lADC/SPE

35037

How to Evaluate
Michael J, Jellison,
PDVSA
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Connector selection may be based on assumptions such as:

this casing string is a liner so a liner connection should be
used, this is a critical application with high axial tension loads
so a connector with hooked threads is required or the
connector with the highest joint efficiency is the best choice.
While none of these assumptions are entirely incorrect they
may result in unnecessarily limiting the choice of connectors
and unjustifiably increasing the cost of the casing string.

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Premium

Connector

Configurations

Trade-offs are inherent in connector design. The ideal

connector would be as strong as the pipe in all loading modes
with the same geometry as the pipe. This ideal connector has
been called transparent to the pipe body since the made-up
string performs as if there are no connections present. 1
Connector loading performance equivalent to the pipe can
only be achieved with a geometry that is substantially greater
than the pipe. Conversely, a connector with the same OD and
ID as the pipe can not provide performance properties that
match the pipe.
Since trade-offs are inherent in connector design, thread
designers have developed different connector configurations
for different applications.
A classification system for premium connectors simplifies
the connector selection process. Premium connectors can be
classified into four generic configurations. This classification
system is useful in developing standardized connector lists
where the performance of a large number of premium
connectors must be rated.
Four premium connector generic types are listed below:

MTC - Metal Seal, Threaded and Coupled (Fig. 1)

w SLH - Slim-Line High Performance (Fig. 2)

lFJ - Integral Flush Joint (Fig. 3)

MIJ - Metal Seal, Integral Joint (Fig. 4)

Large diameter (14 irr, OD and larger) premium connectors
that may fall into one of the categories listed above, coarse
pitch threaded and coupled large diameter connector designs
without metal-to-metal pressure seals and weld-on connectors
are not discussed in this paper.
MTC connectors typically include a full runout thread on
the pin member (the pin thread height decreases until the
threads vanish at the pipe body OD), a metal-to-metal internal
pressure radial seal and some form of internal torque shoulder.

Abstract

Selecting the appropriate connector for each casing string in a

well represents a difficult challenge for drilling engineers. The
engineer must decide if an application requires a premium
connector or can be satisfied with an API connector. If use of
a premium connector is dictated by the well conditions the
large number of premium connectors available further
complicates the decision of which connector to use.
This paper provides guidelines on how to evaluate and
select premium connectors for drilling and production casing,
tieback and liner applications. In addition, guidelines to assist
in determining when a premium connector is required over an
API connector are presented.
Introduction

This paper benefits drilling engineers involved with casing

string design by giving them the tools they need to determine
when a premium connector is required for an application, to
evaluate premium connectors rated with different methods on
a comparable basis and to select the type of premium
connector necessary to safely drill and complete their well.
Often times the engineer has nothing more than the
manufacturers premium connector catalogs, each touting
unique and innovative design features, available to assist in
making this selection. Drilling engineers are responsible for a
wide range of products and services associated with drilling
wells. Consequently, the engineer likely can not devote the
time necessary to become an expert on casing connectors.
Nevertheless, proper connector selection is important due to
the high cost of tubulars and connectors and their impact on
the overall safety of the well. A decision flowchart is
presented to assist in the connector selection process.

