FOX-TP-013 (REV.

3)

FOX RUNNING
MANUAL

MAY 1999

KAWASAKI STEEL CORPORATION

HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES

CONTENTS
PREFACE ........................................................................................................1
1. PREPARATION BEFORE RUNNING ..........................................................1
1.1. Handle Pipes Carefully ..................................................................1
1.2. Racking Pipe..................................................................................1
1.3. Segregate Unusable Pipe ..............................................................1
1.4. Clean and Inspect Connections .....................................................1
1.5. Make-up Loss.................................................................................2
2. THREAD PROTECTORS ............................................................................3
2.1. Always Protect Threads and Seals ................................................3
2.2. Protector Selection.........................................................................3
3. RUNNING ....................................................................................................3
3.1. Check Torque Values ....................................................................3
3.2. Place Pipe on Racks ......................................................................3
3.3. Handling Pipes...............................................................................4
3.4. Ensure Proper Thread Engagement
3.5. Lower Entire Tubing String ............................................................4
4. BREAK-OUT AND LAYDOWN PROCEDURES ..........................................5
4.1. Pulling of Pipe ................................................................................5
4.2. Rotation of Connection ..................................................................5
5. RE-RUNNING FOX CONNECTIONS ..........................................................5
6. STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CRA TUBULARS
6.1. Remove Tubular Goods .................................................................6
6.2. Inspect Tubular Periodically...........................................................6
6.3. For Long Storage ...........................................................................6
6.4. Out Door Storage ...........................................................................6
6.5. Warning Plate ................................................................................6
7. SPECIAL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS FOR CRA TUBULARS...................7
8. RUNNING PROCEDURES FOR CRA TUBULARS .....................................7
8.1. Running of CRA FOX Connections................................................7
9. RE-RUNNING OF CRA TUBULARS ...........................................................7
10. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR SOUR SERVICE (H2S) .................7
10.1. Hard Spots ...................................................................................7
10.2. Avoid Damage..............................................................................7

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-1

PREFACE
The FOX joint has been jointly developed and patented by KAWASAKI STEEL
CORPORATION and HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES LIMITED UK.
Connections are manufactured by KAWASAKI STEEL CORPORATION,
HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES LIMITED UK or their authorised
MANUFACTURING LICENSEES.
The recommendations and illustrations in this document are developed from
the offshore and onshore experience of running crews maintained by the FOX
Group and advice received from Operation Companies and their Contractors.
Please be aware of the important and useful guidelines and recommendations
in this document and apply them when necessary.
1.

PREPARATION BEFORE RUNNING

1.1.

Handle Pipes Carefully

Use pipe body slings in preference to end hooks.
End hooks are only permissible with the correct type of thread
protector --- check with supplier.

1.2.

Racking Pipe
Rack pipe in level horizontal layers, at least 8" (200mm) above
ground surface.
Separate layers of pipe with at least three perpendicular wooden slats
placed at each end and at the middle of pipe lengths. Slats should at
least be 4" x 2" (100mm x 50mm).
Do not stack pipe more than 7' (2.1meters) high.
Take care not to crush bottom layers of pipe and ENSURE RACK IS
SAFELY SECURED.
Keep heavy equipment away from racked pipe ends to avoid collision
damage.

1.3.

Segregate Unusable Pipe

Remove rust, scale, dirt and debris from inside and outside surfaces.
Remove dented or damaged pipe for possible repair.

1.4.

Clean and Inspect Connections

Remove all lubricants or compound with liquid solvents (not diesel
fuel)
Use non-metallic brushes to remove adhered solids.
Segregate all rejected thread/seals/tubes.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-2

Minor damage on thread may be repaired as per FOX field repair

guidelines.
No field repair of seal areas is allowed.
THOROUGHLY DRY THREADS AND SEAL SURFACES.
If pipe is to be moved to the rig or to storage, re-apply an acceptable
thread compound thinly and evenly on all pin thread and seal
surfaces, using clean uncontaminated compound applied with clean
non-metallic brushes. Avoid excessive thread compound thickness.
(Thread compound application to coupling threads and seals should
be completed before pipe is placed vertically in slips during running.)
For long term storage, use a suitable storage compound for both pins
and boxes. API thread compounds may not be suitable due to "drying
out" and reduced corrosion resistance.
Replace CLEAN AND DRY pin thread protectors.
(Application of thread or storage-compound to coupling seals and
thread surfaces and replacement of box protectors is also
recommended if pipe running is not anticipated within the next
fewhours or the pipe is to be moved.)
1.5.

