Description
Generally the first string of casing in a well. It may be lowered into a hole drilled into the formations near the surface and cemented in place; or it may be driven into the ground by a special pile driver (in such cases, it is sometimes called drive pipe); or it may be jetted into place in offshore locations. Its purpose is to prevent the soft formations near the surface from caving in and to conduct drilling mud from the bottom of the hole back to the surface when drilling starts. It supports the subsequent drilling strings. See also conductor pipe.
Source :
Alpha Thames Ltd 2004