The NOV Grant Prideco eXtreme™ torque (XT) connection is a patented, high-performance, rotary shouldered connection available in sizes from 2 3/8" to 6 5/8". The eXtreme torque connection incorporates a second-generation double-shouldered design.

A secondary internal shoulder on the nose of the pin offers an additional friction surface and mechanical stop. The primary external shoulder still serves as the connection's sealing surface. As shown in the figure, the eXtreme Torque design has an extended pin base, pin nose, and box counterbore. These sections are carefully engineered to provide additional elastic deformation during make-up. This ensures that the contact forces are properly proportioned between the two shoulder surfaces.

The eXtreme Torque connection meets the requirements of the most extreme drilling applications: extended reach drilling (ERD), horizontal drilling, deep water, high temperature-high pressure (HTHP) and ultra-deep wells.

User-friendly Tool Joint - The XT is a conventional shoulder and thread connection. The XT spins up freely until shouldered, then is bucked up to the make-up torque. Make-up, running and break-out speeds of XT are similar to API connections.

High Torsional Limit - The XT connection offers significantly higher torsional capacity than standard API and NOV Grant Prideco's HI TORQUE® connections. This additional strength provides the required torque for the most extreme drilling applications.

Slim Profile - The XT's increased torsional strength allows for the use of a streamlined tool joint that is suitable for the pipe's torsional strength. XT connections can be configured with a smaller OD and larger ID compared to standard API connections without sacrificing torsional capacity. This allows a larger diameter drill pipe to be used for improved hydraulic performance.

True Flush Inside Diameter - There is no gap or change in the inside diameter from the box to the pin, creating a smoother flow with less turbulence. This also eliminates the recess in other connections where cement and solids can be trapped.

Rugged Durability - The robust XT design incorporates more steel in the critical areas of the connection resulting in less refacing and fewer recuts. In addition, because of the increased torional capacity, the XT connection greatly extends the life of the joint by tolerating more OD wear.

Field Repairable - The XT can be refaced in an inspection yard or at the rig site with a portable refacing tool. This can save time and expenses by eliminating shipping and handling costs.

XT Mechanical Characteristics

Connection OD (in.) ID (in.) Tensile Yield (lbs) Torsional Yield (ft-lbs) Max. Make-Up Torque (ft-lbs) XT26 3 1/2 1 3/4 326,900 13,700 8,200 XT31 4 2 5/32 402,500 17,800 10,700 XT38 4 3/4 2 9/16 599,600 31,500 18,900 XT39 5 2 9/16 726,100 40,700 24,400 XT40 5 1/4 2 13/16 751,600 44,100 26,500 XT46 6 1/4 3 1/4 1,045,600 71,800 43,100 XT50 6 5/8 3 1/2 1,256,300 90,700 54,400 XT54 6 3/4 4 1,155,100 88,700 53,200 XT55 7 4 1,272,600 96,900 58,100 XT57 7 4 1/4 1,208,700 94,300 56,600 XT65 8 5 1,543,700 135,300 81,200

XT Field Inspection Procedure and Drawings

XT Running Procedure

XT Blanking Chart