Houston, TX

July 1, 2002

TM #2002-23 GUIDELINE FOR SELECTION OF THREADED CONNECTIONS FOR

CASING AND TUBING

Drilling Distribution
This document presents an updated guideline to be used in the selection of threaded connections for
casing and tubing. It supercedes Technical Memorandum #98-34, dated December 23, 1998. The
changes made in this document are based on continuous review and standardization of
ChevronTexaco-approved premium connections, with input from the ChevronTexaco premium-
casing-connection standardization team.

This document makes three major changes in the selection of threaded connections for casing and
tubing, including the following:

1. The standardization of ChevronTexaco approved premium connections now consists of a

reduced number of premium connections.

2. The ChevronTexaco approved premium connections are organized in a 5 x 4 matrix that

groups the connections into five sealing classes and four structural classes (e.g., Class x-x).

3. The guideline provides an outline of required data for connection qualification and
classification that includes required test data and field application history.

Using the updated guideline in the selection of threaded connections for casing and tubing may
reduce tubular cost by ~5% because of potential volume discounts on procurements and more
flexible usage of tubular among different business units. The reduced number of connections also
simplifies the connections selection process for ChevronTexaco field engineers. In addition, the new
5 x 4 matrix enables engineers to consider more well conditions and connection features when
selecting appropriate connections.

As in other technical areas, local management may approve exceptions to the guideline. Please use
the guideline as a starting point in the selection of casing and tubing connections.

Jiang Wu
DTC

1
 ChevronTexaco

ChevronTexaco E & P Technology Company

Drilling Solutions Unit
Houston, Texas

RESTRICTED TO COMPANY USE

Technical Memorandum Number 2002-23

EPTC-TD-32 “HTHP/CORROSIVE/DEEP/EXPADABLE”

GUIDELINE FOR SELECTION OF THREADED

CONNECTIONS FOR CASING AND TUBING

Jiang Wu
ChevronTexaco E & P Technology Company
July 1, 2002

This material is CONFIDENTIAL and the property of

ChevronTexaco. This material also may be subject to the
Export Control Laws of the United States Department of
Commerce and should not be distributed outside
ChevronTexaco Corporation and its wholly owned affiliates
without prior concurrence of the Corporate Law
Department.

2
 Technical Memorandum Number 2002-23

GUIDELINE FOR SELECTION OF

THREADED CONNECTIONS FOR CASING AND TUBING

By: Jiang Wu

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

SELECTION OF THREADED CONNECTIONS FOR CASING AND TUBING

CLASSIFICATION OF APPROVED CONNECTIONS

Connection Classification Matrix
Sealing Class
Structural Class

CATEGORIZATION OF WELL CONDITIONS

Required Sealing Class
Required Structural Class

CONNECTION SELECTION EXAMPLE

APPENDIX A. Basic Information on Standardized Approved Premium Connections

APPENDIX B. Tubular Threaded Connection Notes

3
GUIDELINE FOR SELECTION OF

THREADED CONNECTIONS FOR CASING AND TUBING

INTRODUCTION

This document presents an updated guideline to be used in the selection of threaded connections for
casing and tubing. It supercedes Technical Memorandum #98-34, dated December 23, 1998. The
changes made in this document are based on continuous review and standardization of
ChevronTexaco-approved premium connections, with input from ChevronTexaco premium-casing-
connection standardization team.

This document makes three major changes in the selection of threaded connections for casing and
tubing, including the following:

1. A standardization process that reduces the number of ChevronTexaco approved premium

connectors:

The standardization of ChevronTexaco approved premium connections is based on the past

application experiences and a review of technical merit of approved premium connections. This
standardization can reduce tubular cost through both potential volume discounts on procurements
and more flexible usage of tubular among different business units. The reduced numbers of
connections also simplifies the connections selection process for ChevronTexaco field engineers.

2. A new matrix connection-classification that organizes the approved premium connections into
five sealing classes and four structural classes (e.g., Class x-x):

The new 5 x 4 matrix connection-classification enables engineers to consider more well

conditions and connection features when selecting connections for particular applications.

