Pipe drift is a measure of the roundness or
eccentricity
Eccentricity or eccentric may refer to:
* Eccentricity (behavior), odd behavior on the part of a person, as opposed to being "normal"
Mathematics, science and technology Mathematics
* Off-Centre (geometry), center, in geometry
* Eccentricity (g ...
of the inside wall of a pipe. "API drift" refers to primary specifications set forth in
API
An application programming interface (API) is a connection between computers or between computer programs. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build ...
Specification 5CT (
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO ; ; ) is an independent, non-governmental, international standard development organization composed of representatives from the national standards organizations of member countries.
Me ...
11960), "Specification for Casing and Tubing". "Alternate drift" refers to alternate drift specifications listed in API 5CT. "Special drift" refers to industry drift specifications other than those found in API 5CT.
Drifting means measuring a pipe's inner roundness. Drifting is typically performed by passing a cylindrical
mandrel
A mandrel, mandril, or arbor is a tapered tool against which material can be forged, pressed, stretched or shaped (e.g., a ring mandrel - also called a triblet - used by jewellers to increase the diameter of a wedding ring), or a flanged or t ...
through the length of the pipe to detect occlusions. It occurs both at the pipe mill and in the field. Drifting is performed to ensure that tools, pumps, smaller pipe, and other items can be passed through the pipe.
Pigging
Piping
Oilfield terminology
Oil industry standards
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