IADC Vol-1 04 Casing and Tubing

CT
CASING
AND TUBING
IADC Drilling Manual 12th Edition
IADC Drilling Manual • Copyright © 2015

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CASING AND TUBING CT-i
CHAPTER
CT
CASING
AND TUBING
he IADC Drilling Manual is a series of reference guides assembled by volunteer drilling-industry professionals with
T expertise spanning a broad range of topics. These volunteers contributed their time, energy and knowledge in developing
the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition, to help facilitate safe and efficient drilling operations, training, and equipment mainte-
nance and repair.
The contents of this manual should not replace or take precedence over manufacturer, operator or individual drilling company
recommendations, policies or procedures. In jurisdictions where the contents of the IADC Drilling Manual may conflict with
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by the reader.
CONTRIBUTORS and REVIEWERS

Dan Postler, Sierra Hamilton
Dusty Sonnier, McCoy Global Inc.
Fred Dupriest, Texas A&M University
Stewart Barker, Albany Technical Services
Alistair Brodie, VAM Oilfield Service
Antoine Caillard, Vallourec
Dan Dall’Acqua, Volant Products Inc.
Malcolm Gray-Stephens, Frank's International
W.H. “Buster” Hamley, Weatherford
Neil Kimbler, Besco Tubular
Bob Moe, Viking Engineering
Kevin Robertson, EMAS Energy Services Ltd.
Allen Sinnot, Weatherford
Matthew Allen, Volant Products Inc.
CT–ii CASING AND TUBING
This is a chapter of the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition.
Copyright © 2015 International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Houston, Texas.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
without the prior written permission of the publisher.
International Association of Drilling Contractors

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Houston, Texas 77042
USA
ISBN: 978-0-9909049-2-2
Printed in the United States of America.
IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

CASING AND TUBING CT-iii
CHAPTER CT
CASING AND TUBING

Contents
Introduction..................................................................... CT-1 Summary of API casing grades...............................CT-10
Types of casing and tubing......................................... CT-1 OCTG marking..............................................................CT-10
Drive, structural and conductor casing........... CT-1 Transportation and handling....................................CT-12
Surface casing........................................................ CT-1 Transport and offloading...................................CT-12
Intermediate casing.............................................. CT-1 Handling.................................................................CT-12
Drilling liners........................................................... CT-2 Tubular storage.............................................................CT-13
Production casing and tiebacks......................... CT-2 Pipe racks��CT-13
Tubing....................................................................... CT-2 Storage coatings and compounds..................CT-13
OCTG materials............................................................. CT-2 Thread protectors................................................CT-13
Manufacturing methods...................................... CT-2 Running procedure......................................................CT-14
OCTG labels............................................................CT-4 Running tools and equipment..........................CT-15
OCTG specifications.............................................CT-4 Pick-up and lay-down tools..............................CT-22
Corrosion..........................................................................CT-9 References.....................................................................CT-24
Sour service corrosion (SSC).............................CT-9

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CASING AND TUBING CT-1
Introduction •• Allows for installation of a full mud circulation system,

when formations are sufficiently stable;
Tubulars are selected for the specific conditions anticipated
•• Guides the drill string and subsequent casing into the
in a given well. The anticipated production flow rates and
hole;
economics of the well determine tubing size, which then de-
•• Can form a part of the piling system offshore for a
termines the necessary size of each previous hole and tubu-
wellhead jacket or piled platform. In subsea wells the
lar. Once the tubular size and setting depths are determined,
conductor may form an integral part of the structural
the wall thickness and grade of material are then chosen by
support for the wellhead system;
the well designer to ensure the strength is adequate for the
•• Provide centralization for the inner casing strings, which
expected loads. Material grade is also selected to ensure it
limits potential buckling of subsequent casing strings;
is appropriate for the fluids the tubular will encounter; cor-
•• Minimize shallow lost returns;
rosion resistant alloys (CRA) may be required in some envi-
•• Provides a mount in onshore applications for a diverter
ronments such as CO2 or H2S. Finally, tubular connections
system that would be used in the event of an
are selected based on dimensional needs, load capacity, and
unexpected shallow influx.
gas-vs-liquid sealability.
Conductor casings can be driven or jetted to depth or, alter-
This chapter discusses types of casing and tubing; OCTG
natively, run into a predrilled or jetted hole and cemented.
manufacturing, labeling and specifications; corrosion; API
casing grades; transportation and handling; storage; and
running procedures. Surface casing
Surface casing is installed to:
•• Prevent poorly consolidated shallow formations from
Pipe types sloughing into the hole;
There are two basic types of pipes used in oil and gas ex-
•• Enable full mud circulation;
ploration and production and standardized by the American
•• Protect fresh water sands from contamination by
Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Standards
drilling mud;
Organization (ISO).
•• Provide protection against hydrocarbons found at
For in-well services (i.e., below the wellhead oil country tu- shallow depths;
bular goods [OCTG]): •• Provide initial support for the blowout preventers;
• • Casing: API 5CT/ISO 11960 with API 5B/ISO 10422 for •• Provide kick resistance for deeper drilling;
threads; •• Support the wellhead system and all subsequent casing
• • Tubing: API 5CT/ISO 11960 with API 5B/ISO 10422 for strings.
threads.
The surface casing string is typically cemented to the sur-
Per API, the specification differences between casing and face or seabed. it is usually the first casing on which blowout
tubing are: preventers are installed. The amount of protection provided
• • Length of the drift mandrel: 6 in. or 12 in. for casing and against internal pressure will only be as effective as the for-
42 in. for tubing; mation strength at the casing shoe.
• • Joint strength calculation method: Minimum tensile
strength for casing, and minimum yield strength for Intermediate casing
tubing. Intermediate casing is used to ensure there is adequate
blowout protection for deeper drilling and to isolate forma-
This chapter specifically covers casing and tubing. For in- tions that could cause drilling problems. The first intermedi-
formation on drill pipe, heavyweight drill pipe and drill col- ate string is typically the first casing providing full blowout
lars, please refer to the separate chapter Drillstring of the protection. An intermediate casing string is nearly always
IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition. For additional advice on set in the transition zone associated with the onset of signif-
drillpipe practices, refer to the separate chapter on Drilling icant overpressures. If the well could encounter severe lost
Practices. circulation zone(s), intermediate casing would normally be
set in a competent formation below the loss zone.
Types of casing and tubing Intermediate casing can also be used to case off any known
hydrocarbon-bearing intervals as a contingency against the
Drive, structural and conductor casing possibility of encountering lost circulation, with attendant
The main purpose of this first string of pipe is to protect
well control problems. An intermediate string may also be
unconsolidated shallow formations from erosion by drilling
set simply to reduce the overall cost of drilling and com-
fluids. Additional functions of the first casing string include:
pleting the well by isolating intervals that have caused me-

CT-2 CASING AND TUBING
chanical problems in the past. Intermediate casing may be be completed, produced and controlled throughout its life.
required to isolate: On exploration wells, this life may amount to only a very
•• Swelling clays and shale that can result in tight hole and short testing period, but on most development wells it will
key seats; span many years, during which multiple repairs and recom-
•• Brittle caving shale or weak zones prone to washout and pletions might be performed. Production casing should be
creation of persistent on bottom fill; designed to retain its integrity throughout its life. In most
•• Salt intervals; cases, production casing must provide full pressure redun-
•• Chemically active formations that can upset mud dancy to the tubing, isolate the productive intervals, facili-
chemistry; tate proper reservoir maintenance and/or prevent the influx
•• Over-pressured permeable formations; of undesired fluids.
•• Hole sections that are used to deviate the wellbore;
•• High permeability sand(s); The size of the production casing is selected to accommo-
•• Partly-depleted reservoirs that could cause differential date the optimum method of completion and production,
sticking. along with:
•• Well flow potential, i.e., tubing size;
A good well designer should plan to combine as many of •• Possibility of a multiple tubing string completion;
these objectives as possible when selecting a single cas- •• Space required for downhole equipment, such as safety
ing point. A liner may be used instead of a full intermediate valves, artificial lift equipment, etc.;
casing string and difficult wells may actually contain several •• Potential well servicing and recompletion requirements;
intermediate casings and/or liners. •• Adequate annular clearances to permit circulation at
reasonable rates and pressures.
Drilling liners
A drilling liner is essentially a string of intermediate casing It is also possible that the production casing itself could be
that does not extend all the way to surface. It is hung off in or used as production tubing to maximize well deliverability
above the previous casing shoe and is usually cemented over (casing flow), to minimize the pressure losses during frac-
its entire length to ensure it seals within the previous cas- ture stimulations, for continuous or batch chemical injection
ing string. In many subsea well designs, the liner is partially or for lift gas.
cemented around the shoe, and a liner lap packer is used to
seal the liner top. This is necessary when the fracture gradi- Tubing
ent cannot withstand the equivalent circulating density re- The pipe centered in the annulus of an oil and/or gas well
sulting from the pressure drops associated with cementing through which the hydrocarbons flow to the surface from
the entire liner. the formation is called tubing. It is important to size tubing
properly. If too small, production will be restricted, limiting
Drilling liners may be installed to: the profitability of the well. However, tubing that is too large
•• Increase shoe strength to allow further mud density can reduce fluid velocity and allow for build up of produced
increases; water that can kill the well. Large tubing will also affect the
•• Isolate troublesome zones; economics of the project, adding to the cost of the overall
•• Satisfy rig tension load limitations; well design.
•• Minimize the length of reduced hole diameter to
overcome possible adverse effects on drilling hydraulics OCTG materials
and the size of drill pipe that can be used; For OCTG, material “type” describes the composition of the
•• Save money compared to running a full string. steel used in manufacturing of the pipe, which impacts re-
There are a number of disadvantages to installing liners: sistance to various types of corrosion. The type of material
•• Difficulty obtaining a quality cement job; for OCTG must be appropriate for the corrosiveness of the
•• Risk of liner running equipment being cemented in the operating environment. The six material types for OCTG are
hole; shown in Table CT-1.
•• The liner lap represents a potential source of influx and
typically must be isolated by a retrievable bridge plug if Manufacturing methods
it is necessary to remove the blowout preventer stack; OCTG pipe is manufactured by either a welded or seamless
•• The lap must be tested with both positive and negative process.
pressure and remedial action taken if it fails to perform.
•• Welded tubulars are generally large diameter with
Production casing and tiebacks relatively thin walls, suitable for structural pipe,
Production casing is the conduit through which the well will conductors, surface casing, and marine risers. Welded

