VAM Field Service Training: Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes

VAM Field Service Training
Field Inspection of VAM
Written by Alastair Brodie

Note:
• This course is the property of VAM Field Service International.

• No part of this course is to be copied or sent to anyone without permission from the
management of VAM Field Service International.
• Hand out notes may be reproduced on paper only.
VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VAM Field Service International division
Field Inspection and repair

Purpose
• Upon leaving the threading plant or licensed workshop VAM
connections have passed all necessary quality checks.
• It is not necessary to gauge the connections in the field

unless required by the customer. In such cases special field
gauging procedures are to be used. This is the scope of
VAM Services and not the VAM Field Procedures.
• The purpose of this document is to ensure that VAM Field

Service Technicians work to the same standards in order to
accept or reject pipe and use the same terms when
reporting.
• It is a requirement that all persons carrying out a visual

thread inspection on VAM connections have passed a vision
V M VALLOUREC
test in accordance with API 5A5.
& MANNESMANN TUBES
Before starting inspection
• Check that you have the right product
• Paperwork
• Stencilling
• Colour codes
• Check that you have the right quantity
• Count
• Check for obvious damage
• Missing / Damaged protectors
• Drift the pipe
• Clean the connections

4.0 Definitions
It is important that we use the same words around the
world…
1. to understand the parts of the connection
2. to understand the reject reasons

Pipe and coupling

Pipe and coupling half section

Pipe and coupling full section

Half pipe and coupling section

Coupling zones

Half pipe pin end section

Pipe pin end zones

Pin nose area in detail

Internal weight counterbore

Torque shoulder

Metal to metal seal

Cylindrical part

Connection types
• Some designs of VAM connection have two threaded parts
and/or two seals. The shoulder may be in the ID (VAM
TOP), middle (VAM SLIJ II) or OD (VAM FJL) of the
connection.
• For threaded and coupled connections the

• 'Mill end' is the pin and box connection that was make-up in
the pipe mill.
• 'Field end' is the pin and box connection that is made up at the
rigsite.
• The counterbore in the pin and box are machined to smooth

the transition between the bore of one pipe and the bore of
the next as they may not be concentric.

Torque shoulder and seal
• The torque shoulder is the positive stop that locates the
pin and box in the correct position. It also carries torque
and compression and, thanks to the 'VAM Effect', increases
the contact pressure on the seal.
• The metal to metal seal provide a gas tight connection.

Different connections can have different seal profiles.

Threads
• Threads hold the connection together. Threads carry all
the tensile loading and some of the compression loads.
Threads have load flanks, stabbing flanks, crests and roots
as shown below. Between each is a small radius to reduce
stress in the connection.

Coupler face and MUL
• The coupler face is used to take the pipe weight when
handling the pipe vertically using single joint elevators. The
coupler face can be modified with a 20 degree bevel at the
customers request.
• Make-up loss, coupler length, coupler OD/ID, pin ID is

shown the diagram below.

4.0 Definitions

4.0 Definitions
• Rust • xxx
• Corrosion
• Pitting
• Scale
• Dent / ding
• Scratch / Score
• Mash
• Burrs
• Friction Marks
• Galling

Rust
• Rust is a rapid oxidation of a metal and can be removed
with a Scotchbrite pad. With rust there is no metal loss.

Overnight rust

Rust
• Rust appears on connections (especially carbon steel) if it is
left unprotected without compound for a very short time. If
the rust can removed with a Scotchbrite pad then the
connection is acceptable. The use of a wire brush to
remove rust is prohibited.

Corrosion
• Corrosion is more serious than rust and causes metal to be
removed.
• Corrosion cannot be removed with a Scotchbrite pad so

depending on the location of the corrosion then the
connection may have to be rejected

Corrosion – metal loss



Corrosion

Pitting
• Pitting is defined as depressions or cavities caused by
inclusions or porosity exposed after machining or by
corrosive attack.
• Pitting is more likely to be found in steels with a high

chrome content.
• Pitting is normally reason for rejection however depending

on the location, amount and depth of the pit it may be
accepted.

Pitting

Pitting – 13%Cr

Pitting – 13%Cr

Pitting – 13%Cr

Pitting – 13%Cr

Pitted seal - CRA

Scale
• Scale is oxidation that can be found in the pipe ID or OD of
carbon steel and can be broken loose during handling.
Heavy scale can reduce the wall thickness and can cause
problems in the connection during make-up.
• Scale is a consequence of heat treatment.

Scale

Scale

Dents and dings
• Dents and dings are plastic deformation caused by impact
and there is no metal loss. Metal is simply moved from one
area to another.
• A ding is a small dent !

Dent on threads

Repair to threads
• Small damage on threads can be repaired in the field.
• The person doing the repair must take responsibility to run
the connection and accept the consequences
• A maximum 6” knife edge file can be used.
• The repair must take less than 2 mins.
• The VAM Field Service Technician is approved to make such
repairs
• VAM take no responsibility for others field repair

Repair to threads

Repair to threads

Repair to threads

Repair to threads

Repair to threads

Dent on seal

Ding on seal

Touch alone will not detect a ding

Pin bore dings caused by pipe wrench

Scratches / Scores / Cuts.
• This form of damage may cause metal loss.
• The damage is normally in a line caused by the connection

being dragged or improperly handled.

Score on pin seal

Score on seal / radius

Score on seal / radius

Multiple scores on seal

Helical score on pin seal caused by debris

Pin seal scored caused by stop collars

Mashed
• A mashed pin or box end is caused by heavy impact to the
connection causing it to become oval. It can often happen
with the protector in place. A mashed pin end must be
rejected. For integral connections with a thin box section a
mashed box is cause for rejection. See coupling section for
the acceptance criteria on the coupling end of T&C
connections.

Serious transport damage

4.0 Definitions
• Burrs are a localised point of roughness, or protrusion,
generally produced during the machining process. All
unacceptable burrs are removed after machining. If burrs
are left on they can become flattened during running and
pulling.

Black crested threads - Accept

Galling
• Galling is a localised welding of the connections and can be
caused by a number of reasons. It is important to establish
and eliminate the reason for galling when running. Light
galling on threads can be repaired but the repair should
never exceed in length the equivalent circumference of one
full thread. If the seal is galled it is always cause for
rejection.

Galling on 1 threads - Reject

Galling on 3 threads - Reject

Galled box seal

Friction / Burnish Marks
• Friction or burnish marks are caused by two surfaces
coming together. They are always seen after make-up and
break out. In some cases surface treatments may be worn
or discoloured as a result of this friction. The marks are no
cause for concern.

Surface finish
• All machined parts of a VAM connection have to comply
with rules regarding the finish of the machined surface.
• In areas such as the seal the surface must be completely flat
to the eye with no machining lines.
• On other areas such as the bore or coupler OD there can be
a groove caused by the machine tool cutting at high speed.
• This can look like a record groove and is acceptable.

Surface Treatment
• Carbon steel - black or grey phosphate coating
• Applied to at least one connection member.
• This may vary greatly in appearance and unless it is
missing or rubs off is not cause for concern.

Surface Treatment
• 13% Chrome steels and above will normally have at least
one connection member with copper coating.
• The purpose of the copper is to reduce galling so it must
be in good condition on the matting surfaces.
• If copper is peeling from the coupling OD or counter-bore
(D1) then this not cause for concern.
• The copper may also be green in some areas which is not
cause for concern.
• On used pipe copper coating may transfer from a box
connection to the pin which is not cause for concern.
• If the copper coating has become worn or is missing in
places then apply extra thread compound to reduce the
chance of galling.

Missing / tarnished copper coating

Missing / tarnished copper coating

Surface Treatment
• 13% Chrome steels and above may be as machined or
blasted which will have a shinny or dull metallic
appearance.
• Any other surface treatments are reason for rejection.

Tong marks
• There may be evidence of tong marks on the pin end of
recut
• Mentally divide the whole thread length into three sections
as shown below
• Section 1 and 2: On these sections the thread must be
completely free from tong marks.
• Section 3: This section could have some tong marks but
never deeper than half the thread height.

11.0 Additional Inspection for Couplings
• Grip marks
• Damaged coupling face
• Overtorque
• Loose coupling
• Mashed coupling
• Teflon Seals
• Foreign Body in Torque Shoulder
• Replacing a coupling
• Step in bore with wrong weights

Grip Marks
• On the outside of the coupling grip marks may be found
and could be reason for rejection depending on their depth
and location.
• The maximum deformation and hoop stress of the
connection occur at point A, where the coupling has a
minimum wall thickness and the pipe is at its nominal wall
thickness. A notch located at 'A' can be dangerous and may
cause the coupling to split.
• A notch at point B, where the coupling is at its maximum
thickness is less dangerous.

Grip Marks
• The following basic rules apply for most carbon steel VAM
T&C connections.
• > Reject if the notch ends in the coupling face.
• > After removing any burrs accept the coupling if the
notch depth is within the limits below
Rounded defect Sharp defect

Pipe diameter (inch)
mm thou' mm thou'
2 3/8 to 2 7/8 0.76 30 0.64 25
3 1/2 to 4 1/2 1.14 45 0.76 30
5 to 5 1/2 0.89 35 0.76 30
6 5/8 to 7 5/8 1.14 45 1.02 40
8 5/8 to 14 1.52 60 1.02 40

Grip Marks
• Different criteria exist for VAM TOP FE, VAM ET, Special
Clearance and Integral connections and all chrome alloy
steels.
• The maximum allowable depth of grip marks for 13%Cr and
above is 0.2 mm (8 thou') after removing any burrs.
• In practice these acceptance criteria are difficult to assess
unless a depth gauge is used.

