CASINGS & CONNECTIONS

Wathik M. Alhashimi, [Link].

Casing Pipes Specifications are determined by 5 parameters which are size, length range, nominal weight, grade
& coupling types.

• Casing Pipes Specifications Parameters

• The First Casing Specifications Parameter is The Casing Sizes
• The Second Casing Specifications Parameter is Length Range
• API Casing Pipe And Tubing Weight Designation
• Casing Pipes Grades
• API Casing Pipes Grades For Any Size
• Non-API Casing Pipes Grades For Any Size
• Casing Connections For Any Sizes & Grades
 Casing Pipes Specifications Parameters

• Casing Size.
• Casing Length Range
• Casing Nominal Weight / Weight per unit length
• Steel Casing Grade
• Casing Coupling Types
 The First Casing Specifications Parameter is The Casing Sizes
There are three types of Casing Size designations
• Outer diameter: is the diameter of the casing measured from the outer wall across to the outer wall and is
the diameter measurement casing is identified with.
• Inner diameter: is the diameter of the casing measured from the inner wall to the inner wall.
• Drift diameter: is the guaranteed minimum diameter of the casing, the drift diameter is important because
it indicates whether the casing is large enough for a specified size of bit to pass through.
Casing Sizes and grades
Casing Sizes and grades
Casing Sizes and grades
 The Second Casing Specifications Parameter is Length Range
• API has established three length ranges for casing pipes with limits and tolerances as shown below. API
specifications for casing pipes and tubing pipes designate the length range of each joint.
• There are three length ranges for casing pipes (R1, R2, R3):

• Casing Pipes are mostly run in R-3 lengths.

• These longer lengths reduce the total number
of threaded connections needed for the
casing string.
• Since casing is usually run in single joints
(instead of doubles or triples), the longer R-3
lengths are easier to handle.
 Casing Pipes Grades

• Steel Casing pipe grades are identified by letters and numbers which indicate various characteristics of the
Casing pipe steel ( as example P110).
• It is a specification according to its:-
o yield stress,
o ultimate tensile strength,
o chemical composition,
o heat treatment or other characteristics.
• There are many grades of casing steel pipes that make up oilfield tubulars.
 API Casing Pipes Grades For Any Size
• The steel grades of common oilfield API-5CT casing
pipe include J55, K55, N80-1, N80Q, and P110.
• Casing pipe is mostly used for oil well drilling.
• To understand API casing pipe grades, it is
important to understand the terms minimum yield
stress, maximum yield stress, and minimum
ultimate strength.
• To explain these terms, two popular grades of
oilfield tubulars will be used as an example: L-80
and N-80.
• The Steel casing pipes grade is denoted by a letter
of the alphabet followed by the minimum yield
stress of the particular steel.
• For example, the API P-110 , has a minimum yield
stress of 110,000 psi, the API grade L-80, has a
minimum yield stress of 80,000 psi as shown by
point “A” in Figure 2.
• In other words, it can support a stress of 80,000 psi
with an elongation of0.5%.
• The ‘L’ is a distinguishing prefix to avoid confusion between different steel grades.
• The letter in conjunction with the number designates such parameters as the maximum yield strength and
minimum ultimate yield strength.
• In L-80 the maximum yield strength is shown by point “B” as 95,000 psi which is 15,000 psi higher than the
minimum yield stress.
• The minimum ultimate strength is shown by point “C” as 95,000 psi.
• Note that there is no maximum ultimate strength specified.
• N-80, another API grade (see Figure 3), also has a minimum yield stress of 80,000 psi, but is different from L-
80 in that the former has a greater maximum yield stress of 110,000 psi (shown by point “B”).
• This is 30,000 psi higher than the minimum yield stress and twice the tolerance of L-80.
• The minimum ultimate strength of 100,000 psi is also higher as shown by point “C”.
• Whereas N-80 has no hardness specification, L-80 has a hardness specification of 23 HRC.
• The tight tolerance on yield strength and hardness allow the L-80 to be more suitable for H2S service than N-
80 grade tubulars.
 Non-API Casing Pipes Grades For Any Size
• In addition to API grades, there are many proprietary steel grades which may not conform to the API
specifications, but which are used in the industry.
• These extensively used special grades are often run for various applications requiring such
properties as very high tensile strength, high collapse strength, or steels resistant to sulfide stress
cracking.
• This pipe is manufactured to many, but not all of the API specifications with such variations as steel
grade, wall thickness, OD, threaded connection, and related upset.
• As a result of these changes, the ratings of internal yield, collapse, and tension for both the pipe and
the connection are non-API.
• The rating of these proprietary products is generally calculated using API formulas or are consistent
with API methods.
• Also, such parameters as drift diameter, wall thickness tolerance, length range and weight tolerance
are kept the same as, or are consistent with API specifications.
 Proprietary Connections

