Procedure 1H965 Rev. 13 
  ECN: 54121 
 
September 18, 2017 
 
  Grant Prideco™ 
NOV Wellbore Technologies 
  Product Management Dept. 
10100 Houston Oaks Dr. 
 Houston, TX 77064 
  
+1 (281) 921‐3600 main 
 nov.com/grantprideco/ 

FIELD INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR USED EXTREME™ TORQUE

CONNECTIONS (XT™, XTF™, uXT™, XT-M™ AND XT-MF™)

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 This document defines the field inspection procedure for used eXtreme Torque
connections (XT, XTF, uXT, XT-M and XT-MF).

2.0 SCOPE

2.1 The following procedure stipulates the equipment, inspection methods, and
acceptance/rejection criteria for field inspection, as well as repair of XT, XTF,
uXT, XT-M, and XT-MF connections. This inspection encompasses both visual
and dimensional methods. Any questions or concerns should be referred to
Grant Prideco™ for resolution.

3.0 REFERENCES

3.1 The latest edition or revision of the following specifications, standards, and
drawings shall form part of this specification:

3.1.1 XT, XTF, uXT, XT-M and XT-MF Connection Field Inspection Dimensions
Drawing

3.1.2 Redressing Thread Drawing (only applicable for XT-M and XT-MF
connections and available only to qualified Licensees)

3.1.3 Product Performance Datasheets

   

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4.0 DEFINITIONS

4.1 Damage: Includes, but is not limited to, the following conditions: galls, nicks,
washes, fins, dents, scratches, pits, or cuts. Excludes discoloration or other
superficial anomalies that alter the appearance only.

4.2 Refacing Operation (Only applies to connections without the radial metal-
to-metal seal): All process(es) performed to remove material from the make-up
shoulders of a connection for refacing repair (this does not include rethreading),
from the time it is removed from service, until it is put back into service. This may
be performed in a single pass or multiple passes. The field refacing method
addressed in this procedure does not apply to the XT-M™ and XT-MF™
connections, which require machine redressing in a qualified controlled machine
shop environment.

4.3 Redressing Operation (Only applies to connections with the radial metal-to-
metal seal): Refacing operation with the addition of reconstructing the radial
metal-to-metal seal of XT-M and XT-MF connections. This shall only be
performed by facilities that are licensed and qualified by Grant Prideco™.

4.4 Licensed and Qualified Facilities: Grant Prideco facilities or third party
workshops, which are licensed and qualified to thread Grant Prideco connection
technologies. The following link (https://wbtapps.nov.com/gp/facility-
locator/index.html) can be used to identify a nearby workshop and find out, in real
time, contact information and which technologies each facility is licensed and
qualified to thread, as well as confirm if the facility is current with its qualification
to thread. Note that for radial metal-to-metal seal connections, there is a
qualification to thread the connection and a separate one to redress the
connection.

4.5 Radial Metal-to-Metal Seal: Sealing surface near the pin and box secondary
make-up shoulders in connections such as XT-M and XT-MF (ref. the latest
revision of the “Field Inspection Dimensions” drawing). This is the primary
sealing surface for the XT-M and XT-MF connections.

4.6 Minimum service tool joint OD: The minimum service tool joint OD shall be
provided by the product user/owner, based on the drilling program requirements,
with the request for the inspection, and shall be equal to or greater than:

4.6.1 The minimum OD dimension defined on the “Field Inspection Dimension”

drawing, latest revision AND

4.6.2 The Premium OD on the performance datasheet

4.7 Thread Surfaces: The thread surfaces include roots, crests, and flanks.

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 4.8 Pit Free Zone: Area of the connection where pitting is not permitted in the
thread roots. Reference “Field Inspection Dimension” drawing, latest revision.

4.9 Effective Tong Length: Effective Tong Length is the length of the cylindrical
section of the tool joint OD as measured from the primary make-up shoulder that
is free of hardbanding and/or raised features, as shown in Figure 1. Recessed
features, such as mill flats, grooves, RFID tags, etc. are disregarded for this
measurement.

Figure 1: Tong Length Measurements

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 Equipment: The equipment listed below shall be required to perform these
inspections.

