Tencom & Frelock Connectors.qxd - Frank's International

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
Floater Drilling Applications ......................................................................................... 2
Jackup Drilling Applications ......................................................................................... 3
Production Platform Drilling Applications ....................................................................... 4
Land Drilling Applications ............................................................................................ 5
TenCom TM
Frelok TM
Connectors .................................................................................................. 6
Connectors ..................................................................................................... 8
Pipe Specifications ...................................................................................................... 10
Design Specifications .................................................................................................. 11
Technical and Test Data ............................................................................................... 12
Pipe & Fabrication ...................................................................................................... 14

INTRODUCTION
Since 1938, Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc. has served the onshore and offshore petroleum industry with
the highest standards of quality, service and integrity. Since Mr. Frank Mosing started the company more than
sixty-five years ago as a one crew casing operation, Frank’s has developed to accommodate the constantly
changing market.
Today Frank’s is an industry leader in its field, remaining ever committed to its founder’s good practices. It has
expanded to an international operation dealing in markets around the world, and has domestic United States
operations strategically located to ensure the highest level of customer support.
In addition to its geographic expansion, Frank’s has aggressively broadened its range of services and products.
The company’s present capabilities include conductor and caisson driving services, connector make-up services -
including the state of the art FLUID GRIP dieless make-up system for Corrosion Resistant Alloys, computerized
make-up analysis, a variety of standard and customized pipe handling techniques, and casing centralizers and
cementation equipment.
In addition to these services, Frank’s can supply tubular products from one of the largest independently held stocks
in the United States. Some 45,000 tons of steel are held to offer the flexibility that our customers expect. This
tubular product is supported by an in-house fabrication facility that works to specifications generated in
cooperation with our clients. In-house welding ensures that rigid Quality Assurance requirements are adhered to
on even the most routine fabrication assignments.
Frank’s is presently operating to procedures that comply with the requirements of ISO 9001, 2000 edition.
In 1989, in accordance with its expansion plans, Frank’s entered into a joint venture with Plexus Pipe Products
Ltd., the owners of a developed casing and conductor connector design. Plexus Pipe Products, a U.K. based
company specializing in the design of oilfield products, had developed the connectors to complement its other
drilling products. Through the agreement with Frank’s, the connector product could be offered to a larger
market. For Frank’s, the introduction of a proprietary connector complemented the other services and products
offered by their worldwide operation. An ability to offer a more complete service fits well with the constant
striving to remain “The Market Leader.”
1

FLOATER DRILLING APPLICATIONS
Conductor Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector
Mechanical Frelok Frelok
TM
Casing Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
2

JACKUP DRILLING APPLICATIONS
Mechanical Frelok Fr
or Tencom Tencom
TM
elok TM
Hydraulic Frelok Fr
elok TM
Conductor or Drive
Pipe Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector
Casing Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector
3
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

PRODUCTION PLATFORM DRILLING
APPLICATIONS
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
4
Casing and Drive
Pipe Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector

LAND DRILLING APPLICATIONS
5
Drive Pipe or
Casing Application:
TenCom enCom TM
Connector
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

TENCOM TM
Designed for Tension & Compression
The TENCOM TM
drivable connector prevents
crossthreading by providing deep-stab prealignment.
The box trap device is designed to be effective
in tension or compression, without having to resort
to high torque to resist box and pin ovalization.
The four (4) threads per inch, single start, tapered
design maximizes wall thickness in box and pin. The
thread position is optimized to reduce stress levels.
Preload is applied axially to positive load shoulders,
with no radial thread interference.
A unique stress relief groove reduces stress at the
o-ring area as well as limiting pin swelling under
impact conditions.
This “low torque” connector remains “low torque.”
For particular applications, a variety of TENCOM TM
configurations are available.
Other Connectors FRANK’S
Case 1 Case 2 TENCOM TM
Tension
reduces
preload on
boxtrap
Compression
reduces
preload on
boxtrap
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
CONNECTORS
Pin
Box
Effective
trap remains
under either
load direction
6
Brief Comparison of Single Start & Quarter Turn Large
Diameter Threaded Tubular Connectors
Advantage of 1/4 turn connectors:
Less makeup time is required because only a 1/4 or
5/8 turn is needed to make them up. This eliminates
the need for power tongs on the rig.
Disadvantages of 1/4 turn connectors:
1) A four (4) start thread is not self-locking,
whereas a single start thread is. This means that
anti-rotation/back-out precautions are necessary on
1/4 turn connectors in order to prevent premature
and unintentional back-out. This can lead to reduced
fatigue life endurance, as well as potential connector
separation.
2) Setting the various forms of anti-rotation devices
(i.e. Hilti Gun) can be time consuming.
Advantages of Single Start Connectors:
1) Eliminates the need for anti-rotation devices
because of self-locking feature (the thread form lead
angle is less than the friction angle, producing a self -
locking taper).
2) Single start connectors are inherently more
reliable and fit-for-purpose. This is particularly true
for long term applications where cyclic loading will
increase the risk of backout of 1/4 turn connectors.
STD CON FID FOD