51

HOW TO EVALUATE

AND SELECT PREMIUM

CONNECTORS

lADC/SPE

35037

modified buttress thread form combined with a metal-to-metal

radial pressure seal to overcome the leak resistance limitation
of API BTC.
Optimum performance versus price is achieved by using a
thread form that complements
the connector
design
configuration. Buttress and modified buttress thread forms are
generally suitable for MTC and MIJ style connectors since the
pin and box are relatively thick on these connectors and will
not separate under axial tension loading.
Hooked or negative load flank angle threads are necessary
on high clearance SLH and IFJ connectors to obtain good
performance. Older generation high clearance connector
designs without hooked threads suffered from frequent
failures.z The pin and box are thinner on high clearance
connectors and even the shallow 3 deg. positive load flank
angle of the buttress thread allows the pin and box to separate
under tension loading compromising connector performance.
It is also important for the pin and box to work together as a
single unit in high clearance connectors to provide pressure
resistance equivalent to the pipe. Hooked threads promote this
effect and cause the pin and box members to reinforce each
other. Hooked threads on SLH and IFJ connectors promote
good resistance to bending loads and help maintain pressure
integrity under combine loads involving bending.
The value of hooked threads on MTC style connectors is
questionable. Often hooked threads on these connectors are
used primarily as a marketing feature. Of course, hooked
threads do not adversely affect the performance capabilities of
MTC connectors, and they may be helpful when special
clearance couplings are used and on thick wall (0.650 in. wall
and greater) casing. Since computer controlled machines are
required to effectively produce connectors with hooked thread
forms, the cost of the product is increased and repair
capabilities are limited.
There are three basic types of torque shoulders: internal,
external and center step. The shoulders may be square
(perpendicular to the pipe axis) or reverse angle. Several types
of torque shoulders are depicted in Figs. 1 through 4.
The torque shoulder insures a precise relative make-up
position between the pin and box members that results in the
proper location of seal surfaces and the intended amount of
seal contact pressure. In some cases, the torque shoulder also
serves as a pressure seal.
The reverse angle internal torque shoulder on some MTC
connectors serves to increase the metal radial seal bearing
pressure. This is beneficial provided the shoulder does not
separate or unload as can occur under tension loading. If it
does separate or lose the pre-load from make-up under
tension, the radial seal design must not rely on the
energization effect of the shoulder.
Advanced design integral joint SLH connectors feature a
torque shoulder located in the center (center step) of the
connection. An internal or external shoulder of sufficient size
can not be usbd without sacrificing joint strength.

Generally these connectors feature a buttress, modified

buttress or hooked thread form.
SLH connectors are normally machined on plain-end pipe
that has been cold-formed followed by thermal stress
relieving. Sulfide Stress Cracking tests have demonstrated that
this process does not adversely effect cracking resistance of
sour-service material grades like API L-80, C-90 and T-95.
Pin members are swaged inward, and box members are
expanded resulting in a near flush configuration.
With an expanded box, SLH connectors provide a higher
joint strength than true flush OD connectors. SLH connectors
can be manufactured in a threaded and coupled configuration,
but the cost of manufacturing is increased, since there are
twice as many threaded members and coupling stock is
required, with little or no improvement
in connector
performance.
IFJ connectors provide maximum running clearance since
the box OD is the same as the pipe body OD. Pin members are
swaged inward as with SLH connectors.
MIJ connectors are integral joint designs that are machined
on pipe that has been hot upset. Since, the connectors are
machined on upsets some MIJ connectors provide axial load
and pressure capabilities that are equal to those for the pipe.
Most MIJ connector designs are used on tubing; although
there are MIJ connectors for casing including API ExtremeLine. Due to their relatively high cost and limited availability,
MIJ casing connectors are used primarily on specialty
applications
where the added strength of the upset
configuration provides significant operational benefits.
Design Features

CASING

and Characteristics

Premium connector performance is dependent on the totality

of features employed in the design. Thread form, torque
shoulder configuration and seal geometry are primary design
considerations.
Fig. 5 depicts several thread forms used in premium casing
connectors along with the API 8-round thread form. The steep
load flank angle of the API 8-round thread form causes the
box to expand and the pin to contract under axial tension
loading. This results in a jumpout type failure where the pin
pulls out of the coupling with no fracturing of either member.
The jumpout failure mode results in relatively low joint
strength. The API 8-round thread form is subject to crossthreading especially on larger sizes and is not highly resistant
to bending loads. Consequently, this thread form is not used
on high performance premium connector designs.
The standard API buttress thread form as well as slightly to
significantly modified versions of this thread form are used in
many premium casing connectors. The API Buttress Thread
Casing (BTC) connection resists jumpout, provides relatively
high joint strengths and offers good structural resistance to
bending loads. The primary problem with API BTC relates to
leak resistance due to the relatively large gaps present in the
threads. Many premium MTC connectors feature a buttress or

52

lADC/SPE

35037

M,J.

