Running Manual

Equipment Preparation
Slips and Elevators
Safety Clamps
Strap Wrenches
Single Joint Compensator
Stabbing Guides
Handling and Lifting Plugs
Power Tongs

Pre-Running Operations
Drifting
Pipe Length Measurement
Cleaning
Visual Inspection of Threads Before Make-up
Field Repair
Field Repair on Coated Pipes
Field Repair on Fiber Glass Lining Pipes
Installation of Seal-Rings
Pipes Lifting From Rack to Rig Floor

Running
Operations on the Rig Floor
Thread Compound Application
Recommended Thread Running Compounds
Thread Lock Application
Stabbing
Thread Engagement
Connection Make-up
Make-up Speed

Index

11

Running Pipes With Automated Rigs

Make-up Torque Curve Pattern

12

Make-up Acceptance Criteria

13

Make-up Rejection Criteria

16

Visual Inspection After Make-up

17

Connection Break-out
Inspection
Re-Running

18

Running and Pulling Recommendations

This manual details the recommended practices to aid in the successful

running and pulling of the Tenaris family of premium connections. It has been
designed to provide an insight to avoid the most common causes of pipe and
connection damages resulting from improper planning, incorrect rig
operations, or inappropriate material handling procedures. The following
sections detail the specific practices to be performed in each operation. This is
a general manual that must be used together with the specific guidelines of
the premium connection to be run.

Equipment Preparation
All accessory and backup equipment, such as cross-overs, safety
subs, float equipment and packer assemblies, should be inspected
to ensure they are in proper condition. Since accessories are
obtained from several sources, care should be taken to ensure
they were threaded with the correct connection. Only accessories
threaded by Tenaris or one of their licensed repair shop facilities
should be used.

during the running of the first tubing and casing

connections and during the pulling out of the last tubing
and casing connection. Its condition should be
inspected and worn parts replaced at the beginning of
each operation.

Slips and Elevators

When making up corrosion resistant alloys (CRA)

pipes, strap wrenches should be used after stabbing to
make the pin up to the hand tight position or at
minimum until a secure thread start has been achieved.
All straps should be checked prior to start-up to ensure
their proper diameter capability and their cleanness.
Once straps become soiled and begin slipping, they
should be replaced.

Either slip or collar type elevators may be used for casing and
tubing strings. The inserts of the slips and slip type elevators
must be clean and sharp. Extra long slips and slip type elevators
shall be used on long and/or heavy strings. lf collar-type elevators
are used, the bearing surface shall be carefully inspected to
ensure a smooth flat bearing contact perpendicular to the pulling
direction. An uneven bearing surface can damage the coupling
and lead to a premature connection failure. Spider and elevator
slips shall be examined to see that all the surfaces contact
the pipe evenly. Uneven contact can dent the pipe or cause excess
slip-cutting.
The use of high-density inserts is recommended for critical
service materials.

Safety Clamps
The safety clamp is used to suspend the column in case of
insufficient grip by the elevator. The safety clamp must be used

Strap Wrenches

Single Joint Compensator

A single joint compensator is recommended to be used
during running and pulling of pipe and CRA tubulars to
reduce the compression loads on the threads that are
normally incurred during the stabbing, make-up and pull
out process.
Care must be taken to properly adjust the tension value
of this component prior to the first joint being stabbed.
This will minimize cross-thread damages and galling
during the make-up and break out process.

Running Manual

Power Tong - upper view

Stabbing Guides

Load Cell Installation - side view

operations, as well as in case of heavy impact in the lifting

plug throughout the operation, the lifting plug must be
inspected visually and replaced in case of damage.

Stabbing guides shall be used to guide the pin into the box and
minimize damage to the connection if the joint is misstabbed.
The stabbing guide must be checked prior to running to ensure
proper fit and condition of the elastomeric inserts.

Power Tongs

Handling and Lifting Plugs

The tongs should be in good condition, with jaws that

correctly fit the pipe.

