Tubular Goods

“Tubular goods” (tubulars) is a term that refers to the pipe and equipment which when screwed
together and run into a well forms a string of pipe. The string of pipe may be various casing strings
or the production tubing. This section will briefly review a few of the more common tubular goods
which may be found in string of production tubing.

PRODUCTION TUBING

In a conventional completion, oil/gas flows from the formation to the surface through the production
tubing string. Most of the production tubing string is comprised of the tubing itself. Well conditions
usually dictate the type of tubing to be used.

Tubing is “typed” according to four criteria. Since a section (joint) of production tubing generally
averages 28-32 feet in length, the range is usually not used in describing production tubing.

A. Size refers to the outside diameter (in inches or millimeters) or the tube body itself. Tubing
is available in various external diameters. API recognized sizes for production tubing vary
from 3/4 inch to 4 1/2 inch. Some geographical areas use pipe larger than 4 1/2” for
production strings. By API standards, these larger strings are casings.

B. Weight of the tubing is an average given in pounds/foot of kilograms/meter. Tubing is

available in various weights for each particular size. Weight of the pipe is the result of the
amount of steel in the pipe. As weight increases, the wall thickness increases and the inside
diameter decreases.

C. Grade is a term used to describe the type of metal alloy of which the pipe is made. Common
grades of steel pipe include J-55, N-80, P-105. The numbers listed in the grade of the pipe
refer to the minimum yield strength of that pipe in thousands of pounds per square inch
cross sectional area. (Example: J-55 pipe has minimum yield strength of 55,000 pounds per
square inch of cross-sectional area).

In hostile environments, (H2S, CO2, etc.), special alloys may be used. Chrome and Incoloy
are example of such alloys and their yield strength should be supplied by the manufacturer.

D. Thread refers to the design of the connection on either end of the pipe. In today’s
competitive market, there is a tremendous variety of thread types available to the oil
industry. Thread type used is determined by the operating company based on several
factors – design benefits and/or limitations, economics, durability, availability, and past
experience.

In general, threads can be classified in two categories – (1) threaded and coupled pipe and
(2) integral joint. IN threaded and coupled pipe, a pin (threads on the outside) is cut on each
end of the pipe. A coupling (collar) with matching treads on its inside diameter is used to
join the pipe together.

Threaded and coupled pipe can be further broken down into two basic types:
External Upset (EU) and Non-Upset (NU). Upset refers to an increase in wall thickness.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 1 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
Threaded and coupled pipe can be further broken down into two basic types: external upset (EU)
and non-upset (NU)

API EU API NU

Tubing
Tubing

Coupling Coupling

Upset

Tubing

Figure 1 Figure 2

In external upset pipe, the end of the tube (pipe) is externally upset (enlarged) before the thread is
cut on the tube. (Fig. 1)

In non-upset pipe, the thread is cut directly onto the original diameter of the tube without use of the
upsetting process. Therefore the OD of the NU thread would be smaller that the EU thread. (Fig. 2)

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 2 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
In integral joint pipe, a pin is cut on one end of the pipe and a “box” (threads on the inside) is cut on
the opposite end. The pipe is joined by screwing the pin end of one joint into the box end of another
joint (Fig 3)

Integral Joint Pipe

Pin End

Box End

Fig. 3

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 3 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
LANDING NIPPLES AND LOCK MANDRELS
Landing nipples are common components of the production tubing string. They are installed in the
tubing string at a pre-determined position. A landing nipple is a short length of pipe with a profile cut
on the inside of the pipe. A wide variety of landing nipples are available. The type of landing nipple
used in a particular well may depend on many factors such as tubing size and weight, pressure,
temperature, location in tubing string, proximity of other landing nipples, flow volume requirements,
etc.