Damaged coupling face
• Wear on the elevator shoulders causing a rounded edge on
coupling face will lead to the connection having to be
rejected and the elevators changed out. Severe tong marks
on the coupler face or cracks as shown below are reason for
rejection.

Overtorque
• It is difficult to tell if a pin connection has been over-
torqued unless it is severe.
• If there is any suspicion that a connection has been over-

torqued it must be rejected.
• It may be possible to detect an over-torqued pin by feeling

for deformation in the counterbore (D2) or belling of the
seal or failure to drift.
• An over-torqued box is more easily identified by feeling for

deformation in the counterbore (D1).

Overtorque

Overtorque

Loose coupling
• A loose coupling on a connection is an immediate cause for
concern. Debris could fall between the gap in the torque
shoulders and land on the seal. This condition may cause a
leak path if made-up. Special care must be taken when
inspecting pipe that has been pulled or when checking
accessories, shoe track or pup joints from an unknown
source.
• If such a gap is found then the coupling must be fully
backed out, both connections cleaned and inspected and if
acceptable then the connection can be made-up with fresh
thread compound.
• In the mill a 4 thou feeler gauge is used to confirm that
there is no gap. This can also be used in the field.

Loose coupling on pipe

Loose coupling on accessory

Mashed coupling
• A mashed coupler is caused by impact damage. In some
cases it can be difficult to detect so it is best to take a step
back and look at the coupling from a distance. Special care
must be taken with integral pipe or special clearance
coupling as the thin wall makes damage more likely.
• Some minor flattening may be acceptable as long as there is

no angle or crease in the coupling circumference.
• In order to determine what is acceptable it is necessary to

measure the maximum and minimum diameter ('a' and 'b' in
the diagram below).

Mashed coupling
• The difference between these is a value 'x'.
• If a-2x ≥ d (where 'd' = outside diameter of the coupling)
the mash can be accepted.
• When making up there may be high thread interference. In
such cases back off the connection and if acceptable re-
make with the higher thread interference.

Teflon Seals
• A Teflon seal is sometimes used with test plugs when
testing assemblies prior to sending them to the rig site or
when periodically testing the string during running. Teflon
seals are NOT recommended for use when pressure testing
assemblies with VAM connections. In some cases, where
they have been used, damage has been caused to pin
connections. There have been cases, when the Teflon seal
has been left in the coupling and run in hole. Make sure
that all assemblies are checked and Teflon seals removed.
• Special pressure test caps and plugs are available which do

not require a Teflon seal.

Foreign Body in Torque Shoulder
• Always check that there is no foreign body such as swarf
trapped in the torque shoulder of a coupling.
• If found the parts must be rejected and details taken so that

a thorough investigation can take place to find the source
and train the supplier.
• Details of unique pipe identity and all other markings

defining history must be recorded.

Foreign Body in Torque Shoulder

Step in bore - 9 5/8” 47# pin with 53.5# box

Replacing a coupling
• It is permitted to replace a coupling in the field by backing
off the damaged coupling and replacing it with a new
coupling. If doing this operation make sure a 'dog collar /
safety clamp' is fitted to the pipe body.

Dents
• Pipe can be damaged during transportation and it can be
difficult to detect visually.
• Always use a drift from a known source with a calibration

certificate. Before use check the drift size in at least 3
places across its length and at 90 degrees to each other
using a calibrated external micrometer.

Dents

Dents
• Drift mandrels are typically manufactured oversize for rig
use and wear down over time.
• Plastic drift mandrels will wear down quickly but can swell if
left in a damp or hot environment. They can be damaged
easily if dropped.
• Care must be taken when inserting a drift into a pipe so that
the connection is not damaged.
• If a rope or rods are being used to pull or push the drift
mandrel it is important that this is kept clean.
• If the pipe has mill scale then it may be necessary to wash
or blow this out of the pipe before commencing drifting.

Dents
• Never use force to push or pull a drift through a restriction.
If a restriction is found then the pipe must be either
rejected or drifted again using a 'dead size drift‘
• Do not drift GRE lined pipe at the rig site as the drift
mandrel will detach the flare at the pipe end. In the case of
GRE lined pipe the supply chain from the company inserting
the lining to the rig site must be robust.

Dents
• The specified drift diameter is listed in the VAM Running
Book and API 5CT. After manufacture the pipe will state 'D'
on the stencilling to show that the standard API drift was
used, 'DA xxxx' will be stencilled to show that an alternate
drift was used with xxxx being the drift size. DT42 is used
on the stencil to indicate that a 42" long drift was used.

