RSC

Rotary Shouldered Connections

RSC
Rotary Shouldered Connections
V.01

This Internal have designed to explain features

and gauges of rotary shouldered connections
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

Rotary shouldered connection

thread connection used on drill stem elements
which has coarse, tapered threads and sealing
shoulders
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
RSC Classifications Based on connection Families

RSC

API Connections Dual Shoulder Wedge Thread

API API Non-

Preferred Preferred
connections connections
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
API Connections is the most common type of connection. The shoulder is located externally
at the top of the box and the base of the pin. The benefits of an API connection include: free
spinning, easy stab up, common use, and ease of recut/repair
API connections are available in regular (REG), full-hole (FH), and numbered connections
(NC).
The API numbered connections are interchangeable with the now obsolete API internal flush
(IF) connections. The table below shows the interchangeable thread.
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Dual Shoulder Connections
A dual shoulder connection has one sealing point, the external shoulder. The internal shoulder
is a torque stop.
Some dual shoulder connections are interchangeable with API connections, yet they lose the
added torque capability. The benefits of a dual shoulder connection include: free spinning,
easy stab up, and increased torque capability.
Dual shoulder connections are sold by a variety of manufacturers. Grant Prideco, Omsco,
NKK, and SMITH all produce dual shouldered connections that meet customer requirements.
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Wedge Thread
The wedge thread is a unique proprietary connection created by Hydril Company, LP. It is the
strongest connection on the market; attributed to interlocking threads that act as
seals. The image to the right shows there is no shoulder seal.
The wedge thread has increased torque capability.
The wedge thread can only be cut by CNC machine. It is not interchangeable with any other
connections.
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Dual Shoulder and Single Shoulder Connections
When designing a connection using a dual shoulder component (DS), it can be connected to a
liked-size single shoulder (SS) component. DSTJ is a DS connection used with an API SS
connection. The torque advantages are lost when interchanging connections, but a crossover
sub is not required when connecting like sized components.
The images below represent what the connection looks like when mixing and matching
connection types.
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Connection classifications based on inspection standard
RSC

API Connections Proprietary connection Special RSC used by individual

companies

API API Non-

Preferred Preferred FOR EXAMPLE
connections connections FOR EXAMPLE T2 connections which is used in
BAKER HUGHES only
NOV GP. Double
shoulder , Hi Torque
FOR EXAMPLE VAM EIS INSPECTION
FOR EXAMPL NC: LESS 23& more Hydril wedge thread connections New & Used connections covered
NC: NC23:NC70 70 by Manufacture Procedures
REG: 1R:8 5/8R FH : other FH INSPECTION
FH: 5 ½&6 5/8FH PAC , XH , H90 , WO New connections covered by
GOST Manufacture Procedures

INSPECTION Used connections covered by DS-1

New connections covered by API Spec 7 -2

Used connections covered by DS-1 , NS2 & RP 7G -2

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API Similar Connections
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Proprietary connection
NOV Grant Prideco Hi Torque Connections

Picture from DS-1

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Proprietary connection
NOV & Vam EIS , .. Connections

Picture from DS-1

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Proprietary connection
NK DSTG Connections

Picture from DS-1

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Proprietary connection
Hydril Wedge Connections

Picture from DS-1

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Proprietary connection
Hilong Connections

Picture from DS-1

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Special RSC used by individual companies

BHI T2 Connections
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Connections Strength

The strength or weakness of a connection is dependent on its location in the drill string.
The components in the BHA tend to be weaker in the connection. Drill pipe, on the other
hand, is more flexible due to a smaller cross sectional area. Connection strength will vary in
drill pipe depending on several factors including the grade and thread type. For example, 2⅞"
AOH drill pipe E-95 is weaker in the tube, while S-135 with the same thread type shows more
weakness in the connection.
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

STRESS LOCATIONS ON PIN AND BOX CONNECTIONS

Red is the Most Stressed Areas in connections

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Rotary Shouldered Connections

API Similar Connections

stress-relief Features
〈feature〉 modification performed on rotary shouldered connections that removes a
certain length of the unengaged threads of the pin or box
This process reduces the likelihood of fatigue cracking in the highly stressed area
both for box and pin threads due to a reduction of stress concentration.
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API Similar Connections

