CHAPTER 6 THREADED CONNECTIONS

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 2
PARTS OF A THREAD .......................................................................................................... 2
CREST .............................................................................................................................. 2
ROOT................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 2
LOAD FLANK.................................................................................................................... 2
STABBING FLANK............................................................................................................ 2
COUPLING................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 2
PIN END............................................................................................................................ 3
THREAD CHARACTERISTICS............................................................................................... 3
SEALING MECHANISMS....................................................................................................... 4
BEARING PRESSURE........................................................................................................... 5
COMMON THREADED CONNECTIONS ................................................................................. 6
8-ROUND THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS .................................................... 6
VERSIONS OF 8- ROUND THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS........................ 6
STC CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................................... 7
LTC CONNECTIONS ...................................................................................................... 7
BUTTRESS THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS ................................................. 7
PREMIUM THREADED CONNECTIONS ............................................................................. 8
WEDGE THREADS ............................................................................................................ 9
PROTECTIVE COATINGS ...................................................................................................... 9
THREAD COMPOUNDS......................................................................................................... 9
CORROSION PROTECTION ............................................................................................ 10
SEALING......................................................................................................................... 10
GALLING PROTECTION.................................................................................................. 10
API MODIFIED COMPOUNDS .......................................................................................... 10
API ENVIRONMENTAL COMPOUNDS ............................................................................. 10
APPLICATION ................................................................................................................. 10
THREAD PROTECTORS ..................................................................................................... 10

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INTRODUCTION
The majority of tubulars are joined using threaded connections. The tubing and casing joint tables
in World Oil Magazine list approximately 90 different designs of threaded connections, all of
which have different properties that meet specific requirements of many different types of wells
and downhole environments.

PARTS OF A THREAD
In order to understand the discussion on threaded connections, there are a few key parts of the
thread that you must be able to identify (see Fig. 5.1). These include the:

You should also understand the following terms used to describe the parts of tubular goods:
• Coupling
• Pin End.
CREST
The crest of the thread is the ridge (the outermost part) of the thread. The crest is located where
the thread comes to a point.
ROOT
The root of the thread is the deepest part of the thread. The root is located in the center of the
“V.”
LOAD FLANK
The location of the load flank depends on the type of the threaded connection you are looking at.
The load flank is the part of the thread that bears pressure when a threaded connection is made
up. Pressure (the key in maintaining a seal) is created by torque at the load flanks.
STABBING FLANK
The stabbing flank is the part of the thread that is between the crest and the root, facing upwards
on the collar and downwards on the pin.. The stabbing flanks of two pipes meet when the pipe is
stabbed prior to the make up
operation.
COUPLING
The coupling is the female end of a threaded connection. Other terms that are used in the
industry to describe this part include:
• Mill End

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• Box End
• Collar.
PIN END
The pin end is the male end of a threaded connection. Field end is another term that is used in
the industry to describe this part.

THREAD CHARACTERISTICS
There are so many similar threads that it may be difficult to tell what type of thread you are
looking at. One way to determine what type of threaded connection you are looking at is to
compare your observations to specifications listed in World Oil’s tubing and casing tables.

The parts of the thread that you must consider include the:
PITCH
Pitch is the distance of the point on a thread
turn to a corresponding point on the next
thread turn, measured parallel to the thread
axis.

THREADS PER INCH

Threads per inch (TPI) is the

number of threads in one inch of
thread, measured parallel to the
axis. In the illustration there are five
threads per inch.

TAPER
Taper is the change in diameter along the minor cone of the external threads and the major cone
of the internal threads. On all the threads the taper tolerances are expressed in terms of “inches
per foot”, “millimeters per meter, or percentage of thread length.

e.g. ¾” per 12” (1 foot) = 1/1/6” per 1” = 62.5 mm per 1,000 mm = 0.0625%

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PITCH DIAMETER
Pitch diameter is the diameter mid way
between the crest and the root of opposite
threads in any plane of the thre ads (or as
defined in specific product drawings).

THREAD FORM

Thread Form is the shape of the thread that is cut onto the pipe. It changes with for example
within the VAM range from the modified Buttress form of NEW VAM to the hooked form of VAM
ACE. Threads have several important characteristics that distinguish them from one another.

