Casing and Tubing Selection Guidelines

T he decision flowcharts shown on the following pages provide casing and tub-
ing connection selection guidelines. Connection selections outside of the para-
meters suggested in the flowcharts may be appropriate for some applications.
Start at the top of the flowchart. Items contained inside a diamond require a decision
or evaluation. Based on the result of the evaluation proceed through the chart until a
connection selection is indicated.

The “cut-off” values for hole clearance, maximum pressure limits and other parame-
ters can be adjusted to reflect company policy or individual preferences.
TM ®
High clearance-high performance integral joint products like ST-L , HD-L , and
TM
ANJO connections are often used on casing strings where hole clearance is not a
concern to safely reduce well costs. This option is shown as the Alternate Integral
Joint Selection Path. Premium integral connections generally offer cost savings com-
pared to premium threaded and coupled connections.

The charts indicate the connection that meets the minimum performance requirements.
The upgrade arrows on the flowcharts indicate suitable alternative connections with
improved performance characteristics. Unusual load conditions, uncertainty regarding
well parameters, presence and amount of H2S, well type (exploratory or development),
well proximity to populated areas, and other risk factors can influence connection
selection resulting in use of a higher performance connection. In addition, price and
availability considerations can result in the use of a connection with better performance
TM TM
capabilities than required for an application (i.e. ST-L connections in place of FL-4S
connections).

Notes (Casing Connection Selection Flowchart):

• Hole clearance = Hole Size - Casing OD
Hole clearance selection parameters are based on standard casing OD and bit sizes. The cut-off values of 1.5 in. and
2.0 in. provide a reasonable basis for determining if a high clearance connection is required with standard casing and
bit sizes. These values may not be appropriate for non-standard casing and bit sizes. On standard larger diameter cas-
ing (10-3/4” and larger) with standard bit sizes the 2.0 in. cut-off value generally results in significantly more than 2
in. of hole clearance.

• The ST-L connection provides excellent tension, compression and bending resistance. The HD-L connection is recom-
mended instead of the ST-L connection for applications where the anticipated compression or bending loads exceed the
ST-L connection’s ratings with an appropriate design factor. ANJO is recommended for applications where the anticipat-
ed tension loads exceed ST-L connection’s rating with an appropriate design factor, such as long casing tieback string
designs.

16 © Grant Prideco December 2000. All rights reserved.

P R E M I U M C O N N E C T I O N S
 A T L A S B R A D F O R D

Tubing Connection Selection Flowchart

CRA
Plastic Coated
Application (22Cr and Above)

Low Alloy Carbon Steel

and 13Cr

Liquid Fluid To Gas

Be Sealed

Differential P > = 3,000 psi Differential

Pressure Pressure

5,000 psi < = P

P < 3,000 psi P < 5,000 psi P > 12,000 psi
< 12,000 psi

RTS API Modified RTS TC-II TC-II

Coupling

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© Grant Prideco December 2000. All rights reserved. 17

 Casing Connection Selection Flowchart

< 8.625 in. Casing

OD

< 1.5 in. Hole

Clearance

Hole
< 2.000 in.
Clearance

Drilling Casing

Alternate Integral Joint

Selection Path

Differential Differential
Pressure Pressure

6,500 psi < = P

P < 3,000 psi P > = 3,000 psi P < 6,500 psi
< 8,000 psi

Tension,
Bending
Compression YES
or Bending

NO

High Tension Severe Compression Severe Tension

Compression or Bending or Bending
Casing OD
YES
> = 11 3/4 in.

NO

FL-4S ST-L HD-L ANJO

API API
Modified

18
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P R E M I U M C O N N E C T I O N S
 A T L A S B R A D F O R D

> = 8.625 in.

> = 1.5 in.

> = 2.000 in.

Drilling
or Production Production Casing
Casing

Differential
Pressure

5,000 psi < = P

P > = 8,000 psi P < 5,000 P > = 6,500 psi
< 6,500 psi

Bending YES

NO

BTB TC-II
API API BTB TC-II
Modified

19
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© Grant Prideco December 2000. All rights reserved.