7
Environmental Seal Option
(available on 26” or larger)
Positive Trap Device
Upper Alignment Face
Thread Angle 7 (3” TPF)
Pin
Thread in Line with Load Path
Radial Clearance
Box
4 TPI Single-Start Proprietary
Thread Profile
Lower Alignment Face
Resilient O-Ring Seal
Stress Relief Groove
Trapping Angled Point
of Preload
Elevator Shoulder
Readily Weldable Material
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

FRELOK TM
Designed for Easy Release
CONNECTORS
The FRELOK TM
Connector is far superior to other
connectors because of its unique release
mechanism. It offers technical superiority with its
range of connectors that are equipped with “first
time release.” The FRELOK TM
release mechanism will
save you time when laying down conductors, pulling
follower strings, or disassembling wellhead control
equipment in subsea applications. The FRELOK TM
Connector remains easy to release, whether in open
hole or in drive strings.
Nine (9) release points are used to ensure alignment
of the release bolts on either side of the split in the
lock ring. Anti-rotation pins between the box and pin,
and also the lock ring and pin, prevent relative
movement between the three components.
In general, stab-type pipe connectors are readily
engaged and are as strong or stronger than the pipe
onto which they are welded.
Shown Out of Rotation
for Clarity
PIN
BOX
Lock Ring
Anti-Rotation Pin
Lock Ring
Load Crests
Release Crest
Environmental Seal
PIN
BOX
Mechanical Release Frelok
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
Readily Weldable Material
Load Shoulder
Resilient “O” Ring Seal
High Stab Angle (6 )
Guide Profile
Integral Release
Mechanism
Release Screw Stop
Shoulder
Anti-Rotation Pin
Elevator Shoulder
When the ring is compressed, a unique release crest,
located in the center of the lock ring, ensures that the
load bearing shoulders are free from the box
shoulders. The extension of the FRELOK TM
Connector Release Mechanism
release
crest is determined by a comprehensive tolerance
study. This study effectively eliminates the typical
guess work usually associated with lock ring type
connector release procedures.
Case 1
Case 2
FRELOK TM
Crest Height
Release bolt
trapped under pin
groove
Release bolt grips
pin body
Lock ring free
ends can interfere
Release crest
prevents jamming

Designed for Remote Release
To complement the connector range, a
remote hydraulically activated release
mechanism is offered for applications
where access to the connector is
impossible or impractical. Utilizing the
security of the unique lock ring located
release crest device, a series of
hydraulic pistons can be used to
depress the lock ring at low pressure.
The HYDRAULIC FRELOK TM
can be used
at the mudline to speed up
abandonment procedures or to connect
wellhead components. The
HYDRAULIC FRELOK TM
utilizes a series
of pistons, energized with a single
pressure port, which act in a manner
similar to the mechanical release
screws of the FRELOK TM
. Mechanical,
back-up release screws are also
provided. A single, remotely applied
charge of 500 PSI will release the
connector.
The hydraulic mechanism is designed
to be used under impact conditions
qualifying the connector for driving
applications. A mechanical override
system is provided as backup in case
of hydraulic power loss.
PIN
BOX
Lock Ring
Anti-Rotation Pin
Lock Ring
Load Crests
Release Crest
Environmental Seal
PIN
BOX
Hydraulic Release Frelok
Load Shoulder
Pressure Inlet Port (2)
Resilient “O” Ring Seal
High Stab Angle (6 )
Guide Profile
Integral Mechanical
Back-Up
Hydraulic Release
Mechanism
Anti-Rotation Pin
Elevator Shoulder
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