Alternate Drift Dimensions and Lengths
3 very common pipe sizes where alternate drifts are used.
• 7" x 32 lb/ft alternate drift is 6.000"

• 9 5/8" x 53.5 lb/ft alternate drift is 8.500"
• 13 3/8" x 72 lb/ft alternate drift is 12.250“
Drift lengths are normally
• 12" long for pipe of 7 5/8" casing and above

• 6" long for liner applications
• 42" long for pipe for tubing applications

External Body
• Slip and Grip Marks
• Ferrous Contamination of CRA Steels

Slip and Grip Marks
• Pipe is normally gripped externally for both elevation and
rotation using slips, elevators and power tongs. No severe
grip marks are permitted on the pipe body.
• A pit depth gauge can be used to assess the severity of

grip marks. As a general rule for carbon steel a round
bottomed jaw mark of 1 mm (40 thou) is permitted.
• The maximum allowable depth of grip marks for 13%Cr and

above is 0.2 mm (8 thou).

Slip and Grip Marks

Ferrous contamination of CRA Steels
• CRA Steels will quickly corrode if they have been contact
with ferrous materials or ferrous dust from nearby
operations.
• If caught quickly the contamination can be removed with

alumina silicate flapper wheels and the surface pacified
using citric acid (such as pure lemon juice). It may be
necessary to check the remaining wall thickness using a D-
Meter calibrated against a CRA setting block.

Ferrous contamination of CRA Steels

Bent pipe

Bend acceptance criteria

End kink acceptance criteria

Summary of pin end inspection

Summary of box end inspection

7.0 Connection Classification and Marking
• Only a visual inspection of VAM connections is permitted at
the rig site. Under special conditions limited gauging can
be carried out in a pipeyard using a specific procedure.
Perform an inspection of each of the elements listed in the
diagram in section 3 above. Ensure the report uses the
same definitions as listed in section 3.
• Please refer to the latest revision of API 5A5 for more

information on connection inspection. This document is
specific to API connections however in contains useful
information on terminology and marking of rejects.
• After inspection the connections need to be classified as

follows
7.0 Connection Classification and Marking
• Prime
• Suitable for use
• Suitable for use after field repair
• Reject

Reject
• A connection that is rejected is beyond simple field repair
and must be sent to a VAM licensed machine shop for
recutting. A list of all licensed machine shops and their
capabilities is in the VAM Running Book and on the VAM
Services website. Connections identified as reject must
have a red band painted around the rejected connection
with the reason for rejection marked next to the band. The
reason can be shortened as listed below
TD Thread damage GT Galled threads
PT Pitted threads SD Seal damage
GS Galled seal PS Pitted seal
SHLD Shoulder damage
• Any other reasons must be written in full on both the pipe
and the inspection report

No Drift
• Red band behind box

• Red band at drift fail area (drift from both ends)
• White stencil stating drift size used
WORK ORDER NO / PIPE NO

INSPECTION CO
NO DRIFT
TYPE OF INSPECTION REJECT TO XX.XXX
NO DRIFT TO XX.XXX
DATE OF INSPECTION

Defective coupling
• White band behind box

• Red circle and band around defect
• White stencil stating type of defect

INSPECTION CO
TYPE OF INSPECTION REJECT
DATE OF INSPECTION

Defective pin
• Red band behind box

• Red circle and band around defect
• White stencil stating type of defect

INSPECTION CO
TYPE OF INSPECTION REJECT
TYPE OF DEFECT
DATE OF INSPECTION

Thread Protectors and Cleaning
• After inspection, and if running is not imminent, apply a
storage compound and fit clean, dry thread protectors. If
the protectors are open end storage compound must be
used to seal the interface between the protector and the
steel to prevent water ingress in the connection..
• Never use the wrong thread protector.


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VAM Field Service Training

Field Inspection of VAM

Written by Alastair Brodie

• This course is the property of VAM Field Service International.

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• It is not necessary to gauge the connections in the field

• The purpose of this document is to ensure that VAM Field

• It is a requirement that all persons carrying out a visual

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

1. to understand the parts of the connection

2. to understand the reject reasons

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• For threaded and coupled connections the

• The counterbore in the pin and box are machined to smooth

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• The metal to metal seal provide a gas tight connection.

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• Make-up loss, coupler length, coupler OD/ID, pin ID is

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• Corrosion cannot be removed with a Scotchbrite pad so

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• Pitting is more likely to be found in steels with a high

• Pitting is normally reason for rejection however depending

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

• Scale is a consequence of heat treatment.

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES

VM VALLOUREC & MANNESMANN TUBES