Handling plugs are not designed to support more than a single

stand of pipe. Handling plug threads must be cared for and
maintained. Threads should be cleaned, inspected and handled
so as to prevent damage. To ensure proper thread engagement,
both the handling plug and the pipe box threads should be free
of any dirt, paint, and storage compound. Plugs should be
doped and fully made-up by hand, then tightened by pushing it
with a bar. Handling plugs also provide protection of the box
threads from damage by tools or test equipment, which may be
run inside the pipe.
Lifting plugs are designed to support the entire weight of the
string. The lifting plugs must be doped and fully made-up and
power tight to shoulder to achieve full rated lift capacity. Proper
handling practices and sound judgement must be used at all
times to maintain the rated lift capacity of the plug. Damaged
lifting plugs should not be used. At the beginning of each

Running Manual

It is recommended to use tongs with back-up. Tongs shall be

equipped with a rotation speed control and should de capable of
operating at a minimum of 3 rpm. It is imperative that the makeup torque is accurately measured and controlled. Torque
measuring equipment should be in good working order, cover the
appropriate range, and a recent calibration certificate should be
demanded from the power tong contractor prior to starting the job.
When using tongs with built-in back-up, free motion should
be possible between tong and back-up to ensure there is
sufficient travel in the back-up to absorb the make-up loss
and there is sufficient flexibility in the tong/back-up to
compensate for a slight bend and the normal eccentricity
between pin and box.
If a snub line is used, it should be set at a 90-degree angle to
the arm of the tong.

Pre-running Operations
Drifting
It is requested that each length of the tubulars (casing, tubing,
accessories) be drifted for its entire length just before running.
Before drifting, make sure that the internal surface is clean and
free from foreign matter that can prevent the correct running
of the drift and can be mixed with make-up compound during
assembly.

API STANDARD DRIFT MANDREL SIZE (MIN.)

PRODUCTS & SIZES ()
Casing and Liners
Smaller than 9 5/8
9 5/8 to 13 3/8
Larger than 13 3/8
Tubing
27/8 and smaller
3 1/2 and larger

LENGTH

DIAMETER

in.

mm.

in.

mm.

6
12
12

152
305
305

d - 1/8
d - 5/32
d - 3/16

d - 3.18
d - 3.97
d - 4.76

42
42

1,067
1,067

d - 3/32
d - 1/8

d - 2.38
d - 3.18

d= Nominal pipe body internal diameter

The drift shall be handled with care when inserted and when
extracted from the pipe, and drifting should be preferably
performed from the box side to the pin side to avoid damage
on threads, seals and shoulders.
It is recommended to perform drifting while the pipe is on
the rack.
Tubulars that do not pass the drift mandrel shall be marked
with a reject paint band, and laid aside for further
investigation.

For CRA and coated material, it is recommended to use nonmetallic drift or a drift coated with plastic or with Teflon.
Make sure that the drift mandrel OD conforms to the API 5CT
specifications or to the customers special drift purchase
specification.
When specified by the purchaser, casing can be "Special
Drifted". Sizes are shown in API RP 5A5 "Recommended
Practice for Thread Inspection of new Casing, Tubing and Plain
End Drill Pipe", or special drift purchase specifications.

Running Manual

Pipe Length Measurement

The length of each piece of casing and tubing should be
measured prior to running. A calibrated steel tape should
be used. The measurement should be made from the
outermost face of the coupling or box to the outermost
face of the pin nose.

If running is to be delayed, an application of some corrosion

protection over the threads should be considered. If the
connection is cleaned until twelve hours before the joint is run,
a light oil should be applied by means of a brush or a spray
applicator. If it will be more than twelve hours until a joint is
to be run, some storage compound and clean thread protectors
should be re-applied.

The Effective Length (EL) of each joint is the Total Length

(TL) minus the Make-up loss (ML).

Care must be taken to ensure that the cleaning process does

not cause environmental pollution.