JELLISON,

M.A

DAVILA

jeopardize the seal integrity. Consequently, it is important that

an adequate amount of torque pre-loads the shoulder.
Metal-to-metal radial flank seals are the most reliable seals
for high pressure gases and solids free liquids. Radial
interference at the flank seal generates a bearing pressure on
the seal surfaces that prevents pressurized fluids from passing
the seal. The radial seal must be designed so it is not adversely
effected by cyclical loads or temperature changes. Small axial
movements that can occur in the connector under axial tension
and compression loads must be accommodated by the seai
without lowering the pressure integrity of the connector.
A properly designed metal-to-metal radial seal exhibits a
pressure energization effect (Figs. 6 and 7), This effect causes
the bearing pressure at the seal to increase at a faster rate than
the pressure being sealed. To be properly energized by
internal pressure the seal bearing area must be smaller than the
area acted on by internal pressure and the seal must have a
length to thickness ratio that allows it to flex. Metal seals that
are energized by pressure can seal very high pressures. On
Fig, 7 at O psi internal pressure the well-energized seal has a
lower bearing pressure than the poorly energized seal, yet the
well-energized seal can withstand higher internal pressures
without leaking. The well-energized seal does not rely as
heavily on radial interference to effect a seal. Consequently, a
properly designed radial seal that is pressure energized
requires less radial interference than a poorly designed seal
and is more resistant to galling.

External torque shoulders are typically used on lFJ

connectors.
Since MIJ connectors are machined on upset pipe, they can
incorporate an internal shoulder, external shoulder or center
shoulder. Some MIJ connectors feature two torque shoulders,
e.g., external and internal torque shoulders or external primary
shoulder and center reserve torque shoulder.
Pressure Seals. Various types of pressure sealing systems are
employed in casing connectors.3 The most common pressure
sealing systems are listed below in increasing order of
reliability:

Thread Seals

Resilient Ring Seals

Shoulder Seals

Metal-to-Metal Flank Seals

Thread seals are not reliable for sealing high pressure gases
and solids free liquids. Gaps exist in the threads providing a
leak path through the connector. These gaps must be plugged
by the thread compound to effect a seal
Load reversal or cyclical loads can significantly lower the
leak resistance of threads with gaps at the stab flanks like API
BTC.
Another problem is the inability to accurately predict the
leak resistance of connectors that rely solely on thread seals
for pressure integrity. API Bulletin 5C3 includes an equation
for API BTC and 8-round thread leak resistance, but its
accuracy is questionable. The API has been working for
several years to develop a Finite Element Model to predict
API 8-round leak resistance. This work is continuing. No
similar API project exists to address API BTC leak resistance.
Resilient ring seals provide a means of forming a pressure
barrier in the threads of a connector and can increase leak
resistance. A groove is machined in the coupling or box
member to accept the ring that is installed prior to make-up.
The ring and ring groove can reduce the strength of the
joint and increase the overall stress level in the connector.
[t is difficult to insure proper installation of the ring
especially on larger diameters. If the ring is not installed
properly it can contribute to a connector failure. The ring can
jump out of the groove during make-up and lie in the threaded
area of the joint. This effectively increases the interference in
the connector and raises the box stress level. A split coupling
followed by an axial separation may result.
Shoulder seals can hold high pressures. When the
connector is made-up a portion of the make-up torque preIoads the shoulder generating a bearing stress between the two
shoulder surfaces. As long as this bearing pressure is higher
than the pressure being sealed the connector will remain leak
tight. High axial compression loads may cause localized
plastic deformation
of the shoulder compromising
the
integrity of the seal. In addition, high axial tension loads can
relieve the pre-load bearing pressure from make-up and

