THREADED CONNECTIONS
contents
2 THREADED CONNECTIONS 1
2.1 OVERVIEW 1
2.2 OBJECTIVES 1
2.3 REFERRING TO THREADED CONNECTIONS 2
2.4 IDENTIFYING THREADED CONNECTIONS 4
2.5 MEASURING AN API CONNECTION 5
2.6 UNDERSTANDING INTERCHANGEABILITY 9
2.7 API REGULAR CONNECTIONS 10
2.8 API FULL HOLE CONNECTIONS 11
2.9 API NC CONNECTIONS 12
2.10 KELLY SPECIFICATIONS 13
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
list of figures
Figure 1 – Rotary Connection ...................................................................................................................................................................3
Figure 2 – Measuring the Threads Per Inch ..............................................................................................................................................5
Figure 3 – Measuring a Pin Connection Size ............................................................................................................................................6
Figure 4 – Measuring a Pin Connection with Stress Relief Groove ...........................................................................................................6
Figure 5 – Using The Thread Identifier To Identify a Pin Connection ........................................................................................................7
Figure 6 – Measuring the Connection OD of a Box and Identifying a Box Connection ..............................................................................8
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
2 THREADED CONNECTIONS
2.1 OVERVIEW
In order to set out any job correctly, you need to be able to ensure that each tool will make up with
the adjoining tool. This requires you to properly identify threads.
Good customer service should be defined as providing the customer with what they require, when
they require. Sometimes the most simple of tasks will cause the most problems. By learning to
properly identify tool thread connections we help to reduce non-conformances such as sending
incorrect tools to the customer:
Identifying threads is also important for incoming tools, so that you can label them
appropriately.
2.2 OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter you will be able to:
List the most common types of threads
List the threads per inch characteristic of each common thread type
Recognize indicators that can be used to identify threads
Use a thread identifier to identify threads.
Give an example of threads that are interchangeable.
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
2.3 REFERRING TO THREADED CONNECTIONS
Threaded connections are referred to by the:
Name of the thread type (eg, Internal Flush, API Regular)
Nominal size of the connection (eg, 3 1/2, 2 7/8).
API designated connection number (eg, NC38)
Thread Types
There are many different types of threaded connections. The most common threaded connections
and the number of threads per inch found on each are listed below. There is additional reference
material on the common types of threaded connections in the Appendix.
CONNECTION NAME ABBREVIATED THREADS PER INCH
API Regular REG 4–5
API Full Hole FH 4–5
API Internal Flush IF 4
Hughes Extra Hole XH 4
Hughes H-90 H-90 3.5
Phillip A Cornell PAC 4
Reed Full Opening RFO 4
API Numbered Connection NC 4
Grant Prideco Double Shoulder GPDS 4
Grant Prideco High Torque HT 4
Grant Prideco eXtreme Torque XT 4
NKK Double Shoulder Tool Joint DSTJ 4
Hydril Wedge Thread WT ?
Table 1
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Nominal Size
The nominal size of a threaded connection closely approximates the connection OD, but the two
numbers rarely match exactly. Sizes such as 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3 ½, 4”, 4 ½, 5”, 5 ½, 6 5/8, 7 5/8 or 8
5/8 are examples of the available nominal sized connections. Moreover, while the nominal size of
the connection will give you a sense of how large the connection is, it does not correspond to any
particular dimension on the threads.
Example: If you examine Table 2, you will notice that a 2 3/8” API Regular connection does not
have a single dimension that is equal to 2 3/8". It is more simply a method used to identify the
thread size not a dimensional measurement.
Figure 1 – Rotary Connection
SIZE A B C D E F G H K
2 3/8 3 3 1/8 2 5/8 1 7/8 2 11/16 3 3/8 1 5 3
2 7/8 3 1/2 3 3/4 3 2 1/8 3 1/16 3 7/8 1 1/4 5 3
3 1/2 3 3/4 4 1/4 3 1/2 2 9/16 3 9/16 4 1/8 1 1/2 5 3
4 1/2 4 1/4 5 1/2 4 5/8 3 9/16 4 11/16 4 5/8 2 1/4 5 3
5 1/2 4 3/4 6 3/4 5 33/64 4 11/32 5 37/64 5 1/8 2 3/4 4 3
6 5/8 5 7 3/4 6 5 5/32 6 1/16 5 3/8 3 1/2 4 2
7 5/8 5 1/4 8 7/8 7 5 11/16 7 3/32 5 5/8 4 4 3
8 5/8 5 3/8 10 7 61/64 6 39/64 8 3/64 5 3/4 4 3/4 4 3
Table 2 - API Regular Dimensions
All measurements are in inches.
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2.4 IDENTIFYING THREADED CONNECTIONS
Using Tool Logic
One of the most important tools you can use to help you identify threads is your knowledge about
drill strings and tools that may be used during the drilling of a well. If you consider what type of tool
the threads are on and what that tool is likely to be made up with in the drill string, you can often
narrow down the possibilities of what the threads could be. Ask yourself:
What will this tool connect to?
