API Top Connectors
General
WOODCO USA intends this supplement to communicate the design, material, and advantages of WOODCO USA Top Connectors as specified in the “informative” Annex K, of API Spec 6A, 20th Edition.
Top Connectors using the uppermost collar connection shown in API Spec 6A allow operators and service companies to use interchangeable equipment when making service equipment attachment to the top of well head Christmas Trees.
WOODCO USA Top Connectors meet all the defined requirements of API Spec 6A.
WOODCO USA Top Connectors meet API Spec 6A material requirements including
the special Annex K requirement that all Top Connector material meet 75 K strength
regardless of working pressure.
Annex K specifies that Top Connectors utilize only the following material classes.
Flange/Body, Collar & Plug
| DD-Sour Service a | Carbon or Low Alloy Steel |
| EE-Sour Service a | b Carbon or Low Alloy |
| FF-Sour Service a | Steel b Stainless Steel b |
| HH-Sour Service a | CRA bed |
b In compliance with NACE StandardMR-01-75/ISO 15156.
c CRA required on retained fluid wetted surfaces only; CRA cladding of low allow or stainless
d CRA as defined in API6 A latest edition. NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 definition of CRA does not apply.
API Spec 6A Annex K makes no mention of service temperature yet specifies the use
of “FKM” (Viton) elastomer seal material. This material has a normal temperature
service range of -20°F to 400°F.
The following API 6A temperature classifications fall within -20°F to 350°F.
| Temperature Classification* | Min. Operating Range (°F) | Max Operating Range (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| P | -20 | 180 |
| R | Room Temperature | Room Temperature |
| S | 0 | 140 |
| T | 0 | 180 |
| U | 0 | 250 |
| V | 35 | 250 |
| X** | 0 | 350 |
** May require derating
Operators may specify lower temperature ratings K (-75°F to 180°F), L (-50°F to 180°F) and N (-50°F to 140°F) using elastomer seals other than FKM.
WOODCO USA Top Connectors have lowermost connectors meeting API Spec 6A requirements for Flanges, and API Spec 16A requirements for (Clamp) Hub connections. Body diameters between lower and upper connections have maximum allowed diameters.
Plugs have spiral retainer rings to keep them connected with nuts and help extract the plug when operators need to enter the well through the Christmas Tree. All WOODCO USA manufactured Top Connectors have API full bores allowing the normal installation of “Back Pressure Valves” through the Christmas Tree.
WOODCO USA defines “Product Quality” as conformance to specified requirements. We select suppliers on the basis of their ability to provide materials, products and/or services which conform to WOODCO USA and API specifications.
All individual units must pass inspections during and after production, and each unit receives a hydrostatic body test. Operators may specify API Spec 6A PSL levels.
Buyers should clearly define, at the time of order, any requirements which exceed or differ from API Spec 6A.
Equipment
Flange and Hub Top Connector Features
Flange Top Connector Parts
Reference this page to order parts for WOODCO USA Flange Top Connectors. Size and pressure along with part numbers designate equipment geometry only. Buyers must additionally specify: PSL, Material Class, Service Temperature and any special requirements.