Differences in these elements in

association with Taper can define
different thread forms
H = THREAD HEIGHT
S = STABBING FLANK ANGLE
L = LOAD FLANK ANGLE
R = STABBING FLANK RADIUS
P = THREAD PITCH

SEALING MECHANISMS
Three types of sealing mechanisms are used to produce leak-tight threaded
connections. They are:
• metal-to-metal seals that are part of the threads (thread interference)
• smooth metal-to-metal sealing surfaces, independent of the threads. The details of the seal
differs over premium connections in terms of length and angle but the principles remain the
same. The closely machined surfaces of both pin and box act as efficient seal to oil and
gas when driven together at high contact loads during make up.
• resilient seals, such as Teflon, in conjunction with tapered threads and/or metal surfaces.
Resilient seals take the form of rings added to the connection to give the added security of
a secondary seal. They are positioned into a specially machined groove in the box end.

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At least one type of sealing mechanism is found on every threaded connection and some have
more than one. For example, a threaded connection may use a combination of a metal-to-metal
seal plus a Teflon seal to ensure a leak-tight connection.

Thread compound is applied to the threads before they are made up. It aids the sealing
mechanisms by acting as a filler material to bridge any gaps between the sealing surfaces.

BEARING PRESSURE
When threaded connections are made up correctly, the sealing mechanisms create bearing
pressure between the sealing surfaces. In leak -tight connections, the force of the bearing
pressure must be greater than the pressure that is to be contained or excluded.
Bearing pressure is a result of:
• the modulus of elasticity (metal stretch)
• seal interference (the amount of sealing area)
• seal geometry (the outer diameter of the pin end’s sealing area is greater than
the inner diameter of the box end’s sealing area, which means that the tension in
the tubular material is pushing out as the pipe is being compressed, creating
bearing pressure).
Creating and maintaining sufficient bearing pressure is the primary function of any
threaded connection.

Designers and engineers choose the type of threaded connection based on its performance in a
certain type of downhole environment. A threaded connection’s performance depends on its:
• ability to seal
• structural loading characteristics
• ease of field assembly.
Ease of Field Assembly
Threaded connections are designed to stab in a vertical position and to make up and break out
without sustaining damage.
Structural Loading Characteristics
The threaded connection must be strong enough to support the weight of the string hanging from
it.

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COMMON THREADED CONNECTIONS

The most common general purpose threaded connections are designed by API and are known
as:
• 8-round threaded and coupled
• Buttress threaded and coupled.
We will discuss these two common types of threaded connections, and we will also discuss
premium threaded connections. A premium threaded connection is a type of threaded connection
that relies on specialized threads and/or seals to create bearing pressure.
8-ROUND THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS
Ease of Field Assembly
8-round threaded and coupled connections are easy to make up and so they are good to use
when you are dealing with a heavy string.
Structural Loading Characteristics
8-round threaded and coupled connections are not significantly affected by the weight of the
string hanging from it (as long as the weight is within the connection’s specified limits); however,
the connection may be adversely affected by temperature and well fluids, which will adversely
effect the thread lubricant, and by pressure, which will eventually find the leak path.

Sealing Ability
API 8-round threaded and coupled connections rely on two factors to create the bearing pressure
required to maintain a seal.
1. The metal-to-metal interference between the load flanks and between the stabbing flanks
creates a sealing area. There is a metal-to-metal seal between the load flanks and
between the stabbing flanks.
2. The thread compound applied to the threads before make up bridges the leak path in the
sealing area and fills in the gap between the root and crest of the thread.
VERSIONS OF 8- ROUND THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS
There are two versions of API 8-round threaded and coupled connections.
They are:
• Short Threaded and Coupled (STC)
• Long Threaded and Coupled (LTC ).
The threads on the STC version are significantly shorter than the threads on the LTC version.
The difference in thread length affects the strength and sealing life of the connection.

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STC CONNECTIONS
Structural Loading Characteristics
STC connections are generally thread weak. That is, the strength of the connection is lower than
the strength of the pipe body. The reduced strength of the STC connection can result in jump-out
(pull-out) if the string is pulled past its yield strength.