5.1.1 Generic
5.1.1.1 12” Steel Rule graduated in 1/64”

5.1.1.2 Outside and Inside Diameter Spring Calipers

5.1.1.3 Long Stroke Depth Micrometer

5.1.1.4 Setting Standards for Depth Micrometer

5.1.1.5 Lead Gauge (ref. Section 5.1.2.3 for contacts)

5.1.1.6 Pit Gauge

5.1.2 Acquired through Grant Prideco™

5.1.2.1 Thread Profile Gauge

5.1.2.1.1 XT™ Profile gauge for: XT and XT-M™

5.1.2.1.2 XTF™ Profile gauge for: XTF, uXT™ and XT-MF™

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 5.1.2.2 Lead Gauge Setting Standard

5.1.2.3 Lead Gauge Contacts (0.165” diameter)

5.1.2.4 Please address all inquiries to the applicable email address below:

5.1.2.4.1 Americas: GPFieldInspectionAmericas@nov.com

5.1.2.4.2 Europe & Sub-Saharan Africa: GPFieldInspectionESSA@nov.com

5.1.2.4.3 Middle-East & Northern Africa: GPFieldInspectionMENA@nov.com

5.1.2.4.4 Russia and CIS: GPFieldInspectionRCIS@nov.com

5.1.2.4.5 Asia Pacific and India: GPFieldInspectionAPAC@nov.com

5.2 Preparation: All thread, make-up shoulders, and seal surfaces shall be cleaned
sufficiently to allow for visual inspection. The starting threads of the pin and box
connections should be cleaned using a “soft wheel” or other buffing method.

5.2.1 NOTE: The cleaning should not buff off or remove the phosphate coating.

5.3 Visual inspection:

5.3.1 Refer to the latest revision of the appropriate “Field Inspection Dimensions”
drawing for terminology and shoulder locations.

5.3.2 Primary Make-up Shoulder (External Sealing Shoulder): The seal surface
shall be free of any damage that exceeds the limits of Sections 5.3.2.1,
5.3.2.2, or 5.3.2.3 (below).
5.3.2.1 Damage that exceeds 1/32” in depth is not acceptable.

5.3.2.2 Any location where the seal surface has damage that cumulatively
covers more than 1/3 of the radial width (ref. Figure 2) is not
acceptable. See Figure 3 for a few examples of damage.

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Figure 2: Radial Width of Primary Make-up Shoulder

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Accepted Damage  Rejected Damage 

   
3 3

 
3
(Hw is not located at the same radial   
3
position as Gw and Iw, and is therefore not 
added to the total width at this location) 
Figure 3: Examples of Damage on Primary Make-up Shoulder

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 5.3.2.3 Any metal protrusion above the seal surface is not acceptable. (Filing
on the Primary Make-up Shoulder is not permitted.)

5.3.2.4 If the damage exceeds any of these limits, repair by refacing (per
Section 5.5.2) or redressing (per Section 5.5.3), or rethreading (per
Section 5.5.4), as applicable.

5.3.3 Secondary Make-up Shoulder (Internal Mechanical Stop or Torque

Shoulder): The Secondary Make-up Shoulder is not a sealing surface.
Damage is not critical unless it exceeds the limits of Sections 5.3.3.1 or
5.3.3.2 (below).
5.3.3.1 Damage that exceeds 1” in length, along the circumference, is not
acceptable.

5.3.3.2 Any metal protrusion above the seal surface is not acceptable and
shall be removed by filing, soft wheel, or other buffing method, and
protected by applying coating to the repaired areas per Section 5.5.5.

5.3.3.3 If the damage exceeds any of these limits and cannot be repaired per
Section 5.3.3.2, repair by refacing (per Section 5.5.2) or redressing
(per Section 5.5.3), or rethreading (per Section 5.5.4) as applicable.

5.3.4 Radial Metal-to-Metal Seal (applies to XT-M™ and XT-MF™ connections

only):
5.3.4.1 The highlighted area of the radial metal-to-metal seal, as shown in
Figure 4, where the acceptable amount of damage to the seal is
controlled, is defined as:

5.3.4.1.1 Pin – The area on the pin seal starting 0.060” from the minor
pin nose diameter, and ending 0.060” from the major pin nose
diameter.

5.3.4.1.2 Box – The area of the box seal starting from the minor box
cylinder diameter and ending 0.188” from the major box
cylinder diameter.

