TASK #3

API AND PROPRIETARY CONNECTIONS

It has the same or greater axial force than the pipe body. Accepts the same bending loads
as the pipe body and has the same pressure performance as the pipe.
Connection Design Principle

 They work like a friction fit.

 The downward force is converted into vertical and horizontal
components.
 The interference provides integrity to the pressure.
 Adding threads adds strain relief protection.
Types of API Connections
1. API Conduction Pipe Thread: V shape, truncated thread profile on tube and
coupling.
2. Round API Thread for Casing and Production Pipe: Round Thread Profile. Types:
Long Thread and Short Thread.
3. “Buttress” thread for TR and production: Modified ACME thread with 29º
trapezoidal shape.
4. “Extreme Line” thread or Integral Connection for TR and production tubing:
Modified ACME thread with metal-to-metal seal.
Pipe Thread
The API Pipe Thread is externally threaded on both ends of the flat tube (without
reinforcements). The tubular sections are joined with a coupling provided with internal
threading. The thread profile has chord and truncated roots at an angle of 30o with respect
to the vertical of the pipe axis; It has 8 threads per inch and a taper of 0.75” per foot.
ALL API THREADS ARE DESIGNED TO FIT BY POSITION, NOT TORQUE.
API Round Thread Limitations

 It has a flight path.

 Not suitable for gas. Leaks will always occur over time.
 Leaks in Plane E1
 It has a very short amount of thread engaged.
 Prone to disconnection in large diameters and in deviated holes.
 It has a 30 degree thread profile.
 Prone to disconnection under axial load
 It has a delicate thread profile.
 Prone to tangling and damage
 It works in compression and tension.
Short and Long API Round Thread
The API Round Casing Thread is nominally identical to the line pipe thread. The thread
profile has rounded threads and roots at a 30° angle to the vertical to the pipe axis. It has 8
cords or threads per inch and a taper of 0.75” per foot at the short connection, STC. In the
long connection, LTC the thread lead has been increased from 8 to 10 cords or threads
per inch to give greater bond strength.
API Thread Failure

 The thread may explode, collapse or fail in tension/compression.

 Burst, collapse and leak resistance are covered in API 5C3.
 Under tension, the round thread fails because the pipe splits, the thread body fails,
the thread disconnects, or the coupling fails. You need to do all the calculations to
find what the limiting case is.
Buttress API Connection
Butress API Threaded Casing (BTC) is externally threaded on both ends of the flat tubing.
The sections are joined together with an independent coupling with internal threads. The
thread profile has flat crests and roots parallel to the tapered cone with angles of 3° and
10° with the vertical to the pipe axis, with 5 threads or chords per inch. There is a taper of
0.75” per foot on sizes < 13 3/8”, and a taper of 0.9996” per foot on sizes > 16”.
The Buttress thread is square shaped, with five threads per inch and with a thread taper of
¾ inch per foot on casing up to 7 5/8” of 1” per foot on casing 16 inches or larger. The
individual pipe sections have threads at both ends and are joined by trapezoidal “Buttress”
type couplings. The trapezoidal thread has the ability to transmit higher axial loads than
the API 8 round thread.
Coupling leaks

 When a coupling is tightened, there is pressure on the pinion and housing as a

result of the adjustment.
 When pressure is applied inside the pipe, there is additional force that is applied to
the connection.
 When the total pressure in the pipe is greater than the sum of the two connection
pressures, a leak occurs in the connection.
 This is inherent in the design of any threaded connection that uses radial bearing
forces.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the “BUTTRESS” Thread

 Greater than the Round API.

 It has a Large, Square Load shoulder.
 It is generally larger than the body of the tube.
 Presents Escape Path.
 The perfect threads are at the nose of the pinion.
 Strong in axial and bending loads
 It has a relatively small number of threads.
 Prone to “riding up” or “stuck” when screwed into large diameters
 Lower burst strength due to E7 plane leakage
  It doesn't work well in compression.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the XL Connection

 As long as the friction force of the thread is greater than the internal pressure,
leaks will not occur.
 It has a large, square loading shoulder.
 The thread carries axial load and not pressure.
 It does not have a leak path. ·The seal is located at the tip of the pinion.
 Prone to damage
 It does not lose sealing strength under axial or bending load.
 The thread has tolerances on the thread flanks.
 It is not prone to “riding up” or “stuck” when screwing.
Manufacturer's Special Connections
Vallourec NEW VAM connection for casing pipe. The NEW VAM Casing Connection has
external threads on both ends of the flat pipe. The independent lengths are joined using an
internally threaded coupling with an internal torque shoulder and a metal-to-metal seal.
NEW VAM threads are compatible with previous VAM, VAM ATAC, VAM AG and VAM AF
connections.
Conclusion

 There is no perfect connector.

 Over time, all connections that have thread interference cause leaks.
 Leak resistance is a function solely of thread geometry.
 Secondary seal threads offer the only connection truly sealed against gas leaks.
Bibliography
https://es.slideshare.net/MagnusMG/08-conexiones-de-tubulares-api?from_action=save