Connector

Performance

Ratings

Premium connector
rating systems can be confusing.
Connector manufacturers often use different rating methods
making comparison of competing connector performance
capabilities difficult. Premium connectors are rated for axial
internal pressure and collapse
tension and compression,
resistance and bending. Most advanced design premium
connectors are rated the same as the pipe body ( 100/0
efficiency) for internal and collapse pressure resistance.
Ratings in axial compression and under bending loads can be
generated based on connector dimensional parameters. Since
compression and bending resistance depend on several
connector design parameters and their interaction, physical
test ing is often used to deterrn ine these performance
properties.
Drilling
engineers
evaluating
premium
connectors
typically place a great deal of emphasis on joint strength or
joint efficiency. Axial tension load carrying capacity is
important, and a high joint strength is desirable. Nevertheless,
many applications that require premium connectors have
liberal axial tension design factors with any of several types of
premium connectors.
Since other desirable connection
attributes, such as ruggedness and resistance to damage, may
be sacrificed to achieve a higher joint strength especially in
SLH and IFJ connectors, the connector with the highest joint
strength may not always be the optimum choice. More

53

HOW TO EVALUATE

AND

SELECTPREMIUMCASING CONNECTORS

strength is acceptable, but the engineer selecting a connector

for an application must be aware of which technique is
employed.
Adjustments must be made to compare connectors rated on
a different basis. One method to make this comparison is to
divide the joint strength by the material yield strength or
tensile strength, whichever was used to calculated the joint
strength, and compare the critical areas of the two connectors.
Alternatively, the engineer can recalculate the joint strength of
one of the connectors to base it on his preferred criteria, For
example, if the joint strength of a connector is based on yield
strength and the engineer prefers to consider fracture strength,
he can divide the joint strength by the materials yield strength
and multiply it by the materials tensile strength. Then he can
directly compare this joint strength to the joint fracture
strength of another connector.
In some cases, a manufacturer
may calculate joint
eftlciency by comparing the joint fracture strength to the pipe
body yield strength. This is misleading since the joint fracture
strength is based on tensile strength. A manufacturer of an
MTC connector may claim 100Ajoint efficiency because the
joint fracture strength exceeds the pipe body yield strength.
While it is desirable for an MTC connector to have a joint
fracture strength in excess of pipe body yield strength,
claiming 100/0 efficiency implies that the connector is as
strong as the pipe. In fact, the parting or fracture strength of
the connector is less than the parting strength of the pipe.
The joint efficiencies of SLH connectors are generally
calculated with equations 2 or 3, Comparison of SLH
efficiencies to MTC efllciencies calculated with equation 1
indicates that the SLH joint strength is substantially lower
than the MTC strength. However, if the connectors are
compared on the same basis the SLH joint efficiency may
approach the efficiency of the MTC joint.
Table 1 illustrates this point. The table shows the joint
efficiency for API BTC and a typical MTC and SLH
connector calculated with equations 1, 2 and 3. The joint
efficiencies for API BTC and the MTC connector exceed
10OOAwith equation 1. SLH efficiency calculated with
equation 3 makes this connector appear to be SOO/O weaker
than the MTC connector, If the MTC and SLH connectors are
rated with the same equation the difference in eftlciencies is
only approximately 20/0. The reference setting depth figures
shown on the table illustrate that SLH connectors can be used
on long casing strings.
As discussed above, many MTC style connectors employ
buttress or modified buttress thread forms. Interestingly, some
MTC connectors with buttress thread fort-m have rated joint
strengths that exceed the API BTC joint strength. The
equations for API BTC joint strength are listed below:

importantly, if acceptable tension design factors can be

obtained with a lower cost connector of adequate strength,
there is little justification for using a higher cost connector
that has a somewhat higher strength.
Several factors must be considered when reviewing
manufacturers joint strength ratings:

Are ratings based on worst case, nominal or typical

dimensions?

Is joint efficiency based on pipe body yield or

fracture strength?