Example: 7-inch API casing has a yield strength of 415,000 lbs.; however, the strength of an STC
connection is only 364,000 lbs., which means that an STC connection is about 87.7% as strong
as its pipe body.
Sealing Ability
The sealing ability of an STC connection depends on its ability to maintain bearing pressure. One
metal-to-metal seal maintains sufficient bearing pressure for most general purpose applications;
however, the connections sealing ability is also affected by the limited strength of the STC
connection.
LTC CONNECTIONS
Structural Loading Characteristics
Although the strength of LTC connections are greater than the strength of STC versions, the
strength of LTC connections are still lower than the strength of the pipe body.

Example: 7-inch API casing has a yield strength of 415,000 lbs.; however, the strength of an LTC
connection is about 401,000 lbs., which means that an LTC connection is about 96.6% as strong
as its pipe body.
Sealing Ability
Although the threads on an STC and an LTC connection have essentially the same configuration,
the LTC version has longer sealing life because there are more threads, increasing the integral
strength. Problems associated with jump-out are reduced compared to the STC version.

BUTTRESS THREADED AND COUPLED CONNECTIONS

API buttress threaded and coupled connections (BTC) rely on two factors to
create the bearing pressure required to maintain a fluid seal.
1. The metal-to-metal interference between the load flanks creates a sealing area.
2. The thread compound applied to the threads before make up bridges any gaps in the
sealing area, and also fills in the leak paths between the stabbing flanks.

Structural Loading Characteristics

BTC connections do not have a problem associated with jump-out because the load flank angle is
small and the connection is strong. Unlike STC and LTC connections, the strength of a BTC
connection is greater than the strength of its pipe body.

Example: 7-inch API casing has a yield strength of 415,000 lbs.; however, the strength of a BTC
connection is 592,000 lbs., which means that a BTC connection is about 42.6% stronger than its
pipe body.
Sealing Ability
When the connection is made up, the weight of the pipe loads the stabbing flanks, which creates
a leak path between the load flanks. This leak path allows excess thread compound to escape.

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After the connection is made up and the handslips (or manual backup tong) is removed, the
weight of the string pulls on the connection, which transfers the load from the stabbing flanks to
the load flanks. The leak path between the load flanks is sealed, and the bearing pressure
increases as more joints of pipe are added to the string.

PREMIUM THREADED CONNECTIONS

Premium threaded connections are used when the operating company anticipates one or more of
the following:
• high downhole pressures
• high downhole temperatures
• long, heavy strings
• corrosive downhole fluids or gasses.

HYDRIL PH6 TUBING KAWASAKI FOX TUBING

Premium threaded connections are often manufactured from specialized alloy materials. These
specialized alloys may require special handling, storage, and make up procedures. Premium
threaded connections are often more susceptible to damage and more difficult to assemble than
pipe with STC, LTC, and BTC connections.
Sealing ability of Premium threaded connections
Increased bearing pressure is often required for jobs that involve high downhole pressures.
Premium threaded connections are often equipped with specialized thread configurations and at
least one (and often multiple) metal-to-metal seals. The premium thread designs and the metal-
to-metal seals increase the bearing pressure, which results in improved sealing characteristics.
Strength of Premium threaded connections
Premium threaded connections usually exceed API’s structural loading specifications. You may
encounter many different types of premium threaded connections working for Weatherford, and it
is not in the scope of this manual to describe the strength characteristics of all of them. However,

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specifications about any of the premium threaded connections that are used on a job can be
found in the manufacturer’s pipe specification literature.
WEDGE THREADS
Wedge threads increase the amount of rotational torque that can be applied to a string of tubulars
during drilling and production operations. The thread increases in size from the base of the
connection to the top and if torn away from the pipe and laid on end, it would look like a wedge.
Wedge threads require a different type of stabbing technique than that used with 8-round or
buttress connections. The pin must be presented to the receiving box perfectly vertical, and the
ability of the stabber to move, or “pop,” the threads is greatly reduced because if moved, the
threads tend to cross. There are some versions of wedge threads that incorporate a premium
seal, but for the most part the applications of these connections is for drill pipe or rotating liner
strings.

