
1 2-inch Plug:.
1 1^-inch Mall. Ell.
1 1%-inch X 6-inch Nipple.
1 iS-inch X 6-foot Pipe.
< 2-inch X 6-inch Nipples.
3 2-inch Mall. Ells.
1 2-inch Mall. Tee.
1 2-inch Flange Union.
1 2-inch Plug.
1 2-inch Brass Check Valve.
1 3 X 2-inch Bushing.
Slush Pumps.
4 6-inch X 10-inch Nipples.
2 6-inch C. I. Blls.
2 6-inch Flange Unions.
2 6-inch C. I. Foot Valves.
2 Pes. 6-inch Pipe full length.
To connect Turbine Generator
and Steam Blower.
6 H-inch Kewanee Lip Unions.
< H-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
< %-inch Mall. Blls.
3 %-inch Mall. Tees.
3 %-inch Jenkins Brass Globe
Valves.
Slush ^mp Manifold
2 20-fo€^ lengths 2-inch Pipe.
4 2H-ili^ch Mall. Ells.
4 2-ihCh Mall. Ells.
3 2 Vi -inch Mall. Tees.
2 4 X 2^-inch Cast Iron Bushing.
2 2-inch Flange Unions.
2 2Vi-inch Flange Unions.
2-inch X 10-inch Nipples.
4-inch Nipples.
6-inch Nipples.
X 4-inch Nipples.
X 10-inch Nipples.
X 2-inch Swaged
2
2 2-inch X
2 2-inch X
10 2Vi-inch
2 2Vi-inch
3 2Vi-inch
Nipples.
1 2-inch Iron Cock.
2 2-inch I. B. Quick Opening
Gate Valves.
2 2H-^1ni$i¥ I. B. B. M. Gate
Valves.
1 5-inch 500-pound . Pressure
Gauge.
300 Feet 2-inch Black Pipe.
200 Feet i-1nch Bl'^ok Pine.
100 Feet 1^-inch Black Pipe.
SPECIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA EXTRA HEAVY
ROTARY DRILLING OUTFIT.
FOR DRILLING TO A DEPTH OF 5,000 FEET
Note: This outfit is suitable for export to foreign countries.
Standard Derrick. 106 or 112 feet high, with 2 x 10-inch Legs, doubled
with 2 X 12-inch, no Bull Wheels, Band Wheel or Walking Beam.
1 Structural Steel Crown Block with 5 Pulleys.
2 50 H. P. Oil Country Boilers complete with Smoke Stack (un-
mounted).
2 C. C. Penberthy Injectors.
1 No. 268 Myers L. D. Pump with Handle.
1 14 X 14-lnch (50 H. P.) Stripped Steam Bngine with Sprocket and
Heavy Rotary Ply Wheel.
1 California Type Double Brake, Two Speed Draw Works, including
Oak Uprights, Drive Shaft, Drum Shaft and Brake Shaft Com-
plete.
65 Feet Sprocket Chain for Draw Works.
40 Feet Sprocket Chain for Rotary.
1 23-inch California Type Rotary with Flat Top, Bushing, Driver
and Slips, or with Bushing and Gripping Device.
1 6-inch Square Drill Stem with Subs to connect with Swivel and
Drill Pipe.
2 12 X 6% X 14-inch California Type Slush Pumps.
2 Lengths Wire Wound Rotary Hose, 2Vi-inch x 30 feet.
2 2^ -inch Rotary Hose Couplings.
4 2^ -inch Rotary Hose Clamps.
2 6-inch Heavy Water Swivels.
1 40-inch Quadruple Rotary Drilling Block.
1 4 H -inch Strapped C Hook.
1 8-inch Wigle Spring Casing Hook.
ROTARY DRILLING 219
SPECIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA EXTRA HEAVY
ROTARY DRILLING OUTFIT.— Continued.
1 15-pound Sucker Rod Hook for Cat Line.
1200 Feet 1-inch 6 x 19 Wire Drillingr Line.
6000 Feet 9/16-inch 6x7 Wire Bailing or Sand Line.
6 1-inch Wire Rope Clips.
6 9/16-inch Wire Rope Clips.
1 Set 4-inch Fair's Manninerton or Lucey Rex Extra Heavy Elevators
with Longr Links.
1 Set 6-inch Fair's Mannington or Lucey Rex Extra Heavy Elevators
with Long: Links.
1 Set 6%, 8%, 10, 12%. 15 Vi -inch L D. and 20-inch O. D. Extra Heavy
Elevators with Regrular Leng^th Links.
Note: If size of casing: Is chang:ed or other than American Collar
Casing: is used, specifications will necessarily have to be changred.
2 Pair Each No. 33 Vi, 34, 35 and 16 Vulcan Chain Tongs.
2 Type CX Dunn Tong:s with Bushing:8 for 8% and 6^ -inch Casingr,
6-inch Drill Pipe and 7% -inch Tool Joints.
1 Type A Dunn Tongrs with Bushing: for 12% -inch Casing.
1 Each 4 and 6-inch Slide Tong:s.
Necessary quantity of Rotary Drill Pipe to drill to required depth.
Necessary Tool Joints for Drill Pipe to drill to required depth. One
Tool Joint is used between every third or fourth joint of pipe.
2 6 X 4-inch Swivel Bu8hing:s.
1 10-inch 10-Thread by 6-inch 8-Thread Steel Swag:ed Nipple.
2 4 X 72-inch Drill Collars, 4-inch Pipe Thread Box x 3% x 4% -inch
Tool Joint Box.
2 6 X 72-inch Drill Collars, 6-inch Pipe Thread Box x 5 x 6-inch Tool
Joint Box.
1 Each 6, 8%, 10 and 12% -inch Rotary Shoes.
1 Each 6% X 14 X %-inch. 8% x 16 x 1-inch, 10 x 16 x 114-inch, 12% x
16 X 1%-inch and 15% x 16 x 1^4 -inch Plow Steel Casing: Shoes.
2 22-inch Rotary Bits, 5 x 6-inch Taper Joint.
6 18-inch Rotary Bits, 5 x 6-inch Taper Joint.
12 14-inch Rojtary Bits, 5 x 6-inch Taper Joint.
10 12% -inch Rotary Bits, 5 x 6-inch Taper Joint.
6 9% -inch Rotary Bits, 3% x 4% -inch Taper Joint.
4 7% -inch Rotary Bits, 3% x 4% -inch Taper Joint.
Note: Specification for Bits will have to be chang:ed if other than
American Collar Casing is used.
1 4-inch Wash Down Spear with Trip.
1 6-inch Wash Down Spear with Trip.
1 12% -inch Overshot to run on 10-inch Casing:, to catch 6-inch Pipe.
1 10-inch Overshot to run on 8% -inch Casing*, to catch 6-inch Pipe.
1 8% -inch Overshot to run on 6-inch Pipe, to catch 4-inch Pipe.
1 4-inch Male and Female Case Hardened Nipple.
1 6-inch Male and Female Case Hardened Nipple.
1 4-inch Tool Joint Fishing Tap.
1 6-inch Tool Joint Fishing Tap.
300 Ffeet 1%-inch Manila Rope for Cat Head Line.
2 Lengths 1%-inch x 25-foot, 4-Ply Rubber Hose with Couplings,
Clamps and Nozzle for washing derrick floor and machinery.
1 Blow Out Preventer.
2 2-Quart Lubricators for Slush Pump.
1 Turbine Generator with lighting Outfit.
Blacksmith and Derrick Tools.
1 No. 11 Portable Forge.
1 No. 4 Star Blower.
1 300-Pound Anvil.
1 12-inch Emery Wheel.
1 % X 20-inch C. L. Blacksmiths' Tongs.
1 1 X 20-inch C L. Blacksmiths' Tongs.
1 % X 20-inch S. L. Blacksmiths' Tongs.
1 1 X 20-inch S. L. Blacksmiths' Tongs.
1 % X 20-inch Single Pick Up Tongs.
1 1 X 20-inch Single Pickup Tongs.
220
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA EXTRA HEAVY
ROTARY DRILLING OUTFIT.— Continued.
2 14-Pound Sledgres with Handles.
6 36-incfa Hickory Sledgre Handles.
2 No. 4 B. P. Hammers.
6 Cold Chisels, 4 1-inch, 2
1%-inch.
2 Cape Chisels.
2 Hot SpliUin? Chisels with
Handles.
2 Hardies, %-inch.
2 Hardies, %-inch.
2 Flatters, 1%-inch.
2 Pullers, %-inch.
1 2% -Pound Punch.
2 Pinch Point Crdw Bars.
1 Pair 12-inch O. S. Calipers.
1 10-inch Coes Wrench.
1 10-inch Adjustable Hack Saw
Frame.
12 10-inch Hack Saw Blades.
2 14-inch Half Round Bastard
Files.
2 12-inch Half Qound Bastard
Files.
2 12-inch Flat Bastard Files
1 15-inch BriiTSS Scr^w Wrench.
2 18-inch Trimo Pipe Wrenches.
2 24-inch Trimo Pipe Wrenches.
1 36-inch Trimo Pipe Wrench.
4 LongT' Handle Round Point
Shovels.
2 Mud Mixing- Hoes.
1 100 Foot Metallic Tape!
1 No. 7 Hand Saw.
1 24-inch No. 9 Plain Steel
Square.
1 24-inch No. 9 Plain Level.
1 Single Bit Axe and Handle.
1 Derrick Hatchet.
2 Derrick Brooms.
1 No. 3 Combination Pipe Vise.
1 No. 1 Barnes Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 2 Barnes Pipe Cutter.
1 No. 4 Barnes Pipe Cutter
1 No. 1 Toledo Adjustable Stock,
1 to 2 inches.
1 No. 25 Toledo Adjustable Stock,
21^ to 6-inches.
1 No. 7 Little Giant Screw Plate
with Dies and Taps.
1 Common Derrick Crane, 6x1-
inch arm.
1 I'ton Moore Anti-Friction
Chain Hoist.
1 Wire Thread Brush.
1 No. 2 Sheet Iron Tool Box.
1 Each 1%, 1^ and 2-inch Nut
Augers.
1 Pratts Auger Handle.
2 1 X 36-inch Irwin's S. C. Ship
Augers.
6 Auger Bits, % to 1-inch.
1 Ratchet Bit Brace.
2 C. C. Saws and Handles.
Miscellaneous.
150 Feet Wire Telegraph Cord
20 Feet %-inch Pipe for Flue
Cleaner.
20 Feet %-inch Pipe for Reverse
Lever.
10 Pounds Lamp Wick.
4 Derrick Lamps.
5 1-Pound Cans Re^ Lead.
5 5-Pound Cans White Lead.
5 5-Pound Cans Dixon Graphite.
12 Feet %-inch Straight Link
Chain.
1 10-inch Drop Link Steel
Snatch Block.
1 12% Rock Drill Bit Complete.
1 Drill Collar for above.
1 Extra set of Cones for above.
1 9 %-inch Rock Drill Bit Com-
plete.
1 Drill Collar for above.
1 Extra set of Cones for above.
10 Gallons Bit Lubricating Oil.
10 Gallons Engine Oil.
10 Gallons Cylinder Oil.
1 Barrel Torch or Burning Oil.
50 Fire Brick.
1 Wheelbarrow.
2 Galvd. Iron Pailfl.
1 3-inch Flue Cleaner.
1 3-inch Dudgeon Type Flue
Expander.
2 Gem Oil Burners.
6 Extra Wheels each for Nos. 1,
2, and 4 Barnes Pipe Cutters.
1 Set Slips for 4-inch Wash
Down Spear.
1 Set Slips for 6-inch Wash
Down Spear.
2 Extra Lengths Wire Wound
Rotary Hose, 2 %-inch x 30
feet.
2 Extra Sets 2 %-inch Hose
Couplings and Clamps.
10 Pounds Hand Hole Gaskets.
80 Feet Extra Sprocket Chain,
for Draw Works.
25 Feet Extra Sprocket Chain,
for Rotary.
3 B. P. Hammer Handles. -
2 Single Bit Axe H9,ndles.
3 Hatchet Handles.
10 Pounds Red Sheet Packing;
10 Pounds Loose Hemp "Packing.
10 .Pounds %-inch Square Hy-
draulic? Packing.
'5 Pounds %-inch. S<iuare Pure
Gum Packing.
20 Pounds Babbitt.
1 Babbitt Ladle.
1 1 -Quart Railroad Oiler.
1 %-Pint Gem Oiler.
1 %-inch Belt Punch.
ROTARY DRILLING
221
SPECIFICATION OP CALIFORNIA EXTRA HEAVY
ROTARY DRILLING OUTFIT.— Continued.
25 Pounds White Waste.
12 5-inch Hay Fork Pulleys.
Note: Tapes, Squares and
Tools with markingrs shown in feet
and inches should be ordered to
conform to units of measurement
in the country to which material
is to be shipped.
Fitting^s for Connecting: Pump
Manifold, Pumps, Engrine and
Boilers.
Steam Line from Boilers to En-
gine and Pump^ (3-inch Main Line).
7 3-inch Mall. Iron Tees.
1 2Vi-inch Mall. Iron ^ee.
1 2-inch Mall. Iron Tee.
1 3 -inch Mall. Iron Ell.
1 2% -inch Mall. Iron EH.
2 2-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
5 3-inch x 8-inch Nipples.
4 2%-inch x 8-inch Nipples.
6 2-inch x 6-inch Nipples.
1 3-inch X 2% -inch Swaged
Nipple.
4 3-inch x 2-inch Swaged
Nipples.
3 3-inch Flange Unions.
2 2% -inch Flange Unions.
1 2-inch Flange Union.
2 3-inch Couplings.
1 2% -inch Coupling.
3 3-inch Plugs.
1 2-inch Plug.
3 2-inch I. B. Globe Valves.
2 2% -inch I. B. Globe Valves.
Injector and Fittings for 3
Boilers.
3
9
18
3
3
18
3
2-inch X 6-inch Nipples.
1%-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
1-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
2-inch Mall. Iron Tees.
1%-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
1-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
1%-inch X 1%-inch Mall. Iron
Bushings.
3 1^-inch X 1-inch Mall. Iron
Reducers.
2 X 1-inch Bushings.
1-inch Iron Cocks.
1%-inch Globe Vajives.
1-inch Globe Valves.
1%-inch Check Valves.
3
3
3
9
3
Water Pump.
1 2-inch Mall. Iron Tee.
2 1-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
1 2-inch X 6-inch Nipple.
4 1-inch X 4-inch Nipples.
1 2-inch X 1-inch Bushing.
1 1-inch Iron Cock.
1 1-inch Brass Globe Valve.
1 1-inch Kewanee Union.
1 1%-inch X 6-inch Nipple.
1 1%-inch X 6-foot Pipe.
6 2-inch x 6-inch Nipples.
3 2-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
1 1%-inch Mall. Iron Ell.
1 2-inch Mall. Iron Tee.
1 2-inch Flange Union.
1 2-inch Plug.
1 2-inch Brass Check Valve.
1 3 X 2-inch Bushing.
3 2-inch Mall. Iron Ells.
1 2-inch Mall. Iron Tee.
1 2-inch Flange Union.
4 2-inch x 6-inch Nipples.
1 2-inch Plug:
Slush Pumps.
. 4 8-inch x 12-inch Nipples.
2 8 -inch C. L Ells*.
2 8-inch C. I. Foot *Valves.
2 Pes. 8-inch Pipe full length.
2 8-inch Flange Unions.
To connect Turbine Generator
and Steam Blower.
5 %-inch Kewanee Lip Unions.
6 Ms -inch x 4-inch Nipples.
6 i^-inch Malleable Ells.
3 %-inch Malleable Tees.
3 ^-inch Jenkins Brass Globe
Valves.
Slush Pump Manifold.
2 20-foot lengths' 2% -incrf Pipe.
4 2^ -inch Mall. Ells.
2 2^ -inch x 10-inc1i Nipples.
4 3 -inch Mall. Iron 'Ells.
3 3-inch Mall. Iron '^ Tees.
2 6 X 3-inch Cast Ir^n Bushings
2 2^ -inch Flange Ui^ions.
2 3-inch Flange Unions.
2 2% X 4-inch Nipples.
2 2% -inch x 6-inch, Nipples.
10 3 X 4-inch Nipples.
2 3 X 10-inch Nipples.
1 -3 X 2-inch Swaged Nipple.
2 3 X 2% -inch Swaged Nipples.
1 2-inch Iron Cock.
2 21^ -inch I. B. Cjuick Opening
Gate Valve.
2 3 -inch I. B.B. M.' Gate Valves.
1 5-inch 500-Pouna Pressure
Gauge.
200 Feet 1-inch Pipe.
200 Feet 1%-inch Pipe.
200 Feet 2-inch Pipe.
300 Feet 3-inch Pipe.
For an outfit to be shipped to
foreign countries or to remote
points far from base of supplies
the following repair parts are
recommended:
For Boilers.
2 Steam Gauges.
1 Pop Safety Valve.
6 Water Gauges.
222
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA EXTRA HEAVY
ROTARY DRILLING OUTFIT.— Concluded.
1 Set Grate Bars.
8 Hand Hole Plates Complete.
8 Soft Plugs.
1 1^-inch Brass Check Valve.
10 Pounds Guy Wire, No. 9.
For Engrine.
1 Crank Shaft.
4 Connecting: Rod Brasses,
Crank End.
4 Connecting: Hod Brasses, Cross
head End.
4 Piston Glands.
4 Steam Chest Glands.
2 Throttle Valve Yokes with
Glands and Nuts.
2 Throttle Valve Stems.
2 Throttle Valve Stem Lock Nuts.
4 Throttle Valve Valves.
4 Throttle Valve Valve Seats.
4 Throttle Valve Glands.
1 Connecting: Rod Strap, Crank
End.
1 Connecting: Rod Strap, Cross-
head End.
2 Connecting: Rod Keys.
1 Crosshead.
I Balance Valve Complete.
1 Valve Stem with Nuts.
2 Sets Steam Piston Ring:s.
1 Steam Piston Rod.
2 Eccentric Rods with Bushing:8.
1 Eccentric Complete with Hub
and Ring:8.
1 Link Complete.
1 Eng:ine Sprocket Wheel.
For Draw Works.
2 Set Brake Band Liners.
1 Set Drum Shaft Boxes.
1 Set Drive Shaft Boxes.
1 Drill Drive Clutch.
1 Drill Drive Clutch Dog:.
1 Drive Shaft Clutch.
2 Sets Keys.
1 Low Speed Drum Shaft Clutch.
1 Drum Clutch Dog.
1 Hig:h Speed Drum Shaft Clutch.
1 Complete Set Sprockets.
For Rotary.
1 Set Journal Boxes.
2 Pinions.
1 Pinion Shaft.
2 Pinion Shaft Clutches.
2 Piniorf Clutch Straps.
1 Pinion Clutch Shifting: Lever.
1 Shifting: Lever Ping:er.
2 Liners for Cone Bearing:.
17 Roller Cones.
1 Locking: Collar.
1 Locking: Pawl.
2 Sprockets.
2 Pinion Clutch Collars.
2 Grip Ring: Shafts.
2 Gripping: Screws.
2 Each R. H. and L. H. Adjust-
ing: Screws.
4 Each ' Adjusting: Sleeve Nuts
and Washers.
4 Adjusting: Drive Locking: Pins.
1 Driving: Post.
1 Set Slips or Dies for each size
drill pipe.
2 Sets Keys.
For Slush Pumps.
75 Assorted Studs and Nuts.
10 Pounds Assorted Gaskets.
1 Steam Inlet Flang:e.
2 Stuffing Box -Glands.
2 Valve Stem Forks.
2 Valve Sten/ Link Pins and
Washers.
2 Rocker Shaft Bushing:s.
4 Crossheads.
6 Piston Rod Glands.
12 Assorted Piston Rod Nuts.
4 Long: Rbcker Arms.
4 Short "Rocker Arms.
4 Shafts'^for Long: Rocker Arms
4 Shafts 'for Short Rocker Arms.
8 Keys for Rocker Shaft.
2 Water Cylinder Heads.
2 Steam Cylinder Heads.
2 Steam Piston Heads.
4 Steam Piston Ring:s.
1 Steam Slide Valve and Stem.
2 Suction Flanges.
2 Discha'rg:e Flanges.
6 Water Cylinder Liners.
6 Water Piston Heads.
6 Water Piston Followers.
8 Water End Piston Rods.
3 Steam End Piston Rods.
16 Water Valve Seats.
8 Water Valve Springs.
8 Water Valves.
32 Water Valve Gaskets.
4 Water Valve Clamps.
4 Rocker Arm Shaft Wrist Pins
4 Rocker Arm Rollers and Pins.
Supply of 5/16 and %-inch
Square Garlock Packing, %-
inch Square Hydraulic Pack-
ing and %-inch Pure Gum
Packing.
1 Complete Set Gland Bolts and
Nuts.
For Water Swivels.
1 Hose Stem.
2 Complete Roller Bearings.
1 Hose Nozzle.
2 Stuffing Box Glands
2 Drill Pipe Couplings.
25 Pounds %-ihch Square Flax
Packing.
4 Friction Washers.
1 Bushing.
2 Gaskets for Hose Nozzle.
CHAPTER VI
COMBINATION CABLE AND ROTARY SYSTEM OP
DRILLING
This system is successfully employed in drilling formations that
are alternately hard and soft, or in penetrating soft or alluvial
surface formations with the rotary equipment and finishing the
well in the harder formations at depth with the cable tools.
The equipment used is the same as that for cable and for rotary
drilling, the outfit being a combination of the two, but eliminating
parts that might be duplicated in the two outfits.
The derrick and rig are the standard cable rig, except that the
derrick should be 106 feet high, with the addition of a rotary
engine block abutting the side sill and at a right angle from the
standard engine block (see Fig. 145), and the derrick sills and
floor extended to provide a slush pump platform on the opposite
side of the derrick from the rotary engine block. (Refer to
directions for erecting standard derricks, pages 46-48, and for
rotary derricks, page 192.)
Directions for rigging up standard rigs and rotary rigs (refer
to pages 97-100, 193-197), may also be followed for rigging up
the combination rig, with the exception that the draw works is set
up on the opposite side of the rig from the slush pumps, instead of
at a right angle from the pumps, as in the rotary rig. The reason
for this is that, with the combination rig, two opposite sides of the
derrick are occupied by the calf wheels and walking beam on the
one side and the bull wheels on the other.
223
DEEP WELL DRILLING
FlK. 145. Side elevation and ground plan of 106-fooI California Com-
bination Rotary and Cable DrtlllnE RlK with extra wind braces, showlnK
machinery Installed readr for drilllnB.
COMBINATION SYSTEM OF DRILLING
g°
o<
PS H
HO
M «
3?
38
DEEP WELL DRILLING
COMBINATION SYSTEM OF DRILLING
L Stanil&rd dnd
230 DEEP WELL DRILLING
DIAGRAM OF CALIFORNIA 106-FOOT COMBINATION
STANDARD AND NOTARY DERRICK
Ttg. leo. Cellar-side Elevatlan.
FlK. 151. Cellar-End Elevation.
COMBINATION SYSTEM OF DRILLING 231
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA COM? IN ATjtDN STANDARD AND-
ROTARY RIG, DERRICK 106 FEET HIGH
WITH 24-FOOT BASE.
Pieces Oregon Pine' ... Size, InciieQ Length, Feet
1 Walking Beani '.'. ... . :'. . . . :i4 x 14 x' 14 x 30 *^" 26
1 En silijiy Block' .-. . . . . :. . . . ; . ^ . . . . . : .24 x:.24 ^ ■ 9
1 Rotary Engine Block 24 i^ 24 14
1 Sampson Post : . . ... .... : . .1 :..::.. 18 X 16 ' 16
1 Main Sill •. ...16 x 16 32
1 Sub. Sill 16x16,. .' 20
1 Tail Sill and Sand JTeel Post 16 x 16 18
4 Mud Sills ^. .....;/. .16 X 16 - ^ * liB
1 Nose Sill ;.:-...;.^...V.*. .16 x 16 - ^-16
1 Jack Post .:.;. r' 16 X 16 16
2 Engine Mud Sills.;.:.: 16x16 ~ 1'4 "'■
4 Engine Pony Sills...... ..-V...16 x 16- - ' 7
1 Knuckle Post ......*.. ..16 x 16 't
6 Derrick Foundation . ; ; 16x16 4
3 Derrick Cellar or Pit... 16 x 16 14
1 Derrick Cellar or Pit.. 16x16 16
1 Back Brake 16x16 6
2 Mud Sills for Rotary Engine Block. .16 x 16 16
2 Pony Sills for Rotary Engine Block. 14 x 14 12
3 Derrick Blocking 14 x 14 10
2 Casing Sills 14 x 14 18
4 Bull Wheel and Calf Wheel Posts.. 14 x 14 12
4 Bumpers and Gin Pole 12 x 12 7
2 Derrick Side Sills :• 12x12 26
8 Derrick Sills 10x12 2*
1 He£).d Board 10x12 24
3 Casing Rack and Blocking 8 x 10 20
1 Crane 8 x 8 -20
3 Crown Block (not needed with steel
Crown Block) . : .' ;..... 6 x 16 1>
2 Sampson Post Braces 6 x 8^ 16
1 Headache Post . . ; 6 x 8 14
1 Sand Reel Lever 6 x ' 6 x 16 • . 14 •
12 Derrick Cellar or Pit 6 x 6 20
6 Stringers for Walk and Roof....... 6x6 22
4 Stringers for Walk . . . ;- 6 x 6 8
2 Jack Post Braces 6 x 6 " 18
3 Bull Wheel and Calf Wheel Post
Braces 6 x 6 16
2 Dead Men 6 x 6 20
Add For Reinforcing Corners:
4 6x6 12
24 6x6 16
1 B\;inting Pole 4 x 6 30
8 Snort Braces, Roof Stringers and
Keys and J. P. Bunting Pole ..4x6 16
3 Epgine House Studding 4x4 18
1 Calf Wheel Brace ; 4 x 4 18
4 Engine House Sills 4x 4 16
3 Outside Drill Pipe Platform and
Crown Block Railing 4 x 4 14
6 Under Mud Sills 3 x 12 22
2 Under Mud Sills (Engine House) 3 x 12 20
5tDerrick Foundation (Redwood) 3x^2 20
20tDerrick Foundation (Redwood) 3 x 12 18
t Drawing of 106-foot Derrick shows both concrete piers and wood
footings. If concrete is used the wood footings are unnecessary. They
are shown in drawing to illustrate method of building footings when
derrick is not on concrete. Concrete piers 8 feet square at base and
2 feet, square at top are usiially sufficiently strong.
232
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA COMBINATION STANDARD AND
ROTARY RIG, DERRICK 106 FEET HIGH
WITH 24-FOOT BASE (Continued).
Pieces Oreffon Pine Sise, Inches Length. Feet
52 Qirts (4), Derrick (24) and Pump
House Floor (8) and Doublers (16). 2 x 12 24
4 Girts ^ 2x12 22
72 Walk, Cellar and Girts 2 x 12 20
20 Band Wheel Surface (one side) 2x12 20
16 Girts and Outside Drill Pipe Platform 2 x 12 18
40 Doublers (32), Water Table (4) and
Girts (4) 2x12 16
12 Calf Wheel Core 2 x 12 16
8 Outside Drill Pipe Platform and Top 2 x 12 14
4 Starting: Legrs 2 x 10 - 26
4 Short Starting: Leg:s 2x10 18
42 Derrick Leg:s 2 x 10 16
8 Belt House, Forg:e House String:ers ..2x8 20
11 Belt House and Outside Drill Pipe
Platform 2 x 8 16
6 Belt House String:ers ,... 2x6 26
8 Braces 2 x 6 24
16 Braces 2 x 6 22
8 Braces 2 x 6 20
20 Braces and Outside Drill Pipe Plat-
form 2 X 6 18
6 Belt House and Bull Wheel Spools.. 2x6 16
8 Entwine House and Crown Block
Railing: 2 x 6 16
6 Enf?ine House Rafters 2 x 4 20
8 Outside Drill Pipe Platform 2x4 18
52 Eng:ine and Belt House, Ladder, to
cut up and Crown Block Railing:.. 2x4 16
5 Belt House 2 x 4 12
160 Girts, Eng:ine House Floor and
Boards l%x 12 16
8 Braces l%x 6 16
16 Braces 1 %x 6 14
16 Braces l%x 6 12
30 Belt House Floor and Derrick Roof. 1 x 12 20
10 Roof Boards 1 x 12 24
12 Roof Boards 1 x 12 22
75 Roof Boards 1 x 12 18
45 Roof Boards and Top 1x12 14
60 Housing and Boards 1 x 12 12
40 Ladder Strips, Roof Battens, etc... 1 x 6 16
32 Keys 2%x 4—4 x 4 x 22
Hardwood
1 Bull Wheel Shaft 16 x 16 16
1 Calf Wheel Shaft 16x16 6
1 Pitman 6 x 6 x 6x12 12
1 Top of Crown Block 5x6 16
1 Top of Crown Block ■. 5x6 14
1 Top of Beam and Dog: 3 x 14 16
If Outside or Wind Braces are used, add the following::
4 Outside Girts 2 x 12 24
8 Outside Girts 2x12 22
4 Outside Girts , . 2 x 12 18
4 Outside Girts 2x12 14
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 28
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 24
16 Outside Braces 2 x 8 22
COMBINATION SYSTEM OF DRILLING
233
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA COMBINATION STANDARD AND
ROTARY RIG, DERRICK 106 FEET HIGH
WITH 24-FOOT BASE (Continued).
Pieces Oregon Pine Size. Inches Length, Feet
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 20
8 Outside Braces 2 x 8 16
Drawing shows derrick on concrete corners with 16 x 16 x IV^-foot
posts between sills and concrete. If concrete is not used, add the
following:
26 Footings (Redwood) 3 x 12 20
If galvanized corrugated iron is used for housing, deduct boards as
follows:
120 Pieces 1% x 12 x 16 feet, 60 1 x 12 x 18 feet, 60 1 x 12 x 12 feet.
Add 26 gauge corrugated iron:
126 sheets 26" x 10 feet, 75 sheets 26'' x 8 feet.
Ideal Type Rig and Calf Iron Outfits.
6-inch shaft 7% -inch shaft
1 Shaft with Crank, Writs Pin, 2
each Collars and Keys 7 6/12 feet 8 2/12 f^et
1 Pair Flanges with Keys and Bolts.
1 Set Center Irons Complete with
Bolts.
1 Stirrup 2% -inch 3-inch
2 Bull Wheel Gudgeons with Bands
and Bolts.
1 36-inch Crown Pulley.
1 24-inch Sand Line Pulley.
1 28-foot Brake Band 7-inch 8-inch
1 Brake Staple 7-inch 8-inoh
1 Brake Lever 7-inch 8-inch •
1 Jack Post Box. Closed.
•1 Jack Post Plate 2" x 6" x 22" 2" x 8" x 30"
4 Turnbuckle Rods 1%" x 8 6/12' 1%" x 10 8/12'
2 Jack Post Rods 1%" x 8 4/12' r x 9 10/12'
2 Bye Bolts, % x 22 inches.
2 D. E. Bolts, %-inch x 9 6/12 feet.
1 D. E. Bolt, %-inch x 8 feet.
1 7-foot Sprocket Tug Rim with Bolts.
1 42-inch Sprocket Wheel.
1 Sprocket Clutch with Straps and
Keys.
1 Clutch Lever with Bolts.
1 30-inch Flanged Calf Wheel Gud-
greon with Band and Bolts.
1 16-inch Calf Wheel Gudgeons with
Band and Bolts.
1 Calf Wheel Box.
1 28-foot Brake Band 6-inch 7-inch
1 Brake Lever 6-inch 7-inch
1 Brake Staple 6-inch 7-inch
4 22-Inch Casing Line Pulleys.
2 Calf Wheel Box Eye Bolts 1%" x 4-feet
2. Calf Wheel Post Rods 2" x 7 10/12'
1 Calf Wheel Box D. E. Bolt 1% x 26-inches
55 Feet No. 1030 Sprocket Chain.
1 Sand Reel with Steel Plate
Flansres 5-lnch Shaft
1 Dbl. Friction Sand Reel with
Swing Lever Attachment f-inch Shaft
*2 with 7%-inch outfit.
.- k
234
DEEP WELL DRILUNG
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA COMBINATION STANDARD AND
ROTARY RIG, DERRICK 106 FEET HIGH
WITH 24-FOOT BASE (Continued).
si'y'
Woodwork, Double Tujpr.
66 1-inoh x 8-inch Plain Cants for 11-foot Band Wheel.
8 3-irich X 8-inch Plain Cants for 7-foot Tug Pulley. -.- -
16 3-inch x 8-inch Grooved Cants for 7-foot Tug Pulley.
24 1-inch x 8-inch Plain Cants for 7-foot Tug: Pulley.
8 3-inch x 8-inch Plain Cants for 8-foot Bull Wheels.
16 3-inch x 8-inch Grooved Cants for 8-foot Bull Wheels.
80 1-inch x 8-inch Plain Cants for 8-foot Bull Wheels.
32 Lineal Feet 1%-inch Round O. P. for Bull Wheel Pins.
4 Pes. 3-inch x 12-inch x 18-foot Select O. P. surfaced 4S. to 2% x 11-
inches for Bull Wheel Arms.
8 3-inch x 8-inch Plain Cants for 7% -foot Calf Wheels.
40 1-inch x 8-inch Plain Cants for 7% -foot Calf Wheels.
2 Pes. 3 -inch x 12-inch x 1 6-foot Select O. P. surfaced ,4S. to 2% x 14.-
inches for Calf Wheel Arms. it
Nails, Bolts and Washers. > .. ^ , "
100 Pounds 60D Nails.
200 Pounds 30D Nails.
200 Pounds ^OD Nails.
100 Pounds 16D Nails.
100 Pounds lOD Nails.
•*.*i>'.t
*-i •
Machine Bolts
24
%
X la-inch
70
%
X 14-inch
24
%
x,..16->irtch
45
%
X 18-inch
8
%
X 20-inch
6
%
X 24-inch
4
%
X 26-inch -
2
%
X 28-inch
4
%
X 34-inch
10
1
X 30-inch
t
i
1 1%-inch X 15 6/12-foot Dbl. End.l Derrick.'
4 % X 28-inch Dbl. End.
Washers.
200 Pounds %-inch Cast.
25 Pounds %-inch Wrought.
30 Pounds 1-inch Wrought.
2 Pounds 1 %-inch Wrought.
50 Pounds Babbitt.
3 Pairs 6-inch Strap Hinges.
750 Feet %-inch Galvanized Guy Wire.
Exact. Length to Cut Girts and Braces.
First Girts 22 feet, 2 inches.
Second Girts 20 feet, 9% inches.
Third Girts 19 feet, 4% inches.
Fourth Girts 17 feet. 11% inches.
Fifth Girts 16 feet, '6% Inches. '
Sixth Girts 15 feet. 2 inches.
Seventh Girts 13 feet, 9%_-Jnohes.
Eighth Girts 12 feet, 4% inches. .^, ^u
Ninth Girts 10 feet, 11% inches. .:
Ten<h;smrts ^^feet. 6% inches.
Eleventh Girts 8 feet, 2 inches.
Twelfth Girts 6 feet, 9% inches.
First Braces 23 feet.
Second Braces 21 feet, 9 inches.
Where., Used
Band Wheeland Calf Wheel.
Derrick.
Derrick.
Foundation.
Band. Wheel.
Foundation.
Foundation.
Foundation.
Foundation.
Derrick.
Az
aj»'3::.J.
-::>-- r»_l 'Sici'^
JUO .-^ons-ifV Jr:vr
4
COMBINATION SYSTEM OF DRILLING 23S
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BUILD A
CALIFORNIA COMBINATION STANDARD AND
ROTARY RIG, DERRICK 106 FEET HIGH
WITH 24-FOOT BASE (Concluded).
Third Braces 20 feet, 5 inches.
Fourth Braces 19 feet.
Fifth Braces 17 feet, 8 inches. ■. - ^ - "
Sixth Braces 16 feet, 6 inches. . r .
Seventh Braces 15 feet, 1-inch.
Sig-hth Braces 13 feet, 10 inches.
Ninth Braces 12 feet, 8 inches.
iTen^h Braces 11 feet, 6 inches.
eleventh Braces 10 feet, 3 inches.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMBINATION CABLE AND
' ROTARY DRILLING OUTFITS.
Such an outfit would consist of a combination of any one of the
comjilete cable outfits and rotary outfits, as specified on pages
80-96, 215:222, with the exception of the following equipment,
-«'*■ ■ - ■■••»..
which would be duplicated in combining the two outfits :
1 Rotary Derrick.
r Boiler. ,
• '. ..
1 Sand Line. . .
'rhe several sizes of casing elevators only (not th,e drill pipe
elevators).
I Casing or Drilling Hook.
The several sizes of bailers included \vith the rotary outfit.
1 Turbine Generator.
All of the blacksmith and miscellaneous tools and supplies
duplicated in combining the two outfits.
Note: Two engrinea are required with a comhination outfit, one tp
operatB the cable tools and the other 'to drive the draw works and
rotary.
• i% ..
'■ ■;• vir i 'i :l5•^ It ■ ^^'>-
?
CHAPTER VII
DRILLING BY THE HYDRAULIC CIRCULATING
SYSTEM.* USE OP MUD LADEN FLUID
Combining, in a measure, the advantages of the cable and the
rotary systems of drilling, the hydraulic circulating system is
peculiarly adapted to the drilling of soft and caving formations,
such as loose sand, boulders, etc., or alternating hard and soft
formations, where a complete combination cable and rotary outfit
may not be needed. Also by means of the circulating system it is
possible to carry casing of large size to exceptional depths. In
one instance 10-inch casing was carried to a depth of 3,336 feet
in 122 days time. For this depth three or more strings of casing
are usually required ; the saving in expense for casing is, there-
fore, apparent.
By means of a circulating casing head, water impregnated with
clay, otherwise known as mud laden fluid, is forced by slush
pumps down inside the casing, during drilling with the cable
tools, returning between the casing and the wall of the hole and
carrying with it the cuttings and also any caving material that
otherwise would tend to lodge against the casing and "freeze" it.
Other advantages of this system are that caves and water and
gas-bearing strata may be sealed off by the mud-laden fluid while
drilling through them; and the casing is at all times maintained
free to follow the drilling tools.
• References: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines
technical papers:
No. 66 Mud Laden Fluid Applied to Well Drilllnir, by J. A. Pollard
and A. G. Heggem.
No. 68 Drilling Wells in Oklahoma by the Mud Laden Fluid Method,
by A. G. Heggem and J. A. Pollard.
No. 134 The Use of Mud Laden Fluid in Oil and Gas Wells, by J. O.
Lewis and Wm. F. McMurray.
No. 163 Methods of Shutting Off Water in Oil and Gas Wells, by
F. B. Tough.
Oil Well Supply Co. Circular, Hydraulic Circulating System.
236
HYDRAULIC CIRCULATING SYSTE
H. B. Pearson, Superintendent of the
Canadian Western Natural Gas, Light, Heat
and Power Co., reports that two strings of
casing, 10-inch and 8j4-inch, collapsed to-
gether in a well he was drilling in Alberta,
Canada. Ordinarily this would result in the
loss of the hole and of most of the casing,
but by employing the circulating system he
recovered both strings of casing and saved
the hole.
Before building the derrick, sump holes
should be dug on the side of the derrick
location and the earth removed may be
placed as a foundation for the engine and
belt houses. These sump holes should be I
three in number and should be about four ^
feet deep by twelve feet wide and twenty- |
four feet long. They should be connected =
by a sluice box provided with a gate to con-
trol the flow from the two outside sumps to
the inner one. Diagram {Fig. 156) shows
only two sumps of small size, but the sump
capacity can be varied according to quantity
of mud fluid required.
Heavy corner foundations should be laid
for the derrick and the derrick mud sills
should be about five feet above the ground,
giving, in effect, a ten-foot cellar.
The derrick should be at least 88 feet
high, with 20-foot base. The floor should
be extended 6 feet on the ladder side to
provide room for the pumps. The crown
block should carry not less than four casing
pulleys. Six-inch Ideal chain driven rig
irons and calf wheel equipment are best for
this purpose.
238 DEEP WELL DRILLING
'■■ .1 "'■'' . " ■■■
The'j^mp suction should be connected to the c^tral sump,
while the circulation returns should connect to one outside ^ump,
* and a trough under
the derrick floor
should convey the
sand pumpings to the
other outside sump,
thus permitting ■ the
driller at all times to
select the most suit-
able mud for circula-
tion. A cellar about
FlK. 154. Interior View of Derrick. ^O""" ^^^t ^^^ ^^^ ^ix
feet square should be
dug in the center of
the derrick location
and a joint of eight-
inch pipe should be
laid to drain from the
bottom of the cellar
to the sump hole.
This drain pipe is
recommended in pref-
erence to a ditch for
Fig. IBS. Interior View of Derrick.
it does not cut away
or interfere with the stability of the derrick foundation.
In addition to the regular calf wheel rig, the circulating outfit
consists of two pumps suitable for handling mud fluid, and a cir-
culating head with hose connections to the pumps.
It is desirable to use two pumps in order that the circulation of
fluid may not be interrupted by the necessity of stopping to repack
or otherwise adjust them.
The most suitable pump is one made especially for this service,
a heavy slush pump, having steam cylinder not less than 10 inches
in diameter and 12-inch stroke.
The circulating head is a special casing head with a water
HYDRAULIC CIRCULATING SYSTEM
239
inlet, closed at the tc^ with a qtrick deta^able oil saver. (See
Fig. No. 157.)
Connect?on from the pumps to the circulating head is made by
DERRICK FLOOR
Wdl
Figr. 156. Diagram of Sumps and Troughs for Mud Fluid.
means of special hydraulic hose, 2^4 or 3 inches in diameter and
reinforced to withstand collapsing under a vacuum, as well as to
safely carry the maximum pressure delivered by the pumps.
240 DEEP WELL DRILLING
After the surface casing is set, the hole should be drilled dry as
far as possible, as this is the most rapid method of drilling and
should be used wherever possible.
If gas is encountered in sufficient quantities to interfere with
drilling, the hole may be filled with mud-laden
fluid and by drilling and bailing, the hole may
be carried down until the presence of gas or
caving walls makes further progress hazard-
ous, when casing may be inserted to five or
six feet from the bottom and hung on ele-
vators, or preferably a "spider," and the cir-
culating head set up and connected to the
pumps.
Mud-laden fluid is pumped down the inside
of the casing and, returning on the outside,
brings up all material loosened by the bit until
the tools are so far below the casing that the
drillings will not mix with the circulating fiuid.
The tools are then withdrawn and the drillings
M removed with the bailer.
At intervals, the hole is enlarged by under-
reaming and joints of casing added.
Cifcuiating'lnad,' Sometimes the cuttings and fluid returning
to the surface between the casing and the walls
of the well may not be of sufficient volume to fill the space and the
flow will take a course on one side of the casing, leaving the cut-
tings to settle and pack on the other side if the casing is not moved
frequently. The passage of the mud fluid may be free and there
may be no increase in the. pump pressure, but the casing will be
found to be stuck and in some cases impossible to move. If this
occurs, the casing can usually be started by driving a few inches.
If this does not free it, the customary methods of moving casing
by jarring, the use of spears, jacks, etc., should be employed just
as if there was no mud fluid in the hole.
All this can be prevented by moving the casing as occasion
requires, and then the mud fluid will rise uniformly on all sides
USE OF MUD LADEN FLUID 241
of the casing and the cuttings will have no chance to pack. In
some cases it may be necessary to move the <:asing every thirty
minutes.
Once circulation has been started, it should be maintained
until the pipe is landed. Intermittent circulation frequently
results in trouble.
The operator should closely watch the mud-laden fluid to be
sure that:
It is a neat mixture of fine clay and fresh water. Salt water
may be used, but it will not support the clay which rapidly settles
out in the sump hole and requires much agitation to prevent the
fluid from becoming too thin.
It is plastering the walls of the well and preventing the escape
of gas or intrusion of salt water.
It is returning in the same volume that is delivered to the well.
If the mud-laden fluid is too thin, it will not only wash away
the walls and cause caving, but may be lost in porous formations
and allow the gas to blow out.
If the fluid is too thick, it will retard the action of the tools
and may even cause the casing to stick or "freeze."
If gas or salt water is encountered in such volume as to inter-
fere with good circulation, the outlet of the return fluid should
be closed and mud pumped into the weil until the troublesome
stratum is completely sealed off by the clay thus forced into it.
While the circulating system has given good results in many
wells, it is not equally well adapted to all fields and a careful
consideration of drilling conditions should be given before it
is adopted.
USE OF MUD LADEN FLUID
SHUTTING OFF GAS IN WELLS BY MUD-LADEN FLUID
• SYSTEM*
"Mud-laden fluid may be used to shut off water or gas and
permit deeper drilling without the necessity of reducing the
* Extracts from artlc^Ie by Alfred O. 'Hegr&rem in National Supply Co.
cataloerue.
242 DEEP WELL DRILLING
diameter of the hole by casing, and the gas and water may be
cased off by a single string of casing without danger of watbr
entering the gas sand.
The inner string of casing should be anchored to prevent blow-
ing out by gas pressure and the top should be equipped with a
suitable valve that will permit the tools to readily pass through
when open. The Control Casing Head is best suited for thiS'
service as it may be closed without withdrawing the tools, for
it sometimes happens that the gas pressure is so great and the
flow so strong, that it is unsafe to remove the tools until the
gas has been "killed."
The careful operator will place an oil saver on the control
casing head as soon as gas is encountered and connect otie or
more joints of lead line to the side outlet of the casing head to
conduct the gas to a place of safety away from the rig. This
permits the driller to remain at his post and continue drilling
without danger or inconvenience.
When the gas sand has been drilled through or when the
volume of gas is so great as to interfere with drilling, a "lubri-
cator" may be set up in one corner of the derrick and connected
to the lead line or to the side outlet of the casing head, and mud-
laden fluid "lubricated" into the well without withdrawing the
tools, although the operation would be the same if the tools were
withdrawn.
The "Lubricator" (Fig. 158) consists of one or two joints of
pipe or casing, preferably two joints of 10-inch. The top is
reduced by a swaged nipple to a two or three-inch connection
from which a corresponding size line of pipe is carried down to
the derrick floor and closed with a valve.
The bottom of the "lubricator" should be higher than the
casing head and closed with a "tee" set "bull head" across it
This "tee" should be not less than 5 3/16-inch and is betteg if
the same size as the lead line. One outlet connects to the side
outlet of the casing head and is fitted with a gate valve, while the
other outlet connects to the pump discharge and has both a gate
valve and a check valve. These latter valves should be about
USE OF MUD LADEN FLUID
the size of the pump dis-
chai^. The gate valve is only
required as a protection to the
pump in case the check valve
should fail to operate, and is
normally left wide open.
The valve on the casing
head is closed and the valve
on the down pipe from the
top of the lubricator is opened.
The pump is started and the
mud-laden fluid is forced into
the lubricator until it shows at
the outlet of the down pipe,
when the outlet valve is closed
and the pump automatically
stops. The valve on the cas-
ing head is then opened and
whatever gas pressure is in
the well will be communicated
to the "lubricator," and, owing
to its great weight, the mud-
laden fluid will flow into the
well much the same as cylinder
oil flows from a lubricator
into the steam chest of a
drilling engine. When the
lubricator is empty, as is indi-
cated by a clear ringing sound
when struck lightly, the valve
on the casing head is dosed
and the outlet valve is opened.
The gas which was dis-
placed by the mud-laden fluid
together with the mud that is
in the down pipe will escape
244 DEEP WELL DRILLING
through the outlet valve and the pump will at once start and again
fill the "lubricator" with mud-laden fluid. This process is re-
peated until the well is filled.
If the discharge pressure of the pump is greater than the gas
pressure in the well, the mud-laden fluid will be pumped directly
in as soon as the valve is opened. The outlet valve should be
opened slightly to allow gas to escape while the mud-laden fluid
is being pumped in direct, but not enough to allow the mud to
blow out.
In some wells the pressure of the gas is greater than the pres-
sure of the column of mud-laden fluid and it is then necessary
to continue pumping until no more fluid can be forced into the
well.
After the well has been "killed," drilling may be resumed
without disconnecting any of the fittings and all danger of a
blow out can be averted.
The following suggestions will be helpful :
Set each string of casing with a secure and water tight seat.
Keep the hole clean by frequent bailing.
Maintain the hole full of mud-laden fluid.
Do not attempt to drill out more than one screw nor more than
1J4 hours without bailing.
If formation is "cavey" use smaller size bailer and run slowly
in pulling out.
Case as soon as gas sand is passed and bail out mud-laden fluid
from inside of casing and proceed with drilling in a dry hole.
lA removing mud-laden fluid, bail slowly from the top and
watch that the fluid does not break in from outside. Do not
swab.
Do not close outlet valve until "lubricator" is filled, as will be
indicated by the mud showing at outlet. If "lubricator" is not
fully filled when the valve next to the casing head is opened, the
pressure of the gas may force the fluid violently against the top
of the lubricator causing a "water hammer" sufficient to break
the connection."
., : : USE OF MUD LADEN FLUID 24S
DESCRIPTION OF MUD-LADEN FLUID.»*
"Some oil workers have thought 'mud-laden fluid' implies the
use of any of the drillings from the well, but this is not the case,
for if the cbarise materials in the drillings, such as sand, lime-
stone fragments, etc., are left in the fluid they will settle and
are likely to pack around the tools or the casing and cause serious
troubles, specific instances of which ^ase- described in Bureau of
Mines Technical Paper 68. The fine, sticky clays that are in
many localities termed 'gumbo' are well suited for the purpose,'
but clay or shale from other formations may be used, provided it
is separated from the sand and other coarse materials and only
the part that will remain suspended in water is used. It is
possible to use drillings from almost any formation (containing
clay or shale after proper treatment by settling.
CONSISTENCY OF FLUID TO BE USED,
"The consistency of the fluid should be varied according to the
conditions for which it is to be employed. Most frequently mix-
tures with a specific gravity of 1.05 to 1.15 are used in drilling —
that is, 5 to 15 per cent heavier than water. When the fluid is
not used to drill in, thicker fluid is often employed, which has
the advantages of greater weight and of clogging up the pores
more readily. Experieiicejwpmi enables the* operator to-judge-the
consistency of fluid required for practical uses.
"The operator who is unfamiliar with the use of mud-laden
fluid is likely to use it too thin. This has been the cause of much
trouble in Oklahoma. Such fluid acts like clear water. It will
not clog the pores of the sand readily and hence will be forced,
into them for considerable distances, and in some mstances
near-by wells have been affected. It is also likely to cause caving
and is injurious to the sand, or it may not have sufficient weight
to overcome high-pressure gas. The only limit to the thickness
of the fluid which it is possible to employ is whether or not it
can be handled by the pumps, but it must be a fluid and not a
pasty clay.
"An idea of the consistency ordinarily required can be obtained
* From U. S. Bureau of Mines Technical Paper No. 134, by Jamep O.
Lewis and Wm. F. McMurray.
246 DEEP WELL DRILLING
by comparing the action of a stream of clear water with that of a
stream of sand pumj^ings or muddy water running in a ditch.
The sand pumpings contain clayey material which is deposited on
the walls and especially the bottom of the ditch, where it forms
an ever-thickening protective coating, whereas clear water cuts
away the sides and bottom of the ditch and may cause it to cave.
Between clear water and water containing more mud than it can
hold in suspension, it is possible to find a mixture of clay and
water that will deposit particles of clay as a fine protective coat-
ing, while the rest of the clay remains in suspension and passes
through the ditch.
SETTLING OP MUD PLUID.
"An important consideration and one that has raised numerous
inquiries is the amount of settling which a mud fluid will under-
gp. lit is a well-known property of clays and similar colloidal
materials that they will remain in suspension indefinitely. One
sample of mud fluid has been standing for three years without
appreciable settling and has not solidified. Numerous experi-
ments conducted on short columns of fluid have shown that it
will settle rapidly for a few hours, after which the rate of
settling is very slow, and after a few days is practically nil.
There is a surprising. difference in what the maximtmi density
may be. Of six samples collected* from oil wells in southern
California and allowed to settle two months, the variation was
10 to 30 per cent excess in weight over that of clear water. In
each case the settled part was still fluid and not very viscous.
It was also found that the final density in a short column of fluid
is governed largely by the original density. For instance, two
fluids were prepared by mixing the same kind of material in
different proportions with water, pne haying a density 5 per
cent greater than water and the other a density 15 per cent
grea^ter than water. The first settled to a much lighter consist-
ency than the second.
"When the fltiid .settles in a short tube it separates into clear
qr turbid water at the top rand mud fluid at the bottom. The
specific gravity of the fluid at the bottom varies in the manner out-
USE OF MUD LADEN FLUID 247
lined above. The proportion of water to that of the fluid which
settled out depends principally on the specific gravity of the
original mud fluid, and the lighter the original fluid the greater is
the proportion of water to the settled fluid in the bottom of the
tube. Although the settling takes place quickly in a short tube,
the same rate of settling applied to a long column of fluid in a well
means that it takes a very long time for it to settle, and in fact
there is reason to suspect thiglt behind the casing complete settling
does not take place even after long periods of time.
ACTION OF MUD FLUID ON POROUS FORMATIONS.
"The action of mud-laden fluid in a sand or other porous forma-
tion can be likened to the action of muddy water going through
a filter. In any filter that has been used for some time it will
be found that most of the sediment from the water has been
deposited on the surface of the filter, but some of it has entered
the filter, the proportion diminishing with the distance pene-
trated. The distance to which mud from the fluid in the well
will penetrate a porous formation depends partly on the combined
pressure produced by the column of fluid and the pump, and
partly on the consistency of the fluid and the porosity of the
formation. At first the fluid will enter the formation, but finally
the mud will clog the pores and no more water will go through.
Ordinarily, if a thick fluid is used on the sands encountered in
the well, it will not penetrate to any great distance even under
high pressure, but if the fluid is too thin it may not clog the
pores readily and will act more like clear water, which may enter
a sand indefinitely. Occasionally a very coarse sand, a fissured
formation, or a porous limestone is found into which even thick
fluid may penetrate for some distance.
"When no more fluid will enter the sand or porous formation
a barrier or plug that is impervious to oil, gas, or water has been
formed within the sand surrounding the hole. This plug is held
in place partly by the resistance to movement of the mud de-
posited in the pores of the formation, but principally by the
excess of pressure prbduced by the column of fluid in the hole.
If the column of fluid is removed the pressure within the sand
24S DEEP WELL DRILLING
will usually force out the mud, and the oil, gas, or water wiB
enter the hole again; but as long as a sufficient column of fluid
remains in the hole the contents of the sealed formation can not
enter the hole. It is believed that the efficiency in sealing off the
porous formations in a well depends more upon the mud forced
into the pores of the formation and retained by the weight of
the column of fluid than upon the mud plastered on the walls
of the hole, although the mud coating probably aids in protecting
the walls from caving.
"When a well has been treated with mud fluid the contents of
each formation is confined to its original stratum, so that there
can be no movement of oil, water, or gas either from the sands
into the well, from the well into the sands, or from one sand into
another. Thus waste and intermingling are prevented, corrosive
waters can not reach and attack the casing, and the Strata are
entirely sealed off from each other as they were before the well
was drilled.
"Mud fluid, besides preventing caving, as stated above, is also
an aid in keeping loose sands from entering the hole. The fluid
clogs up all pores or crevices, and makes a solid wall which the
weight of the fluid in the hole will hold up. Furthermore, the
mud which has entered the formations, or is plastered on the
walls, protects them from contact with air and water, which
would cause slaking and caving. The fluid is especially helpful
in drilling through a loose sand that otherwise would run into
the hole and make drilling difficult.
"The mud-laden fluid may be prepared f rofh clay obtained from
surface deposits or from material derived from drillings. Ordi-
narily there will be enough clayey or shaley material in the for-
mations encountered in the well to provide all the fluid necessary.
This has been found true both in drilling with rotary tools and
with cable tools. Drillings from sandstones and limestones
should not be allowed to enter the slush pit. Thie mud fluid
can be mixed and prepared in a few hours by ordinary unskilled
labor whenever it is desired.
"Settling out sand, limestone cuttings, etc., in order to avoid
freezing of casing and of tools, is important."
CHAPTER VIII
CASING METHODS— CASING USED IN VARIOUS
FIELDS — COLLAPSING PRESSURES — SAFE
LENGTHS OF STRING— CASING EQUIPMENT.
Casing (steel or iron pipe, usually with finer, or more,
threads per inch than those used on ordinary pipe) is used
ill nearly all oil and gas wells for the following purposes :
Shutting off water.
Casing off running sand and caving formations.
Passing through caverns and workable coal measures and
. mines.
Shutting off intermediate oil or gas beistring strata when it
is desired to drill deeper,
"Oil string", for casing through caving oil sands.
The shutting off of water is the chief and the most impor-
tant purpose for which casing is used. The process consists
of setting a string of casing in an impervious formation,
preferably shale, at a point in the well below the lowest water
bearing formation and above the oil or gas bearing sand, the
object being to exclude the water from the productive sands.
The water in the stratified rocks presents many problems
to the oil and gas operator, is the cause of much expense
in drilling, and when careless or unintelligent methods of
shutting it off are employed, may be a menace not only to
his own property, but to the properties of his neighbors.
Refer to Fig. 159. .
In the early days of oil and gas development of the Eastern
fields, scant attention was given to the casing of the well,
perhaps largely for the reason that the problem in those fields
was Gpmparatively simple. The rock formations stood up
and usually there were thick beds of hard impervious shale
below^ water bearing formations to provide a tight seat for
the casing. ^ The casing was simply lowered in the reduced
249
250 DEEP WELL DRILLING
hole provided for itj perhaps driven a few inches to set it, and
a few shovelsful of sand pumpings poured down outside to
pack it.
Casing shoes and packers were not used and collapsing
pressures were considered only in a rule of thumb way. If
the casing collapsed the operator put in another string, of
heavier weight if he could secure it. Unquestionably many
strings of casing have been put in wells in the fields of
Eastern United States where the collapsing safety factor was
much less than two and in some cases it was little more than
one — that is practically nil.
The lighter weights of casing that served the purpose in
the Appalachian fields were found totally inadequate for the
long strings needed in the fields of California. Pipe manu-
facturers, to meet these requirements, began making better
and heavier casing, until today we have 6j4-inch casing, for
example, in varying weights of from twelve pounds to twenty-
eight pounds per foot, the excess weight all being added to the
inside, thus reducing the inside diameter of the heavier
weights. This adds somewhat to the driller's problems when
putting in smaller strings of casing within a next size larger
or in running fishing tools.
The heavy California weights of casing have become stand-
ard in the fields of Wyoming, North Texas and in foreign
fields.
Perhaps the first attempt to pack casing that could not
be made tight was by means of the seed bag, a cotton bag of
flaxseed or small grains which, when saturated with water,
would expand and seal the bottom of the casing.
The several types of packer next were developed and they
have come into general use in the fields where the rock forma-
tions are sufficiently hard to provide a firm support for the
packer and where caving will not defeat its purpose. Now
it is the custom in the fields of Kansas and Oklahoma to
use a heavy casing shoe on the bottom of each of the outside
strings of casing and a bottom hole packer or anchor packer
251
j
■4
^'875' 10'
Zone
26m' 5)4«
CASING METHODS
on the inside, or water string. For more detailed description
of the use of packers, refer to pages 291-300.
In some of the softer formations of California, Mid-con-
tinent and Gulf Coast fields, it was found difficult to case off
gas sands that were passed through in drilling to lower
depths for oil, and, after many hundred millions of feet of
gas had been allowed to waste, the mud-laden fluid process,
adapted from rotary drilling, was developed for mudding off
gas sands to conserve the gas.* In these same fields the
use of cement is becoming more general for thoroughly seal-
ing the water string of casing from the encroachment of
water on the oil sands.f
More attention has been given to the problems of casing
of wells and to the conservation of oil and gas by correct
well engineering methods by engineers and by the U. S.
Bureau of Mines, and more has been written on these sub-
jects than on any other phase of well drilling technology.
To treat these subjects in an exhaustive manner, covering
the different conditions in all of the oil and gas fields of
this country would require a volume. The writer has, in
the foflbSving pages, attempted briefly to outline the methods
and equipment employed in the casing of wells and the exclu-
sion of water from oil and gas sands in the principal fields
of the United States-
The casing of wells in the Appalachian fields and in the
shallower wells of the Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming
fields is comparatively a simple matter. In these developed
fields and where the formations are regular and the driller
knows what to expect, it is necessary only to know the
formation above the producing horizon where the lowest
"break" or water bearing formation occurs and, in the next
impervious stratum below that point, the casing is Sf&t-i In
Northern Ohio, for example, only one string of casing, usually
* Refer to use of mud-laden fluid, pages 241-248.
t U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 163, Methods of Shutting Off
Water in Oil and Gas Wells, by B. F. Tough.
2£4 DEEP WELL DRILLING
400 to 500 feet syi 6j^-inch, is necessary and it is set just
below the Findlay break. The casing used in the early
development of this field was Sj^-inch ten-pound, somewhat
light, and as the wells became older the casing in many of
them rusted through, admitting water to the Trenton rock,
the oil producing formation. Two methods were
employed to shut off this water: where the hole
was open outside the casing, many of these wells
were cemented by the simple process of pouring
cement down between the eight-inch hole and the
casing; the other method was to set a second string
of 4j4-inch casing with a packer extending below
the leaky casing. The packer used for this was
usually the Heinz cup packer (Fig. 160), a simple
device consisting of a tube, the size of the inside
Fis 160 casing, to which was fitted two leather cups, that
Halm Cup packed in the outside casing or the wall of the hole
^'"''"- below it.
Owing to the hardness of the formations in the Eastern
fields, casing shoes are little used and packers are usually
employed only when the casing cannot be made tight. Usu-
ally the casing is simply set in a hard shale and some sand
pumping poured in outside of it as packing material. In
the fields of West Virginia where long strings of casing are
often necessary packers are more generally used than in the
other parts of the Appalachian fields. In West Virginia, for
the purpose of shutting off water or caving formations just
above the deep producing sands, long liner strings of casing
3,000 feet or more, usually S 3/16-inch, are sometimes
necessary.
For much of the drilling in Oklahoma, two strings of casing
only are needed, a short string of 8j^-inch and a string of 6^-
inch, usually 17-pound, which is used as the water or caving
string and is set a short distance above the producing forma-
tion. In the Gushing, Ponca, Garber and some parts of the
Csage, defep sand fields of Oklahoma, mfldi more casing is
CASING METHODS 255
required, including larger sizes and longer and heavier strings.
In the field of Eldorado, Kansas,. the combination of sizes is
ISj^-inch, I2y2, 10, 8J4> 65^ -inch down to the liner string
5 3/16-inch.
In the fields of North Texas large quantities of casing are
used. Many of the wells are commenced with 20-inch O. D.
drive pipe and then, one within the other, lSj4, 12j4, 10, 8J4>
6J4 and in some cases a liner string of 454-inch are used.
The caving Cretaceous formations in the Wyoming fields
also require much casing. In the Big Muddy and Lance
Creek fields the wells are commenced with iS^^-inch and
finished with around 3,500 feet of 6^-inch 26 or 28-pound
casing.
In the -fields of California, the sizes and quantities of casing
are many and varied. Several sizes of casing used in these
fields, for example, 9^ and 75^-inch, are used in no other
fields in the United States. In these fields also stove pipe
casing is sometimes used in lieu of drive pipe or the regular
casing for the first or outside string. The quantities used
range from a few hundred feet of two sizes in some of the
shallow wells to a combination consisting of 1,000 feet 15j4-
inch, 2,000 feet 12j4-inch, 2,500 feet 10-inch, 3,500 feet 8}4-
inch, 4,000 feet 6j4-inch, and, in emergencies, 4,200. feet or
more of 454-inch.
Each oil field has its own peculiar requirements of casing.
In the more than 100 oil fields of the United States there are
as many different combinations of' sizes and length of string.
In some fields where oil is produced from two or more sands,
usually a different specification is used in drilling to each of
the several sands. To record all of these specifications would
require a small volume, and such a book has been published
by the Oil Well Supply Co.* In the following pages is a
selection of a number of typical specifications for casing as
used in different fields of the United States, Canadk and
M^icp:
♦"Useful Information— Pipe," Oil Well Supply Co., Pittsburgh^ Pa.
2S6
DEEP WELL DRILLING
PENNSYLVANIA
Waihington*
Average depth of wells, 2,9SD ft
525 ft. 10 -inch 35-15.
1^0 ft. 8}j(-inch 24-lb.
1,600 ft. 6«-inch 17-lb. /
2,600 ft. 5 3/16-inch 13-lb. or 17-lb.
Batler^
Average depth of wells, 1,200 to
2.000 feet.
20 to 60 ft. 8}j(-inch 17-lb.
500 to 700 ft. 6K-inch 13-lb.
If water is encountered, it is
necessary to use an additional
string of 1,300 to 1,800 ft. of
5-inch 10-lb.
OHIO
Northwestern Ohio
Average depth of wells, 1,250 to
1,500 ft.
20 to 80 ft. 8K-inch 17-lb.
350 to 500 ft 5^-inch 10^-lb. or
6^-inch 13-lb.
Brink Haven, Knox County *
Average depth of wells, 2,975 ft
30 ft 10-inch 32^-lb.
700 ft 8}^-inch 24-lb.
2,030 ft. 6H-inch 20-lb.
2,785 ft 5 3/16-inch 17 lb.
200 ft. 4-inch flush liner.
Logan*
Average depth of wells about
3«b00 ft
: 20 to 80 ft 854-inch 24-lb.
900 to 1.100 ft 6^-inch 17-lb.
2,800 to 3,000 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17-lb.
200 ft. 4-inch flush joint liner.
WEST VIRGINIA
Sistersville *
Average depth of wells, 1,600 to
2^200 ft
75 to 400 ft 10-inch 32^-lb.
400. to 1,100 ft 8]^-inch 24-lb.
1,400 to 2,000 ft 65^-inch 17-lb.
Note: In the shallow wells, 6K-
inch 13-lb is sometimes used in
place of the 6^-inch.
Note. — Specifications designated by * from Oil Well Supply Co.
book, "Useful Information, Pipe."
Medina Co. Shallow
Average depth of wells, 475 ft
20 to 40 ft 8K-inch 17-lb.
160 to 20b ft 6^-inch 13-lb.
Woodsfidd*
Berea Grit Sand
Average depth of wells, 2,100 ft.
100 ft. 10-inch 32^-lb.
845 ft 8^-inch 24-lb.
1,500 ft 6^-inch 17-lb.
Marietta*
Macksborg, Washington Co.
Average depth of wells, 1,400 ft.
200 ft B^i'inch 17^ lb. or 24-lb.
1,300 ft 6K-in. 13-lb. or 6f(-in.