• Connections is dedicated to the development of new premium and semi premium connections to met the
challenges of horizontal well completions.
• High torque, high load and frac pressure requirements have pushed the limits of API and first generation
semi-premium connections.
 API Casing Pipe And Tubing Weight Designation
• Casing and tubing weights are one of specifications which are expressed in lb/linear ft and are designated as
either plain end weights or nominal weights.
• Plain-end weight per foot is the weight per foot of the pipe body excluding the threaded portion and
coupling.
• Nominal weight per foot is the weight per foot that is reflected in casing tables and is an approximate average
weight per foot of the pipe with API connections, including upsets, threads, and couplings.
• Average weight per foot is the total weight of an average joint of threaded pipe with one coupling divided by
the total length of the average joint.
• The plain end weight of casing pipes can be calculated by knowing the outer and inner diameter of the pipe
and the density of steel (489 lb/ft3):
 API Casing connections

• Short thread and coupling (STC)

• Long thread and coupling (LTC)
• Buttress thread and coupling (BTC)
• Extreme-Line thread (X-line) for casing with 8 round threads per inch (8 RD)
• With the exception of Extreme-Line, male (or pin) threads are machined on plain-end pipe
and later made up with a coupling.
• A reduced OD (special clearance) coupling is offered on some sizes and weights to allow for
additional clearance between pipe and hole.
• While providing this additional clearance, special clearance couplings often reduce the rating
of the connection, usually in tension or internal yield and test pressure.
 Connection types
• Casing connections should satisfy several functional and operational requirements which are presented in
this article.
Functional aspects
o to provide a leak resistance to internal or external fluid pressures
o to have sufficient structural rigidity to transmit externally applied loads
o to have good geometry in order not to increase the outer diameter or reduce the inner diameter of the
casing string significantly
Operational aspects
o easy to make-up in the field
o easy to break-out in the field
o reusable
• To fulfil these aspects, the connections are provided, in almost all cases, with connection threads.
• Connections based on welding or gluing techniques and snap-on connectors are available for casing but will
not be dealt with here.
• For many years the API thread connections, with or without a resilient seal ring, have been the standard in
well casing strings. These standardised connections are:
o the API round thread connection for casing application;
o the API buttress thread connection for casing application;
• However, during the last decades there has been a shift away from relatively simple and inexpensive shallow
wells to complicated completions for deep, often corrosive and high pressure/temperature wells.
• This trend entailed the need for connections with better seals than the API connections, and led to the
development of the so-called Premium connections.
• All connections that have one or more special features, such as higher strength, better sealing properties, faster
make-up, smaller outer diameter of the coupling, internally streamlined and recess free, etc. as compared with
API connections, are collectively called Premium connections.
• Threaded casing connections can be divided in two groups, namely the integral connections and the threaded
and coupled connections. Each group can further be divided into several types, depending on the sealing
mechanism and the existence of a torque shoulder.
 1 Integral connection
• The geometry of the pipe ends are different so that they can be connected without using
an intermediate part. Two types of integral connections are common:
Upset type connection:
• this type of connection has pipe ends with an increased wall thickness. The pipe may be
externally upset, internally upset or both.
Non-upset or flush type connection:
• this type of connection has pipe ends with the same OD and ID as the pipe.
• It has reduced strength efficiency, compared to upset type of connections, in all cases.
• Sometimes the pin-end is swaged to a slightly smaller diameter, which will then affect
the drift diameter.
• Other connections have an increased box diameter or designs with combinations of
these.
 2 Threaded and coupled connection
• The casing joint is externally threaded on both ends of the pipe.
• The single joints are joined by an internally threaded coupling, to form the connection.
• The coupling can be made with several varying outer diameters, the following having its influences on the
dimension:
• Regular, as specified in API Spec 5CT.
• Special clearance, which have a smaller OD than the regular coupling. In most cases this coupling will have a
reduced strength efficiency.
• However, a coupling with a higher yield strength material might be considered to negate this.
• Resilient seal, in order to incorporate a resilient seal and maintain the required cross-sectional area to keep the
same capacity, it is sometimes required to increase the OD of the coupling.
• Matched strength, these couplings are designed in order to achieve a 100% efficiency.
• These optimum couplings may have an external diameter larger or smaller than the API couplings.
3 Comparison of integral and threaded/coupled connections
• In recent years there has been a move, in many companies, away from integral type connections, towards the
use of threaded and coupled connections.
• Listed below are the characteristics of the integral connections and those of the threaded and coupled
connections:
 3 Comparison of integral and threaded/coupled connections

