FOX-TP-M-001

FOX RUNNING MANUAL

January 2008

JFE STEEL CORPORATION HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL Legal Notice

The use of the information is at the reader's risk and no warranty is implied or expressed by JFE Steel Corporation with respect to the use of information contained herein. The information in this publication is subject to change or modification without notice. Please contact the JFE Steel office for the latest information.
*FOX is a registered trademark in Japan.

CONTENTS PREFACE........................................................................................................ 1 1. PREPARATIONS BEFORE RUNNING ....................................................... 1 1.1. Handle Pipes Carefully .................................................................. 1 1.2. Racking Pipe .................................................................................. 1 1.3. Segregate Unusable Pipe .............................................................. 1 1.4. Clean and Inspect Connections ..................................................... 1 1.5. Make-up Loss ................................................................................ 2 2. THREAD PROTECTORS ............................................................................ 3 2.1. Always Protect Threads and Seals ................................................ 3 2.2. Protector Selection......................................................................... 3 3. RUNNING .................................................................................................... 4 3.1. Check Torque Value ...................................................................... 4 3.2. Place Pipe on Racks ...................................................................... 4 3.3. Handling Pipes ............................................................................... 4 3.4. Coupling Threads and Seals. ......................................................... 5 3.5. Make-up Acceptance and Rejection .............................................. 5 3.6. Lowering Tubing String .................................................................. 5 4. BREAK-OUT AND LAYDOWN PROCEDURES .......................................... 6 4.1. Pulling of Pipe ................................................................................ 6 4.2. Rotation of Connection .................................................................. 6 5. RE-RUNNING FOX CONNECTIONS ........................................................ 7 6. HIGH CHROME STEEL TUBULAR STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 7 6.1. Remove Tubular Goods ................................................................. 7 6.2. Inspect Tubular Periodically ........................................................... 7 6.3. For Long Storage ........................................................................... 7 6.4. Out Door Storage ........................................................................... 7 6.5. Warning Plate ................................................................................ 8 6.6. Storage After Pulling (Short Term or Long Term) .......................... 8 7. HIGH CHROME STEEL SPECIAL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ................ 8 8. HIGH CHROME STEEL RUNNING PROCEDURES................................... 9 8.1. Running of HIGH CHROME STEEL FOX Connections ............... 9 9. HIGH CHROME STEEL RE-RUNNING....................................................... 9 10. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR SOUR SERVICE (H2S) ................. 9 10.1. Hard Spots ................................................................................... 9 10.2. Avoid Damage ............................................................................. 9

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PREFACE The FOX joint has been jointly developed and patented by JFE STEEL CORPORATION and HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL. Connections are manufactured by JFE STEEL CORPORATION, HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL or their authorized MANUFACTURING LICENSEES. The recommendations and illustrations in this document are developed from the offshore and onshore experience of running crews maintained by the FOX Group and advice received from Operation Companies and their Contractors. Please be aware of the important and useful guidelines and recommendations in this document and apply them when necessary. 1 PREPARATIONS BEFORE RUNNING 1.1 Handle Pipes Carefully Use pipe body slings in preference to end hooks. End hooks are only permissible with the correct type of thread protector. Racking Pipe Rack pipe in level horizontal layers, at least 8" (200mm) above ground surface. Separate layers of pipe with at least three wooden slats placed perpendicular to pipe at each end and in the middle. Slats should at least be 4" x 2" (100mm x 50mm). Do not stack pipe more than 7' (2.1meters) high. Take care not to crush bottom layers of pipe and ENSURE RACK IS SAFELY SECURED. Segregate Unusable Pipe Remove rust, scale, dirt and debris from inside and outside surfaces. Remove any dented, bent or otherwise damaged pipe for possible repair. Clean and Inspect Connections Remove all lubricants or compound with liquid solvents (not diesel fuel) Use non-metallic brushes to remove adhered solids. Segregate all rejected thread/seals/tubes. Minor damage on pin & box thread connection may be repaired in accordance with FOX-TP-M-101,Field Inspection of FOX Thread,

