,.

. .
IADCISPE
lADC/SPE 14793
Computer Control of Minimum Shoulder Prestress Requirements
During Makeup Procedure of Premium Shoulder Connections
by S.T. Marojevic, Tri-State Oi/ Too/ GrnbH
Member SPE
:opyright1986, lADC/SPE 1966 DrillingConference
We paper waa prepared for presentationat the 1986 lADC/SPE DrillingConference held in Dallaa, TX, February 10-12, 1986.
hispaper was selected for presentationby an lADC/SPE ProgramCommiltee followingreviewof informationcontainedin an abstractsubmitledby!!!e
Whor(a). Contentsof the paper, ae presented, have not been reviewed by the Societyof Petroleum Enginears or InternationalAssociationof Drilling
>ontractoraand are subject tocorrectionbythe author(s).The material, aa presented,does not necessarilyreflect any positionof theIADCorSPE, itsof.
icera, or members. Papers presented at lADC/SPE meetings are aubj8ct to publicationby Editxial Committees of the IADC and SPE. Permieeionto
~PY isrestrictedto an abatract of not morethan 300 words. Illustrationsmay not be copied. The abstract shouldcontainconspicuousacknowledgment
~fwhere and by whom the paper ia presented. Write PublicationsManager, SPE, P.O. Box 633636, Richardson, TX 75063-3636. Telex, 730969
IPEDAL.
The idea wae to assuremechanicaland seal integrity
W3TRACT of threadedAPI connectionsby controllingthe posi-
tional alignmentof the pin into the box and measu-
rhenew proposedmethod and computercontrol ring the applied torque.
:echniqueof optimal shoulderpresteesvalue during The equipmentwas used for simultaneousmonitoringof
nake-upprocedureof (premium)shoulderedconnections the absolutevalue of the torque and the relative
~ssuresuniform stress controland optimizesutiliza- number of turns. In addition to this the control
:ionof tubular goods with shouldered type connec- featurewas incorporatedand pre-set to keep both
:ions.Applicationof minimum shoulderprestess values within a requirementof spectfic connections.
requirementwith regard to the thresholdstress-level All these values have been based on theoretical/empi-
?rovidethe highest safety and the most efficientuse rical work and appliedas connectionmake-up integri-
>f tubulargoods in a corrosiveenvironment. ty criteria related to the bearing pressureof 76Z of
luringmake-up procedure this method helps to over- the rated burst pressure.
:omethe influenceof differentparameterssuch as: This waa also recognizedin the officialAPI guide-
nachiningtolerances,dope and plating qualitieswith line for Care and Use of Casing and Tubing,published
theircorrespondingfrictionlosses etc; which other- in recommendedpracticed5 Cl, March 1981.
aiaemight jeopardizeconnectionmechanicaland
sealingintegrity.
But this system,good for simple (API)threaded
connections,does not work satisfactorilyfor con-
nections where, except for the thread,some add-
[NTRDUCTION
itional elementsare incorporatedto fulfillsevere
and more complex downholerequirements.
ifterproper selectionof tubulargoods, including
For all the connectionsincorporating:shoulders,
connections,has been made, the second cricial stage
metal-to-metalseals or similar; the abaolutevalue
meedato be specified:
of the final torque and correspondingrelativenumber
How to make a casing/tubingstring out of seperate
of turns are not relevantcriteria for connection
jointst> effectivelyfulfillall expectedopera-
integrity.In all these casea, reliableconnection
tional,productionand safety requirements?
make-up integritycan be obtained only with a method
and equipmentprovidingcontrol and monitoringof the
rhis can only be done by appropriatecontrol of the
make-up energy directlyapplied to each connection
energytransferand its distributionwithin the
element, as presentedin figure 1.
connectionduring the pin and box alignmentprocess. As a result, the make-up control is directlyrelated
This became obvious with severe downhole conditions to the design and productioncriteriaof the connec-
snd incraesedtensile and differentialpressurere- tion, its materialpropertiesand optimaloperati-
quirementson Oil Country Tubulars,and in 1967 the onal, completionand downhole requirements.Following
first torqueiturnmethod was applied in the field and this, for each functionalelement of the connection,
patendedafter years of theoreticaland
laboratorywork 7.
appropriatestress values have to be specifiedand
applied. This means that each function:.element,
i.e.thread,metal-to-metalseal(s) and shoulder(s)
needs to accumulatea certain amount of make-up
Referencesand illustrationsat end of paper
energy.
G$n
. .
