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Using the right stabbing guide is the only way to fully prevent pipe and thread damage and minimize potential connection failure. A good stabbing guide will help operators to ensure precisely aligned, securely connected pipe sections.
But what exactly is a stabbing guide?
A stabbing guides are handling tools (used in the oil and gas industry) that help operators align two separate sections of drill pipe, tubing, or casing for male-to-female connections. Stabbing guides can be used when stringing a whole new pipeline, as well as for connecting replacement sections to existing lines.
When a pipe is incorrectly aligned, downtime can increase, and there is room for complete failure.
These simple tools are important in the energy industry, necessary for faster, easier stabbing and to protect threaded connections from damage.
Stabbing guide geometry
When it comes to stabbing guide geometry, there are two main features: a thru-bore (top section) and a counterbore (bottom section). The thru-bore guides the pin threads (male connection) to align with the box threads. On the other hand, the counterbore slides over and sits on the box end of the pipe (female connection).
Both thru-bore and counterbore shall be made out of a strong, durable, and is a somewhat elastic material.
The type of materials used for both thru-bore and counterbore of materials vary widely. However, proper care should be taken to select a material that will stand up to all working conditions it may encounter including extreme temperatures, drilling fluids, corrosive chemicals, water, impact, fatigue, etc.
Benefits
Stabbing guides offer key benefits, notably streamlining pipe alignment, mitigating thread damage, and saving time. This section will highlight how these tools improve precision, durability, and efficiency in drilling or tripping pipe operations
Reduced Downtime: Proper alignment of pipe sections can decrease downtime and enhance productivity.
Cost-Effective: By reducing the risk of thread damage, the lifespan of drilling equipment can be extended, leading to cost savings.
Increased Safety: The guides mitigate the risk of accidents during the connection process, ensuring a safer working environment.
Versatility: They can be used in various situations, from stringing new pipelines to connecting replacement sections.
Improved Quality of Connections: Stabbing guides ensure accurate, secure connections, enhancing the overall quality of your work.
Ease of Use: The guides are easy to handle, even for operators with limited experience, simplifying the learning curve.
Variety of Sizes: Stabbing guides come in different sizes to accommodate various pipe diameters, providing a tailored solution for different needs.
Other Benefits
- Stabbing guides enhance the operator's ability to maintain control and to achieve ultimate safety while guiding sections of pipe together.
- When you use the right guides, stabbing will be more efficient while taking up fewer man-hours to complete.
- The best stabbing guides have polyurethane shells because the material is low-maintenance and durable.
- Whether you’re drilling or tripping pipe, stabbing guides can help to prevent damage to threads and pipe while minimizing the risk of connection failure.
Your stabbing guide experts
Let us help you with service and getting you the right tools for the job.
Superior Performance offers various sizes and brands of stabbing guides. Sizes range from 2 3/8 inches to 18 5/8 inches, so you can be sure to find what you need to prevent damage to tubing, casing and drill pipe prior to make-up.
Contact us to get more information about our tool rental offerings!
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References
How Stabbing Guides Work on the Oilfield - https://msipipeprotection.com/stabbing-guides-work-oilfield/
Stabbing Guides In The Oil and Gas Industry - https://www.keystoneenergytools.com/stabbing-guides-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry/
Take a Stab at it: Stabbing Guide 101 - https://www.rameymartin.com/take-a-stab-at-it-stabbing-guide-101/
Photo Credits:
DP-Master Manufacturing
About Superior Performance
At Superior Performance, our team provides drilling contractors and operators with a wide range of construction services to cover most work scopes associated with rig/drilling packages and upgrades, refurbishment, and repair.
We can provide either a turnkey solution or individual work scopes, including Field Service Supervisor assistance, thread inspection services, casing ID caliper services, Laser Tally services, and power equipment.
We also carry premium casing and tubular rental tools in a wide variety of sizes and connections, including elevators for casing and tubing, tubing/casing crossovers, full open safety valves, stabbing guides, casing swages and much more.