Collet Connector Comparison

Collet Connector Comparison

As drilling depths have increased over the years, Cameron collet connectors have evolved to address issues concerning higher internal and external pressures, ever-increasing applied bending and tension loads, and extreme operating conditions. Additionally, Cameron collet connectors are designed to fulfill a variety of requirements caused by restricted space, high preload and fatigue life, as well as customer requirements for unique operating environments. Cameron Model 70, HC, HCH4 and DWHC Collet Connectors are typically used for connection of the BOP stack to the wellhead, and to secure the lower riser assembly to the top of the BOP. While these collet connectors utilize the same basic design, their preload and structural load capabilities vary.

All Cameron collet connectors have the following features: High strength and stiffness with a direct load path through the connector. Metal-to-metal sealing AX gaskets on the collet end ensure seal integrity. A new version of the AX gasket with a contingency seal may be used with the DWHC. Positively driven-open collet segments during unlock ensure that no overpull is required to disconnect. A secondary unlock function is also included in the design. Inconel inlays on all sealing surfaces exposed to seawater. Available with studded, flanged or clamped tops. Available with secondary unlock pistons. Inherent self-locking characteristics.

SD24752

Model 70 Collet Connector

Model 70 Collet Connector

The Model 70 Collet Connector forms a tight seal while withstanding the bending stresses and separating forces caused by well pressure, riser tension and vessel motion. Features include: Cylinders may be easily repaired or replaced. Short swallow up, tapered hub profile and positive unlocking system allow disconnection at angles up to 30. 25 angles on the clamp segment faces and a large actuating piston area create a greater clamping force at a given hydraulic pressure. Standard manual override. Actuated by hydraulic cylinders which provide high clamping preloads.
SD24753

HC Collet Connector

Collet Connector Comparison

HC Collet Connector
The HC Collet Connector is similar to the popular Model 70, but is designed to provide greater preload to withstand higher separating forces. Features include: Short swallow up, tapered hub profile and positive unlocking system allow disconnection at angles up to 30. Shortest swallow up of any major wellhead connector available on the market.
SD24754

DWHC Collet Connector

The DWHC is a high strength drilling and completion collet connector engineered for the high loads encountered in ultra deepwater applications. Features include: Segment and hub geometry and a large actuating piston area create a greater clamping force for the higher loads encountered in ultra deepwater conditions. New flange exceeds API standards with a thicker neck, a larger bolt circle and larger bolt diameter to match the capacity of the DWHC. New hub profile accommodates high load carrying capacity. This Cameron design will be shared with the industry in an effort to promote standardization and reduce total interfaces. Provides 21 million pounds total equivalent tension capacity, based on API design criteria. Design forms the foundation for the requirements of Camerons ultra deepwater SpoolTreeTM Production System applications.

HCH4 Collet Connector

Large actuating piston area creates a greater preload at a given hydraulic pressure than the Model 70. Higher applied loads can be tolerated without causing hub face separation because of the higher preloads. Uses annular cylinder with greater annular piston area for larger locking and unlocking force. Compact design minimizes height and weight.

HCH4 Collet Connector

The HCH4 Collet Connector is based on Camerons standard HC Collet Connector. It incorporates most major features of the standard HC Collet Connector with its standard HC operating system and structural load carrying components. Its unique locking design includes three load shoulders on the collet segments/fingers, allowing the customer to use a Cameron HC connector to lock onto an H4 wellhead and still maintain a direct load path.

AX, CX and BX Gaskets

Cameron subsea collet connectors utilize field-proven, metal-to-metal gaskets to ensure seal integrity. The connectors internal hub is fitted with the AX gasket, available with bonded hycar resilient rings upon customer request. The flanged, studded or clamped top connection of the connectors is fitted with either the pressure-energized CX gasket or the ring joint BX gasket. These gaskets are recessed into and retained by the clamped, studded or flanged hub, ensuring face-to-face contact with minimal clamping force.