• In recent years there has been a move, in many companies, away from integral
type connections, towards the use of threaded and coupled connections.
• Listed below are the characteristics of the integral connections and those of the
threaded and coupled connections:
 Integral connections
• Integral connections halve the number of threaded connections, and thus the number of potential leakage
paths.
• There is no possibility of receiving a coupling made of a different, and thus wrong, material
• In general, the integral type of connections has higher torque capacity than the threaded and coupled
connection.
• This is because integral connections are generally designed with an external torque shoulder, while for most
threaded and coupled connections the torque shoulder is located at the pin nose.
• There is a risk of "ringworm" corrosion.
• This corrosion can occur at the upset region of joints in the presence of CO2.
• During the upsetting process the pipe ends are heated and heavily deformed, which results in a difference in
steel microstructure compared to the pipe.
• It has been found that this microstructure is highly sensitive to CO2 corrosion so that pits can form quite
rapidly. The observed corrosion has a characteristic morphology called ringworm attack.
• To avoid this problem it is necessary to use tubulars which have been fully heat treated after upsetting.
 Threaded and coupled connections
• Threaded and coupled connections are generally cheaper to produce and the pipe ends can
be re-cut should the threads be damaged.
• The manufacturing process of threaded and coupled connections is a lot simpler than that
of integral connections as no upsetting or swaging is required.
• With threaded and coupled connections there is less risk of leakage due to geometric
errors in the machined connection parts.
• Generally, the geometric error in machined couplings is smaller than the error in machined
pipe ends.
• Pins and boxes, machined on long tubulars, may show geometry errors in the shape of a
clover leaf.
• This is usually caused by movements of the long unsupported section of the casing joint.
• There has also been a move towards the use of more highly alloyed steel grades which
cannot be satisfactorily hot-worked to produce the upset pipe ends necessary for an
integral connection.
 4 Thread forms
• The following thread forms are commonly manufactured today:
• API round type thread a tapered thread with stabbing and loading flanks of 30° and rounded crests and roots.
• API buttress type thread a tapered thread with stabbing and loading flanks of 10° and 3° respectively, and flat crests and roots, parallel to the thread cone.
• API extremeline thread a tapered thread with stabbing and loading flanks of 6°, and flat crests and roots parallel to the pipe axis.
• Modified buttress threads used for Premium connections.
• Several thread forms have been developed which are provided with one of the following modifications or combinations thereof: the thread profile has thread
crests and roots parallel to the pipe axis rather than being parallel to the thread cone; a clearance at the pin thread crest, in order to ensure a better control of
the thread friction during make-up; a change in the angle of the stabbing flank, ranging from +10° to +45° in order to improve the connection stabbing
performance; a change in the angle of the loading flank, ranging from +3° to -15° in order to increase the tensile capacity of the connection; a change in the
pitch of the threads (single or double pitch change) in order to provide a more uniform stress distribution in the connection threads under tensile or
compressive loads.
• Two step thread has two sections of different diameter, each provided with free running, non interfering, threads either straight or tapered.
• The figure shows a design with three shoulders which has the advantage of an increased over-torque capacity.
• In contrast, a non-interfering thread has the risk of inadvertently backing-out of the connection.
• Wedge shape thread is based on an interlocking dovetail thread profile.
• The loading flank is machined with a greater pitch than the stabbing flank to produce a thread that wedges together during make-up, eliminating the need for
an additional torque shoulder.
• The applicable make-up torques of these connections tend to be higher than that of connections with modified buttress thread profiles and a shoulder.
 API Short/Long Thread and Coupling