17-lb.
Cow Run, Washington Co.*
Average depth of wells, 400 ft.
150 ft 854-inch 175^-lb.
350 ft. 65i-inch 13-lb.
Salem*
Average depth. of wells, 3,000 ft
300 ft 10-inch 3254-lb.
1,500 ft. 85i-inch 24-lb.
2,250 ft 6^-inch 17 or 20-lb.
2,900 ft. 5 3/16-inch 13 or 17-lb.
CASING USED IN VARIOUS FIELDS
257
WEST VIRGINIA (Condnded)
Manniogton *
Average depth of wells, 3,000 ft.
300 ft. 10-inch 32^-lb.
1,570 ft. 8^-mch 24-lb.
2,365 ft. 6H-inch 17-lb.
2300 ft. 5 3/16-inch 13-lb.
Charleston *
Roane County
Average depth of wells, 1,950 ft«
400 ft. 10-inch 32^-lb.
1,200 ft. B^iAndi 24-lb.
1300 to
1,900 ft. 6H-inch 17-lb.
Clarksburg *
2300 ft sand
Average depth of wells, 2,800 ft
250 ft 10-inch 32^.1b.
1,200 ft. 8^-inch 24-lb.
1300 ft 6^-inch 17-lb.
In some cases an additional
string of 2,600 ft of 5 3/16-inch
13-lb. is used.
Charleston *
Cabin Creek District
Average depth of wells, 2,500 ft
40 to 60 ft 12^-in. 36^-lb.
300 to ' 700 ft. 10-in. 32^-lb.
1,200 to 1,400 ft. 8^-in. 24-lb.
1,900 to 2,000 ft 6H-in. 20-lb.
ILLINOIS
Casey*
Average depth of wells 450 to
600 feet
20 to 30 ft. 10-in. 32^-lb.
80 to 140 ft. 8^-inch 24-lb.
350 to 400 ft. 6^-inch 13-lb.
Occasionally it it necessary to
finish the deeper wells with an
additional string of 350 to 400 ft
of 5-inch 10-lb.
Bridgeport *
Kirkwood Sand
Average depth of wells, 1,650 ft.
345 ft 12^-inch 50-lb.
950 ft 10-inch 32^-lb.
1,300 ft. 8K-inch 24-lb.
1,450 ft. 6H-inch 17-lb.
1,580 ft 5 3/16-inch 13-lb.
KENTUCKY
Winchester*
Lee County District
Average depth of wells, about
950 ft.
20 feet 8^-inch 17f^-lb.
125 to 450 ft: 65i-inch 13-lb.
Some wells located on the cliffs
are drilled to a depth of 1,150 ft
Note. — Specifications designated by * from Oil Well Supply Co.
book, "Useful Information, Pipe.*'
Bowling Green
Scottsville
10 to 80 ft 8Ji-inch 17-lb.
60 to 400 ft. 6^-inch 13-lb.
200 to 500 ft. 5 -inch 10-lb. for
liner if needed.
258
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Chanate*
Average depth of wells, 1,100 ft.
20 to 30 ft. 10-inch 32^-lb.
250 to 350 ft. 8^-inch 17j4.1b.
750 to 1,100 ft. 6^-inch 13-lb.
Augusta and Eldorado
40 ft. 20-inch O.D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
120 ft. 15^-inch 70-lb. Casing.
900 ft. 12j4.inch 50-lb.
1,200 ft. 10-inch 35-lb.
1,800 ft. 8}j-inch 28-lb.
2,400 ft. 6fi-inch 20-lb.
2,600 ft. 5 3/16-inch 17-lb..
OKLAHOMA
KANSAS
Chautauqua, Elgin and Sedan
Fields *
Average depth of wells, 1,600 ft.
40 ft. 10-inch 32^-lb.
500 ft. 8^-inch 24-lb.
1,400 ft. 6$i-inch 17-lb.
Paola*
Average depth of wells, 400 to
600 ft.
20 to 40 ft. 854-inch 1754-lb.
300 ft. 6^-inch 13-lb.
400 to 500 ft. 5-inch 10-lb.
Bartlesville District
60 ft. 854-inch 1754-lb. .
1,150 to 1,250 ft. 65i-inch 13-lb.
or 6^-inch 17-lb.
Osage Country
Bartlesville District
750 ft. 8K-inch 24-lb.
1,250 ft. to
1,900 ft. 6f6-inch 17-lb or 20-lb.
Tulsa*
Glenn Sand
Average depth of wells, 1,650 to
1,700 ft.
20 to 50 ft. 10 in. 3254-lb.
250 to 300 ft. 8K-inch 24-lb.
1,600 ft. 6H-incff 20-lb.
Cushing and Quay*
Average depth of wells, 3,100 to
3,200 ft.
400 to 600 ft. 155^-in. 70-lb.
900 to 1,200 ft. 125^-in. 50-lb.
1,600 to 1,800 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
2,000 to 2,400 ft. 8}4-in. 28-lb.
2,500 to 3,000 ft. 6$i-in. 24-lb.
3,000 to 3,150 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17-lb.
':^^s.~r;~.' ■« •»» if*i;" •
Drumright, Oilton and
Shamrock *
Average depth of wells, 2,600 to
3.000 ft.
40 to 400 ft. 155^-in. 70-lb.
500 to 1,000 ft. 125^-in. 50-lb.
1.000 to 1,600 ft. 10-in. 35-lb.
1,100 to 1,800 ft. %%'\n. 28-lb.
2,500 to 2,800 ft. 6fi-in. 24-lb.
2,700 to 3,000 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17-lb.
Ponca City*
3,100 to 4,000-ft Sand
20 to 60 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-
Ib. Drive Pipe.
500 to 750 ft. 15}4-in. 70.1b.
1,000 to 1,500 ft. 1254-in. 50-lb.
1,600 to 2,000 ft. 10-tn. 40-lb.
2,400 to 2,800 ft 8K-in. 32-lb.
3,000 to 3,700 ft. 6»i-in. 26-lb.
500 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17.1b. Liner.
BlackwcU*
3,400-ft Sand
60 ft. 155^-in. 70-lb.
750 ft. 12^-in. 50rlb.
2,200 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
2,800 ft. %%'itL 32-lb.
3,350 ft 6fi-in. 26-lb.
CASING USED IN VARIOUS FIELDS
259
OKLAHOMA
Cleveland *
Hominy Field — Osage
Average depth of wells, 1,900 to
2,100 ft.
150 ft. 1254-inch 50-lb.
400 ft. lO-inch 32^.1b.
800 ft. 854-inch 24-lb.
1,800 ft. 6^-inch 20-lb.
Okmulgee
2,000-ft. Sand
40 ft. 10-inch 3254-lb.
1,200 ft. 854-inch 24-lb.
1,900 ft. 65i-inch 17-lb.
3,000-ft Bknd
40 ft. 1554-inch 70-lb.
200 ft. 1254-inch 50-15.
1,000 ft. 10-inch 35-lb.
2,400 ft. 854-inch 28-lb.
2,800 ft. 6^-inch 24-lb.
Walter*
Average depth of wells, 2,400 ft.
300 to 500 ft. 10-in. 35-lb.
1,200 to 1,600 ft. iB^-in. 28-lb.
2,100 to 2,400 ft. 6fg-in. 24-lb.
100 to 200 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17-lb.
inserted joint liner.
(Combination System.)
LOUISIANA
Shreveport-Rotary System 2,300 ft. 6-in. Line Pipe.
2,500-ft. Sand 200-ft. 454-in. 12.47-lb. Line Pipe
200 ft. 10-in. 3254-lb. Casing. (for liner).
TEXAS
(Concluded)
Garber
2300-ft Sand
40 ft. 20-in. 90-lb. O. D. Drive
Pipe.
600 ft. 1554rin. 70-lb. Casing.
1,100 ft. 12}4-in. 50-lb.
1,400 ft. 10-in. 40 or 35-lb.
1,850 ft. 854-in. 28 or 32.1b.
2,150 ft. 6$i-in. 24-lb.
Healdton*
1,100-ft Sand
20 ft. 1254-in. 50-lb.
500 to 550 ft. lOrin. 40-lb.
900 ft. 854-in. 28-lb. or 32-lb.
Healdton *
2,200-ft Sand
400 ft. 15j4-in. 70-lb.
700 ft. 1254-in. 50-lb.
♦1,200 to 1,300 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
1,800 to 1,900 ft. 85i-in. 32-lb.
2,100 ft. 6H'in. 24-lb.
♦ The 15^, 1254 and 10-in. cas-
ing is pulled after the' well is
drilled in.
♦350 to
♦600 to
Beaumont
1.500-ft Sand
40 ft. 8-in. 25-lb. Line Pipe.
1,450 ft. 6.in. 19.5-lb. Line Pipe.
WichiU FaUs ♦
Average depth of wells, 2,000 ft.
Cable Tool System.
100 ft. 1254-in. 365^-Ib. or SMh.
750 ft. 10-in. 35 or 40.1b.
1,000 to 1,200 ft. 854-in., 28-lb.
1,500 to 2,000 ft 6H-in. 2()-lb.
Note. — Specifications designated by ♦ from Oil Well Supply Co.
bool^ "Useful Information, Pipe."
260
DEEP WELL DRILLING
TEXAS (Concluded)
East Colombia Casing used in the deeper wdOs
Average depth of wells, 3,000 to
3,150 ft.
600 to 800 ft. 10-tn. 32^-lb.
Line Pipe.
2,750 to 2,900 ft. 6-in. 19.5-lb.
Line Pipe.
Houston District *
3,500-ft Sand
100 to 150 ft. 12-in. 45-lb. or
12^-in. 45-lb.
2,100 to 2,200 ft. 8*in. 29-Ib. Line
Pipe.
3,100 to 3,250 ft 6-in. 19.5-lb.
Line Pipe.
WYOMING
Rock River and Medicine Bow
40 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
100 ft. 15^-in. 70-lb.
900 ft. 12^-in. 45-lb.
1,700 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
2,300 ft; 8^-in. 28-lb.
3,000 ft. 6f6-in. 24-lb.
Big Muddy
40 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
500 ft. 15^-in. 70-lb. Casing.
1,000 ft. 1254-in. 45-lb.
1,600 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
2,000 ft. 854-in. 32-lb.
3,000 ft. 6^-in. 26-lb.
Lance Creek
100 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
1,000 ft. 15j4-in. 70-lb. Casing.
1,500 ft. 12j4-in. 45-lb.
2,000 ft. 10-in. 45-lb.
3,000 ft. 8K-in. 32-lb.
of the Ranger District in North
Texas:
20 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
250 ft. 15^-in. 70-ltv Casing.
700 ft 12ji-in. SO-lb.
1,500 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
2,000 ft Bii'in. 28-lb.
3,200 ft eH'in. 24-lb.
4,000 ft 49i-in. 15-lb.
Salt Creek
100 ft 15^-in. 52-lb.
500 ft. 12^-in. 45-lb.
1,000 ft 10-in. 32-lb.
1,500 ft 8}i-in. 24-lb.
2,000 ft 6H-in. 20-lb.
Fremont Co.
40 ft. 15j4-in. 52.1b.
300 ft 12^-in. 36-lb.
800 ft. 10-in. 32-lb.
1,600 ft 8^-in. 24-lb.
Lost Soldier and Ferris
100 ft 15j4-in. 52j^-lb.
600 ft. 12^-in. 45-lb.
1,800 ft. 10-in. 45-lb.
2,500 ft 8K-in. 28-lb.
3,200 ft. 6K-in. 24-lb.
Warm Springs, Grass Creek, Elk
Basin, Washakie and Big Horn
Basin:
40 to 200 ft 10-in. 32.1b.
600 to 800 ft 8^-in. 24-lb.
1,100 to 1,700 ft 6f6-in. 17-lb.
3,700 ft 65i-in. 26-lb.
Note.— Specifications designated by * from Oil Wdl Supply Co.
book, "Useful Information, Pipe."
CASING USED IN VARIOUS FIELDS
261
MONTANA
Average depth, 3,500 to 4,000 ft. 1,200 ft. 12>5.in. 45-lb.
60 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive 2,000 ft. 10-in. 40-lb.
Pipe. 3,000 ft. 8K-in. 32.1b.
300 ft. ISji-in. 70.1b. Casing. 3,500 to 4,000 ft 6j<.in. 26-Ib.
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
Montebello Field
Cable Tool System— 4,000-ft sand
1,000 ft. 15^-in. 70.1b.
2,000 ft. 12^.in. 50-lb.
2,500 ft lO-in. SO-lb.
3,500 ft 8^-in. 36.1b.
4,000 ft 6^.in. 26 or 28-lb.
Brea
3,700 ft— Rotary System
200 ft. 20.in. 110.1b. Screw Cas-
ing or
200 ft. 20-in. Stove Pipe Casing.
3,000 ft. lO-in. 45.1b. Casing.
3,500 ft. 8Ji-in. 32.1b. or 36.1b.
Casing.
3,700 ft-^able System.
1,000 ft. 15^.in. 70-lb.
1,800 ft 12j4.in. 45 or S0.1b.
2,500 ft 10.in. 40 or 45-lb.
3,500 ft 8^-in. 32 or 36-lb.
4,000 ft. 6%''m. 26 or 28.1b.
Maricopa
Cable Tool System— 1,400-ft sand
350 ft. 1254.in. 40-lb.
1,000 ft 10.in. 40.1b.
1,350 ft 8^-in. 28.1b.
Combination System— 4,100.ft
sand
250 ft 1554-in. 70-lb. or 16.in.
Stove Pipe Casing.
3,000 ft. 10.in. 45.1b.
3,400 ft. 8^.in. 36.1b.
3,900 ft. 6}i'in, 26.1b. or 28.1b.
4,100 ft. 4^.in. 15.1b.
Bakersfield
Kern River Field
650 ft ll^.in. 3154-ib.
900 ft 9H.in. 33-lb.
1,160 ft 7^.in. 20-lb.
Coalinga
Shallow Cable System
500 ft. lO-in. 40-lb.
1,000 ft 8^-in. 28Tlb.
1,500 ft 6K-in. 20-lb.
or
500 ft UJi-in. 31 ^-Ib.
1,000 ft 9^.in. 22fi.lb.
1,500 ft. 7«.in. 16-lb.
4,000 ft— Rotary System
3,500 to 4,000 ft. 10-in. 45.1b.
4,000 ft 8^-in. 36-lb.
McKittrick
Cable Tool System— 4,400-ft sand
750 ft 1254.in. 40.1b.
3,500 ft. lO-in. 45-lb.
3.900 ft. 854-in. 36.1b.
4,400 ft 6^.in. 28-lb.
Orcatt
3,^ ft— Cable System
1,250 ft. 12^.in. 40 or 45-lb.
2,000 ft. lO-in. 40 or 45.1b.
2,500 ft 8H-in. 32 or 36.1b.
3,000 to 3,500 ft. 6ji-in. 26-lb.
44S00 ft. sand
1,250 ft. 12^-in. 45.1b.
2,000 ft. lO-in. 40-lb.
2,500 to 3,500 ft. 8K-in. 32 or 36-
lb.
3,000 to 4,200 ft. 6^'in. 26-lb.
4,000 to 4.200 ft 4Ji.in. 15.1b.
262
DEEP WELL DRILLING
CANADA
Tiltary, Ontario
85 to 170 ft. 10-in. 32-lb.
220 to 300 ft 854-in. 17j4-lb.
740 to 900 ft. 654-in. 13-lb.
Viking and Okotoks, AlbarU
ISO ft. 18-in. O. D. 8Mb. Drive
Pipe.
700 ft. 14-in. O. D. 56-lb. Drive
Pipe.
1»600 ft. 10-in. 40-lb. Casing.
2,000 ft. 85^-in. 32-lb. Casing.
2,250 ft. 6^-in. 24-lb. Casing.
90 to
280 to
1.190 to
2,700 to
60 ft.
650 ft.
I.IOO ft.
1,250 ft.
1,900 ft.
Dover, Ontario
100 ft. 1254-in. 50-lb.
300 ft. 10-in. 32.1b.
1,210 ft. 854.in. 24-lb.
2,880 ft. 6H-in. 24-lb.
River, Alberta
20-in. O. D. 90-lb. Drive
Pipe.
1554-in. 70-lb. Casing.
10-in. 40-lb.
8^-in. 28-lb.
654-in. 20-lb.
MEXICO
Panuco Field
Average depth of wells, 2,000 ft.
Cable Tool System
200 ft. 12^-in. 40 or 45-lb.
850 ft. lO-in. 40 or 45-lb.
1,600 ft. S^i'in. 32 or 36 lb.
Topila Field
Average depth of wells, 2,250 ft
Cable Tool System
100 ft. 1554-in. 70.1b.
400 ft 12j4-in. 45 or 50-lb.
900 ft. 10.in. 40 or 45-lb.
2,150 ft 8K-in. 32 or 36.1b.
Some of the specifications here given include very long
strings of certain weights of casing which, in the writer's
opinion, exceed the limits of safety in accordance with tables
on pages 266-269. It is common practice in several fields to
use these specifications, however, and the information is re-
corded without the writer's recommendation that these speci-
fications may be applicable to other districts where conditions
are different
COLLAPSING PRESSURES 26$
COLLAPSING PRESSURES
The selection of the weight of casing to be used depends
upon the drilling conditions which vary in different fields. It
is always good practice to assume that the water to be cased
off rises to the surface and to use casing of sufficient weight
to withstand collapsing pressure of a water column equal to
the length of the string of casing and preserve a safety factor
of not less than two (see tables of collapsing pressures, pages
266-269). Also in casing off caving strata where the hole may
be dry, it is difficult to estimate the crushing or collapsing
force exerted against the casing by the caving material.
In a well where several long strings of casing are necessary
and an inside string extended only a few hundred feet below
the net size larger in a dry hole, it might be safe to use a
lighter weight of casing for that part of the string above the
bottom of the next larger size. Or in a well where the water
should rise only half way or less, the entire string of casing
could be of a lighter weight than where the water rose to
the surface. However, in using casing of a weight lighter
than shown in the collapsing pressure tables, the strain on
the casing due to its own weight must be taken into account.
The operator will have to consider all phases of the situation
and choose a weight of casing that will afford a sufficient
factor of safety to safeguard both the casing and the well.
Prof. R. T. Stewart, Dean of the Mechanical Engineering
Department of the University of Pittsburgh, was authorized
to plan and direct a series of experiments for the purpose of
supplying reliable information on the behavior of wrought
tubes when subjected to fluid collapsing pressure.* The work
was carried out at the National Department of National Tube
Co., at McKeesport, Pa.,t occupying the time of from one
♦ Stewart, R. T. — Collapsing pressure of Bessemer steel lap welded
tuhes, 3 to 10 inches in diameter: Trans. Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., May,
1906, pp. 730-822.
t National Tube Co. Book of Standards.
264 DEEP WELL DRILLING
to six men continuously for a period of four years. Quoting
from Prof. Stewart's report:
"Results of Research. — The principal conclusions to be
drawn from the results of the present research may be briefly
stated as follows :
1. The length of tube, between transverse joints tending to
hold it to a circular form, has no practical influence upon the
collapsing pressure of a commercial lap-welded steel tube so
long as this length is not less than about six diameters of
tube.
2. The formulas, as based upon the present research, ifor
the collapsing pressures of modem lap-welded Bessemer steel
tubes, are as follows :
P equals 86,670 -g 1,386. (B)
P equals 50,210,000 (-T^-)* ......(G)
Where P == collapsing pressure, pounds per square inch.
D = outside diameter of tube in inches,
t = thickness of wall in inches.
Formula B is for values of P greater than 581 pounds per
square inch, or for values of t/D greater than 0.023, while
formula G is for values less than these.
These formulas, while strictly correct for tubes that are
20 feet in length between transverse joints tending to hold
them to a circular form, are, at the same time, substantially
correct for all lengths. greater than about six diameters. They
have been tested for seven sizes, ranging from 3 to 10 inches
outside diameter, in all obtainable commercial thicknesses of
wall, and are known to be correct for this range."
"Not one of the several hundred tubes tested failed at a
pressure lower than 42 per cent, less than the probable col-
lapsing pressure, while 0.5 per cent, of the number ot tubes
failed at 37 per cent, and 2 per cent, at 25 per cent, less than
that pressure. In other words, with an actual factor of safety
of 1.75, * * * not one of the tubes tested would have
failed.
'.^
COLLAPSING PRESSURES 265
"It would appear that :
1. For the most favorable practical conditions, namely,
when the tube is subjected only to stress due to fluid pressure
and only the most trivial loss could result from its failure, a
factor of safety of 3 would appear sufficient.
2. When only a moderate amount of loss could result from
failure, use a factor of 4.
"These recommendations by Stewart are absolutely sound
engineering and if a safety factor of 3 were used in pil-well
work some costly redrilling jobs or collapsed casing," causing
long jfishing jobs, might be avoided."*
From the writer's experience he is satisfied that many
operators exceed the limits of safety m putting in long strings
of casing and he has known not one but many instances of
strings of casing having been used where the factor of safety
was much less than two.
Based on Prof, Stewart's formula and the tables of col-
lapsing pressures shown in the National Tube Company's
Book of Standards, the writer has calculated the collapsing
pressures and the safe length of column for well casing of
the several kinds made by National Tube Company, with
factors of safety of two, of three and of four, as shown in the
tables on the following pages.
Example of application of these tables : Assume that it is
necessary to put in a string of 3,000 feet of 65^-inch casing
and a factor of safety of 3 is desired. Referring to tables we
find that no weight of standard casing will answer for this
service, so it will be necessary to use California D. B. X.
Casing, dj^inch, 30-pound, whose safe limit with safety factor
of 3 is 2,965 feet.
* U. S. Bureau of Mines Balletin No. 163, Methods of Shutting Off
Water in Oil and Gas Wells, by B. F. Tough.
266 DEEP WELL DRILLING
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269
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270 DEEP WELL DRILLING
It is difficult to formulate any rules for the size, kind or
quantity of casing that should be used in any new field, and
indeed, conditions are sometimes met in developed fields that
necessitate the changing of the usual combinations of casing
for that locality or adding an additional string of casing. In
fields where, the formations stand up, and a stratum carrying
water should be encountered below the point where the casing
had been set, it is customary to pull the casing and ream the
hole down past the lower water and reset the casing. In
drilling soft or caving formations, where it is necessary to
underream the casing and carry it down, a point usually is
reached where it is difficult or impracticable to carry the
casing further, or the formation might cave against it, freezing
it. Thus it becomes necessary in deep wells to use string
after string of casing until the well is completed.
In a developed field or in one where several wells have been
drilled it can usually be determined how many strings of
casing are required, also the size and the approximate length
of each string. In a new territory or for a wildcat well, so
called, the casing becomes a serious problem. It is wise,
therefore, when drilling in unknown formations or in unde-
veloped territory to commence the well with at least one
size larger drive pipe or casing than may seem necessary.
Thus, if an extra string of casing should be required, it would
still be possible to complete the well with the size casing
it was originally intended to use. On the other hand, if after
putting in the last or smallest size casing a cave or vein of
water should necessitate a smaller size, it might be difficult
to secure the smaller casing; it is certain drilling would be
slow in the restricted hole, and it might be impossible to
complete the well at all.
The following table may be helpful in determining the sizes
•of casing that should be used :
CASING METHODS
271
Sizes of
Casing
Under Known
Conditions
Suggested
Combination
for Unknown
Conditions'
10
Sizes of
Casing
. Under Known
Conditions
Suggested
Combination
for Unknown
Conditions
15^
8
B'A
i2y2
i2y2
6H or 6J4
6H
10
10
5 3/16
8^
8J4
6H or 6J4
6H
5 3/16
■
12J4
20O.D.
10
10
15J4
isy2
8M
SH
12J4
i2y2
65^ or 6j4
6H
10
10
5 3/16
8J4
8M
•
6H
6J4
4H
COMBINATIONS OF DRIVE PIPE AND CASING
Of late years, to meet the demand for casing of sufficient
strength to withstand the strains of under reaming and re-
peated pulling, manufacturers have made heavier and still
heavier casing. As this extra weight is added to the inside of
the casing — the outside diameter always remaining the same —
the consequent reduction of inside diameter must be taken
into account when calculating the diiferent sizes of casing
to be put down one within the other in one well. For examr
pie, 65^-inch casing is usually used as the next size inside
8j4-inch regular 24 or 28-pound casing, but as the inside
diameter of 8j4-inch 38-pound California D. B. X. casing is
7.775 inches, and the outside diameter of the coupling on 65^-
inch casing is 7.698 inches, it is obvious that it would be
unwise to use it inside the 8j4-inch, consequently it has be-
come customary in California to use 6j4-inch casing as the
next size inside the 8j4-iiich. The chart showing dimensions
of casing on page 272 will be useful as a guide to the correct
sizes of casing to use.
272 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Inserted joint casing never has been popular with operators
in the United States, although it is extensively used in foreign
fields. The advantage in using inserted joint casing is that,
due to the absence of couplings, the sizes will fit more closely
one within the other and it is possible to use one or more
additional strings of casing within the limits of sizes provided
by the coupled casing. The disadvantages are the difficulty
of handling it and of securing it promptly, for usually it must
be made to order. Elevators cannot be used for putting
in inserted joint casing, for it would be liable to pull through
the elevator. A spider with slips is used to hold it and a
casing swivel, a device made of a casing nipple and a swivel,
is used in lieu of the upper elevator. The operation of the
swivel is, of course, much slower than the elevator, for the
swivel must be screwed securely into each joint and then
unscrewed.
It has become the custom in the fields of the Gulf Coast,
where the rotary is exclusively used for drilling, to use line
pipe for casing. Six-inch line pipe, threaded 8 threads per
inch, is used as the inside string. This may have developed
from the use of drill pipe, which is the same size and has the
same threads as the line pipe. Also the elevators, tongs and
fittings used about the well will fit both kinds of pipe.
For putting in casing more men are required than the two
men, the driller and tool dresser, who comprise the drilling
crew. For short strings or small size casing, contractors some-
times arrange for both the day and night crews, four men,
to work together during the day putting in the casing. For
long and heavy strings of casing seven men are sometimes
employed, the driller to operate the rig; the tool dresser to
maintain steam, assist on the derrick floor, etc. ; one man, the
"stabber," who stands on the end of the walking beam to
guide the joint of casing as it is started in the coupling to
prevent cross threading; two men to handle the tongs, spider
and elevators on the derrick floor, and two men to handle the
casing from where it is piled into the derrick.
II,
to
le
to
to
cf
kc
I CASING METHODS 275
In the'deep fields of OkliJionia, Texas and Wyoming, it b
customary to have casing crews, equipped for the work, put
in the long strings of casing. These crews consist of about
five men and they do all the work incident to handling the
casing, except operating the boiler and engine, which is done
by the driller and tool dresser.
USE OF SPIDERS AND SUPS
When under reaming or handling long strings of casing,
it is good practice to use, instead of the lower elevator, a
spider and slips. This device will catch and hold the casing
if it should slip or if a coupling should break or pull off.
When putting in casing two men pull up and release the slips,
so the casing will pass through them. For convenience in
handling the slips, each half of the set is wired together so
that each man can pull up one-half of the slips when lowering
the casing.
SLIPS
Fir 1*2-
For handling long strings of casing, even thou^ under
reaming may not be necessary, it is a good idea to equip the
rig with calf wheels. It is really unsafe to use the fast moving
bull wheels for putting in long strings of casing. The calf
wheels run much more slowly, they are designed for han-
dling casing and are much better adapted for handling long
and heavy strings of casing than the bull wheels.
276 DEEP WELL DRILLING
The more lines used in handling casing, the slower is fbe
operation, therefore some contractors use only two sheaves
<tf the triple block and a light hook for putting in the first
few hundred feet, and when the limit of safety is reached they
string the third sheave and change to the heavier hook. It is
customary in Texas, for the purpose of speeding up the cas-
ing operation, to fasten the dead end of the casing line to
the calf wheel shaft, thus pulling on both ends of the line.
After 2,000 feet of 6J4-i»ch casing have been put in, however,
it is safer to attach the end of the line to the becket on the
block.
STRINOINO OF CASING BLOCKS*
There are several methods of stringing
blocks for handling long strings of casing.
The method most generally approved is shown
in Figure 163. This method, it will be noted,
is for the use of seven lines, but if only five
lines are desired, pulleys 3 and 6 may be left
unstrung, thus giving five lines.
A common error in stringing casing blocks
is to bring the line direct from the calf wheel
shaft to the initial pulley without the re-
versal noted in "a" and "b" over pulley 1.
Without the reversal, the blocks are not in
alignment with the hole, and the "starting"
of pipe is made difficult. This causes a loss
of time in handling casing and may even
result in a joint of pipe being screwed in cross
MBtho^otBidngingt^''^^'^^''' ^'t'^ '^^ inevitable result— a parted
cBsinK blocks String of Casing.
Before screwing the joints of casing together, both the
thread and the coupling should be carefully cleaned with a
* From U. S. Bnreau of Mines Bulletin No. 182, "Casing Troubles
and Fishing Methods in Oil Wells," by Thomas Curtin.
CASING METHODS
278 DEEP WELL DRILLING
wire thread brush, and it is well to treat them with a mixture
of white lead and tallow. Each thread should be screwed up
as far as it will go to be sure the joint is tight. Joints are
sometimes set up by power, using a jerk line from the band
wheel crank to the handle of the tongs or pole. See Fig. 164.
When putting in casing, it is advisable to screw up the
coupling on the mill end of each joint to be sure it is tight
Long strings of casing have been dropped due to a loose
coupling stripping off.
After the casing has been set and the hole bailed dry, a
casing tester should be lowered and allowed to remain for
an hour to determine if the casing is tight. Should there
be a leak, the tester is drawn up and allowed to remain at
different points in the casing until the. leak is found. The
casing should then be pulled and the joint screwed tight if
possible, otherwise another piece of casing should be sub-
stituted.
PUTTING IN CASING WITH A ROTARY OUTFIT \
A rotary outfit is always prepared for putting in casing,
for the reason that the casing can be handled with the same
line, block, elevators, etc., that are used in drilling. If the
rotary is equipped with slips of a size that will fit the
casing, they may be used in lieu of the lower elevator.
The casing is usually set up by engine power, utilizing the
cat head on the draw works drive shaft. A Manila rope is
attached to the end of the casing tongs and several turns
taken around the cat head. The stroke is secured by alter-
nately pulling in the slack of the line and looping it around
the cat head.
If cavings or other obstruction should impede the lowering
of the casing, it is spudded up and down and turned with
the tongs until it is freed. When the casing has been landed
on bottom, it is sometimes spudded a few times to work it
into a good tight seat.
CASING METHODS 279
Should it be necessary to pull the casing, it is unjoiiite<i
in "stands" of three or more joints, the same as drill pipe,
and then stood in the derrick, thus much time is saved in
replacing it-
In the Gulf Coast fields a liner is usually set from the
bottom of the casing to the bottom of the well. That part
of the liner which passes through the producing sand is
perforated to admit the oil. In some wells a screen is used
instead of the perforated part of the liner to exclude the
floating sand. The liner is sometimes set with a lead seal to
provide a tight connection with the bottom of the casing.
Refer to chapter, Finishing the Well.
It is the practice in putting in long strings of casing in the
fields of North Texas and of Wyoming to land the casing on
bottom and then take a strain on it to take out the slack, as
the drillers say. A string of 3,000 feet of casing can 'be
pulled up IS inches at the top before it clears the bottom.
The casing is then hung on a heavy casing clamp which rests
Fig. lEE. CaBlng Clamp
on the next larger size or, if it is intended to puU one or more
of the strings, the clamp should have ears long enough to
rest on the next larger size that is left in the hole. The
casing then gradually settles to a permanent seat and the
great strain of its own weight is distributed between the
clamp at the top and the seat on bottom. Some operators use
clamps on every string of casing, thus putting upon the larger
sizes and shorter strings, part of the weight of the inside
heavier strings.
280 DEEP WELL DRILLING
It sometimes is feasible to pull out one or more of the
outside strings of casing after the inside or, water string has
been permanently set or cemented, thereby effecting a con-
siderable saving in the cost of casing, and, as under present
conditions when there is a shortage of casing, facilitating
further operations. For example, in the Ranger, Texas, field,
the 15j^, 12j4 and lO-inch casing is sometimes pulled, leaving
only the 8J4 and 6J4-inch strings in the well,
. PERFORATING THE CASING
Sometimes in the drilling of an oil or gas well a
stratum containing a paying quantity of gas or oil
may be encountered at a shallower depth than that
at which the well is intended to be finished. Fre-
quently this gas or oil is cased or packed or mudded
off and recovered by drilling a shallower well close
to the deep well.
However, it may be possible to save the gas or
the oil by the process of perforating the casing,
which will admit it to the well. For this purpose
the tool shown in the illustration is used.
The tool is equipped with a brace or spring, which
fits the casing. When the tool has been lowered to
the point where it is desired to begin perforating, the
perforator is set in the casing by pulling up on the
tools, which trips the brace, so it will support the
tool in the casing, while jarring. The perforating
Big. 166 '^ then done by jarring down. The perforator is then
Caaing pulled up a foot or more and the operation repeated
and so on until sufficient perforations have been
made to cover the oil producing sands.
In the fields of California it is common practice to finish
the well with an oil string of easing, passing through oil
sands that have a tendency to cave, and then to perforate the
casing. Several casing perforators have been developed for
CASING METHODS 281
this work; mcluding^ single knife, double knife- and revolving
star-sHaped wheel cutter types. This subject is further dis-
cussed in the chapter, "Finishing the Well," and it has been
fully coveredin a recent publication of the U. S. Bureau of
Mines,* " '
CASINO SHOES
It is customary in the deep helds of California, Wvorning
and Mid-continent territory to use a casing, shoe, similar :to
drive shoe (Fig. 36), on the bottom of each string of casing.
The shoe serves a double purpose. It provides, a. sleeve or
socket in which the lower joint of casing rests, thus protecting
and supporting it. The bottom of the shoe is about twice the
thickness of the casing and beveled, so that it works itself
into a much better seat in the formation than could be secured
with the unprotected
casing.: . ■ ,■. , .
; Occasionally difficul-
ty has been experienced
■ by a casing shoe catch-
ing/and hanging up in ',
the .- coupling of the-]
next larger size. To
prevent this, a • shoe
guide, Figure 167, is
USE OF THE BULL HITCH FOR PULLING CASING
Pulling a string of casing that is fast in the hole is a dif-
ficult and sometimes dangerous operation, for it is impossible
to know how severe a strain is put upon the rig and casing
outfit.
• U. S. Bureau of Mines Technical Paper No. 247, Perforated Casing
and Screen Pipe in Oil Wells, by E. W. Wagy.
282 DEEP WELt BfWfcLING
A drawing was prepared by The National Supply Co. (Fig.
168), as a suggestion for a special outfit for using the bull
hitch, which consists of two 40-ft. shear poles with a special
stirrup at the top, two special 3-inch links to engage with the
wings of the spider, special SO-icch single bull block, and a
thimble to fasten the end of the bull line to engage the casing
hook. This outfit contemplates the use of four casing pulleys
and a quadruple traveling block, bttt the dead end of the casing
line, instead of being fastened in the becket of the traveling
block is made fast around one of the beams of the crown
block.
As 18 X 18 X 40-ft. timbers would be almost impossible to
secure, except through special order to the mill, the operator
might be able to use two 32-ft. main sills for shear poles,
which should give sufficient clearance to pull one 20-ft. joint
of pipe.
A bull hitch can be rigged without the use of shear poles
by placing an 18 x 18 square timber under the end of the
walking beam, supported on an extra sill. The beam is let
down until it rests on both the headache post and the extra
timber. An endless wire deadline is then looped on the end
of the beam, on which should be spiked a piece of hard wood
to\ protect it from the cutting of the line. The deadline is
then snatched into double block on the elevators and the end,
or loop, is hooked into the casing hook on the traveling block,
similar to the manner in which the spool and bull line are
hooked in the accompanying illustration. By this means part
of the pull is borne directly by the anchored walking beam
and the two posts.
By the use of the walking beam it would be impossible to
clear a full 20-ft. joint of casing unless the derrick is equipped
with a cellar at least ten feet deep. In most cases, however,
the bull hitch is used, not for pulling the casing, but for
simply starting it when it is fast, after which it can be pulled
in the regular way.
GVSING METHODS
284 DEEP WELL DRILLING
TRUEING UP THE bERRICK
Before attempling a hard pull on casing or putting in a
long and heavy string, a rig builder should be called to
examine the derrick. It may be found to be out of plumb,
or one of the legs might be weak. Such a derrick should be
corrected before subjecting it to a severe strain.
CASING EQpiPMENT
The outfit for putting in casing should be carefully selected
and of sufficient strength to handle safety the weight of the
casing to be used. Particular- attention should be given to
the elevators. For short strings of casing the regular pattern
elevators will answer, but for long strings the extra heavy
Mannington pattern elevators shcmld be used. For long
CASING EQUIPMENT
Yig. 174
O. W. 3. Co. Double
Gate Elevalora
strings of 'cfising the Scott
type of elevators are the
safer, for the reason that
'When the links are drawn up
in use they keep the latch
securely closed. For ex-
tremely long and heavy
strings of casing Wilson Ex-
tra Heavy Spring Latch Ele-
vators (Fig. 171), or Oil Well
Supply Co. Double Gate El^-^. .
vators (Fig. 174), or Lucey
Company Rex Side Gate Ele-
vators (Fig, 138) are recom-
286 DEEP WELL DRILLING
mended. Elevators should be carefully examined to be sure
they are not too loose from wear. When a long string of
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CASING OUTFITS
For not more than 500 feet 13-pouiid casing or equal
weight :
•300 feet fS-inch 6 x 19 Sleel Wire Casing Line.
1 20 or 2Z-inch Single Steel Block— 2 lines.
1 IH-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Fair's Malleable Iron Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sHng and Neverslip Grip.
* For putting in light strings of casing the drilling cable is often
used in lieu of a casing line.
! CASING EQUIPMENT 287
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CASING OUTFITS (Continaed) ^
For not more than 750 feet IS-pound casing or equal
weight :
300 feet ^-inch 6 x 19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 24-inch Single Steel Block — 2 lines.
1 2^-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set' Fair's Regular Wrought Iron Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
For not more than 1^00 feet 13-pound casing or equal
weight: .: r^tii
450 feet 5^-inch 6x19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 24-inch Single Casing Block)
1 24-inch Double Casing Block) * "'^**-
1 ^-inch 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 3-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Fair's Regular Wrought* Iron Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
For not more than 1,500 feet 17-pound casing or equal
weight :
450 feet ^-inch 6x19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 26-inch Single Casing Block)
1 26-inch Double .Casing Block) ^ ^'**^^'
1 1-inch 40- foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 3^-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Fair's Regular Wrought Iron Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
For not more than 2,000 feet 17-pound casing or equal
weight :
600 feet 94-inch 6 x 19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 26-inch Double Casing Block) ^ i:„gc
1 26-inch Triple Casing Block)
1 1^-inch 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 4-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Chain Tongs.
For not more than 2,300 feet 20-pound casing or equal
weight :
600 feet ^-inch 6x19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
288 DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CASING OUTFITS (Continued)
1 28-inch Double Casing Block)
1 28-inch Triple Casing Block) ^ "^^®-
1 154-inch by 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 454-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Scott's Extra Heavy Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Chain Tongs.
For not more than 2,500 feet 24-pound casing or equal
weight :
600 feet 1-inch 6 x 19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 32-inch Double Casing Block)
1 32-inch Triple Casing Block) ^ ""^^•
1 l]^-inch by 40-foot Endless Wire Dead Line.
1 5-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Wilson, Dunn, Union Single Link, or Oil Well Supply Co. or
Lucey Side Gate Elevators fbr each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Dunn or Guiberson Tongs.
For not more than 3,000 feet 26-pound casing or equal
weight : *
800 feet 1-inch 6 x 19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 32-inch Triple Casing Block )
1 Calf Wheel Outfit with 4 Casing Pulleys) ' ^^"^^
1 5^-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Wilson or Dunn Extra Heavy, Union Single Link or Oil
Well Supply Co. or Lucey Side Gate Elevators.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Dunn or Guiberson Tongs.
1 Spider with slips for all sizes of casing used.
For not more than 3,500 feet 28-pound casing or equal
weight : *
800 feet 1^-inch 6x19 Steel- Wire Casing Line. «
1 36-inch Triple Casing Block ) . •
1 Calf Wheel Outfit with 4 Casing Pulleys) '^ ^^"^^•
1 6j^-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Wilson or Dunn Extra Heavy, Union Single Link, Oil Well
Supply Co. or Lucey Side Gate Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and NeVerslip Grip. '' ' "*
1 Dunn or Guiberson Tongs.
1 -Spider with slips for all sizes of casing us«d. -'
CASING EQUIPMENT . \^ 289
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CASING OUTI^^ (Concluded)
For not more than 4,000 feet 30-pouii^>:asin|;.-or equal
weight: * "-^ '
1000 feet IJ^-inch 6x19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 36-inch Quadruple Casing Block or 1 each Single and)
Triple Blocks ^ o r
1 Calf Wheel Outfit with 4 Casing Pulleys and using) ^ "°^^-
also the Crown Pulley )
1 754-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Wilson or Dunn Extra Heavy, Union Single Link, or Oil
Well Supply Co. or Lucey Side Gate Elevators for each size.
1' Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Dunn or Guiberson Tongs. /
1 Spider with slips for all sizes of casing used.
For not more than 4,000 feet 43-pound casing or equal
weight : *
1000 feet l^-inch 6x19 Steel Wire Casing Line.
1 40-inch Quadruple Casing Block or 1 each Single and)
Triple Blocks )
1 Calf Wheel Outfit with 4 Casing Pulleys and using) ^ ^^"^^•
also the Crown Pulley )
1 854-inch Casing Hook.
1 Set Wilson or Dunn Extra Heavy, Union Single Link, or Oil
Well Supply Co. or Lucey Side Gate Elevators for each size.
1 Casing Pole with rope sling and Neverslip Grip.
1 Dunn or Guiberson Tongs.
1 Spider w^ith slips for all sizes of casing used.
NOTE. — The length of the Casing Lines in these specifications is
based on the height of a standard derrick, 84 feet. If a rotary or
combination derrick is used, the length of the casing line will have
to be increased by the difference between 84 feet and the height of
the derrick used times the number of lines in the derrick.
For example: a 114-foot derrick, 600-foot line, 7 lines: difference
in height of derricks 30 feet times 7 equals 210 feet, to be added to
600-foot line — line should be 850 feet long.
♦With rotary drilling outfits no casing line is required, the casing
being put in with the drilling line. The spider with slips is seldom
used with rotary- outfits.
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Brandon Power Caalnc Machine.
The Brandon Power Casing Machine, manufactured by
A. H. BrandoQ & Co., Toledo, Ohio, is a new device for elimi-
nating hand labor in screwing casing.
The outfit encircles the casing by means of a gate opening
gear. It is equipped with a 4 H. P. steam engine and high
and low speeds. It swings from a hinged mounting on the
headache post and can be moved clear of the well when not
in use.
The manufacturer's circular states that the outfit is de-
signed to enable the drilling crew to put in long strings of
casing without the aid of a casing crew.
CHAPTER IX
THE USE OF PACKERS ♦
A packer is a device used in connection with a string of
casing or tubing, to close or "pack off" the space between the
-wall of the hole and the casing, or between the inside and the
next larger size string of pipe, for the purpose of preventing
the passage of either gas or fluid between the wall of the
hole and the casing, or between the two strings of pipe beyond
the point at which the packer is set.
The purposes for which packers are most commonly used
are the following:
1. To shut off water in a drilling well:
(a) To give a dry hole in which to drill;
(b) To protect intermediate oil or gas bearing strata.
2. To shut off water in a completed well to exclude it
from the oil or gas producing formation.
3. In a gas well, to confine the gas; prevent its escaping
between the wall of the hole and the outside of the
casing, or to pack the space between the casing and the
tubing, to force the gas to pass through the tubing.
4. In an oil well having considerable fluid and compara-
tively light gas pressure, to confine the gas, so that it
may accumulate sufficient pressure to cause the well to
flow its production.
5. To shut off a cave.
The conditions met with and obstacles to be overcome in
accomplishing these several purposes are materially different,
and have necessitated the devising of various types of packers,
each especially adapted to effect the particular result desired.
1-a. It frequently happens that in drilling a well for oil or
gas, a stratum is penetrated which contains water in con-
siderable quantity. If the volume of water encountered is
* From information furnished by Larkin Packer Co., Bartlesville,
Okla.
291
292 DEEP WELL DRILLING
too great to be readily exhausted by the use of the bailer,
it is necessary that it be shut off — this for two reasons: first,
that its presence in the hole renders the operation of the
drilling tools slow and ineffective, and second, if water is
allowed to stand in the hole for any considerable length of
time, it may cause the wall of the hole to disintegrate and to
fall in or "cave." To remedy this, the hole is drilled on down
through the stratum containing the water into an impervious
stratum below, and a string of casing is
then put in and landed on the bottom of the
hole, with a packer to prevent the water
forcing its way around the bottom of the
casing.
For this purpose, what is known as a
"Bottom Hole Packer" (Fig. 177) is gener-
ally used. This packer has an inside pipe,
usually the same size as the casing which
is used in the well, turned true in a lathe,
and the upper end threaded to fit a coupling,
by which it Is connected with the casing
abo\e, and the lower end has a shoulder
which prevents it from pulling through the
outside shell. The outside shell, or lower
part of this packer, is a heavy steel cylinder,
usually ^ inch smaller than the hole in
which it is used, and large enough inside
Fie- 1" ^o allow passage of the inside pipe. The
Bouom Hole Packer lower part of this pipe is fitted with a rein-
forcing shoe, which rests on the bottom of the hole.
The inside pipe, or upper part of the packer, and this shell,
or lower part of the packer, are connected by means of a
"middle," which screws into the shell and slides over the
inside pipe. A rubber cylinder, usually about 16 inches long,
which fits the inside pipe snugly, and is about ^ inch less in
diameter than the hole in which it is used, is interposed
between the collar on the inside pipe and the "middle."
THE USE OF PACKERS
293
When the packer rests on the bottom of the hole the
weight of the casing above causes the outside shell and inside
pipe or upper part of the packer to telescope, thus compress-
ing the rubber cylinder and forcing it out against the wall
of the hole, completely closing or packing off the space be-
tween the casing and the wall of the well. This arrests the
passage of the water below this point, provided the packer
has been set in a proper formation. Too much stress cannot
be put on the fact that the packer must be set at a point where
there is a good, hard wall, and a formation that is impervious
to gas or fluid.
1-b. It frequently happens that it is desirablje to drill a
well to a given depth in order to reach the formation in which
the principal production in the locality is found, and that
before reaching this depth, a formation is penetrated which
contains oil and gas. Both the interest of the well owner
and the local statutes generally require that
such a formation must be protected from
water coming both from above and from
below.
This situation frequently requires that as
many as three packers be set on a single
string of casing: One on the bottom of the
string of pipe, to give a dry hole in which
to drill deeper, or to prevent the water from
reaching the main producing formation be-
low ; one immediately below the intermediate
producing stratum to prevent the water from
reaching it from below, and one immediately
above the intermediate producing stratum, to
prevent the water from reaching it from
above.
»
For the bottom of these three packers, the
Bottom Hole Packer above described could
Fig. 178 be used. When such a packer has been
packer ^nce set, however, it cannot be lifted from
»«fc»g^» *A_
294 DEEP WELL DRILLING
the bottom without destroying the rubber, and it would be
impossible to set three such packers at the same time. For
the second of these packers, what is known as a Disc Anchor
Packer {Fig. 178) is used. This packer is of the same general
construction as the Bottom Hole Packer described above, ex-
cept that instead of a shoe on the bottom of the outside shell,
the lower end of this shell is swaged and threaded to screw
into the casing below, and a hinged "disc" is
provided between the upper and lower tubes
of the packer, which prevents it from setting
until this disc has been broken, even though
the full weight of the string of casing is
allowed to rest on it.
Owing to the fact that this packer sets as
soon as the disc is broken, it can readily be
seen that two disc packers could not be used
on the same string of casing. For the upper,
or third packer, therefore, it is necessary to
use a Screw Anchor Packer (Fig- 179). The
peculiar feature of this packer is that the
lower end of the inside pipe is provided with
a square thread, which fits into a similar
thread on the upper end of the lower shell.
This thread will support the full weight of
the casing and prevent the packer from set-
Fig. 179 t'"g until the thread has been released. This
Screw Anchor jg Joije by taking a strain on the casing, and
screwing two full turns to the right.
The situation mentioned (1-b) above is, therefore, met by
the use of the combination of the Bottom Hole, Disc Anchor
and Screw Anchor Packers. Careful steel line measurements
must be taken and the packers so spaced in the string of
casing that each will set at the exact point desired. The
casing is then run to bottom, and its full weight allowed to
rest on the Bottom Hole Packer, causing it to set as above
described, the disc in the Disc Anchor and the square threads
THE USE OF PACKERS 295
in the Screw Anchor Packers preventing these packers from
setting. After the Bottom Hole Packer is properly set, a
weight is dropped in, or preferably, the bailer is run in, and
the disc broken in the Disc Anchor Packer, causing it to set,
and the threads are then released in the Screw Anchor Packer,
setting it.
2. it usually is necessary that wells be cased above the
producing formation, for the double purpose of preventing
the wall above from caving in on it, and to prevent the
■water from above from reaching the producing formation.
For the latter purpose it is necessary that a packer be set
on the casing. For shutting off the cave, it frequently is
desirable to set the casing as close as possible to the top of
the producing formation. The point at which the casing is
to be set is determined, and the hole is reduced at this level,
from which a hole of smaller diameter is drilled into the pro-
ducing formation. This leaves a shoulder on which the casing
or packer will rest. If the point at which the casing is set
is suitable for setting a packer, the Bottom Hole Packer above
described can be used for this purpose. It very frequently
happens, however, that in order to find a suitable formation
in which to set the packer it is necessary to set it at a point
considerably higher in the hole than where the casing is set.
It then becomes necessary to use what is known as the
"Special Anchor" packer. This packer is practically the same
in construction as the Bottom Hole packer, except^ that the
bottom of the outside shell is swaged and threaded to screw
into the casing below.
3. When a gas well is shut in and the gas confined, the
accumulated pressure becomes so great that the gas may
force its way out between the outside of the casing and the
wall of the well, unless this space is thoroughly packed off.
To successfully pack off high pressure gas wells it usually
is necessary to secure a much greater bearing of the rubber
against the wall than is required for the packing off of fluid,
as above described, and for this purpose what is known as
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Conical Sleeve Hook Wall Disc Wall Packer
Anchor Packer Pumping Packer
the Conical Sleeve Anchor Packer (Fig. 180)
is generally used. This packer has a long
tapering sleeve above the rubber, of such
diameter as to enlarge the rubber to the full
size of the hole before the weight of the casing
or tubing rests on it. It gives a much greater
bearing on the wall than any other packer, dibc cave Pacimr
and is especially adapted for high pressure gas wells.
4. It frequently happens that an oil well which has con-
siderable fluid, and only a light gas pressure, can be made
to flow its production by packing off the space between the
casing or wall of the well and the tubing, thus confining the
gas to such extent that it accumulates pressure sufficient to
cause the well to flow. For this purpose what is known
as a Special Gas or Anchor Packer is used. This packer is
THE USE OF PACKERS 297
practically the same in principle as the Anchor packer above
described, but is let in and set on the tubing instead of the
casing. Sometimes «uch a well, in addition to having the
gas pressure increased, has to be agitated by occasional
pumping to make it flow. For this purpose a Hook Wall
Pumping Packer (Fig. 181) is used. This packer is let in on
the tubing, and can be set at any point in the casing or hole
with the working barrel below. The packer is provided with
slips, which, when released, engage the wall of the well or
casing, and support the weight of the tubing, which in turn
compresses the rubber cylinder, pressing it out against the
wall trf the well or casing. This effectually packs off the
gas and prevents its escape -between the tubing and the
casing. The gas, thus confined, accumulates pressure and,
when the well is pumped through the packer, will quite fre-
quently cause the well to flow its production when other-
wise it would not have sufficient pressure to do so.
It is always desirable to drill as large a hole as possible
into the oil producing formation. For this reason, in the
shallow sand districts particularly, where, in the process of
drilling, water is not encountered in sufficient quantities to
require that it be shut off for drilling purposes, a hole is
sometimes drilled having the same diameter from the top on
into the producing formation, the hole not being reduced
above the producing formation to form a shoulder on which
to set casing. It then becomes necessary, in order to shut
oflF whatever water may be coming from above, to run in a
string of casing and set a packer without having either a
shoulder or an anchor below to support the weight of the
casing. For this purpose, what is known as a Disc Wall
Packer is generally used (Fig. 182).
This packer consists of a section of pipe the same size as
the casing used, which is turned off for about one-half its
length. Over this a steel cylinder slides, which is taperedypn
the outside for about one-half its length. Above this is the
rubber cylinder which encircles jthe pipe, and above the rubber
•:\
298 PEEP WELL DRILLING
is a coupling, by which the packer is connected to the casing
above. Below the tapered cylinder, or cone, is placed a pair
of slips or wedges, which are held in place by a cast iron
disc, which passes through the pipe- A tempered coil spring
also surrounds the pipe and is compressed between the slips
and a bottom collar. The packer is lowered on the casing
to the proper place in the hole, after which a weight is
dropped, or the bailer is run, to break the disc. This releases
the tention on the spring, forcing the slips up on the cone,
causing them to engage the wall of the well, thus stopping
the travel of the cone. The weight of the casing- is then
supported by the slips, and in turn compresses the rubber
cylinder, expanding it against the wall, thus sealing the space
between the wall and the casing, and preventing the passage
of water below the bottom of the casing.
The Disc Cave Packer (Fig. 183) is used in lieu of an
additional string of casing to shut off a caving formation or
a cavern. Sufficient casing to cover the cave, of a size that
will go down through the casing in the hole, is attached to
the bottom of the cave packer. The bottom ring is screwed
to the lower end of the smaller casing to serve as a shoe to
protect it. The letting in tool is fitted to the upper connec-
tion of the packer and, by means of a string of tubing screwed
to the letting in tool, the outfit is lowered to the point in
the hole where the packer will be just above the cave and
the casing will extend far enough to cover and shut it off.
The letting in tool, which has a left hand thread, is then un-
screwed and withdrawn and the packer is set by dropping
a weight or lowering the tools to break the disc.
The packer with rubber used in the hard formations will
not answer for shutting off water in the unconsolidated sands
and gravels of the Gulf Coast and the California fields ; indeed,
packers are little used in these fields and the casing is usually
cemented. If, as sometimes happens, a cementing operation
should fail to shut off the water or a lower water bearing
formation should be encountered after the casing is set, the
THE USE OF PACKERS 299
canvas or "bootleg" pacl;er (Fig. 184) usually is used. This
packer has a canvas covering, which, when the liner is set on
bottom, is compressed, forcing the canvas out against the
wall of the hole. The cavings settle on top of the packer
f and usually assist in
shutting out the water.
When the canvas pack-
er is employed, the
liner should extend to
the surface, or a lead
seal or another packer
should be used to pack
the space between the
casing and the liner.
See illustration.*
In California a unique
packer has been de-
' vised and successfully
used by Mr. C. W.
Stone of Maricopa.t He
cut old bull ropes into
3S-foot lengths and un-
laid them. The bottom
joint of casing with the
shoe screwed on was
stood in the derrick,
the shoe end up. Next
the strands of rope
were doubled and the
looped ends securely
wired to the casing
next the shoe until the
mat of hemp was flush
»From U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 163. Methods of Shut-
ting Off Water in Oil and Gas Wells, by F. B. Tough.
tU. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 163. Methods of Shutting Ofl
Water in Oil and Gas Wells, p. 62, by F. B. Tough.
Boot-leg Packer
300 DEEP WELL DRILLING
with the outside of the shoe, and completely encircled the cas-
ing; it was then tied every three feet with soft rope. When
the packer entered the well, as the bottom joint of casing,
the rope ties were cut one by one, allowing the hemp to
spread out into any enlargement of the hole. After the casing
was set, the movement of the water past the packer matted
down the mass of hemp fibres into an effective packer, shut-
ting off the water.
^..^
CHAPTER X
CEMENTING CASING— SHUTTING OFF BOTTOM
WATER
The difficulties encountered by operators in the fields of
Californial and the Gulf Coast in setting Casing in soft forma-
tions to shut off water and caving strata and to prevent gas
and oil from blowing out have led to the. development of
various methods of cementing the casing. Packers usually
do not give satisfactory results in these fields, and the only
way to set casing securely and to prevent damage, not only to
the well in which the casing is set^ but to adjoining wells and
properties, is to cement the casing around the bottom and
as far up around it as may be necessary to make it perfectly
tight. The methods most generally employed in cementing
are described in the following pages,
PERKINS PROCESS FOR CEMENTING CASING
One of the most successful methods of cementing casing is
the process invented by A. A. Perkins and used by the Per-
kins Oil Well Cementing Company, Los Angeles, California.
Following is a brief description of this process :
Water can be shut off equally as well above or below the
oil sand. To illustrate the method employed, we will sup-
pose a well has been drilled in which a string of ISj^-inch
casing was landed at a depth of 1,8CX3 feet. At this point
10-inch casing was put in and drilling continued until a water
stratum was encountered before reaching the oil-bearing sand.
It was decided to land and cement the 10-inch casing at 3,000
feet and theil to reduce the hole to 8j4 inches.
301
302 DEEP WELL DRILLING
1
Two duplex steam pumps are included in the. Perkins
equipment, one for pressures up to 500 pounds and the other
for pressures up to 1,000 pounds. The former is the service
pump for pumping water and cement, while the latter is
an emergency pump for starting circulation and is also used
where an excess of pressure is necessary to force the cement
into place.
Two packers are turned out of wood and made in various
sizes, according to the diameter of the casing used. The
upper packer, No. 5, refer to Fig. 185, has two rubber discs
and a leather cup that fit the casing very closely, and its \
first position is on top of the upper plunger. No. 3, in the j
circulating head. The lower packer. No. 4, has a rubber disc
at each end and its first position is between the center and
lower plungers. No. 2 and No. 1, of the circulating head.
(This circulating head is not the head used in the hydraulic
circulating system, but is special equipment used by the
Perkins Co.)
Discharge line from manifold is connected directly to the
pipe below circulating head and is fitted with a cock which is
lettered "A." A riser is connected to line in front of cock
"A," which also has a cock lettered "B." Connections are
made from this riser into the circulating head, one between
upper and center plungers with a cock lettered "C" and one
into top of circulating head with cock lettered *'D." With
the entire cementing outfit ready for operation, cock "A" is
opened and the high pressure pump started in order to get
circulation by drawing the water from suction pit and forcing
it through the 10-inch casing and up between this casing and
the wall of the well.
While circulation is being obtained, about 7 tons of hy-
draulic cement should be dumped into the mixing tanks (refer
to diagram Fig. 186) and worked with water to such a consist-
ency that it can easily be handled by the pumps. The mixing
process is facilitated by the use of a stream of water from a
^-inch nozzle under 150 pounds pressure. The amount of
CEMENTING CASING
305
O
O
xn
\^
*
s
S ^
«
306 DEEP WELL DRILLING
cement necessary differs according to the size of the pipe or
casing to be cemented, and also the distance at which it is
to be landed below the next larger size casing.
The cubical contents of the entire length of lO-inch casing
should be calculated so that,. by measuring the amount of
water pumped through a meter into it, the location of the
charge of cement can be determined at any time.
Cock "A" is now closed, cocks "B" aild "C" opened, and
the cement mixture turned into the suction pit, from where
the pumps pick it up and deliver it on top of lower packer.
The withdrawing of lower and center plungers allows this
packer to start down the hole, acting as a plug between the
water below it and the cement above. The water will flow
up around the outside of the casing the same as when circu-
lation has been obtained. When all the cement has been
pumped through cock *'C," this cock is closed and cock "D"
opened to admit water which has passed through the meas-
uring meter and delivered by the pumps to the suction pit.
The upper plunger is now removed, allowing the water pres-
sure to force the upper packer down on top of the column of
cement. As this pressure is maintained, the charge of cement
continues on down the basing. The cement is entirely pro-
tected from the wiater below by the rubber discs on the lower
packer and from the water above by the rubber discs and
leather cup on the upper packer.
When the lower packer reaches the bottom, it drops half
way out of the casing and, as it is against a positive stop, the
increasing pressures from above turns the rubber disc so that
the cement can flow by the lower packer and be forced up
outside of the casing. This continues until the upper and
lower packers meet, when practically all the cement has been
forced out of the casing. >
When the upper packer stops, the increasing water pres-
sure from above causes the leather cup to expand, arresting
the passage of the water through to the cement. This pres-
sure will increase to sucH an extent that it 'Will, stop the pump,
'/'■■,*- •' ' ^,,''
CEMENTING CASING 307
indicating to the operator that the packers have come to-
gether. He may verify the relative position of the packers by
the cubic feet of water pumped into the casing. This dis-
placement can be so accurately figured and actual results
checked so closely with calculated results that the time of the
stopping of the pump can be determined within a few seconds.
The 10-inch casing is now lowered to its original position
on the bottom, effectually shutting off the cement outside it
and completing the cementing operation.
Although the well is still full of water, it should be allowed
to stand in this condition until cement has hardened, which
requires from 15 to 20 days. Then both packers and any
small quantity of cement that has remained in the casing is
drilled out in the usual manner and deeper drilling continued.
TUBING METHOD FOR CEMENTING CASING
Tubing, usually 2-inch, is inserted with a packer on the
bottom to within a few feet of the bottom of the casing. The
Baker Cement Retainer, Fig. 187, is sometimes used instead
of a packer for this purpose.
The operator should first get circulation before attempting
to put in the tubing or the cement. The cement is then
mixed and pumped down inside the tubing, and as the packer
or cement retainer prevents its passage up between the tubing
and the casing, it is forced up outside the casing. Water is
then pumped down the tubing to clear it of cement; a cock
connected to the top of the string of tubing is closed and the
casing is set on bottom. Next the tubing and packer are
pulled up sufficiently to free them from the cement and clear
water is circulated between tubing and casing to wash out
cement from the inside of the casing. Tubing and packer
are then withdrawn and the casing is filled with water and
closed at the top until the cement has set.
The Baker cement retainer, Fig. 187, is in effect a packer
with slips to engage in the casing. It is used on tubing as
308 DEEP WELL DRILLING
aDove described, except that the tubing is unscrewed from a
left hand thread in the bottom of the retainer and the latter
is left in the hole. The retainer may be set at any desired'
point in the hole by pulling it up a few inches, the cone caus-
ing the rubber and slips to expand. Being made of cast
iron it is easily drilled up after the cement has set. The
Baker cement retainer is recommended by the manufacturers
for other cementing jobs, as follows :
For cementing casing which may be fast
in the hole, but where it is possible to get
circulation.
For cementing through a hole or split
in the casing, the casing is bridged below
the opening, the cement retainer is set just
above the opening and the cement pumped
in.
For wells where water has broken in
around the shoe and the casing is stuck,
the hole is bridged just below the shoe,
the cement retainer is set as close to
the shoe as possible and the cement
pumped in.
For wells with bottom water, the cas-
ing is landed in the formation above the
water, the cement retainer is set in the
bottom of the casing and the cement is
pumped in.
In all of these operations, any cement
that may not have been pumped through
the retainer, and remaining in the hole, should be bailed out.
In deep wells where long strings of tubing are used, a
tension should be taken on the tubing after starting to pump
cement through it, to take up expansion caused by the cement
heating it ; otherwise the elongation of the tubing might trip
the retainer.
The retainer has a valve in the bottom, through which the
CEMENTING CASING 309
cement passes out of the tubing, and it automatically closes
when the pressure in the tubing is relieved, thus preventing
the cement from backing up in the casing.
DUMP BAILER PROCESS FOR CEMENTING CASING •
"In cementing a string of casing with the dump bailer, the
liquid cement is lowered to the bottom of the hole with a
bailer which, as its name indicates, discharges or dumps its
load instead of picking it up like the ordinary bailer. By this
method 2 or 3 tons of cement is dumped into the bottom of
the well. As many runs are made with the bailer as may be
necessary to deposit the entire quantity of cement to be used.
After this is done, the casing is pulled up 20 to 40 feet off
bottom, or so that the shoe will be above the cement level.
The casing is filled with water and then closed at the top
with a steel plug, or other suitable fitting, and is lowered
firmly to the bottom of the hole. There being no outlet at
the top of the casing for water, the cement can not enter at
the bottom, so it takes the only open course and rises outside
the casing, filling the space between the casing and the walls
of the hole.
There are several types of dump bailers in use; also, there
are several ways to transform an ordinary dart bailer into
a makeshift dump bailer, but such makeshifts are unsatisfac-
tory and likely to cause trouble. A satisfactory type of dump
bailer is the one shown in Fig. 188. The shell of this bailer
is of two joints of pipe swaged to connect in a coupling of
the same external diameter as the joints. As the bailers vary
in size according to the size of casing in which they are to be
used, dimensions arc omitted here. The bail "a" terminates
in a bottle neck through which the rod "b" is free to slide.
The enlargement at the lower end of this rod is bored as a
rope socket to receive the ^-inch wire dump line "c." The
rod is provided with a latch "d," in general design similar
*After U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 163 by F. B. Tough.
310
DEEP WELL DRILLING
^
d
to that on the shaft of an old-fashioned
umbrella. The upper end of the rod is
threaded to screw into the bottom of a tool
joint. This joint connects with the box of
the rope socket so that the dump bailer
miay be run on the drilling line. Riveted
to the bottom of the bailer is an annular
steel valve seat. The valve "e" is of steel
and in the form of a truncated cone. Df
course, a ball would do the work as well as
the cone. The wire line, or chain if pre-
ferred, which connects the rod "b" with the
cone, must be babbitted, or otherwise se-
curely attached to both rod and cone, as the
entire weight of the bailer and contents
must be carried by the dump line or chain.
It is worth noting that if either of these two
babbitted connections fail, only the cone, or
at worst the cone and the dump line, will be
left in the hole, as the shell of the bailer
will hang on the butt of the rod "b."
When this bailer is run to bottom, the rod
slips down through the bottle neck in the
bail, thus throwing about 3 feet of slack in
the connecting cable. When the bailer is
lifted again the latch engages with the bail
and the entire device is brought to the sur-
face with the valve dangling about 3 feet
below the valve seat. There is thus no pos-
sibility of the bailer not discharging its con-
tents. In running such a bailer in a hole
full of fluid it tends to float if lowered too
rapidly. The latch will then trip the bailer
and discharge the contents. Such an acci-
Fig. 188 dent is particularly apt to
Dump Bailer occur when the fluid level
Mines) ^s several hundred feet be-
CEMENTING CASING 311
low the surface. Such premature unloading may take place
without the driller's knowledge and go undetected until the
job is found to be unsuccessful. All this trouble will be
avoided by care in lowering the bailer slowly enough, allow-
ing no slack in the drilling cable.
