Piping

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Private piping, rigid , articulated , flexible h oses

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Piping
Reference: InTouch content ID #4246569
Version: 1.0
Release Date: 12-Jun-2007
EDMS UID: 1649509825
Published: 26-Jun-2007 12:53:02
Owner: ELC Testing
Author: P. Quéré

Private piping, rigid , articulated , flexible h oses

Copyright © 2007 Sophia, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — Piping /
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Legal Information

Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

This work contains the confidential and proprietary trade secrets of Schlumberger
and may not be copied or stored in an information retrieval system, transferred,
used, distributed, translated or retransmitted in any form or by any means,
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Trademarks & Service marks

Schlumberger, the Schlumberger logotype, and other words or symbols used

to identify the products and services described herein are either trademarks,
trade names or service marks of Schlumberger and its licensors, or are the
property of their respective owners. These marks may not be copied, imitated
or used, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of
Schlumberger. In addition, covers, page headers, custom graphics, icons, and
other design elements may be service marks, trademarks, and/or trade dress
of Schlumberger, and may not be copied, imitated, or used, in whole or in part,
without the express prior written permission of Schlumberger.

A complete list of Schlumberger marks may be viewed at the Schlumberger

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Document Control
Owner: ELC Testing
[email protected]

Author: P. Quéré

Reviewer: C. Rojas

Approver: P.Chaigne

Contact Information
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Name: ELC Testing

Email: [email protected]
LDAP Alias: SRPCDoc-TBT

Revision History
Rev Effective Date Description Prepared by

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Piping / Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Overview
1.1 Introduction __________________________________________________ 1-1
1.2 Features and Benefits ________________________________________ 1-1
1.3 Applications _________________________________________________ 1-2

2 Full Training Package

2.1 Introduction __________________________________________________ 2-1
2.2 Objectives ___________________________________________________ 2-2
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2.3 Principle of Operation ________________________________________ 2-3

2.4 Equipment ___________________________________________________ 2-4
2.5 Safety ______________________________________________________ 2-12
2.6 Maintenance ________________________________________________ 2-13
2.7 Summary ___________________________________________________ 2-14
2.8 Posttest ____________________________________________________ 2-14
2.9 References _________________________________________________ 2-14
2.10 Other Useful Links __________________________________________ 2-15

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Piping / List of Figures

List of Figures

2-1 Piping_____________________________________________________________ 2-1

2-2 Grayloc Connector_________________________________________________ 2-1
2-3 Surface Test Equipment____________________________________________ 2-2
2-4 Cut View of Straight Pipe___________________________________________ 2-5
2-5 Cut View of Elbow _________________________________________________ 2-5
2-6 A — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table _________________ 2-6
2-7 B — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table _________________ 2-6
2-8 Grayloc Assembly — A ____________________________________________ 2-6
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2-9 Grayloc Connector_________________________________________________ 2-7

2-10 Grayloc Assembly — B ____________________________________________ 2-7
2-11 Grayloc Clamp Connector Pipe Work table __________________________ 2-7
2-12 Articulated Piping __________________________________________________ 2-8
2-13 Flexible Hose _____________________________________________________ 2-9
2-14 Flexible Hose _____________________________________________________ 2-9
2-15 Coflexip Hose — Inside Out Structure______________________________ 2-10
2-16 Flexible Hose ____________________________________________________ 2-11

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 1-i TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-i
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1 Overview
1.1 Introduction ____________________________________________________ 1-1
1.2 Features and Benefits __________________________________________ 1-1
1.3 Applications ___________________________________________________ 1-2
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 1-1 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-1
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1 Overview piping, rigid, articulated, flex ible hoses

1.1 Introduction
The different elements of a well testing layout are connected together with piping
to provide the flow path for the effluent. The piping consists of different sizes of
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rigid pipes and hoses which are selected according to their working pressure &
temperature, compatibility with the well effluent characteristics, their internal
diameter and the relative movement required between the pieces of equipment.

