API Bull D10-1973 PDF

Full title and description

API Bulletin D10 — "Selecting Rotary Drilling Equipment, Procedure for" (originally published 1973). This bulletin presents a systematic procedure for analyzing rig capabilities and selecting rotary drilling equipment appropriate to the specific requirements of a well, helping avoid rigs that are undersized or oversized for the job.

Abstract

This bulletin describes a plan of analysis for determining the performance capabilities required from rig functions (hoisting, rotary power, torque, hydraulics, etc.) and prescribes means to test, demonstrate, or rate component performance. It emphasizes matching rig functions to geological and operational conditions rather than relying solely on depth ratings.

General information

• Status: Reissued January 1982 and reaffirmed (recorded reaffirmation June 2000); original historic bulletin (1973). Consult the American Petroleum Institute for the current formal status before use in specifications.
• Publication date: 1973 (second-edition/issue recorded 1973 — listings cite January/August 1973 for 1973 issue).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: 75 — Petroleum and related technologies; specifically 75.180 (Equipment for petroleum and natural gas industries / exploratory and drilling equipment).
• Edition / version: Listed in catalogs as a 1973 edition (catalog entries show a second-edition 1973 and later reissue/reaffirmation actions). Product/catalog identifiers recorded in API listings.
• Number of pages: Approx. 30–31 pages depending on the listed edition/print; catalogs commonly show 30–31 pages.

Scope

The bulletin provides procedures in two broad categories: (1) an analysis plan to determine the required performance capabilities of rig functions for a specific well (sections addressing selection criteria), and (2) recommended methods to test, demonstrate, or rate the performance capability of rig components (sections addressing testing and rating). It explicitly excludes matters of personnel quality and equipment age/condition, focusing on technical capability and testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Methodology for analyzing well requirements and matching rig functions (hoisting, rotary power, torque, hydraulic circulation) to formation and operational conditions.
• Procedures for measuring or rating component performance (testing approaches for hoisting, rotary, torque, and fluid-handling systems).
• Guidance on trade-offs when no rig exactly matches requirements (how to prioritize rig functions for different drilling scenarios).
• Worked examples and data tables to support selection and performance demonstration (present in bulletin tables and appendices).

Typical use and users

Used by drilling engineers, rig selection teams, operations planners, field engineers, rig manufacturers, and asset managers responsible for matching rig capability to well objectives and evaluating rig performance. It is mainly a technical guidance/bulletin (not a mandatory specification) intended to support decision-making and testing practice.

Related standards

Other API drilling and equipment publications and bulletins are typically referenced alongside D10 when developing selection/testing practices (examples include other API Bulls and RP/Spec documents covering drilling equipment, hoisting gear, wire rope, well-servicing equipment, and recommended practices for drilling fluids and rig testing). Catalogs and library lists of API drilling publications commonly list Bull D8, Bull D14 and the broader suite of API drilling standards as related material.

Keywords

drilling rig selection, rotary drilling equipment, rig performance, hoisting capacity, rotary horsepower, drill-string torque, rig testing, API Bulletin D10, drilling equipment procedure, rig rating.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API Bulletin D10 is a technical bulletin titled "Selecting Rotary Drilling Equipment, Procedure for" (1973) that presents an analytical procedure and testing guidance to match rotary drilling rigs to well requirements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers a system of analysis for determining rig-function performance needs (hoisting, rotary power, torque, hydraulics, etc.) and prescribes ways to test or rate rig components; it guides trade-offs when a perfect rig match is not available.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Drilling and operations engineers, rig selection teams, rig manufacturers and technical planners use the bulletin when evaluating or procuring rigs, or when documenting rig performance for a specific well program.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The bulletin was issued in 1973 and catalog entries record later reissue/reaffirmation actions (reissued January 1982; reaffirmed June 2000 as recorded in catalogs). For procurement or normative use, verify the current formal status with the American Petroleum Institute (API) because catalog listings and library copies may differ in how they report "active" vs. historic bulletins.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of API's series of bulletins and recommended practices covering drilling, production and equipment topics; it is referenced alongside other API Bulls and RP/Spec documents that address drilling equipment, hoisting, and related practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Drilling rig selection; rig performance; hoisting capacity; rotary horsepower; torque; rig testing; API Bull D10; drilling equipment procedure.