2021

TCBC-TS RUNNING MANUAL

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The contents of this field operation manual are regarding Threaded and Coupled Buttress Connectors – Torque
Shoulder. Included are the necessary gear, pre-make up, make up, and inspection procedures and techniques to
ensure safe and proper operation of the string while maximizing longevity of the product. This manual is to be
used in conjunction with the specific guidelines provided with the product.

Necessary Tools for Running

Elevators
 Side-Door, Slip-Type, Spider-Type elevators are all approved for the run of TCBC-HT connectors.
As well as a Single-Joint elevator if necessary.
 When using slip type elevators the string weight is transferred from the pipe body through the
jaws into the elevators body. The jaws must be clean and sharp. Slip type elevators are
recommended for, special clearance couplings, special bevel couplings.

Thread Compound
 TCBC-TS requires Best-O-Life 2000 thread compound for optimal performance.
 Using a new bucket of thread compound is recommended to avoid contamination. Also stir the
compound to ensure it is mixed evenly.
 Applying thread compound too generously may have a negative affect the performance of the
connection. A light coat applied to the BOX END of the connection is all that is necessary to get
optimum results (see “Proper Doping” in the Makeup Procedures).
 Use of a moustache brush is highly recommended for applying thread compound to the box
end.
 Under no circumstances is a bottle type brush is approved.
 Do not mix different thread compounds as incompatibility may exist between thread
compounds.

Slips or Backup Tongs

 Hand slips, spider type and air slips are all approved types of slips.
 Having appropriately sized slips will lock the descending pipe into place so makeup can proceed
smoothly with no damage to the pipe body.
 Appropriate backup tongs or integral tongs are recommended as long as the proper inserts are
used to the given diameter.

Stabbing Guides
 Stabbing guide is recommended for running TCBC-TS strings as it protects the pin nose and
threads from damage.

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Necessary Tools for Running (continued)

Strap Wrench
 A properly-sized strap wrench may prove useful when installing accessories to the string.

Power Tongs
 TCBC-TS connector must be tightened to the correct torque values in order achieve optimum
results. The torque equipment must have a capacity of at least 40% more than the
recommended make-up torque. The reason for this is that if a connection has to be backed out
the torque may be higher than make-up torque. The tong must have a variable speed control
and be capable of operating at <1 RPM for final make-up.

Torque Analysis Equipment

 Although not required; the TCBC-TS connector is recommended to have the make-up plotted on
a graph and that a record of this plot is kept for the lifetime of the well. Records shall remain
legible, identifiable, and readily retrievable.
 The load cell must be electronic and connected to a computer to display the make-up graph. A
hydraulic load cell and dial gauge display can be useful to verify the electronic reading.
 To measure turns an “Encoder” is required. The encoder must be capable of recording a
minimum of 500 data points per turn. This too must be subject to calibration with an accuracy
or ± 2%.
 Often turns are substituted by time on the horizontal axis but this does not give such a true
signature and is not acceptable.

Handling Plug
 It is highly recommended that a handling plug be used when inserting any tool into the box end
to ensure no damage to the connection.

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Pre-Job Procedures:

Verifying Tubulars and Accessories

 Confirm size, weight, grade, and connector type.
 Verify coupling O.D.
 Verify what torques are to be used.
 Verify thread compound to be utilized.
 Verify all accessories that are intended to be run in the well.
 Ask for details of the well profile (e.g. number of cleanout trips, well deviations, presence of
whip stocks, liner casing sizes, etc.).

Cleaning:
 Clean the entire Pin and Box and make sure that all the storage compound, dirt, dust has been
removed.
 Also a varsol type solution with a soft brush is acceptable. DO NOT USE A WIRE BRUSH!
 Timing is everything! In the event that the threads are cleaned but the run is delayed it is
recommended to apply a WD-40 type solution or thread compound to the pin or box end to
help fight corrosion.
Always protect your connectors!

Visual Inspection
 Prior to running, glance over the tubes to ensure no physical damage has occurred during
transport and off-loading.
 Also check the pin and box end to ensure no corrosion or surface imperfections and /or damage
has occurred.

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Makeup Procedures:

Thread Compound Application

 Apply Best-O-Life 2000 to the BOX END ONLY so the profile of the threads is still mildly seen
through.
 Applying too much thread compound or too little thread compound to the connector can cause
the connection to underperform or make up incorrectly.

GOOD DOPING PRACTICE IS 90% OF YOUR BATTLE!

Verifying Torques
 Verify all torques by using the appropriate Connection Data Sheet and that all torque monitoring
equipment values are entered correctly.

Dump Valve Test

 It is important to test the torque turn dump valve to ensure the value is true and correct. Best
recommendation is to perform a dead test against the tube multiple times prior to assembling
any connections.

Thread Locking Compound

 Thoroughly clean box and pin threads so all dope, oil and grease is absolutely removed.
 When applying the thread lock compound, it should only be done to the pin threads.
 It may be necessary to adjust the target torque to the maximum torque value (see Connection
Data Sheet) to achieve a definitive shoulder.
 Use the ∆ on the pin end for secondary reference.
 If using Buttress accessories (see “Interchangeability” in the Makeup Procedures).

Stabbing Guide
 Affix a stabbing guide onto the box and subsequently guide the pin along the box’s axis until the
threads interact.
 Be sure to keep the two components vertically aligned and to carefully fit them together.