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Figure 4: Radial Metal-to-Metal Seal (Pin and Box)

5.3.4.2 Damage in the areas of the radial metal-to-metal seal outside of the
highlighted area is not restricted, provided there is no metal
protrusion above the seal surface. The highlighted area, as defined in
Section 5.3.4.1, shall be free of any damage that exceeds the limits
of Sections 5.3.4.2.1, 5.3.4.2.2, 5.3.4.2.3, or 5.3.4.2.4 (below).

5.3.4.2.1 Any metal protrusion above the seal surface is not acceptable.

5.3.4.2.2 Non-circumferential damage that exceeds 1/32” in length,

width, diameter or depth is not acceptable.

5.3.4.2.3 Multiple pits with less than 1” circumferential separation

between them are not acceptable.

5.3.4.2.4 Circumferential damage that can be detected by rubbing a

fingernail across the surface are not acceptable.

5.3.4.2.5 Filing is not permitted on any area of the radial metal-to-metal

seal (including both the highlighted area and surrounding
areas). If the damage exceeds any of these limits, repair by
redressing (per Section 5.5.3) or rethreading (per Section
5.5.4), as applicable.

5.3.5 Thread Surface: The thread surfaces shall be free of damage that exceeds
the limits of Sections 5.3.5.1, 5.3.5.2, 5.3.5.3, or 5.3.5.4 (below).
5.3.5.1 Any metal protrusion above the thread surface is not acceptable and,
shall be removed using filing, soft wheel, or other buffing method,
and protected by applying coating to the repaired areas per 5.5.5.
(Filing is not permitted in the thread roots.) Care shall be taken to
prevent damaging adjacent thread surfaces while attempting to repair
the damage.

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 5.3.5.2 The stab flank to crest radius of the starting 4 to 5 threads of the pin
and box connections round off during break-in and normal operation.
This condition is normal and does not affect the service of the
connection. The remaining thread flank surfaces shall be free of
damage that exceeds 1/16” in depth or 1/8” in diameter/width. (For
damage that is not round, the 1/8” requirement applies to the width of
the damage, and shall not apply to the length of the damage along
the circumference. See Figure 5.)

Figure 5: Dimensions of Damage on Thread Flanks

5.3.5.3 Any damage in the thread roots located within the Pit Free Zone
designated on the “Field Inspection Dimensions” drawing, latest
revision, is not acceptable.

5.3.5.4 For thread roots outside the designated Pit Free Zone, damage that
exceeds 1/32” in depth or 1/8” in diameter/width is not acceptable.
(For damage that is not round, the 1/8” requirement applies to the
width of the damage, and shall not apply to the length of the damage
along the circumference.)

5.3.5.5 If the damage exceeds any of these limits and cannot be repaired per
Section 5.3.5.1, repair by rethreading (per Section 5.5.4).

5.3.6 Thread Profile: The thread profile shall be verified along the length of the full
form threads in two locations at least 90° apart. The profile gauge shall
mesh evenly in the threads and show normal contact. If the profile gauge
does not mesh in the threads, lead measurements shall be taken. (ref.
Section 5.4.2).

5.3.7 Cracks: Any cracks identified during the inspection process are not
acceptable. If possible, repair by rethreading per Section 5.5.4.

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 5.4 Dimensional Inspection:

5.4.1 Measurements shall not be taken in areas where surface condition prevents
accurate measurements.

5.4.2 Lead: The thread lead shall be measured, if required by Section 5.3.6. The
lead shall be measured over a 2” interval and shall not exceed 0.006”. If the
measured lead exceeds these limits, repair by rethreading (per Section
5.5.4).

5.4.3 Box Outside Diameter: The box OD shall be verified around the
circumference to meet the minimum service tool joint OD.
5.4.3.1 For XT™, XTF™ and uXT™ – For sizes 43 and smaller (ex. XT 43),
the outside diameter of the boxes shall be measured at a distance of
5/8” ± 1/4” from the primary make-up shoulder. For sizes 46 and
larger, the outside diameter of the boxes shall be measured at a
distance of 2” ± 1/4” from the primary make-up shoulder.

5.4.3.2 For XT-M™ and XT-MF™ – The outside diameter of the boxes shall
be measured at a distance of 2” ± 1/4” from the primary make-up
shoulder.

5.4.4 Box Counterbore Diameter: The inside diameter of the box counterbore
shall be verified in two locations 90° apart. Diameters shall not exceed the
limits of the “Field Inspection Dimensions” drawing, latest revision. If the
diameter exceeds these limits, repair by rethreading (per Section 5.5.4).

