Standpipe

Drilling Equipment & Components

The standpipe is a rigid vertical pipe fastened to the derrick leg that conducts drilling fluid from the mud pumps up to the level of the derrick where the kelly hose attaches. It also houses the standpipe manifold, which includes valves and pressure gauges.

The standpipe pressure gauge is the driller's primary reference for downhole conditions. A sudden drop in standpipe pressure can indicate a washout in the string, while a spike often indicates a plugged bit nozzle or packed-off annulus.