PIPE SPECIFICATIONS
FRANK’S stocks over 45,000 tons of heavy wall large O.D. pipe. This abundant inventory is spread out over 150
acres of pipe yard in three major stock points in Louisiana - Lafayette, Port of Iberia and Houma - and one in Alvin,
Texas. These strategic locations have ready access to points throughout the Gulf Coast, which are the Tubular
Division’s primary domestic marketing area.
Frank’s Quality Assurance Program bases its procedures and controls on the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME), the American Welding Society and the American Petroleum Institute guidelines. The QA
program also meets the international standards of the ISO.
The following chart shows the strength and capacities of pipe for frequently requested sizes and grades. This
information serves as a source for determining the most suitable TENCOM TM
or FRELOK TM
connector for any
application. FRANK’S offers a FRELOK TM
connector that matches or exceeds the strength and capacity of the pipe
for every pipe grade and wall thickness.
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
10

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
The Plexus TENCOM TM
and FRELOK TM
connectors are designed to achieve maximum field operations performance
with API Grade B, X-52, and X-56 tubulars. Typically, the Plexus connectors capacities exceed the tubulars in the
installed string.
The TENCOM TM
connectors are easily stabbed without crossing due to the pre-alignment profiles, torqued in
2-1/2 turns without crossthreading, drivable, do not require anti-rotation lugs or pins, and are reusable. The
FRELOK TM
connectors are easily stabbed, latched and released, drivable, and are reusable. The Hydraulic
connectors can be remotely released on the 1st attempt due to the unique release mechanism design.
FRELOK TM
Plexus TENCOM and FRELOK Connector Design
Once the geometry was developed to achieve these field performance goals, the Plexus connector assemblies were
designed and optimized using both classical analysis and non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) methods. This
included static, dynamic, internal pressure, and worst case combinations thereof. High stress areas were
identified, modeled, analyzed, prototyped, tested, and optimized. This has resulted in connectors that have been
in use worldwide for 15+ years.
ANSYS 5.3 FEA 2-D and 3-D geometric models were created from Plexus production drawings, including worst
case design tolerances, and analysis performed to determine performance capacities in tension, compression, and
bending, without internal pressure. The analysis was then performed with internal pressures of 2,500 psi and
5,000 psi. The stress values were then used to determine the membrane, membrane + bending, and bearing
stress values of the connectors.
The TENCOM TM
FEA analysis included the make-up torque and preload compression achieved in the pin nose/box
interface. This preload increases the fatigue resistance of the connector assemblies, as well as the drivability,
without reducing the tension, compression, or bending performance.
The FRELOK TM
design does not incorporate a preload of the unique latch ring mechanism, pin nose/box interface.
The FEA analysis was performed to determined the pin nose/box, the pin/lock ring, and box/lock ring interface
stresses. The connector performance was determined from these analysis.
Additional classical analysis was utilized. This analysis was performed using appropriate, recognized mechanical
design, Industry, and API Recommended Practice for Design, Rating and Testing of Marine Riser Couplings, and
API 6A and 16A for Support Shoulders. These analysis included the "Shear-Out" and "Bearing" capacities of the
above interfaces, based on the von Mises-Henky theory of yielding, and the "Bending" capacities per API and
Roark's.
Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc. performed drivability testing, and Lehigh University was contracted to
perform tensile and bending tests. Results of this testing verified the FEA and classical analysis performed.
Plexus performance charts contain the results of these analysis and testing.
11
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

TECHNICAL and TEST DATA
API - 5C5 Tencom Testing
Frank’s / Plexus 20” Tencom TM
STD connectors were tested according
to the American Petroleum Institute’s recommended practice entitled
“Recommended Practice for Evaluation Procedures for Casing and
Tubing Connections”. Frank’s classified the connectors based on the
uses of the final product according to guidelines and suggestions in
API RP 5C5 which labels the area of use of the Tencom TM
connectors
as Class IV casings.
The first test was a make-up/breakout test which examined the
make-up/breakout performance of the connectors. Galling and dope
pressure were specifically monitored. No galling was observed, while
dope pressure was insignificant at 22,000 ft. lbs. of torque.
The second test was a capped-end proof test which checked for
leakage of the sealing surfaces. This internal pressure cycling test
was performed at different intervals at a predetermined user
pressure (3800 PSI) and a maximum pressure (4012 PSI). No
leakage was observed.
The final test was a compression test which determined the load
bearing capacity in compression. The connector/pipe assemblies
were compressed in a universal testing machine until failure
occurred. Each connector set withstood over 3 million pounds of
compressive load while buckling failure occurred in the pipe body on
all three specimen sets.
At the completion of all tests, Frank’s Casing Crew concludes that the
Frank’s/Plexus 20” Tencom TM
STD connectors have passed the
requirements and standards of the American Petroleum Institute. All
testing done to meet API RP 5C5 requirements was witnessed by
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, a third-party inspection service
company, and is supported by documentation.
Tensile Testing:
To further enhance their understanding of and confidence in the Tencom TM
design, Frank’s conducted tensile and
bend tests at Lehigh University. A 20” x .625” wall Tencom TM
design STD-X60 connector specimen was strain
gaged and loaded in a universal testing machine. The connector experienced a tensile failure at an axial load of
approximately 3.6 million lbs. This compares with the FEA predicted yield point and published connector rating
of 2.84 million lbs.
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
12
20” Tencom TM
Connector

