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    WECO Hammer Union Alert

    Uploaded by

    harsha alapati
    Weco hammer unions are pipe connectors used in industrial applications that can present fatal hazards if mismatched. The document discusses four main hazards: 1) a 2" 1502 wing nut can attach to a lower pressure 2" 602 or 1002 thread but will fail explosively, 2) off-brand unions may not hold rated pressures, 3) old Guiberson threads present the same hazard as mismatched 1002/602 threads, and 4) mixing standard and fatigue-resistant male unions can lead to failure below rated pressures. It emphasizes only using properly matched Weco unions supplied by FMC and in good condition to avoid these hazards.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    WECO Hammer Union Alert

    Uploaded by

    harsha alapati
    356 views22 pages
    Weco hammer unions are pipe connectors used in industrial applications that can present fatal hazards if mismatched. The document discusses four main hazards: 1) a 2" 1502 wing nut can attach to a lower pressure 2" 602 or 1002 thread but will fail explosively, 2) off-brand unions may not hold rated pressures, 3) old Guiberson threads present the same hazard as mismatched 1002/602 threads, and 4) mixing standard and fatigue-resistant male unions can lead to failure below rated pressures. It emphasizes only using properly matched Weco unions supplied by FMC and in good condition to avoid these hazards.

    Original Description:

    A glance at all the Hammer unions used in Oil field

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    Weco hammer unions are pipe connectors used in industrial applications that can present fatal hazards if mismatched. The document discusses four main hazards: 1) a 2" 1502 wing nut can attach to a lower pressure 2" 602 or 1002 thread but will fail explosively, 2) off-brand unions may not hold rated pressures, 3) old Guiberson threads present the same hazard as mismatched 1002/602 threads, and 4) mixing standard and fatigue-resistant male unions can lead to failure below rated pressures. It emphasizes only using properly matched Weco unions supplied by FMC and in good condition to avoid these hazards.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    356 views22 pages

    WECO Hammer Union Alert

    Uploaded by

    harsha alapati
    Weco hammer unions are pipe connectors used in industrial applications that can present fatal hazards if mismatched. The document discusses four main hazards: 1) a 2" 1502 wing nut can attach to a lower pressure 2" 602 or 1002 thread but will fail explosively, 2) off-brand unions may not hold rated pressures, 3) old Guiberson threads present the same hazard as mismatched 1002/602 threads, and 4) mixing standard and fatigue-resistant male unions can lead to failure below rated pressures. It emphasizes only using properly matched Weco unions supplied by FMC and in good condition to avoid these hazards.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 22
    At a glance
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    Weco Hammer Unions are temporary pipe connectors that come in various pressure ratings and sizes. They were originally made by Weco but are now manufactured by many companies. Mismatched unions can cause fatal accidents.

    Weco Hammer Unions are connectors for temporary pipe and flow line installations. FMC acquired the original Weco company in the 1950s. They come in over a dozen designs identified by pipe diameter and pressure rating.

    Mismatched Weco Hammer Unions with differing pressure ratings or thread sizes can fail explosively under pressure, potentially causing injury or death. An example given was a 1502 wing nut on a 602 thread.

    Weco Hammer Unions

    Weco Hammer Unions

    MisMatched Unions have


    caused fatal accidents !

    Do you know :
    • … what are Weco Unions and who makes them?
    • … what are the Dowell Standards?
    • … of the potentially fatal hazards?
    • … how to eliminate the hazards?
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Weco Hammer Unions


    … what are they? … who makes them?

    • … connectors for temporary pipe and flow lines installations.