The dump-bailer method is frequently used when a water
string is to be set with a relatively small amount of cement,
say, less than two tons. The cement is mixed in a box on
the derrick floor in batches according to the capacity of the
bailer. After cement has been wet, it should not be held
over for the next batch. Surplus cement, after the bailer has
been filled, should be discarded. A convenient rule is to figure
that each sack of cement when mixed will occupy 1.15 cubic
feet.
The bailer latch is set and the bailer hung in the hole with
the shell seated on the cone valve "e" so that the top of the
shell comes level with the floor and under a spout or swing
pipe leading from the cement box. The bailer is then loaded
and run to bottom in the manner descfibed. It is advisable
to have a bailer large enough so that the period from the
time the first batch of cement is wet until the job is com-
pleted will not exceed two hours. It is important to have
enough men with hoes at work to insure that the mixing of
each batch is commenced as soon as the last of the preceding
batch has left the mixing box, and that the mixed cement
will not have to be kept waiting for the bailer. Frequently,
while a driller and tool dresser are lowering and dumping
a bailer, pulling out and resetting the latch and getting the
bailer in position for the next charge of cement, the other
men get the cement ready to pour.
During cementing, the hole should be kept full of water, if
possible. After all the cement has been dumped, the casing
is filled with water and set, as described. The well should
be left undisturbed at least 24 hours before the pressure within
the casing is released. After this time it is advisable to
stretch the casing as much as experience has shown is allow-
312 DEEP WELL DRILLING
able. The casing is then hung on clamps in this position so
that it is held both at the top and the bottom ; otherwise the
pipe tends to bend from its own weight."
•An improved and simplified dump bailer has recently been
introduced by the Baker Casing Shoe Company of Coalinga,
California. It consists of a bailer top and bottom with casing
threads to permit elongating by the addition of one or more
joints of casing. It has no chains, springs or plungers and
operates by a sliding sleeve in the bottom which, when
the bailer reaches the bottom of the hole, is forced upward
on the body, tripping a valve which dumps the load. A vent
in the bottom of the sleeve prevents premature tripping by
the fluid resistance exerted ' against the valve disc.
For cementing by the dump bailer method, the Baker
cement plug. Fig, 189, is a device sometimes used for closing
the bottom of the casing. It is made of thin cast iron and
fitted with a disc of canvas for packing. It is tied with a
piece of soft rope to the bailer and lowered to the bottom
out of the casing. A valve permits its passage through fluid.
It is then drawn back into the casing shoe where the canvas
wedges it, and the rope tie is broken by a sharp pull. When
the casing is lowered, the cement is forced up outside by dis-
placement, the plug preventing any cement from backing up
in the casing. The plug is drilled up after the cement has set.
For quantity of cement required
to fill various sizes of hole one
foot, refer to table of contents of
pipe on the next page.
It is difficult to estimate the
height to which cement will rise
outside of casing, owing to the
variations of the hole and the
quantity of cement absorbed by or
pumped into the formation. Fol-
lowing, however, is the theoretical
CEMENTING CASING 313
a true and impervious wall for a space of one inch around the
outside of the casing (the hole 2 inches larger in diameter
than the outside of the casing).
Theoretical height to which one gallon of cement will rise
outside casing in a hole 2 inches larger in diameter :
Size Casing,
Height,
Size Casing,
Height,
Inches
Inches
Inches
Inches
4>4
13.37
m
7.35
4/2
12.79
9H
6.69
AH
12;26
10
6.25
5
11.76
lOH
6.13
5 3/16
11.31
11^
5.65
5H
10.5
12
5.S5
(>%
9.64
12^
5.25
6^
9.19
13J4
4.91
7%
8.17
i4y2
4.6
8J4
7.64
15J4
4.34
CEMENTING CASING IN THE GULF COAST FIELDS
The two-plug process is usually used. Circulation should
first be secured to wash out all cuttings, water or oil. The
equipment consists of a mixing box about six by eight feet
and 12 to 18 inches deep, with an outlet at one end to pour
the cement, two wood plugs, and sufficient mortar hoes,
shovels and pails for the men — usually six — ^who mix the
cement. The cement should be mixed in batches of 8 to 10
aacks of cement and the necessary water. For cementing
6-inch casing 40 to 50 sacks of cement are used and it is mixed
neat with water, sand seldom being used. The mixture of
one sack of cement with water will fill a space of 1.15 cubic
feet.
Some operators first run the two plugs through each joint
of casing, to be sure there may be nothing in the casing to
obstruct the passage of the plugs.
Two wood plugs, the upper 12 inches long and the lower
24 inches long, are cut of a diameter to fit loosely in the
314 DEEP WELL DRILLING
casing. Sometimes a piece of wood, 2x4 inches, 3 feet long,
is nailed to the bottom of the upper plug; Some drillers nail
a piece of rubber belt to the top of the upper plug; others
place several cement sacks on top of it as packing.
The operator first makes sure that he has good circulation,
then he plugs the holes in the rotary bit and runs the drill
pipe in the casing to displace the mud fluid for a distance of
about 5CX) feet to make room for the cement. The drill pipe
is withdrawn and the first plug is introduced in the casing.
The cement is then prepared in the mixing box on the derrick
floor and it is poured in on top- of the plug. The upper plug
is then put in following the cement and the sacks are packed
down on it. The casing is raised about 12 inches off bottom,
and connections made with the swivel. The pumps are
started and the plugs and cement are forced down the casing.
When the upper plug has reached bottom, the pumps should
stall. The casing is then lowered to bottom and rotated a
few turns to insure equal distribution of the cement around
it, and to overcome tendency of the cement to channel. By
calculating the capacity per stroke and speed of pumps and
the fluid content of the string of casing, the time required for
the upper plug to reach the bottom may be determined,
otherwise it is advisable to run the drill pipe to the bottom
of the casing to be sure the upper plug has not lodged in the
casing off bottom. After 8 or 10 days, the plugs are drilled
up, the hole bailed out and the shut off is tested.
For more detailed information on cementing wells drilled by the
rotary method, refer to Lucey Mfg. Co. No. 8 catalogue, pages 291 to
301, Cementing Oil and Gas Wells, by I. N. Knapp.
TESTING A WATER SHUT-OFF •
"Whenever the character of the formations and methods of
drilling will permit, the driller should observe and note in the
log book any peculiar characteristics of water encountered,
such as freshness or salinity and sulphur content, also the
* From U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 163, Methods of Shut-
ting off water in oil and gas wells, by F. B. Tough.
>' '
CEMENTING CASING 315
natural level of the water in the hole, and whether there is
any change in water level when various sands are encoun-
tered.
After the cementing has been done and the time allowed for
setting has elapsed, the effectiveness of this work must be
tested. The mere fact that the job has been done in a work-
manlike manner and by approved methods does not fulfill
an operator's obligation to himself, his neighbor, or society
in general. The test consists of two phases. In the first
phase the water is bailed out, leaving a dry hole, or, at least,
the water should be lowered sufficiently below the natural
water level of the locality to create a reasonable external
pressure on the casing — 1,000 to 2,000 feet is usually suffi-
cient. The well is then allowed to stand 8 to 24 hours, or
more. This part of the test is made before any residual
cement has been drilled out of the casing, and is for the pur-
pose of demonstrating that there is no leak of any kind in
the pipe itself. In the second phase of the test the residual
cement is drilled out and a few feet of new hole is drilled
ahead of the casing. Unless there is danger of a gas blow out
or some other weighty consideration is adverse, all the fluid
should be bailed otrt of the well and the hole allowed to stand
12 to 24 hours. If the test shows that the cementing job is
not satisfactory, corrective measures must be taken. If the
second part of the test shows that the water is not shut off,
effort must be made to determine whether the water is com-
ing around the shoe or through a leak in the pipe itself. If
the water is coming through a leak in the pipe and not around
the shoe, drilling may be continued and the well completed in
the usual way. After the inner or oil string has been set, it
may be cut off somewhere between the shoe of the water
string and the leak, and the upper part pulled out and set
back on top of the lower section, with a packer between the
two sections, thus preventing the water from entering the oil
sands by way of the hole in the water string. The packing
should be of more permanent material than rubber."
316 DEEP WELL DRILLING
SHUTTING OFF BOTTOM WATER
Bottom water, so called, is sometimes encountered in nearly
all of the oil fields of the United States. Sometimes the
water is in a separate sand from the oil-producing sand with
a thin stratum of shale between; in many fields, particularly
those of Eastern and Mid-continent territory, the oil and
water occur in the same sand. Thus, if the operator is not
careful in drilling in the oil sand, he may penetrate into the
water. Bottom water has been a source of much difficulty
and loss to the oil producer and, when not properly or intelli-
gently handled, it may be the cause of the loss of a well or
of serious damage to an entire locality. The producer is
naturally desirous of drilling his well as far into the oil-pro-
ducing formation as possible and in so doing he frequently
drills into the water.
Various methods and devices have been employed, some
very successfully, in combating water, and the subject
is admirably covered in the U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin
No. 163.*
In the following pages methods of shutting off bottom
water are discussed.
McDonald Process for Cementing OCF Bottom Water in Oil
and Gas Wells.*
"The McDonald process was developed by W. W. McDon-
ald, of Robinson, 111. This process is especially useful in a
well that has been drilled or shot into bottom water, or
where water has encroached on and claimed the lower part
of an oil sand as depletion has progressed. It is particularly
valuable in a shot hole, because its effectiveness is in no way
impaired by an}'^ irregularity in the shape of the hole, nor by
crevices or fissures.
* Methods of Shutting Off Water in Oil and Gas Wells, Bulletin
No. 163, By F. B. Tough.
SHUTTING OFF BOTTOM WATER 317
For successful operation of the process, it is essential that
the water sand take water when the level in the well is raised
above the natural level of the water to be shut off. These
conditions are typical of
g the underlying water in
the Illinois pools.
Figure 190 shows a
cross-section of a well
being cemented by the
McDonald process. Two-
inch tubing is lowered
into the well until the
bottom end is 2 to 4 feet
above the plane of con-
tact between the oil and
water - bearing part of
the sand. This distance
is designated "a" in Fig,
190. Determination of
the exact situation of
this plane may be diffi-
cult or even impossible.
If the well has been shot
into water, this difficulty
is obviously simplified.
In any event the opera-
tor estimates the posi-
tion of the plane, taking
care to keep on the safe
side the first time, and
preferring to make a low
rather than a high esti-
mate. If insufficient ce-
ment is used, more may be added at any time; but if the oil-
bearing part of the sand be entirely or partly plugged off
with cement, the damage to the well may be difficult to repair.
318 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Tubing is commonly inserted with a wooden plug in the
bottom to exclude oil. The plug may be knocked out either
by exerting pressure on the column of water in the tubing
or by running in a couple of sucker rods on a line.
If necessary, the tubing may be set over to one side of the
hole to aflford room for the float that is run on a steel meas-
uring line. After the plug has been knocked out of the tubing
and the natural fluid level of the hole measured, water, prefer-
ably fresh, is run or pumped into the tubing through the con-
nection shown at "b" (Fig. 190). This water will run away
into the water sand. As the water runs down the tubing,
dry cement is sprinkled into the 2 to 6-inch swage nipple,
jyerving as a funnel, on top of the tubing. The cement is
put in slowly, a handful at a time, at such a rate that one
sack of cement will be placed per hour. Ordinarily two to
four sacks of cement is sufficient for the job. Water is, of
course, kept continually running down the tubing as the
cement is added.
As the water runs away into the sand, the cement particles
are caught in the interstices between the grains. The action
. is identical with that of a sand filter. As the voids become
more and more clogged with cement, greater and greater
pressure is required to force the water into the sand. Con-
sequently the fluid level in the hole is correspondingly raised.
When the level has reached about SCO feet above normal, no
more cement is put in, and the flow of water is maintained
only long enough to flush all cement out of the tubing. This
done, it may be advisable to pull out a joint or two of tubing
to preclude any possibility of the cement setting around the
bottom of the string.
The water level is then allowed to settle back to a point
IS or 20 feet above the normal for the hole. The object is
to obtain a close balance between the fluid pressures on either
side of the cement with a slight advantage in favor of the
internal pressure as a precaution against any tendency there
may be of the underground water forcing the cement back
SHUTTING OFF BOTTOM WATER 319
mto the hole or causing sufficient agitation to keep it frcKn
setting. . This status is maintained for about 24 hours by
keeping a man at the well who runs in water in order to
maintain the fluid level. Then the cement is allowed tO'set
for. a week or 10 days and the job is tested by pumping. If
not enough cement has been used, the entire operation may
be repeated as often as may be necessary to extend the plug
up to the desired point in the hole. A time-saving variation
is to run a small bob on a measuring line inside the tubing.as
soon as the cement Jias set firmly enough that its level may
be detected with the bob and line. Then if insufficient cement
has been used, more may be added without further delay.
In this process the cement fills the interstitial spaces and
crevices in the, water sand for some distance from the hole,
in addition to forming a solid plug in the lower part of the
hole. The process has marked advantages over merely filling
the bottom of the hole with liquid cement.
Question may arise as to why the cement does not enter
and collect in the pores of the oil-bearing parts of the sand,
clogging them also. The explanation lies partly in the rela-
tive specific gravities of the water, cement, and oil, but chiefly
in all probability in the immiscibility of water and oil, which
naturally repel each other. Whatever the reason may be,
the fact that the cement-bearing water selects the water-
bearing part of the sand has been so thoroughly established
for the Illinois conditions by Mr. McDonald's work that this
phase of the problem need not deter a prospective user of
the process. This statement applies only when the operator
takes precautions to avoid the use of too much cement, which
would, of course, plug off the oil as well as the water.
After the cement has set on such a job, to pump the water
Qut of the oil sand and bring the oil back into the well may
require several days, or a week."
320 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Method of Using the Guiberson-Crowell Bottom Water Plug
A unique device has recently been invented for shutting
off bottom water, the Guiberson Crowell bottom water plug.
*!the makers of this plug state that the operator may drill
into the water without fear of damage to his well or to sur-
rounding properties if he uses the plug, Figure 19L
The spirals are made of boiler plate steel, fastened to the
core stem on top by the top plate. They are stretched into
position with powerful tension, and held by a wooden dowel
driven through the nipple or anchor on the bottom. When
the spirals are flat their diameter is much larger than when
stretched into position, as shown. The small grooves turned
in the anchor are recesses for latch.
The plug is snugly packed with oakum saturated with
freshly mixed neat cement. This packing is held in place by
running small wires up and down the plug through small
holes -bored in the periphery of the spirals for that purpose.
Sufficient anchor pipe is screwed to the bottom of the plug
to support it at the exact point in the hole where it is desired
to shut off the water. The plug is then suspended from the
bottom of a string of tools and slowly lowered into the
well.
When the plug is placed in position in the well and tapped
a few blows with the tool&, the small wooden dowel is broken,
the core descends through the nipple or anchor on the bottom,
and the recesses are engaged by the "latch," which thus
holds the core down; the spirals collapse and attempt to
expand to their original diameter. Being sharp or bevel
edged, they take a biting hold in the wall. The packing,
which has been placed between the spirals before lowering
the plug in the well, is squeezed and jammed tightly against
the walls of the well, and against the core of the plug, and
fills every crack or recess which it can reach. Bottom water
cannot be shut off unless there are firm walls to which a plug
can be made to adhere.
SHUTTING OFF BOTTOM WATER
Fig. 191
Culberson Crowell
Plug
Some operators saturate the oakum with melted pitch and
others use tar. If the temperature of the water is such that
these mixtures will remain plastic until the plug is set, ttiere
is no objection to them-
It is best to fill the bottom of the hole with freshly mixed
neat cement, dumped in from a bailer just before running. the
plug. The plug will then be immersed in cement, and v/^en
expanded, will prevent escape of gas or water from below,
thus giving the cement opportunity to set into a solid plug
from the bottom of the well to the top of the bottom water
plug. '
Limit Plug
As shown in Fig. 193, this plug consists of an upperj.col-
lapsible shell capped with lead and a wood mandrel - shpd
with iron. When driven together they form a seal which
usually is effective in shutting off water. Where the water
flow is very heavy a lock, milled similar to a socket slipi is
set on top of plug to engage in wall of hole and hold the
122 DEEP WELL DRILLING
S
plug in place. For extreme pressure a leaa plug is
sometimes driven on top oi the limit plug, the limit
plug forming a secure base for the lead.
Directions for setting: Drop some brokfcn stone
in hole and run the tools on it to secure a firm
fqimdation. Connect up the tools by placing the
jars between the stem and the bit. Loop several
strands of hay wire through staple in top of plug,
up along water courses of bit and through-lhe jars,
so the tongue of jars will cut the wire in process of
driving plug. Run the plug slowly when entering
reduced holes or through caving formations and
shot holes. When plug is set pound it down with
the tools, using a drilling motion, until the plug is
driven solidly together and the lead cap is swaged
out to the wall of hole.
.SS™. I-^'i P'°e» " Lea* Wool
In the Eastern and Mid-continent fields lead
plugs of various kinds and lead wood have success-
fully been used for shutting off bottom water.
These devices will not, however, make an effective
water shut-off in soft or caving formations or in
much shattered shot holes.
The Solid, lead plug is lowered to the bottom of
the hole and pounded with the tools until the lead
has been sufficiently calked into the recesses of the
hole to shut off the water. When a lead plug with
steel mandrel (Fig, 194) is used, the plug is ex-
panded to the full diameter of the hole by driving
down the mandrel with the driUing tools, using a
flat bottom bit. Directions for setting* the limit
plug may be followed when setting lead plugs.
F^7^»4 Lead wool is placed in the hole in smalt bundles,
*^»^^»« each being tamped down with the tools before the
Mandrel next is put in. ^
' 'I ,•
CHAPTER XI
SHOOTING WELLS ; '
It is the general practice to torpedo, or shoot, wells drilled in
hard or close formations to break, up or. fracture the rock, with
the object of increasing the oil production. Nitro-glycerin, per-
haps the most powerful explosive in general use, is usually em-
ployed for this purpose and the work is done by torpedo com-
panies or shooters familiar with the work and equipped for it.
It has been found that shooting the soft Tertiary and Cretaceous
formations of the Gulf Coast and California does not sufficiently
increase the production to pay for the expense, so it is not cus-
tomary to shoot the softer formations. The wells in the harder
Cretaceous rocks of Wyoming, however, are shot with very good
results and it is the practice to shoot most of the wells in that
field.
Frequently large natural or gusher wells, after their produc-
tion has declined, are shot, resulting in an increase of produc-
tion; also wells have been shot the second and third time with
good results.
Formerly dry holes and wells showing only a trace, of oil
were abandoned as worthless. Now, however, due to the exces-
sive cost of drilling, and to the high price of oil, many operators
make it a practice to shoot the dry holes in the hope of convert-
ing a total loss into a paying proposition. The shooting of dry
holes in the fields of North Texas has met with unusual success,
many dry holes having been shot into wells whose initial pro-
duction was 1,000 barrels per day or more.
It is not customary to shoot gas wells; however the practice
of shooting dry holes in North Texas, which often converts
them into paying oil wells would indicate that there might be a
chance, in a gas field, to shoot a dry hole into a profitable gas
well.
323
DEEP WELL DRILLING
FlE. 196. ShootlnK An Oil Well.
Nitro-glycerin CsHs (NOa)! is the product of chemical reac-
tion obtained by treating glycerin with a mixture of 3 parts of
nitric and 5 parts of sulphuric acid. The process of manu-
facture is to place the mixed acid in a nitrator, or other water
jacketed or cooled vessel, and to introduce the glycerin slowly
in a small stream, the while maintaining a constant stirring.
A thermometer is kept immersed in the mixture and, should
SHOOTING WELLS 325
the temperature rise to 120** F, the supply of glycerin is reduced,
or cut off, until the temperature falls, when the operation is
resumed. When the glycerin has been thoroughly nitrated, re-
quiring 15 to 20 minutes, and using about 7 parts of acid to one
of glycerin, the batch is dumped into a drowning tank of cold
water. It is then drawn off into a wash tank equipped with
paddles and is washed for about- one hour .with warm water
to free all unabsorb^d acids (about 70% of the mixture, mostly
acid, is drained off into an acid pond, becoming a waste product).
The nitro-glycerin is then drawn off into 10-quart cans and
stored ready for use.
It is essential that nitro-glycerin be thoroughly washed, other-
wise the presence of unabsorbed acid is a menace. Improperly
washed nitro-glycerin, known as "bad stock," has been the cause
of disastrous explosions.
Nitro-glycerin begins to decompose at 140° F and explodes at
from 360** to 424** F.*
It freezes at from 43° to 46° F.
Well shooters thaw frozen . nitro-glycerin by immersing the
cans in warm water, after first drawing the corks. Nitro-
glycerin contracts or expands about 1/12 of its volume from
frozen to thawed state, or vice versa, therefore cans never should
be filled, but sufficient space should be left to provide for ex-
pansion.
Before cans containing nitro-glycerin are loaded in vehicles
for transportation, they should carefully be examined for leaks,
and no can showing the slightest leak should be transported.
Explosions have been caused by nitro-glycerin leaking into the
springs or running gear of wagon or automobile.
The shooter's first operation in shooting a well is to consult
the log of the well, or to ascertain from the driller the exact
depth of the hole to the top of the productive formation, the
thickness of the formation and the depth of the hole or "leg"
* In a series of experiments conducted by U S. Bureau of Mines, it
' was found that In none of the tests did nitroglycerin explode at tem-
perature lower than 200° C and in some cases as high as 21 8° C=:424o F.
Ref. U. S. Bureau of Mines Technical Paper No. 12. The behaviour of
nitrogrlycerin when heated, by Walter O. Snellingr and C. O. Storm.
326 DEEP WELL DRILLING
below the productive fonnation, and then carefully to run the
measuring line to verify at least .the total depth of the well, or,
if an error has been made in the !c^, to determine the exact
depth.
Sufficient water, if the hole contains little or no fluid, is poured,
or better, dumped with the bailer in the well to cover the oil
FllltnK a Shall.
SHOOTING WELLS 327
sand to a dq>th of 100 to 200 feet to tamp the charge and direct
the force of the explosion downward.
Sometimes the operator decides that he wants a heavy shot
and specifies the quantity of nitro-glycerin that is to be used,
with the result that enough glycerin is put in to more than cover
the productive formation to be shot. It is, of course, futile to
shoot non-productive formations above or below the pay sand.
It is good practice to inform the shooter the diameter of the hole
and thickness of the productive formation and leave the quantity
of explosive to be used to his judgment. When the shooter has
established the exact measurements of hole and formation he
selects tin containers, called shells, of a diameter that will easily
go down the hole (shells are usually about 1 inch smaller than
the diameter of the hole, with capacities of 10, 20 and 30 quarts),
and, to the bottom of the first, or lower, shell he connects sufficient
tin tubing, l}^ inches in diameter, called anchor, to extend from
the bottom of the hole up to the bottom of the productive forma-
tion. He then fills the first shell with nitro-glycerin, pouring it
from the 10-quart cans he carries in his wagon or auto, and
lowers it carefully to the bottom. On top of this shell and anchor
he deposits enough more shells to fill the hole to the top of the
productive formation. When, as often occurs, the productive
formation is interbedded with one or more shale breaks or other
barren strata, the shells are so spaced by means of loaded anchor
(common anchor tubing filled with nitro-glycerin) that the shells
containing the explosive cover each of the oil bearing sands, and
the anchor bridges the space occupied by the non-productive
formations.
A pail of water is poured over each shell after filling to wash
off any nitro-glycerin that may have splashed, and to wet the cas-
ing to reduce the friction of the shell in it.
The shells and anchor are lowered on a J^-inch diameter
Manila torpedo line, tarred. The linepasses over a pulley tied to
the drilling stem or bailer, see Fig. 197. It is wound on an iron
reel with brake and handle, which usually is clamped to the engine
fly wheel to secure power for operating. A specially made hook
i-m^
328 DEEP WELL DRILLING
that will readily unhook from the bail of the shell when the
line is slacked is used.
In shooting wells where the casing is set close to the oil
sand the tamping water should not reach the casing, other-
wise the casing should be raised a few hundred feet, or the
explosion might damage it.
There are various methods of exploding the shot. In the
fields of Pennsylvania and Ohio, where the rock formations
stand up, the "go devil," so called, usually serves the pur-
pose. This is simply a cast iron weight dropped in the
well which, when it strikes the firing head and detonating
cap fixed to the top of the upper shell, explodes the shot.
It is the general practice in the Mid-continent and
Wyoming fields to explode the shot by means of one of the
several types of squib or, in caving wells where the casing
is pulled, by the use of electric wire and a battery, called an
electric shot. The squib is a small tin shell containing a
small quantity of dynamite or nitro-glycerin and exploded
by methods described in following paragraphs.
The jack squib is the one most generally used. It con-
sists of a tin shell, 2 inches in diameter and 3 to 5 feet in
length, reinforced on the outside, and with an inner tube,
in which is placed one-half pint of nitro-glycerin or a stick
of dynamite. Several feet of waterproof fuse are wrapped
around the glycerin tube and connected with a fulminate
of mercury cap fitted near the bottom. The space between
the tube and fuse and the shell is then packed with sand.
(See Fig. 198.) The sand serves the double purpose of.
weighting the jack and absorbing any nitro-glycerin that
might leak out of the tube. The end of the fuse projecting
at the top is then lighted and the "jack" is dropped in the
hole. Should it fail to explode, a second jack is dropped
or a bumper squib is used. The length of fuse used de-
pends on the depth of the well and whether it is dry or
filled with water or oil. Two feet would answer for a dry
Jack Squib, hole, while a well full of oil might require ten feet.
V-.-;-
>! .■
SHOOTING WELLS
The line squib is a short tin shell about 15 inches long
with a wire loop in the bottom for attaching a sash weight I
to carry it down. It is equipped with a firing head and
three piece pin, to which are fitted three per-
cussion caps, so that if one cap should fait,
another might explode (see Fig. 199). It is
lowered on a length of squib wire until it rests
on the top shell of the charge, when a light
tension is taken on the wire to take up slack.
Then a nipple or short piece of pipe is dropped
over the wire, which, striking the firing head
explodes the charge. Some shooters pour
about a barrel of water down the hole just
ahead of the weight, to absorb the shock of
its impact when it reaches the fluid in the hole,
and to prevent cutting off the wire at that
point.
The bumper squib consists of an upper tube
2 inches in diameter and 4J^ feet long, con-
Unlsq^b. netted by three wires soldered to a lower shell
similar to a line squib, and fitted with a firing
head and pins. The bail at the top is looped, through
which the end of the squib wire is passed and attached to a
sash weight. Another sash weight is attached to the bot-
tom of the squib to weight it and carry it down. Sufficient
nitro-glycerin is poured into the squib to fill it up over the
detonating caps fitted on the firing pins. The outfit is then
lowered to the top of the charge, and a quick slacking away
on the squib wire causes the upper sash weight to drop and
to strike the firing head, exploding the squib. The disad-
vantage of the bumper squib is that, should it lodge in the
casing, the weight might strike the firing head and ex-
plode it.
The squib wire is wound on a smaller iron reel and is
passed over the same pulley, tied to the stem, that is used
for the torpedo line, ^
330 DEEP WELL DRILLING
The electric shot, so called, requires an electric wire and special
squib. The electric shot is used in wells drilled through caving
material, or where it may be necessary to pull the casing before
exploding the shot. The shells containing the nitro-glycerin are
placed in the well in the usual way. An electric squib is then
lowered on a length of No. 14, 16 or 18 duplex insulated copper
wire to the top of the charge. The squib is about 16 inches loi^
with a bail, to which the electric wire is tied with a piece of rope,
leaving sufficient wire below the bail to extend to the cap. The
squib has an inner tube into which enough nitro-glycerin is
poured to fill it up to the fulminating cap with which it is fitted.
The two ends of the wire are connected to a Y shaped platinum
fuse and inserted in the tube of the cap. The squib is then
packed with sand to absorb any possible leakage and is weighted
with a sash weight and lowered.
All wire connections made for an electric shot should be care-
fully taped.
When the casing is pulled, and the joints, one at a time, are
stripped over the wire, if the walls of the hole should cave the
wire will maintain a connection to the surface. The charge, is
then exploded by means of a hand operated battery, generating
an electric current which melts the platinum in the cap, detonating
it. If cavings should break the wire, it will be necessary to clean
out the hole with drilling tools sufficiently to explode the shot
with one of the other types of squib here described. Should
these means fail, it may be possible to explode the charge by
lowering a string of tubing, to the bottom of which is attached a
pointed wood plug. The weight of the tubing will sometimes
force it down through the cavings, otherwise it may have
to be turned with the tongs. When the tubing has reached
the charge the plug is washed out by pouring water into
it. An electric squib is then lowered on another length
of insulated wire, the tubing is stripped over the wire and
the charge is exploded with the battery. A simpler method
that has proved efficacious is to clean out the cavings to
within a few feet of the charge and then dump about ten quarts
.f '
SHOOTING WELLS 331
«■•
of nitro-glycerin.. After waiting until the glycerin has had time
to seep through the cavings, the charge is exploded by dropping a
jack squib.
The dump shot sometimes is used in wells having a small body
of producing sand and where no leg has been drilled below it
This is for the purpose of filling all the space in the hole with
explosive. A dump shell perforated at the bottom and with a
plunger valve is used to put in the nitro-glycerin and to dump it.
Usually wells are shot by experienced well shooters, equipped
for the work, but it might sometimes be desired to use explosives
in a well in a new field or at a place a long distance from a supply
of nitro-glycerin. Solidified nitro-glycerin or dynamite is some-
times used for this purpose by drillers or other parties not
familiar with well shooting. They should, however, be very care-
ful in the measurement of the hole and be certain that the shot
is placed so that its explosion will fracture the oil bearing forma-
tion. Neither .of these explosives is as effective as nitro-glycerin,
however.
Owing to difficulty of exploding shots in the deep wells of
North Texas with the various types of squib usually used, a
squib which proved efficacious has recently been improvised by a
combination of an ordinary jack squib and a joint of anchor
tubing in place of the glycerin tube. A stick of dynamite is
placed in the bottom of the anchor, a hole is punched in the
anchor about six feet from the bottom and two lengths of fuse
with caps are inserted in the hole and pushed down until they
reach the dynamite. The anchor tube is then fitted into the
jack and packed with sand. The advantages claimed for this
jack are that it is unnecessary to wrap the fuse around the tube ;
there are two fuses, so that if one fails, the other may explode
the shot, and the weight of the sand assists in sinking the jack.
332
DEEP WELL DRILLING
CAPACITIES OF NITRO-GLYCERIN SHELLS
31 feet 6 inchet .
20 feet linch...
13 feet 9 inches.
10 feet 2 inches.
7 feet 11 inches.
6 feet 4 inches .
5 feet 8 inches.
5 feet 5 inches .
5 feet 2 inches.
4 feet 9 inches .
4 feet 4 inches .
3 feet 8 inches .
3 feet 4 inches .
3 feet
TOTAL LENGTH OF 2 TO 10 20-QUART
NITRO-GLYCERIN SHELLS
Figured to the nearest half foot
Number of Shells
3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10
ToUl Length of Shells
94K
126
1S7K
189
220yi
252
283M
60M
80K
lOOM
120K
140K
160^
181
41
55
69
82 K
96K
110
124
30>^
40K
51
61
71
81K
9iyi
24
31 J4
39K
47K
SSH
63K
71K
19
2SJ4
31 >^
38
44K
50K
57
17
22K
28K
34
39M
45 >4
51
16M
21H
27
32 H
38
43K
49
ISK
20K
26
31
36
41 K
46M
14K
19
24
2SJ4
33K
38
43
13
17K
21K
26
soyi
34H
39
11
14K
18>^
22
25 K
29K
33
10
13>^
16K
20
2$H
26>i
30
9
12
15
18
21
24
27
315
201
137K
loiyi
79
63M
56}4
54
SIH
4TH
36>i
33K
30
Example: To find number of shells required to shoot fifty
feet of sand in a 65/8-inch hole, b/ table, either ten 5-inch or
fourteen 6-inch.
MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS.
Flagging the Line. — The shooter should keep a permanent
"flag" in his torpedo line about 150 feet from the hook on the end,
also it is good practice to flag the line to indicate the fluid level
in the well and the depth of the lower or first shell. He should
also measure the depth of the last shell to be sure it has been
correctly placed.
Careful watching of the flags on the line may prevent accidental
explosions, which, at the surface, would endanger life and
property and in the hole might ruin the well or at least defeat the
object of the shot. When withdrawing the line from the hole and
the lower flag appears, it is good practice to stop reeling with the
engine and reel in the remainder of the line by hand, thus if
the shell should not have unhooked and was being drawn up
there would be no danger of hoisting it into the pulley. This
actually is what happened at a well in North Texas. The shooter
had either neglected to flag the line or the flag had pulled out
SHOOTING WELLS 333
and he reeled with the engine until the shell reached the surface
and struck the pulley, exploding and wrecking the well. The
flag to mark the depth of the first shell is to guide the shooter
in lowering subsequent shells, that he may be careful not to allow
the shell being lowered to strike those already placed. The best
method of flagging is to open the strands of the line and insert
a short piece of a strand.
When shooting a well that flows periodically a funnel with an
oflFset should be used, so pouring may be done away from the
well mouth, or better, the shells filled before being placed in the
well by lowering them in the cellar^ or below the derrick floor.
The time between flows is carefully noted and the shells are
lowered during the interim. If the well is equipped with a con-
trol casing head, it may be closed after each shell has been placed.
It is good practice to swab a flowing well before attempting to
shoot it.
Sometimes shells lodge in the casing or in the wall of the hole.
They may often be pushed down with the bailer. When this
is done a block of wood should be fitted around the bailer dart.
If the shell cannot be moved, it must be fished out with a grab
that shooters use for the purpose. It is safer first to bleed the
shell and allow the contents to drain out before attempting to
pull it, but this, of course, involves the loss of the explosive.
Bleeding is accomplished by lowering on the sand line a pointed
steel spear weighted by a polished rod or other weight. After
the shell has been removed, the tools or the bailer should be run
to bottom to clear the obstruction, should there be one.
When shells of small diameter are used in a large diameter hole,
each shell should be fitted with a funnel shaped anchor tip of a
diameter that will prevent the upper shells from crowding down
beside the lower ones.
Shells have a double bottom, the lower one cone shaped, taper-
ing to a diameter that will fit in the anchor tubing. This
cone, being empty, is sometimes collapsed by the fluid pressure,
causing the upper bottom to break and the explosive to escape.
To prevent this, a small hol^ should be punched with an awl just
/f'T(
334 DEEP WELL DRILLING
bdow the upper bottom, which will allow the fluid to displace
the air in the cone.
A nitro-glycerin factory should be kept clean and all nitro-
glycerin that may have leaked or splashed over the floors should
be carefully washed off with warm water. No glass is used in
the windows and they should be shaded to prevent the sun from
shining in, for the sun's rays sometimes cause fires.
The cocks or taps through which the nitro-glycerin is drawn
off should be made of a frictionless substance, such as earthen-
ware.
It is good practice to can nitro-glycerin while it is hot, for
during the cooling process its volume will shrink sufficiently to
create a vacuum that will draw in the corks tightly and over-
come the tendency of the can to bulge when filled. Should the
explosive be placed in the cans cold a rise in the temperature
might cause the contents of the can to expand, resulting in either
the forcing of the corks and consequent leakage or a possible
explosion.
SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION OF NITRO-GLYCERIN IN
WELLS IN NORTH TEXAS.
That nitro-glycerin, when left in the deep wells in the Ranger,
Texas, oil fields, would explode spontaneously was an accidental
discovery. In this field it is often necessary to pull the casing
and explode the shot electrically, using insulated wire reaching
from the surface to the charge of nitro-glycerin. Occasionally,
due to caving of the strata, the wire connection was broken and
it was impossible to explode the charge except after cleaning
out the cavings covering the charge, a dangerous operation at
best. It was found that nitro-glycerin, thus buried, usually
would explode. The time required for such explosions ranged
from one hour and fifteen minutes in one instance to over one
hundred hours, but the average time is seventy-two hours. There
has been much discussion regarding the probable cause of these
explosions, for similar conditions have not been observed in
any of the other deep fields. Internal heat, chemical action of
SHOOTING WELLS 335
the fluid in the well and acid that may be left in the nitro-glycerin,
and the heating tendency of pyrites, which is present in some of
the formations, are all given as the possible cause of these explo-
sions. The matter has been the subject of an investigation by the
TJ. S. Bureau of Mines, whose report* is very interesting. It is
now the custom of well shooters in that field, with the consent of
the well owner, to make no effort to explode the shot in wells
that cave or where the casing must be pulled or raised, but to
place the explosive in the well and leave it to explode spontane-
ously. A watchman is usually left at the well. The operator is
saved the tedious work of stripping the casing over the wire and
the results of such shots seem to be as effective as when the
charge has been exploded in the usual way.
* Notes on spontaneous explosions of nitro-grlycerin in oil and eras
'wrells, Stephens, Palo Pinto and Young: Counties, North Texas, by R. E.
Collom (Petroleum Technologrist) Bureau of Mines.
CHAPTER XII
FINISHING THE WELL
Finishing and Shutting in Oil Wells, Pumping Equipment,
Setting Screens and Liners, Washing Wells,
Shutting in Gas Wells
FINISHING AND SHUTTING IN OIL WELLS WHERE
FORMATIONS STAND UP
All wells should be drilled in slowly and carefully. If the
producing formation is known to contain no water, it may
be safe to drill out each screw before pulling out and bailing
and examining the sand. In a -sand carrying bottom water
or in a test well it is best to withdraw the tools and bail out
every one to three feet. At the first sign of bottom water,
drilling should be stopped. When conditions permit it is
good practice to drill ten to fifty feet of pocket, or leg, below
the producing formation. This serves the dual purpose of a
receptacle in which the oil and also floating sand and cavings
may collect, and prevents the latter from filling in and cover-
ing the producing formation. The top joint of casing which
usually is belled, should be removed and a casing nipple and
casing head substituted before drilling in, so that in the
event of a sudden flow of oil or gas the operator may be
prepared to connect the well to a tank or to close in the gas.
Occasionally a well is drilled into a strong flow of oil and,
if the operator is unprepared, much oil may be lost. A device
known as the Control Casing Head has come into general
use in Mid-continent territory which prevents this waste. It
really is a casing head and gate valve combined (see Fig. 201)
336
FINISHING THE WELL
and is so designed that the
well may be shut in en-
tirely, or permitted to flow
in such reduced volume
that the production can be
cared for without loss or
waste. A notch in the
valve receives and closes
around the drilling line,
making a tight joint.
When drilling in wells in
a partially developed field
where gusher wells are not
common, but where the
well might flow, one of the
several types of oil saver
should be used. The oil
saver (Fig. 202) is a device
that fits in the top of the
casing head with a plunger
in which the drilling cable
is confined, or a stuffing
box through which it may
pass, thus partially, at
least, closing in the well
while drilling progresses.
SHUTTING IN AN OIL WELL
Where the producing formation stands -up a flowing well
may be shut ig the casing by means of a gate valve or by
simply closing the top of the casing head with a solid top
or a plug and permitting the well to flow through the side
outlets, to which lead lines to the tank, equipped with stop
cocks, are connected.
When the pressure and volume have diminished so the
338 DEEP WELL DRILLING
well will no longer flow through the casing, tubing, usually
2 inches in diameter, with a packer at the bottom is put in.
The oil, thus confined to the smaller tubing, may continue to
flow. When the well will no longer flow through the tubing,
it must be put to pumping. Swabbing and agitating are
sometimes effective in causing wells to resume flowing. The
swab (Fig. 203) is a device fitted with a check valve and a
rubber that approximates the diameter of the cas-
ing. It is operated on drilling tools and, as its
name implies, is run to the bottom of the well and
withdrawn, swabbing but the oil in the well and
creating a suction that may cause it to flow for a
short time.
Agitating is done by ninning the drilling tools
or lowering a polished rod or other weight on the
sand line and raising and lowering it, which may
cause the well to flow.
In California operators sometimes raise and lower
the oil string of casing as a means of agitating.
In the Mid-continent fields the "squibbing," so
called, of wells that have ceased flowing is often
done. This consists of shooting the well with a
small quantity of nitro-giycerin when it stops
flowing and repeating the process until the well
fails to respond further, when it is put to pumping.
Fig. 203 The pumping of deep wells whose production is
Swab. jjQ^ settled is usually done with a separate power
unit for each well, usually a gas engine. Shallow wells and
sometimes deep wells whose production is small are connected
to a central power plant, operated with a gas engine. A
pumping jack is placed over each well and these are operated
by pull rods radiating from the power to the several wells,
refer to Fig. 204.
PUMPING EQUIPMENT
\
I
^
Pis. 104. — Dlagrani o( Central Power Plant (or PumiriiiB a Group
of Wells. Ehowlng Eccentric Power. Oae Engine, PuH Roda
and Pumping Jack at each well.
340
DEEP WELL DRILLING
PUMPING EQUIPMENT
^per yb^e
infdarrsl
\hif^e
• t
f 4
» i
• 4
i^eJPipe
Anchor^
Fig. 206.
Diagram of Pumping Outfit
A pumping outfit
(Fig. 205) for a well to
be pumped by means of
the walking beam of
the derrick consists of
the following :
Adjuster, fitting in
the temper screw slot
of the beam, used to
grip and to adjust the
length of stroke of the
polished rod.
Adjuster board used
as a top bearing for the
cross-head of the ad-
juster.
Tee bolt to bolt the
adjuster board to the
beam.
Grip pipe to connect
the adjuster grip with
the cross-head.
Polished rod, or
plunger, connecting be-
tween adjuster and
sucker rods.
Stuffing box, used at
top of well as a gland
through which polished
rod works.
Valve rod, connect-
ing between sucker
rods and upper or
working valve.
PUMPING EQUIPMENT 341
Upper or working ball valve.
Lower or standing ball valve.
Working barrel or cylinder.
Perforated pipe, connected to bottom of working barrel.
In addition to the above, tubing, usually . nches in diam*
eter and steel sucker or pump rods, ^ or 11/16 inches in
diameter, sufficient to reach to the bottom of the well are
required.
The tools for putting in and connecting the outfit are eleva-
tors, tubing block and hook and 2-inch and 25^-inch Crumbie
tongs for the tubing; elevators, hook and wrench for the
sucker rods, and ordinary chain tongs or pipe wrenches for
the remainder of the outfit.
For a well to be connected with a central power plant the
equipment used in pumping a single well, except the engine,
adjuster, adjuster board, tee bolt and grip pipe would be re-
quired and, in addition, a pumping jack and sufficient pull,
or surface, rods to connect the well with the power.
When it may be necessary to pump a large volume of salt
water with the oil, 2j4 or 3-inch tubing, J^-i^ich or %-inch
steel sucker rods, or 2j4-inch wood rods and pumping outfit
of sizes to conform are used. Sometimes for this purpose
2-inch tubing with a 10 or 12-foot working barrel, affording
a corresponding long stroke, is used instead of the larger size
tubing and the short stroke.
< •
WIRE ROPE FOR PUMPING
Wire rope, instead of sucker rods, is used in some fields,
particularly for very deep wells. Many wells in the deep
fields of Ohio, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Klansas are suc-
cessfully pumped with wire rope.
Advantages : Much time is saved in pulling, for it requires
but a few miiiutes to pull out or replace a wire pumping line,
spooling it on the bull wheel shaft, as compared with the
several hours required to pull out and replace a long string
of sucker rods. There are no joints to unscrew. The snap,
342 DEEP WELL DRILLING
or whip, sometimes given to sucker rods in the pumping
motion tends to buckle and break them, while the wire rope,
due to its flexibility, would not be so liable to breakage. A
wire cable, after it has been used to the limit, of safety in
drilling, can be employed for the lighter pumping duty, thus
utilizing equipment that otherwise would have to be dis-
carded.
Disadvantages: The wire rope frays from wear and the
wires break, therefore the life of a wire rope used for pump-
ing is not so long as that of the sucker rods. Difficulty is
sometimes experienced with wire rope in pumping heavy oil
or in wells that paraffine, for the rope does not "drop" as
readily as the rods.
Coarse laid wire rope, composed of six strands of seven
wires each, is used for pumping. The rope is leaded into a
socket that connects with the upper valve, and several weights
or sinkers are used to g^ve the rope the necssary drop on
the down stroke. A temper screw or other hanger device
that provides for quick adjustment of the rope is necessary
instead of the adjuster used with sucker rods. A special
stuffing box and oil saver combined is used at the top of the
well in place of the stuffing box used with a polished rod-
The remainder of the pumping outfit is the same as that used
with sucker rods.
Electric power as a means for pumping oil wells has been
slow of development, largely due to the remoteness of most
oil properties from a power supply. Some of the larger pro-
ducing companies have during recent years experimented
with electric power with good results. Now many companies
are installing power plants at favorable points to serve a
group of properties.
In the oil fields of Kansas and California large power com-
panies have installed power lines to serve the oil fields.
In addition to the' power plant the equipment used in
pumping consists of a motor at each well, usually of the
two-speed induction type.
PUMPING EQUIPMENT 343
ELECTRICAL PUMPING EQUIPMENT
During the past few years electricity has been used in in-
creasing degree for pumping particularly in the fields of Cali-
fornia. Both the Westinghouse Company and the General
Electric Company manufacture electrical equipment especially
designed for deep well pumping. It is, of course, more con-
venient to use electricity for pumping when a power supply
is readily available, biit some of the larger operating com-
panies have installed their own power plants when a suffi-
cient number of wells could be pumped in one locality to '
justify the investment. It is claimed that electricity is a
much more economical power than steam and also gas, where
another market may exist for the gas. Electrical equipment
is said to impart a smoother motion in pumping, with a
resulting freedom from breakdowns, etc.. No water being
required (as for circulation in a gas engine), there is no
danger of freezing in cold weather. Also, it is claimed, elec-
trical equipment is safer to operate; fbr example, the liability
of injury to men in starting gas engines is eliminated.
This subject has been ably discussed in a paper by Mr.
W. G. Taylor, Engineer, General Electric Co.,* in which he
draws comparisons of costs for electric power, steam and gas
power ; shows how overhead expense can be reduced and more
efficient results of operation secured by the use of electrical
equipment.
Several classes of equipment are used for varying service
as follows:
For wells pumped from the beam a 25-10 to 50-20 H. P.
two-speed, variable speed motor, according to depth of well,
with countershaft, transformer and control apparatus (Fig.
206). This outfit has one speed for pumping and a higher
speed for pulling or bailing. A 30-15 H. P. motor is the size
commonly used for wells not deeper than 3,500 feet.
♦Tjic operation of oil wells by electric power, by W. G. Taylor,
General Electric Review, May, 1919.
DEEP WELL DRILLING
I Band Wheel PiunplnK Power
PUMPING EQUIPMENT 345
A variation of this equipment is sometimes ti'^d by placing ^
a smaller single speed, variable speed motor at eadh' well for
pumping only, and then mounting on a wagon of motor truck
a high speed motor or motor driven hoist vi^iich may be trans-
ported from well to well for pulling tubing and rods.
For pumping a number of wells from a central power plant,
any of the several types of pumping power may be operated
by motor, using the standard squirrel cage type of motor,
transformer, controller, etc. With this outfit a countershaft
equipped with a friction clutch is recommended to relieve
the motor of heavy starting duty, engaging the clutch only
after the motor has beeh brought up to full, speed. Refer to
Fig. 207. With this equipment the portable motor, described
above, or a pulling machine, is required for pulling tubing and
rods.
The controllers used with pumping motors are equipped
with a telegraph wheel so that the outfit can be operated
from the headache post of the derrick, the same as a steam
engine.
The walking beam of motor driven rigs should be counter-
balanced to equalize the strain of the up and down stroke df
the rods and to promote smooth running of the outfit.
Well pumping operations require around 60 to 120 kilowatt
hours per day for each well.
FINISHING AND SHUTTING IN OIL WELLS WHERE THE
PRODUCING FORMATIONS ARE SOFT AND CAVING
In the fields of California, where the producing sands often
are soft and caving, means must be employed to exclude the
running sand from the well ; otherwise it would soon fill up
over the producing formation and greatly restrict production
or obstruct the flow of oil into the well, necessitating its aban-
donment or frequent cleaning out. To overcome this, Cali-
fornia operators use an "oil string" of casing, so called, which
extends to the bottom of the well and the lower joints that
pass through the producing formation are perforated to admit
346 DEEP WELL DRILLING
the oil, or one of several types of screen is used to cover
the producing formation. In wells where it may be imprac-
ticable to pull the oil string or where the formation caves, the
casing must first be carried to the bottom and afterward per-
forated with perforating devices specially made for the pur-
pose. When the formation stands up sufficiently to permit
the drilling in of the well, the casing may be perforated in a
shop before it is put in the well. This insures a better job
with the holes properly spaced and drilled. For illustration
of perforator and description of perforating process refer to
page 280.
SETTING SHOP PERFORATED CASING
There are several methods. The simplest way is to pull
the oil string, screw on the joints of perforated pipe and lower
it to bottom. When it is impracticable to pull the oil string,
perforated pipe or liner of an outside diameter that will go
down inside of it may be used and it may be run in with the
tools, using a hook or other means of freeing the tools from
the liner. When a liner of this kind is used, an adapter,
swaged nipple or other packing device that will closely fit
the inside of the casing should be attached to the upper end
of the liner. The oil string is then pulled up until the bottom
is a few feet below the top of the liner and is hung on clamps.
When the drilling conditions, depth to the producing forma-
tion, etc., are known, the perforated casing is sometimes
added to the oil string before the well is drilled in. This
should not be attempted in a new field or a test well, how-
ever.
USE OF SCREENS
Screens, or strainers, are quite generally used in the Gulf
Coast fields and in California in wells where the sand runs in
through the perforated casing faster than it can be pumped
out, and in wells pumping a large vx)lume of water carrying
floating sand with the oil. Screens also are used where the
producing formation is interbedded with breaks of shale or
clay. With these conditions, if the sand is permitted to run
SHUTTING IN OIL WELLS 347
into the well too rapidly the shale or clay may cave and lodge
against the perforated casing, closing the holes.*
There are several kinds of screen of which the Layne and
Bowler, Figures 208-B and C, and the McEvoy, Fig. 208-A,
are good types. The Layne and Bowler wire screen is a
perforated steel tube wrapped with brass wire whose cross
section is in the shape of a keystone. It is wrapped with
the wide side out, thus the opening is very narrow at the
surface but widening toward the tube. The object is to pre-
vent grains of sand that get through the opening from clog-
ging the screen.
The Layne and Bowler screen with "skrutite" buttons is a
recently improved button screen. These buttons are made
with horizontal slots, in both the keystone and the shutter
types, refer to Fig. 208. The buttons are threaded and
screwed into holes tapped in the pipe and both the outside
and inside surfaces are flush with the pipe. It is claimed
that these buttons do not loosen and fall out of the pipe.
The McEvoy screen is of the button type; small slotted
brass discs are inserted in the pipe under a pressure of 1,000
pounds per^uare inch. These discs have vert icaL openings
instead of the horizontal slots of the wire wrapped screens.
The discs are flush with the outside of the pipe and there are
no wire wrappings that might be damaged while putting it
in the well.
METHOD OF SETTING SCREENS
In wells drilled by the rotary process the screen is some-
times screwed to the bottom joint of casing before it is put in.
The method of setting a screen in a rotary drilled well is
described in following paragraphs. A method used for set-
ting a screen in wells drilled with a cable outfit is ably de-
scribed in Bureau of Mines Technical Paper No. 247,* pages
32-33, as follows:
"The screen is used as a liner and must be small enough in
outside diameter to pass within the casing carried through the
♦U. S. Bureau of Mines Technical Paper. No. 247, Perforated
Casing and Screen Pipe in Oil Wells, by E. W. Wagy.
DEEP WELL DRILLING
oil sand, llie screen is usually plugged at the bottom with
a swaged nipple or wooden plug. On top is placed a plain
joint fitted with a plain casing shoe, upside down and replac-
Bcreen. Keyatone t
screen, shutter type.
Keystone type.
SCREENS AND LINERS
349
irig the top collar. This serves as an adapter. The adapter is
threaded with a left hand thread on top, into which the
swaged nipple is screwed. This liner is then lowered inside
the drilling string of casing by means of a string of tubing.
When bottom has been reached, the outside casing is pulled
up to the solid joint on top of the screen, allowance being
made for whatever lap is desired. Ail allowance of 10 to 12
feet can be made for any discrepancies in taking measure-
ments. Then the left hand swaged nipple is Screwed out and
the tubing removed. It is' important that 'this 'work should
be left until the casing has been pulled up to the proper place,
to make certain that the screen liner is not moving with the
outside casing as the tubing is pulled. . Also; sloughing of
the walls of the hole around the liner tends to prevent its
rotating when an effort is made to back off the left-hand
nipple." ' .
USE OF HEAVIN^G PLUG
In the CaHfornia' fields the casing is
usually carried down and landed on a
shell or shale formation just above the
oil sand when possible."^ Sometimes,
however, in a new field or w^here an
unexpected oil sand is encountered,
the overlying shell or shale may have
been drilled through. If the sand be
soft, it may be difficult to seat the
casing in it or to prevent the sand from
heaving up inside the casing. In such
case a heaving plug, so called (see
Fig. 209), having four slips with teeth
that engage in the casing on an up-
ward thrust, is lowered to the bottom
of the casing and the slips are set
to hold it there, thus preventing the heaving sand from rising
in the casing. The casing is then perforated to admit "the oil.
The heaving plug, which is made of cast iron, can easily be
drilled out.
Fig. 209.
Heaving Plug.
350 DEEP WELL DRILLING
FINISHING AND SHUTTING IN OIL WELLS DRILLED BY
THE HYDRAULIC ROTARY SYSTEM IN THE GULP
COAST FIELDS
Finishing wells drilled by the rotary process, using mud
fluid, is a more difficult operation than where cable tools are
used and requires the close attention of the driller to the
formations penetrated. This is particularly true of wells
drilled in new territory where the depth to the producing for-
mation may be unknown. The mud fluid under pump pressure
has a tendency to "mud off" an oil or gas producing forma-
tion before its paying possibilities may be discovered by the
driller. Unquestionably many wells have been drilled and
abandoned as dry in the Gulf Coast fields which, by a more
careful drilling and testing of the formation, might have
proved profitable.
It now is customary, when drilling at a depth where a pro-
ducing formation may be expected or when a change in forma-
tion occurs, to withdraw the drill pipe and substitute for the
bit a core barrel. This device is made from a piece of 3-inch
pipe about 4 feet long and with teeth similar to those in a
rotary shoe. A hole is drilled near the top to allow passage
of the mud fluid out of the drill pipe. The core barrel is
connected to the drill pipe, if the pipe is of larger diameter,
by means of a hydraulic (extra heavy) swaged nipple. When
the pipe is rotated a core of the formation passed through is
caught in the barrel, and any showing of oil or gas is readily
detected. This method of testing a formation is far better
than the old hit or miss practice of examining the slush
trench for showings of oil or cuttings from promising forma-
tions, which, if found, could have originated at a level fifty
feet above where the bit might then be working.
Unless the thickness of the producing formation and other
conditions are known, the driller, upon entering a promising
sand, should drill slowly and carefully, closely watching the
slush trench for showings of oil and of salt water. Should
the latter be encountered, drilling should, of course, be
FINISHING ROTARY DRILLED, WELLS 351
Stopped. It is best to drill into or through
the sand with a core barrel, afterward finishing
the hole with the bit.
Two methods are employed in the Gulf
Coast fields to protect the well from filling
up over the productive formation with cavings
and to exclude running sand from the oil. In
Texas wire wrapped screens with apertures
of varying size, according to the character of
the sand, refer to Fig. 208,
and long enough to cover the
Setting Tw (or Producing formation are used
Layne Packer, in connection with sufficient
pipe or liner, called blank
pipe, to extend up into the casing. This
blank pipe usually is made tight in the
casing by means of a lead seal or other
packing device. The Layne and Bowler
cone lead and canvas collapsible packer.
Fig. 211, is extensively used for this pur-
pose. Where two or more productive
strata are interbedded with non-producing
formations, a screen is set opposite each oil
sand, with a length of blank pipe connecting
the screens.
In the fields of North Louisiana screens
are little used. Instead, perforated liners,
similar to the perforated casing of California,
are employed. The Louisiana laws require
that the casing in all oil and gas wells be |
cemented, therefore, as the tendency for
water or cavings to run in around the casing
is minimized, the liner is sometimes set with-
out a seal to the casing. It is, of course, safer
to use the seal. It is to be hoped that the ^^'b- ^^i-
State of Texas will enact a law requiring the packer.
3S2
Drill
»6+ti
WOAhl
Blank
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Boclcl
NippU
Fig. ill
Wmahlnc Wall
ftnd SaltInK 8«sl
cementing of casing in the
soft formations of the Coastal
fields. While the delay in
waiting for the cement to set
is expensive, yet the cement-
ing of casing in the soft for-
mations of the Gulf Coast
fields is necessary to .protect
the producing areas from en-
croaching water and to con-
serve the natural gas.
In wells where mud fluid
has been used it is necessary
to clear the hole of mud fluid
and sediment so the screen or
liner may be set on bottom
and to wash the mud from the
screen and the producing for-
mation with clear water, to
insure unrestricted flow of
the oil or gas from the pro-
■ ductive stratum into the well,
^ For carrying the water to
i the bottom of the screen, so it
will circulate outside of it, a
wash pipe, wood wash plug
and a back pressure valve are
used, refer to Fig. 212.
A nipple and wash blade or
rotary bit are attached to the
bottom of the screen to assist
in clearing the mud out of the
bottom of the hole and to pre-
vent the screen from turning
when backing off the pipe
u^ed in setting. A back pres-
sure valve is screwed in the
lower coupling of the screen
FINISHING ROTARY DRILLED WELLS 353
to hold back heaving sands and to prevent the well from
flowing through the wash pipe during the setting operation.
A wood wash plug is placed on top of the back pressure valve
and the wash pipe, usually 2-inch, is set in a recess in the
wash plug. Sufficient liner or blank pipe, usually 4j4-inch
drill pipe, to extend up into the casing is connected to the
top coupling of the screen, and joints of wash pipe are added
according to the length of the blank pipe used. If a Layne
and Bowler lead seal and canvas packer is used the expanding
dogs of the setting tool (Fig. 210) are compressed and the
tool is screwed into the left-hand thread in the upper barrel of
the packer. The lower thread of the setting tool is screwed
into the upper coupling of the wash pipe and the packer is
screwed on the blank pipe or liner. The drill pipe used in the
setting and washing operation is attached to the top coupling
of the setting tool and the outfit is ready to run. Joints of drill
pipe are added until the screen reaches bottom. Meanwhile
circulation of thinned mud fluid iS maintained. Clear water
is then circulated until the producing formation and the screen
have been cleared of mud. The drill pipe is then turned to the
right until it has backed off with the setting tool from the
packer. The pipe is raised sufficiently for the setting tool
to clear the packer, expanding the dogs, which then bear on
the top of the packer (refer to Fig. 212). The weight of
the drill pipe is allowed to rest on the packer until the lead
has expanded and the canvas has collapsed sufficiently to
telescope the packer fourteen inches, which usually makes
an effective seal between the blank pipe and the casing. The
drill pipe is then withdrawn, bringing with it the setting tool
and the wash pipe, completing the operation. The ratchet
threads on the barrel and sleeve of the Layne packer tend to
lock it in its collapsed position, thus resisting heavy gas
pressure.
The liners used in the fields of Louisiana are usually 4J4-
inch drill pipe or other pipe or casing whose couplings will
go down inside the 6-iDch casing. That part of the liner
which passes through the productive formation is perforated
with J^-inch diameter holes> drilled about two inches apart.
354 DEEP WELL DRILLING
before it is placed in the well. The liner should extend sev-
eral feet up into the casing and it is set open or with a seal
according to local conditions. When it is
set with a seal, the same method is em-
ployed as in setting a screen.
When the liner is left open, no seal,
Layne & Bowler Steel packer nor setting tool is required. The
Wash Ring. wash pipe is fitted in the bottom of the
liner with back pressure valve and wash plug, the same as
when a screen is used. The top of the liner has a right and
left hand coupling and the drill pipe used for setting is con-
nected to it with a right and left thread nipple. A steel wash
and pulling ring (Fig. 212J4), to prevent fluid from passing
around outside of and to serve as a means of pulling the wash
pipe, is fitted under top coupling of wash pipe and in the
coupling connecting the right and left nipple. After the liner
has been set and the well washed, the drill pipe is backed
off and withdrawn, the steel ring catching under the coupling
of the wash pipe, lifting it out with the drill pipe.
And after the well has been washed the mud and water in
the hole will have to be bailed down until the gas pressure
will flow out the remainder.
When the wells cease to flow, they are put to pumping,
using pumping outfits as described for cable drilled wells.
The rotary rig, however, must be equipped with walking
beam for pumping and bull wheels for handling the tubing
and sucker rods. Gas, oil or steam engines are used to furnish
power.
In wells having a large volume of gas at high pressure,
there is danger of a gas blow-out while attempting to set
a screen or liner. To prevent this, circulation of mud fluid
must be maintained at intervals between lowering stands of
drill pipe. Most drillers use thick mud fluid for this purpose,
but at least one driller found he secured better results with
thinned fluid. His theory is that the thick fluid oflFered such
resistance to the gas that it gathered a head sufficient to
cause a blow-'out, while the thin fluid afforded the gas a
chance to escape, thus relieving its pressure. Few people who
FINISHING ROTARY DRILLED WELLS 355
have not visited the Gulf Coast fields understand the terrific
power of the gas in many of these wells. The accompanying
illustration is a photograph of a 2,000-foot column of 3'inch
7,93-pound drill pipe blown out of the Humble Oil & Refining
Company's Dew No. 2 well in the Blue Ridge field, near
Houston, Texas. The remarkable feature of this blow-out
was that the National seamless drill pipe twisted and spiraled
over an acre of ground without a single break in the pipe
or the couplings.
FINISHING WELLS DRILLED BY THE HYDRAULIC
ROTARY SYSTEM IN THE CALIFORNIA FIELDS
In the California fields the screen or perforated pipe usually
is set on the oil string of casing, no liner being used. In
wells having suflUcient gas pressure the screen may sometimes
be simply run to the bottom, the force of the gas clearing
the well and the screen of mud-laden fluid. In wells having
DEEP WELL DRILLING
A— Wapji pipe. , I
C— C(sl^«. ' ■-"•'" • -" "■ '' ■ '
, .C-G— Ws^ pipe Cdupline*.' . ■ - ,
■ B-1 — Serein' "cCTiplirigi -i.- -..
F — Scraen. r
H— Wash plug" , ,
J— BEfck -prBHSlire valve.
K— NlpDle.
L,— Rotary shoe.
a low or a very hiig;h g4s pres-
sure, however, the Wash pipe
method "' employed ih ■ the 'Gulf
Coast fields is followed with va-
riations. When the oil string; of
■ -■ casing is to be left in the well a
^vtTod wash ring (D) is used to
"L pack the *ash pipe (A) in the
casing to prevent fluid from
passing around and outside it
(refer to Fig. 214). When the
screen has been set and the well
washed, the wash pipe is with-
drawn by lowering a string of
tubing to connect with it, or by
means of a tubing spear. It
sometimes is necessary to circu-
late water during the operation
of removing the wash pipe to
clear sand or mud out of the
strainer or to free the wash pipe
from sand "packed around it.
For this purpose a string of pipe
instead of a spear would .have
to be used:
When conditions make recov-
ery of part of the oil string
WMh^L*aen.biy. feasible, the operatioo woyjd be
(Bureau of Mines) as described for setting the
FINISHING ROTARY DRILLED WELLS 357
screen and blank pipe with a packer or lead
seal in the Gulf Coast field, when a seal is
used. Sufficient of the oil string would be
left in the well attached to the strainer to
extend up into the next size larger casing to
serve as liner or blank pipe.
When no seal is used the method of setting
would be similar to. that employed in Louisi-
ana for setting a liner, with this difference :
instead of a right and left thread coupling an
adapter. Fig. Ill, threaded with right and left
threads, is used as the top coupling, for that
part of the oil string which is left in the well
as liner. A right and left thread nipple and
steel wash and pulling ring would be used for
backing off the part of the casings to be
recovered and for pulling the wash pipe.*
The Canfield babbitt wash ring and steel
wash plug are described in U. S. Bureau of
Mines Technical paper 247, pages 37-40,' as
follows :
"The wash ring (D) shown in Figure 214
is of wood. Such a ring has often served the
purpose well, but there have been a number
of instances where it has failed. The water
used in washing out the mud leaked by the
wash ring to such an extent that not enough
pressure could be maintained at the bottom
of the hole to wash it so the pipe could be
landed. Sometimes such a high pump pres-
sure had to be used in washing that the
wooden ring could not withstand the pressure
and ultimately failed.
"In order to do away with this element of
Fig. 215. ^^^^' ^^^* Wallace Canfield has devised a
Canfield Wash Ring wash ring made of babbitt. The assembled
and Steel Wash ♦ U. S. Bureau of Mines Technical Paper 247,
Plug (Bureau of Perforated Casing and Screen Pipe in Oil Wells'.
Mines). by E. W. Wagy.
358 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ring is shown in the diagram (Fig. 215). For convenience in
placing this wash ring, nipples are put in the w?ish pipe to
bring it near the top of a joint of casing. A piece of babbitt,
E, is molded to fit the casing in use. The upper part of the
babbitt cylinder is turned off enough to permit ^-inch hy-
draulic packing to be inserted between it and the casing.
The lower part is drilled out in the center to fit the
wash pipe coupling (F). A nipple (D) is then screwed
into this coupling and J4"iiich hydraulic packing is wrapped
around the nipple for five or six inches. The babbitt
cylinder (E) is then placed over the nipple (D) resting on
the packing. The space around the outside of the cylinder
is filled with packing and a gland (C) of babbitt is set over
this packing. A steel nut (B) is screwed onto the nipple (D)
and drawn down tightly. In this manner the packing is com-
pressed and a tight joint is made between the casing and the
outside of the ring and also between the wash pipe and the
inside of the wash ring.
"The ring is made of babbitt in order that it may have
the required strength and also be soft enough to be worked
past any rough or irregular places in the casing when it is
removed. In order to do away with the swabbing effect of
this ring when it is being pulled out, a short nipple (A), with
54-inch holes drilled in it, is screwed into the coupling (I).
A coupling is also screwed onto this perforated nipple to
facilitate screwing on the pulling string.
"In the Canfield method, the back pressure valve (J, Fig.
