Torque-Position Assembly Guidelines for API Casing and Tubing Connections

API TECHNICAL REPORT 5TP FIRST EDITION, DECEMBER 2013

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Contents

Page

1. Scope 1

2. Normative References 1

3. Terms and Definitions 1

4. Background 2

   1. Torque-Position Application 2

   2. API Connection Sealing Mechanism 2

   3. Thread Compound 3

   4. Coupling Coating or Plating 3

   5. Thread Features, Measurements, and Inspection 4

   6. Torque Control and Monitoring 5

5. Procedure 5

   1. General 5

   2. Torque-Position Tables 6

   3. Position Control-Templates 6

   4. Thread Compound Application 7

   5. Make-up Speed 9

   6. Mill-end Axial Position Stripe 9

Annex A (informative) Implementation Aids 11

Annex B (normative) Torque-Position Tables 16

Bibliography 30

Figures

1. Torque-Position Assembly Schematic 3

2. Connection Assembly Acceptance Criteria for Torque-Position 6

3. Example Reference Sheet for Torque-Position 7

4. Dimensional Example for Torque-Position Template 8

5. An Example of Axial Position Stripe Applied Across Interface 10

Tables

1. Converted 5B Tolerances for Average Crest Diameter 4

2. Suggested Target Range for Average Crest Diameter for Torque-Position 4

3. Tolerances on Thread Ovality for Torque-Position 5

4. Suggested Template Slot Width 9

1. Torque-Position Tubing 17

2. Torque-Position Casing 18

3. Torque-Position Buttress 23

4. Torque-Position Buttress 4T 26

Torque-Position Assembly Guidelines for API Casing and Tubing Connections

1. Scope

   
   

   This document provides alternative connection assembly procedures to those found in API 5B (power turns) and those found in API 5C1 (optimum torque). The procedures set forth are referred to as “torque-position” because the make-up torque and final position are used as acceptance criteria for the assembly operation. The connections are threaded in accordance with API 5B. The torque-position assembly parameters have been developed for most SC (short round thread casing), LC (long round thread casing), BC (buttress thread casing), and EU (external upset tubing) connections.

   
   

   Torque-position is a precision assembly method that relies on a controlled process for successful implementation. When defined threading and assembly procedures are followed, the performance of the resulting assembled connection is optimized.

   
   

2. Normative References

   
   

   This document contains no normative references. For a list of documents and articles associated with API TR 5TP and torque-position assembly guidelines, please see the Bibliography.

   
   

3. Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.

3.1

addendum

The distance from the crest cone to the pitch cone.

3.2

connection

A connection is defined as a single pin assembled into one side of a coupling.

3.3

crest diameter

A measurement of the diameter of the crests of the pin or coupling threads at a specified axial position measured from the pin nose or coupling face.

3.4

field-end make-up

The side or end of the coupling that is assembled at the rig floor as the pipe is being run into the well.

3.5

mill-end make-up

The side of the coupling that is assembled (bucked on) before the pipe is shipped to the field location. This connection assembly operation is typically performed at the facility where the pin end is threaded (mill or thread processor). See Figure 1.

3.6

position band

A stenciled color mark applied at a specific axial distance from the nose of the pin that serves as an external reference point for the position of the pin within the coupling during assembly (see Figure 3). In addition, the position of the coupling face can be compared visually to judge for acceptance or rejection of the final assembly (see Figure 2).

1