How will it be used?
Example: If you are trying to identify the threads on a box by box bit sub, you might run through
the following thought process:
Box by box subs are usually run above drill bits
Drill bits always have an API Regular pin connection
One of the connections is likely to be API reg
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
2.5 MEASURING AN API CONNECTION
Overview
You will need to measure the threads per inch and the OD of a connection in order to help identify
it.
Once you have this information you can use a thread identifier or a data sheet with connection
dimensions to determine the thread type and nominal size of the connection.
The connection OD is the OD at the cylindrical base of the pin or the mouth (or counter bore) of the
box. This is different than the tool OD, which is the OD of the tool as a whole.
Measuring Threads Per Inch
The simplest way to measure threads per inch on the connection is using a thread identifier, as
described in the table below.
STEP ACTION
Match each of the jagged sections on the edge of the thread identifier with the threads you are
1
identifying. See the figure below.
2 Determine the threads per inch by reading the marking next to the jagged section that fits best.
Table 3
Figure 2 – Measuring the Threads Per Inch
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Measuring The OD Of A Pin Connection
Use a caliper to measure the connection OD at the cylindrical base of the pin. IF the pin has a relief
groove at the base, THEN use a straight edge to assist you to measure the connection OD
accurately.
Figure 3 – Measuring a Pin Connection Size
Figure 4 – Measuring a Pin Connection with Stress Relief Groove
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 length 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.
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Figure 5 – Using The Thread Identifier To Identify a Pin Connection
NOTE: The caliper measurement will not always fall directly on one of the pre-marked
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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Measuring The OD Of A Box Connection
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.
Figure 6 – Measuring the Connection OD of a Box and Identifying a Box Connection
Using Data Sheets
If you do not have a thread identifier, or if the connection OD does not match up with any of the
markings on your identifier, you may need to refer to the Threaded Connection Specification
Sheets shown in Appendix 1 of this module.
These sheets include a diagram of the contour for each type of connection (eg, API Regular or
Internal Flush) and a chart showing each nominal size and its various dimensions.
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
2.6 UNDERSTANDING INTERCHANGEABILITY
Interchanging Connections
Some thread types are interchangeable; that is, the contour and dimensions of the connections are
similar enough so that they can be made up together without risking damage to the threads. Some
threads were manufactured with a particular purpose in mind. They matched other threads already
available but were called something different.
An example of this is the Hughes Extra Hole threads and the API Internal Flush threads that are
interchangeable. The Hughes “X-Hole” threads were initially machined on drill pipe and thusly was
called drill pipe connections. The API “IF” threads that will interchange with some “X-Hole” threads
were machined on drill collars thereby designating them as drill collar connections. This explains
better why 5” X-Hole will interchange with 4 ½ IF (NC50).
Example: The 4" API Internal Flush connection (4" IF) or NC46 is interchangeable with the 4 1/2"
Hughes Extra Hole (4 1/2" XH).
Numbered Connections
API Numbered Connections are interchangeable with the now obsolete API Internal Flush (IF)
connections. The table below lists some interchangeable threaded connections.
NC IF X-HOLE FULL HOLE HIGH TORQUE
NC23
NC26 2 3/8 GPDS26 / VAM TAURUS
NC31 2 7/8 GPDS31 / VAM TAURUS
NC35
NC38 3 1/2 GPDS38 / DSTJ VAM TAURUS
NC40 4” GPDS40 / DSTJ VAM TAURUS
NC44
GPDS46 / DSTJ VAM TAURUS
NC46 4 4 1/2
NC50 4 1/2 5 GPDS50 / DSTJ VAM TAURUS
NC56
NC61
NC70
NC77
GPDS55
5 1/2FH DSTJ
VAM TAURUS
6 5/8FH VAM TAURUS
Table 4
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2.7 API REGULAR CONNECTIONS
Size A B C D E F G H K
2 3/8 3 3 1/8 2 5/8 1 7/8 2 3 3/8 1 5 3
11/16
2 7/8 3 1/2 3 3/4 3 2 1/8 3 1/16 3 7/8 1 1/4 5 3
3 1/2 3 3/4 4 1/4 3 1/2 2 9/16 3 9/16 4 1/8 1 1/2 5 3
4 1/2 4 1/4 5 1/2 4 5/8 3 9/16 4 4 5/8 2 1/4 5 3
11/16
5 1/2 4 3/4 6 3/4 5 4 5 5 1/8 2 3/4 4 3
33/64 21/64 37/64
6 5/8 5 7 3/4 6 5 5/32 6 1/16 5 3/8 3 1/2 4 2
7 5/8 5 1/4 8 7/8 7 5 7 1/16 5 5/8 4 4 3
11/16
8 5/8 5 3/8 10 7 6 8 1/64 5 3/4 4 3/4 4 3
61/64 39/64
All measurements are in inches.
