Overview
EN ISO 13679:2019 (ISO 13679:2019) - "Petroleum and natural gas industries - Procedures for testing casing and tubing connections" defines laboratory test procedures to evaluate the galling tendency, sealing performance, and structural integrity of casing and tubing connections used in oil and gas wells. The standard applies to the service application of a connection (casing vs tubing), not simply pipe diameter, and covers the most commonly encountered well conditions. It supplements API RP 5C5:2017 and updates the previous 2006 edition (EN ISO 13679:2006).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and limitations
- Tests cover common well scenarios; corrosive fluid effects are not included and may require supplementary testing.
- Applies when validating connection performance envelopes and manufacturing tolerances.
- Primary test objectives
- Determine galling tendency (thread and make-up interaction).
- Verify sealing performance under pressure and combinations of loads.
- Establish structural integrity under axial, bending and combined loads.
- Test planning and documentation
- Manufacturers must submit a test plan, connection specification sheet, and nominal connection performance envelope prior to testing.
- Required documentation includes cross-sectional drawings, make-up parameters, repair procedures and any special pipe-body attributes (e.g., controlled yield).
- Technical additions in 2019 edition
- New specimen geometries (e.g., XH–XL) and revised Connection Assessment Level test sequences.
- Consideration of near-yield loading effects and anisotropic reference curves where applicable.
- Normative references
- References ISO 11960 (casing/tubing steel pipe) and ISO 3183 (line pipe), replacing older API specifications in the normative list.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses EN ISO 13679:2019:
- Connection manufacturers for product qualification and R&D.
- Testing laboratories and third‑party inspectors conducting performance tests.
- Operators and drilling contractors specifying connections for wells.
- Procurement and quality assurance teams verifying supplier claims.
- Typical applications:
- Qualification of new connection designs and make-up procedures.
- Verification of nominal connection performance envelope for specific pipe attributes.
- Supporting procurement decisions, well design risk assessments and failure-mode investigations.
Related standards
- API RP 5C5:2017 - Procedures for testing casing and tubing connections (ISO 13679:2019 supplements this).
- ISO 11960 - Steel pipes for casing and tubing.
- ISO 3183 - Steel pipe for pipeline transportation.
EN ISO 13679:2019 is essential for ensuring reliable casing and tubing connection performance through standardized testing, clear documentation requirements, and alignment with current industry practice.