Table CT-1: The six materials used for OCTG manufacture

Material Name Governing specification Application
Non-corrosive wells
Carbon steels API 5CT/ ISO 11960
Sour service without CO2
13% Cr Martensitic API 5CT/ ISO 11960 Sweet corrosion (CO2)
API 5CRA/ ISO13680

Super 13 Martensitic Sweet corrosion (CO2) and temperature
Group1
API 5CRA/ ISO13680
22% Cr or 25% duplex or super duplex Sour service + CO2
Group 2
28% Cr Austenitic API 5CRA/ ISO13680
Highly corrosive: Fit for purpose testing
(Fe base alloys) Group 3
Alloy 825, G3, C276. API 5CRA/ ISO13680
Extremely corrosive: Fit-for-purpose testing
Nickel base alloys Group 4
pipe is sometimes used for other applications such as continuous rolling mill to produce a continuous
intermediate casing, production casing, and tubing, tube;
though these applications are less common, especially s s Push Bench: First billets are heated to rolling
in the smaller diameters. Welded pipes have generally temperature, and then moved through the
good dimensional properties and are generally less cylindrical dies of a piercing press, where they
expensive but have limitations: become thick-walled pierced billets (a.k.a.,
s s Prohibited for API 5CRA tubulars; "hollow") closed at one end. Later the hollows are
s s Not suitable to 13 Cr; stretched using a 3-roll elongator, thereby leveling
s s Not suitable to sour service. Only accepted for the wall thickness. Once elongated the hollow is
L80, forbidden when higher strength properties moved to a push bench, where a mandrel is
are required; inserted and it passes through a series of rollers.
s s Prohibited for couplings and accessories, per API The hollow passes roller to roller, resulting in
5CT; smaller wall thicknesses. Finally a hot saw
s s Limited wall thickness because of weld limitation removes the closed end from the hollow.
in wall.
•• Multi-stand plug mill (MPM) with controlled floating
•• Seamless pipe is suitable for all types of material and mandrel and plug mill: 140-406 mm (51/2-16 in.);
grades, and is preferred when well conditions are s s MPMs and Plug Mills: In Plug mills a solid round
severe. Per API 5CRA, all CRA tubulars are seamless. (billet) is used. It is uniformly heated in the rotary
Because of manufacturing limitations, seamless pipe is hearth heating furnace and then pierced by a
generally only available in diameters of 18 in. or less. piercer. The pierced billet or hollow shell is
roll-reduced in outside diameter and wall
Seamless tube manufacturing thickness. The rolled tube simultaneously
There are multiple seamless steel-tube manufacturing pro- burnished inside and outside by a reeling
cesses that originated at the end of the 19th century. These machine. The reeled tube is then sized by a sizing
include: mill to the specified dimensions. From this step
the tube goes through a straightener. This process
•• Continuous mandrel rolling process and push bench completes the hot working of the tube. The tube
process: 21-178 mm (0.8-7.0 in.); (referred to as a mother tube) becomes a finished
s s Continuous mandrel rolling process: 7 to 9 product after finishing and inspection.
tandem rolling stands continuously mill and
elongate the hollow shell of the tube over a •• Cross-roll Piercing and Pilger rolling process: 250-660
floating mandrel bar to produce a final tube. mm (10-26.0 in.);
Starting material is generally round rolled billets. s s Cross-roll Piercing and Pilgering Stand: Piercing a
First the material is heated, then pierced to solid billet with two or three profiled working rolls
produce a hallow shell. At this point the piece is rotating in the same direction is the basis of the
elongated anywhere from 2 to 4 times its initial cross –roll pilgering process. Once it is completed
length. Finally the shell is rolled out in the the thick-walled hollow shell is rolled through a
pilgering process to produce the finished pipe.

Table CT-2: Casing and tubing tolerances Table CT-3: Wall thickness tolerance*
OD < 4 ½ in. OD ≥ 4 ½ in. Per API 5CRA QT Per API 5CRA
Per API 5CT
+/- 0.031 in. and SA** CH***
-0.5% / +1%
+/- 0.79 mm Min, % Min, % Min, %
-12.5 -12.5 -10
The pilgering stand generally has two rolls, with a
*Max tolerance is driven by actual weight for all
tapered pass around the circumference. The rolls ** For quenched and tempered or solution-annealed products
rotate in the opposite direction from the material. *** For cold-hardened products
OCTG Labels and through the threaded and coupled (T&C) connections
Casing and tubing are generally described with four labels: in inches or mm. API defines three types of drift dimensions:
••Size; standard, alternate, and special.
••Weight;
••Grade; Standard drift dimensions are given in the Tables CT-4 and
•• End finish and thread. CT-5.
For example, casing bearing the label “9-5/8 47 P-110 BTC”

»» Alternate drift
Alternate drift is used when the standard drift does not meet
has a 9.625-in. diameter, 47-lb/ft nominal weight, P-110
the user’s operational requirements. API has defined some
grade, and Buttress (BTC) threads.
alternate drift sizes that are outside the standard drift for-
Size and weight labels are referred to as the designation in mula, but which can be achieved within normal manufac-
the API specifications. API Spec 5CT/ISO 11960 lists the turing tolerances. For example, 9 5/8-in., 53.5-lb/ft pipe has
various size and weight designations and the standardized a standard API drift of 8.379 in., but can be offered with an
grade and available end finishes for API casing and tubing, alternate drift of 8.5 in. Alternate drift must be specified by
respectively. the user at the time of purchase.
Knowledge of dimensional characteristics and performance

»» Special drift
Special drift is a specific drift diameter agreed between sup-
properties of OCTG tubing or casing strings is essential for
plier and purchaser. The “special drift” option can have an
all who work on oil and gas wells.
impact on the OD of the tubular as it is often necessary to
shift the OD tolerances above maximum. In this case, the
OCTG Specifications pipe would be considered “oversized”, and no longer com-
pliant with API.
Outer diameter (OD)
This size designation establishes the outside diameter in
inches (in.) or millimeters (mm), as shown in Table CT-2.
Inside diameter (ID)
The size/weight designation defines the inside diameter of
the pipe body in inches (or mm). There are no specified tol-
Wall Thickness
erances for the inside diameter of the pipe body; it is gov-
For a particular size, the weight designation determines the
erned by the outside diameter and weight tolerances. Ex-
nominal pipe body wall thickness in inches or mm (Table
treme line casing and integral joint tubing have special inside
CT-3). Although wall thickness tolerance is normally a nomi-
diameter drift requirements.
nal value, buyers can request a specific measurement of wall
thickness. Tolerances may also be changed by agreement
between the purchaser and supplier.
Weight
The size/weight designation determines the mass (i.e., the
nominal plain end unit weight) of the pipe body. Although
Drift diameter
generally expressed in pounds per foot (lb/ft), the nominal
OCTG users must be assured that the pipe will have suf-
weight given by API and manufacturer literature is actually
ficient clearance to allow a bottomhole assembly (BHA)
dimensionless and is only a nominal value. The dimension-
or other drilling or completion tool to pass through it. The
less weight designation is an adequate approximation of the
internal clearance of an OCTG is proven by the ability to
mass of the pipe in lb/ft (x 1.4895 for kg/m). Actual weight
pass a mandrel of specified diameter and length through
depends on wall thickness tolerances, OD tolerances, and
the pipe’s full length. This mandrel is called a drift mandrel.
connection weight. When nominal weight is unknown, a tu-
Drift should not be confused with internal diameter (ID), as
bular can be specified with only the nominal outside diame-
any given ID is only a nominal value. The size and weight
ter and nominal wall thickness.
designation determines the drift diameter of the pipe body

Table CT-4: Standard drift dimensions for API 5CT Table CT-5: Standard drift dimensions for API
tubulars 5CRA tubulars
Drift Drift Drift
Drift Length,
OD range, in. Length, Diameter*, OD range, in. Diameter*,
in. (mm)
in. (mm) in. (mm): in. (mm):
OD ≤ 2 ⅞ d-3/32 (2.38) OD ≤ 2 7/8 d – 3/32 (d-2.38)
Tubing 2 ⅞ < OD ≤ 8 ⅝ 42 (1,067) d-⅛ (3.18) Tubing 4 (1067)
OD > 2 7/8 d – 1/8 (d – 3.18)
8 ⅝ < OD < 10 ¾ d-5/32 (3.97)
4 ½ ≤ OD < 9 ⅝ 6 (152) d-⅛ (d-3.18) OD ≤ 8 5/8 6 (152) d – 1/8 (d-3.18)
Casing
Casing 9 ⅝ ≤ OD ≤ 13 ⅝ d-5/32 (d-3.97)
12 (305) OD > 8 5/8 12 (305) d - 5/32 (d – 3.97)
OD > 13 ⅜ d-3/16 (d-4.76)
* d = nominal OD - 2x nominal wall thickness
* d = nominal OD - 2x nominal wall thickness
Weight tolerances are: External clearance

