Method and apparatus for testing oilfield tubular threaded connections

摘要

Equipment and techniques test the integrity of one or more seals within an oilfield tubular threaded connection 12. A test fixture 74 may be utilized including three axially spaced sensors 92, 86 and 88 which are each responsive to radial deformation of an outer surface of an internally pressurized threaded connection. Excessive radial deformation indicates a failure of at least one of the threaded connection seals. A relatively simple yet highly reliable technique is provided for quickly and easily determining the sealing integrity of a threaded connection made up at a well site. If any one of the multiple seals fails during the test, the operator may either break out and re-test the connection, or may make up and test a new threaded connection. The present invention may be used for substantially increasing the integrity of oilfield tubular connections and thereby reducing the overall cost of hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations.