In oil and gas drilling operations, torque rings, as a casing accessory, play an important role in modern drilling projects. Applicable to various API standards and special threaded connections.
The function of the oil casing torque ring is to significantly improve the torque transmission capacity of the casing connection. The torque capacity of the casing connection is increased by 30-50%. In traditional casing threaded connections, torque is mainly transmitted through the thread surface, which easily reaches the torque limit. The oil casing torque ring increases the overall connection strength by adding an additional contact surface at the end of the coupling, so that the torque can be more evenly distributed through the ring body. In this way, the oil casing torque can also better extend the service life of the coupling, thereby extending the service life of the casing.
This annular device can effectively change the stress distribution pattern at the casing connection and redistribute the stress originally concentrated at the root of the thread. By increasing the contact area of the force, the torque ring reduces the local stress peak and reduces the risk of thread damage and stress corrosion cracking.
When subjected to high torque, conventional casing connections may affect the sealing performance due to deformation. The torque ring reduces the pressure on the thread sealing surface by sharing part of the torque load, which helps maintain the integrity of the main sealing structure, especially in high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) well conditions. It reduces the risk of thread “jumping” by more than 60%. If you want to improve the efficiency of the installation of oil casing torque rings, you also need to use torque ring installation tools. Greatly improve the efficiency of installation. Torque ring installation tools include manual installation tools and hydraulic installation tools. Hydraulic installation tools will greatly improve the efficiency of installation.
Field data shows that the casing string with torque ring installed:
Fatigue life extended by 2-3 times
Service life in corrosive environment increased by 40%
Performance degradation during repeated use significantly slowed
Torque ring is particularly suitable for:
High torque requirements of extended reach wells and horizontal wells
High stress environment of deep wells and ultra-deep wells
Corrosive well conditions containing H2S/CO2
Space-constrained installation conditions of offshore platforms
Although the torque ring increases the initial cost of a single casing (about 5-8%), comprehensive consideration:
Reducing the potential losses caused by the risk of wellbore failure
Reducing non-productive time (NPT) and well repair operations
Extending the service life of the oil field
The overall return on investment (ROI) can reach 300-500%, especially in high-value wells.
The oil casing torque ring solves the technical bottleneck of traditional casing connection under high torque conditions through its innovative mechanical design. It not only improves the connection strength and reliability, but also extends the overall life of the casing system by optimizing stress distribution. In the pursuit of drilling efficiency and cost control today, torque rings have become an indispensable part of modern wellbore integrity management, and their technical and economic value have been fully verified in various complex well types. With the advancement of material science and manufacturing technology, torque rings will continue to promote the development of oil casing technology towards higher performance.