Are the performance ratings consistent with physical

test data?
Some connectors depend on typical pipe dimensions (e.g.,
oversized pipe) to achieve the manufacturers ratings. A rating
based on worst case dimensions will be lower than a rating
based on nominal connector dimensions. Different rating
methods are acceptable provided they can be verified through
testing. The fact that manufacturers can use different rating
methods should be considered when evaluating competing
connectors that vary by only a few percentage points in joint
efficiency.
Joint efficiency can be calculated with one of the following
formulas:
xlooO/O

. . . . . . . . . . . (1)

~
Pipe Body Fracture Strength

xlooO/O

. . . . . . . . . . . (2)

Joint Crlt 1cal&a

Pipe Body Area

Xlooo!o

. . . . . . . . . . . (3)

lADC/SPE 35037

Pipe Body Yield Strength

Critical cross-sectional areas for the generic connector

configurations are shown on Figs 1 through 4. The joint
strength is based on the minimum of A,, AZ, or Aq + Ad. The
joint critical area of MIJ connectors may be larger than the
pipe body area.
Joint strengths of premium casing connectors
are
calculated based on either minimum yield strength or
minimum tensile strength. Traditionally, casing connector
joint strength has been based on parting load. This precedent
was set by the API with the equations for API casing
connector joint strengths. As discussed previously API 8round connectors typically fail by jumpout which is a parting
load. Parting loads for API Buttress casing and premium
connectors that resist jumpout are calculated based on
minimum tensile strength. Using parting or fracture loads for
premium casing connectors allows the designer to compare
premium connectors directly to API casing connectors for an
application.
are
Some operators
and connector
manufacturers
calculating joint strength of premium casing connectors based
on minimum yield strength. Using either yield or tensile

Pipe Thread Strength

Pj= 0.95 Ap Up (1 .008 -0.0396

54

(1 .083 - Yp/Up) D) . .(4)

IADCISPE

35037

M.J.

JELLISON,

Uc

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...(5)

The formulas for API BTC joint strength were based on a

regression analysis of 151 tests of BTCcasing in sizes ranging
form 4-1/2 to 20 in. OD and material yield strengths from
40,000 to 150,000 psi.4 Since the equations fit the extensive
test data, their accuracy has been demonstrated. Consequently,
MTC joint strength ratings that exceed API should be
evaluated cautiously with special attention paid to the
interpretation of physical test results.
Some MTC manufacturers rate their connector using a
form of the API BTCjoint strength equations without the 0.95
correction factor. The 0.95 factor accounts for the statistical
error of a regression derived equation. These manufacturers
justify elimination of the 0.95 factor because they employ
computer controlled machines to manufacture their products.
Therefore, the dimensions of the final product are more
closely controlled than allowed for API BTC connectors
resulting in more consistent performance.
Improper evaluation of physical test results can be used to
justify inflated joint efficiency claims. Test loads should be
compared to specimen performance capabilities based on
actual specimen geometry and material properties. In some
tests failure loads of samples with high strengths andlor
favorable dimensions are compared to minimum ratings.
Connector

Selection

DAVILA

The decision flowchart assists in determining which

connectors are suitable for further consideration. Basically, the
flowchart helps in determining if API connectors can be used
or if high clearance SLH or IFJ connectors are required.
Hole clearance is calculated as follows:

Coupling Thread Strength

Pj=0.95Ac

MA.

Hole Clearance = Hole Size - Standard Coupling OD. . (6)

Table 2 lists Standard Coupling ODs that can be used to
calculate Hole Clearance. The coupling ODs listed in Table 2
correspond to the API 8-round and BTC (regular) coupling
ODS. The following equations can be used to estimate the
Standard Coupling OD for casing sizes not listed in Table 2:
Casing OD<=

7.750 in.

Standard Coupling OD = 1. I I x Casing OD . . . . . . . . . (7)

Casing OD > 7.750 in.

Standard Coupling OD= Casing OD+ 1.0

..

