Ascent Resources operates 1,000 wellheads in the Utica basin and runs several SPM™ Seaboard™ Unitized Lock-Ring wellheads with three strings of casing; 13 3/8”, 9 5/8” and 5 1/2”.

Recently, after the operator had finished the drilling process and ran all ofits casing, it rigged up to begin the fracking process. As they began to pressure up to test its equipment, unbeknownst to its crew, the 5 1/2” casing downhole had parted. The pressure burst the 9 5/8” casings and filled the 13 3/8” casing, generating 8,500 psi that pushed against the 9 5/8” casing that was secured by SPM’s internally biased Unitized Lock-Ring technology. The extreme pressure caused the weld on the bottom of the casing head to fail and the wellhead to jump several feet in the air, removing it from the well.

Upon inspection, it was determined SPM’s equipment sustained 600,000 psi of force. However, SPM’s equipment was intact and able to be pressured up on its 9 5/8” pack off to test the pressure of its seals; a testament to the enhanced safety of its internally biased Unitized Lock-Ring technology.

While the current industry norm is to utilize externally biased lock rings, SPM purposefully engineered its Unitized Lock-Ring to be internally biased. Internally biased lock rings stay in place for the duration of the well, which provides the greater protection for personnel in the event of a catastrophic event like the one this operating company experienced.

The most important outcome for the operator was the safety of its workers; no one was harmed. This was a direct result of SPM’s internally biased lock-ring technology’s ability to reduce leak paths.

The Unitized Lock-Ring technology not only protected its workers but it also prevented other equipment on the site’s surface from being damaged, saving the company $500,000 minimum in potential repair and replacement costs.

SPM’s internally biased Unitized Lock-Ring essentially acted as a ‘bulletproof vest’ for personnel on-site that day. Due to the protection this technology provided to the crew, SPM’s engineering expertise and responsive partnership over nearly three years, the large operating company has named SPM its sole wellhead provider. As the company upgrades its wellheads to the next generation, using the SPM Seaboard Unitized Lock-Ring technology will be a constant.

Improving the safety of the frac site is SPM’s primary concern and its reason for being an innovator in internally biased lock-ring technology. While externally biased lock-rings can fail to snap securely in place, which puts crews at risk, SPM’s internally biased lock-ring technology is superior due to its drive ring which locks the lock-ring in place. This allows for a positive lock indication, due to the number of rotations needed, and prevents the lock-ring from collapsing during extreme wellbore pressures. SPM’s internally biased lock-ring and drive ring are rated for 1.4 million pounds of force. Additionally, elastometer rentention seals in the wear bushing replace numerous lock screws, which eliminates labor as well as potential leak paths. This limits workers exposure to a dangerous environment while mitigating the need for multiple assemblies and wellhead penetrations.

The SPM Seaboard Unitized Lock-Ring technology further enhances safety with a casing head featuring internal lock down hangers with positive engagement to further reduce leak risks.

With the SPM Seaboard Unitized Lock-Ring technology, operators can dramatically improve site safety.