Bourne, Dwayne (2009-08). Assessment of API Thread Connections Under Tight Gas Well Conditions. Master's Thesis. Thesis uri icon

abstract

  • The modern oil and gas industry of America has seen most of the high quality, easily obtainable resources,
    already produced, thus causing wells to be drilled deeper in search for unconventional resources. This
    means Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) must improve in order to withstand harsher conditions;
    especially the ability of connections to effectively create leak tight seals.
    This study investigates the use of thread connections in tight gas fields; therefore, an insight into their
    potential to contribute to fulfilling the energy demands is necessary. Also, a survey of completed projects
    done in tight gas fields can provide vital information that will establish the minimum requirements thread
    connection must meet to perform its functions.
    To make suitable adjustments to ensure safe and efficient operations we must thoroughly understand the
    many aspects of thread connections. To have this understanding, a review of previous works was carried
    out that highlights the capabilities and imitations of thread connections.
    In addition to reviewing previous work done on thread connections; this study measured the viscosity of
    thread compounds under variable conditions. It was found that viscosity of thread compound falls in the
    range of 285,667 cP and 47,758 cP when measured between 32.9 degrees F and 121.5 degrees F. This can be very
    important because thread compound is essential to the function of thread connections. The knowledge of its
    viscosity can help choose the most suitable compound. By knowing the value of the viscosity of a thread
    compound it can also be used to form an analytical assessment of the grooved plate method by providing a
    means to calculate a pressure gradient which impacts the leakage.

publication date

  • August 2009