    • FMC acquired the original Weco company, in the 1950s.
    • The design is old, and manufactured many companies.
    • … used in steel and chemical plants, on marine dredging
    vessels, in strip mines, and in the oil industry.
    • … more than a dozen design variations;
    … designated by
    the nominal pipe diameter and a ‘Fig’ number

    i.e. 2” 1502.
    Fig 100 Fig 211 Fig 1502
    Fig 602
    1000 psi 2000 psi 15,000 psi
    6000 psi
    2” to 8” 1” to 4” 1” to 4”
    1” to 4”

    Fig 400 Fig 1002


    Fig 200 2500 to 4000 psi Fig 2002
    10,000 psi
    2000 psi 2” to 12” 20,000 psi
    1” to 6”
    1” to 4” 2” or 3”

    Fig 206 Fig 600 Fig 1003 Fig 2202


    2000 psi 6000 psi 10,000 psi 15,000 psi - H2S
    1” to 10” 1” to 4” 2” to 5” 2” to 3”
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Dowell Standards

    Dowell Uses these High Pressure Weco Unions

    Pressure Rating
    Standard Service Sour Gas Service . Nominal Pipe Sizes
    Series Working Test Working Test (dia - inches) .

    1002 10,000 15,000 7,500 12,000 4, 5


    1502 15,000 22,500 10,000 15,000 1, 1½, 2, 3,
    2002 20,000 30,000 NA NA 3
    The First Hazard
    A 2” 1502 Wing Nut will make up to a 2” 602
    or 1002 thread half but will fail … explosively.

    Standard
    Series Working Nominal Pipe Sizes
    (Figure) Pressure (dia - inches) .

    602 100 1,000 2, 2½, 3, 4, 6, 8


    200 2,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    206 2,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10
    207 2,000 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 Potentially Fatal
    211 2,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    400 2,500 5, 6, 8, 10, 12
    Combinations
    400 4,000 2, 2½, 3, 4
    600 6,000 1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    1002 602 6,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    1002 10,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 5, 6
    1003 10,000 2, 3, 4, 5
    1502 15,000 1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    2002 20,000 2,3
    2202 15,000 2, 2½, 3

    1502
    The First Hazard
    Weco Hammer Unions

    A 2” 1502 Wing Nut will make up to a 2” 602 or 1002


    thread half and will hold some pressure ! However …
    … it will fail explosively.

    o 4 1/8” Nominal Thread Diameter


    o 3 Threads per Inch
    o Standard Acme 2G Thread Form

    2” 1502
    Wing Nut 2” 1502
    Wing Nut

    2” 602, or 1002
    2” 1502 Female Sub
    Female Sub

    o 3 13/16” Nominal Thread Diameter


    o 3 Threads per Inch
    o Stub Acme 2G Thread Form
    Weco Hammer Unions
    Weco Hammer Unions
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Prevention
    Destroy 2” 602 & 1002 Weco unions or
    old Guiberson Unions found in your operation.

    When there is uncertainty …


    (Connecting to other companies equipment)

    Use the Go No-Go Gage to be sure you have


    a 1502 Thread Half (Female Sub)
    Order from Wood Machine - Tulsa
    Fax : 918-437-0007
    Dowell P/N 47990000

    No Go
    Go

    2” 1502
    2” 602/1002
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Prevention

    Find the Identification Markings (2” 1502) on the


    Wing Nut … Here
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Union Gage Ring will go over threads


    Weco Hammer Unions

    The Second Hazard

    Off brand unions may not hold


    rated pressure.

    Use only Unions supplied by FMC


    and in good condition.
    Weco Hammer Unions

    The Third Hazard


    Like 1002 and 602 Unions, a Guiberson thread half
    will make up to a 1502 wing nut, but will fail
    explosively.

    Use only Unions supplied by FMC


    and in good condition.

    Guiberson unions have been banned from Dowell


    operations for more than ten years. Be sure there
    are none remaining in your operation.
    Weco Hammer Unions

    The Fourth Hazard - The FR Male Union

    • Since 1995 FMC offers a Fatigue Resistant Male Union


    • FR Components will fit on Non FR assemblies
    • Mixed assemblies may fail below the rated pressure.

    Standard Male Union FR Male Union


    Flat Nut and Segments Tapered Nut and Segments

    Do not mix FR and Non FR Male Union Parts.