Landing nipples are designed so as to allow a lock mandrel to locate and lock into the nipple’s
internal profile. The profile design determines the type of landing nipple. A few of the common
types of Halliburton landing nipple include X®, R®, XN®, RN®, RPT®, and FBN® Nipples. There
are other oilfield service companies which also offer landing nipples however Halliburton is the
premier supplier of landing nipples.

A typical Slickline ‘plug’ consists of 3 components:

1. Lock mandrel
2. Equalizing valve
3. Flow control device

As mentioned, lock mandrels are designed to locate and lock into a landing nipple. The proper type
of lock mandrel must be used in order to locate in a given type of landing nipple. For example, if a
lock mandrel is to be set in an X® Nipple, then an X® Lock mandrel must be used. The lock
mandrel not only locates and locks into the landing nipple but also ‘seals off’ in the polished bore of
the landing nipple.

The lock mandrel will generally have an equalizing valve attached below it. This allows the lock
mandrel to pass through other nipple profiles if necessary and also equalize pressure above and
below the lock during retrieving. If a lock mandrel is released with a pressure differential working on
the plug, the lock and associated tools will be ‘blown’ up or down the hole depending on which
direction the pressure differential is acting. This can cause extreme problems which may require
pulling the tubing to get the plug and tool string out of the tubing.

The type of flow control device attached to the plug assembly is dependent upon desired
capabilities of the plug. Common flow control devices include a solid bottom, pump through bottom,
pressure/test bottom, pressure regulator bottom.

XN®, RN®, Nipples (N = no-go) contain a restriction in the profile which prevents the Slickline plug
from passing through. Only 1 no-go nipple of a particular size is used in a well and usually it will be
placed at or near the bottom of the well below other landing nipples.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 4 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
FBN® nipples are full bore landing nipples. These are used in wells where large flow volume is
desired. The ID through these nipples is virtually the same as the tubing’s ID thus allowing for
larger flow capabilities. If a ‘plug’ is to be set in a FBN® nipple, then it must have a FBN® lock
mandrel.

The RPT® no-go landing nipples and lock mandrels are designed for high pressure, high
temperature, large bore completions. These are upper no-go nipples and lock mandrels. A tapered
no-go nipple completion design must be used if more than one RPT® nipple is to be installed in the
tubing string. These nipples also allow for a large flow volume.

A few applications for which Slickline plugs include:

• Plugging the tubing for any reason, including removing the wellhead or surface equipment
• Testing tubing
• Setting packers
• Separating zones during production or stimulation
• Installing safety valves

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 5 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
DESIGN OVERVIEW
This Halliburton X® Lock Mandrel is a selective Lock Mandrel that is designed to land and
lock Subsurface Flow Controls in standard or medium weight tubing, where an X® Landing
Nipple of comparable size has been installed. It is designed to hold pressure differentials
from above or below and is installed/retrieved by standard wireline methods.

DESIGN PRINCIPLE
The Halliburton X® Lock Mandrel is a mechanically operated Lock that is made selective by
an X® Selective Running Tool. The Running Tool, when attached to a Lock Mandrel and
placed in the “selective” position holds the Expander Sleeve in the fully extended position.

When the Expander Sleeve is in the fully extended position, the Key Springs act as
Cantilever Springs to bias the Keys “in” to the retracted position.

With the Keys, retracted. The Lock Mandrel can be lowered through a series of like or similar
bore Landing Nipples without locating. However, when the Lock Mandrel is moved up, the
Locating Dogs on the Running Tool engage and locate within the lower end of the Nipple
Hone Bore. Further upward movement through the Nipple results in the Running Tool
moving the Expander Sleeve down into the “control” position. As the Expander Sleeve
moves from the “selective” position to the “control” position, the lower end of the Expander
Sleeve moves under the offset bend in the Key Springs. This causes the Key Springs and
Keys to be biased out toward the expanded position. The Expander Sleeve does not move
under the Keys, therefore the Keys can flex from the expanded to the retracted position
when being pulled up through a Nipple or a series of Nipples.