1.2 Features and Benefits

Piping is available in a broad range of diameters and pressure ratings. It can
be divided into three main categories:

• Hammer unions rigid piping which consists of straight lengths and elbows
(also referred to as WECO piping).
• Grayloc rigid piping made up of straight lengths and elbows, mostly used for
complex operations (e.g. HPHT jobs).
• Flexible hoses, usually made of superposed layers of rubber and polymer
protected with a metallic carcass.

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A broad variety of piping provides the flexibility necessary to accommodate all rig
ups. Accessories such as T-pieces, pup-joints, cross-overs, 45 degree elbows,
check valves also help in connecting the main pieces of equipment together in
an efficient and safe manner.

1.3 Applications
Pipework is the essential link between the different pieces of equipment in a
surface testing layout. In well testing, piping is used whenever fluid has to be
conveyed from one point to another.
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2 Full Training Package

2.1 Introduction ____________________________________________________ 2-1
2.2 Objectives _____________________________________________________ 2-2
2.3 Principle of Operation __________________________________________ 2-3
2.3.1 Piping Designation ___________________________________________ 2-3
2.3.2 Color Code and Pressure Rating ______________________________ 2-4
2.4 Equipment _____________________________________________________ 2-4
2.4.1 Hammer Union (WECO) Rigid Piping __________________________ 2-5
2.4.2 Grayloc Clamp Connector Rigid Piping ________________________ 2-6
2.4.3 Articulated Piping ____________________________________________ 2-7
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2.4.4 Flexible Hoses _______________________________________________ 2-8

2.4.5 Piping Selection Guidelines __________________________________ 2-12
2.4.6 Piping Racks and Baskets ___________________________________ 2-12
2.5 Safety _________________________________________________________ 2-12
2.6 Maintenance __________________________________________________ 2-13
2.7 Summary ______________________________________________________ 2-14
2.8 Posttest _______________________________________________________ 2-14
2.9 References ____________________________________________________ 2-14
2.10 Other Useful Links ____________________________________________ 2-15

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2 Full Training Package

2.1 Introduction
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Figure 2-1: Piping

Figure 2-2: Grayloc Connector

A well testing layout is made of several pieces of surface testing equipment

linked together with pipes and hoses providing the path for the well effluent. The
"Surface Test Equipment" drawing shows the different pieces of equipment and

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the piping connecting them. These piping sections can consist of rigid piping or
flexible hoses. The ability to combine these different types of piping in different
ways makes it possible to handle any type of well testing layout.

Rigid piping, made mostly of straight pipes and elbows, is used when no
movement is needed between surface testing equipment.

Flexible hoses are used when a relative movement between two elements is
necessary. Flexible hoses are typically used for the flow line connecting the
flowhead to the choke manifold. Flexible hoses also allow the flowhead to be
moved up and down when setting the packer or activating tools downhole.
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All the piping elements and hoses are linked together with wing union
connections, Grayloc connections or flanges. Accessories such as data headers,
T-pieces, pup-joints, cross-overs, 45 degree elbows, check valves also help
in connecting the main pieces of equipment together in an efficient and safe
manner.

Articulated piping (swivel joints or chicksans) must not be exposed to live well
effluent. They may be used after the well has been killed and observed for final
circulations and flushing operations. In this configuration they may prove to be
easier to rig up than a flexible hose.

Articulated piping can be used for the kill line connected to the flowhead as this
line does not see the well effluent and is protected by a check valve.

All the surface testing pipe work used by Testing is designed for H2S service and
only welded or integral pipe work design is approved.

Figure 2-3: Surface Test Equipment

2.2 Objectives
Upon completion of this training module, you should be able to:

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• List the main categories of piping used in a well testing setup.

• Explain how the working pressure for a pipe with WECO connections is
defined.
• List the colors used in the Schlumberger working pressure color code and
their associated working pressures.