214) is also omitted. This valve has sometimes given trouble
by getting stuck, the pump pressure being unable to loosen
it again. * * *
"In some wells the gas pressure is great enough to unseat
the wash pipe and start the fluid rushing through the bottom
plug. In a short time a channel is cut in the wood and when
the wash pipe is again in place the fluid, instead of going
out through the lower end of the casing, circulates around the
bottom of the wash pipe and up the inside of the casing.
FINISHING WELLS 359
This trouble was avoided by substituting for the bottom
wooden plug an iron ring two and one-half or three inches
thick, shown at (J) in Figure 215. This ring is threaded
and screwed into the coupling on top of the rotary bit. An
annular, conical-shaped hole is drilled through the center of
the ring, and the bottom coupling of the wash pipe (H) is
turned to fit this opening. As metal is much more resistant
than wood, channeling with its detrimental results is avoided."
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Occasionally, in the fields of Oklahoma, a well is finished
with several hundred feet of open hole between the bottom of
the casing and the top of the producing formation. If the
formations below the casing should be caving it is good prac-
tice to set a liner of smaller size casing to bridge the space
between the casing and the top of the oil sand.
In the North Texas field the flow line is sometimes fitted
with three outlets, each equipped with a gate valve, one lead-
ing to the flow tank, another leading to the stock tank, and
the third turned into the sump. The flow tanks in this field
usually are equipped with a vent flue, to allow the gas to
escape, consisting of a joint of eight-inch casing, or four
boards nailed together into a long square box. Separating
devices, such as the Smith separator, a specially fitted tank,
are used to trap and save the gas produced with the oil. Thus
gas that would otherwise be wasted is conserved for fuel and
used in operating the property.
Mr. H. A. Melat, general manager of the Gulf Production
Company, once successfully bridged temporarily a well drilled
by the rotary system, which commenced flowing oil before
the casing had been set and cemented. He cut a plug from a
tree and left the stumps of branches protruding, placed it in
the well with a number of cement sacks on top of it and
pumped it down with thick mud fluid. After the casing was
set the bridge was drilled up.
In the Gulf Coast field, when gusher wells are expected, the
360 DEEP WELL DRILLING
• -■••■-■»»■
. derrick, is mountecj on extra blocks or -=&ills to provide space
for connecting a gate valve and cross to the casing, below
the derrick ftoor. Then, should the well "come in/' it can be
controlled.
Xhis book is a treatise on well drilling methods and the
author makes no attempt to treat in an exhaustive manner
the different, rnethods and appliances used to combat floating
sand, gas, water and other difficulties met in pumping oil
wells and in operating oil properties/ These phases of the
oiKbusiness, have received more attentk)n by engineers and
, others and much mor? has been written with reference to
^{lem thai^ upon well drilling methods and^problems. Refer-
ences* are here given to books and papers on these subjects.*
7 SHUTTING IN GAS WELLS
If the well has a large volume of gas at high pressure, it
•may be closed by anchoring the casing and fitting a high
».*■■■
♦Oil Production Methods, by Paul M. Paine and B. K. Stroud.
American Oil Industry, by Bacon & Hamor.
U. S. Bureau of Mines Bulletins, as follows:
Technical Paper 70, Methods of Oil Recovery in California, by
Ralph Arnold and V. R. Garfias.
bulletin 177, The decline and ultimate production of oil wells with
notes on the valuation of oil properties, by C. H. Beal.
Technical paper 42, The prevention of waste of oil and gas from
flowing wells in California, by Ralph Arnold and V. R. Garfias.
Technical paper 45, Waste of oil and gas in Mid-Continent fields,
by R. S. Blatchley.
Technical paper 209, Traps for saving gas at oil wells, by W. R.
Hamilton.
Bulletin 148, Methods of increasing the recovery from oil sands, by
J. O. Lewis.
Technical paper 51, Possible causes of decline of oil wells and
suggested methods of prolonging yield by L. G. Huntley.
Technical paper 72, Problems of the petroleum industry, by T. C.
Allen.
Technical paper 130, Underground wastes in oil and gas fields and
methods of prevention, by W. F. McMurray and J. O. Lewis.
Technical paper 247, Perforated casing and screen pipe in oil wells,
by E. W. Wagy.
SHUTTING IN GAS WELLS
Flfc 217
Diagram ot well Closed In and
Anchored to Store tlie Gta In th»
ProducinK Formation.
(From. Handbook ol Natural Qas, bf H. P. WeBtcott, Matiic Metal Worki)
Tig 216
Dtasrani of Well Closed in a
Anchored to produce Gus
362 DEEP WELL DRILLING
pressure gate valve to the top. If, however, the casing has
not been cemented or is not securely set with a packer, there
is always danger of the gas escaping around the casing. It
is always best to tube a gas well of average volume and use
a packer at the top of the gas sand. This confines the gas
to the stratum in which it is found and in the tubing.
There are two methods of anchoring the tubing. When
the volume of gas is not large, and in shallow wells where
the pressures are low, the tubing is usually anchored with
clamps to the casing or drive pipe (refer to Fig. 216). For
deep wells with a large volume of gas at greater pressure
(the gas pressure usually corresponds to water pressure at
depth, 0.434 pounds per foot) it is safe to anchor the tubing
to the casing, provided there is a long and heavy string of
casing in the well that wull serve as an anchoring medium.
Where there may be no such long string of casing, it is
safer to anchor the tubing in a big "gasser" to sills bolted to
dead men buried in the ground, using long anchor bolts ex-
tending from the tubing clamps down through the sills. An-
other effective method is to dig two trenches four to six feet
deep, extending about 20 feet from either side of the well,
each trench to be widened near the well sufficiently to provide
a space about six feet square. A joint of casing is set in each
trench and anchor bolts with an eye that will slip over the
casing are engaged with the tubing clamps. Concrete is then
mixed and poured over the casing and around the bolts in
the enlarged part of the trench and the earth replaced in the
trench.
The shutting in of gas wells of large volume and high
pressure drilled in hard rock formations, or in soft formations
where the casing has been set and cemented, is not a difficult
matter. When a heavy volume of gas is struck in a well
drilled by the rotary system before casing has been set, the
result is sometimes a disastrous blow-out. Such wells have
created veritable craters that have swallowed the rig and
machinery. The remedy is to mud oflF the gas, if possible.
SHUTTING IN GAS WELLS
PiK. 31S.
IjOulBiana Gas Well Shut li
tH«trlc Metal Works)
364 DEEP WELL DRILLW^V'
until casing can be set and cemented, when the well is cleared
of mud fluid by methods elsewhere described, gate valves are
screwed to the top of the casing and the casing anchored so
the gas may be confined. Interesting accounts of. the cap-
ping of big gas wells and the extinguishing of burning wcjls
accompanied by illustrations will be found in "Hand Book of
Natural Gas" by Henry P. Westcott.* Illustration (Fig. 218>
is of a gas well in the Louisiana field closed in with stuffing
box casing head, otherwise known as a "Bradenhead," master
gate valve, outlet gate valves and anchor clamps.
♦"Hand Book of Natural Gas," published by Metric Metal Works,
Erie, Pa.
:: a-w
t-v. • .: ' ^.. - -^
CHAPTER XIII
COST OF DRILLING WELLS IN VARIOUS
LOCALITIES
Many factors enter into well drilling costs, such as the
local competition or the lack of it among rig and drilling
contractors, the distance of the field from railway facilities
with consequent high or moderate teaming expense, the
character of the formations to be drilled, etc. The following
cost estimates for several fields were compiled dariilig' a period
of high prices and of active development work (the year 1920)
and they may appear high as compared with the costs of a
few years previous and the costs that may prevail m the
future. They are, however, the costs that were current at
the time this was written and are believed to be reliable
as a basis for estimates. Some cost figures of previous years
are given for the purpose of comparison.
COMPARISON OF COST OF COMPLETED DERRICKS
AS OF THE YEARS 1914 AND 1920
1914 1920
74-foot Derrick with 45^-in. Rig Irons in Penn-
sylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. $825.00 $1,850100
74-foot Derrick with 45^-in. Rig Irons in Okla-
homa 950.00 2,150.00
82-foot Derrick with 5-in. Rig and Calf Irons
in Oklahoma 1,250.00 2,700.00
84-foot Heavy Derrick with 6-in. Ideal Chain
Driven Rig and Calf Irons in North Tepcas. ......... .^; 4,500.00.
84-foot Heavy Derrick with 6-in. Ideal Chain
Driven Rig arid Calf Irons 'iri California.
Weight, 100,000 lbs 1,750.00 4,0()0.00
^
366 DEEP WELL DRILLING
COST OF DERRICKS (Concluded)
1914 1920
106-foot Heavy Combination Standard and Ro-
tary Derrick, with 6-in. Ideal Chain Driven
Rig and Calf Irons in California. Weight,
128,000 lbs 1,975.00 4,550.00
114-foot Heavy Combination Standard and Ro-
tary Derrick with Concrete Corners, Iron
Bull and Calf Wheel Shafts and 6-in. Ideal
Chain Driven Rig and Calf Irons. Weight,
136,000 lbs. in California 2,250.00 5,500.00
82-foot Derrick with 6-in. Ideal Chain Driven
Rig and Calf Irons, in Wyoming 4,500.00
84-foot Gulf Coast Rotary Derrick 300.00 650.00
112-foot Gulf Coast Rotary Derrick 400.00 850.00
CONTRACT COST OF DRILLING PER FOOT OF HOLE
DRILLED— 1920
Northern Ohio $1.25 to $1.50 Kansas and Okla-
Central Ohio $2.00 homa, shallow $2.50 to $3.50
Pennsylvania and W. Texas (Ranger) deep.$5.00 to $6.00
Virginia $1.50 to $2.50 Wyoming, deep $5.00 to 10.00
Kentucky, shallow. . .$4.00* Wyoming, shallow. . .$3.50 to $6.00
Kansas and Okla- fCalifornia $5.25 to $6.50
homa, deep $2.00 to $3.00 Louisiana — See below.
Drilling costs in 1914 were approximately one-half the above
figures.
Contracts are taken for a completed well in the Louisiana field
at from $18,000 to $25,000, according to depth. This includes rotary
derrick, casing and drilling. If well is to be pumped, the derrick
must be standardized and pumping equipment installed at an extra
cost of approximately $4,000.
♦ The operator furnishes fuel and water.
t In California little drilling is done by contract. Most of the
operators buy the drilling outfits and do their own drilling. These
figures are for contracts to land the water string of casing only.
Finishing the well is at a rate per day or the operator undertakes
the work.
Note: For costs of drilling outfits refer to specifications of drilling
outfits, pages 80-96.
COST OF DRILLING WELLS 367
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF THE COST OF DRILLING AND
EQUIPPING OIL WELLS, YEAR 1920
West Virginia 3,000-ft WeU
Derrick complete $1,850.00
Drilling 3,000 ft @ $2.50 7,500.00
250 ft. 10-in. 35-lb. casing @ L93 482.50
1,500 ft. 8J4-in. 24-ib. casing @ 1.33 1,995.00
2,250 ft. 6H-in. 17-lb. casing @ .92^ 2,086.87
2,800 ft. 5 3/16-in. casing @ .91^ 2.569.00
Shooting 100 quarts @ 3.00 300.00
3,000 ft. 2-in. tubing with sucker rods and pumping outfit... 975.00
Gas engine and setting, belt, etc 1,750.00
Tanks and tank house 750.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittings and other equipment 450.00
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) 1,000.00
$21,707.37
Kentucky, Bowling Green-ScottsTille 450-ft. Well
Drilling 450 ft @ $4.00 $1,800.00
Fuel and water, estimated 600.00
40 ft. 8i/4-in. 17-lb. casing @ $1.12 44.80
400 ft. 654-in. 13-lb. casing @ .77y2 310.00
Shooting 40 quarts 164.00
450 ft. 2-in. tubing, sucker rods, pumping outfit, jack, fittings,
etc. 275.00
Proportionate cost of gas engine, power, tanks, buildings,
gas, water and oil lines, fittings, labor, etc., for power
plant pumping six wells; for each well 600.00
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) 200.00
$3 993.80
Oklahoma (Osage) 2,000-ft. Well
Derrick complete $2,150.00
Drilling 2,000 ft @ $2.50 5,000.00
150 ft. 10-in. 35-lb. casing @ 2.14 321.00
750 ft. 8]^-in. 24-lb. casing @ 1.47 1,102.50
1,800 ft. 6H-in. 20-lb. casing @ 1.21 2,178.00
Shooting 60 quarts 160.00
2,000 ft. 2-in. tubing with sucker rods, pull rods, pumping
outfit, jack ,etc 875.00
Proportionate cost of gas engine, power, belt, buildings, fit-
tings for power plant pumping six wells, tanks and tank
house, labor, etc. ; for each well 700.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittings and other equipment 400.00
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) 850.00
$13,736.50
368 . DEEP WELL DRILLING
Oklahoxna, Dnimright-Qiiay 3,000^ft Well
Derrick complete $2,700.00
Drilling 3,000 ft @ $3.00 9,000.00
200 ft. 15}^-in. 70-lb. casing @ 5.32 1,064.00
700 ft. 12j4-in. 50-lb. casing .@ 3.31 2,317.00
1,200 ft. 10-in. 40-lb. casing @ 2.45 2,740.00
1,500 ft. 8^i-in. 28-lb. casing ; @ 1.74 2,610.00
2.500 ft. 6^-in. 24-lb. casing @ 1.43 3,575.00
2,900 ft. 5 3/16-in. 17-lb. casing @ 1.02 2,958.00
Shooting 100 quarts @ 2.50 250.00
3,000 ft. 2-in. 4}^-lb. tubing with sucker rods and pumping
outfit 1,350.00
Gas engine and setting, belt, etc ; ^ . . 2,000.00
' Tanks and tank house « 1,000.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittings and other equipment 500.00
Labor,^ teaming, jetc. (estimated) . ....... . . . . , 1,750.00
$33,814.00
Texas, Ranger-Breckenridge 3,500-ft. Well
Derrick complete $4,500.00
Drilling 3,500 ft @ $5.00 17,500.00
20 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. drive pipe @ 7.47 149.40
250 ft. \Sy2-in. 70-lb. casing @ 5.32 1,330.00
700 ft. I2y2-\n. 50-lb. casing @ 3.41 2,387.00
1,500 ft. 10-in. 40-lb. casing @ 2.63 3,945.00
2,000 ft. 8^-in. 28-lb. casing @ 1.80 3,600.00
3,000 ft. 6^-in. 24-lb. casing @ 1.49 4,470.00
3,500 ft. 4^-irf. 15-lb. casing. . ; @ .93^ 3,263.75
Shooting 200 quarts @ 4.00 800.00
Tanks and tank houses 1,500.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittings and other equipment 1,000.00
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) 2,800.00
$47,245.15
Note: This estimate is based on a flowing well and pumping
machinery is not included.
COST OF DRILLING WELLS 369
Wyoming, Rock River-Lost Soldier, 3,000-ft. Well
Derrick complete $4,500.00
Drilling 3,000 ft @ $7.00 21,000.00
40 ft. 20-in. O. D. 90-lb. drive pipe @ 7.81 312.40
100 ft. 15j4-in. 70-lb. casing. ." @ 5.58 558.00
750 ft. 121^-in. 45-lb, casing ^. @ 3.23, 2,422.50
1,750 ft. 10-in. 40-lb. casing. @ 2.78 4,865.00
2,400 ft. 8>i-in. 28-lb. casing : . ^ , @ 1.90 4,560.00
3.000 ft. 654-in. 24-lb. casing .@ 1.57 4,710.00
Shooting 80 -quarts'. . . . . .ir; .'*. L > .; .- @ 5.00 400.00
3,000 ft. 2-in. 4^-lb. tubing with sucker rods, pumping
outfit, etc 1,450.00
Gas engine and setting, belt, etc. .i 2,500.00
Tanks and tank house. i , .^.r. 1,500.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittin*gs,> aiid other equipment 1,000.00
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) . ..». 3,500.00
$53,277.90
California^ Brea-Mqntebello, 4,000-ft. Well
Derrick complete . .1 ..... . .•■ i . ,,. $4,550.00
Drilling 4,000 ft. (estimated) , .\ 26,000.00
1,000 ft. 15^-in. 70nb. caslfl^? . /. . . r?. .\ @ $6.09 6,090.00
1,800 ft. 12i/4-in. 50.1b. casing.....'.'... @ 3.96 7,128.00
2,500 ft. lO-in. 45-lb. casing . . . . .'.^ @ 3.45 8,625.00
3,500 ft. 8i/i-in. 36-lb. casing. . . :>. .' @ 2.69 9,415.00
4,000 ft. 6^i-in. 28-lb. casing .- @ 2.02 8,080.00
Tanks and tank houses . . .' 2,000.00
Gas, water and oil lines, fittings and other equipment 1,000.(X)
Labor, teaming, etc. (estimated) 4,000.00
$76,888.00
Note: This estimate is based on a flowing well and pumping
machinery is not included.
COSTS OF WELL SHOOTING
March 1, 1921 •
In Ohio, Illinois and Indiana
5 quarts or less . $37.00 50 quarts $157.50
10 quarts , 64.00 60 quarts 178.00
20 quarts , 93.00 70 quarts 203.50
30 quarts 114.50 80 quarts 229.00
40 quarts 136.00 90 quarts 254.50
Electric Wire 4c per ft.
loo quarts or more' $2.80 per quart.
■■t.i'
370 DEEP WELL DRILLING
In Western Kentucky
10 quarts or less $84.00 40 quarts ...' ,...$164.00
20 quarts 92.00 50 quarts 180.00
30 quarts 128.00 60 quarts 210.00
Electric Wire 5c per ft.
60 quarts or more $3.50 per quart. Above prices are based on
one day trip from nearest magazine; a charge of $35.00 will be made
for each additional day.
In Kansas and Northern Oklahoma
10 quarts or less $61.00 60 quarts $160.00
20 quarts 87.00 70 quarts 182.50
30 quarts 105.50 80 quarts 205.00
40 quarts 124.00 90 quarts 227.50
30 quarts 142.50 100 quarts 250.00
Electric Wire 4c per ft.
100 quarts or more $2.50 per quart. Above prices are based on
one day trip from nearest magazine; a charge of $40 will be made
for each additional day. Casing and tubing shots $61.00 and for each
additional shot on same trip $10.00.
In North Texas and Southwestern Oklahoma
10 quarts or less. $94.00 60 quarts .$260.00
20 quarts 113.00 70 quarts 300.00
30 quarts 152.00 80 quarts 340.00
40 quarts 180.00 90 quarts 380.00
50 quarts 220.00 100 quarts 400.00
Electric Wire 5c per ft.
100 quarts or more $4.00 per quart. Above prices are based on
one day trip from nearest magazine; a charge of $40 will be made
for each additional day. Casing and tubing shots $94.00.
At Casper and Thermopolis, Wyoming
10 quarts or less $130.00 60 quarts ; . . .$300.00
20 quarts 175.00 70 quarts 332.00
30 quarts 210.00 80 quarts 360.00
40 quarts 240.00 90 quarts 382.00
50 quarts : 275.00 100 quarts 400.00
Electric Wire 5c per ft.
100 quarts or more $4.00 per quart. Extra charge of $40.00 per
day for each additional day.
These prices cover the complete service, including shells, squibs,
squib wire and other material used, excepting electric wire, which is
charged extra. "' .
CHAPTER XIV
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
STRESS AND STRAIN
Extracts from Kent's Engineers' Pocket Book
I
"Stresses are the forces which are applied to bodies to bring
into action their elastic and cohesive properties. These forces
cause alterations of the forms of the bodies upon which they
act. Strain is a name given to the kind of alteration pro-
duced by the stresses. The distinction between stress and
strain, is not always observed, one being used for the other.
(Wood)
"Stresses are of different kinds, viz. : tensile, compressive,
transverse, torsional, and shearing stresses.
"A tensile stress, or pull, is a force tending to elongate a
piece. A compressive stress, or push, is a force tending to
shorten it. A transverse stress tends to bend it. A torsional
stress tends to twist it. A shearing stress tends to force one
part of it to slide over the adjacent part.
"Tensile, compressive, and shearing stresses are called
simple stresses. Transverse stress is compounded of tensile
and compressive stresses, and torsional of tensile and shearing
stresses.
371
372 DEEP WELL DRILLING
TENSILE STRENGTH •
"The following data are usually obtained in testing by ten-
sion in a testing-machine a sample of a material of con-
struction :
The load and the amount of extension at the elastic limit.
The maximum load applied before rupture.
"The elongation of the piece, measured between gauge-
marks placed a stated distance apart before the test ; and the
reduction of area at the point of fracture.
'^The load at the elastic limit and the.mJiximum load are'
recorded in pounds per square inch of the original area. The
elongation is recorded as a percentage of the stated length
between the gauge-marks, and the reduction of area as a per-
centage of the original area. The coefficient of elasticity is
calculated from the ratio the extension within the elastic
limit per inch of length bears to the load per square inch pro-
ducing that extension.
"Elastic Limit. — ^The elastic limit is defined as that load at
which the deformations cease to be proportional to the
stresses, or at which the rate of stretch (or other deformation)
begins to increase. It is also defined as the load at which a
permanent set first becomes visible.
"Yield-point is defined as that point at which the rate of
stretch suddenly increases rapidly with no increase of the
load."
SAFETY FACTORS AND SAFE-WORKING FIBER STRESSES
(From National Tube Co. Book of Standards)
"Each member of a mechanical structure should be capable
of resisting the greatest straining action to which it can
♦ Author's Note. — Tests for tensile strength are expressed in pounds
per square inch, i.e., from the plane, or surface, of the tested material
a measurement of one inch at a right angle. Example: A piecie of
steel one inch square shows tensile strength of 80,000 pounds, which
would be the tensile strength per square inch of the material and
also the strength of that size piece. The strength of a piece of steel
one inch wide and one-quarter inch thick would be one-fourth of
80,000, or 20,000 pounds.
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 373
ordinarily be subjected when in ^^e. The designer? should,
therefore, consider under what conditions the straining actions
are greatest. When these actions are of variable character,
it is of the utmost importance to take into consideration the
effects of this variation upon the endurance of the material.
For example, a member may fail under a straining action that
causes stresses which fluctuate, or which alternate repeatedly
from tension to compression, when the same straining action
would be successfully resisted under the conditions of steady
loading.
''Margin of Security. — It is apparent that the working load
on a member of mechanical structure should be less than the
calculated breaking load for the member,, in order to allow
for inaccuracies, deterioration, and probable contingencies,
and thus provide a margin of security. It is customary, there-
fore, to design a member so that either (1) the statical break-
ing load, or (2) the load that causes the most strained fiber
of the material to just reach its elastic limit, shall be a num-
ber of times the working load. This number is called the
safety factor. Thus, in the first case, if the statical breaking
strength were 12,000 pounds and the working load upon it
2,000 pounds, then the safety factor would be 12,000 divided
by 2,000, or 6. In the second case, if the statical load that
causes the most strained fiber of the member to just reach
the elastic limit of. the material were 6,000 pounds and the
working load upon it 2,000 pounds, then the safety factor on
this basis would be 3.
"The elastic and ultimate strengths of the materials, under
static loading can be easily obtained. The strength, therefore,
under an assumed steady^ loading, of any member of a mechan-
ical structure can ordinarily be calculated with sufficient
accuracy. But the proper safety factor to use under a given
set of actual working conditions, involving actions of a more
or less variable or uncertain character, can be arrived at in
most cases only as the result of long experience, or by tedious
experiment."
374 DEEP WELL DRILLING
TABLE OF FACTORS OF SAFETY
(From Kent's Engineers' Pocket Book)
Class of Service or Materials. Factor
Boilers 4^-6
Piston and connecting rod for single-acting engines 9-12
Shaft carrying bandwheel, fly-wheel, or armature 6^-9
Mill shafting 24
Steel work in buildings 4
Steel work in bridges 5
Steel work for small work. 6
Cast, iron wheel rims 20
Steel wheel rims 8
Materials.
Cast iron and other castings 4
Wrought iron or mild steel 3
Oil tempered or nickel steel 254
Hardened steel 3
Bronze and brass, rolled or forged 3
Factors of safety recommended for well drilling equipment :
Derricks 6
Wire rope 5
Manila rope 5
Casing blocks and hooks 8-10
Casing (collapsing) 2-3
Boilers 6
STRUCTURAL STEEL DERRICKS
Note: The following data on steel derricks are used through the
courtesy of the Carnegie Steel Co. For more information regarding
details of construction, etc., refer to Carnegie Steel Co. Catalogue,
1918.
"Methods of Design. — The loads which come on derricks
and drilling rigs are problematical and cannot be exactly
ascertained. The tables indicate what the safe loads should
be, figured on the factor of safety of four which is usual in the
fabrication of steel for buildings. The yield point of struc-
tural steel is rather more than twice as high as the working
unit stresses.
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 375
"Consequently, the derricks will sustain safely infrequent
stresses of higher amount than is set down in the tables. Care
should, however, be taken not to load drilling structures
beyond the tabular safe loads.
"No guy lines or other extraneous means of support are
necessary. All stresses have been taken care of within the
structures. Wind stresses have been figured at 30 pounds
per square foot of exposed surface, which is equivalent to the
pressure developed by a storm of about 70 miles per hour
velocity.
"Drilling Loadsl — The load over the crown pulley in a
Standard or California derrick is made up of the load on the
pulley, plus the equivalent downward pull on the drilling
cable, and in consequence the load which a derrick will sus-
tain figured on the basis of the pull on the drilling cable is
to be taken as one-half of the tabular safe load.
"In pulling casing, however, the load is distributed to the
crown block beams by the two or four-casing pulleys in a
California derrick or by the parting of lines in a Standard
derrick. While the derricks will sustain the full theoretical
safe loads given, they will do so only when the loads are
distributed by the crown block evenly to the four legs. It is
obvious that if the entire pull in drawing casing comes on
two legs, the derrick cannot be expected to stand its full
theoretical load.
SAFE WORKING LOADS ON STEEL DERRICKS
"The following table shows the theoretical safe loads which
various grades of derricks will sustain, computed on the factor
of safety of four. It also gives the size and thickness of
angles used in the top section to which other panels are pro-
portional.
376
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SAFE WORKING LOADS ON STEEL DERRICKS (Contintted)
Working
Angles in Top Load
Size and Type
Grade
Section (Inches)
Pounds
64 Foot Standard
Regular
35^
1x3^
;xi^
60,000
12 Foot
<i
Regular
4
x4
x5/16
92,000
80 Foot
<«
Regular
4
x4
x5/16
92,000
80 Foot
<i
Extra Regular
4
x4
xfi
110,000
80 Foot
u
Super Regular
4
x4
x7/16
127,000
72 Foot California
Regular
4
x4
x^
110,000
80 Foot
Regular
4
x4
x^
110,000
80 Foot
Heavy
6
x6
x^
223,000
80 Foot
Extra Heavy
6
x6
x7/16
259,000
86 Foot
Heavy
6
x6
x^
223,000
106 Foot
Heavy
6
x6
xH
223,000
106 Foot
Extra Heavy
6
x6
x7/16
259.000
106 Foot
Super Heavy
6
x6
x/.
294,000
59 Foot
Rotary
Regular
3^
;x3i/^
ixi/4
60,000
72 Foot
M
Regular
4
x4
x^
110,000
80 Foot
<l
Regular
4
x4
xH
110,000
86 Foot
II
Regular
4
x4
x5^
110,000
106 Foot
II
Heavy
6
x6
x5^
223,000
86 Foot
Std. Combination Regular
4
x4
x^
110,000
86 Foot
Cal. Combination Regular
4
x4
x^
110,000
86 Foot
(1
Heavy
6
x6
xH
223,000
106 Foot
II
Heavy
6
x6
x^
223,000
106 Foot
II
Extra Heavy
6
x6
x7/16
259,000
106 Foot
<i
Super Heavy
6
x6
^V2
294,000
"The safe load figures in the above table represent the actual
safe carrying capacity of each derrick, the legs of which are
figurdd from standard steel column formulas based on a factor
of safety of four on the ultimate strength of the steel. These
same figures expressed in terms of the elastic limit, which is
approximately one-half of the ultimate strength, would mean
that the derrick should stand double the load shown in the
above table before deformation would take place in any of the
main members."
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 377
SAFE WORKING LOADS ON STEEL DERRICKS (Concluded)
The figures in the table may appear high and seemingly
indicate that the derricks are built stronger than really nepes-
sary. It must be remembered, however, that, in addition to
the actual dead weight of the string of casing, the strain of
which may be reduced by the use of double or triple blocks,
there must be added to the working load an amount to provide
for friction in the string of casing, w^hich, in some cases, may
be as great as the dead load itself. These two factors would
then represent the steady pull which must be resisted by the
crown block. Even these figures do not take into account
the question of impact or shock resulting from the practice
on the part of some drillers to race their engine up to- the
load in order to release casing that ma)'^ be fast or frozen in
the hole. For these reasons and to provide for other unfore-
seen contingencies, it is apparent The Carnegie Steel Co.
has made a liberal provision for factor of safety in the
strength of their derricks.
SAFE WORKING LOADS FOR WOOD DERRICKS
The data worked out by the Carnegie Steel Co. (see page
376) for theoretical safe working loads for steel derricks may
also be used as a basis for estimating the safe loads for wood
derricks. It must be remembered, however, that a steel
derrick is a structure built throughout of steel, with all parts
fitted together to a scientific plan. The wood derrick, on
the other hand, is built of a material less uniform in quality;
it is subject to weathef conditions, to faulty or careless con-
struction and other influences which make it difficult to figure
the stresses it will withstand. For example, a derrick, other-
wise well built of good material, but with one leg slightly
shorter than the others, or one-or more legs or braces imper-
pectly placed or spiked, might fail with half the theoretical
safe load it should, carry. The following table of theoretical
safe loads for wood derricks is, therefore, based on the as-
sumption that the derrick is built of first grade material, free
from defects, and well constructed, plumbed and kept under
careful inspection during use. ,y;,
. »
. - u, ■" r» e <^
378
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SAFE WORKING LOADS ON WOOD DERRICKS (Concluded)
Theoretical safe working loads for wood derricks, with
factor of safety of four, based on approximately perfect con-
struction as outlined above :
Working
Load
Pounds
90,000
90,000
Size and Type
72 Foot
82 Foot
82 Foot Heavy
82 Foot California with
Steel Crown Block.
106 Foot California Rotary
with Steel Crown Block
106 Foot California Combina-
Dimensions of
Legs and Doublers
2x8 and 2x10
2x8 and 2x10
2x8 and 2x10
Doubled
2 X 10 and 2x12
Doubled and with Wind Braces
2xiaaiMl2xl2
Doubled and with' Wind Braces
2xl2and2xl4
150,000
225,000
225,000
tion Heavy with Steel Doubled and witir Wind Braces 265,000
Crown Block.
Note: A basis for comparison of these working loads for wood
derricks with the working loads for steel derricks may be reached
by the simple process of computing the area of the leg members and
the ultimate strength of the material.
Example :
106- foot steel derrick with legs of 6-in. x 6-in. x 54-in. angles;
6x6x5^ angle = end section surface 6 + 554 = 11^4 X ^ =
5.75 square inches area. Taking ultimate tensile strength of steel
64,000 pounds per square inch X 5.75 equals 368,000 pounds.
106-foot wood derrick with legs 2 x 12 in. and doubled with
2x14 in.; 12 in. + 14 in. = 26 in. X (2 in. doubled = 4 in.) =
104 square inches area of end section surface. Taking average
ultimate tensile and compressive strength of hemlock, 6,400
pounds per square inch X 104 inches = 665,600 pounds. (See
table of strength of steel and wood, pages 385, 390.)
This would be the ultimate or breaking strength of the
material in one leg of the derrick and is not correct for the
derrick itself, which consists of four legs, trussed by means of
the girts and braces. The actual breaking strain of the
derrick would be greater than the strength of one leg member,
but such a calculation would have to take account of the
height, bottom measurement and character of construction of
the bracing members of the derrick.
From these figures it is apparent that the working loads
stated for wood derricks are reasonably safe.
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 379
SAFE WORKING LOADS FOR CASING EQUIPMENT
California Pattern Iron Casing Blocks*
Note: Capacity based on bearing pressure of 3,000 pounds per
square inch. Factor of safety— 4.
Size
Block
Capacity
in Tons
Inches
Single
Double
Triple
Quadruple
20
10
20
30
• •
22
11
21
32
24
12
24
36
• •
26
13
26
40
53
28
15
31
46
• •
30
18
36
54
72
32
18
36
54
72
36
• t
• •
57
n
40
• •
• •
65
%(>
♦ Figures furnished by The National Supply Co.
SAFE WORKING LOAD FOR CASING HOOKS
Based on a unit fiber stress of 12,000 pounds per square
inch. Factor of safety of 4, ultimate strength of material
(wrought iron) 48,000 pounds per square inch :
Diam. of Hook Working Load Diam. of Hook Working Load
Inches Pounds Inches Pounds
1^ .- ASm 3}4 26,000
IH 5,000 4 35,000
1^ 6,500 AVx 47,000
2 9,000 5 58,000
254 10,000 554 78,000
25^ 13,000 6 90,000
2^ 15,000 654 100,000
3 ; 20,000 IVi 133,000
354 23,000 8 150,000
TO CALCULATE THE SAFE COMBINATION OF CASING
BLOCKS AND CASING LINE FOR CERTAIN LOADS
Example: To handle a string of 750 feet of 13-pound casing,
equals 9,750 pounds: 20 or 22-inch single block having capac-
ity of ten tons; ^-inch casing line, working load 3.5 tons,
equals 7,000 pounds, divided into 9,750 pounds, equals 1.4
times capacity of one line or .7 capacity of two lines, there-
fore a single block and two lines would be safe.
380 DEEP WELL DRIL-L-ING -
SAFE WORKING LOADS FOR CASING EQUIPMENT
(Concluded)
To handle 3,0C0 feet of 26-pound casing, equals 78,000
pounds.: 32-inch triple block, 54 tons capacity and four casing
pulleys; %-inch casing line, working load 4.6 tons, equals
9,200 pounds, divided into 78,000 pounds, equals 8.5 times
capacity of one line. As a triple block and four casing pulleys
provide for 7 lines we must increase the ^number of lines or
the size of the rope. 1-inch line has capacity of 6 tons, equals
12,000 pounds, divided into 78,000 pounds, equals 6.5 times
capacity of one line, therefore a 1-inch line is the cofilsct and
safe size for this load.
PROPERTIES OP STEEL WIRE
From Catalogue of John A. Roebling's Sons Co. *
No.
Area,
Breaking strain
Weight
in pounds
Roebling
Diam.,
square
100,000 lbs. per
Per
Per
Gauge.
inches.
inches.
sq. in.
If ,000 ft.
mile.
0
.307
.074023
7,402
248.7
1,313
1
.283
.062902
6,290
211.4
1,116
2.i.,.
.263
.054325
5,433
182.5
964
3
.244
.046760
4,676
157.1
830
4
.225
.039761
3,976
133.6
705
5
.207
.033654
3,365
113.1
597
6
.192
.028953
2,895
97.3
514
7
.177
.024606
2,461
82.7
437
8
.162
.020612
2,061
69.3
366
9
.148
.017203
1,720
57.8
305
10
.135
.014314
1,431
48.1
254
11
.120
.011310
1,131
38.0
201
12
.105
.008659
866
29.1
154
13
.092 -
.006648
665
22.3
118
14
.080
.005027
503
1
16.9 .
89,2
15
.072
.004071
407
13.7
72.2
16
.063
.003^117
312
10.5
55.3
17
.054
.002290
229
' 7.70
40.6
18
.047
.001735
174
' 5.83
30.8
19
.041
.001320
132
4.44
23.4
20
.035
,000962
96 :,..
, 3.23
17.1
21
.032 '
.000804
80
2.70
14.3
22
.028
.000616
62
2.07
10.9
23
.025
.000491
49
1.65
8.71
24
.023
.000415
42
1.40
7.37
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
381
SHEET STEEL
The above diameters of wire are the thickness of sheet steel
or ?ron of the same gauge. '^^ ? }^i ■^,.
WIRE ROPE
From Catalogue of John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
DRILLING LINES
Composed of 6 Strands and a Hemp Center, 7 Wires to the Strand
Standard Cast Steel
II Extra Strong
II Cast Steel
OQ
m
1
H
11/16
H
ft V 9.S
354
3
2
ft?V.
<l
2
1.58
1.20
.89
.75
.62
<0 c
OQ
a
ftw o -
37
31
24
18.6
15.4'
13
to 5
« c
^ 3
piOft
7.4 -
6.2
4.8
3.7
3.1
2.6
OQ
<
43
35
28
21
16.7
14.5
c
u
o
09
c
load
tons
2000
OS
8.6
7.
5.6
4.2
3.3
2.9
DRILLING LINES AND CASING LINES
Composed of 6 Strands and a Hemp Center, 19 Wires to the Strand
Extra Strong
Standard Cast Steel
•
Cast Steel
ter
ches.
O 1
H a « ®
jcimate
:ht per
pounds.
g^ §
.5 si's o
orking
in
of
pounds.
oximate
ength in
IS of
0 pounds.
'orking
in
of
pounds.
«c
oSg£
o5-S
O © »0
^•O »0
t^'O 030
E"^
b >- ^ «
^^ S 2
»4 ^ Co
--» oj --©
u u £<=>
aj oi CO
c C
p-r £ c
<* Jr o
ftti OO
«£ o oo
Ri3 oo
* O CO,
.s
fto <u.a
gBQ+jC^l
't-.S-MN
SOQ-OJ
•^SiSfi'
5
<<
<
<J
.<
m
l'/4
4
2.45
47
9.4
53
10.61^
IH
3^
2.00
38
7.6
43
8^ '
1
3
1.58
30
6.
34
6.8
?<
2V4
1.20
23
4.6
26
5.2
?4
2Va
.89
17.5
3.5
20.2
4.04
H
2
.62
12.5
2.5
14
2.8
382
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SAND LINES
Composed of 6 Strands and a Hemp Center, 7 Wires to the Strand
Cast Steel
H
11/16
H
9/16
5i
2J4
2J<
2
fell
.89
.75
.62
.50
2e 9
BD
c
18.6
15.4
13
10
o£ oS.
3.7
3.1
2.6
2.
BD
E-=
j4
7/16
I
6'Sc .
1'/^
IK
n
c
•s 2 ^ -n 5P o S
^ O O ShCO
< <
.39
.30
.22
7.7
5.5
4.6
c
X
o—
03
•a
e
Sea
1.5
1.1
.92
MANILA ROPE
Table of breaking strains of Manila rope as established by
the United States Bureau of Standards :
4 strand
Net weigrht Breakiner
per ft rope Strength
lbs. lbs.
S Stntnil
Circum-
Net Weight
Breaking
Diameter
ference
per ft. rope
Strength
inches
Inches
lbs.
lbs.
Va
^
.0196
700
a
I'A
.0408
1,450
^
VA
.0735
2,450
H
2
.1307
4,000
Va
2%
.1617
4,900
H
2Va
.2205
7,000
1
3
.2645
8,200
VA
3J4
.3528
11,000
m
3^
.4115
12,500
m
4»/i
.5290
16,000
VA
AVi-
.5879
17,500
\H
5
.7348
21,500
m
5/3
.8818
25,500
2
6
1.059
30,000
2'/i
7
1.441
38,500
2^
7/.
1.646
43,500
2H
8
1.881
49,000
2H
8^/^
2.107
55,000
3
9
2.381
61,000
.0783
2.326
.1395
3,800
.1730
4,655
.2359
6,650
.2833
7,790
.3773
10,450
.4401
• 11,875
.5659
15,200
.6288
16,625
.7865
20,425
.9433
24,225
1.132
28,500
1.540
36,575
1.761
41,325
2.013
46,550
2.254
52,250
2.548
57,950
MANILA HAWSER LAID DRILLING CABLES
The United States Bureau of Standards has published no
report of breaking strains of hawser laid cables, but the
Columbian Rope Company estimates that the breaking strain
of hawser laid rope is 65% to 70% * of the breaking strain of
3-strand rope.
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
383
MANILA HAWSER LAID DRILLING CABLES • (Concluded)
Approximate
Approximate
Net Weight Breaking
Net Weight
Breaking
Diameter
per foot Strength
Diameter
per foot
Strength
inches
lbs. lbs.
inches
lbs.
lbs.
1/2
.75 11,700
2%
1.63
24,200
19/16
.86 13,000
2y4
1.80
25,700
1«
.95 14,350
2/a
2.08
29,000
1^
1.20 17.000
2H
2.34
32,700
VA
1.31 . 18,500
27A
2.60
36,700
2
1.42 20,000
3
2.95
40,700
STRENGTH AND \
VEIGHT
OF BELTS
•
(From Kent's Engii
aeers' Pocket Book)
Tensile Strength
Weight
per sq. in.
per cu. in.
Pounds
Pounds
Single Leather 3,248 to 4,824
Double Leather 2,160 to 3,572
Cotton, Solid Woven 5,648 to 8,869
Cotton. Folded, Stitched 4,570 to 7,750 .026 to .05
Flax, Solid Woven 9,946
Flax, Folded, Stitched 6,389
Hair, Solid, Woven 3,852 to 5,159
Rubber 4,271 to 4,343 .045
LIFE OF WOOD
The natural length of life of wood and its resistance to
decay vary with the kind of wood and the conditions under
which it is used. In general, woods may be clasised as long-
lived, medium-lived and short-lived, as indicated below.
Long-lived : Cypress, redwood, red cedar, white cedar, osage
orange, catalpa.
Medium-lived: White oak, slippery elm, black walnut,
hickory, longlcaf pine, tamarack, Douglas fir.
♦ The breaking strain of rope has only an indirect bearing upon the
quality of it. The looser the lay, the higher is the breaking strain,
because Manila fibre is quite strong along its length, but is com-
paratively weak across the grain. Consequently the tighter the rope
is twisted together, the nearer a right angle does the stress occur in
the complete rope and this accounts for a four strand rope being
less strong in tensile strength than a three-strand.
Cable laid rope has a lower tensile strength than either three or
four strand because the fibres in the rope are twisted back and forth
several times and in some parts of the rope there are stresses
directly across the grain of the fibre.
COLUMBIAN ROPE CO.
384 DEEP WELL DRILLING
LIFE OF WOOD (Concluded)
Short-lived: Red-oak, red gum, beech, elm, spruce, short
leaf pine, hemlock.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOODS GROWN IN THE
UNITED STATES
(Note: Extracts from Bulletin No. 556, by J. A. Newlin and Thomas
R. C. Wilson, of the Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agri-
culture.)
• Explanation of tables shown on following page.
"The data in these tables are based upon about 130,000 tests.
Small clear specimens are used, 2 inches by 2 inches in cross
section. Bending specimens are 30 inches long; others
shorter, depending upon the kind of test.
"Ail' dry is the nontial condition with respect to moisture,
of wood exposed to the air, although this condition may have
been obtained by artificial means.
"Elastic limit: the point where the distortion ceases to be in
proportion to the load.
"Fiber stress at elastic limit: the greatest stress the timber
will take under a given load and immediately return to its
former position.
"Modulus of rupture is the computed fiber stress in the
outermost fibers of a beam at the maximum load and is a
measure of the ability of a beam to support a slowly applied
load for a very short time.
"The modulus of elasticity is a measure of stiffness or rigid-
ity of a material. In the case of a beam, modulus of elasticity
is a measure of its resistance to deflection.
"In the static bending test a • 2 x 2 x 30-inch beam is sup-
ported over a 28-inch span. Loading is applied to its center
and at a constant rate of deflection until the beam fails.
"The maximum crushing strength is the maximum ability
of a short block to sustain a slowly applied load.
"Shearing strength parallel to the grain is a measure of the
ability of timber to resist slipping of one part upon another
along the grain."
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
385
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOODS GROWN IN THE
UNITED STATES
Tested in Air-Dry Condition
Common Weight
Static Bending
Fiber stress Modulusof Modulus of
Maximum
crushing
Shearing
strength
Name
per
at elastic
runture
elasticity
strength
parallel
cu. ft.
limit (lbs.
(lbs.
(1.000 lbs.
(lbs.
grain (lbs.
Hardwoods — lbs.
per sq. in.)
per sq. in.)
per sq. in.)
persq. in.)
per sq. in.)
Ash. black
34
8.300
13,900
1.680
6,890
1,730
Ash, Oregon...
39
8.000
14.500
1.430
7.100
2.090
Ash, white
40
10.200
16.800
1.810
8.190
2.110
Basswood
26
7.300
10,200
1,680
6.980
1.240
Beech
44
9.000
16.000
1.680
7.400
1.970
Birch, paper. . .
38
11.400
16.000
1.810
9.470
1.680
Birch, yellow...
44
12.300
18.900
2.200
9.760
1,880
Butternut
26
7.300
9.300
1.260
6.680
1,360
Chestnut
30
7.400
9.700
1,330
6.620
1.160
Cottonwood . . .
28
8.600
11.400
1,640
7.830
1.120
Elm. slippery. .
37
9.400
14.900
1,670
7.800
1.810
Elm, white
33
9.200-
14.600 - .
1.490
6.850
1.740
Gum, blue
54
14.400
20.600*
2.600
13.900
2.060
Hickory, big
shell bark ....
48
9,800
20,600
2,040
9.710
2.430
Hickory.
bitternut ....
46
10.300
18,800
1.880
10.600
2.060
Hickory, pignut 63
12.700
22.500
2,410
10.640
2,450
Hickory,
-
shagbark ....
Laurel.
60
11,900
22.600
2,290
10.700
2.840
mountain... .
47
10,900
13.200
1.410
7.120
• • • ■
I/>cust, black..
48
. 13,800
20.700
2,090
10,880
2.710
Maple, sugar. . .
43
10,400
15.800
1.820
8.570
2,460
Oak, burr
46
7,000
10,900
1.060
6.640
1,920
Oak, red
44
8.600
14.200
1.870
7,370
1,760
Oak, white
48
8;300
15.200
1,780
7,610
2.090
Poplar, yellow.
27
8,400
11.800
1,610
7,480
1.170
Sycnmore
34
7.600
11.300
1.510
6.280
1.460
Wrlnut. blnck..
37
14.600
17.900
1.820
10,660
1.480
Willow, black..
26
6.600
7,600
830
5,030
1.340
Conifers —
-
Cedar, western
red
22
6,100
8,800
1.260
6,320
920
Cedar, white. . .
22
5,100
6.700
810
4,140
900
Cypress, yellow 28
9.000
12.800
1.430
8.080
1,120
Douglas flr
34
10.600
14,000
2.210
10,680
1,270
Hemlock, east'n
28
7,200
9,700
1.300
7,060
1.160
Hemlock, westn
28
8,000
10.800
1.520
7.910
1.170
Larch, western.
36
10.100
13,500
1.830
9.640
1,630
Pine, .lack
29
6.500
9.700
1.400
7.770
1.330
Pine, lodgepole.
28
9,000
ai.50O
1,460
7,300
980
Pine, longleaf . .
42
11,800
16,700
2.200
10.880
1,640
Pine, Norway..
34
9.200
12,300
1.790
7.080
1,260
Pine, pitch
35
7.800
12.400
1.500
7,600
. 1,670
Pine, shortleaf.
38
9,200
13.900
1.970
8.660
1.390
Pine, western
white
29
7,900
11,600
1.690
7.840
690
Pine, western
'
. f * • •■
yellow
28
0.900
9.800
1,340
5.990
1.160
Pine, white
27
7.000
9,600
1.420
6.360
1.070
Spruce, red
28
7,400
10.800
1,650
6.380
1.160.
Spruce, white. .
28
5,900
9.200
1.390
6,020
970
Tamarack
37
8,400
12.000
1.680
7.590
1.370
386
DEEP WELL ]
DRILLING
RECTANGULAR WOODEN BEAMS— ONE INCH THICK
Maximum Safe Loads and Spans
,
Depth
Dougrlas Fir
Spruce
White Oak Yellow Pine
White Pine
of
Max.
Max.
Max.
Max.
Max.
Max. Max.
Max.
Max.
Max.
Beam
Load,
Span,
Load,
Span,
Load,
Span. Load.
Span.
Load.
Span.
inches
Lbs.
Ft.
Lbs.
Ft.
Lbs.
Ft. Lbs.
Ft
Lbs.
Ft.
2
293
2.8
187
2.9
293
2.3 320
2.8
187
2.8
4
587
5.6
373
5.8
587
4.7 640
5.5
373
5.6
6
880
8.4
560
8.7
880
7.0 960
8.3
560
8.4
8
1173
11.2
747
116
1173
9.3 1280
11.
747
11.2
10
1467
14.0
933
14.6
1467
11.6 1600
13.8
933
14.0
12
1760
16.7
1120
17.5
1760
13.9 1920
16.5
1120
16.7
14
2053
19.5
1307
20.4
2053
16.3 2240
19.3
1307
19.6
16
2347
22.3
1493
23.3
2347
18.6 2560
22.
1493
22.3
18
2640
25.1
1680
26.2
2640
20.9 2880
24.8
1680
26.1
20
2933
27.9
1867
29.1
2933
23.2 3200
27.6
1867
27.9
Note: To find the safe load for beams of greater thickness than
one inch multiply the figures for safe load by the thickness in inches
of the beam. Example: The safe load of a spruce beam 6x 12 inches
would be 6 times 1,120 pounds, equals 6,720 pounds, safe load.
SAFE LOADS FOR SQUARE WOODEN COLUMNS IN UNITS
OF 1,000 POUNDS
(From Marks Handbook)
(Based on safe end bearing compression of 1,000 lbs. per sq. in.)
Unbraced
lengrth Size of Column m inches
in feet 4x4 6x6 8x8 10x10 12x12 14x14 16x16.
4
16. e
• • • ■
• • • •
' • • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
6
11.2 S6.0
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• ■ • •
• • • •
8
9.6 \
26.4
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
10
8.0 \
24.0
64.0
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
12
6.4 :
21.6
44.8
100.0
• • • •
• ■ • •
" • • • •
14
4.8 19.2
41.6
72.0
144.0
• • • ■
■ • • •
16
■
L6.8
38.4
68.0
105.6
196.0
■ ■ • •
18.
.*.*;; 14.4
35.2
64.0
100.8
145.6
250.0
20
12.0
32.0
60.0
96.0
140.0
192.0
22
9.6
28.8
56.0
91.2
134.4
185.6
24
25.6
52.0
86.4
128.8
179.2
26
22.4
48.0
81.6
123.2
172.8
28
19.2
44.0
76.8
117.6
166.4
30
• • • •
40.0
72.0
112.0
160.0
32
• • • •
36.0
67.2
106.4
163.6
34
• • • •
32.0
62.4
100.8
147.2
36
• • • a
• • • •
57.6
96.2
140.8
38
• • ■ •
• ■ • •
62.8
89.6
134.4
40
• • • •
• « • •
48.0
84.0
128.0
HOLDING POWER OF NAILS IN VARIOUS WOODS
(From Kent)
Tests at Watertown Arsenal on different sizes of nails from
8d to 60d, reduced to holding power per square inch of surface
in wood, gave average results, in pounds, as follows :
Cut Nails Wire Nails
White Pine 405 167
Yellow Pine 662 318
White Oak 1,216 940
Chestnut 683
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
387
HOLDING POWER OF BOLTS IN WHITE PINE
(From Kent)
Pounds
Average of all plain 1-inch bolts, 8,224
Average of all plain bolts, ^ to 1^-inch 7,805
Average of all bolts 8,383
STRENGTH OF BOLTS
(From Marks Handbook)
Safe Working
Load Based
Tensile Strength Shearing Strength on Ultimate
^ at 12,500 Full Bolt Bottom of Thread Strength
^ Bolt lbs. per sq. in. at 7,500 at 7.600 65,000 Class A
Diameter^ Bottom of Thread lbs. per sq. in. lbs. per sq. in. Bolt Material
inches lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. per sq. in.
Va 340 . 380 200 186
5/16 570 580 340 ' . . 322
H 850 830 ^ 510 488
7/16 1,170 1,130 700 675
' 5^ • 1,570 1,470 940 915
9/16 2,030 1,860 = 1,220 1.186
H 2,520 = 2,300 1,510 1,480
^ 3,770 r 3,310 2,270 2,240
% 5,240 4.510 3,150 3,140
1 6,890 5,890 4,130 4,120
11/^ 8,660 7,450 5,200 5,180
m 11,120 ' 9/200 6,670 6,730
- la^ 13,180 11,140 ' .7,910 7,940
\y2 16,170 13,250 9.700 9,800
: IH : - 18,940 15,550 11.360 11,500
IH 21.800 18.040 13.080 13.200
\% 25,610 20.^10 15,370 15.600
2 28,750 23,560 17,250 17,400
FOUNDATIONS
Bearing Power of Soils. — Ira O. Baker, "Treatise on
Masonrv Construction."
Kind of Material
Bearing Power in
Tons per Square Foot
Minimum Maximum
Rock — the hardest — in thick layers, in native bed. 200
Rock equal to best ashlar masonry 25
Rock equal to best brick masonry 15
Rock equal to poor brick masonry 5
Clay on thick beds, always dry 4
Clay on thick beds, moderately dry 2
Clay, soft 1
Gravel and coarse sand, well cemented 8
Sand, compact, and well cemented 4
Sand, clean, dry 2
Quicksand, alluvial soils, etc 0.5
30
20
10
6
4
2
10
6
4
1
388
DEEP WELL DRILLING
INTERNAL FLUID PRESSURES FOR STANDARD PIPB
(From National Tube Co. Book of Standards)
Based on Barlow's Formula P^=2f-
t
DssOutside diameter in inches.
/ssThickness of wall in inches.
D
P=Pressure in pounds per square inch.
/=Fiber stress in pounds per square inch.
Ultinjate bursting
pressure
Pressures of various factors of safety
Butt,
weld
Lan-
weld
Factor of safety ^ 5
Factor of safety = 6 Factor of safety =8
Sise
Butt-
Lap-
Butt-
Lap. Butt- Lap-
Inches
Fiber
Fiber
weld
weld
weld
weld weld weld
stress
stress
fiber
fiber
fiber
fiber fiber fiber
40.000
50.000
stress
stress
stress
stress stress stress
lbs. per
lbs. per
= 8000
= 10000
= 6667
= 8333 =
5000 = 6250
sq. in.
sq. tn.
lbs. per
lbs. per
lbs. per
lbs. per Ibi
i. per lbs. per
SQ. in.
sq. in.
sq. in.
sq. tn. SQ
I. in. sq. in.
yi
13432
2686
2230
1679
K
13037
2607
....
2173
1630
H
10785
2157
1798
1348
yi
10381
2076
1730
1298
H
8610
1722
. I . .
1435
1076
1
8091
1618
• • • •
1349
1011
IX
6747
8434
1349
1687
1124
1406
843 1054
IK
6105
7632
1221
1526
1018
1272
763 954
2
5187
6484
1037
1297
865
1081
648 811
2J4
5649
7061
1130
1412
941
1177
706 883
3
4937
6171
987
1234
823
1029
617 771
3}^
5650
1130
942
706
4
5267
1053
878
658
4K
4940
988
823
618
5
4638
928
■ ■ • • •
773
580
6
4226
8 5
7(»4
52S
7
3948
790
658
493
8
3212
642
535
401
9
3553
711
592
444
10
2856
571
476
357
11
3191
638
532
399
12
2588
518
431
324
13
2679
536
446
335
14
2500
500
417
313
15
2344
469
391
293
17 0. D.
2312
462
385
289
18 0. D.
2272
454
379
284
20 0. D.
2045
409
341
256
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 389
LINK BELT USED FOR DRIVING ROTARY DRILLING
EQUIPMENT
No. SS 40 Steel : Pitch 3.075 inches, 39 links per 10 feet.
Ultimate gtrength 25,000 pounds per square inch.
Safe working load at speed of 500 feet per minute 2,085
pounds per square inch.
No. SS 124 Steel : Pitch 4.063 inches, 30 links per 10 feet.
Ultimate strength 52,000 pounds per square inch.
Safe working load at speed of 500 feet per minute 4,333
pounds per square inch.
No. 103 Malleable-Iron : Pitch 3.075 inches, 39 links per 10 ft.
Ultimate strength 9,600 pounds per square inch.
Safe working load at speed of 500 feet per minute 800
pounds per square inch.
Rule for estimating safe working load for link belt:
For a speed of 300 feet per minute, divide ultimate strength
by 8.
For a speed of 400 feet divide by 10.
For a speed of 500 feet divide by 12.
For a speed of 600 feet divide by 16.
For a speed of 700 feet divide by 20.
Note: The link belt, or sprocket chain used with rotary outfit is
usually operated at high speeds, higher than the nfanufacturers' limit
of 700 feet per minute, so the above figures for safe working loads
on rotary machinery should be reduced according to the speed at
which the chain is run.
To obtain the horsepower of link belt, multiply the safe
working strength by the number of feet of travel per minute
and divide the result by 33,000.
* . "* •
Example: Safe working load of No. SS 40 steel link belt is 2,065
pounds at speed of 700 ft., equals 2,085 times 700, divided by 33,000,
equals 44.2 H.P.
390 DEEP WELL DRILLING
GENERAL STRENGTH VALUES
(From Mark's Handbook)
General Strength Values. — The following tables exhibit the
general range of values to be expected in various materials
when subjected to various kinds of loading.
TENSILE STRENGTH OF IRON AND STEEL ♦
(Range of Averages)
Ultimate Elastic Yield
Specific Strength, Limit, Point,
Material. Gravity lb. per sq. in. lb. per sq. in. lb. per sq. in.
Cast Iron 7.207
Gray iron 15,000-18,000 5,000- 6,000
Better grade 20,000-30,000 10,000-24,000 •
Malleable cast iron 25,000-48,000 12,000-22,000 12,500-19,000
Wrought iron 7.78 42,000-52,000 21,000-26,000 28,000-34,000
Steel-
Soft (C.-0.08-0.15). 7.833 50,000-60,000 25,000-30,000
Medium (C.-0.15-0.30) 60,000-70.000 30,000-35,000 37.000-44,000
Hard(C.-0.30up) 70,000-80,000 35,000-40,000 38,000-45,000
Steel castings 7.917
Soft 60,000-72,000 30,000-35,000 40,000-46,000
Medium 72,000-78,000 36,000-39,000
Hard 78,000 up 39,000 up
Steel forgings 75,000-90,000 37,000-45,000
Spring steel —
Tempered 130,000-200,000 110,000-170,000
Nickel steel*-^
Forging (annealed) 80,000 40,000
(oil-tempered) . .... 98,000 75,000
Vanadium steel —
Annealed 54,000-96,000 27,000-48,000
Oil-tempered 125,000-232,000 100,000-180,000
TENSILE STRENGTH OF MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL
Tensile Tensile
Strength, Strength,
Material lb. per sq. in Material lb. per sq. in.
Brass, red 40,000 Cement 350
Brass, yellow 20,000 Limestone 670
Copper 30,000 Slate 12,000
Lead 2,000 Marble 5,200
Zinc 3,500
* Other Strength Functions. — Compressive strength of cast iron =
1.6 times T. S. (Tensile Strength). Compressive strength of wrought
iron and steel to be taken as the yield point. Shearing strength of
cast iron =: 1.10 times T. S.; of wrought iron ^ 0.85 times T. S.; of
hard and soft steels = 0.75 times T. S. Bending strength or modulus
of rupture of cast iron = 2 times T. S.; of wrought iron = T. S.; o£
steel, to be taken as the yield point.
CHAPTER XV
GENERAL INFORMATION
PRODUCING OIL WELLS IN THE UNITED STATES
OCTOBER 31, 1920
Note. — ^These data were compiled by the U. S. Geological Survey
from reports of pipe line companies. As some of these companies
do not maintain lists of wells, part of the data is approximated.
Approximate Approximate
number or production
State producing oil wells per well per day
♦California 9,490 32.3 bbls.
Colorado 70 4.1
Illinois 16,800 1.7
Indiana 2,400 1.1
Kansas 15,700 7.4
Kentucky 7,800 3.2
Louisiana —
Northern 2,560 31.7
Coastal 140 34.6
Total Louisiana 2,700 31.8
New York 14,040 0.2
Ohio-
Central and Eastern 18,500 0.8
Northwestern 21,100 0.3
Total Ohio 39,600 0.5
Oklahoma 50,700 6.0
Pennsylvania 67,700 0.3
TexaS"~~
Central and Northern . . 9,400 22.9
Coastal 1,700 49.7
Total Texas 11,100 27.0
West Virginia 19,500 1,1
Wyoming and Montana 1,000 55.9
Total 258,600 Average 4.98
^Reported by the Standard Oil Company and the Independent Producers'
Asrency.
391
392 DEEP WELL DRILLING
WORLD'S PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM IN 1919
(Compiled by G. B. Richardson, U. S. Geological Survey)
Barrels of Percentage
42 U.S. Metric Cubic of Total
Country gallons Tons Meters by Volume
United States ...... a377,719,000 52,099,000 60,051,000 69
Mexico b 87,073,000 bl2,964,000 bl3,843,000 16
c Russia 25,498,000 d 3,477,000 4,053,000 5
Dutch East Indies.. 15,428,000 c 2,143,000 2,453,000 3
India f 8,735,000 1,164,000 1,388,000 2
Rumania 6,614,000 g 920,000 1,051,000 1
Persia 6.412,000 h 875,000 1,019,000 1
Poland (Galicia)... 6,054,000 i 829,000 963,000 1
Peru k 2,616,000 j 349,000 416,000)
Japan k 2,175,000 290,000 346,000)
Trinidad m 1,841,000 256,000 293,000)
Egypt 1,501,100 n 231,100 239,000)
Argentina 1,183,000 172,000 p 188,000)
Venezuela 425,000 q 65,000 68,000)
Alsace 344,000 r 47,000 55,000) 2
Canada s 241,000 32,000 38,000)
Germany 234,000 t 33,000 37,000)
Italy 35,000 u 4,850 5,500)
Algeria 5,000 v 800 800)
England w 1,900 250 300)
X Other countries . . 750,000 110,000 119,000)
Total 544,885,000 76,062,000 86,626,600 100
(a) Preliminary figures. Metric tons based on specific gravity of 0.8837.
(b) Boletin del Petroleo.
(c) Petroleum Times (London) credits Russia with 34,284,000 barrels.
(d) Oil News (London). Barrels based on specific gravity of 0.859.
(e) Bureau of Mines, Dutch East Indies. Barrels based on specific gravity
of 0.8761.
(f) Reported in Imperial gallons by Geological Survey of India. Metric
tons bnsed on specific gravity of 0.8403.
(g) Moniteur du petroleu roumain. Barrels based on specific gravity of
0.8766.
(h) Reported by American consul-general at London. Barrels based on
specific gravity of 0.86.
(i) Legation of Poland. Barrels bnsed on specific gravity of 0.86.
(j) Informaciones y memorias de la Sociedad de ingenieros del Pera
Barrels bnsed on specific gravity of 0.8403.
(k) Preliminary figures reported in koku by Oriental Economist Yearbook.
Metric tons based on specific gravity of 0.8403.
(m) Reported in Imperial gallons by Trinidad Dept. Mines. Metric tons
based on specific gravity of 0.8766.
(n) Reported by American consul-general at London. Barrels based on
specific gravity of 0.97.
(p) Comodoro Rivadavia oil fields. Report to Minister of Agriculture.
Metric tons based on specific gravity of 0.9174.
(q) Boletin del Ministerio de fomento, vol. 1. No. 1. Barrels based oo
specific gravity of 0.959.
(r) Bulletin Soc. de I'industrie minerale, 6th ser., vol. 17. p. 141. Barrels
based on specific gravity of 0.89.
(s) Preliminary report, Canada Dept. Mines. Metric tons based on specific
gravity of 0.8403.
(t) Private statistics through Consular Ofldce, State Dept Barrels based on
specific gravity of 0.89.
GENERAL INFORMATION 393
WORLD'S PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM IN 1919 (Concluded)
(u) Economista d'ltalia. Quoted by Economic Review. Barrels based on
specific cavity of 0.876.
(V) Algerian Bureau of Mines. Quoted in Commerce Repts. Barrels based
on specific gravity of 0.98.
(w) Reported by American consul-general at London. Figures furnished by
H. M. Petroleum Executive. Metric tons based on specific gravity of 0.828.
(X) Estimated.
DEEPEST WELLS IN THE WORLD
There have been four very deep wells drilled, the first in
Czuchow, Germany, to a depth of 7,349 feet. The other wells
have all been drilled in the United States, one by the Peoples
Natural Gas Co., of Pittsburgh, on the Geary farm, near
McDonald, Pa., to a depth of 7,248 feet, and two by the Hope
Natural Gas Co., also of Pittsburgh. The first of the Hope
wells was drilled on the Mary Goff farm, eight miles north
of Clarksburg, W. Va., and reached a depth of 7,386 feet, thus
breaking all records for deep drilling up to that time, March
4, 1918. The second well was drilled on the I. H. Lake farm,
six miles southeast of Fairmount, W.. Va., reaching a depth
of 7,579 feet, June 18th, 1919, where further progress was
stopped by a serious fishing job. This is the deepest well in
the world and the Hope Company will doubtless hold the
honor for a long time.
In the following pages is complete log of the well to the
depth it has reached, 7,579 feet, together with a description
of the rig and drilling outfit used.
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD
Drilled by the Hope Natural Gas Co.
Well 4304 I. H. Lake
Located on the I. H. Lake farm, six and one-half miles south-
east of Fairmount and two miles south of Samaria, W. Va.
Drilling was commenced August 5, 1916, and on June 18,
1919, the well had reached a depth of 7,579 feet, exceeding by
193 feet the depth of well No. 4190, M. O. GofF, which, until
that time, had been known as "the world's deepest well."
Approximately 325 days were spent in actual drilling, the
well having been shut down for about 1 year and 10 months,
the longest period being 1 year and 1 month, while waiting
DEEP WELL DRILLING
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD
Hope Natural Gas Co. L H. Lake
FUl. Ut.-^mvatratlon fumlthed by Oil Well Supply Co.
GENERAL INFORMATION
395
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD (Continued)
for a cable, which was difficult to secure, due to conditions
arising from the war.
The last known sand found was the Gordon at a depth of
1,474 to 1,495 feet.
No oil or gas was found.
After drilling to a depth of 6,720 feet, the heavy machinery
and tools from the Goff well were moved in and drilling
continued.