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Makeup Procedures (Continued):

Makeup RPM
 Initial stab: Low gear, to confirm that no threads have been crossed.
 Running threads in: High gear, no more than 30 RPM.
 Final make-up: Low gear, no more than 5 RPM.

Shoulder Information
 The TCBC-TS connection will achieve a shoulder in the final makeup.
 If the TCBC-TS connection does not achieve a shoulder when using thread compound but has
thread interference during makeup; break the connection out three (3) revolutions and then
proceed to remake connection up again with torques adjusted to near maximum torque.
 If no thread interference is present in the torque graph prior to shoulder engagement then the
connection shall be broke out and cleaned and further inspected.

Accepted makeup criteria:

 Primary confirmation will be thread interference along with a definitive shoulder.
 Secondary confirmation will be with the coupling positioned at the base of the ∆ on the pin
end.

Coupling Spin
 The coupling shall not spin no more than 1/3 turn. In the event that spin does occur install
backups to the coupling and continue makeup.

Slips or Back-up Tongs, Wedding Band

 Backups or integral backups are recommended on startup as long as the correct dies are used.
Avoid any slippage during makeup.
 Make sure proper slip dies are used to avoid dropping pipe down hole.
 A wedding band shall be used until enough weight is established to ensure the pipe slips are
snugging the pipe in the rotary table.

Interchangeability
 TCBC-TS is interchangeable with buttress.
 Highly recommended to thread lock ANY buttress thread when rotating is anticipated.
 Make up the connections to the base of the ∆ on the pin. Treat these makeups as a position only
makeup regardless of torque.

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Field Repair
 Only a qualified H.I.S. Technician shall perform field repairs.
 Damaged connectors that are not repairable and should be separated immediately and labeled
as “REJECT” and not utilized.
 Thread root and crest can be repaired as long as the single thread doesn’t extend more than
50% of the circumference. Use of a file is the safest way to repair threads.
 Spot repairing the circumference of the threads is accepted.
 Any damages to the face of the coupling are repairable with a file.

Rotating Down-hole
 TCBC-TS “Maximum Working Torque” that is displayed on our Connection Data Sheet, is in no
way a sustainable rotating torque. Sustaining these torque values at great lengths could
possibly have unfavorable results.
 The H.I.S TCBC-TS connection shall never be rotated above “Maximum Working Torque”
(provided on Connection Data Sheet) and RPM should be limited to 30 RPM or less.
 It is always recommended to start off rotating with minimum torque and 10-15 rpm. If not
successful jump up Torque and RPM’s in increments. Care should be taken to slowly increase
and decrease torque when rotating, this allows the stored kinetic energy to dissipate and
prevent down-hole connection yielding and backing off.
 It is recommended by H.I.S to have a certified thread representative on location at all times.

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When running the casing and tubing, seeing problems as they develop will ensure proper operation of the product
as well as save you from larger troubles during. Use the following guidelines during makeup to curtail any serious
and costly problems from developing during operation.

Torque Graphs
Accepted Makeup Curves
 Shown in Figure 1 is a typical example of an ideal makeup curve that would be observed with
TCBC-TS. The torque value gradually increases until an abrupt spike is reached, indicating the
shoulder interaction.
 Slight oscillations are acceptable (as shown in Figure 2) in the increasing torque value, but the
general scope of the curve in Figure 1 should be maintained.

Figure 1: Ideal example of TCBC-TS makeup curve.

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 Figure 2: Acceptable alternate graph

 Figure 2 shows an example of a makeup curve which deviates slightly from that of Figure 1.
 Figure 2 show a hump in the upward slope of the curve and a less defined spike from the
shoulder.
 Which is probably the most commonly seen of them all, shows an ascending curve lacking much
of a hump, but a torque shoulder “spike” is still very noticeable.
 All such curves are still within the acceptable range of makeup behaviors, so the makeup
procedure can continue without interruption in these cases.

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Non-conforming Curves
 While running a string, seeing a makeup curve that deviates greatly from Figures 1 and 2
generally means the connection should be further inspected.
 The connection should be broken out, cleaned, and checked for apparent abnormalities.
 If no abnormalities are observed, it is possible too much dope was originally applied, so a re-
application of dope as specified in “Proper Doping” might be all that is necessary to fix the issue.
 Otherwise, contact a representative listed in the “Contacts” section for further instruction.

 The user has superior knowledge about all aspects of the wellbore and well site operations
and therefore assumes all risk associated with casing and connection related issues that
occur during and after rotating operations. In addition, dynamic operations, such as rotating
casing, need to be monitored by a qualified and experienced professional who understands
all potential issues and can make informed decisions to reduce the associated potential risks.

Contacts
If any questions arise regarding the running procedure or any problems encountered, please notify any
of the following contacts:

Houston International Specialty, Inc. Office 281.602.7550 sales@histcpc.com

Jason Wells Field Service 832.381.7015 jason@histcpc.com

Darren Stevens Quality 936.203.1371 quality@histcpc.com

Approved 3rd party service companies:

Cole Enterprises Scott Sutton 713.203.5628

G.B. Premium OCTG Services John Shriver 281.478.6223 or 800.622.9548

Patriot Premium Threading Jim Craig 432.664.0317

Tubular Solutions Inc. Daniel DeCelle 832.312.8555 or 877.799.6143

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