The shoulders on the Keys and in the Landing Nipple have been chamfered to prevent the
spring biased Keys from hanging or landing in the Nipple when the Lock Mandrel is being
pulled up through the Nipple. However, when the Lock Mandrel is lowered back into the
Nipple, the 90o shoulders on the Keys engage the 90o shoulder in the Landing Nipple and
land the Lock Mandrel within the Landing Nipple.

Once located, downward jar action shears the top Shear Pin in the Running Tool, which
permits the Expander Sleeve to move down beneath the Keys to the fully locked position.

When locked, upward jar action determines if the Lock is locked and shears the lower Shear
Pin to release the Running Tool from the Lock.

The Lock Mandrel has matching non-helical Teeth, inside the Keys and on the OD of the
Expander Sleeve, which engage and become the Primary Hold-Down when the Lock is
subjected to a pressure differential from below. This Primary Hold-Down keeps the Lock
from being pulled from the Landing Nipple when a pressure differential exists from below.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 6 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
 DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ONLY

1. Internal Fishing Neck

2. Expander Mandrel

3. Double Acting Springs

4. Locking Keys
5. Key Retainer Housing

6. Packing Mandrel

7. V-Packing

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 7 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
Design Overview
The Halliburton RPT Lock Mandrel is a high pressure rated top No-Go Lock System for
plugging applications. The key retainer will No-Go on the honed bore of the nipple. The top
No-Go provides a positive locator for the lock mandrel. The lock is designed such that
pressure from above and below is held by key/nipple engagement. RPT Lock Mandrels are
designed so that a tapered string series of RPT nipples can be accessed with one running
and pulling tool. This RPT lock and nipple system provides maximum flow area and
maximum pressure rating along with the simplicity of a No-Go installation procedure.

The lock mandrel is designed to land and lock subsurface flow controls in a RPT landing
nipple profile only. It is designed to hold pressure differentials from above or below and is
installed and retrieved by standard wireline methods.

Design Principle
The RPT Lock Mandrel is run with a Halliburton RXNTM Running Tool in the retracted
position. The running tool is attached to the lock mandrel and shear pinned. This places the
expander sleeve in the fully extended position. When the expander sleeve is fully extended,
the key springs bias the keys in to the retracted position. With the keys retracted, the lock
mandrel can be lowered and landed on the No-Go shoulder at the top of the landing nipple
hone diameter.

Once landed, downward jar action shears the top shear pins in the running tool, which
permits the expander sleeve to move down beneath the keys to the fully locked position.

When locked, upward jar action checks to determine if the lock is locked and shears the
lower shear pin to release the running tool from the lock mandrel.

RPT locks have either a shear pin hold-down or interference hold-down feature. The shear
pin hold-down locks the expander sleeve and the key retainer together when the lock is fully
set. The pins must be sheared to pull the lock. The interference hold-down locks the
expander sleeve and the packing mandrel together with an interference fit when the lock is
fully set. These hold-downs inhibit the lock mandrel from being flowed from the landing
nipple.

CAUTION DO NOT attempt to run the lock mandrel with the running tool in the locate position
(keys biased outward). The lock mandrel expander sleeve will extend under the keys
and will not permit the keys to fully retract when the running tool is in the locate
configuration.

Note For specific design information on this lock mandrel assembly, refer to the appropriate
Engineering Data Sheet (EDS).

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 8 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
 DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ONLY

Fish Neck

Shear Pin

Spring

Cap Screw (at cut-away)

Key Retainer

Spring

Expander sleeve

Key

Interference Hold Down

Female Adaptor
Vee Packing Backup

Double Male Adaptor

Vee Packing

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 9 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
FLOW COUPLING

A flow coupling (Fig.1) is simply a short length of pipe which has the same internal diameter, but a
larger external diameter that the well tubing. This makes the wall of the flow coupling about TWICE
as thick as the tubing wall.