RECORD
Formation Top Bottom
First Salt 175 190
Second Salt 265 290
Little Lime 585 605
Pencil Cave 605 620
Big Lime 620 679
Big Injun 679 843
Squaw 848 872
Berca 1,000 1,025
Gantz 1,115 1,135
Fifty Foot 1,225 1,270
Thirty Foot 1,273 1,340
Gordon Stray 1,448 1,470
Gordon 1,474 1,495
Sand 1,670 1,680
Sand 1,695 1,705
Sand 1,715 1,752
Sand 1.755 1,810
Gritty Lime 1,890 1,950
Sand 2,045 2,050
Lime 2,115 2,125
Sand 2,625 2,645
Lime 2,700 2,800
Slate 2,800 2,840
Sand 2,840 2,865
Lime 2,890 2,900
Sand 2,940 2,975
Sand 3,420 3,428
Slate Shells 3,428 3,750
Slate 4,105
Lime Shells 4,230 4.300
Sand 4.300 4,305
Lime 4,305 4,360
Slate 4,360 4,400
Lime 4,400 4,420
Slate 4,420 4,460
Dark Sand 4,475 4,480
Remarks
Gas found at 820
December 23, 1916
396
DEEP WELL DRILLING
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD (Continued)
Formation Top
Lime Slate 4,480
Slate Shells 4,600
White Slate 5,520
Blue Lirrie 5,545
Gray Slate 5,553
White Lime 5,564
White Slate 5,588
White Lime 5,595
White Slate 5,624
Gray Slate 5,632
White Lime 5,640
Gray Slate 5,644
Lime shells 5,660
Gray Slate 5,665
Blue Lime 5,674
White Slate 5,710
Lime shells 5,722
Gray Slate 5,733
White Slate 5,738
White Lime 5,749
White ^lale 5,782
White Lime 5,786
Gritty Lime 5,833
Gray Slate 5.836
Blue Lime 5,839
White Slate 5,841
Gritty Lime 5.843
Gray Slate 5,870
Gray Lime 5,874
Gray Lime 5,908
White Lime 5,915
White Slate 5.937
White Lime 5,940
Gray Slate 5,950
Blue Sand 5,957
Light Slate 5,960
Gray Slate 6,002
Lime 6,007
Gray Slate 6,009
Blue Lime 6.015
White Slate 6,024
Black Slate 6,035
Lime Shells 6,044
Blue Lime 6,060
White Slate 6,080
White Slate 6,120
White Lime . 6,125
White Slate . 6,157
White Lime 6,168
White Slate 6,183
White Lime 6,224
Bottom
Remarks
4,600
January 6, 1917
5,520
■ ,
5,545 .
July 20, 1917
r.
5,553
5,564
-
5,588
5,595
5,624
5,632
5,640
5,644
• ^ •)
5,660
5,665
5,674
5,710
5,722
5,733
5,738
■
5.749
July 27, 1917
5,782
5,786
5,833
5,836
5,839
5,841
5,843
.
-^O
5,870
5,874
5,908
5,915
5,937
•■ L
5,940
1 ;.
5,950
• •
5,957
i '
5,960
■*
5,962
«
6,007
6,009
6,015
6,024
6.035
6,044
6,060
6.080
6,085
6,125
August 24; 1917
6,157
6,168
■fill..
-A183
6,224
..
)
6,252
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD (Continued)
397
Formation Top
Gritty Lime 6,252
Dark Slate 6,261
Lime Shells 6,263
Black Slate 6,307
Whi!e Lime 6,317
Black Slate 6,350
Lime Shells 6,357
Black Slate 6,360
Black Slate 6,363
White Lime 6,395
Black Slate 6,408
White Lime 6,414
Black Slate 6,437
Lime Shells 6.460
Black Slate 6,462
Lime Shells 6,475
Black Slate 6,495
Black Lime 6,500
Black Slate 6,505
Lime Shells 6,512
Black Slate 6,521
Lime Shells 6,528
Black Slate 6,531
Gritty Lime 6,538
Black Slate 6,542
Lime Shells 6.569
Black Slate 6,571
Black Lime 6,575
Gray Slate 6,637
White Lime 6,643
Gray Slate 6,676
White Lime 6,695
Gray Slate 6,700
Black Slate 6,720
Black Lime 6,738
Black Slate and
Gritty Lime 6,750
Black Slate 6,780
Black Slate 6,800
Black Slate 6,820
Black Shells 6,833
Black Slate 6,836
Black Lime 6,884
Black Slate 6,892
Black Lime 6,897
Black Slate 6,902
Black Lime 6,908
Slate 6,910
Bottom
6,261
6,263
6,307
6,317
6,350
6,357
6,360
6.363
' 6,395
6.4C8
6,414
6,437
6,460
.6,462
6,475
6,495
6,500
6,505
6,512
, 6,521
6,528
6,531
.6,538
.6,542
6,569
6,571
. 6,575
6,637
6,643
6,676
6,695
. 6,700
6.720
6,738
6,750
6,780
6,800
6,820
6,833
6,836
6,884
6,892
6,897
6,902
6,908
6,910
6,922
Remarks
August 31, 1917
September 7, 1917
September 14, 1917
Shut down 1 yr. 1 rao. for
cable. Drilling re-
sumed Oct. 31, 1918.
November 7, 1918
398
DEEP WELL DRILLING
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD (Continued)
Formation Top Bottom
Lime 6,922 6,925
Slate 6,925 6,944
Lime 6,944 6,949
Black Slate 6,949 6,955
Dark Lime 6,955 6,965
Hard Sand 6,965 6,975
Slate 6,975 6,976
Gritty Lime 6,976 7,018
Hard Sand 7,018 7,037
Slate and Sand Shells. 7,037 7,058
Slate 7,058 7,080
Hard Lime 7,080 7,090
Slate 7,090 7.094
Gritty Lime 7,094 7,110
Lime 7,110 7.120
Slate 7,120 7,122
Very Hard Lime 7, 1 22 7, 1 58
Hard Gritty Lime 7,158 7,160
Hard Gritty Lime 7,160 7.185
Gritty Lime 1 7,185 7,210
White Lime 7,210 7,216
Black Lime 7,230 7,234
Hard Black Lime 7,234 7,244
Soft Black Lime 7.244 7,278
Hard Light Sand 7,278 7,308
Gritty Lime 7,308 7,312
Hard Sand 7,312 7,328
Black Lime 7,328 7,340
Gray Lime 7,340 7,350
Black Slate 7.350 7,390
Lime and Slate 7,390 7,404
Slate and Lime Shells. 7,404 7,409
Black Lime 7,409 7,420
Black Slate 7.420 7.442
Slate and Shell 7,442 7.460
Hard Lime 7.460 7,466
Slate 7.466 7,470
Lime 7.470 7.472
Slate and Shell 7.472 7.486
Unrecorded 7.486 7,579
Total depth 7,579
Remarks
December, 26, 1918
February 7, 1919
Marfch 27, 1919
April 11, 1919
May 5, 1919
June 18,1919
SIZE OF HOLE
13 inches in diameter to depth of 310 feet.
10 inches in diameter from 310 feet to 630 feet.
8^ inches in diameter from 630 feet to 2,118 feet.
6^ inches in diameter from 2.118 feet to 7,579 feet.
GENERAL INFORMATION 399
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD (Continued)
CASINO
310 feet of 10-inch casing.
630 feet of 8^-inch casing, set in Big Lime.
2,118 feet of 6^-inch casing, set in Limestone.
RIO
Standard (wood), 84 feet in height with 20-foot base. Afte^ drilling
to a depth of 5,145 feet, rig was reinforced. A heavier sand reel,
with 4^-inch shaft, was installed when a depth of 5,505 feet was
reached.
Rig was again repaired, installing a new bull wheel with 24-inch
shaft and a triple tug; with one 10-inch and one 12-inch brake wheel.
Three sets of bull wheels have been used.
Band wheel, 12 feet in diameter with 18-inch face and triple tug.
Crown pulley, 7-inch steel shaft. Weight, 1,200 pounds.
454-inch standard rig irons were used to a depth of 5,145 feet and
were then replaced by a special heavy rig iron shaft 7^4 inches.
Weight of band wheel irons, 8,600 pounds. These irons have been
in use since the well was commenced.
At 6,720 feet, sand reel was replaced with a heavier reel with 6-inch
steel shaft and 16-inch friction brake wheel.
All work of erecting and repairing rig has been under the direc-
tion of Mr. Geo. H. Stanfield, of Clarksburg, W. Va., Superintendent
of Rig Building for the Hope Natural Gas Company.
BOILERS
One 25 H. P. Acme, used from top of hole to 5,105 feet.
One 25 H. P. Acme, coupled with the first at 5,105 feet, the two
being used to depth of 7,100 feet.
One 25 H. P. Brennan, installed at 7,100 feet, and the three boilers
used to the present depth.
ENGINES
One 12x12, 30 H. P. B. & S. used from top of hole to 5,145 feet.
One 14 X 14, 50 H. P. Ajax replaced the B. & S. engine at 5,145 feet
and used to depth of 6,720 feet.
One 16 X 16, 70 H. P. Oil Well Supply Co. replaced the Ajax at 6,720
feet and has been used to the present depth.
CABLES
One second-hand Manila, 2^"x700', drilled to 150 feet.
One second-hand Manila 2^" x 1,800', drilled to 1,500 feet.
One new Manila 2^" x 2,800', drilled to 3,100 feet.
400 DEEP WELL^ DRILLING
THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE \YPRLD (Cpncludcd)
One new Wire ^''x4,000', drilled to 3,900 feet.
One new Wire 5^" x 4,000', spliced to first wire line, drilled to 5,145
feet.
One new Wire l"x 7,000', drilled to 6,700 feet.
One new Wire rx 4,000' and four ^"x 4,000' spliced together and
later spliced to l"x 4,000', drilled to 7,158 feet.
One new Wire 1" x 7,000', to which was spliced %" wire line, drilled
to present depth and still in use.
TOOLS
Drilled to 2,118 feet with string of tools containing stem 35 feet
in length and 5^^ inches in diameter.
Drilled from 2,118 feet to 5,145 feet with string of tools containing
stem 45 feet in length and .4% inches in diameter.
Drilled from 5,145 feet to present depth with string, of tools con-
taining stem 38 feet in length and 4^ inches in diameter.
DRILLERS
A. L. Rawlins, driller, from 6,720 feet to present depth.
J. C. McCreight, driller, from 6,720 feet to 7,068 feet.
T. J. O'Connor, driller, from 5,145 feet to 6,720 feet.
Harley Hall, driller, from 5,145 feet to 6,720 feet.
On June 18, 1919, the well had reached a total depth of 7,579 feet,
at which depth the tools stuck in the hole and cable parted, leaving
tools and 4,000 feet of cable in the hole. Work has been discon-
tinued.
FORM OF DRILLING CONTRACT
This Agreement, Made this day of ,
A. D. 19 , between of
part of the first part, and
part of the second part.
Witnesseth: That said part of the. first part hath covenanted
and agreed with said part of the second part,
successors and assigns, that said part of the first part will drill
for said part of the second part a certain well for the purpose
of obtaining petroleum oil or natural gas, to be known as Well
No .'.on the farm of
Section Town Range ...... i
Township .County .1
The material, machinery and appliances necessary for drilling and
completing said well shall be furnished, and the work of drilling the
same shall be done, in the manner hereinafter specified, viz.:
GENERAL INFORMATION 401
FORM OF DRILLING. CONTRACT (Continued)
A complete carpenter's rig of good quality (including wooden
conductor), to be furnished by the part of the .,•••...
part (and al) repairs on same while the well is being drilled, shall be
made by and at the expense of said part of the part.)
All casing to be furnished, by part of the part.
Boiler, engine, belt, bull rope, .$leam and water pipe and connec-
tions to be furnished at the well by part of the .part.
The expense of fitting up and connecting same to be borne by
part... .,.of the part.
Fuel to be furnished at the expense of the part of the
^.i part. ♦
Water to be furnished at the expense of the part of the
part. <
Oil saver and steel measuring line at expense of. the part of
the. part.
All machinery, material and appliances furnished by said part. .....
of the second part, shall, at the completion or abandonment of said
well be returned to said part of the second part in as good
condition as when received by said part of the first part, ordi-
nary wear and action of the elements alone excepted. ,. .
The said part of the first part further agrees to pay all ex-,
penses and furnish everything necessary to drijl and complete said
well except the articles and appliances herein specifically mentioned
to be furnished by the part of the second part.
The said well, unless sooner abandoned by direction of the. party
of the second part, is to be drilled ; .-. .>/
the consideration for which shall be per foot.
All fresh water shall be cased off with casing of a diameter of not
less than inches, and all salt water cased off with
casing of a diameter of not less than inches.
When the said well approaches the oil or gas bearing sand, the
part of the first part shall notify the part of the second
part, or ...agent in charge of the farm or lease, and there-
upon any further drilling and casing into or through the sand shall
be, as requested by the said part of the second part, or
agents in charge of the farm or lease, but the work in connection
therewith shall be done by and under the direction and at the risk
of the part of the first part.
If oil or gas is found in sufficient quantities to endanger the rig,
material or equipment, part of the first part shall assume the
402 DEEP WELL DRILLING
FORM OP DRILLING CONTRACT (Contiimed)
risk thereof and remove at own expense the fires and
boilers to a safe distance from the well. All pipe and fittings made
necessary by such removal shall be furnished by said part of
the part.
When completed, unless prevented by too great a volume of gas
or oil, the well shall be thoroughly "bailed" and "sand pumped" by
the said part of the first part until all drillings and sediment
are removed therefrom and the well thoroughly cleaned.
The part of the first part shall carefully examine the rig, all
machinery, casing and other appliances to be furnished for said
well by the part of the second part, and if any defect be found
therein,sufficient to make the use of such rig, machinery, casing or
other appliances .unsafe, shall immediately notify the part of
the second part of such defect or defects, and the part of the
second part shall at once replace the article so found defective, with
a good and safe one ; but if the part of the first part shall not
make such examination, or shall not report any defects in said rig,
machinery, casing or other appliances shall be
deemed to have assumed all risks and all responsibility for any
mishap which may occur in the drilling of said well, by reason of a
failure in such rig, machinery, casing or other appliance.
No part of the contract price above mentioned shall in any event
be paid until said well shall be completed to the depth above required,
and delivered to the part of the second part, in thoroughly good
order, free and clear of all obstruction
The part of the first part agree to begin the drilling of
the said well within days from
and prosecute the work actively and continuously (Sunday excepted)
to completion.
IT IS FURTHER AGREED, That time shall be of the essence of
this contract, and in case the part of the first part shall neglect
or discontinue the work of drilling said well for the space of
days, such neglect or discontinuance shall of itself be a forfeiture of
all rights and claims of the part of the first part under this
agreement without any notice or demand by the part of the
second part. The part...... of the second part shall have the right
at any time after such forfeiture to take possession of said well and
discontinue the drilling thereof, and at its pleasure, dismantle or
abandon the same without liability to the part of the first part
for any portion of the contract price above mentioned. The part.
GENERAL INFORMATION 403
FORM OF DRILLING CONTRACT (Candaded)
of the second part shall also have the right at any time after such
forfeiture as above mentioned, if so elect to take
possession of said well and all the ropes, tools and appliances thereat
of the part of the first part, and drill said well to completion.
In case shall succeed in completing said well, the cost of
such completion without any allowance to said part of the first
part for the use of said ropes, tools and appliances, shall be deducted
from the contract price above mentioned, and the balance if any,
paid to the part of the first part; but if said part of the
second part should not succeed in completing said well,
shall not be liable to the part of the first part in any sum
whatever and shall return said tools, ropes and appliances to the
part of the first part in as good order as when received, natural
wear and tear and accidental loss or breakage excepted.
After the drilling of the well, should the part of the second
part desire to torpedo and clean out after the torpedo, the first
part agree to work at dollars per day of
hours.
All risk and damage to tools, derrick or equipment shall be assumed
by the part of the first part at all times until all work to be
done under this contract is fully and finally completed and the well
is accepted as completed by the part of the second part.
FORM OF OIL OR GAS LEASE
THIS LEASE, Made this day of , A. D.
19.. . .by and between
of the County of and State of
of the first part, and
of the second part,
WITNESSETH: That the said part of the first part, in con-
sideration of $ in hand paid, the receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, and the stipulations, rents and covenants here-
inafter contained, on the part of the said party of the second part,
his executors, administrators and assigns, to be paid, kept and per-
formed, have granted, demised and let unto the said party of the
second part, his executors, administrators and assigns, for the sole
and only purpose of drilling and operating for Petroleum Oil or Gas
for the term of years, or as long thereafter as
Oil or Gas is found in paying quantities, all that certain tract of
land situated in Township
County, State of being the
404 DEEP WELL DRILLING
FORM OF OIL AND GAS LEASE (Continned)
Containing acres, more or less ;
excepting and reserving therefrom acres
around the buildings on said premises, upon which there shall be no
wells drilled; the boundaries of which shall be designated and fixed
by the part of the first part.
The said second party hereby agrees, in consideration of the said
lease of the above described premises, to give said first part
royalty share of all the oil or mineral produced and saved from
said premises, except for operating purposes on the premises, deliv-
ered in tanks or pipe lines to the credit of first part And
further agrees to give $ per annum for the gas from
each and every well drilled on the above described premises, in case
the gas be found in quantity to transport off the above- described
premises, and convey to market. The said second party not to un-
necessarily disturb growing crops thereon, or the fences.
Said second party has the right, which is hereby granted him, to
enter upon the above described premises at any time for the purpose
of mining or excavating, and the right of way to and from the place
of mining or excavating, and the right to lay pipe lines for the
purposes of conveying or conducting water, steam, gas, or oil over
and across said premises, and also the right to remove at any time
any or all machinery, oil well supplies or appurtenances of any kind
belonging to the said second party.
The party of the second part agrees to commence one well.
from the date hereof (unavoidable accidents and delays excepted),
and in case of failure to commence one well within such time, the
party of the second part hereby agrees to pay thereafter to the
part of the first part for any future delay, the sum of
dollars per annum as a rental on the same thereafter until a well is
commenced or the premises abandoned, payable at ;
GENERAL INFORMATION 405
FORM OF OIL AND GAS LEASE (Concluded)
and the part of the first part hereby agree to accept such
sum as full consideration and payment for such yearly delay until
one well shall be commenced, and a failure to commence one well
or to make any of such payments within such time and such place as
above mentioned, renders this lease null and void, and neither party
hereto shall be held to any accrued liability, otherwise to be and
remain in full force and virtue.
It is understood by and between the parties to this agreement that
all conditions between the parties hereto shall extend to their heirs,
executors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We, the said parties of the first and
second part, have hereto set our hands the day and year first above
written.
Signed and acknowledged in
presence of
LIFE OF WELL DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Tables showing number of wells different pieces of ma-
chinery, tools and other equipment may be expected to drill.
These tables may indicate the point in the life of equipment
at which it may be unsafe longer to use it.
In the first column are estimates for soft formations found
in California, Wyoming and Alberta, Canada (Tertiary and
Cretaceous).^
In the second column are estimates for the harder forma-
tions of Kansas, Oklahoma and North Texas (Carboniferous).
In the third column are estimates for the hard formations of
Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois and Kentucky
(Devonian, Silurian, etc.)
406
DEEP WELL DRILLING
LIFE OP WELL DRILLING EQUIPMENT (Contiiitted)
Stated in terms of the number of feet drilled.
Kansas,
Oklahoma,
North Texas.
Deep
15.000
20,000
50,000
10,000
Shallow
50,000
100.000
20,000
1/3
10,000
12,000
15,000
75,000
2
2.000
5
50,000
15,000
4,000
2,500
40,000
10,000
8,000
10,000
15,000
75,000
10
75,000
20,000
5,000
3,000
50,000
12,000
8,000
20,666
100,000
12,500 25,000
20,000
75,000
75,000
40,000
60,000
30,000
50,000
60,000
40,000
100,000
100,000
50,000
75,000
40,000
60,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
75,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
80,666
50,000
50.000
75,000
75.000
50,000
50,000
Penn., Ohio
W. Va., minoii
and Kentucky
Deep
20,000
40,000
75,000
10,000
Shallow
50,000
100.000
15,000
California.
Wyoming.
Alberta, Can.
♦Rig Irons 20,000
tBoilcr 20.000
Engine 50,000
Belt 6,000
Manila Cable,
Per foot of cable 2
Wire Cable,
Per foot of cable 2
Bull Rope 2,000
Sand Line,
Per foot of line. . 3
Temper Screw .... 75,000
Rope Sockets 10,000
Jars-Short Stroke . 4,000
Jars-Long Stroke.. 2,500
tStems 50,000
Bits, 9H-inch
and larger 12,000
Bits, 8^-inch
and smaller
Under Reamers . . .
{Bailers
Tool Wrenches . . ,
Barrett Jack less
Rack 15,000
Rack for Barrett
Jack 25,000
Swivel Tool wrench 100,000
Derrick Crane .... 75,000
Chain Hoist 40,000
Elevators 60,000
Casing Line 20,000
Casing Blocks .... 50,000
Casing Hooks 60,000
Drive Heads
Drive Clamps
Casing Tongs .... 50,000
Spider and Slips... 50,000
Anvil 75,000
Steam Blower 50,000
Turbine Generator. 50,000
Measuring Line . . . 75,000
Bit Ram 75,000
Boiler Feed Pump. 50,000
Injector 50,000
* BAg Irons : In some of the deep fields of Oklahoma a set of rig irons will
drill not more than two wells, while in other localities one set may drill ten
or more wells.
1/2
2,500
4
75,000
12,500
3,000
2,000
30,000
12,000
10,000
• • • • •
18,000
75,000
3
3,500
5
75,000
12,500
4,000
2,500
50,000
15,000
12,000
20,666
100,000
12,500 25,000
20,000
100,000
40,000
100,000
75,000 100,000
50.000
75,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
20,000
20,000
50,000
60,000
100,000
50,000
60,000
75,000
50.000
75.000
50.000
50.000
75.000
75,000
50,000
50,000
80,000
50,000
75,000
50.666
50,000
GENERAL INFORMATION 407
LIFE OF WELL DRILLING EQUIPMENT (Concluded)
t Boiler : The life of a boiler depends on the character of the water avail-
able. A boiler that would drill ten to twenty wells in West Virginia might
not complete one well in Wyoming where alkaline water is used.
t Stems: The life of stems may be extended to the point of crystallization
by renewing the boxes and pins when worn out.
S Bailers : The valve of a bailer may batter or wear out on one well. Th«
figures in this table contemplate the renewal of the valve when necessary.
DRILLING TOOL TAPER JOINTS
Measurement of Taper Pins and Smallest Size Hole in
Which Each Size Joint Should Be Used. — The large diameter,
or diameter at the base of the thread, is the basis of measure-
ment for taper pins. This measurement is taken with a
caliper at the bottom of the thread at a point three quarters
of an inch from the shoulder of the collar. On this basis
standard sizes of the I. & H. joints are as follows:
Smallest Length Diameter
Size Hole Size Joint, Diameter Pin, Pin, Size Square,* Collar,
Inches Inches Inches Inches Inches Ifiches
4 l^x2^-8Thd. 2 9/32 3^ 2^ 3H
4 15^x2^-7Thd. 2 11/32 3^ 2Vs 3^
4}^ l^x2^-8Thd. • 2^ 3^ 2^ 3^
4^ 2x3 2 23/32 4 SVa 4H
Sy2 21/4x334 2 59/64 4 3^^ 45^
6 2/3x31/4 3 3/16 4 4 5
.654 2Hx3.>4 3 15/32 4^ 4 5%
6^ 3x4 3 21/32 5 4^ 6
7^ 354 x4K 3 29/32 5 5 654 .
7H 35^x4^/4 4 5/16 5 5 654
854 4x5 4 25/32 554 5^ 7
9 41/4x5^ 5 15/64 6^ 55^ 754
Note. — Special length pins are sometimes used; for example,
2^ X 3^-inch pin, 7 inches long. Box collars are 54 to ^ inch larger
in diameter than pin collars.
The standard taper is usually stated as 24 degrees, but this
is not technically correct. It is 24 graduation marks on a
Gleason lathe. Tool makers prove their joint taper by placing
a square on the taper pin and a bevel protractor on the collar.
When the blade of the protractor lines up. with the square
the taper should register 7 degrees on the bevel protractor.
I
• Dimensions of joints used in California differ slightly from the above.
Exceptions are as follows:
Size of Joint, inches 2x3 2^x31/4 3x4 . 3^4 x 4^ 4 x S
Size square, inches 3^ 4% 6 6
Diameter collar, inches 4*4 * 6% 6% ....
408
DEEP WELL DRILLING
TESTING NATURAL GAS FOR GASOLINE CONTENT •
Geo. A. Burrel and G. G. Oberfell, Chemical Engineers,
Pittsburgh, Pa.
"The principle of this method for testing natural gas for
gasoline content consists in absorbing the vagors in a solid
absorbing medium such as charcoal, and subsequently recov-
ering the gasoline by distillation. The method possesses
several distinct advantages :
1. The method is accurate' and rapid, the time consumed in
absorbing the gasoline vapors from casing-head gas in a test
by the charcoal absorption method being about 10 minutes.
2. The apparatus is simple to construct, easy to operate,
and is readily portable, outfit containing equipment necessary
for thirteen tests weighing 22 pounds.
JktJamlttfm
'?..
I nirprettyrt
I
'«<
era
I
3
^ Y
^ — r
i
f
1
'f-
"j:J
H\
^
JKiTOf
T
^5*
x^BorroM
PLAN JfCTtON A'A
Fig. 220.
♦ From Natural Gas and Gasoline Journal, Dec, 1919.
GENERAL INFORMATION 409
TESTING NATURAL GAS FOR GASOLINE CONTENT
(Continued)
3. The method give? information both as to yield and grav-
ity of gasoline, and is applicable to both lean and rich natural
gas.
4. Pressure is not required for absorption of the gasoline
vapors.
"The equipment as shown in diagram is intended for test-
ing gas wells for flow of gas and for making the absorption
tests of the gas for gasoline. The receptacle (E) may serve
either as a sample container or as an absorber. After absorp-
tion of gasoline vapors from a measured volume of natural
^as in the field the charcoal containing the absorbed vapors
is sent to the laboratory for distillation to determine the
gasoline content of the gas as described below.
EQUIPMENT CASE FOR FIELD TESTS
Compartment A holds dry test meter. «
Compartment B holds "U" tube.
Compartment C holds orifice meter.
Compartment D (13) holds receptacles for samples.
Shellac all parts.
Equip lid with hinges and hooks.
See sketch for arrangement of strap handle.
"Approximately 250 c.c. of about 8 to 14 mesh charcoal of
high absorption value should be used. The absorber is filled
with the material to within about 2 cm. from the top.
"The apparatus is arranged so that the gas at about atmos-
pheric pressure is passed first through calcium chloride, then
through a dry meter to which a manometer is attached, and
then through the charcoal.
"The dry meter was arranged with a manometer so that the
pressure of the metered gas could be obtained. The tem-
perature of the gas was taken by means of a thermometer
placed at the inlet to the dry meter.
"The distillation apparatus and the method for the deter-
mination of the gravity of the distillate are essentially the
410 DEEP WELL DRILLING
TESTING NATURAL GAS FOR GASOLINE CONTENT
(Concluded)
same as those used in tests of this nature. A small Tycos
hydrometer may be used for gravity determination. By using
a salt water ice bath around condenser and tube or by passing
vapors not condensed by an ice water mixture through a tube
surrounded by a carbon-dioxide-acetone bath, the sum of con-
densates recovered will generally run higher than 90° Be.
The yield for different gravities may then be determined from
weathering losses on combined condensates of duplicate tests.
"The most satisfactory methods so far tried of removing
gasoline from the charcoal are distilling in the presence of
straw oil (petroleum distillate about 30° Be.) or in the pres-
ence of glycerine. The advantage of using glycerine is two-
fold: first, the charcoal can be regenerated easily by washing
with water, and second, gasoline is not appreciably soluble in
glycerine or glycerine-water solutions.
"Tests were made of natural gas for gasoline content. In
Table 1 are presented the results of tests with charcoal as
the absorbing medium and results of comparative tests with
the portable oil absorber.* These results show that the two
methods compare favorably, the yield by the portable oil ab-
sorber being about 6 per cent, low. Comparison is also made
with plant production for the days during which the tests
were made."
TABLE 1
Comparison of Oil Absorption Method and Charcoal Absorp-
tion Method in Tests of Natural Gas for Gasoline Content.
Oil Absorption Method
• Charcoal Absorp- Portable
tion Method Absorber Plant Yield
Number of tests averaged 4 2 2 days' product
Source of gas. Inlet to gasoline plant.
i}^oline recovered, Be. 60°
F./60° F 90.2 90.4 . 88.6
Gasoline yield, pts. M. cu. ft. gas 1.76 1.65 L55
Gasoline yield, per cent.t 100.00 93.8 88.1
•Extraction of Gasoline from Natural Gas by Absorption Methods by
G. A. Burrell, P. M. Biddison and G. G. Oberfell, Bureau of Mines Bulletin.
120 (1917).
t Calculated from charcoal absorption method as giving 100% jrield.
GENERAL INFORMATION
411
TABLES SHOWING DEPTHS, WEIGHT OF TOOLS AND
LENGTH OF STROKE FOR WHICH WIRE DRILLING
CABLES ARE RECOMMENDED ♦
(<«
'These tables have not taken into account unusually sticky
formations or formations that require excesgive under-ream-
ing, but are based on the average of oil fields and are the
results shown by actual drilling."
Dimensions in Feet
For ^-inch Cables
Weight of Tools 18 in. 24 in. 30 in. 32 in. 36 In.
in Pounds Stroke Stroke Stroke Stroke Stroke
2,000 7,314 ■ 4,999 3,714 3,391 2,857
2,500 6.787 4,642 3,100 3,035 2,500
3,000 6,428 4,285 3,000 2,678 2,142
3,500....; 6,072 3,930 2,643 2,322 1,786
4,000 5,628 3,570 ' 2,286 2,071 1,428
4,500 5,272 3,214 .1,928 1,694 1,072
5,000 4,914 2,857 1,571 1,338 ' 714
For 5:4-inch Cables
Weight of Tools 18 in. 24 in. 30 in. 32 in. 36 in.
in Pounds Stroke Stroke Stroke Stroke Stroke
2,000 8,333 5,833 4,333 3,957 3,333
2,500 7,917 5,416 3,917 3,541 2,917
3,000 7,500 5,000 3,500 3,125 2,500
3,500 7,084 4,585 3,084 2,709 2,084
4,000 6,567 4,166 2,667 2,393 1,667
4,500 6,151 3,750 2,250 1,977 1,251
5,000 5,734 3,333 1,833 1,561 834
For 1-inch Cables
Weight of Tools 24 in. 30 in. 32 in. 36 in.
in Pounds Stroke Stroke Stroke Stroke
2,000 6,329 4,810 4,430 3,797
2,500 6,013 4,493 4,114 3,481
3,000 V •. . . . 5,696 4,177 . 3,697 3,164
3,500 5,380 • 3,860 3,381 2,848
4,000 5,063 3,544 3,064 2,531
4,500 4,747 3,227 2,748 2,225
5,000 4,430 2,911 . 2,431 1,908
Note. — The above tables are used through the courtesy of Upson
Walton Co. and are for their Dreadnaut Wire Cables.
412 DEEP WELL DRILLING
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE
Note. — The instructions and illustrations on this and succeeding
pages were furnished by John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
1 — T-shuped splicing
pina.
2 — Round spllclns ptn>.
3 — Taper apik«.
4— Knife.
6— Wire cut (era.
6 — Wood mallels.
T — Hemp rope, spliced
endlesa.
8— Hickory stick.
Fls. 221. — Tools used for stjlidng.
Measure back from the ends which are to be spliced a dis-
tance of ten feet for regular lay ropes and twenty feet for lang
lay ropes. With smaller ropes this length may be slightly
decreased, and with those larger than one inch an additional
allowance is advisable. At these points place three servings
of wire firmly around the rope to prevent the strands from
untwisting further back. Kow unlay three alternate strands
at each end back to these binding wires. It is important that
the strands should be alternate, that is, if we' assume them
numbered in regu-
lar order from No.
1 to No. 6, either
strands Nos. 1, 3
and 5 or Nos. 2, 4
and 6 should be im-
laid. Fig. 222 shows
the rope after three
strands have been
unlaid.
Cut off at each
end of the rope the
three strands which fib. 2t3.
GENERAL INFORMATION 413
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE (Continued)
have just been un-
laid, as indicated in
Fig. 223.
Separate the re-
maining three
strands at each end
back to the point
where the other
strands were cut
off. This will make
each of the two
ends of the rope
have three strands ^'
separated from each other for a distance of ten feet for regular
lay ropes and twenty feet for lang lay ropes. The hemp
core should be cut off at each end as shown in Fig. 224.
Bring the two ends of the rope thus prepared face to face,
50 that the corresponding strands for each end interlock regu-
larly with each other in a manner similar to that in which
the fingers will interlock when those of one hand are pushed
between those of the other. Each of these strands must be
laid into the rope as illustrated on the following pages. Tem-
porary bindings of wire should be made around the strands
where they interlock to hold them in position for the subse-
quent operations.
Unlay any one
strand "A" and fol-
low up with strand
"No. 1" from the
other end, laying it
tightly in the open
groove left by the
unwinding of "A,"
making the twist of
;■ the strand agree
' exactly with the lay
Fi*. tt*. of the open groove.
4 DEEP WELL DRILLFNG
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE (Contitnicd)
When all but a
short end of "No.
1" has been laid
in, the strand "A"
should be cut off,
leaving an end
equal in length to
"No. 1." This
length should be,
for a one-inch di-
ameter about
^^- ''^ twelve inches for
regular lay ropes,
and twenty-four
inches for lang lay
ropes. For a
smaller rope this ,
m.iy be slightly
decreased and for
a larger diameter
an increased
length is desir-
able.
FiB- 228. Unlay another
strand in the same
manner that "A"
was unlaid, and
follow up as was
done with strand
"No. 1," stopping,
however, back of
the ends of "A"
I and "No. 1." The
unlaid strand
I should be cut off
-,_ M, as "A" was cut,
GENERAL INFORMATION *
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE (Continued)
leaving two short
ends equal in
length to those of
"A" and "No. 1."
The distance be-
tween the points,
where the ends
project should be
about two feet for
regular lay ropes
and four feet for
, , T-L F'S- 228.
langlay ropes. The
illustration shows
the rope after the
three strands on
one side of the
joint have been
laid in the man-
ner described.
There now remain
the three strands
on the other side,
which must be
laid in the same ^«- "''■
Way.
When all six
strands have been
laid in as directed,
the splice will ap-
pear as indicated
in Fig. 228. There
will now be six
places at which
the ends of the
strands extend ten
inches beyond the vig. aso.
41* DEEP WELL DRILLING
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE (Continued)
rope.' These ends
must be secured
without increas-
ing the rope's di-
ameter, as shown
on the following
pages.
Place the rope
in a vise at one of
the points where
the ends extend.
PlE. 2>1 ^i"'l 3 Sf^'^'"*
piece of hemp
rope around the wire rope, about fifteen inches back of the
vise, so as to make a sling, and insert stick in loop. Pull the
end of the stick so that the wire rope will be untwisted be-
tween the vise and the stick.
. The rope may, by means of the stick, be untwisted suffi-
ciently to insert the point of the spike under two strands.
Use the pin to force the hemp core into such a position that
it may be reached by the knife and cut. It will be noticed
that the end of the strand which is to be laid in has been bent
back toward tlie vise, .-^s- this end must follow the twist
of the rope and occupy the space left vacant'by the removal
of the hemp core,
the end itself should
have some tendency
to twist in the prop-
er direction. Bend-
ing the end back and
giving it one twist in
the direction of the
twist of the rope will
impart thistendency.
After the hemp
core has been cut it ^^ ^^^
GENERAL INFORMATION 417
DIRECTIONS FOR SPLICING WIRE ROPE (Concluded)
should be removed
for a distance equal
to the length of the
projecting end of
strand. Move spike
along the rope with
one hand while the
other removes the
hemp core. The
spike should be un-
der two strands of
the rope as shown
in Fig. 231. ™- "*•
Insert spike so that it will be over the projecting end and
under the next two strands of the rope. Pull the spike toward
yourself. This will cause it to travel along the rope, leaving
an opening in front. While one hand is moving the spike, the
other should lay end of strand in the opening, see Fig. 232.
The plate shows the rope after the end of one strand has
been laid. Strand "A" must be laid in the same manner
but in the opposite direction. Tuck strand "A',' in back
of strand "No. I" by placing spike oVer strand "A" and
under strands "No. 2" and "No. 3," Proceed in the same man-
ner as with strand "No. 1 ," Bend and twist strand "A" similar
to strand "No. 1."
After an end has
been laid, cut off
projecting end of
I hempcoreand
hammer down any
inequalities with
the wooden mal-
lets. When all the
strands have been
laid in rope as de-
scribed the splice is
*■ complete.
418 DEEP WELL DRILLING
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE OP AND PROPER METHODS
OF HANDLING WIRE ROPE
s furnished by John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
^^
-J?
you pull (h6 I'ope otT over the
' (he reel. MANY ROPES ARE
D IN THIS WAY.
{. 2S6.— When you 1
e illustrated, mid Jit
(rom the coil you «
THE RESULT IS f
Fls. 23T,— Pull (I
acrev eRect*.
J8. — Hun coll Hlons (he ground
rope will be stmlKht hb I[ wsb
eliiR colled lor ahtpment. There
o corkscrew effect If you do thit.
GENERAL INFORMATION 419
CLAMPING WIRE ROPE WITH CLIPS
Wire rope clips, or clamps, are frequently used as an end
connection for a sling. They are not as dependable as a
spliced thimble connection and will develop from 75 to 90
per cent, of the rope strength, depending on the manner of
attaching. From two to five clips should be used and the
flat side or body of clip should be placed on the live end of
the rope with the U bolt on the dead or tail end. This method
of attaching prevents the U bolt from crushing the live end
of the rope and gives higher efficiency.
STRAIN CAUSED BY RUNNING WITH SLACK LINE
Experiments made by putting a dynamometer between the
cable and its load have shown that a load raised suddenly
with only 2]/^ inches of slack in the cable puts a strain on
the rope 39 per cent, greater than the weight of the load,
while with 12 inches of slack the rope stress was triple that
caused by picking up the same weight slowly with a taut
cable. The obvious conclusion that, where a line is slack, th^
load should not be raised with a jerk, unless the chief aim
of the operator is to increase the consumption of wire rope,
applies not only to drilling, but also to driving piles with a
drop hammer and to many other kinds of construction work.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPLICING MANILA AND WIRE
CABLES
First cut away for a distance of ten to fifteen feet from
the end of the wire cable sufficient wires to reduce the diam-
eter of the cable to the diameter of one strand and the hemp
center. Next bind the end of the Manila cable, op€n it at a
point about twenty-five feet from the end, and insert the
reduced end of the wire cable, using for this purpose a splicing
needle made of a steel rod three quarters of an inch in diam-
eter and five feet in length, pointed at one end. By means
of the needle the Manila cable is opened, inch by inch, and
the wire line is "rolled in," as the drillers say. Two feet
from the end of the Manila cable cut out a small portion of
420 DEEP WELL DRILLING •
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPLICING MANILA AND WIRE
CABLES (Concluded)
each strand, gradually increasing the quantity thus eliminated,
in such a way that the Manila cable will taper down to
slightly larger than the diameter of the wire cable. To finish
the splice, wrap the end of the Manila tightly around the
wire line, binding the end with a piece of hay wire, and
finishing with a strand or 3 arn taken froin the Manila cable,
or a piece of marline, to prevent the wire binding from
chafing off.
This splice is usually very effective, for the Manila will
tighten or draw around wire in proportion to the strain or
load put upon the spliced line.
Method of estimating depth of a well by calculating length
of cable wound around the bull wheel shaft,"^ based on shaft
14^ inches in diameter.
The following tables show the length of cable in the first
wrap round the shaft and in each successive layer or coil up
to the tenth coil. The length of cable would be found by add-
ing the figures for each layer or coil w^ound on the shaft and
then multiplying the sum by the number of times the coils
are wrapped round the shaft.
Coils or Layers, in Feet
Each
Add.
1st 2nd 3d 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Coilf
2^" Manila.. 4.38 5.56 6.74 7.92 9.10 10.28 11.46 12.64 13.82 15.00 1,18
^"Wire 3.99 4.38 4.77 5.16 5.55 5.94 6.33 6.72 7.11 7.50 .39
K"Wire 4,02 4.48 4.94 5.40 5.86 6.32 6.78 7.24 7.70 8.16 .46
Example: There are 25 wraps of a ^-inch wire cable round a
shaft and 6 coils or layers; then thie first six coils = 3.99 + 4.38 + 4.77
-{- 5.16 + 5.55 -f 5.94 = 29.79 X 25 = 745 feet of cable on the shaft.
Example: There are 20 wraps of a ^-inch wire cable round a
» ■ • • *
shaft and 12 coils or layers; then the sum of the ten coils in table =
57.45. Eleventh coil = 7.50 -f .39 = 7.89. Twelfth coil = 7.50 -f- .39
+ .39 = 8.28. 57.45 + 7.89 -f 8.28 = 73.62, total length of 12 coils, one
wrap X 20 = 1,472 feet of cable on the shaft.
* Adapted from tables in Practical Geology, by Dorsey Hager.
t The last column shows addition for each coil over ten.
GENERAL INFORMATION
421
MINUTE PRESSURE OF GAS WELLS *
The capacity of natural gas wells may be approximated by
quickly shutting a gate or valve and noting the pressure on
^ gauge at the end of each minute. Usually the pressure at
the end of the first minute is used to approximate the volume.
The following table gives the volume in different sized
tubing in lengths of 100 feet, which is followed by a table of
multipliers for different pressures for one minute.
Output of Gas Wells, as Measured by the Minute Pressure. Table
of Diameters and Cubic Feet in 100 Feet of Tubing
r>iameter in Cu. Ft. in Diameter in Cubic Feet in Diameter in Cubic Feet in
Inches 100 Feet Inches 100 Feet Inches 100 Feet
1 .55 5 13.64 6H 23.94
2 2.18 5 3/16 14.14 8 34.91
3 4.91 SH 17.26 854 37.12
4 8.73 6 19.63 10 54.54
4^ 9.85 6]4 21.31
Opposite the Gauge Pressures Are Found the Multipliers for One
Minute. For the Quantity per Hour Multiply Minutes by 60 and
for 24 Hours Multiply Minutes by 1,440.
Gauge, Gauge. Gauge, Gauge,
Lbs. Multipliers Lbs. Multipliers Lbs. Multipliers Lbs. Multipliers
1 .051 24 1.621 180 12.269 ' 410 27.969
2 .119 25 1.689 190 12.952 420 28.651
3 .187 26 1.757 200 13,634 430 29.334
4 .255 27 1.825 210 14.317 440 30.017
5 .324 28 1.894 220 15.000 450 30.699
6 .392 29 1.962 230 15.682 460 31.382
7 .460 30 2.030 240 16.365 470 32.064
8 .529 35 2.372 250 17.047 480 32.747
9 .597 40 2.713 260 17.730 490 33.430
10 .665 45 3.054 270 18.412 500- 34.112
11 .733 50 3.395 280 19.095 510 34.795
12 .802 60 4.078 290 19.778 520 35.477
13 .870 70 4.761 300 20.460 530 36.160
14 .938 80 5.443 310 21.143 540 36.843
15 1.006 90 6.126 320 21.825 550 37.525
16 1.075 100 6.808 330 22.508 560 38.208
17 1.143 110 7.491 340 23.191 570 38.890
18 1.211 120 8.174 350 23.873 580 39.573
19 1.279 130 8.856 360 24.556 590 40.255
.20 1.348 140 9.539 370 25.238 600 40.938
21 1.416 150 10.221 380 25.921
22 1.484 160 10.904 390 26.604
23 1.552 170 11.587 400 27.286
• From Hand Bool< of Natural Gas, by Henry P. Westcott, Metric Metal
Works.
422
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Example: Suppose a well showed 320 pounds gauge pressure ir
one minute in 2-inch tubing, depth of well being 2,000 feet, then, by
tables, 320 = 21.825, 2-inch ^2.18, and, as figures are based on 100
feet of tubing, then 2,000 = 20. 21.825 X 2.18 X 20 = 951.57 cubic feet
per minute, 57,094.2 cubic feet per hour or 1,370,261 cubic feet per day.
If the packer is set up from the bottom, an addition will have to
be made. Say that the packer was set up 120 feet in a hole 6% inches
in diameter, then. 23.94 — 2.18 = 21.76. 21.76X1.20 = 26.112 and
26.112 X 21.825 = 569.894. 569.894 + 951.57 previously determined =
1,521.46 cubic feet per minute, or 91,287 cubic feet per hour.
This method only approximates the value of wells and gives results
considerably under the measurement of the open flow, which is the
proper method of measuring the output. Both of these methods
should be accompanied by the maximum rock pressure. The best well
is the one which will discharge the largest quaulilv of natural gas at
the highest pressure.
Fig. 239.
Improved method of transferring wire rope from the bull
wheel, calf wheel or sand reel to the wire rope reel. The
Brandon wire line spooling attachment, made by A. H. Bran-
don & Co., Toledo, Ohio, is a labor saving device. It consists
of two special sheaves or pulleys, one to clamp on to the band
wheel crank and the other to attach to the wire rope reel.
The pulleys are operated by a bull rope as shown in diagram.
GENERAL INFORMATION 423
BELTING
Belting, when used for well drilling, is subjected to hard
usage and sometimes exposure to weather. Rubber and can-
vas belts are chiefly used, rubber usually being preferred be-
cause it is impervious to moisture. Solid woven cotton belts
have also been used with success for well drilling. Belt
tighteners should be used for putting on or taking up stretch
of belts. The best grades of belting obtainable only should
be used.
* Sag of Belts. Distance Between Pulleys. — In the location
of shafts that are to be connected with each other by belts,
care should be taken to secure a proper distance one from
the other. This distance should be such as to allow of a gentle
sag to the belt when in motion. A general rule may be stated
thus : Where narrow belts are to be run over small pulleys
15 feet is a good average, the belt having a sag of 1J4 to 2
inches.
For larger belts, working on larger pulleys, a distance of
20 to 25 feet does well, with a sag of 2j4 to 4 inches.
For main belts working on very large pulleys, the distance
should be 25 to 30 feet, the belts working well with a sag
of 4 to 5 inches.
If too great a distance is attempted, the belt will have an
unsteady flapping motion, which will destroy both the belt and
machinery.
The pulley should be a little wider than the belt required
for the work. .
The motion of driving should run with the laps of the belts.
Tightening or guide pulleys should be applied to the slack
side of belts and near the smaller pulley.
* To Find the Length of Belt Required for Two Given Pul-
leys.— When the length cannot be measured directly by a
tape-line, the following approximate rule may be used: Add
the diameter of the two pulleys together, divide the sum by 2,
and multiply the quotient by 3%, and add the product to
twice the distance between the centers of the shafts.
* From Kent's Mechanical Engineers* Pocket Book.
424 DEEP WELL DRILLING
* To Find the Length of Belt When Closely Rolled.— The
sum of the diameter of the roll, and of the eye in inches, times
the number of turns made by the belt and by .1309, equals
length of belt in feet.
* To Find the Approxunate Weight of Belts. — ^Multiply the
length of belt, in feet, by the width in inches, and divide the
product by 13 for single and 8 for double belt.
Rule for Finding Width of Belt When Speed of Belt in
Feet per Minute and Horsepower Wanted Are Given. — For
Single Belts : Divide the speed of the belt by 800. The horse-
power wanted divided by this quotient will give the width of
belt required.
For Double Belts: Divide the speed of belt in feet per
minute by 560. Divide the horsepower wanted by this quo-
tient for the width of belt required.
Example: A 30 H. P. Steam Engine running 300 R. P. M., 30-inch
belt pulley, belt speed = diameter pulley 30* X 3.1416 X 300 = 28,274"
or 2,356 feet per minute. 2,356 -t- 800 = 2.95 . 30 H. P. -r- 2.95 = 10.2.
Width of belt should be 10 or 12 inches.
HORSEPOWER TABLE
Main Belting Company
To To To To To To
Belt Speed. F. P. M. 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000
Smallest pulley diam. 6-in. 7 in. 9-in. 11 in. 12 in.
4 ply H.P. transmitted per
belt in. belt width 0.7 1.4 2.8 4.1 5.1
Smallest pulley diam. 8-in. 10-in. 12-in. 14-in. 16-in. 18-in.
5 ply H.P. transmitted per
belt in. belt width..:... 0.87 1.75 3.5 5.1 6.37 7.37
Smallest pulley diam. 10-in. 12-in. 16-in. 18-in. 20-in. 24-in.
6 ply H.P. transmitted per
belt in. belt width 1.05 2.1 4.2 6.1 7.6 8.8
Smallest pulley diam. 24-in. 30-in. 33-in. 36-in. 42-in.
8 ply H.P. transmitted per
belt in. belt width 2.45 4.9 7.17 8.92 10.32
Smallest pulley diam. 48-in. 54-in. 60-in. 72-in.
iO-ply H.P. transmitted per
belt in. belt width 5.6 8.2 10.2 11.8
This table is based on an arc of contact of 180^ and takes
into account the action of centrifugal force as the speed in-
creases.
A rough rule for figuring belt horsepower where speeds
are less than 5,000 feet per minute is to divide the diameter
GENERAL INFORMATION 425
of either pulley in inches by four, muhiply the result by the
r. p. m. of the same pulley, which gives the approximate
speed in feet per minute, and divide that result by 800, which
gives the horsepower that a four ply belt one inch wide will
transmit at that speed. Multiply this result by the width of
the belt in question, remembering that a six ply will transmit
lJ/2 times as much as a four ply, eight ply l}i times as much,
ten ply twice as much, and twelve ply 2j4 times as much.
FUELS
COMPARISON OF FUEL VALUE OF DIFFERENT COALS
From Kent's Mechanical Engineers' Pocket Book
Fixed C. % B. T. U. per lb.
Penna. anthracite 89 14,900
West Va. semi-bituminous 80 to 76.5 15,950 to 15,650
Arkansas semi-bituminous 84 to 77 15,250 to 15,500
Penna. bituminous 67 15,500
West Va. bituminous 67.5 to 55 15,500 to 15,000
Eastern Kentucky 60 15,000
Western Kentucky 55 to 50.5 14,400 to 13,700
Alabama 61.5 to 59 14,800 to 14,200
Kansas 62 to 53.5 14,800 to 14,100
Oklahoma 56 to 51 14,600 to 13,100
Missouri 50.5 to 47 14,300 to 12,600
Illinois 59 to 47.5 13,700 to 12,400
Iowa 57 to 53.5 13,600 to 12,700
Indiana 49 13,300
New Mexico 50.5 to 47 12,500 to 12,300
Wyoming 48 to 41.5 13,300 to 10,900
Montana 48.5 12,100
Colorado 46 11,500 "
North Dakota 48.5 to 42.5 10,200 to 11,400
Texas 44.5 to 34 10,900 to 11,000
ANALYSES AND CALORIFIC VALUES OF AMERICAN
FUEL OILS
From Marks Handbook
Specific ,
Gravity Gravity B. T. U. Weigrht
Field Baume at 15 deg. Cent, per lb. per gal., lb.
Kern River, Cal 14.78 0.9670 18,562 8.06
Coalinga, Cal 17.29 0.9505 18,720 7.92
McKittrick, Cal 15.83 0.9600 18,335 8.00
Midway, Cal 16.14 0.9580 18,565 7.98
Sunset, Cal 14.26 0.9705 18,419 8.09
Beaumont, crude 21.6 0.924 19,060 7.69
Beaumont, crude 21.3 0.926 19.481 7.71
Tampico, crude 12 to 23 18,493 7.82
426
DEEP WELL DRILLING
FUELS
Oil is sold by the barrel of 42 gallons. The A. T. & S. F.
R. R. Co. found the evaporative value of coal and oil the same
when the price of coal in tons was three and a half times the
price of oil in barrels. Most experience falls within the limits
of three to four and one-half barrels of oil as the equivalent of
one long ton of coal.
Heating Value of Wood. — The following table is given in
several books of reference, authority and quality of coal re-
ferred to not stated.
The weight of one cord of different woods (thoroughly
air-dried) is about as follows :
Lbs. Lbs.
Hickory or hard maple. . . 4500 equal to 1800 coal. (Others give 2000.)
Beech, red and black oak. 3250
White oak 3850
Poplar, chestnut and elm. 2350
The average pine 2000
n
tt
it
tl
1300 "
(
ft
1450.)
1540 "
(
tt
1715.)
940 "
(
tl
1050.)
«00 "
(
It
925.)
COMPARATIVE FUEL VALUE OF COAL, OIL AND
NATURAL GAS
pound of coal will evaporate 9 pounds of water at 212**, atmos-
pheric pressure.
pound of oil will evaporate 15 pounds of water at 212°, atmos-
pheric pressure.
pound of natural gas will evaporate 20 pounds of water at 212*,
atmospheric pressure.
pound of coal will equal 10 cubic feet natural gas
2000 pounds (1 ton) will equal 20,000 cubic feet natural gas
pound of oil will -equal 16 cubic feet natural gas
barrel (42 gal.) will equal 4,800 cubic feet natural gas
4J^ barrels (42 gal.) will equal 1 ton of good coal.
cubic foot natural gas will evaporate 1 pound of water.
cubic foot natural gas will equal 966 British heat units
1000 cubic feet natural gas will equal.... 966,000 British heat units
ton of coal will equal 19,307,000 British heat units
barrel of oil will equal 4,666,600 British heat units
GENERAL INFORMATION 427
PROPERTIES OF l^TURAL GAS
B.T.U. per cu. ft,
0 deg:. Cent, and
Location of Wells 760 mm. pressure
Kiefer, Okla 1272
Jefferson County, Ky 1205
Forest County, Pa 1279
Allen County, Kansas 1051
Kings County, Cal 724
Greybull Field, Wyo.... 1192
Casinghead gas 1427
Caddo Parish Field, La ' 1028
Casinghead gas used for production of gasoline 2424
SPECIFIC HEAT
Units of Heat. — The mean British thermal unit (B. T. U.)
is defined as the 1/1<:'0 part of the heat required to raise the
temperature of 1 lb. of water from 32° to 212° Fahr. This
is substantially equal to the heat required to raise 1 lb. of
water from 63° to 64° Fahr.
The mean calorie is 1/100 of the heat required to raise 1 g.
of water from 0° to 1C0° Cent. It is practically the same as
the 17j^° calorie, that is, the heat required to raise 1 g. of
water from 17° to 18° Cent. The 15° calorie is also used
extensively. Because of the variation of the heat capacity of
water, this is slightly larger than the mean or 17j/2° calorie.
The present tendency is toward the mean calorie (and mean
B. t. u.) as the standard heat unit.
In countries which have adopted the metric system, engi-
neers employ the kilogram calorie (or "large calorie") as the
unit in heat measurements. 1 kilogram calorie ^= 1,000 g.
calories = 3.968 B. t. u. (1 B. t. u. = 0.252 kilogram calorie).
WATER
Water is composed of two gases, hydrogen and oxygen, in*
the ratio of two volumes of the former to one of the latter.
It is never found pure in nature, owing to the readiness with
which it absorbs impurities from the air and soil. Water
boils under atmospheric pressure (14.7 pounds at sea level) at
212°, passing off as steam. Its greatest density is at 39.1° F.,
when it weighs 62.425 pounds per cubic foot.
428
DEEP WELL DRILLING
WATER FACTORS
U. S. gallons
U. S. gallons
U. S. gallons
U. S. gallons
U. S. gallons
Eng. gals. (Imp.)
Eng. gals. (Imp.)
Eng. gals. (Imp.)
Eng. gals. (Imp.)
Eng. gals. (Imp.)
Cu. ft. water (39.1°)
Cu. ft. water (39.1**)
Cu. ft. water (39.1°)
Cu. ft. water (39.1°)
Cubic foot of ice
Cu. in. water (39.1°)
Cu. in. water (39.1°)
Cu. in. water (39.1°)
Cu. in. water (39.1°)
Pounds of water
Pounds of water
Pounds of water
Pounds of water .
Tons of water
Tons of water
Tons of water
Ounces of water
A column of water 1 inch square by 1 foot high weighs 0.434 pound.
A column of water 1 inch square by 2.31 feet high weighs 1 pound.
Sea water is 1.6 to 1.9 heavier than fresh.
One cubic inch of water makes approximately 1 cubic foot of steam
at atmospheric pressure.
27,222 cubic feet of steam at atmospheric pressure weighs 1 pound
Atmospheric pressure at sea level = 14.7 pounds average.
Height of mercury cohimn in a vacuum at sea level = 29.9 inches.
"Height Oi water column in a vacuum at sea level = 33.9 feet.
Friction head depends on the speed of the water and the resistance
to its flow; that is, on the condition of the interior of the pipe, the
number of bends, elbows, etc. The friction head can be determined
roughly from the followmg formula:
If L is the length of a pipe, D is its diameter (both in feet) and
V the velocity of flow of liquid in feet per second, the loss of head
due to friction, or the friction head H is
X
8.33
— —
pounds
X
0.13368
cubic feet
X
231.00
—
cubic inches
X
0.83
Eng. gallons
X
3.78
—
liters
X
10.
_^
pounds
X
0.16
cubic feet
X
277.274
cubic inches
X
« 1.2
—
U. S. gallons
X
4.537
liters
X
62.425
— -
pounds
X
7.48
• —
U. S. gallons
X
6.232
:i=
Eng. gals.
X
0.028
____
tons
X
57.2
—
pounds
X
0.036024
pounds
X
0.004329
U. S. gallons
X
0.003607
_.
Eng. gals.
X
0.576384
ounces
X
27.72
cubic inches
X
0.01602
cubic feet
X
0.083
— —
U. S. gallons
X
0.10
—
Eng. gallons
X
268.80
-—
U. S. gallons
X
224.00
Eng. gallons
X
35.90
—
cubic feet.
X
1.735
_^
cubic inches
H =
.02LV2
64.4 D
The total head to be pumped against is considered equal to the
sum of the friction head and the actual head.
If A is the cross section in square feet of a streanl flowing over a
dam, V its velocity in feet per minute, and H the head, or fall in feet,
then
H.P.=
62.4AVH
33000
GENERAL INFORMATION 429
WATER PRESSURE
The pressure of still water per square inch against the sides
of any pipe or vessel of any shape is due alone to the head or
height of the surface of the water above the point pressed
upon, and is equal to 0.434 pounds per square inch for every
foot of head, the fluid pressure being equal in all directions.
For example : The pressure in pounds per square inch at the
bottom of well tubing 1,000 feet deep and filled with water
would be 0.434 X 1000 = 434 pounds pressure.
WEIGHT OF WATER. IN PIPE OF DIFFERENT DIAMETERS
IN LENGTHS OF ONE FOOT
The following table will be found useful in computing the
weight of water in a string of pipe or casing in a well or for
calculating the H. P. to elevate.
lam..
Water
Diam.
. Water
Diam.,
Water
Diam.,
Water
ches
Pounds
Inches pounds
Inches
Pounds
Inches
Pounds
1
.MOS
4J4
6.8946
8
21.790
1354
62.052
154
.5320
5
8.5119
SVa
23.174 .
14
66.733
IV2
.7661
554
9.3844
9
27.579
15
76.607
2
1.3619
5^
11.257
10
34.048
16
87.162
254
2.1280
6
12.257
11
41.198
17
98.397
3
3.0643
654
13.300
1154
45.028
18
110.31
W2
4.1708
654
14.385
12
49.028
19
122.91
4
5.4476
7
16.683
i2y2
53.199
20
136.19
454
6.1498
7^
19.152
13
57.540
THEORETICAL HORSEPOWER NECESSARY TO ELEVATE
WATER, SIMPLE RULE
To find the horsepower necessary to elevate water to a
given height, multiply the weight of water elevated per minute
in pounds (for weight of water, see above) by the height in
feet (height is measured from surface of water to highest
point to which water is raised), and divide by 33,000, which
result represents the necessary horsepower. One horsepower
is equal to about five men. It is estimated that it requires
approximately one horsepower, including friction, to raise
sixty gallons of water per minute thirty-three feet high. A
liberal allowance (from 20 to 30 per cent.) should be made
for water friction and loss in steam cylinder.
DEEP WELL DRILLING 430
To find quantity of water elevated in one minute, running
at 100 feet of piston speed per minute, square the diameter
of the water cylinder in inches and multiply by 4.
Example: Capacity of a 5-inch cylinder is desired. The
square of the diameter (5 inches) is 25, which, multiplied by 4,
gives 100, the number of gallons per minute (approximately).
EQUATION OF PIPES
Simple Rule
It ijiay be desired to know what number of pipes of a given
size are equal in carrying^ capacity* to one pipe of a larger
size. At the same \elocity of flow the volume delivered by
two pipes of different sizes is proportioned to the squares of
their diameters ; thus, one 4-inch pipe will deliver the same
volume as four 2-inch pipes. With the same head, however,
the velocity is less in the smaller pipe, and the volume deliv-
ered varies about as the square root of the fifth power (i.e., as
the 2.5 power). The following table has been calculated on
this basis. The figures opposite the intersection of any two
sizes are the number of the smaller sized pipes required to
equal one of the larger. Thus, one 4-inch pipe is equal to
5.7 2-inch pipes.
Diam-
eter,
Inches
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
2
5.7
1.
3
15.6
2.8
1.
4
Z2.
5.7
2.1
1.
5
55.9
9.9
3.6
1.7
1.
«
6
88.2
15.6
5.7
2.8
1.6
1.
7
130.
22.9
8.3
4.1
2.3
1.5
8
181.
32.
11.7
5.7
3.2
2.1
1.
9
243.
43.
15.6
7.6
4.3
2.8
1.3
10
316.
55.9
20.3
9.9
5.7
3.6
1.7
1
11
401.
70.9
25.7
12.5
12
4.6
2.2
1.3
12
499.
88.2
32.
15.6
8.9
5.7
2.8
1.6
1.
13
609.
108.
39.1
19.
10.9
7.1
3.4
1.9
1.2
14
733.
130.
47.
22.9
13.1
8.3
4.1
2.3
1.5
1.
15
787.
154.
55.9
27.2
15.6
9.9
4.'8
2.8
1.7
1.2
16
181.
65.7
Z2.
18.3
11.7
5.7
3.2
2.1
1.4
1.
17
211.
76.4
37.2
21.3
13.5
6.6
3.8
2.4
1.6
1.2
18
243.
88.2
43.
24.6
15.6
l.(y
4.3
2.8
1.9
1.3
1.
19
278.
101.
49.1
28.1
17.8
8.7
5.
3.2
2.1
1.5
1.1
20
316.
115.
55.9
32.
20.3
9.9
5.7
3.6
2.4
1.7
1.3
GENERAL INFORMATION 431
Doubling the diameter of a pipe increases its capacity four
times. Friction of liquids in pipes increases as the square of
the velocity.
To find the diameter of a pump cylinder to move a giyen
quantity of water per minute (100 feet of piston being the
standard of speed), divide the dumber of gallons by 4, then
extract the square root, and the result will be the diameter in
inches of the pump cylinder.
STEAM
(From National Tube Co. Book of Standards)
"The Temperature of Steam in contact with water depends
upon the pressure under which it is generated. At the ordi-
nary atmospheric pressure (14.7 pounds per square inch) its
temperature is 212° F. As the pressure is increased, as when
steam is generated in a closed vessel, its temperature, and
that of the water in its presence, increases.
"Saturated Steam is steam in its normal state, that is, steam
whose temperature is that due to its pressure; by which is
meant steam at the same temperature as that of the water
from which it was generated and upon which it rests.
"Superheated Steam is steam at a temperature above that
due to its pressure.
"Dry Steam is steam which contains no moisture. It may
be either saturated or superheated.
"Wet Steam is steam containing free moisture in the form
of spray or mist. It has the same temperature as dry satu-
rated steam of the same pressure.
"Water introduced into superheated steam will be vaporized
until the steam becomes saturated, and its temperature be-
comes that due to its pressure. Cold water, or water at a
lower temperature than that of the steam, introduced into
saturated steam, will condense some of it, thus lowering both
the temperature and pressure of the rest until the temperature
again equals that due to its pressure.
The Heat-unit, or British Thermal Unit. The old defini-
tion of the heat-unit (Rankine), viz., the quantity of heat
432 DEEP WELL DRILLING
required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1° F.,
at or near its temperature of maximum density (39.1° F.), is
now no longer used. Peabody defines it as the heat required
to raise a pound of water from 62° to 63° F., and Marks and
Davis as 1/180 of the heat required to raise 1 pound of water
from 32° to 212° F. By Peabody's definition the heat required
to raise 1 pound of water from 32° to 212° is 180.3 instead of
180 units, and the heat of vaporization at 212° is %9.7 instead
of 970.4 units.
The Total Heat of the Water is the number of British
thermal units needed to raise one pound of water from 32° F.
to the boiling point, under the given pressure.
The Latent Heat of Steam or Heat of Vaporization is the
number of British thermal units required to convert one
pound of water, at the boiling point, into steam of the same
temperature.
The Total Heat of Saturated Steam is the number of heat-
units required to raise a pound of water from 32° F. to the
boiling point, at the given pressure, plus the number required
to con^ert the water at that temperature into steam of the
same temperature.
STEAM BOILERS
Safe Working Pressures in Cylindrical Shells of Boilers, Tanks,
Pipes, etc., in Pounds per Square Inch
(From Kents' Engineers' Pocket Book)
Longitudinal scams double-riveted.
(Calculated from formula P := 14,000 X thickness -r diameter.)
ickness
I6ths of
inch.
Diameter in
Inches
H.SS 38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
60
66
1 23.0
21.9
20.8
19.9
19.0
18.2
17.5
16.8
16.2
14.6
13.3
2 46.1
43.8
41.7
39.8
38.0
36.5
35.0
33.7
32.4
29.2
26.5
3 69.1
65.6
62.5
59.7
57.1
54.7
52.5
50.5
48.6
43.7
39.8
4 92.1
87.5
83.3
79.5
76.1
72.9
70.0
67.3
64.8
58.3
53.0
5 115.1
109.4
104.2
99.4
95.1
91.1
87.5
84.1
81.0
72.9
66.3
6 138.2
131.3
125.0
119.3
114.1
109.4
105.0
101.0
97.2
87.5
79.5
7 161.2
153.1
145.9
139.2
133.2
127.6
122.5
117.8
113.4
102.1
92.8
8 184.2
175.0
166.7
159.1
152.2
145.8
140.0
134.6
129.6
116.7
106.1
9 207.2
196.9
187.5
179.0
171.2
164.1
157.5
151.4
145.8
131.2
119.3
10 230.3
218.8
208.3
198.9
190.2
182.3
175.0
168.3
162.0
145.8
132.6
GENERAL INFORMATION 433
STEAM BOILERS
Fusible Plugs. — The rules of the U. S. Supervising Inspec-
tors specify Banca tin for the purpose. Its melting-point is
about 445° F. The rule says : Every boiler, other than boilers
of the water-tube type, shall have at least one fusible plug
made of a bronze casing filled with good Banca tin from end to
end. Fusible plugs, except as otherwise provided for, shall
have an external diameter of not less than %-inch pipe tap,
and the Banca tin shall be at least Yi inch in diameter at the
smallest end and shall have a larger diameter at the center
or at the opposite end of the plug ; smaller plugs are allowed
for pressures above 150 pounds, also for upright boilers.