Upon completion of the Compass Tasksheets for the piping, you should be
able to:

• Draw a standard well testing layout and specify the type of piping used to
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connect the different elements.

• Identify the different threads of the Weco piping and cross-overs
• Maintain and connect the common types of piping available.

2.3 Principle of Operation

2.3.1 Piping Designation

A pipe is defined by its nominal size (approximate diameter) and the type of
union attached to the pipe. A 3 in. nominal diameter pipe equipped with a type
602 WECO union is usually referred to as a 3 in., 602 pipe. The nominal size
does not correspond exactly to the external or internal diameter of the pipe,
instead it represents either 3 or 4 internal diameters depending on the thickness
of the metal wall.

WECO unions are classified by a figure that indicates the cold working pressure
(CWP) and the sealing method.

The CWP is the maximum pressure at which the manufacturer guarantees the
union not to leak. Expressed in psi, the CWP is easily calculated by multiplying
either the first (e.g., 602) or the two first digits (e.g., 1002) of the figure by 1000.
The last two digits (e.g., 02) refer to the sealing method. For the pipework used
in testing operations, the sealing methods consist of a lip-type seal ring and
a metal-to-metal seal.

Note
The chapter “well test piping” of the Field Operating Handbook (FOH II)
for Surface Well Testing is obsolete. It must not be used. Please, refer to
InTouchSupport.com and the Pressure Operations Manual for up to date
information.

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2.3.2 Color Code and Pressure Rating

Piping exists in a wide range of pressure ratings. It is very important to use
piping that can handle the expected pressures for a given job.

For any pipework, it is of vital importance to understand that:

• The pressure rating of any pipework is not determined by the end connection
or the pipe itself, but by the lowest rated section.
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• The pressure rating of the hammer unions (WECO) does not give the rating
of the pipe assembly.
• It is forbidden to use screwed-on hammer unions (WECO) for any pipework
applications.

To facilitate piping identification and avoid confusion, Schlumberger defines its

own piping identification system using a color code scheme.

The following table summarizes the main color codes used at Schlumberger.

Working Pressure Pressure Band Color

1,500 Light blue
2,500 Yellow
5,000 Red
10,000 Black
15,000 White
20,000 Brown

2.4 Equipment
Surface well testing piping is classified into three categories:

• Hammer union rigid piping (Weco piping)

• Grayloc rigid piping, mostly used for complex operations (e.g. HPHT jobs)
• Flexible hoses

Articulated piping is presented in this training module for information purposes.

However its usage is restricted to the kill line and fluids others than live well
effluent.

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2.4.1 Hammer Union (WECO) Rigid Piping

Hammer union (WECO) piping consists of straight pipes of different lengths
(0.5, 1, 2, and 5 meters are the most common lengths) and elbows (typically
90 degrees).
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Figure 2-4: Cut View of Straight Pipe

Figure 2-5: Cut View of Elbow

Some advantages of rigid piping are:

• Good resistance to abrasion

• Not expensive
• Almost maintenance free
• Available in different lengths

Some disadvantages of hammer union (WECO) piping are:

• Low resistance to temperature and corrosive effluents unless fitted with

special seals
• Each pipe requires a seal

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• Weight

The specifications of the hammer union (WECO) pipe work are summarized in
the two following tables:

• A — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table

• B — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table
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Figure 2-6: A — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table

Figure 2-7: B — Low Pressure Hammer Union Pipe Work Table

2.4.2 Grayloc Clamp Connector Rigid Piping

Grayloc piping consists of straight pipes of different lengths (0.5, 1, 2, and 5
meters are the most common lengths) and elbows (typically 90 degrees).

It seals through the elastic action of a reusable metal ring. It is lighter and
stronger than a flange. The Grayloc connector offers continuing advantages in
maintenance costs and improved performance.

The Grayloc assembly has two hubs butt welded to the pipe.

