Technical Bulletin

Measurement Protocol for Stress Relief Groove Length

Background INCORRECT Solution

Light under profile gauge indi-
During verification visits, a number of tools have been found with stress relief cates that the connection thread 1) Use a thread profile gauge
grooves that do not dimensionally comply with API Spec 7-2 (where stress is incomplete (Run-out). to identify the location on the
relief grooves are optional) or NS-2™, both state the range is 1” ± 1/32”. When connection of the first full thread.
the non-conforming tools have been investigated it has been highlighted that
the guidance provided in API RP 7G-2 may be ambiguous (see below). 2) Take a measurement
perpendicular to the seal face
to the point at which the thread
API RP 7G-2 This diagram is misleading because the X
CORRECT flank intersects the crest.
. ‘First Full Thread’ where the
is not at the crest of the first full thread!
profile on the connection 3) Record the measurement on
thread matches the profile of the inspection form.
the thread profile gauge.

Ref. Point
More info:
For more information or
assistance, contact the FP
Drill String Engineering
FIGURE 12 - STRESS-RELIEF GROOVE Department at
10.33.5 Inspection procedure DShelp@fp-g.com
Roll the bottom-hole assembly to find the point that the stress-relief groove intersects the crest
of the thread. On this example, the stress relief
Using a rule or dial callipers, measure the length of the stress-relief groove from the shoulder groove is 31/32” from the seal
to the point at which the groove intersects the thread crest (see figure 12). Record the face to the crest of the first
measurement on the inspection work sheet. full thread.

Document No. Effectivity Date Revision No.

FPG ETL-014 08 July 2016 1