TPi January 2018

developments products &

Aluminium alloy pipes are a lightweight alternative

Pipe material a critical factor in the pursuit of drilling efficiency

is a German non-ferrous materials company with a client portfolio extending across the automobile, aerospace and engineering industries. OFDS president Peter Kaufmann said, “Low margins have put significant pressure on the oil and gas sector. As drilling efficiency increasingly becomes an issue, next generation aluminium alloy pipe can play a key role. The potential for substantial cost reductions should not be underestimated.” OFDS is an integrated product and service solutions provider specialising in bringing high strength-to-weight ratio metallic solutions to the upstream oil and gas industry. The company offers a broad range of aluminium and titanium alloy products. Otto Fuchs Drilling Solutions GmbH – Germany ofds@otto-fuchs.com www.otto-fuchs-ds.com

showed up to a 30 per cent ROP improvement in sliding mode – the result of a more effective weight-to-bit transfer. FuchsRohr AluDrill has proven performance in demanding horizontal drilling applications. Key attributes include the pipe’s flexibility and durability.

The lightweight aluminium alloy pipe FuchRohr AluDrill is claimed to improve oil and gas drilling performance compared to standard steel pipes. Due to a weight advantage, the pipes increase buoyancy and in turn reduce friction forces up to 50 per cent versus steel drill pipe. Drilling tests in the Niobrara formation

The reduced weight and stiffness mean that torque and drag are reduced and weight can be transferred more efficiently to the bit. The pipe solution was developed and marketed by Otto Fuchs Drillings Solutions (OFDS), whose parent com- pany Otto Fuchs KG

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL January 2018

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