    See Maintenance Bulletin 957.
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Recap

    • Suppliers
    o There are many suppliers (use only FMC)

    • The Hazards
    o A 2” 1502 Wing Nut will attach to a 2” 602 or 1002 Thread
    Half and hold limited pressure, but will fail explosively.
    o Off brands may not hold rated pressure (use only FMC).
    o Beware of old Guiberson connections.
    o Do not mix FR and non FR Wing Nut (Male Ends)

    • Prevention
    o Use only 2” 1502 unions by FMC, in good condition.
    o Check before you connect :
    o Use the Go No-Go Gage to insure a 2” 1502 thread half.
    o Look for 2” 1502 on the Wing Nut.
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Optional Slides
    Weco Hammer Unions

    This 1998 IADC Safety Alert followed a fatal accident on


    a drilling rig in the USA Gulf of Mexico.

    Safety Alert

    ALERT 98-1 High Pressure Lines and Hammer Unions

    A drill crew was drilling ahead when a third party pressure sensor attached to the stand pipe stopped
    working. The sensor was made up to the standpipe with a size "602" hammer union rated at 6,000
    psi working pressure. The crew removed the faulty sensor and replaced it. The hammer union on
    the new pressure sensor had a size "1502" wing nut rated to 15,000 psi. The "1502" female threads
    in the wing nut appeared completely made up to the "602" male threads coming off the standpipe.

    The mud pumps were engaged and drilling operations resumed. As the mud pump pressure
    increased, no leaks were detected. Then, at approximately 2,000 psi, the pressure sensor and
    "1502" wing nut were blown off the standpipe. Fortunately, no one was struck by the projectile or the
    ensuing stream of drilling fluid. Approximately one barrel of oil-based mud was sprayed on the rig
    floor before the mud pumps were secured and the standpipe was isolated.

    The mishap was considered an environmental incident and a significant near miss, which could
    have resulted in serious injury or death.

    After investigating the incident, operator offered the following suggestions:

    1.Only unions with like threads should be made up. Although mismatched threads may appear
    made up (as they did in this case), only a portion of the threads are engaged and the union
    will fail under pressure.
    2.Both halves of the union should have the same pressure rating.
    3.All pressure lines should be inspected to ensure there are no mismatched unions.
    This material is presented for information purposes only. Managers & supervisors should evaluate this information to
    determine if it can be applied to their own situations and practices. From : http://iadc.org/alerts/sa98-1.htm
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Weco Unions - Variations

    Pressure Rating
    Standard Service Sour Gas Service
    Series Working Test Working Test Nominal Pipe Sizes

    100 1,000 1,500 NA NA 2, 2½, 3, 4, 6, 8


    200 2,000 3,000 NA NA 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    206 2,000 3,000 NA NA 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10
    207 2,000 3,000 NA NA 3, 4, 6, 8, 10
    211 2,000 3,000 NA NA 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    400 2,500 3,750 2,500 3,750 5, 6, 8, 10, 12
    400 4,000 6,000 4,500 6,000 2, 2½, 3, 4
    600 6,000 9,000 NA NA 1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    602 6,000 9,000 6,000 9,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    1002 10,000 15,000 7,500 12,000 1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 5, 6
    1003 10,000 15,000 7,500 12,000 2, 3, 4, 5
    1502 15,000 22,500 10,000 15,000 1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4
    2002 20,000 30,000 NA NA 2,3
    2202 NA NA 15,000 22,500 2, 2½, 3
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Look Alikes - Weco 1502 & 1002

    Weco 1502 Weco 1002


    Hammer Union Assembly Hammer Union Assembly
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Look Alikes - Weco 1502 vs 602

    Weco 602
    Weco 1502 Hammer Union Assembly
    Hammer Union Assembly
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Look Alikes - Weco 602 & 1002

    Weco 602 Weco 1002


    Hammer Union Assembly Hammer Union Assembly
    Weco Hammer Unions

    Look Alikes - Weco 1502 vs 402

    A 2” 1502 Wing Nut will, also, attach


    to a 2” 402 Thread Half.

    Weco 400
    Weco 1502 Hammer Union Assembly
    Hammer Union Assembly

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