NS-2 - Inspection Standard for Used Proprietary and Specialized Drilling

and Well Completion Equipment

NS-2 has only one level.

NS-2 is continuously updated to meet changes in drilling challenges.
NS-2 can be used to support NS-1 or other manufacturing standards.
NS-2 is an integrated approach to minimizing drilling equipment failures.
One Level: With one level for a standard designed to meet the requirements of complex drilling projects,
there is less opportunity for crucial elements to be missed as part of the inspection process.

We recognize that there may be occasions when certain elements of the standard that are required for some
wells are not needed for others - but we suggest that it is easier to make a conscious decision to leave an
element out of NS-2 than to remember which ones might be needed to be added into another industry
standard.

Updated: Where NS-1 continues to be developed to cope with the rigors of drilling complex wells in more
difficult environments so NS-2 is also reviewed on a regular basis to make sure that its inspection
requirements keep pace with changing drilling conditions and the new challenges experienced in complex
drilling projects (Offshore, ERD, UBD<, HPHT, Slim Holes).

The online presentation and independent review committees allow for updates to be made quickly and
efficiently and subscribers are automatically informed of new developments.

Cross Platform: Although the ideal situation calls for drilling equipment to be manufactured to NS-1 and
then Inspected to NS-2 there are occasions when this is not possible and a drillstring manufactured to
another standard has to be used.

In these situations the adoption of the NS-2 inspection requirements is even more vital, as through its
focus on areas of equipment that are under greater stress, it will pick up issues with drilling equipment
whose manufacture has not addressed these additional stresses, preventing potential failures.

Integrated Approach: NS-2 is not just a list of criteria to follow. It is designed in a deliberate way to assist
the inspection process and support the inspection team.

In addition we have support services that are available to all subscribers:

Hyperlinked sections so that Inspectors have all relevant data quickly to hand - The Specification Help
Desk Online Distance Learning and Continuous Development Programmes - Open Industry & Bespoke
Training Programmes Print facility for remote or no internet locations.

NS-2 is managed with the end user in mind making the inspection process
responsive to the needs of the Oil & Gas Industry.
Some Additional Information
NS-2 started off as an Exxon specification in the United States of America. It was then passed on to Shell
Expro, who developed it further through Kevin Fearnley, its Technical Author, before Fearnley Procter took it
over completely in 2000.

Additional elements that are part of NS-2 are drawn from the companys lengthy experience in failure
investigation.

Approximately 85% of drill pipe failures occur in the end area. The failure mechanism is fatigue and the
cracks start in the ID, in or close to the internal upset which is the high stress area. Normally there are also
fatigue concentration points in the form of corrosion pits or poor internal upset geometry.

The only certain way, with currently available inspection equipment, to detect cracks on the ID surface is
with ultrasonic inspection (UT).

- NS-2 is the only inspection standard where UT inspection is compulsory.

- NS-2 is the only inspection standard requiring internal upset profile checks.

- NS-2 was the originator for performing inspection of the internal coating condition in the internal
upset area, other standards have followed.

The second most frequent failure type is connection fatigue failure. NS-2 is the only inspection standard
where Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) of connections is compulsory. Although definitive figures are hard
to come by it appears that we are seeing far more cracks and connection failures on double shouldered
connections than we ever saw with API connections so it is important that this inspection is performed.

NS-2 also covers a range of proprietary equipment such as jars, motors, turbines etc. These items are not
comprehensively covered by API.

NS-2 makes mandatory those inspection and design requirements proven to help prevent or reduce drill
string failures or operational problems. These include:

o Stress relief features on BHA connections NC38 and larger.

o The SRG length is 1 since this has been shown to provide maximum stress reduction. A
stress relief groove leaves at least 1 unengaged thread which is a stress concentration point.
Other standards have this as optional or allow shorter relief groove lengths.
o Cold rolling of threads and relief features is mandatory. This enhances connection fatigue
life and is optional in API.
o Connection surface treatment is mandatory. This helps to prevent galling on first make up
(and provides some protection from corrosion) and is not referenced in the API inspection
standard although it is required in API Spec 7-1.
o Tong space lengths are set to allow ease of handling and make-up offshore. This ensures
that when using automated equipment with 5 7/8 tong jaws clearance is still available from
the hard banding and connection counter bore, thereby preventing hard band or tong
damage and reducing the likelihood of connection crushing.

NS-2 for Used Equipment

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As part of the new edition release you will also find new specifications on: Drilling Motors, MWD/LWD, Lift
Caps and Lift Subs and updates have been completed on the Tables for new bevel diameters for BHA
connections, VAM connections and Grant Prideco connections including Turbotorque.

NS-2 is the only standard covering automated thread inspection. This inspection method is rapidly gaining
a reputation for greatly enhancing inspection reliability and repeatability and allows for a permanent
connection inspection record.

Fearnley Procter also runs Inspection Training Courses for the Industry in assessing and grading Inspectors in
their Competency for Implementing NS-2. This gives an end user more confidence in an inspection
company for its understanding and implementation of the standard.

Since taking over the standards, Fearnley Procter Group have developed the NS System into the standards
of choice for many operators who work in a range of different complex environments with varying
challenges.

Technical Review Committees be part of the solution

Our Technical Review Committees work with our own technical experts to develop improvements to the
current specifications as well in the generation of completely new specifications.

If you are interested in taking part just contact NS.Administration@fp-g.com and let us know where your
interest lies.

For more information please visit our website www.ns-as.com .

NS-2
NS-2 for
for Used
Used Equipment
Equipment

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