Tencom & Frelock Connectors.qxd - Frank's International

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