Cleaning

Visual Inspection of Threads

Before Make-up

It is essential that no hard foreign matter is present on the

threads or seals during make-up.
Cleaning should be performed just before use, especially in
corrosive atmosphere.
Remove threads protectors from pin and box ends.
Clean all thread or storage compounds with any suitable
cleaning process, such as non-metallic bristle brushes and
steam or a quick-drying solvent-type cleaner (without
chlorine).
Check and clean inside the tubulars to eliminate any foreign
material that may fall into the box while stabbing. If
compressed air is available, apply the air jet from box to pin.
The most desirable approach would be to clean the connection
at a temperature above 10C (50F) so as to remove all traces of
moisture and/or extraneous matter.
Clean and dry thread protectors.

Running Manual

Before the make-up on the rig floor, all threads will be submitted
to visual inspection.
Pipe should be on a rack allowing enough space for 360
revolution for inspection to assure that each connection is:

Well cleaned
Free from rust due to a long and/or incorrect storage
Free from handling damages
Free from longitudinal cuts and scratches in the seal area
Free from burrs or wear

Minor anomalies on thread and torque shoulder surfaces can

be field repaired. Damage on seal surfaces, other than mild
oxidation, is cause for rejection (see Field Repair). After repairing,
threads must be re-cleaned and dried.
Exposed seal surfaces, such as pin nose areas, are particularly
susceptible to handling damage. Special care should be taken in
inspection of these areas for dings, dents, and/or mashed ends.

Field Repair
If necessary, slight thread repairs by # 400 emery cloth or file,
can be performed by Tenaris personnel or by certified personnel
of a thir party company.
Slight repairs can be made only on the thread or on the shoulder
area, but not on the seal area. Only mild oxidation is alloyed to
be removed from the seal by means of a Scotch Brite.
Repairs must not change the shape of the original surface.

Seal ring (Normal and Collapsed)

When the damages cannot be solved by field repair, the joint

must be rejected.

Field Repair on Coated Pipes

Any damage on the coatings must be repaired either by the
coating company or by certified personnel of a third party
company.

Field Repair on Fiber Glass Lining Pipes

When tubulars with fiber glass lining are to be run, no damages
are allowed to be field repaired.

Installation of Seal Rings

If required by the customer, seal rings can be installed in the mill
prior to application of thread compound and protectors.
Otherwise, seal rings must be securely packaged and forwarded
to a location designated by the customer.
Prior to installation, seal rings identification shall be verified.
Appropriate seal rings shall be obtained through the Tenaris
Licensee Support Group.
Visually inspect the seal ring groove/location for cleanliness.
Remove all grease, oil, metal shavings, or other contaminants
before the installation of a seal ring. Dry the seal ring
groove/location before installing the seal ring.
For seal rings installation, compress the seal ring with the
fingers, so that it partially collapses into the inside diameter of
the pipe. Place the collapsed seal ring into the seal ring groove
and release it. Firmly seat the seal ring into the groove by
applying direct pressure to the face of the ring for the entire
circumference (360 degrees).

A tool to seat the seal ring may be made from a hammer

handle, an axe handle, or other similar device, depending on
the OD of the connection. The end of the tool shall be
shaped to contact the face of the seal ring squarely (metallic
tools are not acceptable).
Leverage the tool against the face of the box to apply
pressure to the face of the seal ring.
Seal rings installed in the seal ring grooves shall not protrude
beyond the internal diameter of the coupling or the lining.
This shall be verified with a straight edge placed on the
internal diameter.
If the seal ring pops out of the coupling internal diameter,
verify the seal ring size and seal ring groove dimensions.

Pipes Lifting from Rack to Rig Floor

During the transportation to the rig floor, the thread
protectors must be kept installed.
For CRA materials, the use of a pick-up/lay-down equipment
with travelling basket coated with rubber or with other soft
materials is requested. Metal to metal contact is not
acceptable for CRA materials.
For standard materials, load and unload using certified
textile slings.
Single joint elevators are recommended for all materials.
On the rig floor, the pipe string shall be sustained by a
device that must not leave incisions or dents on the external
surface of the pipe.

