Defining the Limits of Tubular-Handling Equipment at Extreme Tension Loadings

Abstract

Summary The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a comprehensive-test program conducted with five different sets of deepwater-landing string-handling equipment consisting of both conventional and unconventional technology. A thorough presentation will be made detailing initial testing at elastic loads approaching yield and final high-load testing beyond yield. All stages of the test program will be discussed including original testing protocol, test setup, testing performed, test results, and overall conclusions. This is one of the first standardized-test programs used across five different designs of handling equipment. This overall presentation of the test program is made to identify stress levels associated with the extreme loads that occur when landing very heavy casing strings in deepwater wells.