5.4.5 Box Counterbore Wall Thickness: The wall thickness between the “Box
Outside Diameter” and “Box Counterbore Diameter” shall be measured to
ensure that it exceeds the minimum dimension, as stated on the “Field
Inspection Dimensions” drawing, latest revision.

5.4.6 Box Connection Length: The distance between the primary and secondary
make-up shoulders shall be verified in two locations 180° apart. This
distance shall be compared to the requirement on the “Field Inspection
Dimensions” drawing, latest revision, to determine acceptance or rejection.
If the connection length exceeds these limits, repair by refacing (per Section
5.5.2) or redressing (per Section 5.5.3), or rethreading (per Section 5.5.4),
as applicable.

5.4.7 Pin Nose Diameter:

5.4.7.1 For XT, XTF, and uXT connections, this dimension is used to
determine acceptance or rejection. The outside diameter of the pin
nose shall be verified in two locations 90° apart. Diameters shall not
exceed the limits of the “Field Inspection Dimensions” drawing, latest
revision.

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 5.4.7.1.1 If the diameter exceeds these limits, repair by rethreading (per
Section 5.5.4).

5.4.7.2 For XT-M™ and XT-MF™ connections, this dimension is not used to
determine acceptance or rejection.

5.4.8 Pin Connection Length: The distance between the primary and secondary
make-up shoulders shall be verified in two locations 180° apart. This
distance shall be compared to the requirement on the “Field Inspection
Dimensions” drawing, latest revision, to determine acceptance or rejection.
If the connection length exceeds these limits, repair by refacing (per Section
5.5.2) or redressing (per Section 5.5.3), or rethreading (per Section 5.5.4),
as applicable.

5.4.9 Effective Tong Length: In order to ensure sufficient tong length, the effective
tong length is verified, rather than the overall tool joint tong length as
defined on new product (ref. Section 4.9). The minimum effective tong
length shall meet or exceed the requirements in Sections 5.4.9.1 and
5.4.9.2.
5.4.9.1 The absolute minimum effective tong length requirement for boxes
shall be at least equal to a minimum of the connection length + 1”.
There is no absolute minimum effective tong length requirement for
pins.

5.4.9.2 Users/owners shall establish the minimum effective tong lengths for
pins and boxes based on tonging equipment capabilities, accounting
for the tong free area as defined in the Grant Prideco™ Running and
Handling Procedures.

5.4.9.2.1 If information regarding tongs to be used is not available, the

minimum effective tong length requirement for pins shall be 6"
and the minimum effective box tong length, in addition to
Section 5.4.9.1, shall be 8”.

5.5 Methods of Repair:

5.5.1 Any repair operation shall be performed on connections that have been
cleaned as per standard industry practice.

5.5.2 Refacing (Only applies to connections without the radial metal-to-metal

seal): Repair by Refacing may only be used to attempt to repair make-up
shoulder damage less than or equal to 1/32” in depth, and/or connection
length discrepancies that are less than 1/32” out of spec. XT-M and XT-MF
connections cannot be refaced; the alternate is seal redressing as
described in Section 5.5.3.
5.5.2.1 As typical of the rotary shoulder connection reface process, a
maximum of 1/32” of material may be removed from the primary

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 make-up shoulder during each refacing operation, after which the
joint shall be placed back into service prior to performing any
additional refacing repair.

5.5.2.2 The cumulative total material removal from the primary make-up
shoulder for all refacing operations shall not exceed 1/16” before
rethreading is required.

5.5.2.3 Repair by refacing methods shall only remove sufficient material to

repair the damage. However, all damage shall be removed from the
primary make-up shoulder.

5.5.2.4 If the connection cannot be brought back within the acceptable limits
outlined in this procedure without removing more than 1/32” of
material from the primary make-up shoulder, then rethreading shall
be required.

5.5.2.5 Both the primary make-up shoulder and secondary make-up

shoulder shall be skimmed/machined during a refacing operation for
all double shoulder connections.

5.5.2.6 Machine refacing in a lathe is the preferred method.

5.5.2.7 If a portable field refacing unit method is used, the variability of face
flatness and squareness is introduced and shall be monitored by
taking the connection length measurements in a minimum of four
locations, equally spaced around the circumference. Each
measurement shall be within the limits of the “Field Inspection
Dimensions” drawing, latest revision.