SRF
BORE BACK SRG
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Thread Identification
First Use the Logic
Threads can be identified using simple logic. First, consider what type of tool will be made up
in the drill string.
Ask the questions:
 “What will this tool connect to?”
 “How will it be used?”
Example: if you are trying to identifying the threads on a Box x Box
substitute, you might use the following thought process:
1- Box x Box subs are usually run above drill bits
2- Drill bits always have an API regular pin connection
3- At least one of the connections on the substitute is likely to be API regular
Second , which connection is up
To assemble a drill string you must know how the connections fit together.
It’s known that bits and near bit accessories are run pin up.
Every other component in a conventional drill string is run box up.
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Thread Identification
Using of tool joint identifier
The first step in identifying a connection is to measure the threads per inch. Common thread
types are on the front of the ruler,. They are:
o 3 ½ threads per inch
o 4 threads per inch
o 5 threads per inch

The reverse side of the Tool Joint Identifier distinguishes which side is used for measuring the
pin, and which side is used to measure the box.
The number of threads per inch will help limit the type of connection.
 All PAC, IF, XHole, and NC have four threads per inch.
 H-90 connections have 3½ threads per inch.
 The remainder, Full Hole, and Regular, can be 4 or 5 threads per inch depending upon size
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Thread Identification
Identify the pin connection
For the pin end, use a caliper to measure the connection OD at the cylindrical base of the pin. If
the pin has a relief groove, about ½ inch of unthreaded connection at the base of the pin, then
use a straight edge to measure the connection OD accurately.

No SRG with SRG

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Thread Identification
Identify the pin connection
1- Line up one prong of the caliper with the pin mark on the thread identifier and let the other
caliper prong fall where it will along the marked lengthy of the identifier. The markings closest
to where the prong falls that match the measured threads per inch will help identify the thread
type and nominal size.
2- Tighten the caliper while it has the measurement
obtained from the pin end. Line it up in the
notch on the pin side of the tool joint identifier.
3- The caliper measurement will not always fall directly on one
of the premarked hash marks on the thread identifier, sometimes
exactly between two. You may still have to explore more
measurements, such as pin length and/or tool ID.
The thread identifier should be used only as a guideline to
help the user determine the correct thread
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Thread Identification
Identify the Box connection
Measuring the box connection requires fewer steps and is much easier.
Just use the thread identifier to measure between the inside edges of the mouth
of the box. The markings on the identifier will identify the connection.

Note: Some connections is not printed on the tool joint identifier . You need to take the full
dimension and compare with the standard dimension of family connections
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Connection Features & Benefits
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Interchangeable Connections
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Connection Torque
 When a joint is added or removed from the drill string, torque is applied to tighten or loosen
the tool joint.

 The torque is measured in pounds.

 Applying too much torque while making up a tool joint will damage and weaken the
connection.

 Make-up torque is applied using a top drive or large wrenches called tongs.

 Torque is applied using rig equipment to apply force by pulling on one tong while the other is
tied off at a fixed point. The length of the tong is multiplied by the pound of pull to provide a
ft/lb. value.

 If a tool joint is not tightened enough there will not be a seal in the connection. A leak will
occur and a washout will happen in these cases.
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Connection Torque & Bevel Diameter
 Certain amounts of torque are required to seal the face contact between the box and pin.

 The greater the square inches on the surface of the face, the greater the amount of torque
needed for that connection.

 Alternately, the smaller the square inches on the surface of the face, the smaller the amount
of torque needed for that connection.

 The diameter of the bevel provides a specific surface area on the face that allows for the
correct amount of torque to seal the connection.

 The bevel diameter changes as the OD changes on the BHA components.

 Drill pipe bevel diameter stays the same as the tool joint wears down.
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Thread profile
thread form means the shape of threads & style Which is controlled by
1- thread form
2-Lead tolerance
3-Taper tolerance
4- Stand-off
5-Shoulder contact face
6-Thread axis
7-Pin base diameter
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

Thread form
thread profile is an axial plane for a length of one pitch dimension and shape for
each thread
for example
 angel between thread
 height of thread
 Root radius
 Crest flat width
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Thread form

CREST ROOT
FLANK
HIGHET
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread form
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Thread Gauge Measurements
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Thread Lead & Thread Pitch
LEAD: distance parallel to the thread axis from a point on a thread turn and the corresponding point on
the next turn,
i.e. the axial displacement of a point following the helix one turn around the thread axis

PITCH: axial distance between successive threads, which, in a single start thread, is
equivalent to lead
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

Thread Lead & Thread Pitch

LEAD: distance parallel to the thread axis from a point on a thread turn and the corresponding point
on the next turn,
i.e. the axial displacement of a point following the helix one turn around the thread axis