The Hydril 563 Wedge Thread is a

threaded and coupled connection on
non-upset pipe. It combines the
structural characteristics of the
dovetail thread design with metal
seals for high pressure gas sealing
capability.

PROTECTIVE COATINGS
API specification 5B requires that the box end (mill end or coupling) threads are electroplated,
heat -treated, or processed by another acceptable method to reduce galling and improve sealing
ability. Common coat ings/processes include:
• zinc
• tin
• phosphate
• molybdenum DI Sulfide
• differential hardening
• nickel
• Teflon
• copper
• glass bead peening.

THREAD COMPOUNDS
Thread compounds (Dopes) are applied to the threads and serve several purposes. The main
classifications and functions are:
• STORAGE DOPE
Provides an anti corrosion coating to protect the threads from atmospheric corrosion (e.g.
rain water) and sea water during transit to an offshore rig.
• MAKE UP DOPE
Lubricates the surfaces of the threads so that the threads can slide past one another easily
during make up. They are compounds conforming to API 5A2 or proprietary brands. Drill
Pipe make up dope should NEVER be used for casing or tubing. Also, some dopes contain
PTFE powders and should not be used with some premium connections such as New Vam.

We will look a little closer at Make Up Dopes next.

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CORROSION PROTECTION
Corrosion is caused by metal surfaces reacting to agents in the atmosphere such as oxygen and
water. Thread compound is used in conjunction with thread protectors to protect threads against
corrosion. The thread compound works by coating the surface with a mixture of substances that
prevent the metal from reacting with the agents in the atmosphere. Since thread compounds
capture moisture, they are only used for short-term storage. Special storage compounds are used
when pipe is stored for more than a week or so.
SEALING
The primary function of thread compound in a non Premium Connection is to seal the leak path
found in API 8-round threaded and coupled con nections and API buttress threaded and coupled
connections. As the joint is made up, the leak path is bridged as solid particles in the thread
compound are compressed and compacted into the gap.
GALLING PROTECTION
Galling is a form of wear that occurs when two metal parts are pressed together with such force
that atomic bonds form between them. This can cause leaks. When the metallic parts are similar
in surface geometry and composition, they have a greater tendency to gall. Thread compound
protects threaded connections from galling because it coats the similar metal surfaces and
prevents atomic bonds from forming between them.
API MODIFIED COMPOUNDS
Several years ago, the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research developed an effective thread
compound consisting of grease, oil, and metallic particles. Today, this mixture has been
“modified” to include other types of grease bases.

API modified compounds vary in lubricity (slickness) from batch to batch. API modified
compounds settle-out in a short period of time; however, you can prevent this from happening.
See Storing and Applying Thread Compounds in Chapter 13 for more information.

When you are looking at torque tables to determine proper tong torque, keep in mind that all
torque figures assume that you are using a thread compound with a friction factor of 1.0.
API ENVIRONMENTAL COMPOUNDS
API environmental compounds were developed to eliminate the hazard of heavy metals
contamination. Specifically, PTFE, hydrocarbons, and lead were eliminated from API modified
compounds and replaced with other materials. Tests and a proven field history show that the
properties and the handling requirements of API environmental compounds are essentially the
same as API modified compounds. However, API environmental compounds cost more than API
modified compounds.
APPLICATION
Some proprietary connections have specific doping requirements and these should be
established prior to running the pipe. A general guide however is to ensure the dope is clean and
well mixed. The dope temperature should be between 5 and 48 degrees C. Dope the pin and box
elements, preferably using a clean flat brush ensuring the whole thread (and seal and shoulder)
areas are covered

THREAD PROTECTORS
Thread Protectors are used to give protection from physical damage during handling and
transportation. They are fitted to both the pin and box ends of the pipe. The type of protector used
depends on the degree of handling and the methods of pipe storage prior to use. Protectors are
normally specified by the buyer from one of the following options:

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• MATERIAL – Metallic, Plastic, Composite

• END TYPE – Open End, Closed End
• DRIFT CAPABILITY - Driftable, Non Driftable
• LIFT CAPABILITY - Liftable, Non Liftable.

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