Running Manual

Running
Operations on the Rig Floor

Thread Compound Application

While the pipe is in the travel basket or laid on the "V" door,
remove the thread protector of the box/coupling, wipe with a
clean cloth the box/coupling or blow it with a jet of compressed
air and apply the proper amount of thread compound as per
pipe manufacturer recommendations.

Thread storage compound shall be thoroughly removed from

the connection before applying running thread compound.

While the pin is lifted up in vertical position, remove the

protector and wipe the thread with a jet of compressed air.
Inspect the thread to assure that it has not been damaged and
it has been properly cleaned.
Apply the proper amount and type of thread compound as per
the pipe manufacturer recommendations.
Stab the pin into the box of the previous pipe, make them up
and run them into the hole.

Running Manual

Apply an even coat of manufacturer recommended

connection thread compound (see Recommended Thread
Running Compound) filling the full thread area and
covering the seal surface and torque shoulder of pin or box
(as per connection manufacturer recommendation). Do
not overdope, the thread pattern should still be evident
after doping.

Recommended Thread Running

Compounds
RUNNING THREAD COMPOUND*
TYPE

APPROVED TRADE MARK

API Modified

Any certified API modified Thread

Thread Compound

Compound.

Environmentally Safe

Jet-Lube-Enviro-Saf
Best-O-Life PTC
Total Premium Compound

*For other running thread compounds, please consult us.

Keep the dope well mixed, and stir it very well before using. If
the compound is too thick because of the low external
temperature, it can be warmed up to a maximum of 30C and
mixed up. Never use oil or solvent to dilute the thread
compound.
Keep the dope container covered in order to avoid
contamination from dust, water, or other dangerous elements.
Use new brushes with clean and soft bristle; never use metallic
brushes or spatulas. Use mustache type brush for box end and
plain type bruch for pin end.
Apply thread compound in a continuous film all over the
surface of threads and seals as per the connection manufacturer
recommendations.
When automatic dope applicator is used, try to check the
dope weight sprayed by collecting it and putting it on a
scale. Set up the dope applicator until the minimum weight is
reached. When a brush is used, weigh the minimum
requested quantity of dope with a scale, to have an idea of
the dope volume. Special care should be taken to make sure

that quantity of dope does not exceed the maximum

specified. Excessive thread dope may affect the connection
performance.

Thread Lock Application

When thread lock is required, both pin and box connections
must be cleaned, dried, and free of contaminants. Apply thread
lock to the pin thread end only (not the seal area of the pin).
This will reduce the possibility of the thread lock progressing
into the ID. A uniform coat should be applied, a full 360
degrees, covering all the threads of the upper half of the pin.
Then, apply thread compound to the internal seal of the box,
covering 360 degrees. The connection shall be made-up as soon
as possible after the thread lock and thread compound have
been applied. A torque in excess of the maximum make-up
torque may be required to shoulder the connections.

Stabbing
Stabbing and initial thread engagement is the most critical
aspect of running premium connections. A stabbing guide shall
be used on the pipe box thread to prevent damage to thread and
seal surfaces. The pipe must be properly positioned and under
complete control before stabbing is conducted. The pipe must
be in true vertical alignment over the box. Movement or sway of
the pipe should be limited to the minimum extent possible.
Personnel on the rig floor and the stabbing board should always
control stability and movement of the pipe. Only after the pipe
is stabilized and properly positioned, lower the pipe slowly to
avoid thread damage. Once the face of the pin is even with the
face of the box, the pin connection should be lowered very
slowly into the box. This process will allow the stab flank of
the pin threads to align with the flank threads of the box and
reduce the possibility of misstabbing, or cross threading.

Running Manual

Align the pipe with the

coupling axis

The stabbing operation is particularly critical with

high alloy steels that have a tendency to gall.