• The API Short Thread and

Coupling (STC) and API Long
Thread and Coupling (LTC) are
used in pipe sizes of 4-1/2ʺ, 7”
and 9-5/8”. Figure 4 shows
the LTC design.
• The STC design is the same except that the coupling and the threaded pins are shorter.
• This design is externally threaded on both ends of a non-upset pipe.
• The single lengths are joined with an internally threaded coupling.
• The thread profile has rounded threads and roots with a 60° angle between the thread flanks as shown in the
figure. The thread density is 8 threads per inch (8 RD) on a 0.0625 inch per inch taper.
• When the coupling is made up, small voids exist at the roots of each thread.
• Thread compound must be used to fill these voids in order to obtain a seal.
• LTC is not made in casing sizes larger than 13-3/8” because of the possibility of joint pull-out that can occur
with the heavier weight casing.
 STC (Short threading)

• STC coupling can withstand strength of the tubular 60~80% of the pipe tensile, BTC coupling can hold more
tensile but it’s sealing performance is poor under circumstance like high internal pressure.
 LTC (Long thread)

• Long threads have obvious advantages that are widely used in

casing pipe connections.
• For example, it is easy to process, good tightness, strong connection
strength, simple maintenance, low price.
• The LTC thread is the same as the STC thread in the shape and can be
connected, but it is generally not allowed to connect because the
maximum torque they withstand is different.
• Casing pipe with long threads is the commonly used in the oil and gas
industry.
 BTC (Buttress threading)

• This thread is designed to improve axial tensile or

axial compressive load capacity and to provide
leakage resistance.
• LTC, STC and BTC are the same in appearance, how to
distinguish them that depends the outside diameter
and application.
 API Buttress Thread and Coupling

• This is used in conductor casing and surface casing

applications, also where a higher joint strength is
required.
• Figure 5 shows the BTC design.
• This design is externally threaded on both ends of a non
upset pipe (as in the STC and LTC).
• The single lengths are joined with an internally threaded
coupling.
• The thread profile has flat crests and roots parallel to the taper cone. The thread density is 5 threads per inch
on a 0.0625 inch per inch taper for sizes 13-3/8ʺ and smaller, and 0.0833 inch per inch taper for sizes 16ʺ and
larger.
• The BTC thread has higher joint and bending strengths compared to LTC (or STC).
• As a result, this thread is used often in deeper wells where higher hook loads are experienced.
• Thread compound must also be used in order to obtain a seal with BTC. BTC is also run in horizontal wells
where doglegs can cause high bending loads on the larger size casings.
• But BTC leak resistance is lower that that of LTC and STC.
 What’s the use of LTC, STC and BTC?
• Connection strength and tightness are two main coupling technical indicators.
• Both LTC and STC couplings in generally use lead, zinc, copper, graphite or silicone oil composition
to improve seals, but those seals only work under temperature of 60-95 Celsius.
• Also for STC coupling, if under huge external pressure and axial tensile stress, when heavy impact or
bent happens, the threading will have more chance to slippage.
• Both of those two type of threading are not suitable for heavy oil thermal recovery, ultra-deep well
and heavy corrosion environment.
• API standard threading coupling primarily seal the pipe by thread grease, metal plating and thread
engagement of interface.
• STC thread root to tip clearance is 0.152mm, BTC threading gap is the whole height of tooth.
Bottom to tip is 0.178 for pipe under 193.7mm, and 0.229mm for pipe above 219.1mm.
 Proprietary / Premium Casing Connections
• Proprietary connections are available which offer premium features not available on API connections.
• Among the special features for proprietary connections are:
o clearance OD of coupling for slimhole completions
o metal-to-metal seals for improved high pressure seal integrity
o high bending strength for deviated holes
o multiple shoulders for high torque strength
o a streamlined connection OD for easy running in multiple completions.
o recess-free bores through the connection ID for improved flow characteristics
o higher tensile strength for deep holes
o an integral connection to reduce the number of potential leak paths
o resilient seal rings for continuous corrosion protection
o high compressive strength for compressive loading situations
 VAM Connection -Obsolete