Make-up Loss
The effective length of each tube is the overall length minus the
make-up loss.
The make-up loss is the box depth listed in the Table 1.
Table 1 Make-up Loss Length
Outside Diameter
Make-up Loss Length
inch
mm
Inch
mm
2.375
60.3
2.313
58.8
2.875
73.0
2.688
68.3
3.500
88.9
3.145
79.9
4.000
101.6
3.479
88.4
4.500
5.000
5.500
6.625
7.000

114.3
127.0
139.7
168.3
177.8

4.440
4.640
4.640
4.840
5.040

112.8
117.9
117.9
122.9
128.0

7.625
8.625
9.625
10.750
11.750
13.375

193.7
219.1
244.5
273.1
298.5
339.7

5.240
5.240
5.240
5.240
5.240
5.240

133.1
133.1
133.1
133.1
133.1
133.1

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-3

2.

3.

THREAD PROTECTORS
2.1.

Always Protect Threads and Seals

Ensure approved thread protectors are installed at the mill and at
storage points.
Use only clean and undamaged protectors.
Use only clean un-contaminated thread or storage compound applied
thinly and evenly over the entire thread/seal area.
Assemble protector to the handtight position.
Insert square torque bar in the grooves provided and tighten,
Do not hammer bar or protector to tighten or slacken.

2.2.

Protector Selection
Protectors may be of metal or plastic moulded (reinforced or not)
construction.
Premium connections require adequate protection over their threaded
area, particularly at the extremity of the pin seal. A minimum of 3/4"
(19mm) is recommended between the bottom of the torque bar groove
and the position of the pin seal extremity when the protector is fully
tightened.
Protectors should be manufactured to allow an even thickness of
thread compound to cover threads and seal when in the fully made-up
position.
Protectors should be manufactured for optimum performance in a
temperature range of -40F to +110F (-40C to +45C).
Protectors made of moulded plastic should be reinforced with metal
plate for sizes 5" (125mm) and larger. The reinforcing material should
be extended to include the extremity of the pin seal member.

RUNNING
3.1.

Check Torque Values

ALWAYS check with Licensors Authorised Representative to
determine the latest recommended make-up torque values for FOX
connections.
Mill End torque values for coupling make-up may be greater than
Field End torque values for rig site make-up.

3.2.

Place Pipe on Racks

(see also section 1.1. and 1.2.)
Segregate all pipe that is damaged or otherwise unfit for use.
Unless previously done, clean and inspect all connections as per the
guidelines stated in section 1.4.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-4

When ready to commence running, ensure that clean and dry pin
thread protectors are in place to protect threads and seals while pipe
is being lifted through V door.

3.3.

Handling Pipes
Handle pipes as described in section 1.1.
Use only clean and undamaged handling plugs if required. Make-up
hand tight only. Do not use a cheater bar.
With collar or slip type elevators, ensure that elevator diameters are
compatible with coupling and pipe body diameters.
If drifting is required, carefully remove the closed end thread
protector, replace with a clean open end thread protector and drift
tube with a non-metallic Teflon/Nylon type "rabbit" of correct drift
diameter. (Metal drifts are not recommended unless the ends are
tapered sufficiently to avoid torque shoulder contact.)
Lift pipe to the vertical pre-stab position above the rotary.
Remove pin thread protector (while holding the tube away from the
open coupling to avoid debris that might fall into box thread and seal
areas) and apply clean, un-contaminated approved thread compound
with a friction factor of 1.0. Use non-metallic brush or spray. If the
compound friction factor is not equal to 1.0, refer to Licensors
authorized Representative for revised torque figures.

3.4.

Ensure proper Thread Engagement

Coupling thread and seal areas may be covered with a light coat of
recommended thread compound.
Fit a clean, properly sized STABBING GUIDE over the coupling end
of the pipe held in the slips and securely fasten.
Align the tubes and carefully lower the pin through the stabbing guide
into the coupling.
Rotate tube BY HAND WITH A STRAP WRENCH until threads are
properly engaged.
With power tongs, rotate tube at 10 RPM or less until seal
engagement. Torque shoulder engagement and final torque to
recommended optimum should occur at 1 TO 4 RPM. (COMPUTER
CONTROLLED MAKE-UP TORQUE/TURN EQUIPMENT IS
RECOMMENDED.)
Approximately 90 degrees to 270 degrees of tube rotation will occur
from seal engagement to final optimum torque.

3.5.

Lower Entire Tubing String

Lower entire tubing string by one joint and proceed to next connection
by following make-up procedures 3.1. through 3.4. as detailed.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-5

4.

BREAK-OUT AND LAYDOWN PROCEDURES

4.1.