FACTS ABOUT THE DRILLING BOILER
Dome. — The drilling boiler usually has a large dome to
furnish a reserve supply of steam to be drawn upon when
pulling tools or casing, and to serve that steam dry.
Hand Hole Plates. — Owing to the fact that drilling; boilers
often use impure water and fuel, and that they quickly be-
come fouled, they should be fitted with extra hand holes at
convenient places for cleaning.
SHORT RULES FOR ESTIMATING POWER OF STEAM
BOILERS
Flue Boiler. — Twelve feet of heating surface will produce
one horsepower. The heating surface is two-thirds the sur-
face of the cylinder; also the entire surface of all the flues.
Tubular Boiler. — Fifteen feet of heating surface will pro-
duce one horsepower. The heating surface is two-thirds the
surface of the cylinder; also the entire surface of all the
•tubes.
One nominal horsepower will require one cubic foot of
water per hour. One cubic foot of water contains 7j4 gallons.
BOILER AND STEAM FACTS
For all diameters the transverse pressure in a boiler tend-
mg to tear it asunder is always double the longitudinal pres-
sure.
The boiler should be set 30 to 42 inches above the fire
grate to give room for air and gases to mix.
434
DEEP WELL DRILLING
BOILER AND STEAM FACTS (Concluded)
Steam rising from water at its boiling point (212°) has a
pressure equal to the atmosphere (14.7 pounds to the square
inch).
At sea level water boils at 212° Fahrenheit. For each
degree (Fah.) less at which water boils, estimate the elevation
at 550 feet.
Steam pipes, whether for power or for heating, shc^uld
always pitch downward from the boiler, that the condensed
water, etc., may have, the same direction as the steam.
Globe valves should alwa3^s be so placed in steam pipes that
their stems are nearly horizontal.
APPROXIMATE CLASSIFICATION OF IMPURITIES FOUND
IN FEED WATERS, THEIR EFFECT AND ORDINARY
METHODS OF RELIEF
(From Marks' Handbook)
"The following table gives an approximate classification of
the impurities found in boiler-feed water, the difficulties aris-
ing from their presence, and the means ordinarily adopted for
the treatment of the water to overcome such effects.
Impurity
Sediment, mud, etc.
Nnture of
Difficulty
Incrustation
Readily soluble salts
Bicarbonates of lime,
magnesia, etc.
Sulphate of lime
Chloride and sulphate
of magnesium
Acid
Dissolved carbonic'
acid and oxygen
Grease
Incrustation
Incrustation
Incrustation
Corrosion
Corrosion
Corrosion
Corrosion
Organic matter
Organic matter
(sewage)
Carbonate of soda in
large quantities
Corrosion
Priming
Priming
Ordinary Method of Overcoming
or Relieving
Settling tanks, filtration, blow-
ing down
Blowing down.
Heating feed. Treatment by ad-
dition of lime or of lime and
soda. Barium carbonate.
Treatment by addition of soda.
Barium carbonate.
Treatment by addition of car-
bonate of soda.
Alkali.
Heating feed. Keeping air from
feed. Addition of caustic soda
or slacked lime.
Filter. Iron alum as coagulant.
Neutralization by carbonate
of soda. Use best hydrocar-
bon oils.
Filter. Use of coagulant.
Settling tanks. Filter in con-
nection with coagulant.
Barium carbonate. New feed
supply. If from treatment,
change.
GENERAL INFORMATION 435
"Oil as a Scale Preventive. — The introduction of crude oil
or kerosene into a boiler has from time to time been used
as a means of preventing scale formation on the heatin^r sur-
faces, but this use of kerosene or of crude oil is not to be
recommended. While cases may arise in which boiler waters
can be effectively treated within the boiler itself, oil is not the
reagent to be used. The distilling off of the lighter oils
finally leaves a heavy, gum-like carbonaceous deposit on the
heating surfaces, which will tend to cause a burning out of
the affected parts. Further, such oils may contain materials
which will saponify where the feed is sufficiently alkaline, and
severe foaming will result."
STEAM ENGINES.— DRILLING ENGINES.— PUMPS
The drilling engine has a two-fold duty to perform : it
must operate the walking beam in drilling, and the bull
wheels and calf wheels in pulling tools and handling casing.
The efficient drilling engine should have sufficient power to
pull the tools or the casing and it must also be elastic enough
in operation to '*let go*' or allow the tools to "drop" to fur-
nish drilling stroke. ' It should have ample steam ports and
exhaust.
General Service and Boiler Feed Pumps have a ratio of
piston areas of about 2j4 to 1, and are either fitted with
packed pistons and driven linings, packed pistons and remov-
able linings, or plunger and ring. The plungers are usually
cast iron and the rings brass. Pumps are designed for
ISO-lb. water pressure. To find the size of pump to supply
a. given boiler, multiply the boiler horsepower by 45, which
will give the pounds of water required per hour.
*Depth of Suction. — Theoretically a perfect pump will draw
water from a height of nearly 34 feet, or the height corre-
sponding to a perfect vacuum (14.7 lbs. X 2.309 = 33.95 feet) ;
but since a perfect vacuum cannot be obtained on account of
valve leakage, air contained in the water, and the vapor of
the water itself, the actual height is generally less than 30
feiet. When the water is warm the height to which it can be
* Kent's Mechanical Engineers* Pocket Book.
436 DEEP WELL DRILLING
PUMPS
lifted by suction decreases, on account of the increased pres-
sure of the vapor.' In pumping hot water, therefore, the
water must flow into the pump by gravity. The following
table shows the theoretical maximum depth of suction for
different temperatures, leakage not considered:
Absolute
Vacuum
Max.
Absolute Vacuum
Max.
Pressure of in
Depth
•
Pressure of in
Depth
Temp. Vapor, Iba
. Inches of
of Sue •
Temp.
Vapor,
lbs. Inches of
of Suc-
Fahr.
per sq. in.
Mercury 1
tion. feet
Fahr,
per sq.
in. Mercury
tion, feet
102.1
1
27.88
31.6
182.9
8
13.63
15.4
126.3
2
25.85
29.3
188.3
9
11.60
13.1
141.6
3
23.8J
27.0
193.2
10
^ 9.56
10.8
153.1
4
21.78
24.7
197.8
11
7.52
8.5
162.3
5
19.74
22.3
202.0
li
5.49
6.2
170.1
6
17.70
20.0
205.9
13
3.45
3.9
176.9
7
15.67
17.7
209.6
14
1.41
1.6
DEFINITIONS OF HORSEPOWER
Horsepower of Steam Boilers. — The A. S. M. E. has de-
fined the unit horsepower as equivalent to 34.5 pounds of
feed water per hour evaporated at temperature of 212° F.
into steam at the same .temperature. This is based on the
original definition of the evaporation of 30 pounds Oj^ water
per hour at temperature of 100° F. into dry steam under
pressure of 70 pounds per square inch above atmosphere.
Horsepower of Steam Engines. — The value of this unit is
defined as 33,000 foot-pounds per minute, i.e., the energy re-
quired to lift 33,OCO pounds one foot in one minute.
Handy Rule for Estimating the Horsepower of a Single-
cylinder Engine. — Square the diameter and divide by 2. This
is correct whenever the product of the mean effective pressure
and the piston-speed = J4 of 42,017, or, say, 21,000, viz., when
M.E.P. = 30 and S = 700; when M.E.P. = 35 and S = 600;
when M.E.P. = 38.2 and S = 550; and when M.E.P. = 42 and
S = 500. These conditions correspond to those of ordinary
practice with both Corliss engines and shaft-governor high-
speed engines (Kent).
Note: This rule will not work out for estimating the horsepower
of oil country drilling engines. To find the horsepower of the average
drilling engine, square the diameter of the cylinder and divide by 5.
GENERAL INFORMATION 437
CONCRETE
"Proportions for Different Structures. — The following four
mixtures will serve as a rough guide to the selection of proper
proportions for various classes of work (Taylor and Thomp-
son) :
(a) Rich mixture, for columns and other structural parts
subjected to high stresses or requiring exceptional water-
tightness. Proportions, 1 : 1 J4 : 3.
(b) Standard mixture, for reinforced floors, beams and
columns, for arches, for reinforced engine or machine founda-
tions subject to vibrations, for tanks, sewers, conduits, and
other water-tight work. Proportions, 1:2:4.
(c) Medium mixture, for ordinary machine foundations,
retaining walls, abutments, piers, thin foundation walls, build-
ing walls, ordinary floors, sidewalks, and sewers with heavy
walls. Proportions, 1 : 2j4 : 5.
(d) Lean mixture, for unimportant work in masses, for
heavy walls, for large foundations supporting a stationary
load, and for backing for stone masonry. Proportions, 1:3: 6."
For cementing casing, mixture of neat hydraulic cement
and water.
BABBITT METAL
The name "Babbitt" is derived from that of the inventor
(Isaac Babbitt) of soft metal-lined bearings. The term
"babbitting" has been applied to the process of applying soft
anti-friction metals inside of a harder shell for the purpose of
producing bearings. Authorities differ regarding the pro-
portions of Babbitt's original alloy, as follows :
Tin 83.3% to 89.3%
Copper 3.6% to 8.3%
Antimony 7.1% to 8.3%
OTHER BEARING METAL FORMULAS
Copper Tin Lead Antimony Iron
Anti-friction metal % 1.60 98.13 trace
Hard Babbitt % 3.70 88.90 .... 7.40
Number 1 % 10. 65. 25
Number 2 % 5.55 83.33 .... 11.12
Number 3 % 10. 70. 20. .....
Number 4 % 12. 80. 8
438 DEEP WELL DRILLING
TO MAKE BABBITT RUN FREELY
Put a piec« of resin, the size of a walnut, into the babbitt ;
stir thoroughly, then skim. It makes poor babbitt run better,
and improves it. Babbitt heated just hot enough to light a
pine stick, will run in places with the resin in, where without
it, it would not. It is also claimed that resin will prevent
blowing when pouring in damp boxes. •
PULLEYS
Relations of the Size and Speeds of Driving and Driven Pulleys
The driving pulley is called the driver, D, and the driven
pulley the driven, d. If the number of teeth in gears is used
instead of diameter, in these calculations, number of teeth
must be substituted wherever diameter occurs. R = revo-
lutions per minute of driver, r = revolutions per minute of
driven.
D = dr-^R;
Diam. of driver = diam. of driven X revs, of driven -f- revs,
of driver.
d — DR-f-r;
Diam. of driven = diam. of driver X revs, of driver -~ revs,
of driven.
R r-= dr -r- D ;
Revs, of driver = revs, of driven X diam. of driven -=- diam.
of driver.
r = DR-r-d;
Revs, of driven = revs, of driver X diam. of driver --=- diam.
of driven.
SIMPLE RULES FOR CALCULATING SPEED OF PULLEYS
Problem I. — The diameter of the driver and driven being
given, to find the number of revolutions of the driven:
Rule.^Multiply the diameter of the driver by its number
of revolutions, and divide the product by the diameter of the
driven ; the quotient will be the number of revolutions.
Problem II. — ^The diameter and the revolutions of the driver
being given to find the diameter of the driven, that shall make
any given number of revolutions in the same time:
GENERAL INFORMATION
439
RULES FOR CALCULATING SPEED OF PULLEYS, Conclnded.
Rule. — Multiply the diameter of the driver by its number of
revolutions, and divide the product by the number of revolu-
tions of the driven; the quotient will be its diameter.
Problem III.— To ascertain the size of the driver;
Rulc^Multiply the diameter of the driven by the number
of revolutions you wish to make, and divide the product by
the revolutions of the driver; the quotient will be the size of
the driver.
The above rules are practically correct. Though owing to
slip, elasticity and thickness of the belt, the circumference of
the driven seldom runs as fast as the driver.
Belts, like gears, have a pitch line, or a circumference of
uniform motion. Thi? circumference is within the thickness
of the belt, and must be considered if pulleys differ greatly in
diameter, and a required speed is absolutely necessary,
PULLEYS OR BLOCKS
(From Kent's Mechanical EnEineera' Pocket Book)
FlK. S4I}.
"P = Force applied, or pull ; W = Load lifted, or resistance.
In the simple pulley A (Fig. 240) the point P on the pulling
rope descends the same amount that the load is lifted, there-
fore P := W. In B and C the point P moves twice as far as
the load is lifted, thei'efore, W = 2P. In B and C there is
one movable block, and two plies of the rope engage with it.
In D there are three sheaves in the movable block, each with
two plies engaged, or six in all. Six plies of the rope are
440 DEEP WELL DRILLING
PULLEYS OR BLOCKS (Continued)
therefore shortened by the same amount that the load is
lifted and the point P moves six times as far as the load,
consequently W==6P. In general, the ratio of W to P is
equal to the number of plies of the rope that are shortened,
and also is equal to the number of plies that engage the lower
block. If the lower block has 2 sheaves and the upper 3, the
end of the rope is fastened to a becket in the top of the lower
block, and then there are 5 plies shortened instead of 6, and
W = 5P."
SPECIFIC GRAVITIES AND WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS
Water at 4'' C. and Normal Atmospheric Pressure
Wt., Pounds
Metals. Alloys. Ores — Specific Gravity per cu. ft
Aluminum, cast-hammered 2.55-2.75 165
Aluminum, bronze , . 1!7 481
Brass, cast-rolled 8.4-8.7 534
Bronze, 7.9 to 14% Sn 7.4-8.9 509
Copper, cast rolled 8.8-9.0 556
Copper, ore, pyrites 4.1-4.3 262
Gold, cast-hammered 19.25-19.35 1205
Iron, cast, pig 12 450
Iron, wrought • 7.6-7.9 485
Iron, spiegel-eisen 7.5 468
Iron, f erro-silicon 6.7-7.3 437
Iron ore, hematite 5.2 325
Iron ore, magnetite 4.9-5.2 315
Iron slag 2.5-3.0 172
-Lead 11.37 710
Lead ore, galena 7.3-7.6 465
Manganese 7.2-8.0 475
Manganese ore, pyrolusite 3.7-4.6 259
Mercury 13.6 849
Nickel 8.9-9.2 565
Nickel, monel metal 8.8-9.0 556
Platinum, cast-hammered 21.1-21.5 1330
Silver, cast-hammered 10.4-10.6 656
Steel 7.8-7.9 490
Tin, cast-hammered 7.2-7.5 459
Tin ore, cassiterite 6.4-7.0 418
Zinc, cast-rolled 6.9-7.2 440
Zinc ore 3.9-4.2 253
Minerals —
Asbestos :... 2.1-2.8 153
Barytes 4.50 281
Basalt 2.7-3.2 184
Bauxite ' 2.55 159
Borax 1.7-1.8 -109
GENERAL INFORMATION 441
SPECIFIC GRAVITIES AND WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS
(Continued)
Water at 4° C. and Normal Atmospheric Pressure
Wt., Pounds
Specific Gravity per cu. ft.
Chalk 1.8-2.6 137
Clay, marl 1.8-2.6 137
Dolomite 2.9 181
Feldspar, orthoclase 2.5-2.6 159
Gneiss, serpentine 2.4-2.7 159
Granite, syenite 2.5-3.1 175
Greenstone, trap 2.8-3.2 187
Gypsum, alabaster 2.3-2.8" 159
Hornblende 3.0 187
Limestone, marble 2.5-2.8 165
Magnesite 3.0 187
Phosphate rock, apatite 3.2 200
Porphyry 2.6-2.9 172
Pumice, natural 0.37-0.90 40
Quartz, flint 2.5-2.8 165
Sandstone, bluestone 2.2-2.5 147
Shale, slate 2.7-2.9 175
Soapstone, talc 2.6-2.8 169
Stone, Quarried, Piled —
Basalt, granite, gneiss 96
Limestone, marble, quartz 95
Sandstone .• 82
Shale 92
Greenstone, hornblende 107
Bituminous Substances —
Asphaltum 1.1-1.5 81
Coal, anthracite 1.4-1.7 97
Coal, bituminous 1.2-1.5 84
Coal, lignite * 1.1-1.4 78
Coal, peat, turf, dry ; . 0.65-0.85 47
Coal, charcoal, pine 0.28-0.44 23
Coal, charcoal, oak 0.47-0.57 33
Coal, coke 1.0-1.4 75
Graphite 1.9-2.3 131
Petroleum 0.87 54 '
Petroleum, refined 0.79-0.82 50
Petroleum, gasoline 0.66-0.69 42
Pitch 1.07-1.15 69
Tar, bituminous 1.20 75
Coal and Coke, Piled —
Coal, anthracite 47-58
Coal, bituminous, lignite 40-54
Coal, peat, turf 20-26
Coal, charcoal 10-14
Coal, coke 23-32
Mortar Rubble Masonry —
Granite, syenite, gneiss 2.2-2.8 155
Limestone, marble 2.2-26 150
Sandstone, bluestone 2.0-2.2 130
442
DEEP WELL DRILLING
SPECIFIC GRAVITIES AND WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS
(Concluded)
Wt, Pounds
Specific Gravity per cu. ft
Dry Rubble Masonry —
Granite, syenite, gneiss L9-2.3 130
Limestone, marble 1.9-2.1 125
Sandstone, bluestone 1.8-1.9 110
Brick Masonry —
Pressed brick 2.2-2.3 140
Common brick 1.8-2.0 120
Soft brick 1.5-1.7 100
Concrete Masonry —
Cement, stone, sand 2.2-2.4 144
Cement, slag, etc 1.9-2.3 130
Cement, cinder, etc 1.5-1.7 100
Various Building Materials —
Ashes, cinders 40-45
Cement, Portland, loose 90
Cement, Portland, set. 2.7-3.2 183
Lime, gypsum, loose. 53-64
Mortar, set 1.4-1.9 103
Slags, bank slag ^IH
Slags, machine slag 96
Slags, slag sand 49-55
Earth, etc., Excavated —
Clay, dry 63
Clay, damp, plastic 110
Clay and gravel, dry 100
Earth, dry, loose 76
Earth, dry, packed 95
Earth, moist, loose 78
Earth, moist, packed 96
Earth, mud, flowing 108
Earth, mud, packed 115
Riprap, limestone 80-85
Riprap, sandstone 90
Riprap, shale 105
Sand, gravel, dry, loose 90-105
Sand, gravel, dry, packed 100-120
Sand, gravel, dry, wet 118-120
MELTING POINTS OF VARIOUS SOLIDS
These melting points were collected by Dr. G. K. Burgess,
of the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Those shown
in CAPITALS are accepted by. the Bureau as standard at this
time (1911).
These melting points were obtained on the purest metals
obtainable. Lower melting points may be expected with
metals of less purity.
GENERAL INFORMATION
443
MELTING POINTS OF VARIOUS SOLIDS (Concluded)
Pahren- Centi-
heit grade
Degrees Degrees
ALUMINUM 1216 658
ANTIMONY 1166 630
Arsenic 1472 800
Bismuth 518 270
CADMIUM 610 821
Calcium 1481 805
Chromium 2741 1505
COBALT 2714 1490
COPPER 1981 1083
GOLD 1945 1063
Iridium (?) 4172 2300
LEAD 621 327
Magnesium 1204 651
Manganese 2237 1225
MERCURY —38 —39
Molybdenum (?) ... 4532 2500
(?) Doubtful.
Fahren- Centi-
heit grade
Degrees Degrees
NICKEL 2642 1450
PALLADIUM 2822 1550
Phosphorous Ill 44
PLATINUM 3191 1755
POTASSIUM 144 62
Rhodium (?) 3452 1900
Silicon 2588 1420
SILVER 1762 961
SODIUM 207 97
Tantalum (?) 5252 2900
TIN 450 232
Titanium (?) 3362 1850
TUNGSTEN 5432 3000
Uranium 4352 2400
Vanadium (?) 3182 1750
ZINC 786 419
SOME OTHER MELTING POINTS
Fahren- Centi-
heit grade
Degrees Degrees
GLASS 1832 1000
GLASS, Lead free.. 2192 1200
DELTA METAL 1742 950
BARIUM CHLO-
RIDE 1635 891
POTASSIUM FERRO-
CYANIDE 1145 618
POTASSIUM CHLO-
RIDE 1325 718
SODIUM CHLO-
RIDE 1472 800
CAST IRON 2070
WROUGHT IRON.. 2640
Fahren-
heit
Degrees
STEEL 2550
Sulphur [Ill
Fusible Metals :
1 Tin, 2 I-.ead 361
1 Tin, 1 Lead 304
3 Tin, 2 Lead 275
4 Tin, 4 Lead, 1 Bis-
muth 263
3 Tin. 5 Lead. 8 Bis-
muth 212
RUBBER 257
PORCELAIN 2820
Centi-
grade
Degrees
(114
(120
183
151
135
128
100
FREEZING POINTS OF LIQUIDS AT ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE
Fahrenheit Degrees
Alcohol (absolute) —148.0
Ammonia — 108.4
Aniline 21.2
Benzol 41.0
Carbon bisulphide — 171.0
Carbon dioxide — 1 10.2
Chloroform — 83.0
Calcium chloride (sat.
sol.) -40
Ether —180
Glycerine — 40
Linseed oil — 4
Rape-seed oil 25.7
Turpentine 14.0
Sulphuric acid 51.0
Salt (NaCl) sol., sat — 0.4
Seawater 27.5
Toluene —148
444 DEEP WELL DRILLING
THERMOMETER COMPARISONS
Centigrade to Fahrenheit
Temperature Fahrenheit =■ 9/5 Temperature Centigrade + 32
Examples: Centigrade 20° X 9/5 = 36 + 32 = 68° Fahrenheit
Centigrade —20° X 9/5 =—36 + 32 = —4° Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit to Centigrade
Temperature Centigrade = 5/9 Temperature Fahrenheit — 32
Examples: Fahrenheit 50° — 32 = 18° X 5/9 = 10° Centigrade
Fahrenheit —5° — 32 = —37° X 5/9 = —20.55° Cent.
Note: — 20 and — 5 above mean 20 and 5 below zero respectively.
Absolute Zero. — The value of the absolute zero has been
variously given as from 459.2 to 460.66 degrees below the
Fahrenheit zero. 460 degrees is usually used in engineering
calculations.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS
Utilizing Gas from a Drilling Well. — Gas can be utilized
from a well in the process of drilling by the simple means of
laying a 2-inch pipe to the mouth of the well and just to the
edge of the casing, so that it will not protrude over the edge
to impede the passage of the tools. Connect a steam jet in
such a way that it will create a suction on the 2-inch pipe
and this suction will draw the gas from the well through
the pipe to the boiler.
To Save Jars from Breaking. — \\'atch for small checks or
cracks. If a crack is noted, chip it out with a cold chisel
which may prexent it from spreading or growing larger.
Cracks in Castings. — To stop the progress of a crack in a
casting, drill a small hole at each end of the crack.
The hole in a New Era Rope Socket should always have a
rounding edge. If the edge wears sharp, file it round ; other-
wise it may crack.
GENERAl- INFORMATION 445
ANALYSES OF STEEL SUITABLE FOR USE IN MAKING
DRILLING TOOLS
Bit Steel Caibon— .65% to 75%
Phosphorous — Not over .04%
Sulphur— Not over .04%
Manganese— 10 to 20 points above the carbon
content.
Jar Steel Carbon— .50% to .60%
Other elements same as bit steel.
Stem Steel Carbon— .20% to .30%
Other elements same as bit steel.
Note: .25% carbon content is about correct for stem steel. Stems
made of steel lower in carbon than .20% would have a tendency to
bend, while those made of steel carrying carbon .30% or higher
might crack or break.
WORKSHOP FORMULAS
(From Waverly Oil Works Co. Book "Wavcrly Products")
Tempering Mixtures.
Resin, 2 lbs. ; tallow, 2 lbs. ; pitch, 1 lb. Melt together and
dip the hot steel in it.
Salt, Yz cupful; saltpeter, ^ oz. ; alum, pulverized, 1 tea-
spoonful ; soft water, 9 gal. Never heat above a cherry red
nor draw any temper.
By melting together 1 gal. spermacetti oil, 2 lbs. tallow and
J4 lb. wax, a mixture is obtained very convenient for tem-
pering any kind of steel article of small size. Adding 1 lb.
resin makes it suitable for larger articles.
To Temper Steel Very Hard. — Water, 4 parts ; flour, 1 part;
salt, 2 parts; mixed to a paste. Heat the steel until a
coating adheres when dipped into the mixture ; then heat to a
cherry red and cool in cold soft water. The steel will come
out white and very hard.
To Temper Steel on One Edge Only. — Dip the edge to be
tempered into hot lead until the proper color; then temper in
ordinary fashion.
To Drill Hardened Steel. — Cover the steel with melted
beeswax ; when coated and cold, make a hole in the wax with
a needle or other article the size of hole you require, put a
drop of strong nitric acid upon it ; after an hour rinse off and
appl)*^ again ; it will gradually eat through.
446 DEEP WELL DRILLING
WORKSHOP FORMULAS (Continued)
A mixture of 1 ounce of sulphate of copper, % ounce of^
alum, ^4 teaspoonful of powdered salt, 1 gill vinegar and 20
drops of nitric acid will make a hole in steel that is too hard
to cut or file easily.
To Anneal SteeL — For small pieces of steel, take a piece
of gas pipe two or three inches in diameter, and put the steel
in it, first heating one end of the pipe, and drawing it together,
leaving the other end open to look into. Place in a charcoal
fire and when the pieces are of a cherry red, cover the fire
with sawdust and leave the steel in over night.
In Turning Steel or Other Hard MetaL — ^Use a drip com-
posed of petroleum two parts, and turpentine one part. This
will insure easy cutting and perfect tools when otherwise the
work would stop, owing to the breakage of tools from the
severe strain.
Case Hardening Mixture. — 3 prussiate of potash, 1 sal-
ammoniac ; or, 1 prussiate of potash, 2 sal-ammoniac, 2 bone
dust.
Fluxes for Soldering or Welding. — Steel. — Pulverize to-
gether 1 part of sal-ammoniac and 10 parts of borax and fuse
until clear. When solidified, pulverize to powder.
Iron Borax
Tinned Iron Resin
Copper and Brass Sal Ammoniac
Zinc Chloride of Zinc
Lead Tallow of Resin
Lead and Tin Pipes Resin and Sweet Oil
Case Hardening. — Place horn, hoof, bone dust, or shreds
of lea til er, together with the article to be case hardened, in
an iron box subject to a blood red heat; then immerse the
article incOld water.
To Remofve Rust from Steel. — Steel which has been rusted
can be cleaned by brushing with a paste compound of J4 oz.
cj^wle potassium, 34 oz. castile soap, 1 oz. whiting, and water
sufficient to form a paste. The steel should be washed with
a solution of >4 oz. cyanide potassium in 2 oz. water.
GENERAL INFORMATION 447
WORKSHOP FORMULAS (Continued)
To Preserve Steel from Rust. — 1 caoutchouc, 16 turpentine.
Dissolve with a gentle heat, then add 8 parts boiled oil. Mix
by bringing them to the heat of boiling water; apply to the
steel with a brush, in the way of varnish. It may be removed
with turpentine.
Thread Cutting Compound. — 1 qt. thread cutting oil, 1 qt.
lard oil, ^ lb. good castile soap chips, 5 gal. water (hot).
Dissolve soap in the water and stir in the oil.
Universal Cement. — ^21 parts boiled linseed oil, 20 parts
gelatine size, 15 parts slaked lime, 5 parts tur-min-tine, 5 parts
alum, and 5 parts acetic acid. Melt the size in the acetic acid,
add the alum and the slaked lime, then the turps and the
boiled oil. Mix the whole thoroughly and keep in well-
stopped bottles. This, as the name implies, is a cement for
wood, glass, cardboard, porcelain, etc.
Iron Cement. — ^28 lbs. litharge, 56 lbs. whiting, 4 lbs. Vene-
tian red, 10 lbs. yellow ochre, and 1 lb. finely powdered sugar
of lead. Mix well together and pass through fine sieve. For
use make into putty with 2 gal. boiled linseed oil for the
above quantity.
Fire and Water-proof Cement. — Mix 10 parts of finely
sifted unoxidized iron filings and 5 parts of perfectly dry,
pulverized clay, with vinegar spirit, by thoroughly kneading
until the whole is a uniform plastic mass. If the cement thus
made is used at once, it will harden rapidly and withstands
fire and water.
Cement for Steam Pipes. — Litharge, 2 parts; powdered
slaked lime, 1 part ; sand, 1 part. Mix with a sufficient quan-
tity of hot linseed oil to make a stiffs paste and use while
warm.
Rust Joint Cement (Quickly Setting). — 1 sal-ammoniac in
powder (by weight) 2 flour of sulphur, 80 iron borings, made
to a paste with water.
Rust Joint Cement (Slowly Setting).— 2 sal-ammoniac, 1
flour of sulphur, 200 iron borings. The latter cement is the
best if the joint is not required for immediate use.
448 DEEP WELL DRILLING
WORSHOP FORMULAS (Concluded)
Red Lead Cement for Face Joints. — 1 of white lead, 1 of red
lead, mixed with linseed oil to the proper consistency.
Glue to Resist Moisture. — 1 lb. of glue melted in 2 quarts of
skim milk.
Fire Extinguisher Liquid. — 4 av. oz. calcium chloride crude,
1 av. oz. sodium chloride, 15 fl. oz. water. The resulting solu-
tion is thrown into the fire by a hand pump. The burning
portions become incrusted and cease to be combustible.
MEASURES OF VOLUME
Cubic measure applies to measurement in the three dimen-
sions of length, breadth and depth or thickness. Any con-
venient linear unit may be employed, because quantities are
always expressed in cubes of fixed linear measurement, as
cubic inch, cubic foot, cubic yard.
SOLID OR CUBIC MEASURE
1,728 cubic inches =;: 1 cubic foot
27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard
128 cubic feet = 1 cord
24}i cubic feet = 1 perch.
A perch of masonry is 16^ feet long, IJ/^ feet thick, and 1 foot
high = 24^4 cubic feet.
Timber measured in bulk and not to be Computed in cubic
feet is reduced to board measure, that is, in terms of square
feet of surface by 1 inch in thickness.
MENSURATION
Circumference of circle = diameter X 3.1416.
Circumference of circle = radius X 6.2832.
Area of circle = radius2 X 3.1416.
Area of circle = diameter2 X .7854.
Area of circle = circumference^ X .0795)8.
Area of circle = Yi circumference X Vi diameter.
Radius of circle = circumference X .159155.
Diameter of circle = circumference X .31831.
Side of inscribed equilateral triangle = diameter of circle X .86.
Side of inscribed square = diameter of circle X .7071.
Side of inscribed square = circumference of circle X .225.
Side of equal square = circumference of circle X .282.
Side of equal square = diameter of circle X .8861.
Surface of sphere = circumference X diameter.
Surface of sphere = diameter^ X 3.1416.
Surface of sphere = circumference^ X .3183.
GENERAL INFORMATION 449
MENSURATION (Continued)
Volume of sphere = diameter^ X .5236.
Volume of sphere = radius^ X 4.1888.
Volume of sphere = circumference^ =z .016887.
Side of inscribed cube = radius of sphere X 1.1547.
Surface of cube = area of one side X 6.
Area of ellipse = both diameters X .7854.
Area of triangle = base X ^ altitude.
Volume of cone or pyramid = area of base X 1/3 altitude.
Area of parallelogram = base X altitude.
Area of trapezoid = altitude X 54 sum of parallel sides.
Area of trapezium = area of 2 constituent triangles.
Area of regular polygon = sum of its sides X perpendicular from its
center to one of its sides -r- 2.
Surface of cylinder or prism = areas of both ends plus (length X
circumferences).
Contents of cylinder or prism = area of end X length.
Surface of frustrum of cone or pyramid = sum of circumference of
both ends X Vi slant height 4- area -of both ends.
Contents of frustrum of cone or pyramid = multiply area of two ends
and get square root. Add the 2 areas and X 1/3 altitude.
Contents of a wedge = area of base X ^ altitude.
MEASURE OF SURFACE
A linear unit squared is a corresponding square unit in
determining the areas of surfaces. The side of the square
may be an inch, foot, yard or any other conventient unit.
SUPERFICIAL MEASURE
144 square inches = 1 square foot
9 square feet = 1 square yard
30^ square yards = 1 square rod
160 square rods = 1 acre
640 acres = 1 square mile
1 rood = 54 acre.
With the exception of the acre, the above units of super-
ficial square measure are derived from the corresponding units
of linear measure.
. A square inch is the area of a rectangle the side of which
is one inch.
A circular inch is the area of a circle one inch in diameter —
0.7854 square inch.
One square inch = 1.2732 circular inches.
One square foot = 144 square inches = 183.35 circular
inches.
Slate and other roofing is often reckoned by the square,
meaning 100 square feet of surface.
450 DEEP WELL DRILLING
MENSURATION (Concluded)
Plastering and painting are commonly reckoned by the
square yard.
SURVEYOR'S SQUARE MEASURE
625 square links = 1 square rod
16 square rods = 1 square chain
10,000 square links = 1 square chain
10 square chains = 1 acre
640 acres = 1 square mile
36 square miles = 1 township.
An acre is 208.71 feet square = 43,560 square feet. This is
the common unit of land measure.
The public lands of the United States are divided by north
and south meridianal lines crossed by others at right angles
forming Townships of six miles square.
Townships are sub-divided into Sections one mile square.
A section one mile square contains 640 acres. It is divided
into half-sections of 320 acres; quarter sections of 160 acres;
half-quarter sections of 80 acres, and quarter-quarter sections
of 40 acres.
Board Measure is used in measuring lumber. The unit is
1 square foot of surface by 1 inch in thickness, or 1/12 of a
cubic foot.
Unless otherwise stated, boards less than an inch thick are
reckoned as if they were of that thickness. Boards over an
inch thick are reduced to the inch standard; that is, for 1^-
inch boards add }/\. to the surface measure, for 1 j4-inch boards
add y2 to the surface measure, and so on for any thickness.
All sawed timber is measured by board measure.
1000 feet, board measure = 83.33 cubic feet.
THE METRIC SYSTEM
(Extract from tables of equivalents published by the Depart-
ment of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of Standards.)
(From National Tube Co. Book of Standards)
The fundamental unit of the metric system is the meter
(the unit of length).
From this the units of mass (gram) and capacity (liter)
are derived.
All other units are the decimal subdivisions or multiples of
GENERAL INFORMATION
451
THE METRIC SYSTEM (Continued)
these. These three units are simply related, so that for all
practical purposes the volume of one kilogram of water (one
liter) is equal to one cubic decimeter.
Prefixes Meaning Units
Milli- = one- thousandth 1/1000
Centi- = one hundredth 1/100
Deci- = one tenth 1/10
unit = one
Deka- = ten 10/1
Hecto- = one hundred 100/1
Kilo- = one thousand 1000/1 1000.
The metric terms are formed by combining the words
"Meter," "Gram" and "Liter" with the six numerical prefixes.
Length
,10 milli-meters (mm) =
10 centi-meters =
.01
.1
1.
10.
100.
Meter for length
Gram for mass
Liter for capacity
centi-meter (cm)
deci-meter (dm)
Meter (about 40 in.) (m)
deka-meter (dkm)
hecto-meter (hm)
kilo-meter (about 5^ mile)
(km).
centi-gram (eg)
deci-gram (dg)
gram (about IS grains) (g)
deka-gram (dkg)
hecto-gram (hg)
kilo-gram (about 2 lbs.) (kg).
Capacity
centi-liter (cl)
deci-liter (dl)
liter (about 1 quart) (1)
deka-liter (dkl)
hecto-liter (about a bbl.) (hi) *
kilo-liter (kl).
Equivalents
The square and cubic units are the squares and cubes of the
linear units.
The ordinary unit of land area is the Hectare (about 2J4
acres).
For ordinary mental comparison it is convenient to know
the approximate relations : e.g., 1 meter = 40 inches ; 3 deci-
meters = 1 foot ; 1 decimeter = 4 inches ; 1 liter = 1 liquid
quart; 1 kilogram = 2 1/5 pounds; 30 grams = 1 avoirdupois
ounce ; 1 metric ton = 1 gross ton.
10 deci-meters =
10 meters =
10 deka-meters =
10 hecto-meters =
Mass
10 milli-grams (mg) =
10 centi-grams =
10 deci-grams =
10 grams =
10 deka-grams =
10 hecto-grams =
10 milli-liters (ml)
10 centi-liters
10 deci-liters
10 liters
10 deka-liters
10 hecto-liters
452 DEEP WELL DRILLING
THE METRIC SYSTEM (Continued)
All lengths, areas and cubic measures in the following
tables are derived from the international meter, the legal
equivalent being 1 meter = 39.37 inches (law of July 28,
1866). In 1893 the United States Office of Standard Weights
and Measures was authorized to derive the yard from the
meter, using for the purpose the relation legalized in 1866,
1 yard equals 3600/3937 meter. The customary weights are
likewise referred to the kilogram. (Executive order approved
April 5, 1893.) This action fixed the values, inasmuch as the
reference standards are as perfect and unalterable as it is
possible for human skill to make them.
All capacities are based on the practical equivalent of 1
cubic decimeter equals 1 liter. The decimeter is equal to
3.937 inches in accordance with the legal equivalent of the
meter given above. The gallon referred to in the tables is
the United States gallon of 231 cubic inches. The bushel is
the United States bushel of 2150.42 cubic inches. These units
must not be confused with the British units of the same name,
which differ from those used in the United States. The
British gallon is approximately 20 per cent, larger, and the
British bushel 3 per cent, larger, than the corresponding units
used in this country.
The customary weights derived from the international kilo-
gram are based on the value 1 avoirdupois pound =
453.5924277 grams. This value is carried out farther than that
given in the law, but is in accord with the latter as far as it is
there given. The value of the troy pound is based upon the
relation just mentioned, and also the equivalent 5760/7000
avoirdupois pound equals 1 troy pound.
Length
Centimeter = 0.3937 inch.
Meter = 3.28 feet
Meter = 1.094 yards
Kilometer = 0.621 statute mile
Kilometer = 0.5396 nautical mile
Inch = 2.540 centimeters
Foot = 0.305 meter
Yard = 0.914 meter
Statute mile = 1.61 kilometers
Nautical mile = 1.853 kilometers
GENERAL INFORMATION
453
THE METRIC SYSTEM (Continued)
Square centimeter
Square meter
Square meter
Hectare
Square kilometer
Square inch
Square foot
Square yard
Acre
Square mile
Cubic centimeter
Cubic meter
Cubic meter
Cubic inch
Cubic foot
Cubic yard
Milliliter
Milliliter
Liter
Liter
Liter
Dekaliter
Hectoliter
U. S. liquid ounce
U. S. apothecaries' dram
U. S. liquid quart
U. S. dry quart
U. S. liauid gallon
U. S. peck
U. S. bushel
Area
= 0
= 10
= 2
= 0
= 6
= 0
= 0.
= 0.
= 2
Vohime
= 0
= 35
= 1.
= 16
= 0
= 0
Capacity
= 0.
= 0
= 1
= 0
= 0.
= 1
= 2
= 29
= 3.
= 0
= 1
= 3.
= 0.
= 0.
.155 square inch
176 square feet
.196 square yards
.47 acres
.386 square mile
45 square centimeters
1.0929 square meter
,836 square meter
405 hectare
.59 square kilometers
Weight
Gram =15.
Gram = 0.
Gram = 0.
Gram = 0,
Gram = 0
Kilogram = 2.
Kilogram = 2.
Metric ton = 0.
Metric ton = 1.
Grain = 0.
U.S. apothecaries' scruple = 1.
U. S. apothecaries' dram = 3
Avoirdupois ounce = 28
Troy ounce = 31,
Troy-pound = 0
Avoirdupois pound = 0,
Gross or long ton = 1.
Short or net ton = 0,
.0610 cubic inch
.3 cubic feet
,308 cubic yards
.39 cubic centimeters
0283 cubic meter
.765 cubic meter
0338 U. S. liquid ounce
.2705 U. S. apothecaries' dram
.057 U. S. liquid quarts
.2642 U. S. liquid gallon
908 U. S. dry quart
.135 U. S. pecks
.838 U. S. bushels
,57 milliliters
70 milliliters
.946 liter
.101 liter
785 liter
881 dekaliter
,3524 hectoliter
.43 grains
.772 U.S. apothecaries' scruple
2572 U. S. apothecaries' dram
.0353 avoirdupois ounce
.03215 troy ounce
205 avoirdupois pounds
679 troy pounds
.984 gross or long ton
102 short or net tons
,0648 gram
296 grams
.89 grams
35 grams
,10 grams
.373 kilogram
4536 kilogram
016 metric tons
.907 metric ton
454 DEEP WELL DRILLING
THE METRIC SYSTEM (Concluded)
CONVENIENT FACTORS FOR CONVERSION
To convert;
Grain lo Grammes, multiply by .065
Ounces to Grammes, multiply by 28.3S
Pounds to Grammes, multiply by 453.6
Pounds to Kilogrammes, by 45
Cwts. to Kilogrammes, m y 4S.3S
Tons lo Kilogramems, m y 906.3
Grammes to Grains, mull 15.4
Kilogrammes lo Ounces, multiply by 35J
Kilogrammes to Pounds, multiply by 2.2
Kilogrammes to Cwts,, multiply by 02
Kilogrammes to Tons, multiply by 001
Inches to Millimeters, multiply by 25.4
Inches to Centimeters, multiply by 2.54
Feet to Meters, multiply by 3048
Yards to Meters, multiply by 9144
Yards to Kilometers, multiply by 0009
Miles to Kilometers, multiply by 1.6
Millimeters to Inches, multiply by 04
Centimeters to Inches, multiply by .4
Meters to Feet, multiply by 3.3
Meters to Yards, multiply by 1.1
Kilometers to Yards, multiply by 1093.6
Kilometers to Miles, multiply by .62
1 Yard = 0,9144 Meter. 1 Square Meter = 1.196 Square Yards.
1 Liter = 1.760 Imperial Pints or 0.22 Imperial Gallons.
1 Liter = 2.113 U. S. Pints.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTORS
Inches X 0.08333 = feet.
Inches X 0.02778 = yards.
Inches X 0.00001578 = miles.
Square inches X 0.00695 = square feet.
Square inches X 0.0007716 = square yards.
Cubic inches X 0.00058 = cubic feet.
Cubic inches X 0.0000214 = cubic yards.
Cubic inches X 0.004329 — U. S. gallons.
Feet X 0.3334 = yards.
Feet X 0.00019 = miles.
Square feet X 144.00 = square inches.
Square feet X 0.1112 ^ square yards.
Cubic feet X 1728,00 = cubic inches.
Cubic feet X 0,03704 = cubic yards.
Cubic feet X 7.48 = U. S. gallons.
Yards X 36,000 = inches.
Yards X 3,000 = feet.
Yards X 0,0005681 = miles.
Square yards X 1296.000 ^ square inches.
Square yards X 9,000 = square feet.
Cubic yards X 466.=;6.000 = cubic inches.
Cubic yards X 27.000 = cubic feet.
GENERAL INFORMATION 455
MISCELLANEOUS FACTORS (Concluded)
Miles X 63360.000 = inches.
Miles X 5280.000 = feet.
Miles X 1760.00 = yards.
Avoir, oz. X 0.0625 = pounds.
Avoir, oz. X 0.00003125 = tons.
Avoir, lbs. X 16.000 = ounces.
Avoir, lbs. X 0.001 = hundredwt.
Avoir, lbs. X 0.0005 = tons.
Avoir, lbs. = 27.681 cubic in. water at 39.2° F.
Avoir, tons X 32000.00 = ounces.
Avoir, tons X 2000.00 =:: pounds.
Watts X 0.00134 = horsepower.
Horsepower X 746.00 = watts.
TO FIND THE CAPACITY OF A TANK IN GALLONS
First step (all measurements to be in inches) :
For rectangular tanks, multiply the length by the width,
by the depth.
For cylindrical tanks, multiply the depth by the square of
the diameter, by .7854.
For elliptical section tanks, multiply the length by the short
diameter, by the long diameter by .0339.
Second step.
Divide the result by 231, which is the number of cubic
inches in one gallon; the answer is the capacity of the tank
in gallons.
Example: To find capacity of round tank ten feet in depth and
eight feet in diameter: 10 feet = 120 inches, 8 feet ^ 96 inches,
120 X 962 X .7854 -^ 231 = 3,760 gallons.
A shorter rule — square the diameter in inches and multiply
by the length or h eighth in inches. Multiply by .0034 and the
result will be capacity in gallons.
GASOLINE OR OIL FIRE
Gasoline or oil fire is best extinguished with flour, sand or
earth in the order named ; water should not be used. If the
fire be confined in small space, ammonia will smother it.
Some users of gasoline find it well to hang a bottle con-
taining about a gallon of ammonia from the top of the tank
or room containing the gasoline or oil, by a string or fusible
link, so that if the gasoline takes fire the bottle will fall and
be broken, releasing the ammonia and promptly putting out
the burning gasoline or oil.— From Power and Transmission.
456
DEEP WELL DRILLING
EXTINGUISHING BURNING OIL OR GAS WELLS
Steam from a battery of boilers is usually effective. As
many as 25 boilers have been set up around one well before a
sufficient volume of steam could be directed against the fire to
extinguish it. Sometimes the steam is augmented with a
supply of mud fluid pumped with slush pumps. Large sheet
metal hoods have been successfully used to snuff out the blaze
when the pressure or volume of the gas or oil was not too
great. Dynamite was used with success after other usual
means failed to extinguish a large burning well in California.
The force of the explosion temporarily diverted the flow of
the well and snuffed out the fire.
WEIGHTS OF STEEL BARS
Round Bars
Square Bars
Round Bars
Square Bars
Thickness or
Weight
Weight •
rhickness or
Weight
Weight
Diameter,
per foot
per foot
Diameter,
per foot
per foot
Inches
Pounds
Pounds
Inches
Pounds
Pounds
%
0.042
0.053
m
9.39
11.95
3/16
0.094
0.119
2
10.68
13.60
54
0.167
0.212
2}i
12.06
15.35
5/16
0.261
0.333
2Va
13.52
17.22
H
0.375
0.478
2H
15.07
19.18
7/16
0.511
0.651
2V2
16.69
21.25
54
0.667
0.850
2H
18.40
23.43
9/16
0.845
1.08
2^
20.20
25.71
H
1.04
1.33
2%
22.07
28.10
11/16
1.26
1.61
3
24.03
30.60
Va
1.50
1.91
W
28.20
35.92
13/16
1.76
2.25
354
32.71
41.65
H
2.04
2.60
^Va
37.56
47.82
15/16
2.35
2.99
4
42.73
54.40
1
2.67
3.40
454
48.24
61.41
11/16
3.01
3.84
4^/4
54.07
68.85
1%
3.38
4.30
m
60.25
76.71
13/16
3.77
4.80
5
66.76
85
- IM
4.17
5.31
554
73.60
93.72
15/16
4.60
5.86
5/2
80.77
102.8
m
5.05
6.43
SVa
88.29
112.4
17/16
5.52
7.03
6
96.14
122.4
154
6.01
7.65
654
112.8
143.6
19/16
6.52
8.30
7
130.9
166.6
m
7.05
8.98
754
150.2
191.3
IVa
8.18
10.41
8
171
217.6
GENERAL INFORMATION 457
RULES FOR OBTAINING APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF IRON
For Round Bar. — Rule : Multiply the square of the diameter
in inches by the length in feet, and that product by 2.6. The
product will be the weight in pounds, nearly.
For Square and Flat Bars. — Rule: Multiply the area of
the end of the bar in inches by the length in feet, and that
by 3.32. The product will be the weight in pounds, nearly.
Wrought Iron, Usually Assumed. — A cubic foot = 480 lbs.
ELECTRICITY
(Extracts from "Essentials of. Electricity,'' by W. H. Timbie. John
Wiley & Sons, New York)
Electricity may be considered to flow as a current along a
conductor, as water flows through a pipe.
Electric current is measured in Amperes. The ampere is
the quantity of electricity passing through a conductor in
one second. Corresponds to volume of gas or quantity of
water.
The pressure which causes current to flow is measured in
Volts. Corresponds to pounds per square inch with water
or gas.
Resistance of the conductor to the current is measured in
Ohms, corresponds to friction of water flowing in pipe.
Ohms law : The current which an electric pressure forces
through a resistance equals the pressure divided by the
resistance, = Volts -~ Ohms.
Ohms law is used in three forms as follows :
Current or Amperes = Volts -f- Ohms.
Pressure or Volts = Amperes X Ohms.
Resistance or Ohms = Volts -f- Amperes.
When a pressure of 1 volt can force 1 ampere of current
through a wire, the resistance of the wire is 1 ohm. If 1 volt
can force only J4 an ampere through a wire, the resistance is
2 ohms.
Unit of Power is the Watt, and denotes the power used
when one volt causes one ampere of current to flow. Power
458 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ELECTRICITY
or watts equal amperes X volts. Example: If an electric
lamp takes 0.5 amperes when used on a 110-volt line, the
power consumed equals 0.5 X HO = 55 watts.
Kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. Electric power is measured
by the kilowatt hour; equals kilowatts X hours.
Current is measured by inserting a low resistance ammeter
into the line on the same principle as a water meter is used
to measure the volume of water flowing through a pipe.
Voltage is measured by tapping a high resistance volt-
meter across two points in the line, corresponding to the use
of a pressure gauge to register water pressure.
Power is measured by multiplying the ammeter reading
by the voltmeter reading, the result being power in watts.
Example: A generator delivers current of 5 amperes at
120 volts. In the circuit is a resistance of 10 volts, and a
motor which requires 110 volts.
The resistance consumes 10 volts X 5 amperes = 50 watts.
The motor consumes 110 volts X 5 amperes = 550 watts.
50 watts + 550 watts = 600 watts, the equivalent of 5
amperes at 120 volts.
Resistance of Wire. — A round wire 1/1000 inch in diameter
(called a mil) and 1 foot long is the unit round wire. Wires
of larger diameters contain as many unit wires as the square
of the number of mils or thousandths of their diameter, thus
a wire 1/100 or 10/1000 inch in diameter equals 10 X 10 =
100 mils.
Resistance in wire is reduced as the diameter of the wire
is increased. Total resistance of a length of wire equals the
resistance of one foot multiplied by the length. The unit of
resistance for copper wire, 1 mil (1/1000 inch) in diameter
and 1 foot long is usually taken at 10.4 ohms. To find the
resistance of 1 foot of copper wire 5/1000 inch in diameter
5 X 5 = 25 circular mils diameter. The resistance of 1 foot
of 5-mil wire would be 10.4 -— 25 = 0.416 ohfns. The resist-
ance of 1,000 feet of 5-mil wire would be 1000 X 0.416 = 416
ohms.
GENERAL INFORxMATION
459
ELECTRICITY
Table of Resistance and oi Allowable Carrsfing Capacities of
Soft Copper Wire
' Capacity
Ohms Capacity
Ohms per with
per with Rub-
B.ftS.
Diameter
1,000
Rubber In-
B.ftS.
Diameter
1,000 ber In-
Gaiiire
in
Feet at
sulation
Gauge
in
Feet at sulation.
No.
Mils
68»F.
Amperes*
No.
Mils
68° F. Amperes*
9
114.43
0.7908
30
15
57.068
3.179 11
10
101.89
0.9972
25
16
50.820
4.009 6
11
90.742
1.257
23
17
45.257
5.055 454
12
80.808
1.586
20
18
40.303
6.374 3
13
71.961
1.999
18
19
35.890
8.038
14
64.084
2.521
IS
20
31.961
10.14
Generator. — A machine driven by mechanical power for
generating electric power.
Motor. — A machine driven by electric power for delivering
mechanical power.
1 kilowatt =11/3 horsepower.
1 horsepower = J^ kilowatt.
Batteries are of two kinds, wet and dry.
A wet cell consists of a negative plate of zinc, a positive
plate of carbon and wood spacers, immersed in a solution of
sat-ammoniac, contained in a vulcanite jar. Volts about l.S;
internal resistance 1 to 4 ohms.
A dry cell consists of a positive plate of carbon surrounded
by paste containing sal-ammoniac solution, contained in a
zinc jar which forms the negative plate. Volts about 1.5;
internal resistance less than 0.1 ohm.
The foregoing touches only the rudiments of electricity. A
very good book of reference and instruction for practical use
is "Essentials of Electricity," by W. H. Timbie.
Few electrical devices are used in well drilling practice.
Chief of these is the steam turbine generator for lighting the
derrick. The Moon Manufacturing Company furnishes the
following directions for the care and operation of the Moon
turbine generator:
* Carrying capacities of wire with other than rubber insulation are about
one-third greater than shown in table.
The resistance of iron wire is about seven times greater than copper.
460 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ELECTRICITY
CARE AND OPERATION OF MOON TURBINE GENERATORS
All electrical machinery should be kept clean, as oil and
dirt have a tendency to break down insulation and cause
trouble.
Commutator should be kept clean by wiping it off with a
clean dry cloth. If very dirty, the cloth may be dampened
slightly with oil and applied when the machine is running,
afterwards commutator must be wiped off with a clean dry
cloth, not waste, as particles of the waste may catch and
wind around the shaft, or may be drawn in between armature
and pole pieces and cause trouble.
If the commutator has become very rough and it is neces-
sary to smooth it, this can be done by using a strip of fine
sandpaper (not emery paper), cut the width of the commu-
tator. Remove brushes and while machine is running, hold
sandpaper down at each end but do not press it down against
the commutator with fingers, as this will have a tendency to
increase any low spots there may be in the commutator.
After the commutator has been thoroughly cleaned, wipe out
brush holders and reapply brushes.
The commutator is in its best condition when it is smooth
and has acquired a dark chocolate color.
The two dynamo brushes, located opposite one another,
should be sandpapered to fit the curvature of the commu-
tator, and should be wiped off, and kept free from oil.
The tension of brush springs should be kept tight enough
to insure the brushes making firm contact with the commu-
tator.
Outfit required for wiring a derrick for electric lights :
1 Steam Turbine Generator.
500 feet No. 14 Triple Braid Wire.
30 No. S]/2 Porcelain Split Knobs with Screws.
12 Weatherproof Sockets.
12 Lamp Guards.
10 40 Watt Lamps.
2 60 Watt Lamps.
1 No. 4014 Double Pole Knife Switch with two Fuses.
54 Pound Friction Tape.
GENERAL INFORMATION 461
ELECTRICITY
DIRECTIONS FOR WIRING
Mount the generator in the engine house and connect with
steam supply. Connect wires to positive and negative ter-
minals and run wires up wall and connect switch at con-
venient place. Carry wires out over walk and into derrick
and round the four sides of derrick at the first girt. Extend
wires up in one corner of derrick to crown block. Connect
lamps to line as follows : one in engine house, one over walk,
four to eight strung around first girt to light the derrick, one
on crown block and one about halfway up in derrick. Solder
all wire connections and then carefully tape them. If impos-
sible to solder use extra care in taping. For supporting wires
use the porcelain split knobs.
SIMPLE RULES TO FIND POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE WIRES
IN A GENERATOR
(1) Cut a potato in half and apply half to the two wires
about one-half inch apart. Start generator and in a few
minutes the potato will turn green round the positive wire
and it will bubble round the negative wire.
(2) Immerse the two wires in a salt solution : the negative
wire wnll cause bubbles.
LUBRICATION OF A DRILLING OUTFIT
The following lubricants are usually used:
Engine, cylinder: Cylinder Oil, Tallow.
Engine, bearings and working
parts: Engine Oil, Cup Grease.
Note: The drilling engine is usually equipped with a two-quart
sight feed lubricator in which cylinder oil should be used. For the
old style lubricator or tallow cup, tallow will answer.
Boiler Feed Pump: Cylinder Oil.
Gasoline Engine for pumping
water: Gas Engine Oil.
Star Blower: Engine Oil.
Turbine Generator: Cylinder or Valve Oil.
Jack Post Boxes: Heavy Grease known as Jack Post
Grease.
462 DEEP WELL DRILLING
LUBRICATION OF A DRILLING OUTFIT (Concluded)
Crown Block and Pulleys: Engine Oil.
Walking Beam Center Irons: Engine Oil.
Calf Wheel and Bull Wheel
Gudgeons: Jack Post Grease.
Sand Reel: Engine Oil.
Wire Drilling Cables, Sand
Lines and Casing Lines: Light Graphite Grease.
Note: Some wire rope manufacturers supply a special lubricant
for this purpose.
ROTARY OUTFIT
Rotary Draw Works — Sprockets
and Chain: Graphite Grease.
Shafts, etc.: Cup Grease, Engine Oil.
Swivel: Engine Oil.
Tool Joints: Compound of White Lead and
Tallow.
LUBRICANTS FOR ROTARY TOOL JOINTS AND FOR
CASING THREADS *
The following formulas for lubricants were supplied by
E. S. Durward, of the Shell Oil Co., Coalinga, California.
Formula for lubricant for rotary tool joints:
Per Cent.
Tallow 33.4
White lead ground in oil 23.2
Graphite 2.9
Cylinder oil 40.5
Melt tallow, add white lead, mixing well. Then add oil, stirring
continually. Then add graphite and mix all together.
Formula for lubricant for casing threads :
Tallow Pounds 200
White lead ground in oil Pounds 300
Graphite Pounds 24
Lard oil Gallons 30
Mix lead with some oil, then melt the tallow. Finally mix every-
thing together and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.
• Bureau of Mines Bulletin 182, by Thomas Curtin.
CHAPTER XVI
STATE LAWS RELATING TO DRILLING, ABAN-
DONING AND PLUGGING OIL AND GAS
WELLS AND TO OIL AND GAS
ARKANSAS LAWS
An Act to Conserve Natural Gas Resources of the State of
Arkansas
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Arkansas :
Be it enacted by the people of the State of Arkansas :
Section 1. In order to determine the open flow volume of
gas produced by any well, it shall be the duty of the State
Gas Inspector or his duly authorized deputy to test all wells
producing gas in the State of Arkansas, from which gas is
being used or marketed, between the 1st day of December
and the 1st day of January in each year, and as often there-
after as in his judgment it may be necessary — for the purpose
of determining the open flow volume and rock pressure of
said wells. The State Oil and Gas Inspector shall be paid a
fee of $25.00 a day and his actual expenses by the person,
firm or corporation whose wells are tested by him or his
deputy under the provisions of this Section.
Section 2. In determining the open flow volume and rock
pressure of said well, said Gas Inspector shall first close the
well for a period of five minutes, and then take a test, to deter-
mine its closed-in pressure. He shall then immediately open
said well and flow it for five minutes, and then take a test of
its open flow volume, with approved instruments and devices
in use for that purpose.
Section 3. Immediately after the said tests are made, the
Gas Inspector shall furnish the person, firm or corporation
owning or operating said well or wells with a copy of the
463
464 DEEP WELL DRILLING
tests made by him, showing the amount of gas which said
owner or operator niay take from each of said wells daily, and
shall file his report of said tests with the county clerk of the
County in which said well or wells are situated, showing the
closed-in rock pressure and open flow volume, size of the
tubing with which said well or wells are closed in, and the
condition of the well or wells at the time the test was made ;
said report to be verified by said Gas Inspector and preserved
by the County Clerk in the County records.
Section 4. Before making said tests, the Gas Inspector
shall give five days notice in writing to the person, firm or
corporation owning, operating or controlling said gas well
or wells, of the time when said tests will be made, and the per-
son, firm or corporation owning, operating or controlling said
well or wells, or any other person interested therein, shall have
the right to be present when said test is being made, and
shall afford to said Gas Inspector every means and facility
possible for the purpose of making an accurate test of said
well or wells, as provided in this Act.
Section 5. If, in the judgment of the Gas Inspector, it shall
be deemed advisable or necessary to test said wells oftener
than set out in Section 1, he shall have the right to do so,
and for the purpose of making said tests and determining
the amount of gas taken therefrom, he shall have access to
all wells and to all well records, and all companies, con-
tractors, drillers, lessees or owners of the land upon which
said well or wells are located shall permit said Gas Inspector
or his deputy to come upon any lease or property owned or
controlled by them, and to inspect any and all wells and the
records of said wells, and to have access at all times to all
wells and to any and all records of said wells used, owned or
operated by any person, firm or corporation or the lessees or
owners of the land upon which said wells are located.
Section 6. Uniform rules of procedure must be followed
by said Gas Inspector in making the tests hereinabove set
out, so that all wells tested by him under this Act sha.ll be
ARKANSAS LAWS 465
upon the same basis and under like conditions, to the end that
all wells shall show accurately their rock pressure a^d volume
as closed in at the time said tests are made, and shall be
tested under similar conditions.
Section 7. In addition to the annual test provided for in
Section 1, it shall be the duty of the Gas Inspector, within
ten days after the gas from any well is being used or mar-
keted, to make a test of said well as provided for in Section 2,
and to make out and file his report of said test with the
County Clerk of the county in which said well is located, as
provided in said Section 2.
Section 8. When the gas from any well is being used, the
flow of production thereof shall be restrained to twenty per
cent, of the potential capacity of said well ; that is to say, in
any day of twenty-four hours, the well shall not be permitted
to flow or produce more than twenty per cent, of the open
flow capacity of* said well, as shown by the last test of said
well made by the Gas Inspector.
Provided that whenever the rock pressure of any well, when
tested as provided in Section 2, is reduced to one hundred
pounds, by putting gas into the pipe line under its own voli-
tion or pressure, the provisions of this section shall not apply.
Section 9. All gas produced from gas wells drilled in this
State, when sold or used from said well, shall be accurately
metered through proper devices, in order to determine the
amount of gas taken from said well, which said meters shall
be read at least once in every forty-eight hours, for the pur-
pose of determining the amount of gas taken from each well,
and such meter readings shall be subject to the examination
of the Gas Inspector or any other person interested, for the
purpose of determining whether or not the amount of gas
being taken from said well is in excess of twenty per cent
of the daily open flow of the well as shown by the last test
made of said well by the Gas Inspector, provided that when
the rock pressure of any well falls below one hundred, this
Section shall not apply.
466 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Section 10. All oil or gas sands, even though unproductive
of oil or gas in the well being drilled, if known to produce
oil or gas in any field, shall be protected by mudding off such
known oil or gas sand by the use of mud-laden fluid, or any
other effective method, in the discretion of the Gas Inspector.
Section 11. Whenever a packer or tubing used to shut in
the gas in any well does not effectively shut off the oil, gas
or water in the strata in which they occurred, said well shall
be filled outside of the tubing from the packer to the next
producing sand with mud-laden fluid of a maximum density
of at least twenty-five per cent and the well shall be equipped
with what is commonly known as a Braden Head or any
other device that will prevent the escape of gas provided that
if the next producing sand is not profitable, then it may be
filled as above provided to the top, at the discretion of the
Gas Inspector.
Section 12. Before any person, corporation ' or contractor
shall commence to drill a well for gas or oil, a separate slush-
pit or slump-hole shall be constructed by the owner, operator
or contractor, for the reception of all pumpings or sand-bal-
ings taken from the well, in order to have the same on hand
for the purpose of making mud-laden fluid to be used as
provided in Sections 10 and 11.
Section 13. Any person, firm or corporation violating any
of the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 or 11 of this Act shall
be subject to a penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars
nor more than One Thousand Dollars for the first conviction,
for violating the provisions of said sections, and for the second
conviction, to a penalty of not less than Two Hundred Dollars,
nor more than One Thousand Dollars, and for the third
conviction, to a penalty of not less than Five Hundred
Dollars or imprisonment in the County Jail for not less
than thirty days, or both such penalty and imprisonment.
The penalties provided for herein, to be recovered in an
action therefor, brought by the Prosecuting Attorney in the
name of the State, together with a reasonable attorney's fee
ARKANSAS LAWS 467
for the Prosecuting Attorney to be fixed by the Court, and
recovered in the same manner and in the same action.
The proceeds of penalties collected shall be turned in to the
General Road fund of the county wherein occurred, to be used
on the roads, bridges and highways of said County, in the
discretion of the County Court, and the attorney's fee shall
be paid over to such prosecuting attorney.
Section 14. This Act being necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take
effect and be in force and effect from and after its passage.
Approved: February 18, 1921.
*
CALIFORNIA LAWS
California laws relating to the protection of natural . re-
sources of petroleum and natural gas flow :
AN ACT Establishing and creating a department of the State
mining bureau for the protection of the natural resources
of petroleum and gas from waste and destruction
through improper operations in production ; providing for
the appointment of a State oil and gas supervisor, pre-
scribing his duties and power, fixing his compensation;
providing for the appointment of deputies and employees,
providing for their duties and compensation; providing
for the inspection of petroleum and gas wells; requiring
all persons operating petroleum and gas wells to make
certain reports ; providing procedure for arbitration of
department rulings; creating a fund for the purposes of
the act; providing for assessment of charges to be paid
by operators and providing for the collection thereof; and
making an appropriation for the purposes of this act.
[Approved June 10, 1915. Amended 1917. Chapter 759.]
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
Establishment of Department — Appointment of Supervisor.
Section 1. A separate department of the State mining
bureau is hereby established and created to be known as the
department of petroleum and gas. Such department shall be
under the general jurisdiction of the State mineralogist. He
468 DEEP WELL DRILLING
shall appoint a supervisor who shall be a competent engineer
or geologist, experienced in the development and production
of petroleum, and who shall be designated the "State oil and
gas supervisor," and whose term of office shall be four years
from and after the date of his appointment.
Duties of Supervisor.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the State oil and gas super-
visor so to supervise the drilling, operation, and maintenance
and abandonment of petroleum or gas wells in the State of
California as to prevent, as far- as possible, damage to under-
ground petroleum and gas deposits from infiltrating water and
other causes and loss of petroleum and natural gas.
Orders by Supervisor — Agents of Operators.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the supervisor to order such
test or remedial work as in liis judgment are necessary to
protect the petroleum and gas deposits from damage by under-
ground water, to the best interests of the neighboring prop-
erty owners and the public at large.
The order shall be in written form, signed by the super-
visor, and shall be served upon the owner of the well, or the
local agent appointed by such owner, either personally or by
mailing a copy of said order to the post-office address given
at the time the local agent is designated, or if no such local
agent has been designated, by mailing a copy of said order to
the last known post-office address of said owner, or if the
owner be unknown by posting a copy of said order in a
conspicuous place upon the property, and publishing the same
in some newspaper of general circulation throughout the
countv in which said well is located, once a week for two
successive weeks.
Said order shall specify the condition sought to be remedied
and the work necessary to protect such deposits from damage
from underground waters. For this purpose each operator or
owner shall designate an agent, giving his post-office address,
who resides within the county where the well or wells are
located, upon whom all orders and notices provided for in this
act may be served.
CALIFORNIA LAWS 469
Rejection of Supervisor's Orders, and Appeal.
Sec. 9. The well owner or his local agent may within ten
days from the date of service of any order from the super-
visor, file with the supervisor or his deputy in the district
where the property is located, a statement that the super-
visor's order is not acceptable and that appeal from said order
is taken to the board of commissioners. Such appeal shall
operate as a stay of any order issued under or pursuant to
the provisions of this act.