SD24755

DWHC Collet Connector

Hub Interchangeability
In addition to the standard wellhead hub, Cameron has designed a unique dual hub wellhead profile to use with the DWHC Connector. This DWHC hub allows other collet connectors to be used in applications where the loading requirements are not as severe. While the standard HC Collet Connector and the Model 70 Collet Connector locks onto the DWHC hub, the DWHC Collet Connector locks onto the standard wellhead hub. No modification to either collet connector is required. Camerons newest collet connector, the HCH4, was designed specifically to fit on a mandrel-style hub.
SD017194

HCH4 Connector with H4 Hub

DWHC

HC

Model 70

SD24780

DWHC Hub

DWHC

HC

Model 70

SD24781

Standard Hub 4

Load Paths and Performance Data

A load path is the way applied loads are transmitted through the connector to the wellhead. The more direct the load path, the fewer components it travels through, yielding a stiffer, more stable connection. In turn, this stiff and stable connection directly affects resistance to hub face separation. All Cameron connectors have direct load paths which provide high resistance to hub face separation.
Model 70 Load Path HC Load Path DWHC Load Path HCH4 Load Path

SD24782

SD24783

SD24784

SD24785

When selecting a collet connector, factors regarding preload and structural load should be taken into consideration. For instance, the Model 70 is for applications requiring up to 245,000 lb preload. For applications requiring a higher preload of up to 5.875 million lb, the Model HC is available. Both the Model 70 and HC connectors utilize the same structural capacities therefore, preload is the determining factor when choosing between the two. Cameron offers the HCH4, an HC equivalent, to fit on a mandrel-style wellhead. When even higher preload and structural load capacity is called for, the DWHC is the collet connector of choice. Cameron Collet Connector Data Typical Ratings, Normal Operating Conditions/Stresses*
Performance
Pressure Rating (psi/MPa) Bending @ 0 pressure, 0 tension* (ft-lb) Bending @ 0 pressure, 0 tension* (Nm) Bending @ 10,000 psi, 0 tension* (ft-lb) Bending @ 10,000 psi, 0 tension* (Nm) Bending @ 10,000 psi, 2,000,000 lb tension*(ft-lb) Bending @ 10,000 psi, 2,000,000 lb tension*(Nm) Bending @ 15,000 psi, 2,000,000 lb tension* (ft-lb) Bending @ 15,000 psi, 2,000,000 lb tension*(Nm) Preload (lb) Preload (N) Load Shoulder Angle (housing/connector) Maximum Release Angle Water Depth Rating (feet/meters) Connector Style (hub, collet, etc.) Maximum Subsea Wellhead OD (in/mm) Maximum Connector OD (in/mm) Swallow** (in/mm) Weight (studded top) (lb/kg) Operating Pressure (psi/psi) Operating Pressure (MPa/MPa) Hydraulic Volume Required (Open) (gal/liters) Hydraulic Volume Required (Closed) (gal/liters) Interchange Kit for Standard Connector
* ** *** ****

Model 70
10,000/69.00 3,645,000 4,942,000 1,706,000 2,313,000 549,000 744,000 245,000 1,090,000 25/25 10,000/69.00 4,048,000 5,488,000 3,219,000 4,364,000 2,063,000 2,797,000 4,385,000 19,505,000 25/25

HC
15,000/103.50 5,293,000 7,176,000 3,308,000 4,485,000 2,151,000 2,916,000 1,161,000 1,574,000 5,875,000 26,133,000 25/25

DWHC
15,000/103.50 11,500,000 15,591,000 11,750,000 15,930,000 10,300,000 13,964,000 9,300,000 12,609,000 12,000,000 53,379,000 25/10 4**** 10,000/69.00 2,961,000 4,014,000 3,045,000 4,128,000 2,109,000 2,859,000 4,740,000 21,085,000 45/0 4

HCH4
15,000/103.50 1,868,000 2,533,000 2,631,000 3,567,000 1,850,000 2,508,000 1,145,000 1,552,000 8,352,000 37,152,000 45/0 4 Collet with Hub 27.00/685.80 62.00/1574.80 14.63/371.60 25,350/11,499 1500 10.30 25.00/94.63 20.00/75.70 Not required