When a control device such as a safety valve is installed in the landing nipple (Fig. 2), the well’s
flow is directed through the safety valve. Since the bore (flow area) through the safety valve is
much smaller than the bore in the tubing, a change in the pressure and/or velocity of the flow
stream (gas and/or fluid) occurs both below and above the safety valve. This change creates
turbulence below the above and safety valve. The turbulence (swirling action) of the fluid and/or
gas tends to slowly erode or wash away the tubing wall in the areas where the turbulence occurs.

By installing a flow coupling, with its thicker wall, at the points where turbulence occurs (Fig. 2), we
prolong the life of the tubing string.

Flow couplings are furnished in standard lengths of 3, 4, and 6 feet.

Flow Tubing
Coupling

Flow Coupling

Landing Nipple

Flow Control

Tubing

Flow Coupling

Tubing

Figure 1 Figure 2

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 10 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
BLAST JOINT

Refer to (Fig.3) and find the item in the completion which is labelled blast joint. Notice that the blast
joint is made up as part of the primary (long) tubing string and is positioned opposite the upper zone
perforations.

A blast joint is similar to a flow coupling in that it will have the same internal diameter as the tubing
but will have a larger external diameter. This gives the blast joint a wall thickness which is about
twice the thickness of the tubing wall.

When the upper zone in (Fig. 3) is flowing, the formation content enters the casing between the two
packers through the perforations in the casing. As this fluid and/or gas enters the casing it
sometimes creates a jetting action (Fig.4) not unlike a high pressure water hose with a small nozzle.
This is likely to occur, especially if some of the perforations become plugged and most of the flow
has to come through only one or two open perforations. This jetting action could quickly “jet” or
blast a hole in the tubing which spans the perforated interval, particularly if the flow contained sand
or other solid, abrasive material. For this reason, “blast joints” rather than regular tubing, are
normally used to span the perforated interval of the upper zone. The thicker wall of the blast joint
would withstand a much longer period of “blasting” or jetting action than would the tubing.

Blast joints are normally furnished in 10 and 20 foot lengths.

Primary (Long String) Tubing

Secondary (Short
String)
Flow Coupling
Selective Nipple
Flow Coupling
Blast Joint
Sliding Sleeve
Packer (Dual)
No-Go Nipple Casin
Perforations
Sliding Sleeve

Blast Joint
Packer (Single)

No-Go Nipple

Tubing

Figure 3 Figure 4

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 11 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
DURASLEEVETM Circulation/Production Sleeve
The DurasleeveTM is Halliburton’s new non-elastomeric circulation/production sleeve. It features
non-elastomer engineered composite material (ECM) as the seal material. Halliburton’s previously
manufactured circulation/production sleeve (Sliding Side Door®) contained O-rings and Vee
packing made of elastomeric (rubber like) seal components.

A circulation/production sleeve (sometimes called ‘sliding sleeve’ or just ‘sleeve’) is a device which
is made up as part of the tubing string. During installation into the tubing string, DO NOT torque
across the device. The primary function of this device is to provide controlled communication
between the tubing and tubing/casing annulus. By use of wireline from the surface, the sleeve may
be ‘opened’ or ‘closed’ to gain communication or to shut off communication between the tubing and
tubing/casing annulus.

The ‘sleeve’ contains an inner sleeve which is capable of being ‘shifted’ up or down using the proper
wireline tool. The up or down shifting of the inner sleeve opens or closes the DurasleeveTM
depending on the sleeve design. There are those which open by upward movement of the inner
sleeve and others which open by moving the inner sleeve downward. There are several wireline
positioning (shifting) tools available to open/close Halliburton ‘sleeves’. The type of positioning tool
used depends on several considerations- how many ‘sleeves’ are in the tubing string, which ‘sleeve’
is to be worked on, and which direction the inner sleeve is to be moved.