Thread Engagement
Remove stabbing guide after stabbing. Then rotate the pipe
by hand or manual wrench for a couple of turns. If the
weight of the pipe prohibits turning by hand, turn it very
slowly with tongs (connection should be free running without
torque required) to ensure proper thread engagement. Crossthreading and misalignment may be corrected now. The
stabber must not rock the pipe during initial stab or make-up.
In case of a misstab, rotating the connection counterclockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turns will correct the misalignment and
give proper thread engagement. Re make-up following the
previous indications.
When making up corrosion resistant alloys (CRA) pipes,
strap wrenches should be used after stabbing to make the pin
up to the hand tight position or at minimum until a secure
thread start has been achieved.

Connection Make-up
Power tongs are required. Pipe wrenches, rig tongs or
spinning chain make-up are not recommended. A back-up
tong may
be required until sufficient string weight is developed to
prevent the joint from turning in the slips. Set the power tong
and the back-up tong as close as possible to prevent bending
during make-up. The back-up tong should be of a sufficient
width to prevent crushing the pipe body. Do not set the backup tong over the box threads. Do not latch the elevators on
the pipe until the connection is made-up completely.

10

Running Manual

During power make-up operations, the torque shall be

continuously monitored. The usage of Torque vs Turns makeup monitoring system with a valid calibration is requested.
The accuracy of turn measurement shall be higher than 1/100
of a turn. A computer display is required to monitor the
make-up, and shall be capable of printing hard copies of
make-up graphs to be kept on file. A make-up torque graph
shall be generated for every connection. In the event a graph is
not produced or is lost, the connection shall be considered as
rejected.
When combining different weights (i.e. 5 x 15 lb/ft with 5 x
18 lb/ft) or different grades (i.e. L80 and P110), use the torque
corresponding to the lightest weight and the lowest grade.
Before starting the running, the equipment must be set up with
the following values provided by the connection manufacturer:

Minimum make-up torque

Optimum make-up torque
Maximum make-up torque
Minimum shoulder torque
Maximum shoulder torque
Reference torque

Make-up Speed
After stabbing, the first 1 or 2 turns must be performed at low
speed to assure proper made-up. Then a higher rotation speed
can be applied, and at the last 1 or 2 turns, the speed must be
reduced again to a low value.

Running Pipes with

Automated Rigs
When the strings are run by means of automated rigs, the
running procedure varies due to the lack of people
operating around the rotary area. Tongs are remotely
operated from a safe distance from the working area.
Besides the pre-running operations (thread cleaning,
drifting, visual inspection, seal ring installation, pipe length
measurement), the thread compound (or thread lock) must
be applied while joints are on the racks.

After that, the arm of the automatic equipment will

pick each joint up and it will deposit them on the tray to
be transported to the rotary area.
There is no need for performing any manual operation
from this point, as the officer in charge of driving the
automatic equipment will position the pipe in a vertical
way and will make-up the connection according to the
desired rotary speed and torque value.

Make-up Torque
Curve Pattern

Running Manual

11

Make-up
Acceptance Criteria
The make-up shall be accepted whenever the curve resulting from
the make-up operation adjusts to the patterns shown below:

Slight oscilations in thread interference length are acceptable.

12

Running Manual

Make-up
Rejection Criteria
Make-up Torque Under Minimum
or Over Maximum Specified Value
If the minimum specified make-up torque is not reached,
or the maximum specified make-up torque is exceeded, the
connectionthe connection shall be broken out, cleaned,
inspected and if it is not damaged, redoped and re-madeup.

Torque Shoulder not Defined

There is high thread/seal interference before shoulders get
in touch.

Possible reasons
Misalignment between pin and box
Threads not clean
Wrong torque
Not enough thread compound
Torque cell not properly calibrated

Consequences
Risk of leaking
Risk of accidental unscrewing
The connection shall be broken out, cleaned, inspected,
and if it is not damaged, redoped and re-madeup.