PITCH: axial distance between successive threads, which, in a single start thread, is
equivalent to lead
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

Thread Lead
Simply we can say it is the number of full thread in a specific distance
Example :
In the picture the lead is of threads 1”
Is 4 TPI
4 THREADS PER INCH
Deviation of number of thread per inch
Has tolerance as we will see
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Thread Taper
increase in the diameter of the pitch cone with length
In the picture the lead is of threads
Is 4 TPF
4 TAPER PER FOOT

D1
D2
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Profile gauge and lead gauge help to verify the form deformations and stretches
As per DS-1
Using profile gauge to check connections as following
1- Apply profile gauge to connections at least in 2 positions with 90d between the
positions
2- check if there is gap between gauge and thread .
3- gap in flank or root areas is not allowed
4- gap in crest area is allowed for not more than 2 threads . Max gab width 1/16”
5- any visible gap found in flank area . That need to apply lead gauge to measure
connection stretch
6-using light behind the profile gauge will help to detect if there is a gap
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1-PROFILE GAGUE
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2-LEAD GAUGE
Lead Gauge used for both used & new connections to measure the connection
stretch
In new connection or after re-cut connections lead gauge consider as routine QC
steps of thread gauge which including Measuring taper for pin and Box m thread
height , Pitch Diameter ,….

In used connection lead gauge is used if a light gap found in connection flank by
profile gauge as shown in previous page
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LEAD GAUGE Gauge divided to

saw 1/1000” with
lead gauge consist of 3 Parts . LOCK accuracy of .0002in
3- Setting Block . is a connection
simulator for feature of number of 1- Lead
threads in one inch. Many kind of gauge
setting block with various device
dimension
Need to know which one we have
to choose to set the gauge --B

2- Contact points or lead balls .

Various diameter & Size . So we
need to know which size we
have to use ---A
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LEAD GAUGE
A-Contact Ball Point
Contact points or ball are available in various diameters
Each diameter is compatible with some connections based
On connection dimension and
Contact Ball Point Tolerance diameter is ±0.05
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LEAD GAUGE

B- SITTING BLOCK
As shown in pict. Each block mention to
Taper and number of threads
For example the block in pic used for
Connections with taper 3 inch per feet
And 4 threads per inch
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Rotary Shouldered Connections

LEAD GAUGE : choosing of Ball and Sitting stand.

Now Before use the lead gauge and to apply the we need to
1- Choose the contact points
2- Choose the sitting block which must be combatable with connection subjected to
inspection
The next table which had collected from API SPEC7-2 will help us to choose both
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
size of lead and taper gauge contact ball point (in Inches)
Conection form TPF TPI BALL SIZ
NC23 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC26 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC31 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC35 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC38 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC40 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC44 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC46 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC50 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC56 V-038R 3 4 0.144
NC61 V-038R 3 4 0.144
NC70 V-038R 3 4 0.144
1 REG V-055 1.5 6 0.096
1 1/2 REG V-055 1.5 6 0.096
2 3/8REG V-040 3 5 0.115
2 7/8REG V-040 3 5 0.115
3 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
4 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
5 1/2REG V-050 3 4 0.144
6 5/8 REG V-050 2 4 0.144
7 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
8 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
5 1/2FH V-050 2 4 0.144
6 5/8FH V-050 2 4 0.144
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size of lead and taper gauge contact ball point (in

Inches)
Conectio
EXAMPLE n
NC23
form
V-038R
TPF
2
TPI
4
BALL SIZ
0.144
NC26 V-038R 2 4 0.144
7 5/8 REG connection required a lead gauge verification NC31 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC35 V-038R 2 4 0.144
Steps NC38
NC40
V-038R
V-038R
2
2
4
4
0.144
0.144

1- Choose the appropriate BALL SIZE and SITTING BLOCK NC44

NC46
V-038R
V-038R
2
2
4
4
0.144
0.144
NC50 V-038R 2 4 0.144
By using the previous table or check in API SPEC7-2 NC56 V-038R 3 4 0.144
NC61 V-038R 3 4 0.144
So from table NC70
1 REG
V-038R
V-055
3
1.5
4
6
0.144
0.096
A-contact point size is 0.144inch 1 1/2 REG V-055 1.5 6 0.096
2 3/8REG V-040 3 5 0.115
B-sitting block should be 3TPF /4TPI 2 7/8REG V-040 3 5 0.115
3 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
4 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
5 1/2REG V-050 3 4 0.144