As mentioned, the primary function of the DurasleeveTM is to provide controlled communication

between the tubing and the tubing/casing annulus. A few functions provided by this capability
include:

A. Killing the well. If the annulus contains heavy weight kill fluids, the DurasleeveTM can
be opened allowing the kill fluid to enter the tubing string and assist in killing the well.
B. Produce multiple zones. If more than one production zone is present in a well,
‘sleeves’ can be opened or closed to produce any one of the zones.
C. Change out well bore (annulus) fluids after well completion.
D. In rare cases, ‘sleeves’ are used for gas lift injection purposes.

The DurasleeveTM typically contains a landing nipple profile (usually X or R) in the top sub into which
a lock mandrel and plug can be placed by means of wireline. This nipple profile can be used for
similar purposes as an ordinary landing nipple.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 12 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
DURASLEEVETM Circulation/Production Sleeve
Improved Performance with Non-Elastomer Design

Halliburton’s new non-elastomer DURASLEEVETM circulation/production sleeve is the new

standard for sliding sleeve performance. Innovative design features offer improved
durability and performance.

• Low shifting forces

• DURATEFTM ECM non-elastomer seals
• Built-in Halliburton nipple profile
• Improved shifting system
• Lowest total cost sleeve available

Test conditions – 5,000 psi (345 bar) external pressure, 325o (165oC)

The new DURATEF ECM seal is a non-elastomer engineered composite material (ECM) available
only from Halliburton. DURATEF ECM is so advanced that temperature and pressure ranges for
testing have been expanded dramatically, resulting in a new specification for sleeves. During
testing, DURASLEEVE devices were repeatedly opened against 5000 psi (345 bar) differential
pressure with no seal damage.

Dramatically lower shifting forces are shown in the chart above. Even after shifting the
DURASLEEVE 100 times, shifting force with DURATEF ECM seal, the new Engineered Composite
Material, was 80% less than with PEEK seals.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 13 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 14 of 19
© Halliburton 2007
Average Shifting Force <500 lbs <1500 lbs
To Open or Close*

Non-Elastomer Seals Yes No

And Body Joint Connections

Anti-Galling Body Joint Yes No

Thread Profile For
Cheaper, Faster Redress

*Note: Shifting force for comparison was measured at zero pressure differential with sleeves in new
condition. Actual shifting force may vary due to well conditions and length of time installed.
Sales of Halliburton products and services will be in accord solely with the terms and conditions
contained in the contract between Halliburton and the customer that is applicable to the sale.

© 1997 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 15 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
 POSITIONING TOOLS
TYPE 42BO POSITIONING TOOL DESCRIPTION:
The Halliburton-Otis 42BO* Positioning Tool is
composed of the following basic parts:

The Top Sub has standard threads and a fishing

Top Sub neck at its upper end. It is threaded internally to
receive the Body, and a Set Screw is provided
Set Screw to lock this connection.
The Body screws into the Top Sub. Its lower
end has standard threads and a fishing neck.
The Collet fits over the Body and secures the
Body Key Retainers. The Keys fit on each side of the
Collet and Key Retainers. Springs inside the
Shear Pin Keys push the keys outward, but the travel of
the Keys is limited by the Key Retainers.
The Collet is connected to the Body by means of
Key a Shear Pin.

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION:
Spring
The 42BO* Positioning Tool, run on a standard
wireline tool string, is used to open or close all
of the Halliburton-Otis Sliding Side Doors and
position Sleeves in other devices (eg. 121XL
Safety Valve Landing Nipple, some Packers and
Key
tubing run Gas Lift Mandrels). The keys are
Retainer
shaped so that when travelling in one direction
their sloped surface at one end allows them to
Collet
pass through the sliding door. In the opposite
direction, the 90o shoulder near the centre of the
keys engages in corresponding shoulder inside
the closing sleeve. Further movement of the
Positioning Tool moves the closing to the fully
open, closed or equalizing position, depending
upon the operation being performed.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 16 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
The 42BO* positioning tool has available two
styles of keys. These are the self-releasing 42BO* Self-Releasing Keys
keys and the selective keys. Up-Shifting Down-Shifting

The self-releasing keys are placed on the 42BO*

positioning tool when there is only one SSD in
the well bore or if there is no need to selectively
up-shift a SSD. (Selectively shift means to
manipulate one particular sleeve in the well
without disturbing another above it.) The self-
releasing have a releasing profile at the lower
end which retract the keys, releasing them from
the closing sleeve as the tool reaches the
inclined shoulder of the top or bottom sub of the
SSD. This serves as to indicate that the closing
sleeve is fully positioned.

