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Dave Seymour
Global TEH OCTGs
Updated March 2008
Tubing Specifications
API Specification 5CT (8th Edition) ISO 11960:2004 defines
Hereafter API for brevity
Basic definitions:
Outside Diameter
Wall thickness/Linear Weight
Drift diameter
Length
Grade
Thus chemical composition, mechanical properties and testing requirements
Inspection requirements
Connections (if API)
Protectors, markings, coatings, bundling, transportation, etc, etc
For Proprietary Carbon steels & CRAs:
Grade requirements (chemistry, processing, properties, testing etc)
Proprietary, may be linked with ISO 13680 for CRAs
Tube requirements (dimensions, inspection, marking, etc, etc)
API 5CT/ISO 11960 used as defining
Outside Diameter:
API Tubing is up to 4.1/2 only
1.050, 1.315, 1.66, 1.90, 2.063, 2.3/8, 2.7/8, 3.1/2 & 4.1/2
API Casing is 4.1/2 to 20
4.1/2, 5, 5.1/2, 6.5/8, 7, 7.3/4, 8.5/8, 9.5/8, 11.3/4, 13.3/8, 16, 18.5/8,
20
Many other sizes available, meeting API requirements, but not strictly API
We commonly use both API Tubing and Casing as tubing
Beware different definitions within API spec, for example Range lengths
Most common Shell tubing sizes:
3.12/, 4.1/2 5, 5.1/2 & 7
Big bore systems:
7.5/8& 9.5/8, some even to 10.3/4
Specification tolerance is now OD 0.5%, + 1.0%
Pipe typically larger not smaller (easier to thread)
Special drift sizes may need extra OD tolerance I.e. even larger pipe OD
Length:
API defines three length ranges (R1, R2 & R3) with different values for
different applications.
Casing & Liners:
R1: 16 to 25 ft; R2: 25 to 34 ft, R3: 34 to 48 ft
Most common is R3 for speed of running, but with REDUCED maximum length
dictated by shipping and handling restrictions.
Range length variation is wide to maximise mill productivity.
Casing & Tubing (threaded and coupled) used as Tubing:
R1: 20 to 24 ft, R2: 28 to 32 ft, R3: 38 to 42 ft
Most common onshore is R2 to match tubing hoist capabilities; R3 (restricted as
above) is more common offshore, for speed of running and maximum string
integrity.
Range length variation is minimal for user operational ease.
Integral Joint Tubing:
R1: 20 to 26 ft, R2: 28 to 34 ft, R3: 38 to 45 ft.
An exception to the API ranges is for tubulars to be shipped by container
maximum length is 38 ft (11.6 m) to fit inside ISO containers.
If you are specifying tubing in a new area check your rig capability and for
shipping restrictions (e.g. ocean liners, rail cars, trucks etc).
Mechanical properties:
API defines tensile strength and hardness requirements:
Yield Strength: Minimum and Maximum
Ultimate Tensile Strength: Minimum
Elongation & Reduction in Area: Minimums (ductility measures)
Hardness: Maximum for Group 2 only
Through wall hardness variation: Maximum for Group 2 & 4 only
API defines Charpy V-Notch Impact Energies (toughness) requirements:
Minimums for coupling stock for all materials except H40
Minimums for pipe bodies for all higher grades, i.e except H40, J55, K55, & N80-1
Optional minimums for pipe bodies for H40 through N80-1
ALWAYS ensure that your pipe bodies DO have sufficient toughness, I.e.
always require toughness testing where it is an option
Principally by testing during manufacture
Occasionally by statistical control for very well controlled manufacturing routes
Consider also appropriate Toughness test temperature:
API permits room temperature not very relevant for cold environments
API also defines mechanical test specimens, methods and frequencies; these
will typically be INCREASED for more critical materials and proprietary
materials.
Mechanical property requirements (& testing methods & frequencies) will
usually be defined by manufacturer for proprietary materials
Inspection requirements:
Visual and dimensional
Surface condition for visible defects such as:
Rolling marks (scars, scratches, ridges) laps, pits, inclusions, pin holes, dents etc
Basic dimensions also straightness, roundness
Non-Destructive Examination:
Electro-Magnetic Inspection (EMI):
Using an electromagnetic field to automatically inspect for surface (ID & OD) defects
and to check wall thickness
Quite fast at moderate sensitivity levels
Ultra-Sonic Testing (UST):
Using very high frequency acoustics to automatically inspect for surface (ID & OD)
defects and to check wall thickness
Capable of inspecting thicker materials and non-magnetic materials
Capable of very high sensitivity at lower speeds
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI):
Dry - using a magnetic field and powder to further check defects found by EMI or
UST on pipe bodies, or to check un-inspected pipe ends.
Wet using a magnetic field and an ultra-violet light sensitive dye to check for
cracks and other defects typically on finished couplings.