1.2

1.3

1.4

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prior to running. THOROUGHLY DRY THREADS AND SEAL SURFACES. If pipe is to be moved from rig site back into storage then re-apply an acceptable thread compound thinly and evenly on all thread and seal surfaces. Use a clean uncontaminated compound and apply with a clean non-metallic brush. Avoid excessive amounts of thread compound. For long term storage, use a suitable storage compound such as Kendex for both pins and boxes. Note:API thread compounds may not be suitable due to "drying out" and reduced corrosion resistance. Replace CLEAN AND DRY pin thread protectors. Note: Application of thread or storage-compound to connection seals and thread surfaces is recommended if there are any significant delays in pipe running. Clean and dry thread protectors should also be re-fitted. 1.5 Make-up Loss The effective length of each tube is the overall length minus the make-up loss. The make-up loss is the pin length listed in the Table 1. Table 1 Make-up Loss Length Outside Diameter Make-up Loss Length inch mm Inch mm 2.375 60.3 2.313 58.8 2.875 73.0 2.688 68.3 3.500 88.9 3.145 79.9 4.000 101.6 3.479 88.4 4.500 114.3 4.440 112.8 5.000 127.0 4.640 117.9 5.500 139.7 4.640 117.9 6.625 168.3 4.840 122.9 7.000 177.8 5.040 128.0 7.625 193.7 5.240 133.1 8.625 219.1 5.240 133.1 9.625 244.5 5.240 133.1 10.750 273.1 5.240 133.1 11.750 298.5 5.240 133.1 13.375 339.7 5.240 133.1

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THREAD PROTECTORS 2.1 Always Protect Threads and Seals Ensure approved thread protectors are installed at the mill and at the storage point. Use only clean and undamaged protectors. Use only clean non-contaminated thread or storage compound applied thinly and evenly over entire thread/seal area. Assemble protector to handtight position. Insert suitable torque bar in the grooves provided and tighten, Note:Do not hammer bar or protector to tighten. Protector Selection (Refer to FOX-TP-N-001) Approved protectors may be of metal or molded plastic construction. Premium connections require adequate protection in threaded area, particularly at the extremity of the pin seal. A minimum of 3/4" (19mm) is recommended between the bottom of the torque bar groove and the position of the pin seal extremity when the protector is fully tightened. Protectors should be manufactured to allow an even thickness of thread compound to cover threads and seal when in the fully madeup position. Protectors should be manufactured for optimum performance in a temperature range of -40F to +110F (-40C to +45C).

2.2

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RUNNING 3.1 Check Torque Value ALWAYS check with Manufucturers Authorized Representative to determine the latest recommended make-up torque values for FOX connection. Note: Recommended maximum calibration interval for all Make-up equipment should be no more than 6 months. Place Pipe on Racks (see also section 1.1 and 1.2) Segregate pipe that has been damaged or pipe which is not fit for purpose. Unless previously done, clean and inspect all connections per guidelines stated in section 1.4 When ready to commence running, ensure clean and dry pin thread protectors are in place to protect threads and seals while pipe is being lifted through V door.

3.2

3.3

Handling Pipes Handle pipes as described in section 1.1 Use only clean and undamaged handling plugs. Make-up hand tight only. Do not use a cheater bar. With collar or slip type elevators, ensure that elevator diameters are compatible with coupling and pipe body diameters. If drifting is required, carefully remove closed end thread protector, replace with a clean open end thread protector and drift tube with non-metallic Teflon/Nylon type "rabbit" of correct drift diameter. (Metal drifts are not recommended unless the ends are tapered sufficiently to avoid torque shoulder contact.) Lift pipe to vertical pre-stab position above the rotary table. Remove pin thread protector and apply clean uncontaminated approved thread compound with friction factor of 1.0. Use nonmetallic brush. If compound friction factor is not equal to 1.0, as is often the case with the environmentally friendly compounds, refer to Manufacturers Authorized Representative for revised torque figures. Note: Hold pipe away from open coupling to avoid debris contamination of open box.

