Tencom & Frelock Connectors.qxd - Frank's International

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