Wellhead Casing Connector

The Wellhead Casing Connector is engineered to deliver full pipe-body axial and torsional strength without traditional threaded connections. It ensures metal-to-metal sealing that maintains gas-tight integrity under HPHT conditions and severe thermal cycling. This eliminates galling, cross-threading, and torque inconsistency—common failure modes in complex well geometries or high-deviation runs. 

Material Grade & Specification

AISI 4130 (or equivalent) Alloy Steel, API Spec 6A, ASTM A105 (carbon steel), ASTM A182 F22 (for higher strength)

Dimensional Tolerances

±0.005 inches (±0.13 mm) for critical dimensions, ±0.002 inches (±0.05 mm) for threads

Surface Finish Requirement

Ra ≤ 1.6 µm (63 µin) for sealing surfaces, Ra ≤ 3.2 µm (125 µin) for non-critical areas

Heat Treatment Specification

Quenching and Tempering (QT) to 28-32 HRC (Hardness) for optimal strength and toughness

Concentricity Requirement

≤ 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) for critical concentricity of bore to OD for high performance

Product Description

The Wellhead Casing Connector features a non-rotational latch or collet-based system that enables fast, stab-and-lock engagement. This design minimizes rig time by eliminating the need for rotational torque application, particularly beneficial in deviated or subsea wells. Visual or mechanical engagement indicators ensure reliable surface validation during high-paced drilling operations. 

Thread Type & Specification

API Spec 6A, Buttress Thread (API 8RD, 8CT, 10RD) or customer-specific thread types

Hardness Requirement

28-32 HRC (after heat treatment)

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Requirement

Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT) as per API standards

Pressure Rating Requirement

10,000 psi, 15,000 psi, or as per custom requirements (dependant on well conditions)

Certification Standard

API Spec 6A, ISO 9001:2015, PED (Pressure Equipment Directive), ATEX (if required)

Technical Advantages

Each Wellhead Casing Connector is qualified to stringent test protocols like ISO 13679, demonstrating proven integrity under internal and external pressure cycling. The seal system accommodates thermal expansion and contraction without loss of envelope integrity. This makes it ideal for challenging environments where pressure spikes or temperature swings are frequent. 

The Wellhead Casing Connector employs fatigue-resistant design features such as optimized load paths, blended radii, and stress-relief transitions. These enhancements mitigate localized stress concentrations, ensuring long-term durability under repeated bending—particularly in deepwater riser systems and extended-reach casing strings. 

 

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Industry Applications

HPHT Well Completions

Used to connect casing in high-pressure, high-temperature wells where threaded connections fail under thermal and mechanical stress cycles. 

Subsea Wellhead Systems

Enables rapid, ROV-compatible casing installation in subsea environments with high bending moments and axial loading from riser systems. 

Extended Reach Drilling (ERD)

Supports casing deployment in ERD applications by minimizing torque requirements and reducing cumulative stress on long casing strings. 

Deepwater Drilling Operations

Ensures structural integrity of conductor and surface casing under high axial loads and fatigue from riser movement in deepwater conditions. 

Multilateral Well Construction

Allows casing string isolation and support at junctions without requiring torque makeup, aiding stability in multilateral bore completions. 

High-Deviation Wellbores

Prevents thread galling and connection damage in highly deviated wells where rotational makeup is difficult or impossible. 

System Flexibility of Wellhead Casing Connector

The Wellhead Casing Connector is compatible with both subsea and land-based wellhead systems, including vertical and horizontal configurations. It supports integration with ROV-actuated profiles and land rig handling tools, reducing tooling complexity and cross-asset inventory requirements for procurement teams managing multi-field operations. 

By removing the need for torque-turn monitoring and reducing human involvement, the Wellhead Casing Connector enhances repeatability across multiple well deployments. Built-in seal verification and mechanical lock confirmation features prevent makeup errors, improving safety and efficiency in high-volume casing operations. 

 

Wellhead Casing Connector

Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate ensure fatigue life in casing connectors used in high-bend applications?

Frigate applies finite element stress modeling to optimize geometry at weld zones and seal interfaces. Each connector undergoes full-scale fatigue testing to simulate riser-induced bending in subsea environments. Blended radii and uniform section modulus reduce peak stresses. This approach ensures longer service life in cyclic offshore loading conditions. 

What qualification standards do Frigate's wellhead casing connectors meet for pressure and mechanical loads?

Frigate qualifies its connectors per ISO 13679 and API 5C5 protocols. Tests include axial tension, compression, bending, and gas pressure cycling. Validation replicates downhole conditions such as high temperature and gas-tight sealing under axial stress. This ensures field performance in critical well sections is reliable and predictable. 

 

Can Frigate’s connectors be integrated with existing casing handling tools on land rigs?

Yes. Frigate designs connector profiles for compatibility with conventional and automated pipe handling equipment. Non-rotational makeup eliminates torque-turn monitoring, reducing human dependency during running. The result is faster rig-up and reduced tool changeovers. 

How do Frigate’s connectors reduce operational variability during batch casing installation?

Each Frigate connector features mechanical engagement with visual or tactile lock confirmation. No torque control is required, minimizing field errors. Repeatable assembly ensures consistent sealing and mechanical strength across multiple wells. This enhances efficiency during high-volume operations like pad drilling. 

 

Are Frigate's casing connectors suitable for use in geothermal wells with aggressive thermal gradients?

Yes. Frigate uses high-temperature alloys and metal seal designs tolerant to rapid thermal cycling. Seal recovery properties prevent leak paths during expansion and contraction phases. These connectors are qualified for thermal shock resistance, making them reliable in geothermal well construction. 

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

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Wellhead Casing Connector

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