Viper Connectors

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.