. . . (8)

Table 2 and equations 7 and 8 can be used to estimate

MTC connector coupling ODS. However, some premium
MTC connectors have couplings that are larger than the
standard API coupling. In addition, on heavy weight MTC
casing matched strength couplings with a larger OD may be
required
to obtain
the desired joint
strength.
The
manufacturers catalogs can be reviewed to deter-mine actual
hole clearance with specific MTC connectors.
One assumption made in generating the decision flowchart
is that only premium IFJ and SLH connectors that have
internal and collapse pressure capabilities equivalent to the
pipe are considered for use. Consequently, if high clearance
premium casing connectors are required, pressure limits do
not effect selection of potentially acceptable connectors.
The connector selection process is summarized below:

Evaluate and adjust hole clearance, pressure and

string length limits based on company policy, well
type, well location and other risk factors,

Use the decision flowchart to determine potentially

acceptable connectors.

Perform a detailed structural analysis and evaluate

potential
connectors
for tension,
compression,
bending and torque requirements. Eliminate potential
connectors that do not meet or exceed the structural
requirements,

Select the final connector based on price and

availability.
High clearance SLH connectors are not eliminated from
consideration simply because hole clearance is adequate to run
a threaded and coupled casing connector. This paradigm shift
from the conventional connector selection process can result
in substantial cost savings.
SLH connectors cost less than MTC connectors because no
coupling stock is required and one-half the number of threads

Guidelines

Casing connector selection is influence by many factors:

Casing String Type

Well Type - Exploratory or Development

Well Location - Onshore, Offshore, Populated Area

Anticipated Loads - Axial Force, Pressure, Bending,

Torque

Presence And Amount Of H2S

Hole Clearance

Cost And Availability

Cost and availability represent important considerations.
Often these factors are only considered after the type of
connector (MTC, SLH or IFJ) has been decided upon. Cost
and availability should also influence the choice of which
connector type is selected.
Since the connector selection process is complex some
type of system for making this selection is useful.
Fig. 8 depicts a decision flowchart that provides connector
selection guidelines. The actual values used in the decision
blocks for minimum hole clearance, maximum pressure limits
and string length are not as important as the decision process
depicted in the figure. The cut-off values for hole clearance,
maximum pressure and string length can and should be
adjusted to reflect company policy, uncertainty of well
conditions, well proximity to populated areas, string typeproduction or protective and other risk factors.

55

HOW TO EVALUATE

AND SELECT

PREMIUM

lADC/SPE

35037

3. 7.625 in. Production Liner

8.375 in. Hole Size
8.500 in. Standard Coupling OD (from Table 2)
2,050 ft. String Length
Hole Clearance = 8.375 in. -8.500 in, = -0.125 in,
Hole Clearance <0.75 in.
String Length <8,500 ft.
Potentially Acceptable Connectors: IFJ and SLH (lFJ may
be preferred due to very small hole clearance and relatively
short string length. )
Examp/e

Conclusions
1. The generic

classification
system for premium
connectors discussed in this paper can simplify the connector
selection process.
2, Reliable sealing of high pressure gases and solids free
liquids in premium connectors is accomplished with metal-tometal radial seals that are energized by applied pressure
loading.
3. Performance
ratings of premium connectors
are
determined with different methods and equations by different
manufacturers, By understanding the methods employed to
generate connector ratings, engineers can make meaningful
comparisons between premium connectors rated with different
techniques.
4. A connector selection process that incorporates a
decision flowchart can be used to determine the optimum
connector for a casing application.
5. Rethinking the way casing connectors are selected can
result in substantial cost savings.

