A major operator recently ran a string of TenarisHydril Wedge 513™ Dopeless® connections at the Rumailah field in Basra in Iraq to compare the dope free technology's performance with the standard version of the same connection. The comparison revealed Dopeless® technology's operational performance benefits, reducing running times and simplifying overall drilling operations.

The running took place in a remote and harsh environment where sand storms occur regularly. Exposed casing on the rig site required several cleaning operations to remove the sand, which sticks to the storage compounds. During the running, a similar contamination problem occurred with the application of dope. Even after cleaning the connections twice over, sand was still visible on the threads.

Instead of applying dope in the field, Dopeless® technology is a dry, multifunctional coating applied to TenarisHydril connections in the controlled, industrial environment of the mill. By eliminating the need to apply running or storage compounds, Dopeless® connections make operations simpler and more efficient.

Due to the misalignment of the rigs, cross threading occurred during the running of the traditional connections. In the case of the Dopeless® connections, cross threading damage was avoided.

At the end of the dope Dopeless® technology comparison, the operator remarked on the significant savings in terms of preparation and running times and the simplicity of running the rig ready technology, which did not experience any cross threading whatsoever.

Tenaris field service representatives were on hand during the running to provide training to the local crew.

Mr Abdelaal Shalaby, Tenaris field service engineer, said that "The local team also acknowledged HSE benefits of the coating since it eliminated the presence of thread compound on the rig floor."