3. An outline of connection qualification requirements for connection classification:

Connection qualification and classification requires connection test data and field application
history.

As in other technical areas, local management may approve exceptions to the guideline. Please use
the guideline as a starting point in the selection of casing and tubing connections.

4
SELECTION OF THREADED CONNECTIONS FOR CASING AND TUBING
In this guideline, ChevronTexaco approved connections are organized into a 5 x 4 matrix
connection-classification system that groups approved connections into five sealing classes and four
structural classes. This classification system also takes the severity of well conditions into
consideration. The selection of threaded connections for casing and tubing is a two-part process
consisting of the following: (1) determining the required classes of connections based on well
condition levels of applications, and (2) selecting a connection from the required classes of
connections from the 5 x 4 matrix connection-classification.

CLASSIFICATION OF APPROVED CONNECTIONS

Pressure sealing and structural strength are the major concerns for a connection. Efficiencies of
100% regarding pressure sealing and structural strength are the goals of a connection designed to
perform like pipe body. Efficiencies of less than 100% regarding pressure sealing and structural
strength may occur for some connections, however, because of limitations imposed by connection
geometry and seal types.

The classification of ChevronTexaco-approved connections is based on the reliability of connections

in terms of their sealing ability and structural strength. ChevronTexaco-approved connections are
grouped into five sealing classes and four structural classes, or a 5 x 4 matrix connection
classification (e.g., Class x-x), through an evaluation of connection design, connection test data,
connection field experience data, and a judgment as to roughly equivalent connection designs. The
first number in the connection classification designation represents the sealing class and the second
number indicates the structural class. For example, a Class 1-1 connection refers to a connection of
sealing class 1 and structural class 1, which is the most reliable connection, suitable for the most
severe services. A connection of Class 5-4 refers to a connection of sealing class 5 and structural
class 4, which is the lowest-rated connection. Class 5-4 connections should only be used in low-
pressure and routine wells.

1. Connection classification matrix

Table 1 illustrates the 5 x 4 classification matrix for standardized ChevronTexaco approved casing
connections. Table 2 presents the 5 x 4 classification matrix of standardized ChevronTexaco
approved tubing connections. Additional information about these approved connections is located in
Appendix A. Contact EPTC Tubular experts for further assistance.

5
Table 1. Standardized Casing Connections

Casing Connection Structural Class

Classification 1 2 3 4

1 * *

Hunting SL-Apex
VAM TOP Hy SLX
VAM ACE GP HDL GP STL
2 Hy 563 Hy 533
Tenaris NK3SB
Tenaris AMS28
Sealing GP TC-II
Class Hunting SL-HC Hunting SL-SF Hunting FSL
3 VAM NEW VAM SLIJ-II VAM FJL
Hy 523 GP ANJO
Tenaris AMS Hy 513
GP XLW
Hunting BOSS API BTC-RS
4 VAM Dino Hy 511 API LTC
Hy 521 DQ QT API LTC-RS
Tenaris Antares ER Vetco RL4 API STC-RS

5 API BTC API STC

* Sealing class 1 connection is not qualified. Contact EPTC for case-by-case recommendation.

Table 2. Standardized Tubing Connections

Tubing Connection Structural Class

Classification 1 2 3 4
VAM TOP
1 * Tenaris NK3SB

2 Hy 563 Hunting TSHD

Hunting SL-Apex GP HDL GP STL
Sealing VAM ACE
Class Tenaris AMS28
Hy 533
Hy PH6
GP TC-II
GP RTS6
Kawasaki Fox
VAM NEW
3 Tenaris AMS Hunting FSL
Hy 523 Hy 513 VAM FJL
Hy CS
Hunting TSHP
GP RTS8

4 Hunting SL-HT API EU-RS API NU-RS

Hy 511 API IJ

5 API EU API NU

* Class 1-1 connection is not qualified. Contact EPTC for case-by-case recommendation.