.,
COMPUTERCONTROLOF MINIMUM SHOULDERPRESTRESSREQUIREMENTS
2 DURING MAKE-UP PROCEDUREOF PREMIUM SHOULDERCONNECTIONS SPE 14793
Now, in comparisonwith the simple API threaded
economicand safety require~entsof the most appro-
connectionswith a single requirementand two
priate pipe material(s),(size,weight, grade, etc.)
limits,,and an appropriatetorque/turnmake-up
and correspondingconnectiontype. This is the first
method, we have connectionswhere each of the
importantstep to be made using the availablestandar(
three functionalelementshas its requirement
and specificationsrelated to API and proprietary
and limits. The high mutual dependencyof these
tubulargoods and OCT connections.Combiningthese
elements,with their operationaland materialcom-
with valuableempiricalinformationand using common
plexitiesrequirean entirelydifferentapproach to
sense for technicaland economiccompromises,the
assure the make-up integrityof premium shoulder
specificationof the most appropriatestring compo-
connections.
sition has to be made.
The answer is directly related to the design of
But to meet the real field requirementsof the con-
premium shoulderedconnections,where metal-to-metal
nections i.e. the atring, the second crucial stage
sealing principlesare directly an~lor indirectly
has to be specified:
related to the amount of axial.prestressapplied to
How to make a casing/tubingstring out of seperate
the pin/box shouldercontractarea. The new
joints to effectivelyfulfillall the functionsand
approachwas worked out based on a fixed value
requirementsunder expecteddnvnholeconditions?
of minimum shoulderprestressrequirementsas the
crucial criterionin respect to the entire connection
To answer this questionoperationalnot technical
integrity.
compromisesneed to be made in regard to specific
design criteriaand material propertiesof the con-
The fixed stress-strainshoulderratio with implica-
nection and its optimal prestreasrequirements.In
tions for the contactpressureon the metal-to-metal
order to find the most appropriateanswer to this
sealing face, and the variableminimum-maximum
question two basic connectionprincipleswill
values of the thread torque in conjunctionwith
be analyeswith respect to their prestressrequire-
appropriatecomputercontrolledmake-up equipment
ments and limitations,and the concomitantcorres-
representa new approach.1This assures uniform
pendingmake-u!?methods and techniques.These are:
optimal str>ss controlof the entire string. It also
improvesthe operationalsafety and efficiency A. SimpleAPI threadedconnections
of th~tstring, and optimumutilizationof tubular
B. API and Premium shoulderedconnections
goods with (premium)shoulderedconnections.In
addition,this approach is highly valuablewith
A. In regard to the simple API threadedconnections
respect to induced atress corrosionand the appli-
(Roundthreads,Buttress)all the functionsand
cation of high alloy tubulargoods which represent
the greatest technical,safety and economicchallenge
requirementsare relatedonly to the threads
for todays completiontechnology.
performancesand limitations.In addition,the
sealingpropertyof these connectionsrely on the
The developmentof this new technology,its theore-
sealingpropertyof the dope. Both the advantages
tical backgroundand correspondingpracticalsolu-
and limitation of these commonlyused connections
tions and benefitsare presentedin this paper.
are well known, as well as th~ ~$responding
make-up method and technique.$ ~
FUNCTIONSAND REQUIREMENTSOF OIL COUNTRY This method is based on a positionalalignment provi-
TIMHJLARCONNECTIONS ding a prestressbearing pressurerelated to 76%
of the connectionburst pressurebeing accumulated
As an integraland crucial part of the string, during the make-up process.The well known torque/tuz
and the basis of the Joint - String ratio, the techniqueand equipment2~7provideoptimal positional
connectionshave to perform the followingmain alignment6*7in conjunctionwith the optimal value
functions: of the applied torque (see figure 2 a.).
- to connect a string out of seperatejoints,
- to withstand tensile- compressiveloads,
B. API (ExtremeLine) and premium (VAMR,TDS/BDSR,
- to prevent fluid communicationaccross the pipe,
AB TC-4SR, Hydril etc.) shoulderedconnections
- to withstand combinedstressesduring completion
basicallydiffer from simple API threadedconnections
and production.
Apart from the thread,twomore functionalelements
are incorporated:metal-to-metalseal(s)and
To provide those basic functions,connectionshave
shoulder(s).In this case all the functionsand
to fulfill two main requirementcriteria:
requirementsare based on the single and/or mutual
performancesof those elementsand their specific
1. To provide both mechanicaland sealing integrity
stress requirementsand limitations.As a result
for the entire stringwithin specifiedand/or
the applied and requiredmake-up energy has to be
design limits.
specifiedin accordancewith the functionalre-
quirement(s)of each element its design and its
2. To-maintainall the operationalfeaturesof the
material features.One baaic differencehas to be
stringwithin the correspondingpropertiesof
pointedout between API ExtremeLine and presented
every single pipe (joint).
premium shoulderedconnections(ace figure 2 b/2 c).