•• Single lengths: +6.5%, -3.5%; The OD of an OCTG tube body is generally NOT the largest
•• Carload lots (40,000 lb or 18,140 kg minimum): -1.75%, diameter of the joint of pipe, because the connections are
with no + tolerance. often larger than the tube body. Users need to know the ex-
ternal clearance between the tubular and the hole or outer
Grade tubular in which it is installed. The largest outside diameter
For API OCTG, material “grade” is a letter and/or number measured across the full length of the casing or tubing is the
combination that signifies the composition and mechanical coupling OD for T&C pipes or the OD at the box end level for
strength of the tubular. The grade of steel sets the mechan- integral semi-flush connections. API specifications define
ical properties and corrosion resistance of the product. Cer- the coupling OD for API connections. For proprietary con-
tain grades also carry restrictions on the process of manu- nections, the coupling diameter is obtained by machining.
facture and heat treatment. The values should be provided by the supplier.
»» Grade naming for API 5CT (non-CRA) Casing and tubing lengths
The names of the API 5CT grades are a combination of one The Range length and tolerances are listed in API RP 5CT/
prefix letter and one number. Past practice associated the IS011960 and in API RP 5CRA/ISO 13680. Due to the various
prefix letter with quality, with early letters in the alphabet manufacturing processes used to make pipe, pipe lengths
indicating poorer performance: the closer to “A”, the worse can vary considerably from one mill to another for the same
the performance. However, this is no longer true and can product and within the same product from the same mill.
be confusing. Currently, the prefix letter has no particular Conversely, pipe lengths can be very consistent. By agree-
significance with three exceptions, two of which indicate ment between purchaser and supplier, special ranges may
suitability for sour service, while the third indicates ultimate be defined due to rig constraints, transportation in closed
strength difference: containers, etc.
•• L and N 80 (L grade suitable for sour service);
•• R and T 95 (T grade suitable for sour service); For operational purposes, all tubulars should be individual-
•• J and K 55 (K grade has higher ultimate strength). ly measured. At the mill and in the pipe yard, the lengths
of pipe are measured from the end of the coupling, or box
Grade number corresponds to the specified minimum yield connection, to the end of the pin. For the running (rig or drill-
strength (SMYS) of the material in thousands of psi (ksi). For er's) tally, the lengths of pipe are measured, "less threads"
example, material grade C90 has minimum yield strength of (i.e., from the end of the coupling, or box connection, to the
90 ksi (90,000 psi). position on the pin that will be flush with the end of the box
»» Grade naming for API 5CRA connection made up fully on the prior run joint).
The names of the API 5CRA grades are a combination of
four numbers separated by dashes. The first 3 numbers Casing and tubing strength
represent the material composition in chromium, nickel and Please refer to API 5C3/ISO 10400 for detailed calculations:
molybdenum, while the fourth corresponds to the SMYS of
•• Pipe body yield strength (PBYS) is the maximum
the material in ksi. For example, 27-31-4-110 CRA material
tensile load that can be applied to the pipe body without
contains 27% chromium, 31% nickel, and 4% molybdenum,
yielding the steel (in the absence of internal and
with a SMYS of 110 ksi.

Table CT-6: API 5CT grades, YS range and tensile strengths

Yield Strength ksi Tensile strength
Grade Type min. max. ksi
H40 40 80 60
J55 55 80 75
K55 55 80 95
Group 1
N80 1 80 110 100
N80 Q 80 110 100
R95 95 110 105
M65 65 85 85
L80 1 80 95 95
L80 9Cr 80 95 95
Group 2 L80 13Cr 80 95 95
C90 1 90 105 100
T95 1 95 110 105
C110 110 120 115
Group 3 P110 110 140 125
Group 4 Q125 1 125 150 135
Table CT- 7: Range length for API RP 5CT tubulars

Range 1 Range 2 Range 3
Min 18 ft (4.88 m) 28 ft (7.62 m) 36 ft (10.36 m)
Casing* Max 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m) 48 ft (14.63 m)
Variation 6 ft (1.83 m)) 5 ft (1.52 m) 6 ft (1.83 m))
Min 20 ft (6.10 m) 28 ft (8.53 m) 38 ft (11.58 m)
Tubing** Max 24 ft (7.31 m) 32 ft (9.75 m) 42 ft (12.80 m)
Variation 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m)
Min 20 ft (6.10 m) 28 ft (8.53 m) 38 ft (11.58 m)
Integral joint
Max 26 ft (7.92 m) 34 ft (10.36 m) 45 ft (13.72 m)
tubing
* 95% of the order shall meet the values shown in the table above for casing. The last 5% minimum values may be smaller and variation on
lengths may be more scattered (see API 5CT).
** Range 3 Tubing can be increased to 45 ft max by agreement between Purchaser and manufacturer.

Table CT-8: Range length for API 5 CRA Tubulars

Range 1 Range 2 Range 3
Min 16 ft (4.88 m) 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m)
Casing or tubing Max 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m) 48 ft (14.63 m)
mended practices, and specifications describing minimum

Table CT-9: Pup joint length tolerance requirements for the manufacture and physical perfor-
+ / - 3 in. (+ /- 76 mm) mance of API connections. The specifications most com-
monly used are:
external pressure, bending and torsion). It is defined as •• API Specification 5CT/ISO 11960, “Specification for
the product of the cross-sectional area and the Casing and Tubing”;
specified minimum yield strength for the particular
grade of pipe ; •• API Specification 5B, “Threading, Gauging, and Thread
Inspection of Casing, Tubing, and Line Pipe Threads”.
•• Internal yield pressure (often referred to as burst
pressure) is the internal pressure that is guaranteed API connections have been in use for decades and have
before risk of pipe yielding; Per API 5C3, it is based on proven to perform well in many applications. However, the
specified minimum yield strength for the particular increased structural, dimensional, and sealability demands
grade of pipe, outside diameter, and minimum wall placed on tubulars, particularly in hostile well environments,
thickness; have led to the development of a number of proprietary
(non-API) connection designs.
•• External pressure resistance is often referred to as
collapse pressure. Collapse is an unstable failure mode Both API and proprietary connections can have different end
leading to a sudden deformation of the pipe body. It finishes. They may be:
cannot be calculated from a single simple formula. API •• Threaded and coupled (T&C);
5C3/ISO 10400 recognizes four collapse equations •• Integral joint (IJ);
based primarily on the outside diameter / thickness •• Flush joint (FJ).
(D/t) ratio.
Threaded and coupled connections
OCTG connections Threaded and coupled connections (T&C) are the most
Lengths of casing and tubing are joined together with common connection in use (Figure CT-1). They consist of
threaded connections. Besides joining the pipe together, two externally threaded ends of pipe (called pin ends) joined
connections must withstand all expected wellbore loads for together by a shorter internally threaded section of pipe
the life of the well (e.g., tension and compression, collapse stock (called a coupling or collar). The OD of the coupling is
and burst pressures, and bending). In addition to wellbore larger than the OD of the pipe body. Note that the ID of the
loads, connections often must meet other requirements that API connection is not flush. It therefore creates turbulence
may include OD/ID clearance, makeup characteristics, and in fluid returns. This, in turn, can cause washout in the tur-
hostile-service environments. bulent zone, pushing API dope out and creating a leak path
in the API connection.
Although connections represent less than 3% of the length
of the pipe run in a well, they deserve spe-
cial care and handling. The integrity of the
entire wellbore can depend on them, and,
further, more than 90% of pipe string fail-
ures occur in the connection.
Casing and tubing connections are com-

monly categorized as either API connec-
tions or Proprietary connections. The API Figure CT-1: Threaded & coupled connection.
has published a number of standards, recom-

• Some proprietary connections have leak

resistance and higher pressure capabilities
that are superior to API connections;
• Proprietary connections are frequently

the best solution for small annular
clearance applications;
• Proprietary connections may also be