Pulling of Pipe
Pulling of pipe should be conducted with care so as to avoid damage
to threads and seal areas.
Take care not to over rotate during back-out so the pin connection
does not "drop" back into coupling.
Apply tension to the joint (or stand) being backed out of an amount
approximately equal to its own weight, using a proper weight
compensator where possible.
Use a stabbing guide to discourage pin threads or seals from striking
the coupling while lifting the pin from the coupling.
Reapply both pin and coupling thread protectors immediately after
pin/coupling disengagement.
Pulling in singles is preferred.
If "standing back" in the derrick, ensure that the pin end protectors
are in place and "stand" is setting on a wooden or similar non-metallic
surface.

4.2.

Rotation of Connection
Diameter (in)
2.375 ~ 2.875
3.5 ~ 4
4.5 ~ 13.375

TPI
8
6
5

Revolutions to disengage
10.50
7.87
9.92

Place power tong on top joint with the back-up tong on coupling.
Set tong rotation at 10 TO 12 RPM, ensure that the single joint or
stand weight is held by the elevators and rotate until pin/coupling
threads are disengaged.
After thread disengagement, remove power tongs, and replace an
appropriately sized STABBING GUIDE over the coupling.
Lift top joint (stand) clear of the coupling and stabbing guide.
Install a CLEAN pin protector and stand the joint down into the derrick
on a clean non-metallic surface or lay down onto the pipe rack as
appropriate.
Install a CLEAN coupling protector into the coupling.
Lift string to next break-out joint and repeat steps as given in section
4.2.
5.

RE-RUNNING FOX CONNECTIONS

Instructions for re-running joints are exactly same as for new
connections and the same make-up torque values are applied.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-6

6.

STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CRA TUBULARS

6.1.

Remove Tubular Goods

Where possible, remove the tubular goods from their export packing
IMMEDIATELY upon receipt and store them indoors in a dry
atmosphere.

6.2.

Inspect Tubulars Periodically

Inspect the tubular periodically, i.e., every one to three months
depending on the atmospheric corrosiveness. Routine inspection
should include:
O.D. check for discolouring or pitting.
I.D. check for discolouring or pitting.
Remove thread protectors and check condition of connections and
associated storage compound for threaded tubular.
Replace/renew storage compound on connection thread and seal
surface sas required.

6.3.

For Long-term Storage

For periods of storage longer than two months a thread/connection
storage compound should be used. API THREAD COMPOUNDS ARE
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE AS A LONG TERM STORAGE
COMPOUND.

6.4.

Outdoor Storage
If out door storage is the only option, the following additional
procedures are recommended.
Place desiccant packages or phase inhibitor pads inside each joint.
Protect from rain and spray with tarpaulins or plastic covering.
Sweating condensation may occur if there is insufficient air
circulation.
Avoid stagnant water or moisture. Every thirty days, roll tubes that
may be stored on wood/other strips to insure that no moisture remains
trapped between tube and stripping. This also allows any trapped
moisture to dry. It is recommended to use plastic stripping or a zinc
paint on wood strips to avoid direct contact between tubulars and
wood.
Store tubular with one end elevated to allow condensation or other
trapped water to drain from tube I.D.

6.5.

Warning Plate
Refer to the "WARNING PLATE" attached to the export package for
additional information.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-7

7.

SPECIAL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS FOR CRA TUBULARS

Handle joints one at a time using nylon sling.
Ensure the desiccant packets are removed from each joint prior to running.
Avoid joints contacting each other abruptly, i.e. "banging together", in order
to prevent local surface hardened spots.
Ensure that pipe racks, pick-up/lay-down equipment etc., are padded to
help prevent unnecessary incidental contact between joints and other
steels.
Refer to the section for other handling recommendations and the section for
thread protector recommendations.

8.

RUNNING PROCEDURES FOR CRA TUBULARS

8.1.

9.

Running of CRA FOX Connections

Running of CRA tubulars with FOX connections should be handled
with the following extra precautions taken.
Single joint compensators are recommended.
Low stress dot dies in tongs elevators and slips are the preferred
method.

RE-RUNNING OF CRA TUBULARS

Please refer to the Running Instructions provided earlier in this document.

10. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR SOUR SERVICE (H2S)

10.1. Hard Spots
NEVER use pipe on which hard spots have developed from the use of
direct flame heating, welding or impact damage.
10.2. Avoid Damage
Avoid damage resulting in excess tensile stressing of any part of the
joint. For that reason, DO NOT,
Cold-straighten, even slightly deformed pipe.
Use pipe or couplings showing sharp edged slip or tong marks.
Hammer pipe or couplings.
Compress or deform pipe in the slips.
Use pipe exhibiting excessive out of roundness, which produces
internal tensile stress when made-up.
Exceed recommended make-up torque (or any lower value which may
be specified).
Apply loads in excess of those stipulated.
Permit excessive bending of the string when the load is close to
elastic limit of the material.

FOX-TP-013 (REV.3) Page-8

Improvise by using items of different steel strength and quality from

those scheduled.