It is the positionof the metal-to-metalseal elemenl
This will be an ideal relationbetween connection
in relationto the positionof the shoulder.
functionsand requirementsbased on the known/apeci-
With the API ExtremeLine these elementsare poai-
fied design and material propertiesof standard
tioned on the oppositeends of the connectionand
and proprietarytubulargoods. In regard to that,
neither stress nor functionare directlyrelated.
the selection-has--to be made based on completion
and downhole criteria,and operational,productions
WA
G
With presentedand common premium shoulder
connections,both, shoulder,and metal-to-metal
seal(s) are locatedtogetherside by side and
are directly/indirectlystress and functionally
related. (see figure 2 c)
MAKE-UP ENERGY
I
The most crucialstage from a single pipe (joint)
to the string is the make-up processwhere kinetic
energy is used to align two threadedelements
together.This energy, in the form of torque,
is specifiedfor each connectiondependingon
its design and material properties.For operational
control and applicationthe minimum/maximumvalues
are specifiedwith the intentionof arriving
at the middle value known as an optimum.
But, there ia quite a big differencebetween
the applied kinetic torque and the static energy
stored in the connection.This differencecorresponds
to make-up frictionloss which combinesa variety
of known and unknown operational- in many cases
uncontrollable- parameters.
In the first instancethis difference,known
as the frictioncorrectionfactor,depends on
connectiondesign, plating, i.e. the surface
treatmentof the connection,and the frictional
property of the dope.
In the second, it depends on the uniformityand
quality of the dope, and operationalparameters
related to dope applicationand environmental
conditionsduringmake-up.
About dope relatedproblemsmany costly ~~jltime-
consuming tests and work have been done , but
very few field-reliableresults have been obtained.
To find an appropriateway to establishdirect/
indirect controlof frictionloss during the
(premium)connectionmake-up process (figure 1),
the followingequationcould be applied:
M=Mth.
th + seal seal
+Msh . JJSh... 1
I
where:
!
M - total appliedmake-up energy
I
th seal sh
- partial energy per thread,
seal, shoulderelement
th seal sh -
correspondingfrictionalleas.
I
The frictionalloss in the seal (PSeal)and
shoulder (Psh)could be practicallyignored
aa the relatedcontact area and the penetration
are small and by high contact pressure the stress
accumulationby the lubricatingfilm is neglec-
ted compared to material stress/strainproperty.
On the contrary,the contact area and penetration
by the thread are large while the atresseaare
relativelysmall and unevenly distributed.This
leads to a practicalsolution to control fric-
tional loss of the make-up energy only in the
threaded section.This is related to the common
dopefrictional loss practiceby making-upsimple
threaded connections.
For premium shoulderedconnections,the appli-
cation of the frictioncorrectionfactoria
completelyconfusing,inadequate,and has undergone
many changes inthe past.
The proposedanswer to use only frictioncorrec-
tion factor in regard to threadedsection
correspondentsto the main aima of this work.
These are:
1. The variable thread torquevalues ranging
between specifiedminimum and accepted
maximum.
2. Fixed torque values for both
a. Seal and
b. Shoulder
which correspondto the minimum
shoulderprestressrequirements.
Fixed stress/strainvalues for metal-to-metal
seal and shoulderare primarilyrelated to
connectiondesign and materialproperties.
The variable thread torque depends on machining
and operationaltolerancesand dope related
frictionalloss. By proper applicationof
these principles,and by using corresponding
computercontrolmake-up procedure,the optimal
and uniform prestressand alignmentof the
connectionwill be achieved.This will provide
both, sealfng and mechanicalintegrities,
with the fulfillmentof the main functional
requirementsof premium shoulderedconnections.
COMPUTERCONTROL OF MINIMUM SHOULDERPRESTRESS
REQUIREMENTSDURING MAKE-UP PROCEDUREOF
PREMIUM SHOULDEREDCONNECTIONS
The main characteristicof this new method
is direct/indirectcontrolof the specified
connectionstress during the make-up procedure
of premium shoulderedconnections,where
metal-to-metalsealingprinciplesare directly
andlor indirectlyrelated to the amount of
axial compressiveatresa applied to the pin/box
shouldercontact area.