Connector Selection Examples. Fig. 9 shows a typical casing

program for a field in eastern Venezuela. Examples showing
how to select potentially acceptable connectors using the
decision flowchart for the 13-3/8 in.. 9-5/8 in. and 7-5/8 in.
casing strings follow,

Nomenclature
A, = pin cross-sectional area, L2, in, *

Al
Aq
At
AC
AP
D
DF
ID
OD
Pj
YP
UC
UP

/. 13.375 in. Intermediate Casing

17.500 in. Hole Size
14.375 in. Standard Coupling OD (from Table 2)
4,000 psi Maximum Differential Pressure
Hole Clearance = 17,500 in. 14.375 in. = 3.125 in.
Hole Clearance > = 0.75 in.
Differential Pressure <6,000 psi
Pipe OD> 9.625 in.
Potentially Acceptable Connectors: BTC. SLH and MTC
Exanrp/e

2. 9.625 in. Intermediate/Production

12.250 in. Hole Size

CONNECTORS

10.625 in Standard Coupling OD (from Table 2)

6,700 psi Maximum Differential Pressure
Hole Clearance = 12.250 in. 10.625 in. = 1.625 in.
Hole Clearance > = 0.75 in.
Differential Pressure > = 5,000 psi
Potentially Acceptable Connectors: SLH or MTC

are machined. [n addition, SLH connectors are more versatile

than MTC connectors since they can be run on liner and
tieback casing strings where hole clearance is compromised as
well as on many long casing strings where hole clearance is
not a concern,
Advanced design SLH connectors provide internal and
external pressure capabilities that are equivalent to the pipe
body and axial joint strengths that approach MTC connector
joint strengths. SLH connectors have demonstrated their
suitability for use on long casing strings run back to the
surface first on critical casing tieback strings and more
recently on long intermediate and production casing designs
as operators have recognized their use as a means to safely
reduce costs,
1[ may be possible to safely use IFJ connectors on some
intermediate and production casing strings. However, their
safe use has not been substantially demonstrated in the field
on long tieback casing strings. In addition, SLH connectors
provide higher strength than IFJ connectors at essentially the
same cost, so there is little incentive to use IFJ connectors
where hole clearance is not compromised,
Operators have resisted using high clearance connectors on
applications where hole clearance is sufficient to run a
coupled connector because of casing failures associated with
flush joint connectors in the 1970s and 1980s. These failures
involved older generation IFJ connector designs. The latest
generation of SLH and IFJ connectors provides superior
performance to older design IFJ connectors. This improved
performance has been demonstrated through physical testing
and extensive, successful field usage.
On short to moderate length casing string applications
where hole clearance is extremely small, true flush [FJ
connectors may be preferred over near flush SLH connectors
(e.g.. 7-5/8 in. liner run in 8,500 in. open hole or 11-3/4 in.
casing run through 12.250 in. drifl casing),

Examp/e

CASING

Casing

56

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

box cross-sectional area, L*, in.2

pin small step cross-sectional area, L*, in.2
box large step cross-sectional area, L2, in.2
coupling cross-sectional area, L2, in.2
pipe cross-sectional area, L2, in.2
outside diameter of pipe, L, in.
design factor
inside diameter, L, in.
outside diameter, L, in.
minimum joint strength, mL/t2, lbf
minimum yield strength of pipe, m/Lt2, psi
minimum ultimate strength of coupling, m/Lt2, psi
minimum ultimate strength of pipe, m/Lt2, psi

lADC/SPE

35037

M.J.

JELLISON,

M.A.

DAVILA

Acknowledgments

3.

The authors thank ENERPRO [ntemational, Inc. and lntevep,

S,A. for their support and encouragement, We also thank
Donna Anderson for her valuable comments on the paper.

4,

Raulins, M.: How Loading Affects Tubular Thread

Shoulder
Seals, Petroleum
Engineer
international
(March 1984) 43,
API Bulletin 5C3, Bulletin on Formulas and Calculations
fiw Casing, Tubing Drill Pipe, and Line Pipe Properties,
sixth edition, American Petroleum Institute, Washington,
D.C., (October 1, 1994) 17.

References
1. Jellison. M. J., Sweet, R.G. and Klementich, E. F.: Tubing

7-.