chosen because of superior makeup
Figure CT-2: Integral-joint (IJ) connection. characteristics. A connection’s resistance
to galling, mishandling, or cross threading
can greatly affect its performance.
Proprietary connections generally have
less thread interference than API
connections and as a result usually have
greater resistance to galling.
ERW pipe
In calculating performance properties,
API/ISO specifications treat casing and
Figure CT-3: Flush-joint (FJ) connection.
tubing manufactured by the electric re-
sistance weld (ERW) process the same as
»» Integral-joint connections casing and tubing manufactured by the seamless process.
Integral-joint (IJ) connections were developed to provide a However, this is not the case in specifying which of the two
strong, leak-tight connection with an OD that was smaller manufacturing processes are suitable for sour service. API
than a T&C connection while reducing problems with down- 5CT stipulates that sour service grades of casing and tubing,
hole makeup or tight clearances. IJ connections do not use L80, C90 and T95, must be manufactured using the seam-
couplings, but instead require some form of pipe expansion less process. This was done because of concerns about
to achieve the desired tensile strength. An IJ connection maintaining acceptable sour service metallurgical proper-
consists of two joints of pipe, joined together by an inter- ties across the weld area. There are other API requirements
nally threaded box end and an externally threaded pin end, particular to ERW tubular products:
and has only half as many potential leak paths as a T&C con- •• There are special chemistry requirements for ERW
nection. Figure CT-2 shows a schematic of an IJ connection. P-110;
•• There are special heat treating requirements for ERW
The integral-joint connection shown in Figure CT-2 has had
P-110 and Q-125;
both the pin and box upset for improved tensile load carrying
•• Any pipe component with an API threaded box (female
capacity. Many IJ connections are used for liner applications
thread) must be made of seamless material.
or for contingency casing strings where clearances are par-
ticularly tight. Some of the benefits of ERW pipe are:
»» Flush-joint connections •• Since the pipe starts out as a flat plate, tight control of
Flush-joint (FJ) connections are a special class of IJ con- the wall thickness is easily achieved;
nections developed to provide high-pressure integrity in •• The inside surface finish condition can also be
applications with small annular clearance. A true flush-joint controlled to some extent while the pipe is still in the
connection has OD and ID dimensions equal to that of the plate configuration;
pipe body itself. The thread is cut directly onto the pipe wall •• ERW pipe is available in much larger diameters than
with no upsetting and no coupling. Therefore, the connec- seamless.
tion tensile strength is relatively low as compared to IJ, and
ERW pipe introduces additional quality control measures
especially as compared to T&C connections. Figure CT-3
associated with the process used to produce the weld seam:
shows a flush-joint connection.
»» Proprietary connections •• The pressure welding process used to join the seam
Proprietary connections are used when API connections requires very tight quality control;
cannot meet one or more of the requirements for the well.
For example:

•• Heat treatment and ultrasonic inspection of the weld SSC characteristics

seam must also be tightly controlled and documented. •• SSC is a hydrogen-induced phenomenon that can be
nearly instantaneous;
ERW manufactured pipe is currently used in many drilling
•• As temperature increases, a material’s tolerance for
and completion applications by a broad cross section of op-
H2S increases;
erators, with the exception of those applications excluded by
•• As yield strength increases, the material’s tolerance to
API Specifications and mentioned above. It is worth noting
H2S decreases;
that many of the expanded tubular applications utilize ERW
•• CO2 has no direct effect on SSC, but it can lower the pH
casing because of its consistent wall thickness. Uniform wall
of the environment, which will encourage cracking.
thickness is critical to achieving a uniform expansion and
this implies at least one reason why ERW pipe is widely used
SSC resistance
for this application.
The resistance of steel to SSC is a function of chemical, met-
allurgical and mechanical properties of the steel, and is also
Corrosion affected by:
Corrosion can have a major detrimental effect on the me- •• Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the environment;
chanical integrity of tubing and casing systems and must be •• H2S concentration and total pressure;
considered in the design. Corrosion can attack the pipe in ••Stress;
two ways: ••Temperature;
••Time.
1.• Metal loss will reduce the wall thickness of the casing
and lead to a corresponding reduction in its load Alloying elements can lead to a significant improvement in
resistance. This is typical of CO2 corrosion; the SSC resistance.
2.• The pipe material can be damaged to an extent that it

Hardness
can no longer withstand operating loads. The most
In addition to the chemistry, one of the most significant me-
severe forms of this type of corrosion are corrosion
chanical properties affecting SSC resistance is steel hard-
fatigue, sulfide or chloride stress-corrosion cracking,
ness, which reflects steel strength. Since higher-strength,
and hydrogen damage. These can lead to sudden and
higher-hardness steel has less SSC resistance, maximum
often catastrophic failure of the material. The corrosion
hardness values are specified for the various steels.
resistance of a particular material is affected by
complex interactions of many factors, including:
Corrosion resistant alloys (CRA)
•• The material under corrosive attack, The vast majority of oilfield applications utilize low-alloy
carbon steel for tubular, wellhead, and other pressure-con-
•• The composition and concentration of the corrosive taining purposes. Generally, more expensive corrosion re-
agents such as CO2, H2S, Salts (NaCI, CaCl2, MgCl2), sistant alloys (CRA) may be appropriate for one or more of
elemental Sulfur (S), and Oxygen (O2), the following reasons.
•• Weight loss and pitting corrosion resistance;
•• Temperature, pressure, and a host of other factors that •• Velocity Enhancement;
must be considered by the well designer but are beyond •• Higher Strength.
the scope of this chapter.
Sour service conclusion
Sour service corrosion (SSC) Many environmental factors influence the suitability of any
given material in a given medium. Foremost among these
Sour environments and sour service are partial pressures of H2S, CO2, concentration of chlo-
An environment can contain H2S without being considered rides, and temperature. Other influencing parameters in-
a sour environment or necessitating sour-service OCTG. clude pH, and carbonate (HCO3) concentration, produced
The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) water concentration, and a myriad of produced formation
MR0175 defines a sour environment according to the partial minerals. When planning casing for an H2S application, the
pressures of H2S in the well; environments that contain H2S casing designer should select materials with care and with-
concentrations lower than those specified by NACE are not in the guidelines of NACE MRO175. A qualified metallurgist
considered sour and design for H2S is not necessary. should always be involved in assessing the severity of a cor-
rosive environment and in recommending appropriate tubu-
lars and/or corrosion monitoring and mitigation measures.

Summary of API casing grades s s Relatively expensive.

••P-110
The following is a summary overview of API casing grades,
s s Fit for H2S service at temperatures greater than
with comments regarding suitability for sour service. This is
175°F;
not intended to be a definitive classification and a qualified
s s Minimal chemistry requirements.
metallurgist should be involved in the selection of any mate-
••C-110
rials for sour service.
s s A proprietary sour service grade that may or may
••H-40
not be fit for H2S service at all temperatures.
s s Used for non-critical, shallow wells;
Suitability depends on a number of factors
s s Do not use for sour service applications.
including: the manufacturer, the pH of the
••J-55
produced fluids, and the partial pressure of H2S;
s s Fit for H2S service at all temperatures;
s s Relatively expensive.
s s Often used for shallow tubing strings.
••Q-125
••K-55
s s Type 1 is fit for H2S service at temperatures
greater than 225°F;
s s Often used for large diameter surface casing
s s Often used for critical service wells.
strings, although line pipe grades X-52 and X-56
••S-135
are becoming a popular replacement.
s s Not suitable for sour service at any temperature.
••M-65
••U-140
s s Fit for H2S service at all temperatures.
s s Not suitable for sour service at any temperature;
••L-80
s s May be very brittle and generally discouraged for
OCTG service.
s s Has a maximum hardness requirement;
••V-150
s s Often used for sour service production casing,
s s Not suitable for sour service at any temperature;
production liners, and tubing.
s s May be very brittle and generally discouraged for
••N-80
OCTG service.
s s Fit for H2S service at temperatures greater than
150 °F for quenched and tempered (Q&T); If an electric weld (EW) product is used, use only products
s s Fit for H2S service at temperatures greater than with a full body anneal as opposed to a seam-annealed
175 °F if not Q&T. product.
••C-90
s s Type 1 grade fit for H2S service at all
temperatures;
OCTG Marking
Characteristics of API tubulars are identified by die stamp-
s s Has a maximum hardness requirement;
ings or stencil markings. The markings, which assist in vi-
s s An SSC test is required to demonstrate a
sually inspecting and verifying the pipe, provide all key el-
minimum threshold stress of 80% of YP;
ements: manufacturer’s name or mark, size, weight, grade,
s s This grade is becoming obsolete in favor of T-95.
length, manufacturing process, hydrostatic pressure test
May be used for sour service production casing
and thread type.
and production liners when L-80 does not have
enough strength for the desired wall thickness. API Spec 5CT/ISO 11960 requires API tubulars to be identi-
••R-95 fied with paint stencil markings (or die stampings) to aid in
s s R-95 is not a sour service grade; the process of visual inspection and verification. The mark-
s s Fit for H2S service at temperatures greater than ings give the manufacturer’s name or mark, size, weight,
150°F; grade, length, process of manufacture, hydrostatic pressure
s s Used for intermediate casing strings that may be test, and the type of thread. Table CT-10 summarizes the
exposed to H2S during a gas kick. tubular paint stencil information requirements of API Spec
••T-95 5CT/ISO 11960, and Figure CT-4 shows the locations for the
s s Type 1 grade fit for H2S service at all markings on the pipe.
temperatures;
s s Has a maximum hardness requirement; Figure CT-4 indicates the pipe was rolled by XYZ manufac-
s s An SSC test is required to demonstrate a turing company and produced to API Spec 5CT/ISO 11960.
minimum threshold stress of 80% of YP; (Use of “API” is optional.) The “41” indicates the date of
s s Often used for HPHT sour gas production casing manufacture, with the “4” denoting 2014 (or any year end-
strings when L-80 and C-90 do not have enough ing in “4” such as 2024) and the “1” the quarter of the year.
strength for the desired wall thickness;