Based on this technicalabilityof the connection,
this method allows us to select and apply the
specifiedminimum requiredshoulderstress value.
The minimum necessaryshoulderstress value
1
correspondsto a value requiredto assure contact
pressurebetween the pin and box metal-to-metal
seal, equal or greater than the maximum differential
pressureacross the connectionor the pipe within
the maximum tensile limit of the pipe or connection
(whicheveris less).
As a result,we are now going to concentrate
on three main functionalelements:Thread, metal-
to-metalseal, and shoulder;and their corres-
ponding torque-stress-strainrequirements.
The bases for the new method and computer control
techniquewere stated earlierand are specified
as follows:
1. Thread Torque Requirementsand Limitations
This part correapondato all but the sealing
functionof the API threadedconnections.The
torque is variable rangingbetweenminimum/
maximum specifiedvalues and corresponding
relativenumberof turns.
.
COMPUTERCONTROL OF MINIMUM SHOULDERPRESTRESSREQUIREMENTS
4
DURING W-UP PROCEDUREOF PREMIUM SHOULDERCONNECTIONS SPE 14793
The other analogy to the API threadedconnec-
tions is applicationof the correspondingdope
frictioncorrectionfactor. Practically,it
means that the optimal thread alignmentcan be
achievedwith variable torquelturnsvalues.
These are design-,machining-,plating/doping-,
and operationallyrelated and/or specified.
Point 1 (figures3 - 7).correspondsto the
specificthread torque (turns)ultimatevalue
of the related connectionmake-up.
Until point 1 the make-up energy is transferred
through radial and axial relativemovement of
the pin and box and accumulatedin the thread
section in the form of correspondingstresses:
bearing and hoop for tapered (A and B), and only
bearing for cylindrical(C) connectiontype.
For all connectionstype A and C, the thread
(interference)torque point 1 correspondsto
the initial shouldercontactwith zero axial
compressionstress.
From point 1 onward, only axial movement and
related compressionstresswill be considered.
2. Metal-to-MetalSeal Requirementsand
Limitations
This is the only design related sealingpart
of premium shoulderedconnection.
The requirementsand limitationsof the metal-
to-metalinduced seal will be considered
togetherwith the requirementsand limits of
the shoulder (item 3).
3. ShoulderRequirementsand Limitations
This part, together-~iththe metal~to-metal
seal, representathe most importantconnection
integrityrelated unit. Direct stress/strain
and functionalrelationbetweenmetal-to-metal
seal and shoulder,e:~ceptfor API Extreme Line,
as explainedearlier,are the factors for their
joint considerationand the common prestress
control.
Another less importsntpoint is related to the
technical-resolutionability of todays equtp-
ment, which makea hardly possible to separately
controland divide the direct from the indirect
part of energy stored into metal-to-metalseal
during make-up, even for B type connections.
By these type connectionswith high resolution
equipment,direct metal-to-metalseal atreaa
(point 2, figure 6) could be visible,t,utnot
radial componentof the shoulderstress sub-
sequentlyadded to the metal-to-metalseal.
The streasfstrainvalues of both shoulder(s)
and metal seal(a) are design and material property
relatedand could be specifiedfrom the func-
tionallyrelatedminimum up to the yielding
specifiedmaximum. But, followingthe most effec-
tive connectionrequirementsand utilization
criteria,the basic design principlesof premium
shoulderedconnectionsand the optimal atreas
string properties,the minimum shoulderaxial
compressionstresswas selectedand applied in
the form of correspondingfixed torque value.
This value is presentedwith point 3
(figures3- 7).
The determiningstress componentcould be
taken from the atress ordinateand strain
deformationfrom the absciasa.
Before the presentationof the make-up equipment
and descriptionof measurementand automstic
control process,once more, the main charac-
teristic of the new make-up method will be
listed:
The fixed shouldertorque value haa to
be specifiedand applied to provide
design and material relatedminimum
requiredshoulderstress.
The variable thread torquemarginalvalues
have to be specifiedin-accord~ncewith
known thread properties,productio~and
machining tolerances,dope related friction
loss and optimal operationalacceptance
criteria.
MAKE-UP EQUIPMENT
Standardhydraulicpower tong equipmentis
used as per figure 8. The main featureof
equipmentpresentedis the direct selection
and control of RPM and maximum torque output,
based on pre-setmain hydraulicparameters.
Another advantageis the integratedhydraulic
back-up tong. This providesoptimalmechanical
alignmentand effectivetransferof make-up
energy, directly Into the connection,eliminating
the negative uncontrolledeffects of shear
and bending forces.