Complaint, Investigation, and Order.
Sec. 11. Upon receipt by the supervisor or deputy super-
visor of a written complaint specifically setting forth the con-
dition complained against, signed by a person, firm, corpora-
tion, or association owning land or operating wells within a
radius of 1 mile of any well or group of wells complained
against, or upon the written complaint specifically setting
forth the condition complained against, signed by any one
of the board of commissioners for the district in which said
well or group of wells complained against is situated, the
supervisor must make an investigation of said well or wells
and render a written report, stating the work required to
repair the damage complained of or stating that no work is
required. A copy of said order must be delivered to the com-
plainant, or if more than one each of said complainants, and
if the supervisor order the damage repaired a copy of such
order shall be delivered to each of the owners, operators, or
agents having in charge the well or wells upon which the work
is to be done. Said order shall contain a statement of the
conditions sought to be remedied or repaired and a statement
of the work required by the supervisor to repair such condi-
tion. Service of such copies shall be made by mailing to such
persons at the post-office address given.
Testimony.
Sec. 12. In any proceeding before the board of commis-
sioners as herein provided, or in any other proceeding or pro-
ceedings instituted by the supervisor for the purpose of
470 DEEP WELL DRILLING
enforcing or carrying out the provisions of this act, or for
the purpose of holding an investigation to ascertain the con-
dition of any well or wells complained of, or which in the
opinion of the supervisor may reasonably be presumed to be
improperly drilled, operated, maintained, or conducted, the
supervisor and the chairman of the board of commissioners
<?hall have the power to administer oaths and may apply to a
judge of the superior court of the State of California in and
for the county in which said proceedings or investigation is
pending for a subpoena for witnesses to attend at said pro-
ceeding or investigation. Upon said application of said
supervisor or said chairman of said board of commissioners
said judge of said superior court must issue a subpoena direct-
ing said witness to attend said proceeding or investigation:
Provided, however, That no person shall be required to attend
such proceeding, either with or without such books, papers,
documents, or accounts unless residing within the same
county or within thirty miles of the place of attendance. But
the supervisor or the chairman of the board of commissioners
may in such case cause the deposition of witnesses residing
within or without the State to be taken in the manner pre-
scribed by law for like deposition in civil actions in superior
courts of this State, and to that end may, upon application
to a judge of the superior court of the county within which
said proceeding or investigation is pending, obtain a subpoena
compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of
books, papers, and documents at such places as he may desig-
nate within the limits hereinbefore prescribed. Witnesses
shall be entitled to receive the fees and mileage fixed by
law in civil causes payable from the fund hereinafter created.
In case of failure or neglect on the part of any person to
comply with any order of the supervisor as hereinbefore pro-
vided, or any subpoena, or upon the refusal of any witness to
testify to any matter regarding which he may lawfully be
interrogated, or upon refusal or neglect to appear and attend
at any proceeding or hearing on the day specified, after having
CALIFORNIA LAWS 471
received a written notice of not less than ten days prior to
such proceeding or hearing, or upon his failure, refusal, or
neglect to produce books, papers, or documents as demanded
in said order or subpoena upon such day, such failure, rfefusal,
or neglect shall constitute a misdemeanor, and each day's
further failure, refusal, or neglect shall be and be deemed to
be a separate and distinct offense, and it is hereby made the
duty of the district attorney of the county in which said
proceeding, hearing, or investigation is to be held, to prose-
cute all persons guilty of violating this section by continuous
prosecution until such person appears or attends or produces
such books, papers, or documents or complies with said sub-
poena or order of the supervisor or chairman of the board of
commissioners.
Final Decision, and Order by Commissioners.
Sec. 13. Within ten days after hearing the evidence the
board of commissioners must make a written decision with
respect to the order appealed from, and in case the same is
affirmed or modified, shall retain jurisdiction thereof until
such time as the work ordered to be done by such order
shall be finally completed. This written decision shall be
served upon the owner or his agent and shall supersede the
previous order of the supervisor. In case no written decision
be made by said board of commissioners within thirty days
after the date of notice by the supervisor as provided in
section ten hereof the order of the supervisor shall be effective
and subject only to review by writ of certiorari from the
superior court as provided in section fourteen hereof.
Repair of Wells by Supervisor — Review by Superior Court.
Sec. 14. On or before thirty days after the date of serving
an order of the supervisor, provided for in section eight hereof,
or in case of appeal to the board of commissioners on or
before thirty days after date of serving the decision of the
board, as provided in sections twelve and thirteen hereof,
or in the event review be taken of the order of the board of
commissioners within ten days after affirmance of such order.
472 DEEP WELL DRILLING
the owner shall commence in good faith the work ordered and
continue until completion. If (the work has not been so
commenced and continued to completion, the supervisor shall
appoint agents as he deems necessary who shall enter the
premises and perform the work. Accurate account of such
expenditures shall be kept and the amount paid from the
fund hereinafter created upon the warrant of the State con-
troller. Any amount so expended shall constitute a lien
against the property upon which the work is done. The
decision of the board of commissioners in such case may be
reviewed by writ of certiorari from the superior court of the
county in which the district is situated if taken within ten
days after the service of the order upon said owner, operator,
or agent of said owner or operator as herein provided, or
within ten days after decision by the board of commissioners
upon petitions by the supervisor. Such writ shall be made
returnable not later than ten days after the issuance thereof
and shall direct the district board of oil and gas commission-
ers to certify their record in the cause to such court. On the
return day the cause shall be heard by the court unless for
good cause the same be continued, but no continuance shall
be permitted for a longer period than thirty days. No new
or additional evidence shall be introduced in the court before
the cause shall be heard upon the record of the district board
of oil and gas commissioners. The review shall not be
extended further than to determine whether or not
1. The commission acted without or in excess of its juris-
diction.
2. The order, decision, or award was procured by fraud.
3. The order, decision, rule, or regulation is unreasonable.
4. The order, decision, regulation, or award is clearly un-
supported by the evidence.
If no review be taken within ten days, or if taken in case
the decision of the board is affirmed, the lien upon the prop-
erty shall be enforced in the same manner as the other liens
on real property are enforced, and shall first be enforced
CALIFORNIA LAWS 473
against the owner of the well, against the operator and
against the personal property and fixtures used in the con-
struction or operation thereof, and then if there be any de-
ficiency against the land upon which the work is done, upon
the request of the super\dsor, the State controller must in the
manner provided in section forty-four of this act, bring an
action for the enforcement of said lien.
Casing — ^Water Shut-o£F.
Sec. 15. It shall be the duty of the owner of any well now
drilled, or that may .be drilled in the State of California, on
lands producing or reasonably presumed to contain petroleum
or gBS, to properly case such well or wells with metal casing,
in accordance with methods approved by the supervisor, and
to use every effort and endeavor in accordance with the most
approved methods to effectually shut off all water overlying
or underlying the oil or gas-bearing strata, and tp effectually
prevent any water from penetrating such oil or gas-bearing
strata.
Whenever it appears to the supervisor that any water is
penetrating oil or gas-bearing strata, he may order a test of
water shut-off and designate a day upon which the same
shall be held. Said order shall be in written form and served
upon the owner of said well at least ten days prior to the
day designated in said order as the day upon which said
shut-off test shall be held. Upon the receipt of such order
it shall be the duty of the owner to hold said test in the
manner and at the time prescribed in said order.
Abaoidonment of Well.
Sec. 16. It shall be the duty of the owner of any well
referred tp in this act, before abandoning the same, or before
removing the rig, derrick, or other operating structure there-
from, or removing any portion of the casing therefrom, to
use every effort and endeavor in accordance with methods
approved by the supervisor, to shut off and exclude all water
from entering oil-bearing strata encountered in the well.
Before any well is abandoned the owner shall give written
474 DEEP WELL DRILLING
notice to the supervisor, or his local deputy, of his intention
to abandon such well and of his intention to remove the
derrick or any portion of the casing from such well and the
date upon which such work of abandonment or removal shall
begin. The notice shall be given to the supervisor, or his local
deputy, at least five days before such proposed abandonment
or removal. The owner shall furnish the supervisor, or his
deputy, with such information as he may request showing the
condition of the well and proposed method of abandonment or
removal. The supervisor, or his deputy, shall, before the pro-
posed date of abandonment or removal, furnish the owner
with a written order of approval of his proposal or a written
order stating what work will be necessary before approval, to
abandon or remove will be given. If the supervisor shall fail
within the specified time to give the owner a written order
such failure shall be considered as an approval of the owner's
proposal to abandon the well, or to remove the rig or casing
therefrom.
Commencement of Drilling.
Sec. 17. The owner or operator of any well referred to in
this act shall, before commencing the work of drilling an
oil or gas well, file with the supervisor, or his local deputy,
a written notice of intention to commence drilling. Such
notice shall also contain the following information: (1) State-
ment of location and elevation above sea level of the floor
of the proposed derrick and drill rig; (2) the number or other
designation by which such well shall be known, which num-
ber or designation shall not be changed after filing the notice
provided for in this section, without the written consent of
the supervisor being obtained therefor; (3) the owner's or
operator's estimate of the depth of the point at which water
will be shut off, together with the method by which such
shut-off is intended to be made and the size and weight of
casing to be used; (4) the owner's or operator's estimate of
the depth at which oil or gas-producing sand or formation
will be encountered.
CALIFORNIA LAWS 475
After the completion of any well the provisions of this
section shall also apply, as far as may be, to the deepening
or redrilling of any well, or any operation involving the
plugging of any well or any operations permanently altering
in any manner the casing of any well : And provided further.
That the number or designation by which any well heretofore
drilled has been known, shall not be changed without first
obtaining a written consent of the supervisor.
Log of Well— Prospect Well.
Sec. 18. It shall be the duty of the owner or operator of
any well referred to in this act to keep a careful and accurate
log of the drilling of such well, such log to show the character
and depth of the formation passed through or encountered
in the drilling of such well, and particularly to show the
location and depth of the water-bearing strata, together with
the character of the water encountered from time to time
(so far as ascertained) and to show at what point such water
was shut off, if at all, and if not, to so state in such log, and
show completely the amounts, kinds, and size of casing used,
and show the depth at which oil-bearing strata are encoun-
tered, the depth and character of same, and whether all water
overlying and underlying such oil-bearing strata* was success-
fully and permanently shut off so as to prevent the percola-
tion or penetration into such oil-bearing strata; such log
shall be kept in the local office of the owner or operator, and
together with the tour reports of said owner or operator,
shall be subject, during business hours, to the inspection of
the supervisor, or any of his deputies, or any of the com-
missioners of the district, except in the Case of a prospect
well as hereinafter defined. Upon the completion of any
well, or upon the suspension of operations upon any well,
for a period of six months if it be a prospect well, or for thirty
days, if it be in proven territory, a copy of said log in dupli-
cate, and in such form as the supervisor may direct, shall be
filed within ten days after such completion, or after the
expiration of said thirty-day period, with the field supervisor,
476 DEEP WELL DRILLING
•
and a like copy shall be filed upon the completion of any
additional work in the deepening of any such well.
The State oil and gas supervisor shall determine and
designate what wells are prospect wells within the meaning
of this act and no reports shall be required from such prospect
wells until six months after the completion thereof.
The owner or operator of any well drilled previous to the
enactment of this act shall furnish to the supervisor or his
deputy a complete and correct log in duplicate and in such a
form as the supervisor may direct, or his deputy, of such well,
so far as may be possible, together with a statement of the
present condition of said well.
Test of Shut-off.
Sec. 19. It shall be the duty of the owner or operator of
any well referred to in this act to notify the deputy super-
visor of the time at which the owner or operator shall test
the shut-off of water in any such well. Such notice shall
be given at least five days before such test. The deputy
supervisor or an inspector designated by the supervisor shall
be present at such test and shall render a report in writing
of the result thereof to the supervisor, a duplicate of which
shall be delivered to the owner. If any test shall be unsatis-
factory to th'e supervisor he shall so notify the owner or
operator in said report and shall, within five days after the
completion of such test, order additional tests of such work
as he deems necessary to properly shut off the water in such
well and in. such order shall designate a day upon which
the owner or operator shall again test the shut-off of water
in any such well, which day may, upon the application of
the owner, be changed from time to time in the discretion of
the deputy supervisor.
Sections 20 to 53 inclusive of the California laws relating
to oil and gas wells cover the production reports required by
the State, charges and assessments on production, annual
reports of producing well owners, penalties, etc., with refer-
ence to the production of oil and gas and which are omitted
here.
CALIFORNIA LAWS "^ 477
TO PREVENT WASTING OP NATURAL GAS
AN ACT Prohibiting the unnecessary wasting of natural gas
into the atmosphere ; providing for the capping or other;
wise closing of wells from which natural gas flows ; and
providing penalties for violating the provisions of this act.
[Approved March 25, 1911]
The people of the State of California, represented in senate
and assembly, do enact as follows :
Section 1. All persons, firms, corporations,- and associa-
tions are hereby prohibited from willfully permitting any
natural gas wastefuUy to escape into the atmosphere.
Sec. 2. All persons, firms, corporations, or associations dig-
ging, drilling, excavating, constructing, or owning or con-
trolling any well from which natural gas flows shall upon the
abandonment of such well, cap or otherwise close the mouth
of or entrance to the same in such a manner as to prevent
the unnecessary or wasteful escape into the atmosphere of
such natural gas. And no person, firm, corporation, or asso-
ciation owning or controlling land in which such well or
wells are situated shall willfully permit natural gas flowing
from such well or wellS wastefully or unnecessarily to escape
into the atmosphere.
Sec. 3. Any person, firm, corporation, or association who
shall willfully violate any of the provisions of this act shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction
thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000
or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one
year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 4. For the purposes of this act each day during which
natural gas shall be willfully allowed wastefully or uneces-
sarily to escape into the atmosphere shall be deemed a sepa-
rate and distinct violation of this act.
Sec. 5. All acts or parts of acts in conflict herewith arc
hereby repealed.
Sec. 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
478 DEEP WELL DRILLING
LOUISIANA LAWS
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rules, Regulations and Requirements Governing the
Conservation of Natural Gas and Crude
Oil or Petroleum
9
Rule 1. — Waste Prohibited. — Natural gas and crude oil or
petroleum shall not be produced in the State of Louisiana in
such manner and under such conditions as to constitute waste.
Rule 2. — Waste Defined — ^Protection. — The term "waste" as
used herein, in addition to its ordinary meaning, shall include
economic waste, underground waste, surface waste, and waste
incident to the production of crude oil or petroleum in excess
of transportation, storage, or marketing facilities.
Rule 3. — Gas to Be Confined — Strata to Be Protected.—
Whenever natural gas in commercial quantities, or a gas bear-
ing stratum known to contain natural gas in such quantities
is encountered in any well drilled for oil or gas in this State,
such gas shall be confined to its original stratum until such
time as the same can be produced and utilized without waste,
and all such strata shall be adequately protected from infil-
trating waters.
Rule 4. — Approved Methods of Preventing Waste to Be
Used. — All operators, contractors, or drillers, pipe line com-
panies, gas distributing companies, or individuals, drilling
for or producing crude oil or natural gas, or piping oil or gas
for any purpose, shall use every possible precaution in accord-
ance with the most approved methods, to stop and prevent
waste of oil or gas, or both, in drilling and producing opera-
tions, storage, or piping or distributing, and shall not waste-
fully utilize oil or gas, or allow same to leak or escape from
natural reservoirs, wells, tanks, containers or pipes.
Rule 5. — Notice of Intention to Drill, Deepen, Pull, Plug,
or Abandon. — Written notice to drill, deepen, pull or plug a
LOUISIANA LAWS 479
well or wells shall be given to the Department of Conserva-
tion, made out on such blank or forms as provided or desig-
nated by the Department of Conservation for that purpose.
Rule 6. — A Complete and Accurate Log of Each Well
Drilled or Deepened Required. — Oil and gas operators in
Louisiana shall keep an accurate and complete log of each
and every well they drill or deepen, and furnish the Depart-
ment of Conservation with two typewritten copies of same,
not later than ten days after the completion of any and all
such work.
Rule 7. — Plugging Dry and Abandoned Wells. — All dry or
abandoned wells must be plugged by confining all oil, gas or
water in the strata in which .they occur by the use of mud-
laden fluid, and in addition to mud-laden fluid, cement and
plugs may be used. These wells must first be thoroughly
cleaned out to the bottom of the hole and before the casing
is removed from the hole, the hole must be filled from the
bottorn to the top with mud-laden fluid of maximum density
and 'which shall weigh at least 25 per cent, more than an
equal volume of water,, unless the Diepartment of Conservation
directs that some other method shall be used.
Rule 8.— Proper* Anchorage to Be Laid. — Before ariy well
is begun in any field where it is not known that high pressure
does not exist, proper anchorage shall be laid, so that the con-
trol casing-head may be used on the two outer strings of
casing ^t all times, and this type of casing-head shall be kept
in constant use unless it is known from previous experience
and operations on wells adjacent to the one being drilled
that high pressure does not exist or will not be encountered
therein.
Rule 9. — Equipment for Conserving Natural Gas to Be
Provided Before "Drilling in." — In all proven or well defined
gas fields, or where it can be reasonably expected that gas in
commercial quantities will be encountered, adequate prepara-
tion shall be made for the conservation of gas before "drilling
in" any well; and the gas sands shall not be penetrated until
480 DEEP WELL DRILLING
equipment (including mud pumps, lubricators, etc.) for
"mudding in" all gas strata or sands, shall have been pro-
vided. .
Rule 10.— Separate Slush Pit to Be Provided.— Before
commencing to drill a well, a separate slush pit or sump hole
shall be constructed by the owner, operator, or contractor,
for the reception of all pumpings from clay or soft shale
formations in order to have the same on hand for the making
of mud-laden fluid.
Rule 11.— Wells Not to Be Permitted to Produce Oil and
Gas from DifiFerent Strata. — No well shall be permitted to
produce both oil and gas from different strata unless it be
in such manner as to prevent waste of any character to
either product. Therefore, if a stratum should be encoun-
tered bearing gas and the owner, operator, or contractor
should go deeper in search for either gas or oil bearing sands,
the stratum first penetrated and likewise each and every sand
in turn, shall be closed separately, and if it is not wanted for
immediate use, it shall be securely shut in so as to prevent
waste, either open or underground.
Rule 12. Strata to Be Sealed Off.— No well shall be
drilled through or below any oil, gas or water stratum without
sealing off such stratum or the contents thereof, after passing
through the sand, either by the mud-laden fluid process or by
casing and packers, regardless of volume or thickness of
sand.
Rule 13. Mud-Laden Fluid to Be Applied. — No gis sand
or stratum upon being penetrated shall be drilled or left open,
except at the discretion of the Department of Conservation
without the application of mud-laden fluid to prevent the
escape of gas while further drilling in or through such sand
or stratum.
Rule 14. — Fresh Water to Be Protected. — Fresh water,
whether above or below the surface, shall be protected from
pollution, whether in drilling or plugging.
Rule 15. — ^^Gas to Be Separated from Oil. — No gas found
LOUISIANA LAWS 481
in the upper part of a level of sand which can be separated
from the oil in the lower part of same sand or in a lower
or different sand shall be allowed or used to flow oil to the
surface* and all gas, so far as it is possible to dp so, shall
be separated from the oil and securely protected.
Rule 16. — Separating Device to Be Installed upon Order of
the Department of Conservation. — ^Where oil and gas are
found in the same stratum and it is impossible to separate the
one from the other, the operator shall, upon being so ordered
by the Department of Conservation, install a separating
device of approved type, which shall be kept in place and
used as long as necessity therefor exists, and after being in-
stalled such device shall not be removed, nor the use thereof
discontinued without the consent of the Department of
Conservation.
Rule 17. — Notification of Fires and Breaks or Leaks in
Lines. — All drillers, operators, pipe line companies and indi-
viduals operating oil and gas wells or pipe lines shall immedi-
ately notify the Department of Conservation by telegraph
or telephone and by letter of all fires which occur at oil and
gas wells or oil tanks owned, operated or controlled by them
or on their property, and shall immediately report all tanks
•struck by lightning an*d any other fires which destroy crude
oil or natural gas, and shall immediately report in the manner
heretofore described any breaks or leaks in the tanks or pipe
lines from which oil and gas are escaping. In all reports of
fires, breaks, or leaks in pipes, or other accidents of this
nature, the location of the well, tank or line break shall be
given, showing location by quarter, section, township and
range.
Rule 18.— Drilling Records to Be Kept at Well During the
Process of Drilling. — All operators, contractors, or drillers
shall keep at each well accurate records of the drilling, re-
drilling, deepening of all wells, showing all formations drilling
through, casing used and other information in connection with
drilling and operation of the property and any and all of its
information shall be furnished to the Department of Con-
482 DEEP WELL DRILLING
servation upon request, or to any Conservation Agent of the
Department.
Rule 19. — Conservation Agents to Have Access to All
Wells. — Conservation agents of the Department shall have
access to all wells at any and all times, and all companies,
contractors, or drillers shall permit any Conservation Agent
of the Department of Conservation to come upon any lease
or property operated or controlled by them, and to inspect
any and all wells, etc., provided, that information so obtained
by conservation agents shall be considered official informa-
tion and shall be reported only to the Department of Con-
servation. .
Rule 20. — Notice to Contractors, Drillers and Others to
Observe Rules. — All contractors and drillers carrying on
business Or doing wx^rk in the- oil or gas fields of the State,
as well as lease holders, land owners, and operators gener-
ally, shall take notice of any, and are hereby directed to
observe and apply the foregoing rules and regulations; and
all contractors, drillers, land owners, and operators will be
held responsible for infraction of said rules and regulations.
Rule 21. — Three Strings of Casing to Be Used in Ouachita,
Morehouse, Richland and Union Parishes. — In drilling any
and all wells in the above mentioned parishes it shall be
unlawful for an}'- operator or operators to use less than three
'strings of casing made up of 10-inch, 8-inch and 6-inch. The
first two strings to exclude the upper waters and the 6-inch
cemented as near the gas or oil sands as possible. The casing
so used shall be cemented and the cement brought up on
the hole outside the casing so as to effectually shut off all
water. The casing must be properly set in suitable forma-
tion and .cemented with a liberal quantity of cement. Should
it become necessary at any time to use different size casing,
other than the sizes mentioned here, a special permit must
be secured from the Department of Conservation to do so.
Any and all such requests must be accompanied by a full
explanation setting forth the reasons, etc., for it. Any person,
LOUISIANA LAWS 483
firm, association or corporation who drills a well in the above
mentioned parishes for either gas or oil or for testing or
relief purposes of any description shall adhere strictly to the
above rule in the prosecution of any and all such work.
Rule 22. — Protection of the Shallow Oil Strata in Claiborne
Parish. — In setting 6-inch casing, two sacks of cement to sack
of sand must be used as follows :
Size Outside Sacks of Sacks of
of diameter cement to sand to
hole. of pipe. be used. be used.
7^-inch 6.625 8.52 4.26
8>4-inch 6.625 12.15 6.25
9%-inch 6.625 23.54 11.77
The above table is figured for a depth of 100 feet, and on
the assumption that hole is drilled true to dimensions. Devia-
tions from the above, caused by unevenness of hole or falling
dirt, to be left to the discretion of the driller. Any person,
firm, association or corporation desirous of deepening any
shallow well, or wells that are now in or hereafter brought
in, shall adhere strictly to the above rule in the prosecution
of any and all such work.
Rule 23.— Only 25 Per Cent, of Capacity of Gas Wells to
Be Taken. — All operators, companies, associations, corpora-
tions, pipe line and transportation companies are hereby pro-
hibited from taking more than 25 per cent, of the daily natural
flow of any and all gas wells within the limits of the State
of Louisiana.
Rule 24. — Flambeau Lights Unlawful. — It shall be unlawful
for any operator, contractor, driller, company, association, or
corporation to use natural gas for illuminating purposes in
what is known as Flambeau Lights, but nothing herein shall
prohibit the use of "J^^^^o" burners or other burners in
glass globes consuming no more gas than such "J^mbo'^
burners.
Rule 25. — Gas to Be Metered. — All gas produced from na-
ture's deposits in the State of Louisiana shall be measured
484 DEEP WELL DRILLING
through properly constructed and accurately adjust^^nf^^^r (W
meters. Each producing well must be on a separate iKieter at
all times and accessible to any Conservation Agent ^t any
time.
Rule 26.— Burning Gas During the Day. — No gas shall be
used or burned for illuminating purposes between the hours
of eight o'clock A. M. and five o'clock P. M. unless tho same
is regulated by meter.
Rule 27. — Disposition of Waste from Wells. — No inflam-
mable product from any oil or gas well shall be permitted
to run into any tank, pool, or stream used for watering live
stock, and all waste of oil and refuse from tanks or wells must
be drained into proper receptacles at a safe distance from
the tanks, wells, or buildings, and be immediately burned
or transported from the premises, and in no case shall it be
permitted to flow over the land. Salt water shall not be
allowed to flow over ♦the surface of the land.
Rule 28. — Reports from Oil and Gas Well Operators and
Pipe Line Companies Required. — The Department of Con-
servation requires monthly reports on forms or blanks fur-
nished by or designated by the Department of Conservation
to be filled out completely, showing their completed oil and
gas wells and their oil and gas production by Parishes and
the pipe line runs by Parishes.
Rule 29, — It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person,
firm, corporation, or association to commence the erection
in the State of Louisiana of any carbon plant or plants for
the manufacture of carbon black from natural gas or to make
any extensions or enlargements of such carbon plant or plants
hereafter begun, or enlargements of existing plants wherein
the erection of such enlargements has not been commenced
prior to the promulgation hereof, without having first ob-
tained from the Department of Conservation of the State
of Louisiana a special permit, officially signed.
All permit applications as referred to here must be accom-
panied by a complete and accurate copy of the plans and
.specifications of the proposed work, having the size of the
LOUISIANA LAWS 485
plants, number of houses to each unit of each plant, etc.,
together with the plant location, name and postoffice address
of the company or owner of such plant or plants.
All special permits so issued by the Department of Con-
servation automatically expire 12 months from date of such
permit or permits, and the renewals thereof shall be left to
the discretion of the Department of Conservation as to
whether or not the available supply of natural gas, at the
time such application for permits are received by the De-
partment of Conservation, is sufficient to justify further drain
on the natural gas resotirces in the territory or district from
which the gas is taken.
Rule 30. — Extraction of Gasoline from Natural Gas Used
by Carbon Plant. — Before any carbon plant or manufacturer
can utilize any natural gas in Louisiana, known to contain
gasoline (to make the extraction therefrom beneficial and
profitable), for making or manufacturing carbon, the gasoline
therein must be extracted and saved.
Rule 31. — Taking Control of Abandoned and Other Wells. —
Any oil or gas well, or wells, or any abandoned well, or wells,
in the State of Louisiana that is not properly drilled, capped,
or plugged according to law, or any oil or gas well, or wells,
wasting oil or gas, or both, in violation of the state laws
or the rules and regulations of the Department of Conserva-
tion, the sqid Department of Conservation will exercise its
rights, privileges, and power under Act No. 2S0 of 1920 in
such cases, and take charge and control of any and all such
well, or wells, with the view and purpose of correcting any
defect or waste therefrom, etc., that might be in violation of
the state's laws or the rules and regulations of the Depart-
ment of Conservation. This act gives a lien and privilege in
favor of the Department of Conservation, State of Louisiana,
for all reasonable expenses and costs incurred by it or under
its authority, in the closing, capping, plugging, or correcting
the conditions of each and every such well, or wells, and
extending this lien and privilege to all leases, property, equip-
486 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ment and mineral products therefrom that are owned by any
such company, firm, individual, corporation, or association.
Rule 32. — Conservation Agents to Assist in Enforcement of
Rules. — All conservation agents of the Department shall
assist in the enforcement of these rules and shall immediately
notify the Department of Conservation upon observance of
any infraction thereof.
Rule 33. — Additional Rules Will Be Prescribed from Time
to Time. — The Department of Conservation will from time to
time prescribe additional rules, regulations, and requirements
for the conservation of crude oil, or petroleum, and natural
gas.
Rule 34. — Notice of Intention to Plug.— Before plugging
dry or abandoned well or wells, advance written notice
(including a complete description as to the location of any
such well or wells, and the date and time of day (near as
possible), as to when the work will be done), shall be given
to the Department of Conservation in order that a representa-
tive of the Department of Conservation might be present to
witness the plugging or abandonment of any such well or
wells in the State of Louisiana.
Rule 35. — Any rule or regulation or any part of any rule, or
regulation in conflict herewith is hereby repealed.
This order adopted October 1, 1920, and to be in full force
and effect thirty (30) days thereafter.
Extract from Act 250 of 1920 :
Section 6. Be it further enacted, etc.. That the Depart-
ment of Conservation shall have the right to appear in court,*
through its chief officer or other designated agent, or subordi-
nate officer, duly designated by the chief officer to enforce
rules and regulations and any provision of this act by civil
or criminal process before any court in the State of Louisiana
of competent jurisdiction.
Any corporation, partnership, association or individual who
LOUISIANA LAWS 487
shall wilfully violate any provisions or any rule or regulation
adopted by the Department of Conservation, pursuant hereto,
upon conviction thereof by any court of competent jurisdic-
tion shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and may be
fined not less than Fifty ($50.00) Dollars nor more than
Fifteen Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars or suffer imprisonment
for not more than fifteen (15) days in the Parish jail, or both,
at the discretion of the court.
OHIO LAWS
Section 973. Any person, firm or corporation causing to be
drilled any well for oil or gas, or elevator well, or any test
well within the limits of any coal producing county of this
state, must give notice in writing of such fact to the chief
inspector of mines, stating the location of the land upon
which such well is to be drilled.
It shall be the duty of any such person, firm or corporation
to make or cause to be made an accurate map on a scale of
one inch to 400 feet, showing on said map the location and
number of wells, the property lines of the property upon
which located in the township, section and quarter section in
which the same is being drilled, together with a measure-
ment from the section line, and also from the quarter section
line, together with the sworn statement of the person, firm
or corporation making said map, the same to be kept on file
in the office of the state mining department and shall be
open for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours.
The original map shall be retained by. the owner or surveyor
and one blue print filed with the chief inspector of mines and •
one with the recorder of the county in which such well is
located within sixty days after the passage and approval of
. this act, or after commencing to drill any oil or gas well and
if drilling is still continued on the property already surveyed,
a complete blue print shall be made and filed at the end of
each year.
No oil or gas well shall be drilled nearer than three hundred
feet to any opening to a mine used as a means of ingress or
egress for the persons employed therein, or nearer than one
4«a DEEP WELL DRILLING
hundred feet to any building or inflammable structure con-
nected therewith and actually used as a part of the operating
equipment of said mine.
In the event that a well being drilled for oil or gas pene-
trates the excavations of any mine, it must be cased with
casing of approximately the same diameter as the diameter of
the hole, the hole to be drilled thirty feet or to solid slate or
rock and not less than ten feet below the floor of such mine,
and the casing shall be placed in the following manner : one
string of casing shall be placed at a point above the roof of
said mine so as to shut off all of the surface water and then
the hole drilled through said mine and another string of
casing put in and the bottom of the second string of casing,
or the one passing through said mine shall not be nearer than
ten feet or more than thirty feet from the floor of the mine
where it passes through the same.
When any well which has been drilled for oil or gas is
to be abandoned and has passed through the excavations of
any coal mine from which the mineral coal has not all been
removed the person, firm or corporation owning said well
shall leave in said well the casing passing through said mine
from a point not less than ten feet, nor more than thirty feet
below the floor of said mine and extending above the roof
of said mine five feet and a seasoned wooden plug, or iron
ball shall be driven to a point forty feet below the floor
of the mine and shall then fill the hc'le and the casing
left in with the cement or a seasoned wooden plug or iron
ball shall be driven on top of the same, atul the hole shaJl then
•be filled for a distance of not less than twenty feet with
cement. If any oil pr gas well has passed through a workable
vein or seam of coal, it shall when it is abandoned be plugged
in the following manner: a seasoned wooden plug or iron
ball shall be driven to a point 30 feet below the lowest work-
able seam of coal and the hole filled with cerpent to a point
20 feet above the first seam of coal and another wooden plug
or iron ball driven and the hole filled for a distance of twenty
feet with cement. ■..,.' -n . j ;i
The property owner or owners shall reportitto .the chief
OHIO LAWS 489
inspector of mines of the commencing to drill of any well or
wells for oil or gas on his or their property and shall report
at the end of each year thereafter, if drilling is continued, the
number of wells drilled on his or their property, the date
drilled and by whom drilled.
When any oil or gas well is to be abandoned, the person,
firm or corporation having drilled or operated such well shall
notify the chief inspector of mines at least ten days in advance
so that he may direct one of his district inspectors to be
present at the time of abandonment.
Section 6311. The owner or operator of a well for the pro-
duction of petroleum oil, natural gas or mineral water, before
drilling into the oil and gas bearing rock shall incase such
well with good and sufficient wrought iron casing, so that
the surface or fresh water from the lower part of such well
will not penetrate the oil or gas bearing rock. If a well is
drilled through the first oil or gas bearing rock into a lower
one, it must be cased so as to exclude all fresh water above
the last oil or gas bearing rock penetrated.
Section 6312. The owner or operator of a well, constructed
for any of the purposes named in the next preceding section,
intending to abandon or cease operating it, and before draw-
ing the casing therefrom, shall securely fill such well with
rock sediment, or mortar composed of two parts sand and
one part cement, to the depth of two hundred feet above the
top of the first oil or gas bearing rock, so as to prevent the
surface or fresh water from penetrating to the oil or gas
bearing rock, arid the gas and oil from escaping therefrom.
Section 6313. If such owner or operator fails to comply,
or inefficiently complies with the next preceding section, the
owner of the land upon which such well is situated shall
forthwith comply therewith. If all the persons heretofore
named fail to so fill, or inefficiently so fill such well, any
person, after written demand therefor to any of such persons,
may enter, take possession of such well and fully comply with
such section.
490 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Section 6314. The reasonable cost and expense of so filling
such well shall forthwith be paid by such owner or operator,
and on his default, by the owner of the land. The amount
of such cost and expense shall be a lien upon the fixtures,
machinery and leasehold interest of the owner and operator
and upon the interest of the land owner in the land upon
which the well is situated, and may be recovered and enforced
against the owner or operator and the land owner in the order
named.
Section 6315. A person, co-partnership or corporation, lu
possession as owner, lessee, agent or manager of a well pro-
ducing natural gas, in order to prevent. the gas wasting by
escape, shall shut in and confine the gas therein, within ten
days after penetrating the gas bearing rock, until such time
as it is utilized for light, fuel or power purposes.
Section 6316. The provisions of the next preceding sec-
tion shall not apply to an oil well.
Section 6317. A person, co-partnership or corporation shall
not use natural gas for illuminating purposes on flambeau
lights; but "jumbo" burners or other burners consuming no
more gas than such "jumbo" burners may be so used. A
person, co-partnership or corporation consuming natural ga&
with such burners in the open air or in or around derricks,
shall turn it off not later than eight o'clock in the morning
of each day such lights or burners are used, and shall not
turn on or relight it between the hours of eight o'clock a.m.
and five o'clock P. M.
Section 6318. The next preceding section shall not pro-
hibit the burning of flambeau lights within the derrick of a
drilling well or for lighting the streets of cities and villages.
Section 6319. A person, co-partnership or corporation vio-
lating any provision of this chapter shall be liable to a penalty
of one hundred dollars, to be recovered, with costs of suit,
in a civil action in the name of the state in the county in
which the act was committed or omitted. Such suit may
be brought at the instance of a resident of this state without;
OHIO LAWS 491
security or liability for costs. Such penalty shall be paid
one-half into the school fund of the county in which such
suit is brought and one-half to such person at whose instance
such suit was brought.
OKLAHOMA LAWS
Corporation Commission of Oklahoma
Cause No. 2935. Order No. 1299.
IN RE
PROPOSED ORDER No. 159 FOR THE PROMULGA-
TION OF ADDITIONAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL
RULES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF
OIL AND NATURAL GAS.
ORDER.
The Corporation Commission having held hearing and
investigation pursuant to Proposed Order No. 159 and the
Oil and Natural Gas Conservation Laws of the State and in
accordance with the provisions thereof, having made its find-
ings of fact, and being fully advised in the premises, it is
therefore considered, ordered and adjudged that the following
rules, regulations and requirements be and are hereby pre-
scribed :
Rule 1. — Waste Prohibited. — Natural gas and crude oil or
petroleum shall not be produced in the State of Oklahoma in
such manner and under such conditions as to constitute
waste. (Sec. 1, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915; Rule 1, Order No. 937.)
Rule 2. — Waste Defined. — The term "waste" as above used
in addition to its ordinary meaning, shall include (a) escape
of natural gas in commercial quantities into the open^ air;
(b) the intentional drowning with water of a gas stratum
capable of producing gas in commercial quantities ; (c) under-
492 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ground waste; (d) the permitting of any natural gas well
to wastefully burn; and (e) the wasteful utilization of such
gas. (Sec. 2, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915; Rule 2, Order No. 937.)
Rule 3. — Gas to Be Confined — Strata to Be Protected. —
Whenever natural gas in commercial quantities or a gas bear-
ing stratum known to contain natural gas in such quantities
is encountered in any well drilled for oil or gas in this State,
such gas shall be confined to its original stratum until such
time as the same can be produced and utilized without waste,
and all such strata shall be adequately protected from in-
filtrating waters. (Sec. 3, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915; Rule 3, Order
No. 937.)
Rule 4. — Commercial Quantities Defined. — Any gas stratum
showing a well defined gas sand and producing gas shall be
considered capable of producing gas in commercial quantities
and any gas coming from such a stratum or sand shall be
considered a commercial quantity, and such stratum or sand
shall be protected the same as if it produced gas in excess
of two million cubic feet per day of twenty-four hours. (Sec.
3, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915; Rule 4, Order No. 937.)
Rule 5. — Gas to Be Taken Ratably. — Whenever the full
production from any common source of supply of natural gas
in this State is in excess of the market demands, then any
person, firm or corporation having the right to drill into
and produce gas from any such common source of supply,
may take therefrom only such proportion of the natural gas
that may be marketed without waste, as the natural flow of
the well or wells owned or controlled by any such person,
firm or corporation bears to the total natural flow of such
common source of supply having due regard to the acreage
drained by each well, so as to prevent any such person, firm
or corporation securing any unfair proportion of the gas
therefrom; provided, that the Corporation Commission may
by proper order, permit the taking of a greater amount
whenever it shall deem such taking reasonable or equitable.
(Sec. 4, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915; Rule No. 5, Order No. 937.)
OKLAHOMA LAWS 493
Rule 12. — ^Approved Methods of Preventing Waste to Be
Used. — All operators, contractors, or drillers, pipe line com-
panies, gas distributing companies or individuals, drilling for
or producing crude oil or natural gas, or piping oil or gas
for any purpose, shall use every possible precaution in ac-
cordance with the most approved methods, to stop and pre-
vent waste of oil and gas, or both, in drilling and producing
operations, storage, or in piping or distributing, and shall not
wastefuUy utilize oil or gas, or allow same to leak or escape
from natural reservoirs, wells, tanks, containers, or pipes.
(See also Rule 28 infra.)
Rule 13. — Notice of Intention to Drill, Deepen or Plug. —
Notice shall be given to the Corporation Commission of the
intention to drill, deepen or plug any well or wells and of the
exact location of each and every such well. In case of drilling,
notice should be given at least five days prior to the com-
mencement of drilling operations.
Notice, of intention to plug must be accompanied by a
complete log of the well, on forms prescribed by the Cor-
poration Commission.
Blanks for notification and reports can be obtained on
application to the Corporation Commission or its conservation
agents.
Rule 14. — ^Plugging Dry and Abandoned Wells. — (a) Must
Be Plugged Under Supervision of Conservation Ap^ent.
All abandoned or dry wells shall immediately be plugged
under the supervision of an oil and gas conservation agent
of the Corporation Commission.
(b) Manner of Plugging.
All dry or abandoned wells must be plugged by confining
all oil, gas or water in the strata in which they occur by the
use of mud-laden fluid, and in addition to mud-laden fluid,
cement and plugs may be used.
These wells must first be thoroughly cleaned out to the
bottom of the hole and before the casing is removed from
the hole, the hole must be filled fnom the bottom to the top
494 DEEP WELL DRILLING
with mud-laden fluid of maximum density and which shall
weigh at least 25 per cent, more than an equal volume of
water ; unless the Commission directs that some other method
shall be used.
(c) Notice of Intention to Plug.
Before plugging dry and abandoned wells, notice shall be
given to the Corporation Commission or its conservation
agent in the field and to all available adjoining lease and
property owners, and representatives of such lease and prop-
erty owners, may, in addition to the oil and gas conservation
agent of the Commission, be present to witness the plugging
of these wells if they so desire, but plugging shall not be
delayed because of failure or inabvlity to deliver notices to
adjoining lease and property owners.
Rule 15. — Log and Plugging Record to Be Filed with Com-
mission.— The owner or operator shall, upon the completion
of any w^ell, file with the Corporation Commission a complete
record or log of the same, duly signed and sworn to, upon
blanks to be furnished by the Commission upon application;
and upon plugging any well for any, cause whatsoever, a
complete record of the plugging thereof shall be made out
and duly verified on blanks to be furnished by the Commis-
sion. (Rule 25, Order No. 937.)
Rule 16. — Proper Anchorage to Be Laid. — Before any well
is begun in any field where it is not known that high pressure
does not exist, proper anchorage shall be laid, so that the
control casing-head may be used on the inner string of casing
at all times, and this type of casing-head shall be kept in con-
stant use unjess it is known from previous, experience and
operations on wells adjacent to the one being drilled that
high pressure does not exist or will not be encountered
therein. (Rule 15, Order No. 937.) .
Rule 17. — Equipment for Conserving Natural Gas Shall Be
Provided Before "Drilling In." — In all proven or well defined
gas fields, or where it can reasonably be expected that gas
in commercial quantities will be encountered, adequate prepa-
OKLAHOMA LAWS 495
ration shall be made for the conservation of gas before
"drilling in" any well; and the gas sands shall not be pene-
trated until equipment (including mud pumps, lubricators,
etc.), for "mudding in" all gas strata, or sands, shall have
been provided.
Rule 18. — Separate Slush Pit to Be Provided. — Before com-
mencing to drill a well, a separate slush pit or sump hole
shall be constructed by the owner, operator or contractor for
the reception of all pumpings from clay or soft shale forma-
tions in order to have the same on hand for the making of
mud-laden fluid. (Rule 14, Order No. 937.)
Note. — In order to avoid freezing casing, operators are
cautioned not to allow sand or lime to be mixed with clay
or soft shale pumpings.
Rule 19.— Wells Not to Be Permitted to Produce Oil and
Gas from Different Strata. — No well shall be permitted to
produce both oil and gas from different strata unless it be in
such manner as to prevent waste of any character to either
product. Therefore, if a stratum should be encountered bear-
ing gas and the owner, operator, or contractor should go
deeper in search for other gas or oil bearing sands, the stratum
first penetrated and likewise each and every sand in turn,
shall be closed separately, and if it is not wanted for imme-
diate use, it shall be securely shut in so as to prevent waste,
either open or underground. (Rule 16, Order No. 937.)
Rule 20.— Strata to Be Sealed Off.— No well shall be drilled
through or below any oil, gas or water stratum without seal-
ing off such stratum or the contents thereof, after passing
through the sand, either by the mud-laden fluid process or
by casing and packers, regardless of volume or thickness of
sand. (Rule 17, Order No. 937.)
Rule 21. — Mud-Laden Fluid to Be Applied. — No gas sand
or stratum upon being penetrated shall be drilled or left open
more than three days without the application of mud-laden
fluid to prevent the escape of gas while further drilling in
or through such sand or stratum. (Sec. 3, Ch. 197, S. L.
1915; Rule 18, Order No. 937.)
496 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Rule 22.— Density of Mud Fluid Where Well Containing
Water Is Drilled Into Oil or Gas Producing Strata. — No
operator shall drill a well into an oil or gas producing sand
with water from a higher formation in the hole, or with a
sufficient head of water introduced into the hole to prevent
gas blowing to the surface. The well shall either be allowed
to blow until the sand has been drilled in or it shall be drilled
in under a head of fluid consisting of not less than 25 per
cent, mud ; but in no case shall gas be allowed to blow for a
longer period than three days. Mud fluid used for protecting
oil and gas bearing sands in upper formations while oil or
gas is being produced from deeper formations shall have a
density of not less than 25 per cent, mud and should contain
not less than 28 per cent. mud.
Rule 23. — Mud-Laden Fluid to Be Applied in Pulling or
Redeeming Casing.— No outside casing from any oil or gas
well in an unexhausted oil or gas field shall be pulled without
first flooding the well with mud-laden fluid behind the inside
string of casing, after unseating the casing, and as casing is
withdrawn, well shall be kept full to top with said mud-
laden fluid and same shall be left in the hole ; and said mud-
laden fluid shall be so applied as to effectively seal off all
fresh or salt water strata, and all oil or gas strata not being
utilized. (Rule 23, Order No. 937.)
Rule 24. — ^Mud-Laden Fluid — ^When to Be Applied to
Completed Wells. — ^^^hen necessary (or in any event when
ordered by the Corporation Commission) to seal off any oil,
gas or water sand, casing shall be seated in mud-laden fluid;
and concerning wells already drilled, the operator shall, upon
the order of the Corporation Commission, raise any string
or strings of casing and re-set them in mud-laden fluid when
it is thought advisable to do so in order to avoid existing
underground waste, pollution or infiltration. (Rule 22, Order
No. 937.)
Rule 25. — Fresh Water to Be Protected. — Fresh water,
whether above or below the surface, shall be protected from
OKLAHOMA LAWS 497
pollution, whether in drilling or plugging. (Rule 14, Order
No. 937.)
Rule 26. — Gas to Be Separated from Oil.— No gas found
in the upper part of a level or sand which can be separated
from the oil in the lower part of the same sand or in a lower
or different sand shall be allowed or used to flow oil to the
surface and all gas, so far as *it is possible to do so, shall be
separated from the oil and securely protected. (Rule 19,
Order No. 937.)
Rule 27. — Separating Device to Be Installed Upon Order
of Commission. — ^Where oil and gas are found in the same
stratum and it is impossible to separate the one from the
other, the operator shall, upon being so ordered by the Cor-
poration Commission, install a separating device of approved
type, which shall be kept in place and used as long as neces-
sity therefor exists, and after being installed, such device
shall not be removed nor the use thereof discontinued without
the consent of the Corporation Commission. (Rule 20, Order
No. 937.)
Rule 28.— Gas Wells Not to Produce from Different Sands
at the Same Time Through the Same String of Casing. — No
gas well shall be permitted to produce gas from different
levels, sands or strata at the same time through the same
string of casing (Sec. 3, Ch. 197, S. L. 1915), and when gas
upon being found is not needed for immediate use, the same
shall be confined in its original stratum until such time as
the same can be produced and utilized without waste (Sec. 3,
Ch. 197, S. L. 1915), and in confining gas to its original place,
the mud-laden fluid process shall be used unless the character
of the formation involved is sufficiently ascertained and under-
stood to know that the casing and packer method with
Braden-head attachment can be safely applied and compe-
tently used, and in the use of the casing, packing and Braden-
head method, separate strings of casing shall be run to each
sand and the application of the latter method in preference to
the former shall not be made without notice to and consent
498 DEEP WELL DRILLING
of the Corporation Commission. (Rule 21, Order No. 937.)
Rule 29. — Vacuum Pumps Not to Be Installed Except upon
Application to This Commission. — The future installation of
vacuum pumps or other devices for the purpose of putting a
vacuum on any gas oi: oil bearing stratum is prohibited, pro-
vided that any operator desiring to install such apparatus may,
upon notice to adjacent lease owners or operators, apply to
the Commission for permission ; and in the matter of vacuum
pumps heretofore installed, the use of same is authorized
unless specifically discontinued by order of the Commission
upon notice and hearing. (Rule 22, Order No. 937.)
Rule 30.— Shooting of Wells.— (a) Wells Not to Be Shot
into Salt Water.
No wells shall be^so shot as to let in salt water or other
foreign substance injurious to the oil or gas sand.
(b) Reports to Be Made to the Corporation Commission.
Reports shall be made to the Corporation Commission on
all wells shot, showing the condition of the well before and
after shooting, including the size of the shot, sand or sands
shot, production before and after shooting, per cent, of water
in well before and after shooting.
(c) Damaged Wells to Be Abandoned.
In case irreparable injury is done to the well, or to the oil
or gas sand or sands by shooting, the well shall immediately
be abandoned and plugged as provided by. Rule No. 14 herein.
Rule 31. — Gauge to Be Taken — Repprts to Commission. —
All oil and gas operators shall between the first and tenth of
each calendar month take a gauge of the volume and rock
pressure of all wells producing natural gas, and shall forth-
with report to the Corporation Commission on gauge blanks
furnished by the Commission. (Rule 26, Order No. 937.)
Rule 32. — Production to Be Restrained to 25 Per Cent, of
Potential Capacity. — When the gas from any well is being
used, the flow or production thereof shall be restrained to 25
per cent, of the potential capacity of the same; that is to say
in any day (24 hours) the well shall not be permitted to flow
PENNSYLVANIA LAWS 499
or produce more than one-fourth of the potential capacity
thereof ,as shown by the last monthly gauge. (Rule 29,
Order No. 937.)
Rule 33. — -Notification of Fires and JBreaks or Leaks in
Lines. — All drillers, operators, pipe line companies, and indi-
viduals operating oil and gas wells or pipe lines shall imme-
diately notify the Commission by telegraph or telephone and
by letter of all fires which occur at oil and gas wells or oil
tanks owned, operated or controlled by them, or on their
property, and shall immediately report all tanks struck by
lightning and any other fires which destroy crude oil or nat-
.ural gas, and shall immediately report in the manner hereto-
fore described any breaks or leaks in tanks or pipe lines from
which oil or gas is escaping. In all reports of fires, breaks, or
leaks in pipes, or other accidents of this nature, the location
of the well, tank, or line break shall be given, showing loca-
tion by quarter, section, township, and range.
Rule 36. — Conservation Laws and Rules of the Corporation
Commission to Be Complied with Before Connecting Wells
with Pipe Lines. — Owners or operators of oil or gas wells
shall, before connecting with any oil or gas pipe line, secure
from the Corporation Commission a certificate showing com-
pliance with the oil and gas conservation laws of the State
and conservation orders of the Corporation Commission ; pro-
vided that this rule shall not prevent temporary connection
with pipe lines in order to take care of production until oppor-
tunity shall have been given for securing such certificate;
provided, further, that the owners or operators of such wells
shall in a known or proven field make application for such
certificate in anticipation of production.
Rule 37.— Drilling Records to Be Kept at Wells.— All op-
erators, contractors, or drillers shall keep at each well accu-
rate records of the drilling, re-drilling, or deepening of all
wells, showing all formations drilled through, casing used,
and other information in connection with drilling operation
of the property and any and all of this information shall be
500 DEEP WELL DRILLING
furnished to the Commission upon request, or to any con-
servation agent of the Commission.
Rule 38. — Conservation Agents to Have Access to All Wells
and All Well Records. — Conservation agents of the Commis-
sion shall have access to all wells and to all well records,
and all companies, contractors, or drillers sHall permit any
conservation agent of the Corporation Commission to come
upon any lease or property operated or controlled by them,
and to inspect any and all wells and the records of said well
or wells, and to have access at all times to any and all wells,
and any and all records of said wells.
Provided, that information so obtained by conservation
agents shall be considered official information and shall be
reported only to the Corporation Commission.
Rule 39. — Notice to Contractors, Drillers, and Others to
Observe Rules. — All contractors and drillers carrying on
business or doing work in the oil or gas fields of the State,
as well as lease-holders, land owners, and operators gener-
ally, shall take notice of and are hereby directed to observe
and apply the foregoing rules and regulations; and all con-
tractors, drillers, land owners, and operators will be held
responsible for infraction of said rules and regulations.
Rule 40. — Conservation Agents to Co-operate with Oil and
Gas Inspectors of the Department of the Interior. — All con-
servation agents appointed by the Corporation Commission
shall co-operate with and invite the co-operation of the oil
and gas inspectors of the United States Bureau of Mines of
the Department of the Interior.
Rule 41. — Conservation Agents to Assist in Enforcement
of Rules. — All conservation agents of the Commission shall
assist in the enforcement of these rules and shall immediately
notify the Commission upon observance of any infraction
thereof.
•>
PENNSYLVANIA LAWS 501
PENNSYLVANIA LAWS
Section I. Be it enacted, etc.; That if any person shall
wilfully and maliciously injure any well sunk for the pro-
duction of oil, or gas, or water, or any tank intended or used
for the storage of oil, or gas, or water, or any line of pipe
intended or used for the transportation of oil, or gas, or water,
or any machinery connected with such wells, tanks or lines
of pipe, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon being
thereof convicted, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceed-
ing one thousand dollars, and undergo imprisonment, not
exceeding three years, or both, or either at the discretion of
the court.
Section 2. That whenever any well shall have been put
down on lands of any person, or corporation, for the purpose
of exploring for or producing gas, upon abandoning, or ceas-
ing to operate the same, the person, or corporation, drilling
or owning the well, shall, before drawing the casing, fill up
the well with sand, or rock sediment to the depth of at least
twenty (20) feet above the gas bearing rock, and drive a
round seasoned wooden plug, at least two feet in length,
equal in diameter to the diameter of the well below the
casing to a point at least five feet below the bottom of the
casing, and immediately after the drawing of the casing, shall
drive a round wooden plug into the well, at the point just
below where the lower end of the casing shall have rested,
which plug shall be at least three feet in length, tapering in
form, and to be of the same diameter at the distance* of
eighteen inches frpm the smaller' end of the diameter of the
well below the point which it is to be driven. After the plug
has been properly driven, there shall be filled in on the top of
the same, sand or rock sediment, to the depth of at least five
feet.
Section. 3. Any person, who shall violate the provisions of
the preceding section, shall be liable to a penalty of two
hundred ($200) dollars, to be recovered as debts of like
amount are bv law recoverable.
502 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Section 4. Whenever any person shall neglect, or refuse
to comply with the provisions of this act, with regard to
plugging wells, any owner of lands adjacent, or in the neigh-
borhood of such unplugged well, may enter and take posses-
sion of said abandoned well, and plug the same, as provided
by this act, at the expense of the person, or company, whose
duty it may have been to plug the same.
(Laws of Pennsylvania, June 23, 1885, P. 145.)
Section 1. Be it enacted, etc. That upon the abandonment
or ceasing to operate or use any well which shall have been
drilled for oil or gas, it shall be the duty of the person or
persons interested in such well, to plug the same so as to
completely shut off and prevent the escape of all water there-
from which may be impregnated with salt or other substances
which will render such water unfit for use for domestic, steam
making or manufacturing purposes, and in such manner as
to prevent water from any such well injuring or polluting
any spring, water well or stream which is or may be used
for the purposes aforesaid.
Section 2. Any person violating the provisions of this act
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be sen-
tenced, upon conviction thereof, to pay a fine of not more than
one thousand dollars, or to undergo an imprisonment for a
period not exceeding six months, or both, or either, at the
discretion of the court.
Section 3. Whenever any person may be injured by neg-
lect? or refusal to comply with the first section of this act, it
shall be lawful for such person, after notice to the owner or
lessee of the premises upon which such well is located, to
enter upon and fill up and plug such well in the manner
directed by the first section hereof, and thereupon to recover
the expense thereof from the person or persons whose duty it
was to plug and fill up said well, in like manner as debts of
such amount are recoverable.
(Laws of Pennsylvania, May 26, 1891, page 122.)
TEXAS LAWS 503
TEXAS LAWS
OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION LAW
S. B. No. 350.] CHAPTER 155.
Acts of Thirty-sixth Legislature, Regular Session.
An Act to conserve the oil and gas resources of the State of
Texas.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas :
Article 1. Natural gas and crude oil or petroleum shall
not be produced in the State of Texas in such manner and
under such condition as to constitute waste. The term
"waste" in addition to its ordinary meaning shall include
(a) escape of natural gas in commercial quantities into the
open air from a stratum recognized as a natural gas stratum;
but this is not intended to have application to gas pockets
in high points in strata recognized as oil strata ; (b) drowning
with water of a gas stratum capable of producing gas in com-
mercial quantities; (c) underground waste; (d) the permit-
ting of any natural gas well to wastefully burn; (e) the
wasteful utilization of such gas ; (f) burning flambeau lights,
except when casing head gas is used in same; provided, not
more than four may be used in or near the derrick of a drilling
well, and (g) the burning of gas for illuminating purposes
between 8 o'clock A. M. and 5 o'clock P. M., unless the use is
regulated by meter.
Article 2. Whenever natural gas in such quantity or quan-
tities, in a gas bearing stratum known to contain natural
gas in such quantities, is encountered in any well drilled for
oil or gas in this State, such gas shall be confined to its
original stratum until such tin;e as the same can be produced
and utilized without waste and all such strata shall be ade-
quately protected from infiltrating waters. All operators,
contractors, or drillers, pipe line companies, gas distributing
504 DEEP WELL DRILLING
•
companies drilling for or producing crude oil or natural gas
or piping oil or gas for any purpose shall use every possible
precaution in accordance with the most approved methods to
stop and prevent waste of oil and gas, or both, in drilling and
producing operations, storage or in piping or distributing and
shall not wastefuUy utilize oil or gas, or allow same to leak
or escape from natural reservoirs, wells, tanks, containers or
pipes.
Article 3. It shall be the duty of the Railroad Commission
to make and enforce rules and regulations for the conservation
of oil and gas ; it shall have authority to prevent the waste of
oil and gas in drilling and producing operations and in the
storage, piping and distribution thereof, and to make rules
and regulations for that purpose; it shall be its duty to re-
quire dry or abandoned wells to be plugged in such way as
to confine oil, gas and water in the strata in which they are
found and to prevent them from escaping into other strata,
and to establish rules and regulations for that purpose. It is
empowered to establish rules and regulations for the drilling
of wells and preserving a record thereof, and it shall be its
duty to require such wells to be drilled in such manner as to
prevent injury to the adjoining property, and to prevent oil
and gas and water from escaping from the strata in which
they are found into other strata, and to establish rules and
regulations therefor; it shall be its duty to establish rules
and regulations for shooting wells and for separating oil from
gas ; it shall have authority to require records to be kept and
reports made by oil and gas drillers, operators and pipe line
companies and by its inspectors; it is authorized to do all
things necessary for the conservation of oil and gas whether
here especially enumerated or not, and to establish such
other rules and regulations as will be necessary to carry
mto effect this Act and to conserve the oil and gas resources
of the State.
Article 4. It shall be the duty of the pipe line expert pro-
vided for in Section 11, Chapter 30, of the Acts of 1917, to
TEXAS LAWS 505
be the supervisor for the Railroad Commission in enforcing
its rules and regulations. The Railroad Commission may
appoint such deputy supervisors as may be necessary. It
shall have the authority to increase the salary of the super-
visor to a sum not exceeding $5,000.00 pier annum and to fix
the salaries of the deputies at not exceeding $3,600.00 per
annum, all salaries and other expenses of the administra-
tion and enforcement of this Act shall be paid out of the
funds created in Chapter 30 of the Acts of 1917, and in the
manner therein provided. It shall be the duty of the super-
visor and his deputies to supervise the plugging of all aban-
doned wells and the shooting of wells and to conform to the
rules and regulations of the Railroad Commission, dealing
with the production and conservation of oil and gas.
Article 5. Owners or operators of gas wells shall, before
connecting with any oil or gas pipe lines, secure from the
Railroad Commission a certificate showing compliance with
the oil and gas conservation' laws of the State and conserva-
tion orders of the Railroad Commission. Pipe line companies
shall not connect with oil or gas wells until the owners or
operators thereof shall furnish certificate from the Railroad
Commission that the conservation laws of the state have
been complied with, provided this Act shall not prevent a
temporary connection with any well or wells in order to take
care of production and prevent waste until opportunity shall
have been given the owner or operator of said well to secure
certificate showing compliance with the conservation laws of
the State.
Article 6. It is hereby made the duty of all owners or
operators of oil and gas wells to keep books showing the
amount of oil and gas produced and disposed of, with the
price for which same was sold, together with the receipts from
the sale or transfer of leases or other property and the dis-
bursements made in connection with or for the benefit of such
business which books shall be kept open for the inspection
of the Railroad Commission or any accredited representative
thereof; and of any stockholder or shareholder in said busi-
506 DEEP WELL DRILLING
ness and any owner or operator refusing to comply with the
provisions of this article shall be subject to the penalties
imposed by this Act.
Article 7. In addition to any penalty that may be imposed
by the Railroad Commission for contempt, any firm, person,
corporation or any officer, agent or employe thereof, directly
or indirectly violating the provisions of this Act or the orders
or regulations of the Railroad Commission made in pursuance
thereof, shall be subject to a penalty of not more than five
thousand ($5,000.00) dollars, to be recovered in any court of
competent jurisdiction, such suit to be brought in the name
of the State of Texas, and to be instituted and conducted
by any county or district attorney, on the direction of the
Railroad Commission. Each day that such violation con-
tinues shall be considered a separate offense.
Article 8. This Act shall be cumulative of all the laws of
this State which are not in direct conflict herewith, regulating
the conservation of oil and gas, but it shall repeal all laws
or parts of law in conflict with its provisions.
Article 9. If any of the provisions of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional, or for any other reason shall be held void,
such holdings shall not have the effect to nullify the remain-
ing parts of this Act, but the parts not so held to be void
shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
Article 10. Whereas, there is now no law in this State
regulating corporations, persons or associations of persons
engaged in the production of oil and gas, and adequately con-
serving these resources, and whereas great waste of gas is
now daily occurring in the oil fields of Texas ; now, therefore,
it is hereby declared that an emergency exists creating an
imperative public necessity for the suspension of the consti-
tutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days,
and the same, is hereby suspended and this law shall take
effect and be in force from and after its passage, and it is so
enacted.
Approved March 31, 1919.
Took effect June 18, 1919.
J
TEXAS LAWS 507
OIL AND GAS CIRCULAR NO. 11
CONSERVATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rule 1. Waste Prohibited. — Natural gas and crude oil or
petroleum shall not be produced in the State of Texas in
such manner and under such conditions as to constitute waste.
Rule 2. "Waste" Defined.— The term "waste" as above
used, in addition to its ordinary meaning, shall include :
(a) Escape of natural gas in commercial quantities into the
open air from a stratum recognized as a natural gas stratum ;
but this is not intended to have application to gas pockets in
high points in strata recognized as oil strata ;
(b) Drowning with water of a gas stratum capable of
producing gas in commercial quantities ;
(c) Underground waste ;
(d) The permitting of any natural gas to wastefully burn ;
(e) The wasteful utilization of such gas ;
(f) Burning flambeau lights except when casing head gas
is used in same; provided, not more than four may be used
in or near the derrick or a drilling well, and
(g) The burning of gas for illuminating purposes between
eight o'clock A. M. and five o'clock P. M., unless the use is
regulated by meter.
Rule 3. Gas to Be Confined — Strata to Be Protected. —
Whenever natural gas in commercial quantities, in a well
defined gas-bearing stratum known to contain natural gas
in such quantities, is encountered in any well drilled for oil
or gas in this State, such gas shall be confined to its original
stratum until such time as the same can be produced and
utilized without waste, and all such strata shall be adequately
protected from infiltrating waters. This rule shall not apply
to the Gulf Coast oil fields of Texas; nor shall this rule, as
to the fields in which it applies, prevent the drilling deeper in
search for oil in any well, if such drilling shall be prosecuted
with diligence and if said gas be confined in its stratum and
508 DEEP WELL DRILLING
protected as aforesaid upon completion of such well; but at
any time after the expiration of seven (7) days from the pene-
tration of such gas-bearing stratum, even though such drilling
deeper is being prosecuted with diligence, the Railroad Com-
mission, or its Conservation Agent or any deputy of the latter,
may require such gas-bearing stratum to be cased off and
so protected, if in their judgment it shall be reasonably nec-
essary and proper to do so.
Rule 4. Approved Methods of Preventing Waste to Be
Used. — All operators, contractors or drillers, pipe line com-
panies, or gas distributing companies, drilling for or produc-
ing crude oil or natural gas, or piping oil or gas for any pur-
pose, shall use every possible precaution in accordance with
the most approved methods to stop and prevent waste of
oil and gas, or both, in drilling and producing operations,
storage, or in piping or distributing, and shall not wastefully
utilize oil or gas, or allow same to leak or escape from natural
reservoirs, wells, tanks, containers or pipes.
Rule 5. "Commercial Quantities" Defined. — Any gas
stratum showing a well defined gas sand and producing gas
shall be considered capable of producing gas in commercial
quantities, and any gas coming from such a stratum or sand
shall be considered a commercial quantity, and such stratum
or sand shall be protected the same as under Rule 3.
Rule 6. Gas to Be Taken Ratably. — Whenever the full pro-
duction from any common source of supply of natural gas
in this State is in excess of the market demands, then any
person, firm or corporation having the right to drill into and
produce gas from any such common source of supply may
take therefrom only such proportion of the natural gas that
may be marketed without waste, as the natural flow of the
well or wells owned or controlled by any such person, firm
or corporation bears to the total natural flow of such common
source of supply, having due regard to the acreage drained
by each well, so as to prevent any such person, firm or cor-
poration, securing any unfair proportion of the gas therefrom ;
TEXAS LAWS 509
provided, that the Railroad Commission of Texas may, by
proper order, permit the taking of a greater amount whenever
it shall deem such taking reasonable or equitable.
Rule 7. Commission Will Regulate the Taking of Natural
Gas. — The Railroad Commission of Texas will, as occasion
arises, prescribe rules and regulations for the determination
of the natural flow of any well or wells in this State, and will
regulate the taking of natural gas from any and all common
sources of supply within the State so as to prevent waste,
protect the interests of the public and of all those having a
right to produce therefrom; and to prevent unreasonable dis-
crimination in favor of one common source of supply as
against another.
Rule 8. Gas to Be Metered. — All gas produced from the
deposits of this State when sold shall be measured by meter,
and each gas well, or the entire property on which it is
located, shall be equipped with such meter.
Rule 9. Notice of Intention to Drill, Deepen or -Plug. —
Notice shall be given to the Railroad Commission of Texas
or its agents of the intention to drill, deepen or plug any well
or wells and of the exact location of each and every such well.
In case of drilling, notice shall be given at least five (5) days
prior to the commencement of drilling operations.
Notice of intention to plug must be given at least twenty-
four (24) hours prior to beginning of plugging, and must be
accompanied by a complete log of the well, on forms pre-
scribed by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Blanks for notification and reports can be obtained by
application to the Railroad Commission of Texas or its con-
servation agent in the field.