5 3/4 OD is optional.
Table 5 – API Regular Connections
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2.8 API FULL HOLE CONNECTIONS
Size A B C D E F G H K
2 7/8* 3 1/2 4 1/4 3 5/8 2 3/4 3 3 7/8 2 1/8 5 3
11/16
3 1/2 3 3/4 4 5/8 4 3 1/16 4 3/64 4 1/8 2 7/16 5 3
4*& 4 1/2 5 1/4 4 9/32 3 4 4 7/8 2 4# 2
17/32 11/32 13/16
4 1/2 4 5 3/4 4 3 4 7/8 4 3/8 3 5/32 5 3
51/64 51/64
5 1/2 5 7 5 5 5 5 3/8 4 4 2
53/64 57/64
6 5/8 5 8 6 3/4 5 6 5 3/8 5 4 2
59/64 13/16
All measurements in inches.
*
Not API standard
#
Thread form same as API Internal Flush
&
Threaded portion same as 4 1/2 Reed Double Streamline
Table 6 – API Full Hole Connections
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2.9 API NC CONNECTIONS
Size A B C D E F G
2 3/8 3 3 3/8 2 7/8 2 3/8 2 15/16 3 3/8 1 3/4
2 7/8 3 1/2 4 1/8 3 25/64 2 13/16 3 29/64 3 7/8 2 1/8
3 1/2 4 4 3/4 4 1/64 3 11/32 4 5/64 4 3/8 2 11/16
4* 4 1/2 5 3/4 4 53/64 4 5/64 4 57/64 4 7/8 3 1/4
4 1/2# 4 1/2 6 1/8 5 1/4 4 1/2 5 5/16 4 7/8 3 3/4
5 1/2 5 7 3/8 6 25/64 5 1/2 6 29/64 5 3/8 4 13/16
6 5/8 5 8 1/2 7 29/64 6 5/8 7 33/64 5 3/8 5 29/32
All measurements in inches
Threaded portion same as 4 1/2 Hughes Extra Hole and 5 Double Streamline
# Threaded portion same as 5 1/2 Reed Double Streamline
Table 7 – API NC Connections
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THREADED CONNECTIONS
2.10 KELLY SPECIFICATIONS
Internal
Pressure
at
Lower Pin Torsional Yield Minimum
Connection Tensile Yield Yield in Bending Yield
Through
Kelly Kelly Minimum 2 Lower Pin Lower Pin Drive
Size OD Drive Drive
Size and Bore Recommended Connection 3 Connection Section
and Style in. Section lb. Section ft-
Type in. in. Casing OD in. lb. ft-lb psi
lb
2½ 1 1/4 NC26 3 3/8 4 1/2 416,000 444,400 9,650 13,000 29,800
Square (2 3/8 IF)
3 1 3/4 NC31 4 1/8 5 1/2 535,000 582,500 14,450 22,300 25,500
Square (2 78 IF)
3½ 2 1/4 NC38 4 3/4 6 5/8 724,200 725,200 22,700 34,200 22,200
Square (3 1/2 IF)
4¼ 2 13/16 NC46 6 1/4 8 5/8 1,054,000 1,047,000 39,350 60,300 19,500
Square (4 IF)
4¼ 2 13/16 NC50 6 3/8 8 5/8 1,375,200 1,047,000 55,810 60,300 19,500
Square (4 1/2IF)
5¼ 3 1/4 5 ½ FH 7 9 5/8 1,609,000 1,703,400 72,950 117,000 20,600
Square
3 Hex 1 1/2 NC26 3 3/8 4 1/2 356,000 540,500 8,300 20,000 26,700
(2 3/8 IF)
3 ½ Hex 1 7/8 NC31 4 1/8 5 1/2 495,000 710,000 13,400 31,200 25,500
(2 7/8 IF)
4 ¼ Hex 2 1/4 NC38 4 3/4 6 5/8 724,000 1,046,000 22,700 56,000 25,000
(3 ½ IF)
5 ¼ Hex 3 NC46 6 1/4 8 5/8 960,000 1,507,600 35,450 103,000 20,600
(4 IF)
5 ¼ Hex 3 1/4 NC50 6 3/8 8 5/8 1,162,000 1,397,100 46,750 99,300 20,600
(4 ½ IF)
6 Hex 3 1/2 5 ½ FH 7 9 5/8 1,463,000 1,935,500 66,350 152,500 18,200
1
All values have a safety factor of 1.0 and are based on 110,000 psi minimum tensile yield
(quenched and tempered) for connections and 90,000 psi minimum tensile yield (normalized and
tempered) for the drive section. Fully quenched and tempered drive sections will have higher
values than those shown. Shear strength is based on 57.7 percent of the minimum tensile yield
strength.
2
Clearance between protector rubber on Kelly saver sub and casing inside diameter should also
be checked.
3
Tensile area calculated at root of thread ¾ inch from pin shoulder.
Table 8 – Kelly Specifications
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NOTES
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