MEASUREMENT
For measurementof energy applied and the
correspondingatreasfstrail; shouldercontact
values, a high accuracyeletronic,custom-made
strain gauge ia used (position7, figure 8).
For (tubing)tongs with integratedhydraulic
back-up, the load cell with strain gauge ia
fixed between tong and back-up. For conventional
tong, it ia integratedinto the back-up line.
Rotationof the pipe is directlymeasuredwith
tur s counterw th the minimum resolutionof
10
-9
turns (10-
4
turns countersare also
available),2
The requirementsfor at least 10-2 turns reso-
lution counter is related to the shouldercompres-
sion penetrationwhich ranges between
0,01 - 0,03 turns.
AUTOMATICEVALUATIONAND CONTROL
By applyingmake-up torque, the corresponding
pulling force producesa resietantsignal change
out of the strain gauge, which is simultaneously
transferredinto the main computer (position9,
figure 8). h per the specificprogram, these
signals are directlyprocessedfoi simultaneous
monitoringand control under real time conditions.
The basic parametersincorporatedinto the
computerprogram are related to the design and
type of connection,production,operational
and empiricalcriteriaandlor apeci.fications.
1
.
G
SPE 14793
S.Marojevi& 5
.
These parametersare specifiedand put into
A. To provide uniform stress in every joint of the
the computerprogram as fixed andfor variables
string the optimal shouldercompressivestress
for automaticevaluationand control.
value has to be specifiedand aa corresponding
These parametersare selectiveand are as
fixed torque applied to every connectionof the
follows:
string.
1. Thread torquevalues, ranging from the
B. The optimal shouldercompressivestress value,
requiredminimum to the allowedmaximum.
from a functional,safety and utilizationstand
2. Shoulderstress i.e. correspondingtorque
potnt, ia the effectiveminimum which provide
values, with the operationalrange from
full connectionintegrityunder the limited
the requiredand specifiedminimum to the
string tensilecondition.
yield and safety specifiedmaximum.
Shoulderstrain values for both, shoulderand
C. For the threadedconnectionpart, the variable
torquevalues remains the only valuable solution
metal-to-metalseal, should be limitedwith
regard to design and material propertiesand
which covers all machining,plating and the
expectedsubsequentoperational/production
operationaltoleranceslspecifications and
acceptancecriteria.
conditionsto the yield strain of E o$~ - E 005
(0.2 0.5%) deformation.
The yield deformationcontrolduring make-up
In addition,frictionloss and the applicationof
is simultaneouslyrelated to any material
the relative frictioncorrectionfactor, is alao
plasticdeformationin both mill andlor field
limited to the threadedsection and further affect
end of the connectionregardlessof whether
the thread torquevalue.
the single or floatingmake-up method is used.
As a result,we have a string with a known uniform
All these values are then put into the computer
most efficientvalues of shoulderand metal-to-metal
programand used for automaticcontrol of the
seal prestreasand a known acceptablevalue of
make-up equipment.In additionto the proper
correspondingthread stress. Both values are
selectionof the make-up equipment,corresponding
specifiedin accordancewith design and material
pre-settingof the equipmenthas to be done
properties,but also with regard to speciftc
to limit optimal power output in accordance
operational,safety and downholeconditions.
with the correspondingmaximum acceptablemake-up
Operationaland stress relatedbenefits are:
value. This value correspondsto the sumary
of maximum thread torque plus the fixed torque
A. Well-knownbasic atress propertyof the string,
value of the correspondingshoulderprestress
i.e. connections,which ia highly importantfor
requirement.When the strain gauge signal reaches
subsequentstreaa related completion,production
any specifiedfixed andlor variablevalue, which
and fishingoperation.
ia simultaneouslytransferredinto the main computer,
a return signal will be issued for instanteous
B. With the aasuredminimum shouldercompression
shut down of hydraulicpower into the tong.
steaa, the functionalperformanceof the con-
Simultaneously,the automaticevaluationof make-up
nection, i.e. string,will be achievedadding
validitywill be made and printed on the graph,
furtherbenefits to their operational,safety
based on torque, stress and strain acceptance
and utilizationcapabilities:
criteria.The hardware and softwareare aet such
that by exceedingor by not reaching the torquefstreSs
- The increasedcompressiveabilities.
values for BAD make-ups or by meeting the acceptance
criteriafor GOOD make-upa the shut down signal
- Positive sealingregardlessof the applied
will be input into the tong automatically.
tensileforce within the specifiedlimits of
the pipe or connection.