The selective keys do not have the self

releasing profile and are used for up-shifting.
They are assembled on the 42BO* positioning
tool when there is a need to selectively up-shift
Halliburton-Otis SSD’s. As the closing sleeve is
moved, the keys will not retract and release the
closing sleeve until the pin through the collet
and body has been sheared. Once sheared, the
top sub, on the positioning tool, moves over the
42BO* Selective Keys
keys retracting them causing the tool to be
Shifting Sheared
released from the closing sleeve. With the pin
sheared, any sleeve above will not be affected
because the tool has been rendered inactive.

The shear pin, in the positioning tool, has two

functions. First, it serves as a safety release
device when shifting up. When the pin shears,
the top sub moves over the tapered keys
causing them to retract and release from the
closing sleeve allowing the tool to pass through
the SSD Secondly, when the pin is not sheared,
using self-releasing keys, it serves as an
indication the positioning of the closing sleeve is
fully completed..

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 17 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
The schematics on next page are representative With the SSD in the fully open position,
of the Halliburton-Otis Type ‘XA’ Sliding Side- communication is established through the outer
Door® and the Type 42BO* Positioning Tool. ports and the slots of the closing sleeve.
The schematics illustrate the equalizing,
opening and closing of the SSD. Figure 9a The closing sequence of a sleeve is very much
illustrates the positioning tool engaged on the the same. To close the Type ‘XA’ Sliding Side
shoulder of the closing sleeve that is shifted Door (Figure 9c) the shifting tool is positioned
upward to open and downward to close. with the 90o shoulders of the keys facing down.
As the tool string enters the top sub, the key are
As the positioning tool with self-releasing keys kept retracted until the tool is in the closing
enters the nipple restriction of the top sub, the sleeve. Once in the closing sleeve, the keys
spring loaded keys are collapsed allowing the expand to engage the 90o shoulder at the lower
tool string to go through the SSD. When tool end of the closing sleeve.
string is pulled back up and the keys reach the
closing sleeve, the spring loaded keys expand, Downward jarring moves the sleeve to the fully
allowing the 90o shoulders of the keys to locate closed position. When the sleeve reaches the
the 90o shoulder in the upper end of the closing fully closed position the keys release the closing
sleeve of the SSD. sleeve and pass through the SSD. This is a
preliminary indication that the sleeve is closed.
With upward jarring, the closing sleeve begins to Once the positioning tool is retrieved and
move up until the collets of the closing sleeve inspected, the shear pin not being sheared is
reach the equalizing position. At this point, the the second indication that the sleeve is fully
equalizing ports of the closing sleeve have closed.
cleared the isolating packing and are aligned
with the ports of the nipple. This position allows
the pressure of the tubing and annulus to
equalize.

Continued upward jarring, after equalization, will

move the closing sleeve into the full open
position as illustrated in centre. SSD on next
page. Two things occur at this time. First the
collet of the closing sleeve moves out into the
detent to hold the sleeve in a fully open position.
Second, as the self-releasing profile on the keys
reach the inclined shoulder in the top sub, the
keys are retracted and release from the closing
sleeve. This is usually an indication that the
SSD is fully opened if the pin in the 42BO* has
not sheared.

Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 18 of 19

© Halliburton 2007
Completions 1 Section 2 Tubular Goods Page 19 of 19
© Halliburton 2007