TY - JOUR
T1 - Improving casing integrity with induction brazing of casing connections
AU - Ernens, D.
AU - Hariharan, H.
AU - Van Haaften, W. M.
AU - Pasaribu, H.R.
AU - Jabs, M.
AU - McKim, R.N.
PY - 2018/9/1
Y1 - 2018/9/1
N2 - Brazing technology allows metallurgical joining of dissimilar materials using a filler material. In this paper, brazing technology applied to casing connections is presented as an enhancement of existing (premium) connections and/or a replacement of metal/metal seals. The initial application was triggered by challenges with mechanical and pressure integrity after the expansion of casing connections. Creating a strong bond between the pin and the box could resolve this and remove the need for a metal/metal seal. Brazing was selected because of the combination of ductility and high bond strength and the relatively fast process to create the bond. The brazing process or the temperature/torque/time (TTT) process is performed using regular casing connections, a filler material deposited by flame spray and a flux. Two processes were developed, one for expandable (VM 50) grade material and one for quenched and tempered grade material. A rig-ready (Class 1, Division 1) prototype brazing system was developed consisting of an induction coil as the heat source, an environmental chamber to shield the hot work, and a modified power tong to provide torque. The results of a series of brazing trials on 85=8- and 95=8-in.-casing connections are presented. The brazed connections were subsequently capped, end-pressure tested, expanded (when applicable), and load cycled. It is concluded that both processes produced leak-tight casing connectors before and after expansion (when applicable), as shown by full-scale tests.
AB - Brazing technology allows metallurgical joining of dissimilar materials using a filler material. In this paper, brazing technology applied to casing connections is presented as an enhancement of existing (premium) connections and/or a replacement of metal/metal seals. The initial application was triggered by challenges with mechanical and pressure integrity after the expansion of casing connections. Creating a strong bond between the pin and the box could resolve this and remove the need for a metal/metal seal. Brazing was selected because of the combination of ductility and high bond strength and the relatively fast process to create the bond. The brazing process or the temperature/torque/time (TTT) process is performed using regular casing connections, a filler material deposited by flame spray and a flux. Two processes were developed, one for expandable (VM 50) grade material and one for quenched and tempered grade material. A rig-ready (Class 1, Division 1) prototype brazing system was developed consisting of an induction coil as the heat source, an environmental chamber to shield the hot work, and a modified power tong to provide torque. The results of a series of brazing trials on 85=8- and 95=8-in.-casing connections are presented. The brazed connections were subsequently capped, end-pressure tested, expanded (when applicable), and load cycled. It is concluded that both processes produced leak-tight casing connectors before and after expansion (when applicable), as shown by full-scale tests.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85055704530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2118/184703-PA
DO - 10.2118/184703-PA
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85055704530
VL - 33
SP - 241
EP - 251
JO - SPE Drilling and Completion
JF - SPE Drilling and Completion
SN - 1064-6671
IS - 3
M1 - SPE-184703-PA
ER -