- Reduced stress corrosion,which is highly
SOME PRACTICALASPECTS, EXPERIENCES important,costly and safety related subject
AND DEVELOPMENTS by completing(highalloy) tubularsin corrosivt
environment.For this applicationthe ratio
The main aim and practicalbenefitsof this
between threahold-stresslevel and minimum
new make-up method are in regard to the most
compressiveshoulderstress has to be
efficientutilizationand performance of the
established.
productionandlor completionstringmade out of
the seperatejoints with (premium)shouldered
Increasedutilization,as this is inversely
connections.In this respect,the make-up related
proportionalto the applied stressvalue.
stress of every single joint will be made in
accordancewith the optimal string requirements
C. By applyingvariable thread torqueand using
but also accordingto the most effective,design
dope frictioncorrectionfactor only for the
and material related prestreaarequirementsof a
threadedsection,the followingutilization,
single connection.To combine the answer for these
safety and operationalbenefitswill be achieved:
two crucial requirementsinto one, which also
- Reducedmachining cost and rejectionrate.
providesmost efficientoperationalcontrol
and utilization;the followingcriteriahave
- Overcomingdope related frictionconfusionand
been consideredand specificationmade:
inadequateprestreaaingof the shoulderand
mental-to-metal seal elements.
KQ7
.
.
COMPUTERCONTROL OF MINIMUM SHOULDERPRESTRESSREQUIREMENTS
6 DURING MAKE-UP PROCEDUREOF PREMIUM SHOULDERCONNECTIONS SPE 14793
Proper control of the specifiedandlor
f. In addition to the previousexamplewith a
accepted thread stress value.
corrosiveenvironment,high corrosionwas also
experiencedon the couplingsof hi h alloy
- By using these tubulars,i.e. connectionsin
f
tubularsin sour gas production1699. In some
the corrosiveenvironmentalso corresponding
of the couplings,the shoulderswere completely
thread thresholdstress level have to be
worn as a result of excessive shouldercompression
specifiedand applied as a maximum.
stress.By applying correspondingminimum
shouldercompressionstress,which in any case
has to be smaller then the thresholdetress-level
In accordancewith the above, some case hfstories
specifiedaa 50% of the yteld, this type of
will be presentedin which the appropriate
string failureswill be avoided.
solutionhave been achievedusing the new make-up
method and the explainedprinciplesand some where
their applicationoffers further operational,
CONCLUSION
utilizationand economicbenefits.
The new method and techniquefor computercontrol
a. By making up special 14 premium shouldered
of minimum shoulderprestressrequirementsduring
connectiona lockingcompoundwas used. Until
make-up procedureof premium shoulderedconnections
then the common practicewas to apply friction
bring a new dimensionsto completionand production
correctionfactor and to increaseboth specified
technologyand to the utilizationof OCT goods
minimuudmaximummarginal torquesby 60%.
which can be summarizedasfollows:
Followingthe doping instructionto apply locking
compoundonly to the thread, the torquewas
1. Optimum,uniformlyprestressedconnections
calculatedmultiplyingonly the thread torque throughoutthe entire string,with known stress
value with the frictioncorrectionfactor of 1.6.
propertiesof every joint and a corresponding
The result was correspondingincreaseof the capabilityof the string.
thread torque by 60% but with constantvalue of
the shouldertorque and an increaseof only 14% 2. Applyingminimum shoulderprestressmethod WL1l
of the ultimate torque,comparedwith a 60%
increasethe operationaland productioncapa-
increaaeby conventionalmethod of both ultimate bilitiesof the string and enhancedutilization
and shoulder torquevalues.
of correspondingtubulars.
b. For another 9-5/8 premium connectionthe range
3. With uniformlyappliedminimum shouldercom-
between appliedminimum and maximum shoulder presaivestress and a limitedvalue of thread
torquewas between 5.330 and 10.510 ft.lbs,
stress to the thresholdstress-level,stress
i.e. a 97% difference. inducedcorrosionwill be optimallyreduced.