30
Collet with Hub 31.39/797.31 64.00/1625.60 13.38/339.85 16,600/7530 1500/3000 10.30/20.60 4.97/18.81*** 4.18/15.82 Not required

30
Collet with Hub 31.39/797.31 59.00/1498.60 12.50/317.50 20,600/9344 1500/3000 10.30/20.60 18.50/70.02 14.90/56.40 Not required

10,000/3048
Collet with Hub 31.39/797.31 62.00/1574.80 12.50/317.50 23,100/10,478 1500/3000 10.30/20.60 25.00/94.63 20.00/75.70 Not required

30

10,000/3048
Collet with Hub 35.25/895.35 75.25/1911.35 24.51/622.55 67,000/30,391 1500/3000 20.60 52.80/199.85 42.20/159.73 Not required

Collet with Hub 27.00/685.80 59.00/1498.60 11.63/295.40 23,200/10,524 1500/3000 20.60 18.50/70.02 14.90/56.40 Not required

Ratings are based on API allowable stresses for normal design loads. Top of wellhead to bottom of connector. If the Hydrate seal is used, the swallow will increase by approximately 2(50.8mm). Additional 2.49 gallons (9.43 liters) is necessary for secondary unlock. The 4 release angle limit applies to initial connector/wellhead lift off of zero to 1 (25.4mm). For greater than 1 (25.4mm) of lift off, the connector can be rotated up to 6 while clearing the wellhead.

Collet Connector Comparison

The charts on the right show the loads induced by the riser system on the BOP stack components. The riser load creates both a tension and bending moment on the BOP stack as shown. In these examples, F is the force on top of the BOP stack and is the angle of the flex joint. As these charts indicate, the DWHC has a greater capability than the standard connector, making it a clear choice for deepwater drilling and production operations. Therefore, each connection above the DWHC in the stack needs to be strengthened in order to match the DWHCs capabilities. Case 1 shows the loads on each stack connection under a normal drilling condition of 1.5 million pounds tension and 1.88 riser angle. Case 2 shows that with the maximum bending moment capability of the DWHC connector, each connection point in the stack sees significantly higher bending moments compared to the normal drilling conditions.
Flex Joint Annular BOP Collet Connector Adapter Spool Annular BOP Single BOP Double BOP Double BOP Wellhead Connector
0 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 9,000,000 10,000,000

Stack Loads, Case 1

Stack loads with DWHC connector under normal drilling conditions.
Flex Joint Annular BOP Collet Connector Adapter Spool Annular BOP Single BOP Double BOP Double BOP Wellhead Connector
0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000

F = 1,517,112 lb = 1.88 Working Pressure = 15,000 psi DWHC Max Top Tension = 2,000,000 lb FY, Top (lb) M, Top (ft-lb)

Stack Loads with DWHC, Case 2

Stack loads derived from the extreme load capability of the DWHC connector.
F = 2,326,828 lb = 5.28 Working Pressure = 15,000 psi DWHC Max Top Tension = 2,000,000 lb FY, Top (lb) M, Top (ft-lb)

Structural Load Capacities, 10K Bore Pressures

Based on membrane plus bending at yield
12 12

Structural Load Capacities, 15K Bore Pressures

Based on membrane plus bending at yield
Bending Moment Capacity (Million ft-lb)

Bending Moment Capacity (Million ft-lb)

10 8 6 4 2 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

10 8 6 4 2 0 0 2 4 Model HC 6 8 10 12 14 DWHC 16 18

Tension Capacity (Million lbs)

Model 70 / Model HC DWHC

Tension Capacity (Million lbs)

Operating Data and Dimensions

C C B B

A D
Model 70
SD24786

A D
HC
SD24787

C B C B A A D D
HCH4
SD24788

DWHC

SD24789

Model 70 Collet Connector

Bore Size 18-3/4 Working Pressure* 10,000 psi Number of Cylinders 9 Stroke Length (in/mm) 9.75/247.65 Fluid Requirements (gal/liters) Open Closed 4.97/18.81 4.18/15.82 A
(in/mm)