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3.4

Coupling Threads and Seals Ensure Coupling thread and seal areas are covered with a light coat of recommended thread compound. Prior to stabbing, fit a clean properly sized STABBING GUIDE over the coupling and securely fasten. Align the tubes and carefully lower pin through the stabbing guide into the coupling. Rotate tube BY HAND OR WITH STRAP WRENCH until threads are fully engaged to hand tight position. With power tongs rotate tube until seal engagement and desired final torque is achieved. Torque shoulder engagement and final torque to recommended optimum should occur at 1 TO 6 RPM. (COMPUTER CONTROLLED MAKE-UP TORQUE TURN EQUIPMENT IS RECOMMENDED.) Approximately 90 degrees to 270 degrees of tube rotation will occur from seal engagement to final optimum torque. Make-up Acceptance and Rejection For an acceptable make-up both the total torque and shoulder torque requirements must be satisfied following guideline. Final torque shall be meet between specified minimum torque and maximum torque. Shoulder torque shall not be exceeded specified maximum shoulder torque. Connections which do not meet the make-up requirements should be broken out and should be inspected in accordance with FOX-TP-M-101 prior to re-make-up.

3.5

3.6

Lowering Tubing String Lower entire tubing string by one joint and proceed to next connection. For subsequent connections follow make-up procedures 3.1 through 3.5.

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BREAK-OUT AND LAYDOWN PROCEDURES 4.1 Pulling of Pipe Pulling of pipe should be conducted with care to avoid damage to threads and seal areas. Ensure that proper alignment of blocks over the well is achieved and that derrick-man is aligning each joint over the well during break-out. Misalignment may result in connection thread galling. Take care not to over rotate during back-out so pin connection does not "drop" back into coupling. Apply tension to the joint (or stand) being backed out. The applied load should approximately equal the weight of the joint. Use a weight compensator where possible. During stabbing, use a stabbing guide to avoid pin threads or seals striking the coupling. Re-apply both pin and coupling thread protectors immediately after pin/coupling disengagement. Pulling in singles is recommended. If "stood back" in the derrick, ensure the pin end protectors are fitted and stand" is seated on a wooden or similar non-metallic surface. Rotation of Connection Diameter (in) 2.375 ~ 2.875 3.5 ~ 4 4.5 ~ 13.375 TPI 8 6 5 Revolutions to disengage 10.50 7.87 9.92

4.2

Place power tong on the top joint with the back-up tong on lower half of coupling to assure top connection breaks out. Set tong rotation for break-out and ensure single joint or stand weight is held by elevators and breakout the connection with power tongs, approximately 1 turn for tubing and 2 turns for casing. After break-out, remove power tongs and rotate connection out by hand or strap wrench. Place an appropriately sized STABBING GUIDE over the coupling and lift top joint (stand) clear of coupling and stabbing guide. Install a CLEAN pin protector and either lay the joint down or stand into derrick on a clean non-metallic surface or if laying down then onto pipe rack as appropriate. Install a CLEAN coupling protector into the coupling. Lift string to next break-out joint and repeat steps as given in section 4.2

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RE-RUNNING FOX CONNECTIONS Instructions for re-running joints are exactly same as for new connections and the same make-up torque values are applied. Prior to re-running each connection should be inspected in accordance with FOX-TP-M-101.

HIGH CHROME STEEL TUBULAR STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 Remove Tubular Goods Where possible, remove the tubular goods from their export packing IMMEDIATELY upon receipt and store them indoors in a dry atmosphere. Inspect Tubular Periodically Inspect the tubular periodically, i.e., every one to three months depending on the atmospheric condition. Routine inspection should include: O.D. check for discoloring or pitting. I.D. check for discoloring or pitting. Remove thread protectors and check condition of connections and associated storage compound for thread tubular. Replace/renew storage compound on connection thread and seal surface as required. For Long-term Storage For periods of storage longer than two months a thread/connection storage compound should be used. API THREAD COMPOUNDS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE AS A LONG TERM STORAGE COMPOUND. Out Door Storage If out door storage is the only option, the following additional procedures are recommended. Protect from rain and spray with tarpaulins or plastic covering. Sweating condensation may occur if there is insufficient air circulation. Avoid stagnant water or moisture. Every thirty days, roll tubes that may be stored on wood/other strips to insure that no moisture remains trapped between tube and stripping. This also allows any trapped moisture to dry. It is recommended to use plastic stripping or a zinc paint on wood strips to avoid direct contact between tubulars and wood. Store tubular with one end elevated to allow condensation or other trapped water to drain from tube I.D.