In other 7 string common shouldertorque The great importanceof the effectivestress
varied between .5.000and 9.000 ft.lbswith controlability is especiallyrelated to the
maximum exceed up to 140%.
safety requirementof gas completiontechnology
Similarcases for premium tubing connectionsare in corrosiveenvironment.
known where the range between minimum and maxf-
mum shouldertorque value for the same string 4. The use of operationallyacceptablethread torque
ia more than doubla. values gives further possibilityfor optimal
utilization,reduced machiningcost and rejection
c. In another 5 premium connectionand the selected rate without affectingthe main functionalfeatur(
minimum/maximumvalues of pin and box thread of the connectims.
interference (ace figure 9) with the fixed
target torquevalue the shoulder torque ranged 5. By applyinga dope relatedfrictioncorrection
from 2.300 as minimum to 4.300 ft.lbs.as maxi- factor to only the threadedsection,the effectiv,
mum. By applying fixed shoulder torque corres- stress requirementwill remain intact,over-
ponding to the minimum requiredcorupressive coming the dope related frictionconfusionby
ehoulderatress and acceptedminimum/maximum using the relative frictionloss principles
thread interferences,the ultimate torquewill common for API threadedconnections.
range between 2,900 and 4.500 ft.lbs respectively.
6. Effectivecontrol and monitoring/recording
d. Another caee is a 3-1)2 premium connectionwhere abtlityare not only beneficialfor well site
the maximum yieldingat the mill end was not operation,but also for the proper analysisof
related to the maximum applied torqueof 7.100 string performanceand failureand for planning
ft.lbs,but to longer exposure to the lower and engineeringftitureoperationsandior com-
6.610 ft.lbs torque (see figure 10-11). pletlons.
e. The last example present two subsequent3-1/2 7. Aa a result, the economicaland safety benefits
premium connectionof productiontubing string become obvious,not only in regard to utilization
with the extreme combinationof thread inter- of tubulargoods, but alao in regard to tha
ferencesand matiimumfminimum values of the entirawell cost, krom the primary completion
applied ultimate torque.The resultingshoulder and workovera to ultimataproduction.Appropriate
torque ratio is in the range of two (see controland uniform effectiveprestresaincreases
figure 12). operationaland production safetywhich is
extremelyimportantin combinationwith severe
and dangerousenvironmentconditions.
cnu
. G
SPE 14793 S.Marojevi6 7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
10. Willis D.N. ~lHowto ensure proper make-up of
premium shoulderedtubularsW.O. (Sept. 1983)
I wish to acknowledgethe managementof
71 - 74.
TRI-STATEOIL TOOL CO. for permissionand support
to present this work. Special thanks to P.Bounie
11. White G.W.
ttE1iminating galling of htgh-alloy
and B. Plaquinof Vallourecand D.Duta of Mannes-
tubular threadsby high energy icnckposition
llJpT(August1984) 1345 - 1351
mann for the technicalcontributionand support.
process
12. VallourecOCTG unpublishedcommunicationperiod
REFERENCES
1983 - 1985.
1. Marojevit S.
IIVerfahrenzum Verschraubenvon 13. Bounie O., Salkin H., Grare D. New technology
Rohren Patent Pending No. P 35 21 221.8 and
for premium joints make-up,presentedat 8th
G 85 18 850.6 W. Germany,June 1985.
Annual Energy SourcesTechnologyConference,
Dallas, Febr. 11-21, 1985.
2. Weatherfordfnternalfexternaltechnical
publicationsand S.Marojevidwrittenworks and
14. MannesmannunpublishedCommunicationperiod
preaentations.(Hannnov~:r, W-Germany).
1984 - 1985.
3. API 5C1 Recommendedpractice for Care and Use
15. Mannesmannbrochure Drill pipe with teal joint;
of Casing and Tubing; edition twelve,March 1981.
edition July 1984.
4. ApI 5 AZ Bulletinon thread compoundsfor Casing,
16. BruckhoffW., SchmittG. Experiencewith special
Tubing and Line Pipe, March 1981.
steels in sour gas productionErd61-Erdgas-
Zeitschrift99. (May 83) 152 - 158.
5. Hawke M.C.
Inpredicting make-up torque of threaded
connectionsand evaluationof coefficientof
17. Stair H.A., Mc InturffT.L. Casingand tubing
frictionPaper SPE 13068 presentedat 50th design considerationin deep sour gas wells
Annual TechnicalConference,Houston,
Paper No. IADC/SPE 11392, 1983. DrillingCon-
September16-19, 1984. ferenceNew Orleana February 20-23.
6. SchneiderW.P. Casing and tubing connection
18. Adams N,, Kaigler A., Ingram L. H S Detection
stresses J.P,T. (August 1982) 1851 - 1862. and ProtectionP.E. Int. (June 19~0) 64 - 71.