Figure 2-8: Grayloc Assembly — A

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Figure 2-9: Grayloc Connector

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Figure 2-10: Grayloc Assembly — B

Grayloc pipe work is classified as premium seal connections. It is strongly

recommended to use it for:

• High pressure
• High operating temperature applications
• Applications flowing high concentrations of H2S / CO2

The specification of the Grayloc piping is presented in the table below.

Figure 2-11: Grayloc Clamp Connector Pipe Work table

2.4.3 Articulated Piping

Articulated piping consists of 90 degrees elbows connected with swivel joints
that allow rotation in one, two or three planes.

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Figure 2-12: Articulated Piping

Some advantages of articulated piping are:

• Easy rig up
• Can be configured in an unlimited variety of ways to suit practically any rig up

Some disadvantages of articulated piping are:

• Large number of seals

• When bearings fail, it is time consuming to change them

Articulated piping is mostly used by Well Services.

Articulated piping including chicksans with swivels are forbidden in surface well
testing operations except during circulation and/or “shoot and pull” operations
where no reservoir effluents or gas is routed through this pipework.

Additional precautions must be taken when articulated piping is used during

testing operations. For additional information, please refer to the latest version
of the Pressure Operations Manual.

2.4.4 Flexible Hoses

Flexible hoses used in well testing operations can be split into the following
categories:

• Hoses used for flow lines such as Coflexip hoses

• Hoses used for lower pressure applications such as air, water, steam hoses
• Hoses or liners used to connect the instrumentation

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Figure 2-13: Flexible Hose

Figure 2-14: Flexible Hose

Only Coflexip hoses used for flow lines are covered in this section.

Coflexip hoses are composed of:

• A length of flexible pipe

• Two en-fittings complete with handling collars

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• Integral connectors, possibly fitted with cross-over to WECO or Grayloc

connectors
• Optional stiffeners
• Identification collars
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A typical Coflexip hose structure is shown on the figure below. This construction
is known as a “non-bonded” structure. This type of hose is made of a succession
of metal and polymer layers providing mechanical strength altogether with
flexibility. From the inside out it is typically composed of the following:

Figure 2-15: Coflexip Hose — Inside Out Structure

Some advantages of flexible hoses are:

• Flexibility
• Various lengths
• Virtually maintenance free
• Resistant to corrosive fluids
• Very reliable when used correctly

Some disadvantages of flexible hoses are:

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• Low resistance to high temperature

• Expensive
• Heavy. A crane is needed for the installation
• Inspection and repair done only by specialists
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Figure 2-16: Flexible Hose

If a Coflexip hose is misused, it might be permanently damaged and the hose

may burst catastrophically. Therefore, the user must ensure that the minimum
bending radius is respected (MBR = 12 x ID), that the hose is handled, stored
and used within its working envelope.

Coflexip hoses shall be chosen in accordance to temperature, pressure and fluid

type expected. Temperature exposure and exposure duration must be recorded
on the history card so that aging can be monitored carefully, and the equipment
can eventually be removed from service.

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2.4.5 Piping Selection Guidelines

The principal criteria for selecting the type of piping are:

• Working pressure: The working pressure of the piping is dictated by the

Schlumberger Pressure Operations Manual.
• Flow rate - The size or diameter of the piping depends on the maximum
expected flow rate.
Detailed information on pipe sizes and flow velocities is available from these
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sources: the API Recommended Procedures 14 E (API RP 14 E), the Field

Operating Handbook (FOH), Vol. I, the Pressure Operations Manual.
The pipework must be sized based on flow velocity, pressure drop & erosive
and corrosive effects criteria as described by the API RP 14E. The software
Architest can be used to perform some line sizing calculations.
• Well effluent properties – The pressure, temperature, acid returns, the
sand, H2S and CO2 content are the main parameters to look at when
selecting the pipe work for a job.
• Relative movement and layout of the well test equipment – Due to
pressure loss and erosion in the pipes, it is best to keep piping routes as
straight as possible. However, this is not always possible. To facilitate the
connection between some pieces of equipment, the piping layout may be a
combination of rigid piping and flexible hoses.