Table CT-10: Tubular paint stencil requirementsa,b
Marking Sequence Grade
Manufacturer’s name or mark All Grades
ISO 11960 with date of manufacture. Inclusion of “API” is optional. All Grades
Unthreaded pipe or special end finishc All Grades
Size All Grades
Weight per ft All Grades
Grade All Grades
Heat treatmentc Grades J55, K55, M65
Manufacturing process All Grades
Supplementary requirementsb All Grades
Hydrostatic test pressure All Grades
Type of threadc All Grades
Full Length driftc All Grades
Serialization of products Grades C-90, T-95, Q-125
Notes:
a Source: API Spec 5CT, ISO 11960.
b A die stamp may be substituted for the paint stencil by mutual agreement of the manufacturer and the purchaser.
c If applicable.
“UF” indicates the pipe was shipped with

unfinished ends (threading to be done by
2 ft 2 ft
another party). The pipe is 7 ⅝ in., 39 lb/ft
and grade Q125 Type 1. “S” indicates the pipe Paint stencil
was manufactured by the seamless process, marking in this area
and “P10000” means that it was hydrostat-
ic pressure tested to 10,000 psi. Finally, “D”
indicates the pipe was drifted along its full XYZ ISO 11960 41 UF 7-5/8 39.00 Q1 S P10000 D
length with an API standard drift.
Paint band
API couplings are also required to have spe-
Coupling paint
cific markings. However, because of space
limitations on the coupling, this information
is generally die stamped rather than paint 42.23 ft
stenciled. In general, the markings on the
coupling include the manufacturer’s name
or symbol, ISO 11960 with manufacture date, Figure CT-4: Location of paint stencil marking and paint
thread type, and the grade. bands. See text for a discussion of the markings.
API Spec 5CT/ISO 11960 also require that pipe and cou- •• A paint band encircling the pipe at a distance not greater
plings be identified by color-coded paint bands to indicate than 2 feet from the coupling or box end;
the grade. The paint bands are applied by one or more of the
following methods: •• Paint entire outside surface of coupling;

Table CT-11: ISO pipe paint color code identification

J55 Tubing One bright green C90 Type 2 One purple, one yellow
J55 Casing One bright green T95 Type 1 One silver
K55 Two bright green T95 Type 2 One silver, one yellow
M65 One bright green, one blue C95 One brown
N80 Type 1 One red P110 One white
N80 Q One red, one bright green Q125 Type 1 One orange
L80 Type 1 One red, one brown Q125 Type 2 One orange, one yellow
L80 9Cr One red, one brown, one yellow Q125 Type 3 One orange, one green
L80 13Cr One red, one brown, two yellow Q125 Type 4 One orange, one brown
C90 Type 1 One purple
•• For pup joints shorter than 6 ft in length, the entire a few miles, and at regular intervals thereafter during the
surface is painted, except the threads. journey.
The ISO pipe paint color code identification is summarized The stowage and transportation of tubulars by marine craft
in Table CT-11. is the sole responsibility of the Master of the marine vessel.
Handling of tubulars to and from the vessel should be gov-
Other paint codes that indicate the results or types of in- erned by the same guidelines indicated for land transport. In
spections performed at the pipe yard may also be present preparation for handling offshore, casing and tubing should
on the pipe. Inspection paint-code bands are red for reject- be bundled with slings and secured with a bulldog grip and a
ed pipe and white for accepted pipe. These bands will be plastic tie-wrap to prevent loosening of the bundle.
placed as close as possible to the coupling without conflict-
ing with pipe grade paint bands. The use of metallic supports and slings is acceptable for
carbon and low-alloy steel, but corrosion-resistant alloys
Transportation and handling should be placed on non-metallic supports, and forks of the
Tubular-handling practices are described in API Recom- forklift should be protected with wood or plastic. Textile or
mended Practice 5C1, “Recommended Practices for Care plastic-coated slings should be used for handling any CRA
and Use of Casing and Tubing”. Additional industry rigging material.
courses are available to teach standards and practices for
For safety reasons, use of hooks is not recommended for
working with forklift trucks and cranes. Personnel who
handling any type of tubular because of the possibility of
should receive training for handling of tubulars may include
accidental release. Instead of hooks, it is recommended to
roustabouts, floor hands, deck hands (offshore), riggers,
handle tubulars with slings and/or cables. Slings and cables
crane operators, drillers, deckhands, thread representa-
must be stored out of the weather and inspected prior to
tives, casing hands, drivers and dock hands.
storage. Damaged slings or cables must be handled accord-
ing to instructions for repair or destruction.
Transport and offloading
The forces applied to a load when a vehicle brakes, accel- Regardless of material, a sufficient number of supports are
erates, or changes directions may be sufficient to cause the required to accommodate the weight and quantity of the tu-
load to slide or shift Approved restraining devices should be bular. To prevent bending, space the supports evenly but no
sufficient to withstand a force equal to the total weight of farther than 10 ft apart.
the load acting in a forward direction when braking and half
the weight of the load acting backwards or sideways. An- Handling
chor points must be designed to resist twice the weight of Racking practices should allow protectors to be removed,
the load in any direction. Tensioning devices/lashings points connections inspected, and threads cleaned and doped.
should be checked prior to moving the loaded vehicle, after Provide a space equal to twice the circumference of one pipe
between tube bodies on each layer.

Unless a crane is available, pipes must be rolled to the cat- width in proportion. As a rough guide, the height of tubulars
walk. If pipes are higher than the catwalk, use planks of in a stack should not exceed the base width; therefore, when
wood to create a very slight slope. When rolling CRAs, use a planning pipe racks, allowance must be made for small
rope to control rolling speed. To pick up and position a joint quantities that require more space than the table indicates.
in the V-door, use a “single joint elevator” rather than a rope
or a chain to lift the pipe, or use a pick up/laydown machine Storage coatings and compounds
or hydraulic catwalk. The choice of preservative or coatings that may be applied to
protect stored tubulars depends on the corrosiveness of the
Impact of low temperatures environment and cost. Casing manufactured in accordance
Low temperature reduces the impact resistance of steel. with API RP 5CT will have a mill coating to protect it during
Pipes that are dropped, bent or deeply scratched should transit. If casing is to remain in storage for a long period, the
be inspected. Take care to avoid scratching surfaces when mill coating can be supplemented, or completely removed
separating frozen tubes, and do not hammer thread protec- and new coating applied. Internal and external surfaces of
tors to remove. Use a stabbing guide to avoid damage while production tubulars may be grit-blasted to achieve this and
making up connections, and ensure pin and box are similar thread protectors are fitted to prevent contamination. Par-
temperatures to ensure proper torque response. Use Arc- ticular care is need with notch-sensitive casing, such as C95
tic-grade thread lubricant when appropriate. and P110. (Notch-sensitive metals suffer significant strength
loss from notches.) If storage for more than three months is
Tubular storage expected, assess whether the mill coating is adequate, and
At the rig-site, tubulars are typically stored above ground or the pipe should be cleaned and coated internally and exter-
deck level on pipe racks. Tubulars stored for long periods nally, if needed. Evidence suggests that coatings may affect
in wet climates should be separated, using a plastic wedge acoustic cement evaluation logs and the seal itself. In critical
or T-piece to allow drainage and the rack should be tilted applications the external coating can be removed.
towards the pin-end to enhance self-drainage. For storing
Compounds are available that are specifically designed for
tubulars, use open-ended thread protectors to allow evap-
the tube body, or the connection threads. In addition, hybrid
oration.
compounds are available. Ensure the proper compound is
used for the intended service. Storage compounds should
Pipe racks also not be confused with thread compounds. Many com-
Practices for the design of pipe racks are provided in API
pounds contain elements such as lead, copper, zinc, arsenic,
RP 5C1, Section 6.3. The design depends on local condi-
antimony and molybdenum disulphide that may be harmful
tions, such as the required load-bearing capacity and de-
to the environment. These should be used in accordance
gree of permanency. Racks should be spaced at about 6.5
with the manufacturer's recommendations. Further, proper-
ft (2 m), which allows 20-ft (6.1-m) joints to be stored on
ties of storage compounds differ from those of running com-
two racks, and 40-ft (12.2-m) joints on four racks. Timbers
pounds. Consequently, using a storage compound to make
are often used for temporary stringers. Dimensions depend
up a connection could result in a result in a reject make up
on soil-bearing capacities, but 10 ft length x 10 in. diameter
and even a damaged connection, due to the friction factor &
generally suffices.
mating tolerances.
Layers must be separated and the separators must be
Ensure that any compound being spread on the connection
aligned vertically to avoid bending the pipe. Timbers of ap-
is clean and debris-free. The compound should be covered
proximately 5-in. (7.5-cm) diameter are commonly used as
at all times by protectors to prevent contamination from for-
separators, with a wedge secured to the timber at each end.
eign materials. (Sand & grit can score the seal of a connec-
Green timber should not be used, because their moisture
tion, rendering the connection unusable.)
content may cause corrosion. Stack height should not ex-
ceed 10 ft (3 m), including the pipe rack.
Thread protectors
The length of each pipe rack should accommodate Range 3 Thread protectors are used for shipping and are not ade-
tubulars. (Refer to Table CT-7 for lengths of Range 1-3 tubu- quate for running operations. Air-operated thread protec-
lars and to Table CT-8 for CRA tubulars.) The width should tors (Figure CT-7) used to prevent impact damage have an
not exceed 40 ft (12 m) nor be less than 20 ft (6 m). For inner diameter that can be made reduced by clamps or an air
transport and handling operations, allow a lane of not less bladder to enable the protector to grip the pin. These pro-
than 20 ft (6 m) wide on each side of the racks and a space tectors will also have a shoulder of an even smaller diameter
of approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) between racks. For small quan- for the end of the pin to rest on and to align the protector
tities, reduce the stacking height and increase the stacking when being placed. They are applied at the pipe deck and

