The VAM North America testing laboratory has as an objective to test under work-field similar conditions of use the quality and reliability of the connections, per standard procedures as ISO 13679 or customer’s procedure. In addition to qualification tests for customers, the lab actively participates in new design products qualification, validation of new VAM products in the context of research and development.

Most of the time the samples are manufactured to duplicate the worst case scenarios that could happen in the field as it is required by the testing procedures. The sample preparation (threading, gauging, and surface finish) is critical for the entire process, starting with design and ending with these aggressive testing procedures.

VAM North America R&D equipments description

1. ECKEL integral back up power tong

Make up and break out the connections to check the seal and threads galling sensitivity under critical conditions. New formulas of thread compound required by our customers (environmental friendly “green dope” or “CLEANWELL”) are qualified in our lab to meet the continuously changing oil industry demand.

2. Load frame:

As we are developing and producing high top quality connections, they are used in the most critical environments and applications. What we are producing is a very important element in the huge oil rig site system.
The life of the operators, the life of the well, the return and the profit of the investment, the environment (onshore or offshore) are relying on the quality of our products.
Because of these facts, even though the connections were qualified for the customer application through specifically design methods as FEA (finite element analysis) we still have to prove the performance of these connections through the means of a full scale physical test.

VAM North America R&D lab load frame is capable of maximum 2.5 million lbf tension and 1.8 million lbf compressions. Combined loads (tension or compression) under internal pressure (30000 psi) or external pressure associated with bending (up to 50 deg/ 100ft) at ambient or elevated temperature (350F) tests are performed to simulate the toughest well conditions.

Thermal cycles (ambient to elevated temperature) under high internal pressure and tension are also performed in our lab to simulate those harmful thermal cycles and thermal shocks that could occur in the real application.

Safety

As you know, safety is everybody responsibility and we have to look for each other. Be aware every time you are around the lab and see the flashing lights on. One of these tests might be in progress.