String Design for a 35,000-ft Extended Reach Well,

paper OTC 6038 presented at the 1989 Offshore
Technology Conference, Houston, May I-4.
Payne, ML., Asbill, W.T., Davis, H.L. and Pattillo, P.D.:
Joint Industry Qualification Test Program for HighClearance Casing Connect ions, paper SPE/IADC 21908
presented at the 1991 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference,
Amsterdam, March I I-14.

9-518

API BTC
MTC
SLH

Based on Nominal

Ibsd

- Conversion

53.50#

factor

E+ OO=cm
E+ OO=cm2
E +00
E +00

=N
= kPa

,s exact.

P-110

I?@e fieM

Pipe Fracture

Pige Area

>10090
> 100%
80.4%

88.4
93.1
70.8

88.4
93.1
70.8

20,070
21,130
16,260

for API BTC and MTC.

TABLE 2-

Conversion Factors
E- Ol=m
ft X 3.048*

in. x 2.54*
in.z x 6.451 6
lbf x 4.448222
psi x 6.894757

Joint

1,718
1,809
1,375
Weight

S1 Metric

Reference
String Length
DF . 1.6 [ft)

Joint Strength
(1.000

Efficiency

(Ye)

Based On:

Based on Plain End Weight

STANDARD COUPLING
CASING

OD FOR

a OD (ml

4.500
5.000
5.500
6.625
7.000
7.625
8.625
9.625
10.750
11.750
13.375
16.000
18.625
20.000

5.000
5.563
6.050
7.390
7.656
8.500
9.625
10.625
11.750
12.750
14.375
17.000
20.000
21.000

57

for SLH,

IAIXYSPE 35037

HOW TO EVALUATE AND SELECT PREMIUM CASING CONNECTORS

A2

Ap

Al
Fig.

AD

1-

MTC

Connector

With

Internal,

Reverse

Torque

Shoulder

AZ

A4

Al

Angle

m
Fig.

SLH

Connector

With

Center,

Reverse

Angle

Torque

Al

/42

Fig. 3-

IFJ Connector

4-

MIJ

With

External,

Square

Torque

Shoulder

A3

Ai
Fig.

Shoulder

Connector

With

External,

58

Reverse

Angle

Torque

Shoulder

lADC/SPE 35037

M.J. JELLISON,

MA. DAVIIA

API 8-Round

API Buttress

Modified Buttress
Fig. 5-

Hooked Thread
Casing

Connector

Thread

Forms

Well
Seal

Energized

IEARIIW

Pressure

P
I

INTEf?UL

Fig. 6Pressure
Seal Bearing Area
Internal
Pressure

Energization
Effec~

Fig.
7Pressure
Energization
Effect.
Relationship
Between
Bearing
Pressure
And
Internal Pressure May Not Be Linear

Energized
Seal
Showing
And The Area Acted On By

59

10

HOW TO EVALUATE

AND SELECT PREMIUM

CASING

IADCISPE

CONNECTORS

HOLE .

CLEARANCE

o
DIFFERENTIAL
PRESSURE

Elm

HOLE

CLEARANCE

= HOLE

USE

6000

IS ACCEPTABLE

STC

IN SOME

PSI FOR
CASES

DRILLING
FOR

SIZE

- STANOARD

CASING

(SURFACE

10 3/4 AND

11 3/4

usE OF 133m

STC MAY

COUPLING
AND
CASING

EEIEEIEI
O.D

INTERMEDIATE)
STRINGS

V4TH

APPLICATIONS
LENGTH

OF 3000

FT

OR LESS

BE ACCEPTABLE

Fig. 8- Connector Selection Guidelines Flowchart

L
17-1/2

in

12-1/4

In

8-318

in.

H
60

in.

13-318

6,700

SIP

102

ppg

9-5/8

7-5/8

Fig, 9- Well Design For Connector

20 In at 1,000

in.

at

ft.

4,600

ft.

PSI

PACKER

at

at

Selection

FLUID

14,800

16,450

ft.

ft

Examples

35037