A bell nipple is a pipe used for drilling operations, acting as a funnel to maneuver tools. It is commonly used onshore, but less so offshore. It is connected to blast arrestors for safety and can control the removal of fluids and mud. Other methods are used offshore.
A bell nipple is a type of pipe commonly employed in a variety of drilling operations. The design of the pipe typically allows the section to serve the purpose of a funnel used to maneuver drilling tools into the upper area of the drill site. Once commonly used in offshore rigging and onshore drilling sites, the bell nipple remains a popular option for the onshore site, but has largely been replaced by other methods when dealing with platforms located at sea.
The basic configuration of the bell nipple is at the top end of what is known as the lining string. Featuring a larger end, the nipple makes it easier for rig workers to move various types of tools into position and direct their use in the drilling operation. It is not unusual for the pipe to also have some type of side or outlet valve to help allow fluids introduced into the well to be expelled as and when needed. This flow line arrangement is often required to facilitate the removal of fluids during the pumping process while keeping oil contamination to a minimum.
In addition to helping control the introduction of equipment, a bell nipple can also be an integral part of the well design which helps to increase site safety. It’s not unusual for the nipple to be connected to blast arrestors, which are devices that help keep the wellbore stable and minimize risk to platform workers. Since the pipe is usually equipped with some sort of side valve and flow line, it can also be used to control the removal of mud from the well as the well is being dug, depositing the collected product into mud tanks.
While the bell is still in common use at onshore drilling sites, the use of this particular component is less likely to be included in the configuration of offshore drilling sites. In these situations, other approaches are used to guide the equipment and create streamlines, making it easier to account for water pressure and other factors relevant to offshore drilling. On land, the bell nipple remains an efficient and viable part of most drilling operations, although that use may have increased with more recent developments in drilling technology.
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