6
2. Sealing Class

The sealing class of connections refers to the sealing ability of connections and is primarily related to
the sealing types (e.g., metal-to-metal seal, thread seal, or resilient seal) and other features affecting
the reliability to leaking resistance (such as thread type, length, and tolerance). Generally,
connections with only thread seals (see Appendix B) are classified as sealing class 5 because they
have the lowest sealing ability. Connections with thread seal and resilient seal have improved sealing
ability and have sealing class 4 classifications. Connections with metal-to-metal seal have high sealing
ability and are classified as sealing class 3. Connections with multiple metal-to-metal seals are
classified as sealing class 2 because they have excellent sealing ability. Sealing class 1 connections
have the highest sealing ability.

The classification of a connection to a high sealing class (class 1 to 3) requires an evaluation of the
following connection qualification test data and field application history data:

Sealing Class Qualification Test Data Field History Data

1 5 ISO CAL IV or equivalent tests 200,000 ft field applications

on different tubular sizes
2 5 ISO CAL III or equivalent tests 200,000ft field applications
on different tubular sizes
3 5 ISO CAL II or equivalent tests 200,000 ft field applications
on different tubular sizes

3. Structural Class

The structural class of a connection refers to its structural-strength and is primarily related to the
connection types (threaded & coupled, semi-flush, and flush), thread types (wedged, hooked,
Buttress, and API 8 round), and other features affecting reliability of structural-strength (such as
torque shoulder and thread tolerance). Generally, flush connections have low structural strength and
are classified as structural class 4. Semi-flush connections are classified as structural class 3 because
they have moderate structural strength. Threaded and coupled connections (except for API
connections) have high structural strength and are classified as structural class 2. Structural class 1
connections have the highest structural strength.

The classification of a connection to a high structural class (structural class 1 to 3) requires an

evaluation of the following connection joint efficiencies with supporting connection test data and field
application history. (The wedged thread connections (Hydril 500 series) may have lower tension
efficiency but higher compression/bending efficiency for structural classification.)

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Structural Tension Bending/compression Field History Data
Class efficiency efficiency
1 100% 80% 200,000 ft field applications
2 100% 60% 200,000 ft field applications
3 70% 40% 200,000 ft field applications

CATEGORIZATION OF WELL CONDITIONS

The well conditions are categorized by well pressure level, H2S level, tubular length, well proximity,
wellbore build/turn rate, and formation loading. Different well conditions require the use of different
connection classes. The more severe the well condition level, the higher the required connection
class.

1. Required Sealing Class

Use Table 3 to determine the required connection sealing class according to pressure level, H2S
level, and well proximity.

Table 3. Required Connection Sealing Class

Well Conditions: A B C D E F

NACE? No Yes No Yes Yes Yes

High H 2S? No No No Yes No Yes
Proximity? No No Yes No Yes Yes

Tubular pressure:
Connection Sealing Class
0 to 2500 psi: 5 5 5 4 4 3
2500 to 5000 psi: 5 4 4 3 3 2
5000 to 10000 psi: 4 4 3 2 2 1
10000 to 15000 psi: 3 3 2 1 1 1
above 15000 psi: 3 2 1 1 1 1
NACE? Yes, if partial pressure H2S in the gas phase exceeds 0.05 psi.
High NACE? Yes, if H2S exceeds 100 times of NACE.
Proximity? Yes, if the well is near other wells or in an expensive/environmentally sensitive area.

Table 3 poses three well condition questions that must be addressed to determine the required
connection sealing class for a well application: (1) NACE, (2) High H2S, and (3) Proximity. Find the
column in Table 3 that corresponds to the three answers, and locate the connection sealing class in
the appropriate tubular-pressure level row. The connection sealing class determined from Table 3
represents the minimum connection sealing class recommended for the indicated application. Three
“yes” answers define the most critical service and three “no” answers define routine service.

8
No distinction is drawn between tubing, production casing, and liner versus intermediate casing and
drilling liners or surface casing. The tubular-pressure level and well conditions shown in Table 3
account for differences in well-service level for these various uses. The service levels apply to
segments of individual strings, rather than to a complete well. For example, a deep well expected to
produce at high H2S may have a production casing with the well condition D, and an intermediate
casing with the well condition B, and a surface casing with well condition A.