To verify the predicted bending capacities of the Tencom TM
design, a 30” x 1” wall Tencom TM
Bend Testing:
FID-X60 connector
specimen was strain gaged and loaded. The specimen was loaded in a fashion so as to produce a uniform
bending moment over a span of the specimen with the connector set located in the center of the span. First the
specimen was charged with an internal hydrostatic pressure of 300 PSI, and a uniform bending moment of 4.2
million ft.-lbs. was applied in order to test the pressure integrity of the connection at the rated bending capacity
of the connector. No leakage was observed during the five minute hold period. The loading on the specimen was
increased to a level of bending of 6.87 million ft.-lbs. and terminated without having experienced catastrophic
failure. The yield point of the specimen as determined by a plot of load vs. total deflection was 4.75 million
ft.-lbs. This compares with the FEA predicted yield point and published connector rating of 4.2 million ft.-lbs. This
bend test verified that the FEA predicted bend capacities are achievable.
Drivability Testing:
In order to prove the drivability of the Tencom TM
design, Frank’s conducted drive tests on two 30” x 1” wall
Tencom TM
FID-X60 connections. The made up joint configuration and the drive adaptor configuration were tested
simultaneously. The test set up was assembled, driven on and disassembled three times during the testing.
The assembly was driven on for a total of 977 blows with a D-62-22 Delmag diesel hammer, 45 blows were
with the fuel pump on its second setting (105,600 ft.-lbs. energy) the remaining 932 blows were with the fuel
pump set on height (165,000 ft.-lbs.). Each time the connector was made up to 30,000 ft.-lbs. torque. Break
out torques were: 35,000, 25,000 and 32,000 ft.-lbs., respectively. Upon Visual, Wet Magnetic Particle and
Dimensional Inspection, the connectors and drive adaptor were found to be free of any cracks or damage. The
drive test was deemed a success and the Tencom TM
Design Connector was proved drivable.
Tencom TM
Frelok Testing
The FEA analysis indicated no significant stress concentration areas in the Frelok TM
design. It was therefore
considered unneccessary to perform the extensive mechanical tests performed on the Tencom TM
design. Due to
its projected use on drive string applications, Frank’s tested the drivability of a 30” Frelok F.I.D.connector using a
Delmag D-62-22. The pin and drive adapter were driven on at the rate of 140 blows per ft. and the average
piston stroke was 8.9 feet. This blow count corresponds to a bearing load of 900 tons assuming 100%
efficiency and 720 tons assuming an 80% efficiency. Upon inspection after driving, the pin connector and the drive
adapter were found to be undamaged.
NOTE: Detailed reports of all testing conducted are on file at Frank’s Corporate Headquarters and may be
reviewed upon request.
13
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

PIPE & FABRICATION
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA
14
Above: Connector Break-Out Machine
Capable of 300,000 ft. lbs. of Torque
Top Left: Large O.D. Pipe Double Jointing
Capabilities
Bottom Left: Installation of High-Pressure
Housings
Below: Large Diameter Pipe with Weld-On
Connectors for Customer Supplied Material

Above: Riser Fabrication
Top Right: CAD CAM Padeye Fabrication
Bottom Right: Largest Supply of Large O.D.
Pipe on the Gulf Coast
Below: Submerged Arc Welding Connectors
to Pipe
15
Copyright 2002 Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc., Lafayette, LA

Corporate Headquarters
Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
P.O. Box 51729
Lafayette, Louisiana 70505
Phone: 337.233.0303
Toll Free: 800.833.7265
Fax: 337.269.4080
Physical Address:
700 East Verot School Road
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
www.frankscasing.com