2021

TC-FJ
Running Procedures

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***The contents of this field operation manual are regarding Houston International Specialty, Inc. TC-FJ integral
connector. Included are the necessary guidelines and inspection procedures 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
data sheet provided. Always have the most current running procedures and data sheet prior to the installation.
Failure to follow guidelines published may create unfavorable results.

Necessary tools for running:

Elevators
 Slip type elevators of proper size and with the setting plate adjusted properly.
Note: Slips should NEVER set on the connection
 H.I.S. does not recommend the use of bottleneck or shoulder type elevators on TC-FJ connector.
 Single joint elevators are acceptable as long as a handling plug is used.

Thread Compound
 TC-FJ connector requires Best-O-Life 72733 or Best-O-Life PTC 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.
 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.
 Appropriate backup tongs or integral tongs are recommended as long as the proper inserts are
used.

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

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

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Necessary tools for running (continued):
Power Tongs
 TC-FJ 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

 TC-FJ 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
 Handling plug allows the TC-FJ tube to be lifted safely into the derrick and are necessary.
Handling plugs DO NOT lift string weight at any time. They are used to assist the elevators in
grabbing the tube and to allow tools to sting into safely without damaging the connection.
Handling plugs have a SINGLE-JOINT LOAD CAPACITY.

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Pre-Job Procedures:
Verifying Tubulars and Accessories
 Confirm size, weight, grade, and connector type.
 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.

Field Repair
 Only a qualified H.I.S. Representative shall perform field repairs.
 Field repairing with a metal file and fine sandpaper is highly recommended.
 Any damaged connectors should be separated and labeled as “REJECT” and removed from
service.
 Thread root and crest can be repaired as long as a single thread doesn’t extend more than 50%
of the circumference.
 Spot repairing the circumference of the thread is accepted.
 Surface rust is acceptable and use of a Scotch-Brite type pad to remove.
 Any seal imperfections other than surface rust are considered “reject” and removed from
service.

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Makeup Procedures:
Thread Compound Application
 Apply Best-O-Life PTC or Best-O-Life 72733 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!

Handling Plug
 It is necessary to use a handling plug while lifting a joint into the derrick.

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.

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.
 If a missed stab occurs, clean off the questioned connectors and visual inspect for any damages.

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Makeup Procedures (continued):
Makeup RPM
CASING:

 Initial stab: Low gear, to confirm that no threads have been crossed.
 Running threads in: High gear, no more than 20 RPM.
 Final make-up: Low gear, no more than 5 RPM.

TUBING:
 Initial stab: Low gear, to confirm that no threads have been crossed.
 Running threads in: No more than 10 RPM.
 Final make-up: Low gear, no more than 5 RPM.

Shoulder Information
 The TC-FJ connection will achieve a shoulder in the final makeup.
 If the TC-FJ connection does not achieve a shoulder, the connection must be broke out and
further inspected for any signs of damage. If no damage re-apply thread compound and make
up again.
 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 spike.
 Secondary confirmation will be with the pin and box coming together making a smooth flush
transition.

Interchangeability
 TC-FJ is not interchangeable and is size and weight specific.

Rotating Down-hole
 Please contact H.I.S.

****Failing to follow the guideline may result in unsatisfactory performance. Use the above guidelines during
makeup to curtail any serious and costly problems from developing during operation.

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Inspection Guide
Accepted Makeup Curves
 Shown in Figure 1 is a typical example of an ideal makeup curve that would be observed with
TC-FJ. 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 TC-FJ makeup curve.

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 Figure 2: Acceptable TC-FJ 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.

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 string should be broken out, cleaned, and checked for apparent abnormalities in the thread
or seal.
 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.

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 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 Assurance 832.702.4888 quality@histcpc.com

Official Licensed Service Group Network:

Cole Enterprises Scott Sutton 713.203.5628

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

Tubular Solutions Inc. Daniel DeCelle 832.312.8555 or 877.799.6143

Patriot Premium Jim Craig 432.664.0317

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