Tubular Pressure
The tubular pressure level indicated in Table 3 refers to the differential pressure load used in tubular
design (i.e., the difference between internal pressure and external pressure under the design
conditions which the pipe and connection must carry). For drilling casing near the surface, this load
usually decreases from the surface downward. Near bottom, where collapse loading dominates, the
differential pressure load increases with depth. For a deep intermediate casing string, the changing
pressure could result in a lesser class sealing of connection at mid depth compared to top and
bottom depth. The pressure load is usually burst-dominated for production casing and tubing, and it
is nearly constant at the maximum-anticipated surface shut-in pressure. For unusual completion
practices or unusual completion tools, the pressure load may not be constant. For a liner, the
pressure load is clearly different from surface pressure. In any case, the pressure levels shown in
Table 3 do not contain the design factors, which are usually applied to loads to obtain required
ratings.

NACE
“NACE?” questions whether or not well conditions meet the National Association of Corrosion
Engineers NACE MR 01-175 definition of sour service. The answer to this question is yes if the
anticipated service has a partial pressure of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the gas phase greater than 0.05
psia and the maximum pressure exceeds approximately 200 psi. Partial pressure H2S is computed as
the product of a) parts-per-million H2S (mol percent H2S expressed as ppm), and (b) the maximum
anticipated total pressure (psia), and c) 1/one million. For example, 10 ppm H2S is not sour service
at 1000-psi maximum pressure:

Partial pressure H2S = 10 ppm (1,000 psi)/1,000,000 = 0.01 psiI < 0.05 psi

However, at 15,000-psi maximum pressure, 10 ppm H2S is sour service, and the answer is yes:
Partial pressure H2S = 10 ppm (15,000 psi)/1,000,000 = 0.15 psi > 0.05 psi

High H2S
“High H2S?” also refers to the partial pressure of H2S. If the partial pressure of H2S is greater than 5
psi (100 times the NACE limiting value), then the answer to this question is yes. If the partial
pressure of H2S is not greater than 5 psi, then the answer is no. For a high concentration of H2S, it is
appropriate to use a more reliable connection.

9
Proximity
“Proximity?” refers to the nearness to other wells as well as to environmentally sensitive or populated
areas. The term “environmentally sensitive” refers to situations in which an extra margin of
environmental concern may be appropriate. If a well mishap would endanger either a sensitive or
populated area or the investment in other wells, the answer to this question is yes. If not, the answer
is no. The use of a more reliable connection is appropriate if the answer is yes.

2. Required Connection Structural Class

Use Table 4 to determine the required connection structural class according to tubular length,
wellbore build/turn rate, and formation loading.

Table 4. Required Connection Structural Class

Well Conditions: A B C D E F

Directional Well ? No Yes Yes No Yes Yes

High Rate Directional Well ? No No Yes No No Yes
Formation Loading ? No No No Yes Yes Yes

Tubular length (below point of interest):

Connection Structural Class
0 to 5000 ft: 4 4 3 3 2 2
5000 to 10,000 ft: 4 3 3 2 2 2
10,000 to 15,000 ft: 3 3 2 2 2 1
15,000 to 20,000 ft: 3 2 2 2 1 1
above 20,000 ft: 2 2 1 1 1 1
Directional well? Yes, if the build/turn rate exceeds 5 deg/100ft.
High rate directional well? Yes, if the build/turn rate exceeds 10 deg/100ft.
Formation loading? Yes, if there is formation compaction or a salt zone.
For large size casing (above 10 ¾”) used in high rate directional well, contact ChevronTexaco tubular experts.

Table 4 poses three questions about the well-service level that must be addressed to determine the
required connection structural class for a well application: (1) Directional Well, (2) High Rate
Directional Well, and (3) Formation Loading. Find the column in Table 4 that corresponds to the
three answers, then locate the connection structural class in the appropriate tubular-length level row.
The determined connection structural class specified in Table 4 represents the minimum
recommended for the indicated well application. Three “yes” answers define the most critical service,
and three “no” answers define routine service.