Top Connectors and Connector Parts
| Flange Size | Ring Gasket | Bonnet (Cap Plug) | Collar (Nut) | Retainer Ring | Test Port Plug | Seal Ring | Backup Ring | Backup O-Ring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1/16” 5M* | R-24 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-1/16” 10M* | BX-152 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-1/16” 15M* | BX-152 | 10889 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10913 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-1/16” 20M* | BX-152 | 10890 | 10899 | 10914-2 | 10913 | 34290 | 10268-02 | 15380 |
| 2-9/16” 5M | R-27 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-9/16” 10M | BX-153 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-9/16” 15M | BX-153 | 10889 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10913 | 34290 | – | – |
| 2-9/16” 20M | BX-153 | 10890 | 10899 | 10914-2 | 10913 | 34290 | 10268-02 | 15380 |
| 3-1/8” 5M | R-35 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 3-1/16” 10M | BX-154 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | – |
| 3-1/16” 15M | BX-154 | 10891 | 10900 | 10914-3 | 10913 | 35490 | 10268-03 | 15980 |
| 4-1/16” 5M | R-39 | 10892 | 10901 | 10914-4 | 10912 | 42790 | – | – |
| 4-1/16” 10M | BX-155 | 10892 | 10901 | 10914-4 | 10912 | 42790 | – | – |
| 4-1/16” 15M | BX-155 | 10893 | 10902 | 10914-6 | 10913 | 43690 | 10268-05 | 16180 |
| 5-1/8” 5M | R-44 | 10895 | 10904 | 10914-5 | 10912 | 43890 | – | – |
| 5-1/8” 10M | BX-169 | 10895 | 10904 | 10914-5 | 10912 | 43890 | – | – |
| 5-1/8” 15M | BX-169 | 10896 | 10905 | 10914-8 | 10913 | 43990 | 10268-07 | 16680 |
| 7-1/16” 10M | BX-156 | 10897 | 10906 | 10914-9 | 10912 | 44490 | 10268-09 | 16880 |
* Not shown in API 6A
Hub Top Connector Parts
Reference this page to order parts for WOODCO USA Hub Top Connectors. Size and pressure along with part numbers designate equipment geometry only. Buyers must additionally specify: PSL, Material Class, Service Temperature and any special requirements.
Top Connectors and Top Connector Parts
| Hub Size | Ring Gasket | Bonnet (Cap Plug) | Collar (Not) | Retainer Ring | Test Port Plug | Seal Ring | Backup Ring | Backup O-Ring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1/16” 5M* | BX-152 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-1/16” 10M* | BX-152 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-1/16” 15M* | BX-152 | 10889 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10913 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-1/16” 20M* | BX-152 | 10890 | 10899 | 10914-2 | 10913 | 34290 | ||
| 2-9/16” 5M | BX-153 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-9/16” 10M | BX-153 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-9/16” 15M | BX-153 | 10889 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10913 | 34290 | – | |
| 2-9/16” 20M | BX-153 | 10890 | 10899 | 10914-2 | 10913 | 34290 | ||
| 3-1/8” 5M | BX-154 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 3-1/16” 10M | BX-154 | 10888 | 10898 | 10914-1 | 10912 | 34290 | – | |
| 3-1/16” 15M | BX-154 | 10891 | 10900 | 10914-3 | 10913 | 35490 | ||
| 4-1/16” 5M | BX-155 | 10892 | 10901 | 10914-4 | 10912 | 42790 | – | |
| 4-1/16” 10M | BX-155 | 10892 | 10901 | 10914-4 | 10912 | 42790 | – | |
| 4-1/16” 15M | BX-155 | 10893 | 10902 | 10914-6 | 10913 | 43690 | ||
| 5-1/8” 10M | BX-169 | 10895 | 10904 | 10914-5 | 10912 | 43890 | – | |
| 5-1/8” 15M | BX-169 | 10896 | 10905 | 10914-8 | 10913 | 43990 | – | |
| 7-1/16” 10M | BX-156 | 10897 | 10906 | 10914-9 | 10912 | 44490 |
Assembly
Woodco USA Top Connector With “Tommy Bars”
The WOODCO USA Top Connector follows the API Spec 6A Annex K specifications, dimensions, and design. WOODCO USA has added the feature of “Tommy Bar” holes in the Collar to facilitate turning of the Collar to connect or disconnect the Collar connection.
Woodco USA Top Connector Disassembled
All WOODCO USA made Top Connectors, have a gall resistant coating on all surfaces. During original assembly, WOODCO USA applies water-resistant grease on the plug and collar. When operators remove the Plug and Collar, WOODCO USA recommends the replacement of this lubricant.
Seal rings and backup rings prove easier to install when lightly lubricated with water-resistant grease (applied by hand, brush application of lubricant may cause problems if the brush should lose a bristle that might end up behind or across a seal).
Woodco USA Top Connector Plug (Bonnet, Cap)
When replacing the seals of any Top Connector that require a Back-up Ring, always install the Back-up Ring above the Seal Ring. The smaller cross section O-ring acts to keep the Back-up Ring closed and in place in the groove.
Woodco USA Flange Top Connector Assembled
The completed assembly should appear as below. No force greater than hand tightening with 2 – 12″ long “Tommy Bars” should prove necessary.
Photos
