DTH Drill Pipe Quotes: Confirm the Length Datum and Wrench Flats

Two catalogue details worth checking before comparing prices

Published 30 October 2026. This is procurement analysis of existing technical references. Epiroc’s DTH equipment catalogue, document 9866 0359 01, carries back-cover imprint 2020.11, or November 2020. Its code guide defines S/S as shoulder to shoulder. The pipe tables list length separately from wrench-flat dimensions and location, and show different gripping arrangements across design groups. These describe Epiroc’s catalogue, not an approved pipe for a YQD machine. [1]

Robit’s undated DTH Drill Pipes page also separates diameter, wall thickness, tool joint, length and weight. Its single-wall table contains different wall and weight rows at the same nominal diameter and length. The reviewed table does not define its length measurement points; we do not assume that its L label means the same as another catalogue’s S/S. [2]

Put the measurement points on the drawing

RigSpan recommends attaching the existing accepted pipe drawing or asking the bidder to supply one. Request the shoulder-to-shoulder length and overall end-to-end length, each with its measurement points marked. If a catalogue states only a nominal length, record the datum as unconfirmed until the supplier identifies it.

Keep the pipe-body outline, end connections and any projections visible. The drawing should state the offered part number and revision. Do not compare two length labels as if they were measured between the same points, and do not estimate the complete end-to-end length from a photograph.

Ask the rig supplier to identify the handling information it needs for the actual machine and to review the proposed pipe against it. A mast-height label or maximum drilling depth does not constitute that review. If a starter pipe differs from the remaining string, list it separately rather than treating every pipe as the same item.

Five confirmations for the pipe enquiry

This original purchasing schedule records evidence and responsibilities. It is not a dimensional standard, acceptance tolerance or instruction for gripping, coupling or breaking out drill pipes.

Treat wrenching details as a separate confirmation

Ask the bidder to identify the proposed gripping or wrenching arrangement on its drawing: whether flats are present, their dimensions and position, and which end or ends they serve. Where another arrangement is proposed, request its applicable documentation and a review against the actual rig equipment.

Epiroc’s catalogue distinguishes pipe design groups with different flat locations, including configurations without flats. That is evidence that wrenching details deserve their own enquiry line, not a recommendation to choose any particular arrangement. [1] Keep the review with the responsible equipment and pipe suppliers. A matching thread label does not answer the wrenching question.

Do not modify a pipe or rig gripping component to resolve a quotation uncertainty. Obtain the correct applicable instructions and resolve the offered configuration before purchase. This article supplies no machining, adjustment, gripping or breakout procedure.

Compare complete pipe schedules, not a thread label

Ask for one schedule covering the part identity, end connections, drawing reference, length basis, pipe-body dimensions, stated unit weight and quantity for every offered variant. Request the supplier’s basis for any material, inspection or load claim required by the order; the dimensions listed in this article do not establish an allowable working load.

Separate the length-and-handling review from the hammer and bit connection checklist, which addresses the named hammer, bit shank, backhead and adapters. Keep air-system requirements with the compressor enquiry guide. Neither a correct pipe length nor wrenching geometry confirms the whole drilling system.

Before dispatch, reconcile the accepted drawing and item schedule with the packing list and requested identification evidence. Use the pre-shipment inspection guide and preserve open questions for supplier resolution. Do not use a similar appearance or another brand’s cross-reference as the only evidence of a match.

Connect the pipe schedule to the actual rig offer

The YQD-115, YQD-165 and YQD-230 cards below provide catalogue starting points for a blasthole equipment enquiry. They do not establish a compatible pipe length, wrench-flat arrangement, included pipe quantity or approved handling system. Request written confirmation for the actual rig and pipe combination.

Use the DTH equipment package to organise the wider supply boundary. The parts and tooling centre can help organise a separate consumables enquiry; a listed rod is not automatically a replacement for a particular DTH string. Keep accepted references with the equipment records and worksheets in the download library.

RigSpan provides independent equipment sourcing and supplier coordination. The source manufacturers’ tables explain their own products; they do not approve the listed YQD configurations, establish a commercial relationship, or replace the applicable rig and pipe documentation.