No distinction is drawn between tubing, production casing, and liner versus intermediate casing and
drilling liners or surface casing. The tubular-length level and well conditions in Table 4 account for
differences in services for these various uses. The service levels apply to segments of individual
strings, rather than a complete well. For example, the surface casing in a directional well will usually
be set in vertical wellbore and will not be exposed to the build/turn rate wellbore condition. Further,

10
an extended-reach directional well could have production casing with a well condition C,
intermediate casing with a well condition B, and surface casing with a well condition A.

Tubular Length
The tubular length shown in Table 4 represents the tubular length below the point of interest (related
to tubular tension load), not necessarily the tubular setting depth nor the well depth. For a liner, the
tubular length will be short, although it can be set at a deep depth in the well. For a long tubular
string, a lesser structural class of connection may be used for the bottom segment of the string when
compared to the top segment of the string. This is because the tubular length of the bottom segment
of the string is less than the top segment of the string.

Directional Well
“Directional Well?” questions whether or not the well is a directional well with a build/turn rate that
exceeds 5 deg/100ft. Because the tubulars running in directional wells are subject to more severe
torque, drag, and bending than tubular running in a vertical well, the reliability rating for connections
will be higher for directional wells than for vertical wells. The answer is “yes” if the tubulars are
setting in or running through the build/turn section of a directional well with the build/turn rate
exceeding 5 deg/100ft.

High Rate Directional Well

“High Rate Directional Wellbore?” also refers to the build/turn rate of directional wells. If the tubulars
are setting in or running through the build/turn section of a directional well in which the build/turn rate
exceeds 10 deg/100ft, then the answer to this question is yes.

Formation Loading
“Formation Loading?” refers to unusual formation loading because of formation compaction or
flowing salt formation. Formation loading conditions require connections with higher structural
strength classifications. The answer to this question is yes if the tubulars are setting through such
formations.

11
CONNECTION SELECTION EXAMPLE

For this example scenario, select an appropriate connection for a 9 5/8” protective casing string set
to 7000 ft depth in an offshore directional well (build rate 6 deg/100ft). Other well conditions include
the following:
• Maximum anticipated surface pressure 7,000 psi,
• No H2S
• No formation loading from formation compaction or salt zone

Step 1: Use Table 3 to determine the required connection sealing class:

a) The well condition is C for the determination of required connection sealing class because of
the answers generated in response to the three questions posed in Table 3.
• No to “NACE?”
• No to “High H2S?”
• Yes to “Proximity?” for an offshore well
b) The required connection sealing class is then 3 because the maximum anticipated surface
pressure of 7,000-psi pressure is between 5,000 to 10,000 psi.

Step 2: Use Table 4 to determine the required structural class:

a) The well condition is B for the determination of required connection structural class because
of the answers generated in response to the three questions posed in Table 4:
• Yes to “Directional Well”
• No to “High Rate Directional Well”
• No to “Formation Loading”
b) The required connection structural class is then 3 because the 7,000-ft string length is
between 5,000 ft to 10,000 ft.

Step 3: Use Table 1 to select the possible connections:

a) The required connection is a Class 3-3 connection and any Class 3-3 connection in Table 1
can be selected for this application, such as Hunting SL-SF connection or VAM SLIJ-II
connection.
b) Any connection with a higher class rating, such as connections in Class 3-2 or Class 2-3 is
also qualified for this 9 5/8” protective casing.

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Appendix A. Basic Information on Standardized Approved Premium Connections
The following table provides basic information about approved premium connections standardized in this document with the new classification
(Class x-x). The first number in connection classification represents the connection sealing class, and the second number indicates the connection
structural class. Contact EPTC tubular experts for more detailed information.