Block or top drive
Link (bails)
Engage elevators
to pick casing
D rings up off slips, and
disengage slips
Sling
Power
tongs
Single Disengage slips,
joint elevator Power slips then lower
V door or casing tongs casing
Figure CT-5: Procedure for running casing or tubing. From left, pick up a joint positioned in the V-door. Next, make up a
new joint to the tubular hanging in the slips. Then engage elevators, release the slips and run the tubular into the hole.
removed just prior to stabbing the pipe. Heavier-capacity 2.• Pick up casing joint and position the upper box end in
versions can also be used to rack stands of pipe. the V-Door with tugger line, crane, or mechanical
pick-up machine;
Running procedure 3.• Latch single joint elevator below box. If casing does not
Casing and tubing may be run by either rig crews or specialty
have a square shoulder box, pick up on pre-installed lift
service companies that provide and operate running equip-
subs made up in box;.
ment, or a combination of both. The general procedure and
equipment utilized are illustrated in Figure CT-5. 4.• Raise block or top drive to pull casing through V-Door
and continue upward until the pin end is above the floor.
Procedures will vary with the type of elevators, spiders,
Remove the pin protector. Continue raising joint until
make-up equipment, and other factors. When using bails,
the casing pin is hanging vertically above the joint in the
it is important to use a specified length to ensure proper
spider or slips;
equipment spacing.
5.• Apply thread dope to pin and/or box, as directed by
General descriptions of each individual component of a cas-
operator's representative;
ing running system are provided in this chapter. The crew
should refer to the equipment manufacturer’s detailed pro- 6.• Lower joint and guide pin by hand into the box of the
cedures for rig-up, inspection, and operations for the specif- previous joint, ensuring that workers’ fingers are clear of
ic equipment used to run the casing. mating parts and pinch points;
1.• Clean all compounds from connections and drift full 7.• If a stabbing guide has been used on the box of the
length. Drifting can also be performed in the v-door to casing joint in the slips, remove it;
allow drift to free fall from box to pin end. Take care
when removing the pin end protector to ensure the drift 8.• Swing power casing tongs into position 1-2 ft above the
does not fall out; pin and close the side door;

Figure CT-6: Stabbing guide. Figure CT-7: Inflatable and made of rubber, Air-operated
thread protectors are quick to install, and protect tubular
9.• Make up the connection to the appropriate torque, and/ pin end threads from damage en route to the drill floor.
or thread position. See separate discussion of make-up
procedure. Be sure to pull power tong back to a safe bing board requires good communications and constant
area; awareness of the location of the top drive.
10.•Slowly lift elevators and check to ensure string load has Stabbing guides
been transferred; Stabbing is the action of guiding the pin end of the pipe into
the box end of the previous joint in the spider. A stabbing
11.• Open spider or lift slips when approved by the driller; guide (Figure CT-6) is often used to assist in guiding the
pin into the box and to protect the threads of the box and
12.• Lower the casing string at the planned speed, which
pin. Stabbing guides are generally funnel-shaped and wrap
may vary with hole conditions or the ability of the hole
around the box and extend above it. As the pin enters the
to withstand surge pressures. Initiate movement slowly;
upper section of the guide it is centered and its lateral move-
13.• While the joint is lowered, the single joint elevator ment is limited. This prevents damage to the pin threads,
hanging from the slings will be caught by the floor which do not make contact with the box until just prior to
hands and swung out and latched below the box of the engaging the threads. Guides should be considered for use
next joint in the V-Door;. with premium connections in which the pin end or step
shoulders provide a seal surface that must be protected
14.•Continue lowering the string to position the box at the from damage.
planned working height above the spider and rig floor.
Air-operated thread protector
15.• Set the spider slip assembly or manual slips and slack An inflatable rubber protector is quick and easy to install
off the string weight. and remove. They protect the tubular pin end threads from
damage en route to the drill floor (Figure CT-7).
16.•Disengage the elevators and pick up to position them a
short distance above the floor so that they are in
position to reach the next joint with the single joint
Single-joint elevators
Single-joint elevators (SJE) are used to pick up a single joint
elevator.
of casing through the V-door and position it above the rotary
17.• Install clamp-on thread protector or stabbing guide on table (Figure CT-8). They are typically rated for 5 tons and
box in the spider, if one is to be used. Fill up casing joint feature a center hinge de-
with drilling fluid. sign to latch the elevator
around the casing below
18.•Repeat the process beginning with Step 1. the collar. An SJE is used
when a casing pickup ma-
Running tools and equipment chine is unavailable. With
the SJE, a wire tugger line
Stabbing boards moves the casing to the rig Figure CT-8: Single joint elevator.
The stabbing board is a temporary work platform installed floor.
approximately 30 ft above the rig floor for the stabber to
stand on while aligning the pipe for make up. The platform Full-string elevators
can usually be adjusted up and down as much as 10 ft to Full string elevators are used to lift the entire casing or tubing
allow for different lengths of pipe. Running pipe with a stab- string. These are designed to either pick up against a square

A B C
Figure CT-9a, b and c: From left to right, side-door elevator with a load shoulder for square shoulder connections; center
latch elevator with slips to grip external casing surface. These may also be designed with a load shoulder for square
shoulder connections. Combination elevator spider with powered slips to grip the external casing surface.
connection shoulder if one exists, or they hold the outside •• Ensure load-bearing rings in elevators are not deformed.
of the casing with gripping elements (i.e., slips) if the casing Recheck regularly;
connection is flush or has a tapered upset. Three types of el-
evators are shown in Figure CT-9. The center latch type may •• Tools might require greasing of slip backs. See the OEM
be designed to use either a load shoulder or slips. manual for instructions. Do not alter the type of grease
and do not use pipe dope or thread compound on slips
Lift subs may also be screwed into flush joint or tapered or elevators. Using the wrong grease can be as
boxes to create a lifting shoulder. There are two types of lift detrimental as using no grease at all.
subs: those for lifting single joints of pipe from the V-door,
and those for lifting and running a full string. Typically, 3-5 Casing running tools
lift subs are supplied to run a string of pipe so they can be The casing running tool (CRT) is essentially a type of ele-
removed and recycled on the pipe deck without interrupting vator that connects directly to the top drive through a drill
operations. string sub, rather than being suspended from bails. This
enables fill-up and makeup using the top drive’s circulation,
Elevator operating controls can be manual or have pneumat- rotation, and torque capabilities (Figure CT-10a). The con-
ic or hydraulic assistance. In either case, a crewmember is nection to the top drive also allows casing to be rotated as it
normally located in the derrick on a stabbing board to po- is run and circulated for conditioning and cementing.
sition the elevators and operate the power controls. With
power-assisted systems,
remote controls may be lo-
cated on the floor. If these A B C
are used, it is good practice
to have visual flags, camer-
as, or pneumatic/hydrau-
lic/electric indicators to
ensure the pipe is engaged.
Interlock systems will en-
sure a further level of secu-
rity against dropped pipe.
Pre-job checks
•• Secondary latch
mechanisms should be
present, checked
before lifting, and
visually verifiable;
•• Ensure inserts of
slip-type tools are
clean. Recheck during
job;
Figure CT-10a, b and c: From left to right, CRT with link tilt for picking up and presenting a single joint for make
up (Figure CT-10a); CRT with internal gripping system (Figure CT-10b); CRT with external gripping system
(Figure CT-10c). Figure CT-10a courtesy Weatherford. Figures CT-10b and -10c courtesy Volant Products Inc.

A B C
Figure CT-11a, b and c: From left, Floor mounted casing bowl with manual hand slips, casing bowl with mechanical
assist for removal and insertion of slips, and near-flush mounted spider (FMS) with power slips.
The casing is suspended from the CRT by either internal or Insert bushings can be used with some bowls to reduce to a
external gripping systems, and torque is transferred through smaller size, e.g., a 20-in. by 16-in. reducer bushing can be
the same device. Internal grippers that extend into the top fitted to a 20-in. bowl so that 16-in. and smaller pipe can be
few feet of the casing (Figure CT-10b) are used over a wide handled.
range of casing sizes, from 4.5 in. to as large as 30 in. In-
ternal grippers also include an elastomer sealing element to Systems are available with mechanical assist devices to low-
allow circulation. External gripping systems are available for er or lift the slips in and out of the bowl (Figure CT-11b). They
smaller casing (Figure CT-10c) and are well suited for lifting are designed to be removed from the pipe by splitting or re-
very heavy casing strings, a key advantage of external grips. moving a section. These are commonly used with tubing and
While they grip the exterior of the pipe, they must still have smaller casing sizes.
an extension that passes inside to seal against the interior
Flush-mounted spiders (FMS) are available with power slips
to allow circulation. CRTs may be may be part of a casing
that mount within the rotary and project above it by only a
running system or standalone elevators.
few inches (Figure CT-11c). These are typically equipped
Since the casing is run and made up with the rig’s top drive with casing slips within the body of the spider that support
when a CRT is used, the driller will play a larger role in the the pipe, but they are also available with load shoulders for
casing installation than with conventional tongs. Rig-up and square shoulder connections if needed. Some hydraulically
operating practices are specific to each casing running sys- operated systems will be able to resist makeup torque when
tem, and suppliers should provide training for the rig crew loaded with only the first joint, but other systems require
and qualified service personnel. backup tongs to be used to resist makeup torque until the
string weight on the slips is sufficient. Spiders typically have
Casing slips and spiders
Manual casing slips or spiders are used to hold the vertical
casing load as each connection is made.
Historically, hand slips were placed into bowls inside the ro-
tary table, and backup casing tongs were used to prevent
rotation of the casing in the slips during makeup (Figure
CT-11a). For larger diameters and tonnage combinations,
independent bowls may be placed on the rig floor above the
rotary table. These may require additional support plates
to properly transfer the load to the drilling rig structure.
Independent bowls can use the same hand slips as used in
the rotary if they have the normal 4 in./ft taper, but some
independent bowls have a 3 in./ft taper and would require
matching slips. The bowl’s normal maximum sizes are 3 ½
in., 4 ½ in., 5 ½ in., 8 5/8 in., 10 ¾ in., 13 3/8 in., 16 in., 20 Figure CT-12: Combination spider/elevators.
in., 30 in., 36 in., and 42 in. with ratings from 100-500 ton.