2.4.6 Piping Racks and Baskets

To prevent unwanted accidents, it is highly recommended to use certified racks
and baskets especially designed for storing and transporting piping.

2.5 Safety
The following is a list of key safety considerations for piping:

• It is forbidden to down-rate pipework from its assigned working pressure.

• Fig. 206 pipework must only be used for burner booms and flare and vent
lines.
• Pipework sections must be properly secured to the ground or to the
surrounding structure.
• Relief lines must be secured using the widget clamp.

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• Screwed on hammer unions (WECO) are forbidden for any pipework

applications.
• Connections must not be loosened or tightened under pressure.
• Once the flow has been initiated, steel hammers should not be used to
tighten wing union connections. Brass or copper hammers must be used to
prevent sparks. They must be in good working condition to avoid injuries
from metal chips that can break off of these hammers.
• After every job, the piping must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned to
prevent corrosion from well fluids.
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• Before storage, the piping connections must be greased and covered with
greased adhesive tape.
• In desert locations, grease should not be used on the threads. The sand
sticks to the grease and prevents proper connections.
• Rigid piping must be repainted when necessary to prevent rust corrosion.
• Thickness measurements on rigid piping will help to detect corrosion and
erosion and to avoid failures resulting from these problems.
• Coflexip hoses must be chosen in accordance to the temperature, pressure,
and fluid type expected. Refer to the manufacturer specifications.
• Maximum working temperature versus exposure time limits and minimum
bending radius specifications must be respected for Coflexip hoses.
• For Coflexip hoses, accurate records of pressure and temperature exposure
versus time must be maintained.
• Each individual piece of piping must be labelled with its working pressure,
service type stamped and certification date on a permanently attached metal
band.
• Piping falls under the scope of the Schlumberger Pressure Operations
Manual.

2.6 Maintenance
The basic maintenance of the piping before and after every job consists of:

• A visual inspection to check for wear and corrosion of the pipe and the
connections.
• The seals of the connections must be verified and changed when damaged.
• Threads and sealing surfaces must be cleaned with a wire brush or fine
emery cloth.

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• Swivel joints of articulated piping must be checked for leaks. Bearings must
be greased or changed when necessary.
• Hoses must be maintained as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A regular maintenance (Q-check) once a year consists of:

• All the points listed above.

• X-ray or ultrasonic inspection of the metal thickness for rigid piping must be
done especially when submitted to high fluid velocities and sand production.
• After inspection, the piping must undergo a hydrostatic test at test pressure.
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2.7 Summary
In this training page, we have discussed:

• The different types of piping (see Equipment) used by Schlumberger.

• How the pressure rating for rigid piping is assigned (see Color Code and
Pressure Rating).
• The purpose of the Schlumberger color code and the pressures associated
with the colors (see Color Code and Pressure Rating).
• The guidelines for selecting piping (see Piping Selection Guidelines).
• Some key Safety points about piping.

2.8 Posttest
To access the posttest, click the link below.

Test your understanding

2.9 References
• Piping and hose Reference Page
• Field Operating Handbook II (FOH II) (Feb 1994). M-073899.2-1
• Job Preparation Handbook for Well Testing Operations (April 1996).
M-073913.2-2
• Pressure Operations Manual rev. 5.2

2-1. Schlumberger publication order number

Private
Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.
 2-15 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 2-15
Piping / Full Training Package

• Testing Services Catalog (2002). SMP-7086-1.2-3

2.10 Other Useful Links

• LMS Login Page
• LMS Reference Page
• COMPASS Reference Page
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2-2. Schlumberger publication order number

2-3. Schlumberger publication order number

Private
Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.