New Level of Expandable Connector Qualification Helps Minimize Operational Risk in Solid Expandable Liners

摘要

Expandable connectors continue to be the Achilles Heal of solid expandables due to the simple nature that the connectors need to sustain their tensile, compressional and sealing integrity, before, during and after expansion. Solid expandable products such as monobore liners and monobore clads, which push expansion ratio requirements to 20% and toward 30%, require connectors with qualification needs that exceed earlier product applications. The API and ISO qualification bodies are now addressing the need for standardization recommendation procedures for the testing and performance specifications of solid expandable system tubulars and their connecting devices. Connector failures and inconsistent reporting methods of specifications of solid expandable systems’ performance envelops have driven the industry to attempt to apply standard methods of API connector qualification. Even applying conventional testing and qualification methodology for expandable connectors cut on seamless tubulars fell short of thoroughly qualifying these connectors for use in the extreme environment of cold working connected tubulars in situ.