5.5.2.8 GPmark Benchmark: After refacing (or redressing, as applicable)

repair, a minimum length of 1/16” (0.063”) shall remain on the box
refacing benchmark, and 3/16” maximum (0.188”) shall remain on the
pin refacing benchmark, as shown in Figure 6. Rethreading is
required if excess material is removed.

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New Benchmark Max. Removed per Max. Reface

Reface
Figure 6: Refacing (or redressing) with GPmark™

5.5.2.9 Xmark Benchmark: After refacing (or redressing, as applicable)

repair, a visible step on the benchmark shall remain on the primary
make-up shoulder. The step is a necessary indicator that a
benchmark is still present. Rethreading is required if there is no
visible benchmark. See Figure 7 below.

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New Benchmark Max. Removed per Max. Reface

Reface (With visible step)
Figure 7: Refacing (or redressing) with Xmark™

5.5.2.10 After refacing repair, apply coating per Section 5.5.5

5.5.3 Redressing (Only applies to connections with the radial metal-to-metal

seal): To correct connection length or damage to sealing surfaces, the XT-
M™ and XT-MF™ connections must be redressed by facilities that have
been specifically licensed qualified by Grant Prideco™ to perform this
operation.
5.5.3.1 All three surfaces (Primary make-up shoulder, Secondary make-up
shoulder, and the Radial Metal-to-Metal Seal) shall be redressed in
one operation in accordance with Redressing Thread Drawing, latest
revision.

5.5.3.2 In addition, redressing shall be performed per the same requirements

that apply to refacing in Sections 5.5.2.1 – 5.5.2.4.

5.5.3.3 The requirements in Sections 5.5.2.8 and 5.5.2.9 for the refacing
benchmarks shall apply to the redressing benchmark after
machining.

5.5.3.4 After redressing, apply coating per Section 5.5.5.

5.5.4 Rethreading: This method shall be used to repair connections that fail to
meet the requirements stipulated in this inspection procedure, and shall be

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 performed by Grant Prideco™ or a qualified licensee of Grant Prideco.
Performance of this operation may not require complete removal of the
thread body, if sufficient material can be removed to comply with the new
product requirements. The connection does not have to be “reblanked”,
however both make-up shoulders, the radial metal-to-metal seal (if
applicable), and thread elements shall be machined to 100% “bright metal”.
This is not necessary for cylindrical diameters.
5.5.4.1 Benchmark: For connections with the Xmark™ benchmark, when
the tool joint outer diameter has worn down to the extent that a
complete Xmark benchmark can no longer be remachined, it shall be
replaced by a GPmark™ benchmark.

5.5.4.2 If cracks were identified prior to rethreading, the area containing

cracks shall be cut off prior to rethreading the connection. After
rethreading, the connection shall be inspected by magnetic-particle
inspection to verify no cracks remain.

5.5.4.3 After rethreading, apply coating per Section 5.5.5.

5.5.5 Coating: All repaired surfaces shall be protected by:

5.5.5.1 Threads (all connections) and make-up shoulders (only connections
without the radial metal-to-metal seal) that are repaired by filing or
refacing shall be protected by hot phosphate coating, or by using
copper sulfate or other commercially available effective surface
etchant products suitable for rotary shoulder connections.

5.5.5.2 All redressed and rethreaded connections shall be protected by hot

phosphate coating only.

5.6 Post Inspection and/or Post Repair Connection Protection: Following inspection
and/or repair, connections shall be prepared for use or storage, and protected
per product user/owner requirements.

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REVISION HISTORY
 
Revision Completed Checked Approved
Revision Description of Change(s)
Date by: by: by:
Rev: 12 28-July-17 Emily Rewrite FIP with additions of definition Hector Russ
ECN# 54150 Watson section, pit free zone, additional Handal Moncrief
figures, updated equipment
information, changed tong length
requirements to effective tong length,
and added revision history.
Rev: 13 18-Sept-17 Emily Further clarified definition of Damage, Hector Russ
ECN# 54121 Watson added requirements to include other Handal Moncrief
damage types on Radial Metal-to-
Metal seal, added requirement to
clean prior to repair, and added Post
Inspection/Repair section.
 

 
Author  Product Engineering:  Emily Watson 
Approval  Product Engineering Manager:  Dan Hannahs 
Field Service and Claims:  Dan Morgan 
Marketing and Product Management:  Guillaume Plessis 

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