Dry dope-free premium connections: a zero discharge technology validated through laboratory and field testing and usage

Abstract

Dope-free alternatives to standard thread compounds used for casing and tubing connections became commercially available around 2003. The challenges from galling resistance needs and handling and storage requirements were addressed. The lessons learnt from the initial uses and experiences with the dope-free solution were incorporated into products that are reliable and have proven their suitability in environments that vary from the extremely humid and cold North and Barents Seas to the sandy and hot environment of the Middle East. The experiences to date not only confirm the validity of initial drivers —mainly related to the environmental care—for the development of these alternatives, but also open up the possibility of the complete elimination of thread compound from the casing and tubing installation and storage processes.

The dope-free solution has demonstrated suitability for application in all tubing and casing dimensional size ranges including: all type of steels (such as common carbon steel—both API grades and proprietary), 13Cr, and corrosion resistance alloys (CRA), premium connections with metal-to-metal seal both threaded and coupled (T&C), as well as integral connections. Experience with large outside diameter (OD) semi-premium connections indicates that this can be another area of application for dope-free solutions. This paper describes the different experiences related to the field use of dry, dope-free solutions, the improvements and adjustments incorporated after initial experiences and operators feedback and the verification activities in laboratory and especially in experimental rigs under actual field conditions. The intention of this presentation is to present the advantages and the value obtained through the use of this technology.