Viper Connectors
Proven performance in deepwater and ultra-deepwater applications.
As the most extensively tested large-diameter connectors on the market, Viper™ weld-on connectors are ideally suited for extreme-service conductor and casing applications. Available in 16- in. to 42-in. diameters, Viper connectors are rated at or greater than 100% of pipe body for internal and external pressure, tension, compression, and bending capacity in most sizes. The patented ViperLock™ anti-rotation device is easy to install and is reversible.
- A true multipurpose connector suitable for most applications
- Deepwater subsea well conductors or jet strings
- Platform conductors or drive pipe
- Jackup exploratory well conductors
- Tieback conductors
- Intermediate and surface casing strings, including deviated wells
- Deepwater casing strings run in open water
Viper features a weld-on pin and weld-on box design. Viper connectors in sizes up to 34-in. diameter feature a near-flush inside diameter (ID) profile and an upset outside diameter (OD) that serves as an integral lift shoulder.
Viper connectors have a dual-seal design: an elastomeric O-ring as the primary seal and a secondary metal-to-metal seawater exclusion seal. Extensive finite element analysis and physical testing have been used to verify performance capacities across the Viper product line.
Two thread configurations are available. The Viper-1ST connector makes up in approximately 1.75 turns, and the Viper-3ST connector makes up in just over half a turn. Makeup torques range from 50,000 to 70,000 ft-lb depending on size. Viper connectors are suitable for makeup with either power tongs or manual tongs.
The CAL I-E qualification requires the testing of two samples:
- The first sample (ISO Specimen 1) is machined to an extreme tolerance, worst-case sealing configuration and make-and-break tested. Upon completion, seal performance of this sample is then verified through a series of tests that include two-quadrant combined load with bending (ISO Series B), four-quadrant combined load (ISO Series A), and limit load to failure.
- The second sample (ISO Specimen 5) is machined to an extreme tolerance, worst-case galling configuration. This sample then undergoes make-and-break testing.
Features/Benefits
- Connector ratings meet or exceed full pipe body strength in most sizes
- Reliable performance under extreme loading conditions
- Full pedigree of analysis and test data
- Extensive analysis and full-scale testing data support connector ratings
- Fatigue rated and tested
- Designed and fully tested for excellent fatigue performance
- Dual-sealing design
- Elastomeric O-ring primary seal and metal-to-metal seawater exclusion seal
- Three capture features
- Hooked threadform, OD capture feature, and tapered load shoulder effectively eliminate thread jump-out under extreme loading conditions
- ViperLock anti-rotation device
- Patented design is reliable, easy to install, reversible, and fully tested
- Engineered weld neck
- Longer connector weld neck moves the weld to a low stress area
Tested Sizes
- 20 × 0.625 × 80 in. GP-95 Viper-1ST
- 22 × 1.000 × 80 in. GP-95 Viper-1ST
- 22 × 1.250 × 80 in. GP-95 Viper-1ST
- 22 × 1.500 × 80 in. GP-95 Viper-1ST
Viper Connectors Product Summary Flyer
Viper High-Performance Weld-On Connector Flyer
XL Systems 22×0.625 X80 GP 95 Viper Connector Gas Data Sheet
XL Systems 22×1.00 X80 GP 95 Viper Connector Gas Data Sheet
XL Systems 22×1.25 X80 GP 95 Viper Connector Gas Data Sheet
XL Systems 22×1.50 X80 GP 95 Viper Connector Gas Data Sheet
Viper Connector Fatigue Test Summary Technical Summary
Viper Connector Physical Testing Program Technical Summary
Viper Connector Bolt-On Lift Ring Technical Summary
![Closeup of the patented ViperLock™ anti-rotation device](https://www.nov.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fedge.sitecorecloud.io%2Fnationaloil37c5-novinc-prod-e309%2Fmedia%2Fnov%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fcaps%2Fxl-systems%2Fviper-connectors%2Fviper-connectors-viperlock.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
ViperLock anti-rotationx
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Viper connector delivers proven fatigue performance in deepwater and harsh environments
Unprecedented testing verifies the weld-on connector's strength and sealability.