Premiun full-size connection

Manufacturer Connection Size range Type Main Features Manufacturer's Connection Efficiency (%)* Classification
Burst Collapse Tension Compression Bending Casing Tubing
Hunting SL-Apex 2 3/8" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 34 to 85 34 to 85 2-2 2-2
Hunting SL-HC 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 35 to 72 35 to 72 3-2 3-2
Hunting BOSS 7 5/8" to 24 1/2" T&C Hooked thread, pin-to-pin torque shoulder 100 100 100 45 to 73 45 to 73 4-2 4-2
Hunting SL-HT 2 1/`6" to 7" T&C Hooked thread, pin-to-pin torque shoulder 100 100 100 45 to 73 45 to 73 4-2 4-2
Hunting TSHD 3/4" to 7" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 2-2
Hunting TSHP 2 3/8" to 4 1/2" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 3-2
V&M TOP 4 1/2" to 14" T&C Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 60/100 60/100 2-2 1-2
V&M ACE 2 3/8" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 40 40 2-2 2-2
V&M NEW 2 3/8" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 40 40 3-2 3-2
V&M DINO 9 5/8" to 16" T&C Hooked thread, pin-to-pin torque shoulder 100 100 100 40 40 4-2
Hydril 563 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, wedge thread 100 100 100 100 100 2-1 2-1
Hydril 533 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" Integral Metal seal, wedge thread 100 100 100 100 100 2-2 2-2
Hydril CS 3/4" to 7" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 3-2
Hydril PH6 2 3/8" to 4 1/2" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 2-2
Tenaris (DST) AMS28 2 3/8" to 13 3/8" T&C Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 43 to 93 43 to 93 2-2 2-2
Tenaris (DST) AMS 3 3/8" to 13 3/8" T&C Metal seal, modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 43 to 100 43 to 100 3-2 3-2
Tenaris (DST) Antares ER 7" to 24 1/2" T&C Modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 (95) (95) 4-2
Tenaris (NKK) NK3SB 2 3/8" to 13 3/8" T&C Metal seal, modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 100 100 2-2 1-2
GP TC-II 2 3/8" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 100 100 2-2 2-2
GP RTS6 3/4" to 7" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 2-2
GP RTS8 2 3/8" to 4 1/2" Integral Metal seals, buttress thread, OD/center torque shoulder 100 100 100 ~ 80 ~ 80 3-2
GP XLW 20" to 72" Weld-on Metal seal, wedge thread 100 100 100 100 100 2-2
Dril Quip QT 16" to 30" Weld-on Modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 (100) (100) 4-3
Vetco RL4 16" to 36" Weld-on Modified buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 (100) (100) 4-3
Kawasaki K-FOX 2 3/8" to 13 5/8" T&C Metal seal, buttress thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 100 30 to 100 30 to 100 3-2 2-2
* For special-clearanced thread and coupled (T&C) connections, connection efficiencies may be lower. The number in paratheses is not applied for maintaining sealing.

Premium clearance connection

Manufacturer Connection Size range Type Main Features Manufacturer's Connection Efficiency (%) Classification
Burst Collapse Tension Compression Bending Casing Tubing
Hunting FSL 2 7/8" to 13 3/8" Flush Metal seal, hooked thread, OD torque shoulder 100 100 48 to 69 27 to 48 27 to 48 3-4 3-4
Hunting SL-SF 4 1/2" to 16" Semi-Flush Metal seal, hooked thread, OD torque shoulder 100 100 72 to 77 42 to 70 42 to 70 3-3
V&M SLIJ-II 6 3/8" to 13 5/8" Semi-Flush Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 70 to 80 50 to 55 50 to 55 3-3
V&M FJL 7 3/8" to 13 5/8" Flush Metal seal, hooked thread, ID torque shoulder 100 100 55 to 65 20 to 25 20to 25 3-4 3-4
Hydril SLX 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" Semi-Flush Metal seals, hooked thread, center torque shoulder 100 100 63 to 82 31 to 41 31 to 41 2-3
Hydril 523 7" to 9 7/8" Semi-Flush Metal seal, wedge thread 100 100 71 to 76 80 to 84 71 to 76 3-2 3-2
Hydril 521 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" Semi-Flush Wedge thread 100 100 61 to 77 78 to 90 61 to 77 4-2
Hydril 513 4 1/2" to 9 7/8" Flush Metal seal, wedge thread 100 100 60 to 66 70 to 79 60 to 66 3-3 3-3
Hydril 511 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" Flush Wedge thread 91 to 100 100 55 to 65 67 to 82 55 to 65 4-3 4-3
GP ANJO 4 1/2" to 13 5/8" Semi-Flush Metal seals, hooked thread, center torque shoulder 100 100 66 to 82 38 to 69 38 to 69 3-3
GP HDL 2 3/8" to 20" Flush Metal seals, hooked thread, OD torque shoulder 100 100 45 to 68 46 to 68 46 to 68 2-3 2-3
GP STL 2 3/8" to 20" Flush Metal seals, hooked thread, OD torque shoulder 100 100 45 to 70 27 to 42 28 to 42 2-4 2-4