6.2

6.3

6.4

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6.5

Warning Plate Refer to the "WARNING PLATE" attached to the export package for additional information. Storage After Pulling (Short Term or Long Term) Special attention must be given to High Chrome Steel products when removed from well due to its susceptibility of pitting from Chlorides in an oxygen rich environment. Immediately upon removing tubulars from well, at a minimum, it should be flushed with fresh water and store tubular with one end elevated to allow condensation or other trapped water to drain from tube I.D. After drainage is completed the connections should be cleaned, dried and inspected. If repairs are required it should be performed in conjunction with FOX-TP-M-101. After completed inspection and repair connections should have compound applied and clean dry protectors installed. Above steps are applicable if pipe is to be re-run within very short period of time, such as 12 ~ 72 hours. For longer term, 1 week to 1 month, the same applies with the exception that a water soluble Corrosion Inhibitor for Brine Solutions should be sprayed on O.D. & I.D. of pipe after drainage is complete. One such product is named :Aqua-Cure 690 and is supplied by Oil Center Research. For even longer term storage, greater than 1 month it is recommended to follow same process with the exception that an external pipe coating, clear varnish, and internal pipe coating, mineral oil, be applied.

6.6

HIGH CHROME STEEL SPECIAL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS Handle joints one at a time using nylon sling. Avoid joints contacting each other abruptly, i.e. "banging together" in order to prevent local surface hardened spots. Ensure pipe racks, pick-up/lay-down equipment and etc., are padded to help prevent unnecessary incidental contact between joints and other steel.

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HIGH CHROME STEEL RUNNING PROCEDURES 8.1 Running of High Chrome Steel FOX Connections Running of High Chrome Steel with FOX connections should be handled with the following extra precautions taken. Single joint compensators are recommended. Low stress dot dies or other non-marking systems in tongs, elevators and slips are the preferred method. Non-directional, fine tooth, low stress dies with 360 contact are also acceptable. Rotate tube by hand with strap wrench until threads are fully engaged. With power tongs, rotate tube to final torque at 1 to 6 RPM.

HIGH CHROME STEEL RE-RUNNING Please refer to Running Instructions provided earlier in this document.

10 SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR SOUR SERVICE (H2S) 10.1 Hard Spots NEVER use pipe on which hard spots have developed from the use of direct flame heating, welding or impact damage. 10.2 Avoid Damage Avoid damage resulting in tensile stress in any part of the joint. For that reason, DO NOT, Cold-straighten, even slightly-deformed pipe. Use pipe or couplings showing sharp edged slip or tong marks. Hammer pipe or couplings. Compress or deform pipe in the slips. Use pipe exhibiting excessive out of roundness. Exceed recommended make-up torque. Apply loads in excess of performance capabilities. Permit excessive bending of the string when the load is close to elastic limit of the material. Improvise by using items of different steel strength and quality from those programmed.

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FOX Example make-up graphs

Fig.1
Maximum torque Optimum torque Minimum torque Torque

Max. shoulder torque

Pick shoulder here

2 Turn

Fig.1 is an example of an acceptable make-up graph for FOX connection. Fig.2

Maximum Torque Optimum Torque Minimum Torque

Torque

Max. shoulder torque

2 Turn

Fig.2 is an example of shoulder torque that is to high. Causes: Friction factor of dope is to high. Dope is contaminated. Pipe is not straight. Fix: Break out, clean and inspect the connection, if no galling is observed re-make-up.

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Fig.3
Maximum Torque Optimum Torque Minimum Torque

Torque

Max. shoulder torque

2 Turn

Fig.3 is an example of shoulder torque that is to high. Causes: Friction factor of dope is to high. Dope is contaminated. Pipe is not straight. Fix: Break out, clean and inspect the connection, if no galling is observed re-make-up. Fig.4
Maximum Torque Optimum Torque Minimum Torque

Torque Torque

Max. shoulder torque

1 Turn

Fig.4 is an example graph of what could be yielding or slipping.

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Break out, clean and inspect the connection. If yielding has occurred reject Pin and Box connection. Calibrate or change load cell, re-check system set up. If yielding has not occurred, inspect for slipping. Fig.5
Maximum Torque Optimum Torque Minimum Torque

Torque

Max. shoulder torque

2 Turn

Fig.5 is an example of slipping make-up. Break out, clean and inspect the connection. Re-make-up. Correct problem of slipping.