Figure CT-13a, b and c: Clockwise B

A
from left, Manual casing tongs used
for makeup or backup, power casing
tongs, combination tongs. Figures CT-
13b and -13c courtesy McCoy Global.
top and bottom guides that are changed for different pipe
sizes. Check to ensure centralizers, cable clamps, side pock-
et mandrels, and other larger diameter elements will pass
through the guides and power slips.
Combination spider/elevators can be dressed as either an C

elevator, or the lift eyes may be removed for them to be used
on the rig floor as a spider (Figure CT-12). These are gen-
erally external slip type elevators. When used as a spider,
the load is transferred to the rotary table through the bot-
tom surface of the elevator (sometimes requiring C plates or
adapter plates). When dressed as an elevator, the tool will
have a bell-shaped guide and bottom guides to guide it over
the top of the pipe. When dressed as a spider, there will be
no bottom guide or bell guide but top guides will be fitted.
Tongs
Tongs are used to apply torque to make up and break thread-
ed connections. They may be manual tongs, power tongs, or
combination tongs (Figure CT-13).
The manual tong (belt tong, rig tong) is essentially a wrench

used to make and break casing and tubing connections (Fig-
points should be arranged according to OEM installation in-
ure CT-13a). This tong is typically suspended by a cable
structions. Failure to do so could result in an unsafe, uncon-
from the mast and hangs near the rotary. The tong is latched
trolled load movement on the rig floor and increased work
around the casing and torque is applied by pulling tension
for the crew.
on a cable attached to the tong arm. The tong operator, who
can be either a service company employee or a rig crew- For hydraulic power tongs, the torque is applied by hydrau-
member, increases cable tension on the arm until reching lics within the body of the tool, rather than by pulling on an
the required makeup torque. The torque in the connection is external tension cable (Figure CT-13b). A static snub line is
calculated by the pull on the cable and the length of the tong attached to the rig to prevent the tong from rotating about
arm. It is important to position the cable at 90° from the arm the pipe during makeup.
of the tong at max torque for an accurate. calculation
Alternatively, combination power tongs may be used that
When manual tongs are used for make up a second manu- have an assembly that also grips the casing below the con-
al tong is often used below the connection to hold back-up nection and the torque reaction is held within the system
torque to resist the makeup torque. This tong is generally (Figure CT-13c).
fixed to a structural element of the rig via a chain or cable
and remains stationary. The tong's position and suspension

Figure CT-14: Two examples of tong positioning

systems. Courtesy McCoy Global.
Power tongs are installed with a means to account for thread

makeup loss. This is typically a spring in series on the hang- instruction. Safe work positioning and motion paths
ing line that will allow the tong to travel up/down as the should be discussed prior to each job. Do not assume
thread engages on the connection; this is commonly known each member has previous training;
as makeup loss/gain. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the
•• Ensure open throat tongs include a safety system to
power tong by an independent hydraulic power unit or the
prevent rotation when the door is not fully closed.
rig’s hydraulic systems.
Pre-job testing and regular inspection of the systems
Power tongs are typically capable of generating high speed should be scheduled and should follow the OEM
as well as excessive torque that far exceed the recommend- instructions. Follow manufacturer’s lubrication
ed limits of the connection being made up. The desired RPM, instructions.
torque, and clamping/crushing limits should be considered
when selecting the appropriate tong for the application. Tong positioning systems
The purpose of a tong positioning system is to present the
For proper handling for safety, the operator of the power tong to the pipe in the rotary for makeup and breakout op-
tong must be competent in the safe use of the equipment. erations without manual handling (Figure CT-14). A tong
Some operational risks are noted below: positioning system allows for a single operator to control the
position of the tong and reduces the number of personnel
•• Because power tongs are capable of generating extreme on the rig floor. As the capability, mass and size of tongs
torque, a snub line should be used, even with integral has increased, the need for tong positioning systems has
backups; increased accordingly. The many models and styles of tong
positioning systems range from a simple cylinder that push-
•• Pinch points should be guarded and indicated on the
es and retracts a suspended tong to fully rigid power tongs
tong system. Hand placement practices should be
on the floor or attached to the rig structure. These systems
discussed prior to each job. It’s important that only the
must be installed according to manufacturer’s instruction.
tong operator place his hands on the tong;
Because each functions somewhat differently, it is essential
•• As with manual tongs, power tongs should be that training be provided, and that the competency of crew-
suspended and positioned according to manufacturer’s members be confirmed prior to each job.

Figure CT-15: Torque turn

monitoring systems are primarily
data acquisition and control systems
with the ability to measure and
display connection data acquired
tubular during makeup and breakout.
Courtesy McCoy Global.
Torque turn monitoring systems make up, the torque supplied to the casing is fairly low and
Torque turn monitoring systems are primarily data acqui- remains low until the casing is screwed in for seven full
sition and control systems with the ability to measure and turns. At this point the tapered threads on the casing starts
display connection data acquired during the makeup and to bind with the threads on the coupling and torque begins
break out of tubular products (Figure CT-15). These sys- to increase until the casing end meets the shoulder in the
tems integrate with power tongs and bucking units and have coupling. The connection has “shouldered”. When this point
a primary function to stop torque actions at a predetermined is reached, the torque will increase rapidly, as it takes only
torque or turns (or combination of) limit as specified by the one-tenth of a turn to apply the final makeup torque. The
parameters set at the start of the job. These systems vary casing will not screw in deeper into the coupling but any ro-
in complexity and features but are fundamentally based tation supplied to the casing will increase the pressure on
around torque vs. turns as a means to predict appropriate the shoulder. The compression of the casing end and shoul-
make up. This data is collected and graphed on a display for der provide the seal and the structural strength of the con-
the operator to evaluate in order to determine if the connec- nection. As soon as the optimum torque is reached (peak
tion was made up to acceptable criteria. The graph is shown torque), the rotation of the casing is stopped and the torque
where turns are represented on the X-Axis and torque is rep- reduced to zero.
resented on the Y-Axis. Initial thread engagement, shoulder
The connection must be made up to a specific torque to pro-
point of primary seal, and change in torque from shoulder
vide a proper seal and structural strength. If the torque is
to peak is displayed. The proper parameters for the make-
below the lower torque limit, the connection might not seal
up are given by the thread OEM for the connections being
properly or achieve the required structural strength. If the
used. These systems are used on most OCTG connections,
connection is torqued higher than the upper limit, the seal
but are almost always required when running premium con-
faces might be damaged and the structural strength com-
nections. Interpretation of the graph and data should only
promised. The equipment used to make up the connection
be attempted by a trained and competent person that has
has inertia and cannot be stopped immediately. Since it
knowledge of the connections being serviced.
takes only one-tenth of a turn to apply the delta torque, the
Figure CT-16 is a typical torque-turn graph showing the make-up speed of the connection must be slow enough to
amount of torque supplied to the casing as the connections enable the equipment to stop within a tenth of a turn. It is
is screwed together. The lower horizontal axis indicates the important to specify an RPM that will allow the equipment
turns in the pipe, the left vertical axis indicates the corre- to be stopped in time, preventing the torque from over-
sponding torque supplied to the casing and the right hand shooting the upper torque limit and thereby damaging the
axis indicates the RPM while the connection is made up. connection. On the other hand, if the RPM is too low, make
The line between the upper and lower limits is the optimum up will proceed too slowly. Figure CT-16 shows make up at
torque for the connection and is typically specified by the a speed of approximately 11 rpm for most of the connection.
OEM. Once the shouldering point was reached, however, RPM
dropped rapidly to zero.
The torque monitoring system is activated as soon as the
connection is started. In the beginning of the connection

Torque (ft lb) RPM

22,000 40
21,000 Peak torque 38
Upper torque limit
20,000
36
19,000
34
18,000
32
17,000 Lower torque limit
16,000 30
15,000 28
14,000 26
13,000 24
12,000 Delta torque 22
11,000 20
10,000 18
9,000 16
8,000
RPM graph 14
7,000
12
6,000
10
5,000
8
4,000
3,000 The connection 6
2,000 is shouldering 4
1,000 2
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Turns
Figure CT-16: Typical torque-turn graph showing the amount of torque supplied to the casing as the connection is screwed
together. The lower horizontal axis indicates the turns in the pipe, the left vertical axis indicates the corresponding torque
supplied to the casing and the right hand axis indicates the RPM while the connection were made up. The line between the upper
and lower limit are the optimum torque for the connection and is typically specified by the OEM. Courtesy Tesco Corp.
Fully remote tong systems

The purpose of a remote tong system is to remove the tong
operator from the area of moving equipment. This differs
from tong-positioning systems that still require an operator
to function hydraulically or pneumatically assisted controls
at the tong unit. The most common functions of a remote
tong system include make/break, backup clamp/unclamp,
door open/close, gear selection, reversing pin location, and,
in some cases, tong position. (See preceding section on tong
positioning systems.) These remote systems vary from teth- Figure CT-17: Safety clamp.
ered control panels where the operator is positioned away
from the tong to wireless control stations that may, in some
then expanded to effect a seal on the inside of the pipe and
cases, be integrated into the driller’s chair controls.
fluid is pumped as the casing joint is being lowered.
Fill-up and circulation tools Safety clamps