13
Appendix B. Tubular Threaded Connection Notes

Commonly Used Abbreviations

BTC Buttress Threaded and Coupled

CRA Corrosion Resistance Alloy
EU External Upset
FJ Flush Joint
IJ Integral Joint
NU Non-upset
SC Special Clearance
T&C Threaded and Coupled
PR Plastic Ring for corrosion barrier on plastic coated tubing
RS Resilient Seal ring in coupling groove
WT Wedged Thread

Pipe Related Terms

OCTG – Oil Country Tubular Goods. This is an industry term for the steel and stainless steel pipe
used as casing, tubing, and drill pipe.

CRA – Corrosion Resistance Alloy, e.g., stainless steel and alloy. This term covers such a wide
range of metals that further subclasses are useful when considering connections. Broad classes of
CRA, in rough order of increasing gauling tendency, cost, and corrosion resistance are (1) 9 and 13
chrome, (2) duplex, and (3) high nickel. Within each class, corrosion resistance depends on the
chemical makeup and treatment of the metal and on the conditions in the fluid environment.

CRA Connections – (1) 9 and 13 chrome pipe may be upset and heat treated like other steel, so
upset or plain 9 and 13 chrome pipe may be threaded with any connection. (2) High-nickel alloys
cannot be upset like steel, so threaded and coupled (T&C) connections must be cut on non-upset
high-nickel alloy pipe. (3) Duplex pipe falls between (1) and (2), low-strength duplex may be upset,
and high-strength duplex cannot be upset.

Connection Related Terms

Plastic Coated Tubing Connection – When an internal plastic coating is used to limit tubing
corrosion, premium connections are often modified with an optional non-sealing plastic ring to
continue the non-metal internal coating across any connector gap. For two-step threads, this option
is marked by: 1) CB (corrosion barrier) by Hydril, or 2) PR (plastic ring) or C (coatable) by look-
alike threaders. For API plastic-coated tubing, the resilient seal-ring option (indicated by RS) is not
recommended because the plastic seal ring causes extra deformation in the tubing pin, which creates
occasional holidays in the coating.

14
Internally Flush Tubing Connections – Because erosion and corrosion usually are more severe
near non-flush tubing connections, most proprietary tubing connections are almost flush. The non-
flush tubing connections rated here are the only API-rated tubing connections.

Galling – Galling refers to the surface damage to metal surfaces that rub together, which creates a
potential problem for all interference threads and metal seals. Galling is controlled by (1) solid-
surface coatings and lubricants, and (2) limiting the contact pressure, speed of movement, and
distance moved. Surface coatings used on ordinary steels do not work on CRA because the stainless
surface will not chemically react with those coatings. CRA manufacturers who offer proprietary
threads also typically offer a proprietary coating for their alloy. Major premium threading companies
also offer proprietary coatings with their connections. Galling may appear as slight surface
roughening, which would cause seals to leak. It would also cause major surface adhesion and
erosion, leading to thread seizure. Common surface coatings are (1) copper plating for high-nickel
alloys and (2) tin plating or zinc-phosphate-etch plating for steel. Smooth steel surfaces are more
prone to galling than slightly roughened surfaces. With slight surface roughness, thread compound is
retained to reduce galling while smooth surfaces are quickly wiped clean. A common surface
treatment includes shot blasting with sugar sand or proprietary particles. Surface treatment for
proprietary connections is the responsibility of the manufacturer and it is an essential part of the
engineered product.