B
(in/mm)

C
(in/mm)

D
(in/mm)

Weight
(lb/Kg)

38.28/ 972.31

18.75 / 476.25

64.00/ 1625.60

13.38/ 339.85

16,600/7530

*Also available in the following sizes and working pressures: 13-5/8 5000, 10,000 and 15,000 psi; 16-3/4 5000 and 10,000 psi; 20-3/4 2000 and 3000 psi; 21-1/4 2000 , 5000 and 10,000 psi.

HC Collet Connector
Bore Size 18-3/4 18-3/4 Working Pressure* 10,000 psi 15,000 psi Operating Pressure
(psi/MPa)

Preload
(lb/MPa)

Fluid Requirements
(gal/liters)

No Secondary Unlock A B

Secondary Unlock B C

Weight D
(lb/Kg)

3000/20.68 3000/20.68

2,821,000/19,448 5,875,000/40,502

Open Closed (in/mm) (in/mm) (in/mm) (in/mm) (in/mm) (in/mm) 18.50/70.02 14.90/56.40 18.75/476.25 44.00/1117.60 18.75/476.25 59.00/1498.60 12.50/317.50 20,600/9,344 25.00/94.63 20.00/75.70 35.41/899.41 18.75/476.25 43.71/1110.23 18.75/476.25 62.00/1574.80 12.50/317.50 23,100/10,478

*Also available in the following sizes and working pressures: 13-5/8 15,000 psi, 21-1/4 5000 psi

HCH4 Collet Connnector

Bore Size 18-3/4 18-3/4 Working Pressure 10,000 psi 15,000 psi Operating Preload Fluid Requirements (gal/liters) A Pressure (lb/MPa) (lb/MPa) Open Closed (in/mm) 3000/20.68 4,740,000/31,712 18.50/70.02 14.90/56.40 44.00 / 1117.60 1500/10.44* 3,000,000/20,682 25.00/94.63 20.00/75.70 43.72/ 1110.49 B
(in/mm)

C
(in/mm)

D
(in/mm)

Weight
(lb/Kg)

18.75/ 476.25 18.75/ 476.25

59.00/ 1498.60 61.24/ 1555.50

11.63/ 295.40 11.63/ 295.40

23,200/10,524 25,350/11,499

*At 3000 psi (20.68 MPa) operating pressure, preload is 6,140,000 lb (42,329 MPa)

DWHC Collet Connector

Bore Size 18-3/4 Working Pressure 15,000 psi Operating Preload Fluid Requirements (gal/liters) Pressure (lb/MPa) (lb/MPa) Open Closed 3000/20.68 12,000,00/82,728 52.80/199.85 42.20/159.73 A
(in/mm)

B
(in/mm)

C
(in/mm)

D
(in/mm)

Weight
(lb/Kg)

66.78/ 1696.21

18.75/ 476.25

75.25/ 1911.35

24.51/ 622.55

67,000/30,391

Western Hemisphere Cameron PO Box 1212 Houston Texas 77251-1212 Tel 713 939 2211 Fax 713 939 2620 http://www.camerondiv.com

Eastern Hemisphere Cooper Cameron (U.K.) Ltd. 5 Mondial Way Harlington Hayes UB3 5AR Tel 44 181 9901800 Fax 44 181 9901888 http://www.camerondiv.com

Asia Pacific/Middle East Cooper Cameron (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. No. 2 Gul Circle, Jurong Industrial Est Locked Bag Service No. 3 Jurong Town Post Office Singapore 629560 Republic Of Singapore Tel 65 8613355 Fax 65 8616197 http://www.camerondiv.com

Inconel is registered trademark of INCO.

Cooper Cameron Corporation, Cameron Division, Printed in USA, 6/99, TG/5M, WR6585/TC1272