Fill-up tools are stingers that are run into the top of each
Safety clamps (Figure CT-17) are used with slip-type spiders
joint and through which mud is pumped to fill the empty
and hand slips until sufficient casing weight is run to ensure
joint. This enables the casing to be filled as it is run to elimi-
the slips will seat reliably (typically about 20,000 lb). Safety
nate fill-up time, and it allows for circulation of the casing if
clamps are not lifting devices and are positioned far enough
an obstruction is encountered downhole. The stinger may
above the slips so that they do not make contact with the
be made up directly to a top drive or suspended below a
slips when the slips are set. They are installed after the string
hook with a a high pressure mud line attached for circula-
is set in the slips and removed after the string weight is re-
tion. Whether it is run below a top drive or hook, it is long
turned to the elevators. Manufacturing specifications are
enough to extend down through the center of the elevators
provided in API Spec 7K and maintenance in API Spec 7B.
so that the sealing element on the end enters the top of the
casing as the elevators are lowered. The sealing element is

Interlocks, zone and elevator

management
Interlocks prevent the opening of the eleva-
tor before the spider or slips have closed to
secure the string and they prevent the spider
or slips from being opened before the eleva-
tor has closed. Interlocks can be part of an
integrated drill floor system or supplied by a
service company along with hoisting tools.
Installation of interlocks must be done ac-

cording to instructions provided by manu-
facturers of the equipment. While interlocks
are often assumed to be fail-safe, operation
of interlock systems should be supported by
sound practical procedures that use human
observation to the greatest extent possi-
ble. All interlock systems have some form
of override to allow for testing, rig-up, etc.
Figure CT-18: Example dies. Courtesy McCoy Global. The use of the interlock override should be
strictly controlled, ideally via the permit-to-
Dies, inserts, jaws work system at the worksite. Pre-job testing
The purpose of dies, inserts, and jaws is to allow a tool (el- and regular inspection of the systems should be scheduled.
evator, spider, slips, tongs, etc.) to grip a tubular. The ma- Often several systems are in use at one time on a rig site,
jority of dies work with teeth that penetrate or deform the and these systems do not necessarily exchange information.
surface of the tubular and operate in shear. This die pene- This should be addressed and shared knowledge on the rig
tration varies by tooth design, which allows different style floor during use.
dies to penetrate deeper into the OD of the pipe and provide
higher load carrying capacity based on depth of penetration Pick-up/lay-down tools
and clamping force (Figure CT-18). Other dies work by using There are numerous systems for picking up or laying down
pressure and surface contact and have lower load ratings casing. On land rigs, these systems are typically rigged up
than toothed dies. temporarily for the casing running operation. Pick-up / lay-
down systems are more likely to be an integral and perma-
The manufacturer of the tool that uses dies determines the nent element in offshore pipe handling systems, or on some
dimensions of the dies. There are no standardized sizes, so large land rigs. Pick-up/lay-down system designs generally
dies from one tool should not be assumed to be interchange- fall into one of two major categories. In cable systems, a wire
able with those from another tool. Instructions on installa- is run from a winch unit located at the end of the catwalk to
tion and removal of dies are given in operating manuals for an anchor point above the floor. Casing is then picked up by
their respective tools. arms that place it in a trough suspended from a wire rope,
and the trough and casing are pulled up the wire to the rig
Some key points:
floor.
•• Use of the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant for
the back of dies is critical as this changes with OEM In the second type, casing is also picked up onto a horizontal
tools and will affect safe working load (SWL) of the tool; trough positioned on the catwalk, but the trough is support-
ed by hydraulically powered arms that tilt and move it to po-
•• When removing stuck dies with impact, wear
sition the upper end of the casing at the rig floor. The casing
appropriate PPE as they may shatter;
is solidly supported by the catwalk throughout the process,
•• Overloaded dies that fail may be rather than suspended in air by wire. The hydraulic system
fragmented. Inspect them regularly; is considered more reliable and it is also preferred for larger
and heavier casing.
•• Dies are not repairable;
New offshore rigs and large land rigs might be equipped
•• Store dies in a manner to avoid impact damage and
with permanent pick-up systems used for both drill pipe and
corrosion.
casing. These vary from hydraulically supported troughs to

Figure CT-19: Horizontal

makeup system. Courtesy
McCoy Global.
more complex armatures or trolleys. The manufacturer’s in- move pipe to and from the catwalk and a pickup/laydown
structions should be followed for installation and processes machine that then moves it to the V-door.
in place to ensure the rig crew is trained in maintenance, op-
erations, and potential pinch points and handling risks. Vertical alignment systems
Alignment systems are used to ensure that the pin on the
Horizontal make-up systems joint being positioned vertically for make up or breakout is
Horizontal make-up systems are also referred to as buck- aligned with the box to prevent damage to the threads, and
ing units, make/break machines, and offline makeup units. to ensure a good make up or break out. There are two basic
These may be used to make or break connections offline, types of mechanical alignment systems: those that are ca-
outside of the critical path of activity on the rig (Figure CT- pable of returning a joint that has moved out of alignment
19). These machines can be used for a range of operations back to the correct position and those that simply hold the
such as stand-building, pre-assembly of completions, instal- joint in the correct position. The standard location on a rig
lation of couplings, etc. Bucking units are generally provided site for stationary equipment is normally the derrick or the
in one of two versions. One version is commonly referred top drive assembly.
to as a ‘make/break’ unit. This system functions similar to
a power tong, in which pre-turns are applied via spinners, Follow the installation and operating instructions provid-
with final torque then applied in incremental bite/turn of the ed by the manufacturer. Alignment systems operate in the
head. The alternate version has a continuous rotating head same path as the travelling block assembly and procedures
and functions similar to a hydraulic power tong, where the or interlock systems should be utilized to prevent collisions.
makeup is continuous from initial pre-turns to final torque. The system should be tested prior to the job and inspected
regularly as specified by the manufacturer.
Horizontal pipe handling
Offshore rigs and large land rigs may be equipped with hor-
izontal pipe handling systems. These are typically a com-
bination of an overhead gantry crane that can pick up and

References 5. API Spec 5CRA/ISO 13680: Specification for Corrosion

Resistant Alloy Seamless Tubes for Use as Casing,
1.• API Spec 8C: Drilling and Production Hoisting
Tubing and Coupling Stock.
Equipment.This has replaced API Spec 8A.
6. API TR 5C3/ISO 10400: Formulae and calculations for
2.• API RP 8B/ ISO 13534: Inspections, Maintenance,
casing, tubing, drill pipe and line pipe properties.
Repair and Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment.
7. API Spec 5B: Specification for Threading, Gauging and
3.• API Spec 8C/ISO 13535: Specification for Drilling and
Thread Inspection of Casing, Tubing, and Line Pipe
Production Hoisting Equipment.
Threads.
4. API Spec 5CT/ISO 11960: Specification for Casing and
Tubing.

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IADC Drilling Manual 12th Edition

IADC Drilling Manual • Copyright © 2015

IADC TECHNICAL RESOURCES

CONTRIBUTORS and REVIEWERS

This is a chapter of the IADC Drilling Manual, 12th edition.

Copyright © 2015 International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Houston, Texas.

International Association of Drilling Contractors

Printed in the United States of America.

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

CASING AND TUBING

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Lexicon puts critical definitions at your fingertips.

Introduction •• Allows for installation of a full mud circulation system,

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Table CT-1: The six materials used for OCTG manufacture

13% Cr Martensitic API 5CT/ ISO 11960 Sweet corrosion (CO2)

API 5CRA/ ISO13680

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

For example, casing bearing the label “9-5/8 47 P-110 BTC”

Knowledge of dimensional characteristics and performance

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Weight tolerances are: External clearance

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Table CT-6: API 5CT grades, YS range and tensile strengths

Grade Type min. max. ksi

N80 Q 80 110 100

R95 95 110 105

Group 2 L80 13Cr 80 95 95

C90 1 90 105 100

T95 1 95 110 105

C110 110 120 115

Group 3 P110 110 140 125

Group 4 Q125 1 125 150 135

Table CT- 7: Range length for API RP 5CT tubulars

Min 18 ft (4.88 m) 28 ft (7.62 m) 36 ft (10.36 m)

Casing* Max 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m) 48 ft (14.63 m)

Variation 6 ft (1.83 m)) 5 ft (1.52 m) 6 ft (1.83 m))

Min 20 ft (6.10 m) 28 ft (8.53 m) 38 ft (11.58 m)

Tubing** Max 24 ft (7.31 m) 32 ft (9.75 m) 42 ft (12.80 m)

Variation 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m)

Min 20 ft (6.10 m) 28 ft (8.53 m) 38 ft (11.58 m)

Variation 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m) 2 ft (0.61 m)

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Table CT-8: Range length for API 5 CRA Tubulars

Min 16 ft (4.88 m) 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m)

Casing or tubing Max 25 ft (7.62 m) 34 ft (10.36 m) 48 ft (14.63 m)

Variation 5 ft (1.83 m) 5 ft (1.52 m) 5 ft (1.83 m)

mended practices, and specifications describing minimum

Casing and tubing connections are com-

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

• Some proprietary connections have leak

• Proprietary connections are frequently

• Proprietary connections may also be

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

•• Heat treatment and ultrasonic inspection of the weld SSC characteristics

2.• The pipe material can be damaged to an extent that it

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Summary of API casing grades s s Relatively expensive.

IADC Drilling Manual Copyright © 2015

Table CT-10: Tubular paint stencil requirementsa,b

Marking Sequence Grade

Manufacturer’s name or mark All Grades