6 5/8 REG V-050 2 4 0.144

7 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
8 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
5 1/2FH V-050 2 4 0.144
6 5/8FH V-050 2 4 0.144
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Rotary Shouldered Connections
Using of profile gauge and lead gauge

EXAMPLE
2- start sitting of lead gauge
2.1 open the lock
2.2 connect the ball to lead gauge with distance between them 2 inch
2.3 put the fixed ball in first grove and movable ball in second grove
2.4 the dial gauge indicator set to zero position when the gauge is applied
to the sitting block
2.5 lock screw tightened
2.6 check zero position again
2.7 now apply the lead on connection
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Using of profile gauge and lead gauge

[Link]
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Using of profile gauge and lead gauge

EXAMPLE
3- start lead verification
3.1 apply the lead on the first full thread nearest to the shoulder
3.2 gauge shall be pivoted upon the fixed ball-point
3.3 move the gauge in small arc curve
3.4 The minimum plus reading or maximum minus reading on the indicator shall
be taken as the lead error.
3.5 tow lead check at 90degree shall be made
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Using of profile gauge and lead gauge

EXAMPLE
4- Lead Tolerance
4.1 for used connections DS-1 mentioned to max .006” over 2 inch length
4.2 for new connections
a) ± 0,038 mm per 25,4 mm (0.001 5 in per in) for any 25,4 mm (1.0 in) between
first and last full depth
threads;
b) ± 0,114 mm (0.004 5 in) between first and last full depth threads, or the sum
of 0,025 4 mm (0.001 in) for
each 25,4 mm (1 in) between first and last full depth threads, whichever is
greater.
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Taper & Taper Gauge
Taper
increase in the diameter of the pitch cone with length
It is expressed in millimeters per millimeter (inches per foot) of thread length

the basic principle of measuring taper thread is know the difference between
2 diameters within the TPI distance
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Taper & Taper Gauge

Taper Tolerance as Per API SPEC 7-2

a) pin thread: +0,002 5 mm/mm to 0 mm/mm (0.030 in/ft to 0 in/ft) average taper between first
and last full depth threads;

b) box thread: 0 mm/mm to −0,002 5 mm/mm (0 in/ft to −0.030 in/ft) average taper between first
and last full depth threads.
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Taper & Taper Gauge

Below table form API SPEC 7-2 mentioned for taper for each connection in SI
and American measuring units

in attached SI table the taper have

Expressed by fraction no.
For each connection
For example taper of
NC50 =1/6 mm =0.16666
That Value which should appear on caliper
When apply taper measurement for
NC50
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Taper & Taper Gauge

Below table form API SPEC 7-2 mentioned for taper for each connection in Metric and American
measuring units

in attached SI table the taper have

Expressed by fraction no.
For each connection
For example taper of
NC50 =2 taper / one feet =2/12 inch
=0.1666
That Value which should appear on caliper
When apply taper measurement for
NC50

Notice : whatever the used units SI or USC

The value of increasing /decreasing of DIA still same
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Taper & Taper Gauge
Example :
size of lead and taper gauge contact ball point (in
Measuring of 6 5/8R taper pin & Box Conectio
Inches)

1- Determine what is ball/contact point size n

NC23
form
V-038R
TPF
2
TPI
4
BALL SIZ
0.144
From attached table which collected from NC26 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC31 V-038R 2 4 0.144
API SPEC7-2 NC35 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC38 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC40 V-038R 2 4 0.144
NC44 V-038R 2 4 0.144
2- determine the value of taper from same NC46 V-038R 2 4 0.144
table as well which is 2/12=0.1666 NC50
NC56
V-038R
V-038R
2
3
4
4
0.144
0.144
Note if SI used TAPER is 1/6=0.1666 NC61 V-038R 3 4 0.144
NC70 V-038R 3 4 0.144
So My tolerance is 1 REG V-055 1.5 6 0.096

Pin con. 0.1666 to 0.196 (0.1666 +0.030 ) 1 1/2 REG

2 3/8REG
V-055
V-040
1.5
3
6
5
0.096
0.115
2 7/8REG V-040 3 5 0.115
Box con. 0.1666 to 0.133 (0.1666 -0.030 ) 3 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
4 1/2REG V-040 3 5 0.115
5 1/2REG V-050 3 4 0.144

6 5/8 REG V-050 2 4 0.144

7 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
8 5/8REG V-050 3 4 0.144
5 1/2FH V-050 2 4 0.144
6 5/8FH V-050 2 4 0.144