• This connection has a metal to metal seal for superior leak

resistance.
• An internally threaded coupling with internal shoulders
provide positive make up torque and a non-turbulent bore
(see Figure 6).
• Also, due to its superior joint and bending strength, it is
used as the completion casing liner (One of Types Of Casing)
for the horizontal wells.
 NS-CC Connection

• It is stocked in 7ʺ, 9-5/8ʺ and 13 3/8ʺ sizes.

• This connection is noteworthy for its gas leak
tightness, low hoop stress, high joint strength
(equivalent to API buttress thread), high collapse
strength and easy stabbing design.
• Its two step pin nose which incorporate a primary
and reserve torque shoulder and metal to metal
seal make it a good candidate for the deep, high
temperature, high pressure Gas service.
Vetco LS, RL-4S, and Dril-quip S60 Connections for Large Casing Sizes

• The Vetco LS connection is a high-strength integral

design that accommodates high internal operating
pressures, bending moments, and tensile loads.
• The pin/box mating shoulder has a 30-degree taper (see
Figure 8).
• This results in the open end of the box being captured by
the tapered shoulder of the pin and prevents the box
from ballooning at the pin/box interface during periods
of high internal pressure and large bending moments.

• The Vetco RL-4S connection features dual stabbing guides and a high
stab angle for easy stabbing.
• Self locking, four start thread forms allow fast quarter-turn makeup.
• The Drill-quip S-60 connection features easy stabbing, no cross-
threading, fast makeup, low torque and high-pressure sealing.
• Both of these connections save rig time and are commonly used in 24”
and larger casing sizes.
• Other Premium Casing Connections that you might be interested:
• FOX
• JFEBEAR
• JFETIGER
 VAM-TOP

• VAM TOP® is the most widely used Threaded and

Coupled (T&C) premium connection, in tubing and
casing sizes.
• It has become the standard for OCTG premium
threads over the years, with the largest field record in
the industry.
VAM TOP® has long been the preferred solution for
premium applications, for standard usage but even in
the most severe conditions e.g. HP/HT wells.
• VAM TOP® product lines benefit from the most reliable
performances, demonstrated through a large number
of qualification tests such as ISO 13679 CAL-IV (tubing
size range, VAM TOP® HCTM casing line, VAM
TOP® HTTM casing line, plus some derivative designs),
with up to 100% PBYS compression rating.
 FOX™

• FOX™ is an advanced premium threaded

connection jointly developed by JFE Steel
Corporation, and Hunting Oilfield Services, in
early 1980s.
• The connection was created using an advanced
thread geometry and unique seal design to
reduce thread galling and enhance sealing
performance.
 JFEBEAR™

• In today's oil & gas industry, companies are

drilling deeper high-deviation wells into high
pressure reservoirs using the latest generation
of drilling rigs and tools.
• As a result, the loads placed on OCTG
connections in certain well conditions exceed
those of an API class-1 qualified connection.
• JFEBEAR™ has been designed and tested to
withstand today's toughest well conditions
 JFETIGERTM

• FETIGERTM been designed and tested to meet the needs for critical well loads.
• The design incorporates metal-to-metal seals with a 17° internal torque
shoulder to ensure sealing under extreme loads.
• The negative load flank thread form and coupled design provide 100% tension
efficiency for the standard coupling.
• Special clearance coupling OD’s are available with full pipe body internal and
external pressure ratings.
Vam
THANK YOU