GPDS and EIS Connections

Grant Prideco Double Shoulder and EIS connections offer enhanced performance and interchangeability with API rotary-shouldered connections.

A closeup of a Grant Prideco Double-Shoulder Connection
Description

The Grant Prideco Double Shoulder™ (GPDS™) and EIS™ connections are high-performance rotary-shouldered tool joint connections available for drill pipe ranging in size from 2⅜ to 6⅝ in. Both connections offer a versatile alternative to standard API connection designs when higher operational torque and tool joint wear allowance are desired, and they are fully interchangeable with corresponding API NC or FH counterparts. GPDS and EIS are proven connections that provide increased torsional capacity, promote more streamlined configurations, and tolerate more tool joint wear than standard API rotary-shouldered connections.

Improved torque capacity

Streamlined GPDS and EIS connections provide 20 to 50% more torque than API rotary-shouldered connections of the same dimensions. This additional strength provides the required torque for drilling to extended depths or in more demanding environments.

Extended wear allowance

The GPDS and EIS connections greatly extend the life of the joint by tolerating more OD wear because of increased torsional capacity.

Interchangeability

Although similar to other API connections, these connections incorporate an internal secondary torque shoulder. Both use the same thread form and are interchangeable with their API counterpart connection, as shown in the chart in the specifications tab. The double shouldered pin secondary torque shoulder runs out without shouldering in the back of the API box connection. Similarly, the API pin will make up to the double shouldered box. “Interchangeability” means that the connections will mate together, make up, and function; however, the performance properties will be limited to those of an API connection. GPDS and EIS are not interchangeable with each other.

Slim profile and improved hydraulics

The GPDS and EIS connection’s increased torsional strength enables tool joint dimensional optimization more suitable for the pipe body torsional strength. Both connections can be configured with a smaller OD and larger ID compared to standard API connections, contributing to improved hydraulic performance. The GPDS and EIS design also provides a true flush ID through the mated tool joint assembly. There is no gap or change in the ID from the box to the pin, creating a smoother fluid flow with less turbulence and eliminating the opportunity for trapped cement and cuttings.

uGPDS

uGPDS™ is an enhanced version of the GPDS connection that enables either higher torque capacity or further enhanced hydraulics. uGPDS connections are interchangeable with GPDS and API connections of similar size. Contact your Grant Prideco representative about our uLtimate™ Series connections for more detailed information.

Specifications

Standard GPDS Configurations for S135-Grade Drill Pipe

Configurations in the below table are torque optimized. Contact your Grant Prideco representative for hydraulic-optimized configurations and for further OD and ID combinations.
Connection Pipe OD (in.) Nominal weight (lb/ft) Tool joint OD × ID (in.) Maximum MUT (ft-lb)
GPDS 38 3.500 13.30 5.000 × 2.438 17,400
GPDS 38 3.500 15.50 5.000 × 2.438 17,400
GPDS 40 4.000 14.00 5.250 × 2.563 21,800
GPDS 40 4.000 15.70 5.375 × 2.500 22,900
GPDS 42 4.500 16.60 5.375 × 2.813 23,000
GPDS 46 4.500 16.60 6.000 × 3.000 31,700
GPDS 46 4.500 20.00 6.125 × 2.688 38,600
GPDS 50 5.000 19.50 6.625 × 3.250 43,000
GPDS 50 5.000 25.60 6.625 × 3.188 44,700
GPDS 55 5.500 21.90 7.000 × 4.000 43,700
GPDS 55 5.500 24.70 7.250 × 3.500 61,200
GPDS 55 5.875 23.40 7.125 × 3.750 52,700
GPDS 55 5.875 26.30 7.250 × 3.500 61,200
GPDS 65 6.625 27.70 8.125 × 4.875 63,400

Connection Interchangeability for GPDS with API

GPDS and and EIS are not interchangeable with each other.
GPDS Connection API Connection
GPDS 26 NC 26
GPDS 31 NC 31
GPDS 38 NC 38
GPDS 40 NC 40
GPDS 42 Not interchangeable
GPDS 46 NC 46
GPDS 50 NC 50
GPDS 55 5½ FH
GPDS 65 6⅝ FH

Standard EIS Configurations for S135-Grade Drill Pipe

Connection Pipe OD (in.) Nominal weight (lb/ft) Tool joint OD × ID (in.) Maximum MUT (ft-lb)
NC 38 EIS 3.500 13.30 5 x 2.438 20,500
NC 38 EIS 3.500 15.50 5 x 2.438 20,500
NC 40 EIS 4.000 14.00 5.250 × 2.563 25,600
NC 40 EIS 4.000 15.70 5.250 × 2.563 25,600
NC 46 EIS 4.500 16.60 6.000 × 3.000 37,100
NC 46 EIS 4.500 20.00 6.000 × 3.000 37,100
NC 50 EIS 5.000 19.50 6.625 × 3.250 49,800
NC 50 EIS 5.000 25.60 6.625 × 3.250 49,800
5½ FH EIS 5.500 21.90 7.000 × 4.000 50,700
5½ FH EIS 5.500 24.70 7.000 × 4.000 50,700
5½ FH EIS 5.875 23.40 7.125 × 3.750 60,600
5½ FH EIS 5.875 26.30 7.125 × 3.750 60,600
6⅝ FH EIS 6.625 27.70 8.125 × 4.875 73,000

Connection Interchangeability for EIS with API

GPDS and EIS are not interchangeable with each other.
EIS Connection API Connection
NC 26 EIS NC 26
NC 31 EIS NC 31
NC 38 EIS NC 38
NC 40 EIS NC 40
NC 46 EIS NC 46
NC 50 EIS NC 50
5½ FH EIS 5½ FH
6⅝ FH EIS 6⅝ FH

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