Running Manual

13

Torque Shoulder Below or Above

the Specified Window
There is low or high thread/seal interference.
Possible reasons
Wrong torque
Wrong thread compound
Torque cell not properly calibrated
Consequences
Risk of leaking
Risk of accidental unscrewing
The connection shall be broken out, cleaned, inspected,
and if there is no damage, redoped and re-madeup.

Connections Plastic Deformation

This may happen when the final torque exceeds the
connection yield torque.
The connection shall be broken out and the pin and box
connection shall be rejected and marked accordingly.

14

Running Manual

Severe Deviations Prior to

Shouldering

Possible cause: excesive dope amount.

Possible cause: galling or crossthread.

The connection shall be broken out, cleaned, inspected and

if it is not damaged, redoped and remade-up.

Tong or Backup Dies Slipping on

Pipe Body
Possible reasons
Non-suitable dies on tong or backup
Dirty or worn dies
Hydraulic pressure in backup too low
Possible consequences
Damage on pipe body
Wrong diagrams even with correct make-up
The connection shall be broken out, cleaned, inspected, and
if there is no damage, redoped and re-madeup.
Possible cause: dies slipping.

General Note
Connections that do not produce an acceptable graph within
three make-ups shall be rejected and identified accordingly.
Connections that show visible damage and that can not be
field repaired shall be rejected and identified accordingly.

Running Manual

15

Visual Inspection after

Make-up
Subsequent to each make-up, the area of the pipe/coupling that
was gripped by the power tongs/back-up device, as well as the slip
area, shall be visually inspected to determine if the pipe/coupling
has been damaged. lf there are excessive tong gouges on either
the pipe or couplings, the gouges shall be evaluated in accordance
with API Spec 5CT (see table).

PERMISSIBLE DEPTH OF IMPERFECTIONS IN COUPLINGS (API 5CT)

DIAMETER
PRODUCTS & SIZES

Tubing
Smaller than 3 1/2
3 1/2 to 4 1/2"
Smaller than 6 5/8
Casing
6 5/8 to 7 5/8
Larger than 7 5/8

G1, G2 (EXCEPT C90 AND T95) & G3

PITS AND ROUNDED
MARKS

Running Manual

GRIP MARKS AND

SHARP PATTERN

ALL

in.

mm.

in.

mm.

in.

mm.

0.030
0.045
0.035

0.76
1.14
0.89

0.025
0.030
0.030

0.64
0.76
0.76

0.030
0.035
0.030

0.76
0.89
0.76

0.045
0.060

1.14
1.52

0.040
0.040

1.02
1.02

0.035
0.035

0.89
0.89

G1: All casing and tubing in Grades H, J, K and N.

G2: All casing and tubing in Grades C, L, M and T.
G3: All casing and tubing in Grade P.
G4: All casing in Grade Q.

16

G2 (C90 AND T95) & G4

Connection Break-out
To break out the Tenaris family of premium connections, the
same equipment used to make them up will be required.

be stopped before additional turning of the connection is

continued.

If string has been in service for some time, the break-out

torque will likely be higher than the torque required to makeup the connections.

Maintain a steady, controlled speed until the pin jumps inside

the box. A single joint elevator is recommended to reduce
misalignment during the lifting process. A weight compensator
is recommended to be used to reduce thread galling during
break-out.

For coupled connections, the back-up tong should always be

set on the coupling central area during breaking-out, so it is
necessary to prepare the back-up tong die for the coupling size.
Hammering the cupling or connection is not allowed.

Stop rotation immediately when the pin jumps inside the box.
A stabbing guide shall be used prior to lifting the pin out of
the box. The pin must be carefully lifted out of the box to
avoid damage. This is critical on heavy weight pipe or when
pulling double or triple stands. Remove the power tong before
lifting the pin out of the box. Do not lift the exposed pin
threads through the tong. Before moving the pipe further,
protect the threads by installing a clean, dry thread protector
or lift plug as appropriate.
For flush connections, the use of safety clamps is highly
recommended.

