How do we break spray metal sucker rod couplings?
A Spray Metal Coupling is a coupling that has a hard nickel coating with a minimum hardness of 55Rc. Spray metal couplings are used in wells where abrasion and/or corrosion wear is a problem and to help reduce tubing wear. The issue with spray metal couplings is that they are tough to remove, they’re hard to grip, and removal by hand can be dangerous. Pipe wrenches, snipes, and 2 people are a recipe for injury. So, how do we break spray metal sucker rod couplings?
We’ve recently commercialized our Hydraulic Friction Wrench Sucker Rod Coupling Breaker specifically for clients that want to break spray metal sucker rod couplings and ensure minimal marking of the coupling. We do not believe that this system replaces our existing Coupling Breaker units, existing units remove both T couplings and spray metal, the difference being the main mechanism that grips the couplings.
The ongoing challenge for the industry related to premature rod failures due to improperly made up connections has caused the service rigs that are completing the rod installations to over-torque sucker rod connections. Our clients are seeing this issue in the sucker rod refurbishment plants and as such we have increased the torque requirements of the Hydraulic Friction Wrench Sucker Rod Coupling Breaker.
Our first-generation V2 model is slightly faster and utilizes universal dies for T couplings ranging in size from 5/8″ to 1-1/8″ but relies on a wedging action. This new design V3 while slightly slower reduces the point loading on the coupling and dramatically reduces the potential to mark when we break spray metal sucker rod couplings.
The hydraulic friction wrench complements our CD Rod Tong™ as well and replace the existing cam clamp style. Are your Sucker Rod Connections being made up to Circumferential Displacment as per the recommended API Practice? If you’re curious how we are able to do that every time check out this post.