To meet the growing demand for engineered, analyzed, and tested large bore weld-on connectors, Grant Prideco has introduced the Viper weld-on connector. According to Grant Prideco, the Viper includes conductors for deepwater jet strings, shallow water conductors and drive pipe, intermediate and surface casing strings, and tieback strings.
Viper’s main attributes of superior bending strength, fatigue resistance, compression strength and sealing have all been proven by thorough testing, the company says.
The Viper includes conductor for deepwater jet strings, shallow water conductors and drive pipe, intermediate and surface casing strings, and tieback strings.
As part of the testing regimen, VME Service Load Envelopes were developed for Viper. Traditional uniaxial ratings do not consider what happens when loads are combined. VME Service Load Envelopes are more realistic than considering each type of load independently. While uniaxial ratings are available, Viper has been tested using more stringent combined load tests, such as those defined in the new ISO 13679 Connection Qualification Standards, Grant Prideco says.
The company states that another Viper advantage is resistance to back-off, especially when being run in thousands of feet of water. ViperLock is a new approach that installs quickly and can be removed if tripping is required. The proprietary ViperLock system eliminates the need for special clocking or alignment of the pipe since the locking mechanism is manufactured on the pin only. The innovative, self-aligning Viper design includes three separate features to maintain pin and box thread engagement under extreme loads: the OD capture feature, the negative load flank angle, and the tapered positive stop torque/compression load shoulder.
Viper also offers sealing for internal and external applied pressures. Internal sealing is accomplished using a special O-ring seal, while the external pressure and seawater exclusion is handled by a proprietary metal seal system. This double sealing feature is standard on Viper. Available in 18 5/8- to 36-in. sizes, Viper is redefining large bore weld-on connectors.•