Inspection
Once the connection is broken, a brief inspection of seal and
threads of both pin and box should be conducted.
All connections should be broken out and rotated out in low
gear only.
To break-out the connections, unlatch the elevators before
breakout. Locate the connection to be broken out at a
comfortable working height above the slips. Set the power
tong and the backup tong or slips as close as possible to
prevent bending during breakout. Maintain vertical
alignment and control of pipe. This is accomplished by a man
on the stabbing board. Slowly apply the torque required to
break the connection. (Never use a hammer or other hard
object to beat on a connection. The resultant damage could
lead to a failure.) Depending on the torque required, the
upper end of the pipe may start moving. Pipe movement shall

Particular attention must be paid to:

Seals for evidence of galling

Threads for evidence of galling
Pipe for damage caused by power tong or back-up tong dies
Pipe for damage caused by elevator or slip dies
Any foreign material in the threads or in the torque
shoulder/seal area of the box member

Re-Running
To re-run a string of Tenaris Premium Connections, the same
procedure as in the initial running should be followed.

Running Manual

17

Running and Pulling

General Recommendations - Summary

Running

Pulling

Remove thread protectors from pin and coupling ends.

Clean the connection with a non-metallic bristle brush
and steam or a quick drying solvent type cleaner (without
chlorine).
Clean and dry thread protectors. Reject damaged
protectors.
Make sure that the internal surface of the pipes is clean
and free from foreign material.
Check and clean (by air jet) inside the tubulars to
eliminate any foreign material.
Pass drift from the coupling or box end to the pin end
avoiding damages on threads and shoulders.
Tubulars that do not pass the drift mandrel shall be
marked with a reject paint band and laid aside.
For CRA and coated material, use a non-metallic drift or
a drift coated with plastic or Teflon.
Measure the Total Length of each piece of casing / tubing /
accessory.
Calculate the Effective Length of each joint by deducting
the Make-up Loss from the Total Length.
Visually inspect the connection to assure they are:

Use of weight compensator system is requested, specially

in the case of CRA grades.
For coupled connections break-out, the back-up tong shall
be set on the coupling middle position.
The break-out torque will likely be higher than the torque
required to make up the connections.
All connections should be broken out and rotated out in
low gear only.
Never use a hammer or other hard object to beat on a
connection.
Maintain a steady, controlled speed until the pin jumps inside
the coupling (avoid bumping).
Stop rotation immediately when the pin jumps inside the
coupling.
A stabbing guide shall be used prior to lifting the pin out of
the coupling.
The pin must be carefully lifted out of the box avoiding to
damage it.
Before moving the pipe further, protect the threads by
installing a clean and dry thread protector.
Once the connection is broken out, a brief visual inspection
of both pin and coupling should be conducted. Particular
attention must be paid to:

- Free from dust due to a long and/or incorrect

storage.
- Free from handling and transport damages.
- Free from burrs or wear.
Never attempt to repair the seal area of the connections.
Slight repairs can be made by # 400 emery cloth or file
only on the threads or on the shoulder area.
After repairing, threads must be cleaned again and dried.
During pipe moving to the rig floor, thread protectors
must be kept installed.
Use of weight compensator system is requested, specially
in the case of CRA grades.

- Threads for evidence of galling.

- Pipe body for damages caused by power tong,
backup tong, elevator or slip dies.
- Any foreign material in the threads or in the
torque shoulder of the coupling.
If the string is pulled out in stands, pin thread protectors
should be on straight and tight.
Stands should be properly tied with a band to prevent
bending.

Note: this section does not replace the Tenaris Running Manual.
It shall be used together with it.

18

Running Manual

Tenaris makes available this Manual for informational purposes only and in no way assumes responsibility or liability for any
loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of information and data herein. The technical information contained herein
should not be construed as a recommendation. Although reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the accuracy and
reliability of its content you should only rely on its conclusions at your own risk. You should not rely on descriptive product
data or other information in this Manual without professional engineering advice.

