API SPECIFICATIONS, STANDARDS AND BULLETINS
The ApI Committee responsible for the standardisation of tubular goods is Committee number 5. This committee publishes, and continually updates, a series of Specifications, Standards, Bulletins and Recommended Practices covering the manufacture, performance and handling of tubular goods. The documents, published by Committee 5, of particular relevance to casing design and specification are :
API SPEC 5CT, “Specification for casing a tubing”: Covers seamless and welded casing and tubing, couplings, pup joints and connectors in all grades. processes of manufacture, chemical and mechanical property requirements, methods of test and dimensions are included.
API STD 5B, “Specification for threading, gauging, and thread inspection for casing, tubing, and line pipe threads”: Covers dimensional requirements on threads and thread gauges, stipulations on gauging practice, gauge specifications and certifications, as well as instruments and methods for the inspection of threads of round-thread casing and tubing, buttress thread casing, and extreme-line casing and drill pipe.
API RP 5A5, “Recommended practice for filed inspection of new casing, tubing and plain-end drill pipe”: Provides a uniform method of inspecting tubular goods.
API RP 5B1, “Recommended practice for thread inspection on casing, tubing and line pipe”: The purpose of this recommended practice is to provide guidance and instructions on the correct use of thread inspection techniques and equipment.
API RP 5C1, “Recommended practice for care and use of casing and tubing”: Covers use, transportation, storage, handling, and reconditioning of casing and tubing.
API RP5C5, “Recommended practice for evaluation procedures for casing and tubing connections”: Describes tests to be performed to determine the galling tendency, sealing performance and structural integrity of tubular connections.
API BULL 5A2, “Bulletin on thread compounds”: Provides material requirements and performance tests for two grades of thread compound for use on oil-field tubular goods.
API BULL 5C2, “Bulletin on performance properties of casing and tubing”: Covers collapsing pressures, internal yield pressures and joint strengths of casing and tubing and minimum yield load for drill pipe.
API BULL 5C3, “Bulletin on formulas and calculations for casing, tubing, drillpipe and line pipe properties”: Provides formulas used in the calculations of various pipe properties, also background information regarding their development and use.
API BULL 5C4, “Bulletin on round thread casing joint strength with combined internal pressure and bending.”: Provides joint strength of round thread casing when subject to combined bending and internal pressure.