Rule 10. Plugging Dry and Abandoned Wells. — (a) All
abandoned or dry wells shall immediately be plugged ac-
cording to the following rules:
(b) Manner of Plugging. — All dry and abandoned wells
must be plugged by confining all oil, gas or water in the
strata in which they occur, by the use of mud-laden fluid,
510 DEEP WELL DRILLING
or by some other method approved by the Commission. In
case of cable-drilling, cement and plugs may be used.
(c) Notice of Intention to Plug. — Before plugging dry and
abandoned wells, notice shall be given tp the Railroad Com-
mission of Texas or its conservation agent in the field, and
to all available adjoining lease and property owners, and
representatives of such lease and property owners may, in
addition to the oil and gas conservation agent of the Com-
mission, be present to witness the plugging of these wells
if they so desire, but plugging shall not be delayed because
of failure or inability to deliver notices to adjoining lease or
property owners.
Rule 11. Log and Plugging Record to Be Filed with Com-
mission.— The owner or operator shall, upon the completion
of any well, file with the Railroad Commission of Texas a
complete record or log of the same, duly signed and sworn
to, upon blanks to be furnished by the Commission upon
application ; and upon plugging any well for any cause what-
soever, a complete record of the plugging thereof shall be
made out and duly verified on blanks to be furnished by the
Commission.
Rule 12. Proper Anchorage to Be Laid. — Before any well
is begun in any field where it is not known that high pressure
does not exist, proper anchorage shall be laid so that the
control casing-head may be used on the inner string of casing
at all times, and this type of casing-head shall be kept in con-
stant use unless it is known from previous experience and
operations on wells adjacent to the one being drilled that
high pressure does not exist or will not be encountered
therein.
Rule 13. Equipment for Conserving Natural Gas Shall Be
Provided Before "Drilling-in." — In all proven or well-defined
gas fields, or where it can reasonably be expected that gas
in commercial quantities will be encountered, adequate prepa-
rations shall be made for the conservation of gas before
*'drilling-in" any well.
TEXAS LAWS 511
Rule 14. Separate Slush Pit to Be Provided. — Before com-
mencing to drill a well, a separate slush pit or sump hole
shall be constructed by the owner, operator or contractor for
the reception of all pumpings from clay or soft shale forma-
tions in order to have the same on hand for the making of
mud-laden fluid.
Note. — In order to avoid freezing casings, operators are
cautioned not to allow sand or lime to be mixed with clay or
soft shale pumpings.
Rule 15. Wells Not to Be Permitted to Produce Oil and
Gas from Different Strata. — No wells shall be permitted to
produce both oil and gas from different strata unless it be in
such manner as to prevent waste of any character to either
product and in accordance with Rule 3.
Rule 16. Strata to Be Sealed Off.— No well shall be drilled
through or below any oil, gas or water stratum without seal-
ing off such stratum or the contents thereof, after passing
through the sand, either by the mud-laden fluid process or by
casing and packers, regardless of volume or thickness of
sand; provided this rule shall be subject to Rule 3 as that
rule relates to natural gas.
Rule 17. Density of Mud-Fluid Where Well Containing
Water Is Drilled into Oil or Gas-Producing Strata. — No op-
erator shall drill a well into a known oil or gas-producing
sand with water from a higher formation in the hole, or
with a sufficient head of water introduced into the hole to
prevent gas blowing to the surface. The well shall either
be allowed to blow until the same has been drilled-in or it
shall be drilled in under a head of fluid consisting, when nec-
essary, of not less than 25 per cent, mud; but in no case
shall gas be allowed to blow for a longer period than three
(3) days after completion of well. Mud-laden fluid used for
protecting oil and gas-bearing sands in upper formations while
oil or gas is being produced from deeper formations should
have a density of not less than 25 per cent, mud and should
contain not less than 28 per cent. mud.
512 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Rule 18. Mud-Laden Fluid to Be Applied in Pulling or
Redeeming Casing. — No outside casing from any oil or gas
well in an unexhausted oil or gas field, shall be pulled with-
out first flooding the well with mud-laden fluid behind the
inside string, of casing, after unseating the casing, and as
casing is withdrawn, well shall be kept full to top with said
mud-laden fluid and same shall be left in the hole; and said
mud-laden fluid shall be so applied as to effectively seal off
all fresh or salt water strata, and all oil or gas strata not
being utilized.
Rule 19. Mud-Laden Fluid— When to Be Applied to Com-
pleted Wells. — When necessary (or in any event when or-
dered by the Railroad Commission of Texas) to seal off any
oil, gas or water sand, casing shall be seated in mud-laden
fluid ; and concerning wells already drilled, the operator shall,
upon the order of the Railroad Commission of Texas, raise
any string or strings of casings and re-seat them in mud-
laden fluid when it is thought advisable to do so in order to
avoid existing underground waste, pollution or infiltration.
Rule 20. Fresh Water to Be Protected. — Fresh water,
whether above or below the surface, shall be protected from
pollution, whether in drilling or plugging.
Rule 21. Separating Devices. — Where oil and gas are
found in the same stratum and it is impossible to separate
the one from the other, the operator shall, upon being so
ordered by the Railroad Commission of Texas, install a sepa-
rating device of approved type, which shall be kept in place
and used as long as necessity therefor exists, and after being
installed, such device shall not be removed, nor the use thereof
discontinued, without the consent of the Railroad Commis-
sion of Texas.
Rule 22. Gas Wells Not to Produce from Different Sands
at the Same Time Through the Same String of Casing.— No
gas well shall be permitted to produce gas from different
levels, sand or strata at the same time through the same
string of casing, and when gas upon being found is not
TEXAS LAWS 513
needed for immediate use, the same shall be confined in its
original stratum until such time as the same can be produced
and utilized without waste, and in confining gas to its original
place the mud-laden fluid process shall be used unless the
character of the formation involved is sufficiently ascertained
and understood to know that the casing and packer method
with Braden-head attachment can be safely applied and com-
petently used, and in the use of the casing, packing and
Braden-head method, separate strings of casing shall be run
to each sand.
Rule 23. Shooting of Wells. — (a) All shooting of wells
shall be under rules and regulations of the Railroad Commis-
sion of Texas.
(b) Wells Not to Be Shot into Salt Water.— No well shall
be so shot as to let in salt water or other foreign substance
injurious to the oil or gas sand.
(c) Reports to Be Made to the Railroad Commission of
Texas. — Reports shall be made to the Railroad Commission
of Texas on all wells shot, showing the condition of the well
before and after shooting, including the size of the shot, sand
or sands shot, production before and after shooting, per cent,
of water in well before and after shooting.
(d) Damaged Wells to Be Abandoned. — In case irreparable
injury is done to the wells, or to the oil or gas sand or sands
by shooting, the well shall immediately be abandoned and
plugged as provided by Rule No. 10.
(e) Notice of Intention to Shoot. — Notice of intention to
shoot must be given the Railroad Commission of Texas, on
blank form prescribed by it, at least two (2) days prior to
shooting.
Rule 24. Gauge to Be Taken — Reports to Commission. —
All oil and gas operators shall, between the first and tenth of
each month, take the rock pressure of all wells producing
natural gas which is being marketed, and shall forthwith
report to the Railroad Commission of Texas, on gauge blanks
furnished by the Commission.
514 DEEP WELL DRILLING
Rule 25. Production of Gas to Be Restrained to Fifty Per
Cent, of Potential Capacity. — When the gas from any well is
being used, the flow or production thereof shall be restrained
to fifty (50) per cent, of the potential capacity of the same;
that is to say, m any day (24 hours) the well shall not be
permitted to flow or produce more than one-half of the po-
tential capacity thereof as shown by the last monthly gauge;
provided, that this rule shall not apply to casing-head gas,
and provided further that, in cases of emergency, greater
production may be used after special authority therefor has
been secured from the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Rule 26. Notification of Fires and Breaks or Leaks. — All
drillers, operators, pipe line companies, and individuals op-
erating oil and gas wells or pipe lines shall immediately notify
the Railroad Commission of Texas by letter of all fires which
occur at oil or gas wells or oil tanks owned, operated, or
controlled by them or on their property, and shall imme-
diately report all tanks struck by lightning and any other
fires which destroy crude oil or natural gas, and shall imme-
diately report, in the manner heretofore described, any breaks
or leaks in tanks or pipe lines from which oil or gas is escap-
ing. In all reports of fires, breaks, or leaks in pipes, or other
accidents of this nature, the location of the well, tank or line
break shall be given, showing location by county and survey.
The reports provided for under this rule shall only be re-
quired when the loss by fire, breaks or leaks or other acci-
dent is material and only as regards losses connected with
production or transportation in this State over which the
Railroad Commission of Texas has jurisdiction.
Note. — Rules 27 and 28 relating to pipe line companies
omitted.
Rule 29. Certificates — Showing Compliance with Con-
servation Laws and Rules Prior to Connection. — Owners or
operators of oil or gas wells shall, before connecting with
any oil or gas pipe line, secure from the Railroad Commission
of Texas a certificate showing compliance with the oil and
TEXAS LAWS 515
gas conservation laws of the State and conservation orders of
the Commission; provided that this rule shall not prevent
temporary connection with pipe lines in order to take care of
production until opportunity shall have been given for secur-
ing such certificate; provided, further, that the owners or
operators of such wells shall, in a known or proven field, make
application for such certificate in anticipation of production.
Rule 30. Drilling Records to Be Kept. — All operators, con-
tractors, or drillers shall keep at each well, while drilling
same, accurate records of the drilling, redrilling, or deepen-
ing of all such wells, showing all formations drilled through,
casing used, and other information in connection with drilling,
and operation of the property, and any and all of this infor-
mation shall be furnished to the Railroad Commission of
Texas upon request, or to any conservation agent of the Com-
mission.
Rule 31. Conservation Agents to Have Access to All Wells
and All Well Records. — Conservation agents of the Railroad
Commission of Texas shall have access to all wells and to
all well records, and all companies, contractors, or drillers,
shall permit any conservation agent of the Commission to
come upon any lease or property operated or controlled by
them and to inspect any and all wells and the records of
said well or wells, and to have access at all times to any and
all wells and any and all records of said wells. Provided, that
information so obtained by conservation agents shall be con-
sidered official and confidential information and shall be re-
ported only to Commission.
Rule 32. Books to Be Kept — Reports to Be Made. — All
owners and operators of oil and gas wells in this State shall
keep books showing accurately the amount of stock sold and
unsold and amount of promotion money paid, amount of oil
and gas produced and disposed of, with the price for which
the same was sold, together 'with the receipts from the sale
or transfer of leases or other property, and the disbursements
made in connection with or for the benefit of such business ;
516 DEEP WELL DRILLING
which books shall be kept open for the inspection of the
Railroad Commission of Texas or any accredited representa-
tive thereof, and of any stockholder or shareholder or royalty
owner in said business, and shall report such information to
the Railroad Commission of Texas for its information, when
required by the Commission to do so. Any person, firm,
partnership, joint stock association, corporation or other
organization, domestic or foreign, operating wholly or par-
tially within this State, acting as principal or agent for an-
other, for the purpose of drilling, owning or operating any oil
or gas well, or owning or controlling leases of oil and mineral
rights, or the transportation of oil or gas by pipe line, shall
immediately file with the Railroad Commission of Texas, at
Austin, the name of the company or organization, giving the
name and postoffice address of the organization, the plan
under which it was organized^ and the names and postoffice
addresses of the trustee or trustees thereof, and the names
and postoffice addresses of the officers and directors.
Rule 33. Notice to Contractors, Drillers and Others to
Observe Rules. — All contractors and drillers carrying on
business or doing work in the oil or gas fields of the State,
as well as leaseholders, land owners and operators generally,
shall take notice of and are hereby directed to observe and
apply the foregoing rules and regulations ; and all contractors,
drillers, land owners and operators will be held responsible
for infractions of said rules and regulations.
Rule 34. Conservation Agents — Co-operation with Federal
Inspectors. — All conservation agents appointed by the Rail-
road Commission of Texas shall co-operate with and invite
the co-operation of the oil and gas inspectors of the United
States Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior.
Rule 35. Conservation Agents — To Enforce These Rules. —
All conservation agents appointed by the Railroad Commis-
sion of Texas shall be governed by, and are charged with the
enforcement of, the law and these rules and regulations.
TEXAS LAWS 517
This order to take effect and be in force on and after July 26,
1919, until amended or canceled by this Commission.
ALLISON MAYFIELD, Chairman;
EARLE B. MAYFIELD,
CLARENCE E. GILMORE,
Attest : Commissioners.
E. R. McLean, Secretary.
Rule 37. No well for oil or gas shall hereafter be com-
menced nearer than three hundred (300) feet to any other
completed or drilling well on the same or adjoining tract or
farm; and no well shall be drilled nearer than one hundred
and fifty (150) feet to any property line; provided, that the
Commission, in order to prevent waste or to protect vested
rights, will grant exceptions permitting drilling within
shorter distances than as above prescribed, upon application
filed fully stating the facts, notice thereof having first been
given to all adjacent lessees affected thereby. Rule 37 shall
not for the present be enforced within the proven oil fields of
the Gulf Coast.
Rule 38. All maps or sketches of any kind of any separate
lease or tract of land, filed with the Oil and Gas Department
of the Railroad Commission, must be drawn on a scale of
four hundred (400) feet to one inch, unless the area involved
is less than two acres, when the scale rnust be forty (40)
feet to one inch, or unless the Commission specially grants
permission that maps furnished may be drawn on. another
scale.
Rule 39. (1) All permanent oil tanks or battery of tanks
must be surrounded by a dike or ditch of at least the capacity
of the tank or batterv of tanks.
(2) No flow tank, unless it is entirely buried, or other oil
tank of any size, shall hereafter be placed nearer than ISO
feet to any derrick, rig, building, power plant or boiler of
any description, except where topography does not permit.
(3) No field working tank having a capacity of 5,000 barrels
518 DEEP WELL DRILLING
or more shall hereafter be built nearer than 200 feet (meas-
ured from shell to shell) to any other like tank or tanks.
(4) No battery of field storage tanks shall hereafter be
placed nearer than 200 feet to any other battery.
(5) Printed signs reading "Dangerous, No Smoking
Allowed/' or similar words, shall be posted in conspicuous
places on each producing lease or farm.
(6) All lessees' premises shall be kept clear of high grass,
weeds and combustible trash, within a radius of 100 feet
around an oil tank, tanks or producing wells.
(7) Open earthen storage for merchantable oil is hereafter
prohibited, except when the Commission grants special per-
mission in order to meet an unforeseen emergency. Where
such storage is now in use, it must be discontinued within a
reasonable time.
(8) Swabbing into open pits is prohibited except when
testing a well or cleaning out and such swabbing shall not
continue for a longer period than ten days, without permis-
sion from the Railroad Commission.
(9) All oil tanks, where there is a gas hazard, shall be
well covered and provided with adequate gas vents.
(10) No forge or open light shall be placed inside the der-
rick of a well showing oil or gas.
(11) Boilers must be equipped with steam lines for fighting
fire and must not be set nearer than 100 feet to any producing
well.
(12) All oil and gas pipe lines laid upon or across a public
road or highway must be buried to a reasonably safe depth.
(13) Wherever available and practicable, electric light and
power shall be installed in congested drilling areas, upon
order of the Commission.
Rule 40. Vacuum Pumps Prohibited. — The use of vacuum
pumps or other devices for the purpose of extracting oil or
gas, except casing head gas where the same is utilized, from
any well by the vacuum process, is prohibited, except in
depleted or practically depleted fields.
INDEX
519
Abandoning oil and gSM wells, Rtate
laws relating to, 473, 474. 478. 479.
485. 488. 489, 493. 602, 613.
Acid, use of in fishing. 182.
Action of mud laden fluid on porous
formations, 247. 248.
Adapter, 177. 346.
Adding machine, use of, 129.
Adjuster, pumping, 45, 340.
board, 340.
tee bolt, 340.
Agitating oil wells, 338.
Alabama, geological publications on,
39. 40.
Alaska, geological publications on, 39.
Alcohol, freezing point of. 443.
Ampere, defined, 457.
Analyses of steel suitable for drilling
tools, 445.
Anchor for well shooting, 326.
Anchor packers, 293. 294. 296.
Anchoring gas wells, 361-363.
Angles of bit faces, 136. 137.
Annealing steel, 446.
Anticline, illustration. 13. 14.
Anticlinal theory. 8.
Arkansas, geological publications on, 40.
laws relating to oil and gas. 463-467.
Arms, bull wheel, 45-59.
Arms, calf wheel, 45-59.
Babbitt, to make run freely. 438.
metal, proportions of. 437.
Babcock wire rope socket. 117.
Back brake block. 57.
pressure valve, 352. 356.
twist in wire cable. 119.
Bailer, 45. 123.
dump for cementing casing, 310-312.
fishing for, 170.
Bailing. 122. 123.
rotary well. 202, 203.
Baker cement plug, 312.
cement retainer. 307 309.
shoe guide, 281.
spudding shoe, 130.
Balance, engine, use of, 98. 112.
Balancing joint of drill pipe, 202.
Band wheel, 45. 48. 59.
Carnegie steel, 72.
shaft, 44. 45.
Barrett jack and rack. 126.
Bars, sinker, use of, 156.
steel, weights of, 456.
Batteries, 459.
Battery for well shooting, 331.
Becker, Ge'^rge F., on Genesis of Petro-
leum, 32.
Belling casing, 167.
Belt. 45.
horsepower table, 424 425.
length required for two given pulleys,
423.
link, horsepower of. 389.
link, safe load for, 389.
rule for finding width, 424.
to find approximate weight of, 424.
to find length of when closely roHed.
424.
BelUng, 423-425.
Belts, distance between pulleys, 423.
sag of. 423.
Benzol, freezing point of, 443.
Bibliography of oil and gas geology,
33-42.
Bit. 45.
cracked, illustration of, 142.
fishing for. 164.
improperly dressed, illustration of.
142.
properly dressed, illustration of. 142.
rotary, fishing for, 207.
sidehill, 131.
Bits. California, 124.
instructions for measuring, 124, 126.
Mother Hubbard, 123. 124.
regular. 123, 124.
rotary, fishtail. 198, 204.
rotary rock. Hughes, 203, 204.
spudding, 123.
Star, 124. 125.
tempering, 143-145.
Bit dressing. 131-145.
hook. 164. 165.
ram, 136.
Bits out of gauge. 115. 139.
Blank pipe, 351-353.
Block, casing. 284.
for rotary drilling. 193, 198.
impression, use of. 168.
Blo<^ing up derrick to connect gate
valve, 359.
Blocks, casing, method of stringing. 276.
casing, safe working loads for, 379.
Blocks or pulleys, mechanics of. 439-440.
Blower, Star, lubrication of, 461.
Blow out preventer, 209.
Blow outs, gas. 354, 355.
Board measure, 450.
Boiler, drilling. 97.
facts about, 433.
moving back when drilling in, 157.
Boilers, 196.
factor of safety for, 374.
horsepower of, 436.
horsepower of, rules for estimating.
433.
safe working pressures in. 432.
Boiler and steam facts, 433-434.
Bolts, holding power of in white pine,
387.
strength of. 387.
Boot jack, 168, 170. 171.
Bootleg packer, 299.
Bottom hole packer, 292.
Bottom wpter, shutting off. 316-322.
Boulders, drilling through, 203.
method of overcoming, 106, 107.
Bowl, casing, 180.
Boxes, jack post, lubrication of, 461.
Braces, derrick. 45.
derrick, length to cut, 234, 235.
wind, derrick, 47.
Bradenhead. 364.
Brake band, 45.
lever, 45.
staple. 45.
Brandon power casing machine, 290.
520
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Brass, flux for soldering, 446.
strength of. 890.
Breaking out drill pipe joinU, 200. 201.
202.
Breaking out tongs. 200. 201.
Breaking strength of Manila rope, 382-
383.
Bridging a well, 359.
Bridle line. 103.
British heat unit or thermal unit, defl-
nition of. 431-432.
Bulletins, U. S. Geological Survey, 33-42.
Bull dog spear, 172, 173.
hitch for pulling casing, 281-283.
ropes> 45.
wheels, 44. 45. 59.
wheels, Carnegie steel, 71.
wheel post brace, 45.
wheel posts. 44, 45. 55.
wheel shaft, 44, 45, 67.
Bumper, engine block, 44, 45-48.
use of, 162, 169, 171.
Bumper squib, 329.
Burned bit, 134.
Burning oil or gas wells, to extinguish,
456.
Burrel, Geo. A., and Oberfell, G. G.. on
testing natural gas for gasoline
content, 408-410.
Butler, Pa., casing used in. 256.
Butler Portable Steam Hammer. 136.
Cable, 45.
fishing for, 160-162.
Manila, 115. 116.
Manila, drilling with, 116, 116.
Manila, method of spooling, 99.
new Manila, treatment of, 116.
wire, drilling with, 116-120.
wire .method of spooling. 120.
Cable and rotary combination system
of drilling, 223-235.
Cables, drilling, strength of. 381-383.
instructions for splicing Manila and
wire, 419-420.
wire. 116-120.
wire drilling, table of depths, weight
of tools and length of stroke for,
411.
Cable tool system of drilling, 43-157.
Calf rope, 45.
Calf wheel, 44, 45, 59.
Carnegie steel, 73.
use of, 129.
Calf wheel posts, 44. 45, 55.
rim. 44, 45.
shaft. 44, 45. 67.
California Bits. 124.
casing. 252.
D. B. X. casing, 268.
casing cutter, 175, 176.
casing used in. 262.
combination standard and rotary der-
ricks, 224, 227-235.
California, geological publications on.
38, 39, 41.
laws relating to oil and gas. 467-477.
rotary drilling outfit, specification of.
218-222.
California rotary rig, 191.
rotary rig specification, 188.
State Mining Bureau directions for
well measurements, 147-149.
Cambrian, 26, 30.
Canada, casing used in. 262.
geological publications on, 41, 42.
producing formations of. 18-27.
Canfield wash ring and steel wash
plug. 357. 358.
Cants, band wheel. 59.
bull wheel. 45. 59.
calf wheel. 45, 69.
tug wheel, 59.
Carbon plants, use of natural gas, state
laws relating to. 485.
Carboniferous. 22-25. 29.
Care in making up joints, 125, 126.
of wire rope, 418.
Carnegie 106-foot steel combination
derrick, 225.
steel rotary derrick, 189.
steel standard derricks. 70-73.
Carpet, use of in fishing sockets, 183.
Carrying capacities of copper wire, 468-
459.
Case hardening, 446.
hardening mixture. 446.
Casing, belling, 157.
California, 252.
California D. B. X., 268.
cutting, 208.
collapsed, treatment of, 177, 178.
collapsing pressures of, 263-269.
combination of sizes, one within the
other, 271-273.
driving, 107-111.
factor of safety for, 374.
faulty methods, diagram, 250, 251.
fishing for, 172-180, 207, 208.
frozen. 173-177. 207, 208.
inserted joint. 269.
inserted joint, use of. 274.
methods of cementing, 208. 301-315.
oil string. 345. 346.
pulling outside string, 280.
putting in with rotary outfit, 278. 27J.
s-^ I'e lengths of string, 266-269.
setting up with Dunn tongs. 277.
shooting, 179.
sidetracking. 179.
standard well, 266, 267.
stove pipe, 108-111.
taking slack out of long string. 279.
use of. 249-255.
use of bull hitch for pulling. 281-283.
Casing adapter. 177.
block, 284.
blocks, method of stringing. 276.
blocks, safe working loads for. 379.
blocks and hooks, factor of safety
for, 374.
bowl, Kesselman, 180.
clamp, use olS 279.
crew, 274, 275.
cutter mandrel and jars, 176.
cutters, 175. 176, 208.
elevators. 285-286.
equipment, 284-290.
INDEX
521
Casing head, control, 336. 337.
hook. 284.
hooks, safe working loads for. 379.
in oil and gas wells, state laws relat-
ing to. 473. 482. 483. 488. 489.
line. 45.
. lines, safe working loads. 381.
machine. Brandon power, 290.
methods. 249-290.
outfits, specifications for. 286-289.
perforator, 346.
perforator, use of. 280. 281.
pulley. 45. 68.
shoes. 281.
splitter. 180.
squib. 179.
swages, 177. 178.
swivel. 274.
tester, use of, 278.
threads, lubricant for. 462.
threads, treatment of, 278.
tongs, 286.
used in various fields, 266-262.
Castings, strength of, 390.
to stop cracks in, 444.
Cavern, drilling through, 113.
Caving hole, fishing for tools In, 180.
to prevent, 114.
Cellar, derrick, diagram of, 230.
Cement, fire proof, 447.
for steam pipes, 447.
iron, 447.
red lead for face Joints, 448.
rust joint, 447.
specific gravities and weights of, 442.
strength of, 390.
theoretical height will rise outside
casing, 313.
universal, 447.
water proof, 447.
Cementing casing, 208, 301-315.
Cement plug. Baker, 312.
retainer. Baker, 307-309.
Center irons, 45, 48.
Jar socket. 168, 169.
Centigrade to Fahrenheit, 444.
C hook. 193, 198. 204.
Chain, sprocket, rotary, 195.
Chart of well log, 150.
showing combinations of sizes of cas-
ing one within another, 272, 273.
Circles, measurement of, 448.
Circulating, hydraulic system, drilling
by, 236-241.
Circulating head, 238, 240.
Clamp, casing, 279.
Clamping wire rope with clips, 419.
Clamps, drive, 105.
temper screw for wire line, 117.
Cleaning out. 122, 123.
Coal, oil and natural gas, comparison
of fuel value, 426.
Coal lands, drilling wells on. state laws
relating to, 487, 488.
Coals, comparisons of fuel value, 425.
specific gravities and weights of, 441.
Cold weather, drilling in, 156-157.
Collapsed casing, treatment of, 177, 178.
Collapsing pressures of casing, 263-269.
Collar, drill, 199.
Collar socket. 166, 167.
Colorado, geological publications on,
36, 37.
Colors of steel for tempering, 144.
Combination cable and rotary derrick.
227-230.
interior view, 226.
cable and rotary drilling outfits, spe-
cifications for, 231-236.
cable and rotary system of drilling.
223-236.
socket, use of, 163, 164, 170, 174.
Combinations of drive pipe and casing,
271-273.
Compound drilling engine, 193, 194.
Commutator, care of, 460.
Concrete, proportions for dlflTerent
structures, 437.
Conductor, wood, 102.
Cone rotary bits, Hughes, 203, 204-206.
Contract, drilling, form of, 400-403.
Control casing head, 242, 336, 837.
Controllers, 345.
Conversion tables, 454-465.
Copper, flux for soldering, 446.
melting point of, 443.
strength of, 390.
Core barrel, 350.
Corner, derrick, 55.
Corrugated friction socket. 166. 166
iron required for drilling rigs. /3.
Cost of derricks, comparison of 1914-
1920, 365-366.
of drilling and equipping oil wells.
367-369.
of drilling wells in various localities.
365-370.
of well shooting. 369. 370.
Coste. Eugene, on origin of oil. 32.
Counter-balance. 345.
Coupling, die, 172, 173.
Cracker, drilling cable, 117.
Cracks in castings, fo stop, 444.
Crane, derrick, 45, 135.
Crank, band wheel, 44, 45.
Cretaceous, 19, 22, 28.
Crew, drilling, 197.
Crew for putting in casing, 274, 275.
Crooked hole, to straighten, 113, 114, 127.
Crown block, method of assembling. 195,
steel, 47, 68.
wood, 45, 47, 55.
Crown block and pulleys, lubrication of,
462.
pulley, 45, 68.
Cubic or solid measure, 448.
Curtin. Thos., on motion in drilling 111
Cutters, casing. 175, 176,208.
under reamer, tempering, 145.
Cutting casing, 208.
the cable, 162, 163.
Cyclone drilling machine, 78.
Deepening oil and gas wells, state laws
relating to, 478, 493, 509.
Deepest wells in the world, 393-400.
Depth of hole, measuring. 146-149. 420
Derrick, bolted. 77.
522
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Derrick, California combination stand-
ard and rotary, specification for,
231-235.
California, diagram of. 53, 64.
California, 106 foot, combination
standard and rotary, 227-230.
Carnegie steel 106 foot combination,
225.
electric lighUng, 197, 460-461.
interior view of, 277.
rotary, steel, 189.
rotary, wood, 185-186.
standard, with parts numbered, 44, 46.
trueing up, 284.
Derrick crane outfit, 135.
girts and braces, length to cut, cS.
parts, diagrams of, 65-60.
sills. 44, 45, 46.
Derricks, Carnegie steel standard. 70-73.
cost of. 365-366.
factor of safety for. 374.
Neill tubular. 74-75.
standard, specification of material
for, 49-52, 61-65.
standard, wood, 43-69.
steel, safe working loads. 374-377.
wood, directions for erecting. 46-48.
wood, safe working loads, 377-378.
Devonian, 25. 26. 29.
Diagram of bull hitch assembly. 283.
of California derrick, 63, 64.
of complete rotary rigs, 190-191.
of Kelly system of driving pipe, 109.
of 106 foot California combination
standard and rotary derrick, 227-
230.
of 106 foot Carn3gie steel combina-
tion derrick, 225.
of 106 foot combination cable and
rotary rig with machinery, 224.
of rotary derrick, 185, 186.
of outfit for mudding off gas, 243.
of sump and trough for mud fiuid, 239.
of wood derrick parts, 65-60.
Die nipple and coupling, 172, 173.
Directions for erecting rotary rig, 192,
193.
for erecting wood derricks, 46-48.
for splicing wire rope, 412-417.
Disc anchor packer, 293.
Dome, illustration, 13, 14.
Dome of drilling boiler, 433.
Double under reamer. 128.
Draw works. 193, 195, 198, 204.
Dressing bits, 131-145.
Drill collar, 199.
pipe, 199.
pipe blown out of well (illustration).
354.
pipe, fishing for, 207.
stem, rotary, 193, 199.
Drilling. 120-121.
cost of. 366.
standard or cable tool system, 43-157.
Drilling boiler, facts about, 433.
Drilling by cable system, description
of. 111, 112.
by combination cable and rotary
system, 223-233.
Drilling by hydraulic circulating sys-
tem, 236-241.
by rotary system, 184-222.
by rotary system, description of, 196-
200.
contract, form of, 400-403.
engines, 98, 99, 193, 435.
equipment, life of, 405-407.
hardened steel, 445, 446.
in different formations, 112-116.
• in extremely cold weather, 156, 167.
line, rotary, 198.
machines, 78-79.
motion defined. 111. 112.
oil and gas wells, state laws relating
to. 463, 474, 487, 493, 505, 509.
outfit, lubrication of, 461, 462.
outfits, cable, specifications of, 78-96.
outfits, rotary, specifications of, 215-
222.
past lost tools, 170.
too loose, 112, 115.
too tight. 115, 116.
tool taper joints, dimensions, etc., 407.
tools, analyses of steel for making,
445.
tools, illustrations of complete string,
100.
with jars, 121, 122.
with Manila cable, 115, 116.
with wire cable, 116-120.
Drive clamps, 105.
down socket, 165, 166.
down spear, 107, 108, 173.
head. 106.
pipe. 102, 105, 107.
shoes, 105. 106.
Driver, rotary, 199.
Driving pipe, 105-111.
Dump bailer process for cementing cas-
ing, 309-312.
Dump shot, 331.
Dumping water, 116.
Dunn tongs, 286.
Earth, specific gravity and weights of.
442.
Elastic limit, 372.
Electric lighting derricks. 197.
lighting outfit for derricks, 460-461.
magnet, Helrazer, fishing tool, ISl.
magnet, use of for fishing. 170.
squib. 330.
Electrical pumping equipment. 342-345.
Electricity, 457-461.
Elevators. Fairs, 206. 285.
O. W. S. Co. double gate, 285-286.
Rex side gate. 206.
Scott's. 285, 286.
use of in rotary drilling. 199, 201, 206.
Wir&on. 285, 286.
Encroachment of water on oil sands.
diagram of, 250, 251.
Engine, drilling. 98. 435.
drilling, compound. 193. 194.
drilling, internal combustion. 99.
drilling, lubrication of, 461.
gasoline, lubrication of, 461.
Engine block, 44, 45-48.
INDEX
523
Engines, gas. 338, 339.
steam, horsepower of, 436.
steam, rule for estimating horsepower
of. 436.
Ether, freezing point of, 443.
Equation of pipes. 430-431.
Explosion, spontaneous of nitro-glyc-
erin. 334, 336.
Factors of safety, 372-374.
of safety for casing. 266-269.
Fahrenheit to Centigrade, <44.
Fair's elevators, 206, 285.
Faults. 12.
Feed waters, classification of impurities
found in and treatment of, 434.
Findlay break. 263, 264.
Finishing and shutting in oil wells, in
California fields. 356-359.
in Gulf Coast fields, 360-356.
where formations are soft and cav-
ing. 345-359.
where formations stand up. 336-338.
Finishing the well. 336-364.
Fire, gasoline or oil, to extinguish, 466.
Fire extinguisher liquid. 448.
for heating bits, 132. 134.
Fire proof cement, 447.
Fires, gas and oil well, state laws re-
lating to, 481, 499. 514.
Fishing, keeping record of sizes of
tools for, 158.
miscellaneous instructions, 158, 182,
183.
rotary, 20T, 208.
Fishing for bit or rope socket, 164, 166,
166.
for broken jars, 168.
for broken stem, 166.
for casing, 172-180, 207, 208.
for drill pipe, 207.
for Hughes bit cones. 208.
for lost bailer or sand pump. 170.
for lost or parted cable, 160-162.
for rotary bit, 207.
for rotary drill pipe, 207.
for temper screw balls, set screws,
etc.. 182.
for tools fast in the hole. 162-164.
for tools fast or lost in the hole. 168-
183.
for tools in a caving hole, 180.
for under reamer cutters and small
objects, 181.
jars, use of, 159. 160.
out swab rubber, 181.
out tools and casing together, 182.
where joint has unscrewed, 170.
Fishtail rotary bit. 204.
Flagging the cable, 160.
torpedo line, 332.
Flanges, band wheel, 44, 45.
Flow line, 359.
Flow of oil or gas, preparation for, 206.
Fluid, mud laden, use of, 236-248.
Fluxes, for soldering or welding, 446.
Footings, derrick, 46.
Forge for heating bits. 132.
Forgings, strength of, 390.
Formations or sands, chart of, 18-27.
Formations, rock, 16.
Formulas, workshop. 445.
Foundation, derrick. 44, 46, 65.
Foundations, 387.
Fox trip spear, 172, 173.
Freezing of rotary pipe. 204.
points of liquids, 443.
Friction of liquids in pipe, 431.
socket, corrugated, 165, 166.
Frozen casing, 129. 130. 173-177, 207, 208.
Fuel, comparison of fuel value of coals.
425.
Fuel value 'Of coal, oil and natural gas,
426.
oils, analysis and calorific values of,
426-426.
Fuels, 426-427.
Fusible plugs, 433.
Gas and oil lease, form of. 403-405.
Gas and oil, state laws relating to, 463-
518.
Gas. mudding off or "killing," 242-244.
natural, origin of, 30-32.
natural, properties of, 427.
natural, testing for gasoline content,
408-410.
oil and coal, comparison of fuel
values, 426.
utilizing, from drilling well, 444.
Gas engine. 338. 339. 344.
Gasoline from natural gas. testing for,
408-410.
or oil fire, to extinguish, 455.
Gas or oil wells, burning, to extinguish,
456.
Gas wells, capacity of by minute pres-
sure, 421-422.
closed in, illustrations, 361, 363.
gauge reports, state laws relating to,
498.
restriction of and regulation of out-
put, state laws relating to, 464. 465,
483. 492. 498. 508, 509. 514.
shutting in, 360-364.
Gauge, bits out of, 115.
Gauges for slush pumps, 195.
General information, 391-462.
Generator, 459.
Moon turbine, care of, 459, 460.
Generator, turbine, lubrication of, 461.
Geological formations or sands, chart
of, 18-27.
terms, 28-30.
Geology, 7-42.
applied to well drilling, 15.
of oil and gas, bibliography, 33-42.
Getty screen, 348.
Girts, derrick, 44, 45.
derrick, length to cut. 234. 235.
Glass, melting point of. 443.
Glue to resist moisture, formula. 448.
Glycerine, freezing point of, 443.
Go-devil, 328.
Grab, rope, 161.
sand pump, 170, 171.
whip stock, 171.
Granite, drilling, 114.
524
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Grip pipe, adjuster. 340.
Gudgeons, bull wheel, 46.
calf wheel, 45.
calf wheel and bull wheel, lubrication
of. 462.
Guiberson-Crowell bottom water plug.
320-321.
Guide, shoe. Baker, 281.
Gulf Coast rotary rig specification, 187.
Guys, derrick ,48.
Hand hole plates of drilling boiler. 433.
Hardening, case. 445.
Hardening mixture, 446.
Head, circulating, 238, 240.
control casing, 386, 337.
drive, 106.
Headache post, 44. 46-47.
Heat, 427.
of bits for dressing, 134.
of steam, 432.
of water, 432.
unit, British, definition of. 431-432.
Heating value of wood, 426.
Heaving plug, 849.
Heggem. A. G.. on shutting off gas in
wells by mud-laden fluid system,
241-244.
Heinz cup packer, 254.
Helrazer electric magnet Ashing tool,
181.
Hoist, chain, 45, 135.
Hole for standing drill stem. 209.
Hollow reamer, use of, 127.
Hook, bit, 164. 165.
casing. 284.
Hooks, casing, safe working loads for.
379.
Hope Natural Gas Company deep
wells, 393-400.
Horn socket, use of, 164, 165. 166, 168.
Horsepower, definitions of. 436.
Horsepower for belts, 424-425.
necessary to elevate water, 429, 430.
Horseshoe rope knife, use of. 162, 163.
Hose, wire wound rotary. 195.
Hughes rotary rock bits, 203. 204-206.
tool joints. 199. 200.
Hydraulic circulating system, drilling
by, 236-241.
jacks, use of, 174, 178, 183.
Idaho, geological publications on, 39. 40.
Ideal rig and calf irons, 62, 63, 66.
Igneous rocks, 30.
Illinois, casing used in, 257.
geological publications on. 41.
Impression block, use of. 168.
Impurities found in feed waters, clas-
siflcations and treatment of, 434.
Indiana, geological publicptions on, 33.
Information, general. 391-462.
Inserted joint casing. 269.
joint casing, use of. 274.
Instructions for care of and proper
methods of handling wire rope, 418.
for Ashing. 158, 182, 183.
for measuring bits, 124. 125.
for splicing Manila and wire cables,
419-420.
Interior view of combination cable and
rotary derrick, 226.
Internal fluid pressures for standard
pipe, 388.
Iron, flux for welding, 446.
melting point of, 443.
speciflc gravities and w^eights of. 440.
strength of, 390.
weight of, 457.
Iron cement, 447.
Jack, Barrett and rack, 126.
boot or latch, 168, 170, 171.
milling, 167.
pumping, 338, 339. 341.
Jack post and braces, 44-47, -87.
post boxes, 44, 45.
posts, method of anchoring, 118.
Jack squib, 328.
Jacks, hydraulic, use of, 174, 178, 183.
Jar bumper, 169, 171.
of drilling tools. 111, 115, 116.
To 1*0^ 4S
drilling, use of, 121, 122.
fishing for, 168. 169.
fishing, use of, 159, 160.
long stroke, use of, 108.
rope knife, 161.
to save from breaking, 444.
Jerk line, 102-104.
Joint, rust, cement for. 447.
tool, 126.
cement, red lead, 448.
Joints, care in making up, 125, 126.
drill pipe, breaking out, 200, 201, 202.
drilling tool, dimensions. 'Sic, 407.
rotary tool, 199, 200.
tool, cleaning, 102, 125.
tool, suitable sizes, 156.
Jones casing cutter, 175, 176.
Jurassic, 22, 28. ^
Kansas, casing used in. 258.
geological publications on, 34. 35.
Kelly system of driving casing, 107-109.
Kent on fuels. 425.
on mechanics of pulleys or blocks.
439-440.
Kentucky, casing used in, 258.
geological publications on. 33. 34.
Kesselman casing bowl, 180.
Keys, derrick, 65.
Kinking of wire cable, 118.
Killing a gas well, 242-244.
Kilowatt hour, 458.
Knapp, Arthur, on rock classification.
149-156.
Knives, rope. 161, 163.
Knuckle post. 46, 48, 57.
Larkin sand pump, 123.
Laws relating to oil and gas, Arkansas.
463-467.
California, 467-477.
LiOuisiana-4 78-487.
Ohio, 487-491.
Oklahoma, 491-500.
Pennsylvania, 501-502.
Texas, 503-518.
INDEX
525
Layne and Bowler lead and canvas
packer, 351.
screens, 347, 348.
Lead, flux for soldering, 446.
melting point of. 443.
specific gravities and weights of, 440.
strength of, 390.
plug. 322.
Lead seal, 361.
wool. 322.
Lease, oil and gas, form of. 403*406.
Legs, derrick, 47.
Lewis, J. O., on oil recovery methods.
17.
J. O., and W. P. McMurrny on use of
mud-laden fluid, 245-248.
Life of well drilling equipment, 405-407.
of wood, 383-384.
Lighting outfit, electric, for derrick.
460-461.
Limestone, drilling in, 113.
strength of. 390.
very hard, drilling, 114.
Limit plug. 321. 3^2.
Line squib. 329.
Liner, catfirg, 359.
Liner strings of casing, 254.
Liners or screens, 346-349. 351-365.
Link belt, horsepower of, 389.
safe load for, 389.
Liquids, freezing point of, 443.
Loads, safe working for casing equip-
ment. 379-381.
Loads, safe working for wood derricks.
377-378.
safe working for steel derricks. 374-
377.
Log of deepest well in the world, 395-398.
of well. 149-156.
of well, state laws relating to, 476.
479, 481, 494, 499. 610, 615.
Losing mud, 203.
Louisiana, casing used in, 259.
geological publications on. :{5, Hi.
laws relating to oil and gas, 478-487.
Lubricants for rotary tool joints and
for casing threads, 462.
Lubrication of a drilling outfit, 461. 462.
Lubricator for mud fluid. 242-244.
for slush pumps, 195.
Lucey elevators, 285.
McDonald process for cementing off
bottom water, 316-319.
McEvoy screens, 347, 348.
M. & F. die nipple, 172, 173.
Machine for screwing casing, 290.
Machines, drilling, 78-79.
Magnet, electric for fishing, 170, 181.
Mandrel and Jars for casing cutters,
176.
for rotary casing cutter, 208.
substitute, 174, 175.
Manifold for slush pumps, 195, 196.
Manila and wire cables, instructions
for splicing. 419-420.
cable, drilling with. 115, 116.
rope knife. 161.
rope socket. 101.
Marble, strength of, 390.
Marks on fuel oils, 425.
on treatment of impurities in feed
waters. 434-435.
Materials. specific gravities and
weights of, 440-442.
strength of, 371-390.
Maul, pipe driving, 106, 108.
Measure, board or lumber, 450.
surveyors' square, 450.
Measurement of surfaces. 449-450.
Measures by Metric system. 450-454.
of volume, solid or cubic, 448.
Measuring the depth of hole. 146-149.
Mechanical properties of woods grown
in the United States. 384-385.
Mechling wire line clamps, 117.
Melting points of various solids, 442-448.
Mensuration, 448-450.
Metal, Babbitt and other bearing, pro-
portions of, 437.
fusible, melting points of. 443.
Method of estimating depth of well by
calculating length of cable wound
around bull wheel shnft. 420.
of stringing rotary drilling line and
pulleys, 198.
Metric conversion tables, 454.
system, 460-454.
Mexico, casing used in. 262.
producing formations of, 27.
Milling a pin, 167. 168.
jack and wheel in operation, 167.
tool. 167.
Mills drive down spear, 173.
Minute pressure of gas wells, 421-422.
Miscellaneous facts, 444.
Mississippi, geological publications on.
40.
Monocline, 10.
Montana, casing used in, 261.
geological publications on, 36, 37. 38.
40.
Moon turbine generator, care of. 459.
460.
Mother Hubbard bits, 123, 124.
Motion, drilling, defined. 111. 112.
Motor. 459.
Motors, electric for pumping. 342-345.
Mouse trap. 161.
Moving back boiler when drilling in.
157.
Mud, mixing. 116.
Mud fluid, mixing, 199.
laden fluid, action of on porous for-
mations, 247, 248.
laden fluid, description of, 245, 246.
laden fluid, settling of, 246, 247.
laden fluid, use of, 236-248.
sills, 44, 45-48.
Mudded rotary bit, treatment, 203.
Mudding off gas, 242-244.
oft oil or gas, state laws. 466, 480,
495. 496. 511. 612.
Nails, holding power of in various
woods, 386.
National portable rig. 75-76.
rotary drill pipe, 210-215.
526
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Natural gas. conservation of, state
laws relating to. 478. 479. 485, 492.
494. 497. 499. 503. 607. 510.
gas, origin of. 30-32.
properties of. 427.
Negative wire, simple rules for finding.
461.
Neill tubular derricks. 74-75.
New Era rope socket, 101.
New Mexico, geological publications on,
39.
Nipple, M. & F.. Die. 172. 173.
Nitro-glycerin. use of in well shooting.
323-335.
North Dakota, geological publications
on, 39, 40.
Nose sill, 44, 45.
Ohio, casing used in, 256.
geological publications on, 33, 34. 40.
laws relating to oil and gas. 487-491.
Ohms, defined. 457.
Ohms law. 457.
Oil, origin of, 30-32.
pumping, 338-345.
Oil and gas. state laws relating to, 463-
618.
and gas geology, publications on, 33-
42.
and gas lease, form of, 403-405.
as a scale preventive. 435.
Oil. coal and natural gas, comparison
of fuel value. 426.
Oil or gasoline fire, to extinguish, 455.
or gas wells, burning, to extinguish.
456.
sands, porosity and saturation of. 16,
17.
saver. 337.
string of casing, 249, 345-346.
wells in United States, 391.
wells, shutting in, 336-364.
Oils, fuel, analysis and calorific values
of, 425-426.
Oklahoma, casing used in, 258, 259.
geological publications on, 34. 35.
laws relating to oil and gas, 491-500.
Ontario, geological publications on. 41.
42.
Ordovician, 26, 29.
Oregon, geological publications on. 39.
Origin of petroleum and natural gas,
30-32.
Outfit for drilling 600 feet, 78.
for drilling 700 to 1200 feet, 79.
for drilling 1800 feet. 80.
for drilling 2500 feet. 81, 85.
for drilling 3000 feet 82, 83, 85. 86.
for drilling 4000 feet, 83, 84. 86, 87.
for drilling 5000 feet. 84. 85, 87, 88.
for drilling 7500 feet, 88-90.
for drilling in foreign fields, 91-96.
Outfits, casing specifications for, 286-
289.
rotary drilling, specifications for. 215-
222.
Overshot. 207. 208.
O. ^^^. S. Co. double gate elevators,
285.
Packer, bootleg, 299.
bottom hole. 292. 296.
conical sleeve anchor, 296.
disc anchor. 293. 295.
disc cave, 296, 297.
disc wall, 296, 298.
Heinz cup. 254.
hook wall pimiping. 296, 297.
lead and canvas collapsible, 351.
made of joint of casing and pieces of
rope. 299. 300.
screw anchor. 294. 295.
special anchor, 295.
special gas anchor. 296. 297.
Packers, use of. 252. 291-300.
Parkersburg bull wheel and calf wheel
shafts, 67.
portable rig, 77.
Peg-legging of tools, 116, 119.
Pennsylvania, casing used in, 256.
geological publications on, 33, 40.
laws relating to oil and gas, 501-502.
Peoples Natural Gas Co., deep well, 393.
Perforated casing, 346.
liners, 351-354.
pipe, 341.
Perforating casing, 280, 281.
Perkins process for cementing casing,
301-307.
Petroleum, origin of, 30-32.
specific gravities and weights of, 441.
production of world, 392-393.
Pin, milling, 167, 168.
Pipe, drill, 199.
drill, fishing for. 207.
drill, properties of, 210.
drill, tests on, 210-212.
drive, 102. 105. 107.
driving. 105-111.
internal fiuid pressure for. 388.
derricks, Neill. 74-75.
for drilling purposes, precautions in
handling. 214, 215.
for rotary drilling, 210-215.
line connections, state laws relating
to, 505.
lines, breaks or leaks in. state laws
relating to, 481. 499. 514.
Pipes .equation of, 430-431.
friction of liquids in. 431.
steam, cement for, 447.
steam, directions for connecting, 434.
Pitman. 44, 45. 55.
Plants, pumping, 338, 339, 344.
Platforms for men in derricks, 192.
Plug, cement. Baker. 312.
drilling, for wire cable, 120.
Plugging oil and gas wells, state laws
relating to. 478. 486. 488. 489. 493.
494, 501. 504. 509. 510.
Plugs, bottom water. 320-322.
fusible, 433.
Pocket in oil well, 336.
Polished rod, 340.
Porosity and saturation of oil sandi,
16. 17.
Porous formations, action of mud laden
fiuid on. 247. 248.
Portable rig, 75-77.
INDEX
527
Positive wire, simple rules for flndinir.
461.
Powers, pumpingr, 338, 339, 844*
Precautions in handling pipe for drill-
ing: purposes, 214, 216.
Pressure, water, 429.
Preventer, blow out, 209.
Producing oil wells in United States,
391.
Properties of drill pipe, 210.
of naturpl gas, 427.
of steel wire. 380.
Prosser swivel rope socket, 117.
Protection for man in derriclt, 209.
Publications of oil and gras geology.
33-42.
Pulleys, relations of the size and speeds
of driving and driven, 438.
rules for calculating speed of, 438-439.
or blocks, mechanics of, 439-440.
Pulling casing with bull hitch, 281-283.
Pulling casing with hydraulic jacks,
178.
casing with hydraulic jacks, socket
and mandrel substitute. 174, 176.
frozen casing, 173-178.
oil and gas wells, state law's relating
to, 478, 479.
Pump, boiler feed, lubrication of, 461.
Pump cylinder, to And diameter of to
move given quantity of water, 431.
Pumping jack, 338, 339, 341.
Pumping outfit, diagram of, 340.
outfit for wire rope, 342.
powers, 338, 339, 344.
salt water, 341.
wells with electric power, 342-346.
with wire rope, 341, 342.
Pumps, depth of suction, 435- 436.
steam, 435. 436.
slush, 195-197.
Quaternary, 18, 28.
Ram, bit, 136.
Rasping, 166.
Rasps, 166. 167.
Rat Hole, 209.
Reamer, hollow, 127, 128.
Ream.ers, under, 127, 128.
Reaming, 131.
Reaming , under, 127-131.
Releasing locked jars, 169.
Resistance of copper wire, 458-459.
Rex side gate elevators, 206.
Richardson, G. B., on World's Produc-
tion of Petroleum, 392.
Rig, combination cable and rotary, 224.
Rig and outfit used to drill deepest well
in the world, 399, 400.
irons. Ideal, 62, 63, 66.
irons, standard, 51, 52.
Rigby oil saver, 337.
Rigging up rotary rig. 193, 195-199.
up standard rig, 97-102.
Rigs, portable, 75-77.
rotary, 185-193.
standard, 43-77.
Riveted or stove pipe casing, 108-111.
Rock, bearing power of, 387.
Rock classification in well logs. 149-166.
formations. 16.
Rocks, specific gravities and weights of.
441-442.
Rods, pull. 338. 339.
sucker 341
Roebling'. John A.. Sons Co., on splicing
wire rope and on proper methods
of handling, 412-418.
Rooflng. measurement of, 449.
Roller swage. 177, 178.
Rope, factor of safety for, 374.
strain caused by running with slack
line. 419.
Manila, breaking strength of. 382-383.
wire, care of, 120.
wire, clamping with clips, 419.
wire, directions for splicing, 412-417.
wire, for pumicing, 341, 342.
wire, instructions for care of and
proper methods of handling, 418.
wire, lubrication of, 462.
wire, safe working loads. 381, 382.
wire .spooling attachment for, 422.
Rope grab, 161.
knives. 161, 163.
knife jars. 161.
knife sinker, 161.
socket, fishing for, 164. 165. 166.
socket New Era, to prevent hole
cracking, 444.
socket tongue socket, 165, 166.
sockets, 45. 101, 117.
spear. 161.
Rotary. 199.
shaft drive. 193, 194.
bit, 198. 204.
casing cutter, 208.
derrick, diagram of, 185, 186.
drill pipe, 212, 213.
drilling outfit, lubrication of, 462.
drilling outfits, specifications for, 216-
222.
outfit, use of for putting in casing,
278 279.
process of drilling, 184-222.
rig (California) showing machinery,
191.
rig, directions for erecting, 192, 193.
rig (Texas) showing machinery, 190.
shoe, 207, 208.
tool joints, 199. 200.
tool joints, lubricant for, 462.
with drilling block, hooks, swivel and
drill stem, 193.
Rules for calculating speed of pulleys,
438 439.
for estimating horsepower of steam
engines, 436.
for estimating power of steam boil-
ers, 433.
Rust, to preserve steel from, 447.
to remove from steel, 446.
Rust joint cement, 447.
Safe lengths of strings of casing, 266-
269.
loads for bolts, 387.
528
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Safe loads for casing blocks and hooks.
379.
loads for casin^r equipment, 379-380.
loads for link belt. 389.
loads for National portable rigs, 76.
loads for Neill tubular derricks, 75.
loads for square wooden columns.
386.
loads for steel derricks, 374-377.
loads for wire rope. 381-382.
loads for wood derricks, 377-378.
working pressures in shells of boilers,
tanks, pipes, etc., 432.
Safety factors and safe working fiber
stresses, 372-374.
Sampson post and braces, 44-48, 55.
Sand, running, excluding, 345-369.
Sands, washing, 149.
oil, porosity and saturation of, 16. 17.
oil and gas, chart of, 18-27.
Sand line, 45.
pump. 123.
pump, fishing for, 168, 170, 171.
pump, use of, 122, 123.
pump grab, 170, 171.
pump pulley, 45.
reel, 44, 45, 48, 67.
reel, lubrication of, 462.
reel hand lever, 45.
reel lever. 44, 45, 48. 65.
reel sill. 44, 45.
reel swing lever irons, 69.
Sandstone, drilling in, 113.
Saturation of oil sands, 16, 17.
Saver, oil, 337.
Scale, oil as a preventive, 435.
Scotts* elevators, 285.
Screens, well, 346, 348, 349
Screw, temper, 121.
Seal, lead, 351.
Seamless interior upset drill pipe, 214.
Seed bag, use of, 262.
Separating gas from oil. 359.
gas from oil, state laws relating to,
480, 481, 497.
Setting liners, 351-355.
screens, 347-349.
shop perforated casing, 346.
tool for Layne packer. 351-353.
Shaft, band wheel. 44, 45.
Shafts, bull wheel and calf wheel, 67.
Shaft driven rotary outfit, 193, 194.
Shale, drilling in, 112.
Sheet steel, thickness of, 381.
Shell, 130.
Shells for well shooting, 322, 326.
Shoe, Baker, 130.
casing, 129.
rotary, 207, 208.
spudding, 102-104.
Shoe guide, use of, 281.
Shoes, casing, 281.
drive, 105, 106.
Shooting a crooked hole, 113.
boulders, 107.
casing, 179.
of wells, state laws relating to, 498,
504, 513.
wells. 323-335.
Shooting wells, cost pf, 369, 370.
Shutting down, 157.
in gas wells. 360-364
in oil wells, 336-359.
off bottom water, 316-322.
Sidehill bit, 131.
Side jar socket, 168. 169.
rasps, 167.
Sidetracking casing, 179.
Sills, derrick, 44, 45.
Silurian, 26. 29.
Sinker bars, use of. 156.
Sinker, rope knife, 161.
Slate, drilling in. 112.
strength of. 390.
Slide tongs, 201.
Slip socket, use of, 163, 164, 166, 168, 174.
Slips, rotary, 199.
Slips used in fishing tools, illustration
of, 159.
Slush pumps, 195 197.
smith, George Otis, on agreement of
structure mapping with results of
drilling, 15.
Socket, center jar, 168. 169.
collar. 166, 167.
combination, use of, 163, 164, 170, 174.
corrugated friction, 165, 166.
drive down, 165, 166.
horn, use of, 164, 165. 166, 168.
jar rein, 168, 169.
jar tongue, 168, 169*.
rope socket tongue, 166, 166.
side jar. 168, 169.
slip, use of, 163, 164, 166. 168. 174.
Sockets, rope, 101, 117.
rope, directions for fastening rope in.
101, 117.
Soils, bearing power of, 387.
Soldering or welding fluxes, 446.
Solid or cubic measure, 448.
Solidified nitro-glycerin, 331.
Spear, bull dog, 172, 173.
Fox trip, 172, 173.
Mills drive down, 173.
rope, 161.
use of, 172.
wash down, 207.
Spearing around fast tools, 172.
Special upset rotary pipe. 212. 213.
Specific gravities and weights of mate-
rials, 440-442.
Specifications for cable drillihg outfits,
78-96.
for California combination standard
and rotary rig, 231-235.
for casing outfits, 286-289.
for combination cable and rotary
drilling outfit. 235.
for rotary drilling outfits. 215-222.
for rotary rigs. 187-188.
for standard derricks, 49-52. 61-65.
Speed of pulleys. 438-439.
Spheres, measurement of. 448-449.
Spider, swinging. 129.
Spider and slips, 275.
use of, 130.
Splicing Manila and wire cables. 419-
420.
INDEX
529
Splicing wire rope. 412-417.
Splitter, casing, 180.
Spontaneous explosion of nitro-glycerin
in North Texas. 334, 386.
Sprocket chain, horsepower of. 389.
rotary, 196.
safe load for, 889.
Spud, use of. 164. 166, 172.
Spudding. 102-106.
illustration of, 104.
bits. 123.
rotary pipe. 208. 204.
shoe. 102-104.
Squib, bumper. 329.
casing, 179.
electric. 330.
lack, 328.
line, 329.
Squibbing wells, 338.
Stancliffe screen, 348.
Standard derrick with parts numbered,
44, 45.
derricks, specifications of material
for, 49-62, 61-65.
or cable todl system of drilling. 48-
157.
well casing, 266, 267.
Stands of drill pipe. 202.
Star bits. 124. 126.
drilling machine, 79.
State laws relating to drilling, aban-
doning and plugging oil and gas
wells and to oil and gas. 463-518.
Steam, 428.
dry. 431.
heat of. 432.
saturated, 431.
superheated, 431.
temperature of. 431.
wet, 431.
Steam and boiler facts, 433-434.
boilers, safe working pressures in,
432.
engines, 435.
hammer. Butler portable, 136.
pumps, 435-436.
Steel, flux for welding, 446.
hardened, to drill. 445, 446.
melting point of, 443.
specific gravities and weights of, 440.
strength of. 390.
to preserve from rust, 447.
to remove rust from, 446.
to anneal. 446.
to temper. 445.
turning, drip for, 446.
Steel bars, weights of. 456.
combination standard and rotary der-
rick, 225.
colors at high temperatures. 134. 135.
rotary derrick. 189.
standard derricks. 70-73.
suitable for making drilling tools,
analyses. 446.
Stem, 45, 101.
drill, rotary. 193. 199.
fishing for. 166.
Stewart, Prof. R. T., Formula for Col-
lapsing Pressures of Casing, 263-
266.
Sticking of tools, to prevent. 114.
Stirrup. 46.
Stone, specific gravities and weights of.
441-442.
Stove pipe casing. 108-111.
Stoving bits. 137-141.
Straighten crooked hole, 127.
Strain and stress. 371.
caused by running with slack line,
419.
Strength of materials, 371-390.
of miscellaneous material. 390.
Stress and strain. 371.
Stripping casing over cable, 182.
Stroke drilling. 111. 115. 120.
StuflAng box. 340.
Subs, drill stem, 198.
Sucker rods. 341.
Suction of pumps, theoretical depth of,
485. 436.
Sump, rotary, 196. 197.
Surface, measures of. 449. 450.
Surveyors' square measure. 450.
Sub sill. 44. 45.
Substitute, mandrel. 174. 175.
Sump holes for mud fluid. 238. 240.
Swab. 338.
Swabbing oil wells. 338.
Swab rubber, fishing out, 181.
Swages. 177, 178.
Swan under reamer. 127.
Swing lever irons, 69.
Swinging spider. 129.
Swivel, casing, 274.
rotary, 193, 195, 198.
Swivel rope socket, 117.
wrench, 45.
Syncline, 9.
Tail post, 46. 57.
Tallying drill pipe, 209.
Tank, to find capacity of. 455.
Tanks, safe working pressures in, 432.
Telegraph wheel, 45.
Temper screw, 45, 101, 121.
screw balls, fishing for, 182.
screw clamps for wire line. 117.
screw for pumping, 342.
screw pulleys, 45.
steel, 445.
Temperature of bits for dressing, 134.
Tempering bits. 143-145.
mixtures, formulas for. 445.
under reamer cutters, 145.
Tensile strength, 372.
Tension on drilling cable, 111, 115.
Terrace. 10.
Tertiary. 18, 19, 28.
Tester, casing, use of, 278.
Testing natural gas for gasoline con-
tent, 408-410.
water shut-off, 314 315.
Tests on drill pipe, 210-212.
Texas, casing used in, 259, 260.
geological publications on. 35. 36. 41.
Texas and Louisiana rotary drilling
outfit, specification of. 215-218.
laws relating to oil and gas, 503-618.
rotary rig, 190.
Thermometer comparisons, 444.
530
DEEP WELL DRILLING
Thread cuttingr compound, 447.
Threads, casing, treatment of, 278.
rotary tool joint and casing, lubricant
for, 462.
Timbie, W. H.. on electricity, 457-459.
Tin, melting point of, 443.
specific gravities and weights of, 440.
Tongs, breaking out, 200, 201.
Dunn, 286.
slide, 201.
Tongue sockets, 165, 166, 169.
Tool, milling, 167.
Tool joint, 126.
.loints, dimensions, etc., 407.
wrench, 126.
Tools, drilling, directions for connect-
ing, 101.
drilling, illustration of complete
string, 100.
Torpedoes, well shooting, 323-335.
Tough, F. B., on cementing casing and
shutting off water, 309-311, 314-319.
Trap, mouse, 161.
Triassic, 22, 28.
Trip spear. Fox, 172, 173.
Trueing up the derrick, 284.
Tubing, 341.
equipment, 341.
method for cementing casing, 307-309.
Tug pulley, 44, 45, 48.
wheel, calf wheel, 44, 45.
Turning steel, drip for, 446.
Two wing rasp, 167.
Ultimate strength, 373.
Under reamer cutters, fishing for, 181.
tempering, 145.
Under reamers, 127, 128.
Under reaming, 127-131.
Union Tool Co. Shaft Drive Rotary.
193, 194.
United States, producing formations of,
18-27.
Units of heat, 427, 431-432.
Universal cement, 447.
Utah, peoloericrl publications on, 36,
37, 38, 39, 40.
V rope knife, use of, 161.
Vacuum pumps, state laws relating to,
498, 518.
Valve, back pressure, 352, 356.
Valve rod, 340.
Valves, globe, directions for connecting,
434.
working barrel, 341.
Verifying oil or gas in rotary well. 202.
Volt, defined, 457.
Volume, measures of, 448.
Wapy. E. W.. on setting screens, 347-
349. 357-359.
Walking beam. 44, 45, 48, 55.
center irons, lubrication of, 462.
Wash blade, 352. 356. 357.
down spear, 207. •
pipe. 352. 355.
pipe assembly, illustration, 366.
plug. 352. 356.
Wash rings, 353, 355, 357, 358
Washing out the sand, 149.
the sand, 203.
wells, 352-359.
Washington, geological publications on,
40.
Waste of naturrl gas and oil, state
laws relating to. 467. 477. 478. 480,
483, 490, 491, 492, 493, 503. 504, 606,
507, 608.
Water, bottom, shutting off, 316-322.
properties of, 428.
pumping, 341.
shutting off, 249, 254.
theoretical horsepower necessary to
elevate, 429, 4.S0.
total heat of, 432.
weight of in pipe of different diam-
eters, 429.
encroachment on oil sands. 250, 251.
factors, 428.
pressure, 429.
proof cement, 447.
shut off in wells, state laws relating
to, 468, 473, 476, 480.
shut off, testing, 314-315.
used in drilling, 116.
Waters, feed, classification of impuri-
ties found in and treatment of. 434.
Watt, defined, 457, 458.
Weight of belts. 424.
of iron. 457.
of water in pipes of different diam-
eters 429.
Weights,' drilling, for Hughes bits. 206.
and specific gravities of materials,
440-442.
by metric system, 450-454.
of steel bars, 456.
Welding or soldering fluxes, 446.
Well drilling equipment, life of, 405-407.
Well logs, 149-156.
Well measurements, 146-149.
Wells, deepest in the world. 393-400.
gas, capacity of by minute pressure,
421-422.
shooting. 323-335.
Wells producing oil or gas from differ-
ent stratp. state laws relating to,
480. 495, 497. 512.
West Virginia, casing used in. 256, 257.
geological publications on, 33, 40, 41.
Wheel, band, Carnegie steel, 72.
bull. Carnegie steel. 71.
calf, Carneerie steel, 73.
Whip stock, 170, 171.
stock grab, 171.
Wigle spring casing hook, 202.
Wilson elevators, 285.
under reamer, 128.
Wire, copper, resistance of, 458-469.
properties of, 380.
Wire and Manila cables, instruction!
for splicing. 419-420.
cable, drilling with, 116-120.
drilling cables, table of depths,
weight of tools and length of
stroke for, 411.
line spooling attachment, 422.
INDEX
531
Wire rope, care of, 120.
rope, clamping with clips, 419.
rope, directions for splicing, 412-417.
rope, instructions for care of and
proper methods of handling. 418.
rope, lubrication of, 462.
rope, safe working loads, 381-382.
rope knife, 163.
rope sockets, 117.
Wires, positive pnd negative, simple
rules for finding, 461.
Wiring directions for lighting derrick,
461.
Wood, heating value of, 426.
life of, 383-384. *
derricks. 43-69. 185 188, 192, 227-230.
grown in United States, mechanical
properties of, 384-385.
Wooden beams, safe loads and span,
386.
Wooden columns, safe loads for, 3S6.
Working barrel, 341.
Workshop formulas, 445.
World's production of petroleum, 392-
393.
Wrench, swivel, 135.
tool, 126.
Wrenches, tool, method of balancing,
99.
Wrist pin, 44, 45.
Wyoming, casing used in, 260.
geological publications on, 36. 37, 38,
40.
Yield point. 372.
Zero, absolute, 444.
Zinc, flux for soldering, 446.
melting point of, 443.
specific gravities and weights of, 440.
strength of, 390.
yc 131
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THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UBRARY