Interference – Interference refers to the negative clearance between engaging parts which causes
contact pressure on the engaging surface and stress in the parts. For API tapered threads, negative
clearance is typically near 0.025,” which is absorbed approximately equally in pin compression and
box expansion on power-tight make-up.

Thread-Form – Thread-form refers to the shape of engaged threads, as described by the following
features. A range of typical values is given for each feature.

Thread pitch 3 to 10 threads per inch

Thread height 0.035” to 0.090”
Thread length 2” to 6”
Thread taper Typically 0.75” per foot on diameter, steeper on thick-wall pipe, zero on
non-tapered threads such as Hydril two-step.
Thread flanks Stab flanks contact first when stabbing a connection, load flank are under
increased contact stress when tensile load is applied to pipe.
Thread flank angles is in degree:
Thread Type Load Flank Stab Flank
API LTC/STC 30 30
API XL (Acme) 6 6
API Buttress 3 10
Modified Buttress 3 to 10 20 to 45
Hooked -3 to -15 20 to 45
Wedged -3 to -10 -3 to -10

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Look-Alike – Look-alike refers to the unlicensed copies of a connector that are cut by a threading
company other than the originator, usually after patents have expired.

Seal Types

Metal-to-Metal (MTM) Seal – This seal is achieved by continuous contact of metal surfaces
blocking the passage of fluids. Surface contact pressure must exceed fluid pressure. The surface
must be smooth so that no leak path crosses the seal. For a given sealing force, a narrow seal will
have higher contact pressure, but can be more easily damaged.

Radial MTM Seal – The seal surfaces are nearly parallel to pipe OD (approximately 15 degrees).
It is activated by radial interference. This seal may be weakened by radial connector deformation
under load.

Shoulder MTM Seal – The seal surfaces are nearly square to pipe centerline. It is activated by
axial interference. This seal is weakened by axial connector deformation under tension load.

Thread Seal – The seal is achieved by thread compound filling the helical clearance path when
interference threads are made-up. Thread flanks are under high contact pressure because of make-
up interference, which forces penetrating fluid to follow helical thread clearance path. Solid particles
in thread compound plug in the helical path. Even though the thread flanks are in metal-to-metal
contact, a thread seal is not an MTM seal. Weaknesses of BTC threads arise from the following: 1)
the width of the helical leak path is wider than LTC, making it harder for thread compound to plug,
and 2) the thread width allows axial clearance so that, under some loads, the threads can move and
lose contact. The result is poor BTC sealing.

Resilient Seal – The seal is a plastic ring seated in a groove to block fluid passage. The plastic is
typically Teflon with 25% fiberglass filler. The plastic may be trapped or free to expand in one
direction, and may seal on a smooth metal seal, or deform to seal on thread flanks, crests, and roots.
Trapped plastic-seal-rings increase stress levels in the connector near the ring, which may be a
concern for thin-wall pipe and/or flush connectors, but not for API connectors. The plastic sealing,
under large temperature cycles, may be suspect.

API Seal Ring Couplings – This is an optional standardized resilient seal, which may be specified
on casing and tubing with API LTC, BTC, and STC threads. The Teflon seal ring is trapped in a
groove in the coupling within the threaded length. Dimensions are close but not the same as historic
Atlas Bradford modified couplings, which guided standardization after the AB patents expired.
During make-up, the Teflon is trapped and pressurized, with the excess Teflon volume over the
groove volume absorbed by: a) Teflon extruding into the nearby thread clearance and b) pin and
coupling deformation. The proprietary seal rings have closer tolerances on the grooves and rings.

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API combined Special Clearance and Seal Ring Couplings are not recommended for use because
the special-clearance groove in the coupling further weakens the slim coupling, and the increased
stress level hinders sealing. Field failures of API-SC-SR connections have occurred.

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