7. Weiner P.D. Leak - proof, threadedconnections
19. Wi.lkenG.
!Iperfomanceof duplex stainlesssteel
Exxon torquelturnPatent No. 3.745.820U.S.A. pipe in sour gas wells Paper No. 226, presented
July 1973. Corrosion85, Boston,Masa., March 25-29, 1985.
8. ~ulins M, !IHOWloading affects tubular thread
20. ACE StandardMR-01-75 (1980 revision)Sulfide
shoulderseals, P.E. int. (March 1984) 43 - 52. stress cracking resistantmetallicmaterial for
oil field equipment.
9. Biegler K.K., PetersenC.W. Rating tubular
connectionsfor todays service requirements
JPT (Oct. 1984) 1739 - 1747,
Kna

~ 14793
L---I
I I I
.
01 lp 2p :
.
PENETRATION
Fig. 1-Torque vs. pmwrtratlongraph. Oktrlbutlonof makeupener-
gywilhlnpremiumshoulderconrrecll
I
to.metal Seal 2, and shOulder3. I
7
0
w---
i
/
-4
..
I
!
. .
i!3=lh
G
I
Ionpec Thread1, metal.
blLjJP
shouldered.
TAPERED CO NNECVON TYPE A
(
A
rrnax
,. . .. . ,
UA
!
+
R

,.
.
w----
c
Fig. 2Threa common tapered connectiontypes:(a) APIthreaded,(b)API shouldered,and(c) Premium
I
01
b
N-TIM
Fb.3ToIww~ W@@ *3
R-reference torque, O-Zer0
tOrque/pmetrWonooOrWrrate system,Om-
zeroof stroaslstralnoOordlnalesystemlderr-
tiod with Point 1-uttirrwte throw! torque,
Polrrt 3-minimum shoutder Mrass, E-
Glostklty rnodul, #nd k-design coeftklent.
IAPERED CW NECTION TYPE A
(
I -
0
rum- rlMEmw4
Fb. 4-MMuP tWh Wlh 1 mx-m~ximum rem
torque value Line II Gnd 1 mlnmlninrum
thre8d torque duo Llna II* 3.-MlnlMUM
shoulder torque Gnd 4.-tlxed find torque
value TwX.
TAPERED COUNECTION TYPE A
tf
01
G
TURNS-TIMEI STMIN
Fig. 5Makeup graph with the yield Point 5 below and
above the fixed torque value Point 4.
R
TAPERED CONNECTION TYPE B
,
Tntax
. ,
[
4
13
I
I
I PENETRATION -
Fig. 6-Toique-stress/penetration-strain
graph of B type tepered (tubing) con-
nection with Point 2 representing
direct axial metal-to-metal seal atreas.
CYLINDRICAL CONNECTIW TYPE C
Tmex e
.. ,
J32
.
J3
1
*S
I
TURNS-TIME\ STFfAIN
Fig. 7Torque-stress/penetration-strain
graphof C-type cylindrical connation.
1
P
Fig. BStandard makaup equipment with computer control and monitoring aesembiy.
,.
SK
14793
4720 0.834 ------ tlAKfUJP
lb-ft TURNS
~;g; ,,~y:
Flg.9Test makeup graphs of5-in. x 151b/ftpremium connections with fixed tsr-
get torque vslue snd msximum and minimum thread torque (interference).
TURN
i 1
TURN
1
L
07
,---
%
5
IJJ
34
0
g3
I
+2
1
_
J
15
Test No. :
1.8
Size:
3 1/2 x 9.2 lbs/ft
Torque:
7110 ft.lbs.
Coupling Shouider I.D.: 73.3 / 73.3 mm
Fig, 10Teat makeup graphaof3Vz-in, premium connections with
comparative torque/yield valuesat the field and mill end,
1...:. ]
,-.--
,,
06
0
,/
~.J
:5
1
X4
\
w
33
0
:2
1-
1
)
~---
TIME 5 10 i5
Coupling%oulder I.D. (rmn)
A-B C-D
at O Tbrque 76.9 / 76.7
at appliedIbrque-fieldmd 74.2 / 74.2
-mill end 72.4 / 72.4
Fig. llTest makeup graphaof3V&in. premium connections
with comparative torque/yield valuesat the field and
mill end.
MAKE-UP 220 06:47
TQ
[
---- ---- ----
2200 ------------i
300
6 *
TALLY NO.127
I
300
TALLY NUB
Fig. 12Field makeup of two subse-
quent 3!&in. x 9.2 lb/ft
premium joints with maxi
mum thread torque and mini-
mum fixed torque value
(Joint 127) and minimum
thread torque and maximum
fixed ultimate torque value
(Joint 128).