Managing Director
Jim Aivalis
jaivalis@tenaris.com
(1) 713 767 4400 tel
(1) 713 767 4444 fax
Product Qualification
& Technical Support
Mario Vespa
mvespa@tenaris.com
(1) 713 767 4400 tel
(1) 713 767 4444 fax
Licensee Support
Rolando Lange
rlange@tenaris.com
(54) 3489 435124 tel
(54) 3489 433090 fax

ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires
Gabriel Domecq
gdomecq@tenaris.com
(54) 3489 433826 tel
(54) 3489 433090 fax
BOLIVIA
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Richard Mariaca
rmariaca@tenaris.com
(591) 3 312 0603 tel
(591) 3 312 0602 fax
BRAZIL
Sao Paulo
Jos Rey Mendez
jreymendez@confab.com.br
(55) 12 244 9001 tel
(55) 12 244 9004 fax
CANADA
Calgary
Blair Mackie
bmackie@tenaris.com
(1) 403 262 6804 tel
(1) 403 290 0619 fax
CASPIAN SEA
Baku & Atyrau
Claudio Casais
ccasais@tenaris.com
(994) 1292 1411 tel
(994) 1297 1023 fax
CHINA
Beijing
Alejandro de la Serna
adelaserna@tenaris.com
(86) 10 6437 6744 tel
(86) 10 6437 6746 fax

COLOMBIA
Bogota
Edgard Aguado
eaguado@tenaris.com
(57) 1 636 2920 tel
(57) 1 623 4780 fax
ECUADOR
Quito
Roberto Amuchstegui
ramuchastegui@tenaris.com
(593) 2 298 6240 tel
(593) 2 298 6250 fax
EGYPT
Cairo
Khalil Hesham Reda
kheshamreda@tenaris.com
(20) 2 2686 991 tel
(20) 2 2686 990 fax
ITALY
Bergamo
Giuseppe Della Pina
gdellapina@tenaris.com
(39) 035 560 3960 tel
(39) 035 560 3464 fax
JAPAN
Kanto
Marcelo Ramos
mramos@tenaris.com
(81) 44 328 3400 tel
(81) 44 328 3456 fax
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur
Amanugan Manno
amanno@tenaris.com
(603) 216 48115 tel
(603) 216 48117 fax

www.tenarisconnections.com
Version 01/ September 2003. Tenaris. All rights reserved.

MEXICO
Veracruz
Victor Durn
vduran@tamsa.com.mx
(52) 229 989 1228 tel
(52) 229 989 1119 fax
NIGERIA
Port Harcourt
Valerio Maussier
vmaussier@tenaris.com
(234) 8461 0299 tel
(234) 8461 1859 fax
NORWAY
Stavanger
Arnt Oxaas
aoxaas@tenaris.com
(47) 51 44 3440 tel
(47) 51 44 3441 fax
RUSSIA
Moscow
Fernando Cadena
fcadena@tenaris.com
(7) 095 502 1630 tel
(7) 095 937 7713 fax
SINGAPORE
Singapore
Soon Tee Sia
stsia@tenaris.com
(65) 6395 9000 tel
(65) 6222 4090 fax
UAE
Dubai
Luis Acevedo
lacevedo@tenaris.com
(971) 4 2725 394 tel
(971) 4 2725 392 fax

UK
Aberdeen
John Mennie
jmennie@tenaris.com
(44) 1224 587 889 tel
(44) 1224 587 422 fax
USA
Houston
Mario Vespa
mvespa@tenaris.com
(1) 713 767 4400 tel
(1) 713 767 4444 fax
VENEZUELA
Caracas
Alejandro Cassullo
acassullo@tenaris.com
(58) 212 902 3969 tel
(58) 212 902 3937 fax

Tenaris Marketing Communications

tmc@tenaris.com