RISER & DRILLING SYSTEMS
Merlin R Connector ™
Introduction
Oil States Industries is a world leader in the design and
manufacture of advanced connection systems for offshore
applications. Our connectors provide fast make-up and
high performance ideal for Risers, SCRs, TLPs, tethers, con-
ductors, casing, new and replacement caissons, HP risers,
pipelines and jacket piles. Oil States is a proven provider
of riser components for deep water, production, drilling
and completion risers. We also offer comprehensive riser
system design services for completion, drilling, subsea
and surface equipment to complement our field-proven
connector technologies.
Merlin™ R connectors consist of male and female couplings
at either end of the pipe. These unique connectors permit
pre-welded pipe segments, 30 - 90 meters long, to be safe-
ly assembled offshore without welding. Merlin™ R connec-
tors include a preload against operating tension, thereby Merlin™ R Connector
minimising stress concentrations to extend the service.
The connectors’ unique grooved thread profile provides
clear evidence of proper mating and prevents connector Field Proven
back-off under fatigue loadings. Since their inception in 1981, Merlin™ R Connectors have
consistently proven to be at the forefront of connector
Complete Handling Package technology worldwide with over 60 systems run in the last
Oil States has designed and tested handling tools for in- 20 years.
stallation of the Merlin™ R. Tools include assembly clamps,
stabbing guides, hydraulically operated spider units to Features
support the full weight of the riser during assembly and • Non helical tooth profiler
pick-up tools to lift the riser string into position prior to • Non rotation make-up
assembly. Tools are operated by in-house offshore techni-
• Multiple seals
cians ensuring a smooth installation service.
• Pre-loaded abutment face
Design • Full bore smooth profile
The Merlin™ R connection system has been designed and
• High yield material
manufactured to meet a range of static, fatigue and pres-
sure loads (up to 15,000 psi). Sizes range from 6 5/8” to
24”. As with all Merlin™ connectors, the high pressure riser
Merlin™ incorporates non-helical interlocking teeth which,
because of the design geometry, ensure that the connec-
tor pin and box can only be mated in one precise configu-
ration. The connection is assembled in a maximum time of
5 minutes using an Oil States supplied hydraulic clamp and
air operated power pack.
RISER & DRILLING SYSTEMS
Merlin R Connector ™
Benefits Merlin™ R Connectors for
• No back off possible due to cyclic tension loading Workover Risers
Merlin™ R workover riser connectors are designed to meet
• Fast, repeatable and reliable assembly in under 5 min-
a range of static and fatigue stresses compatible with ISO
utes
13628-7. All the design features of the TLE connectors are
• High internal and external pressure integrity present, together with a number of additional capabilities;
• Allows retention of corrosion inhibitor in the tooth area the connector can be machined directly onto upset riser
to increase corrosion resistance pipe, with the facility to perform “re-cuts” of the connec-
• High fatigue capacity tor, should damage occur in service. The interface profile
between pin and box has been improved to allow the full
• Tool running is simple
combined pin/ box thickness to be mobilised when resist-
• Slimline low cost designs
ing riser internal pressure.
• High strength
Testing
After stabbing, the clamp is fitted around the connector, Extensive testing has been carried out on the Merlin™ to
and hydraulic fluid is injected between the pin and the include internal gas pressure, external water pressure,
box. As pressure elastically expands the box and com- tension, axial fatigue, bending fatigue, corrosion simula-
presses the pin and the clamp is activated axially to pull tion, crevice corrosion and a variety of load combinations
the two halves of the connector together. When pressure that simulate operating conditions.
is released, the box shrinks onto the pin and the pin
expands into the box. The wedging action of the teeth con-
verts radial preload into a high axial preload thus main-
taining connector stiffness and providing enhanced fatigue
characteristics.
As a result of the make-up process which requires fluid at
high pressure to be injected into the tooth cavity between
the two sealing areas, seal integrity is automatically con-
firmed. Make-up is visually confirmed by inspecting the
Merlin™ R Connector run Connection made-up, Made-up connection is
external abutment face. Additional gas tests can be carried pin up, box down hydraulic clamp assembly preloaded both radially
up, box down and axially
out externally at the bleed ports, which have direct access
to the inner and outer metal to metal sealing areas. It is
also possible to apply the clamp load in the reverse direc-
tion to ensure mechanical integrity has been achieved.
OIL STATES INDUSTRIES
RISER & DRILLING SYSTEMS [Link]@[Link]
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