API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009

Mismatch hammer union issue:

• Hammer unions are connectors for temporary
pipe and flowline installations.
• 2” Figure 1502 will make-up with 2” Figure 602
and 1002 and Guiberson 607.
• Inadequate thread fit between mismatched unions
is not apparent - thread pitch same (so connection
feels secure), integrity compromised by depth of
thread engagement.
• Will hold some pressure – but will fail explosively
well below the rated working pressure of any of
the components, putting people and property at
risk.
API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Industry impact of mismatched unions:

• Industry injuries/fatalities all over the world.

• Numerous safety alerts sent out over the

years – IADC, Canada Enform, Kemper
Valves, FMC, etc.

• Time to implement a more permanent fix!

Support from API SC8 and API Upstream
Executive Committee.
API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
API TG5 was formed in December 2007
and has over 50 volunteers representing 40
oil industry companies and/or organizations.
Operators include Shell, BP Americas and
Chesapeake. Organizations include API,
AESC, and IADC. Canadian representation
includes Petroleum Services Association of
Canada (PSAC) and BJ Canada.
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
API document work completed/in progress:
• In May 2009, TG5 published an interim,
procedural solution in the form of API RP 7HU1
entitled “Safe Use of 2-inch Hammer
Unions for Oilfield Applications“.
• Next step is to develop an API technical design
specification for hammer unions for the
permanent fix of the mismatch hammer union
issue. Kick-off meeting for developing standard
held June 18, 2009.
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Overview of API RP 7HU1 Contents:
• Description of hammer union mismatch
• Description of engineering design solution
• Procedural measures to prevent mismatch
• Mitigation measures for mismatched
components parting explosively
• General safety recommendations for
working with temporary piping and hammer
unions
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Description of hammer union mismatch:
• Describes most common hammer union
components with potential for mismatch (2-inch
Figures 402, 602, 1002 and 1502)
• Mismatched hammer unions may fully make-up
and hold some pressure, but will fail explosively
well below rated working pressure
• Resulting mating overlap of the threads between
mismatched hammer union components will not
hold pressure
API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Description of engineering design solution:
• Engineering design solution exists that prevents
inadvertent make-up of 2-inch Figures 402, 602
and 1002 to 2-inch Figure 1502
• Involves a change in 2-inch Figures 402, 602 and
1002 in three areas:
¾ Reduced thread major diameter – to prevent engagement
with minimum minor diameter of 2-inch Figure 1502
¾ Raised shoulder – provides a visual indicator of new
design
¾ Mark indicating the new design – permanent mark
indicating size and figure number
API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009

Reduction of Thread Major Diameter in New Engineering

Design is Illustrated by Comparing the Original Design Major
Diameter (on left with no raised shoulder) to the Reduced
Major Diameter (on right with raised shoulder)
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Procedural measures to prevent mismatch:
• Replace all 2-inch hammer union components in fleet to 2-inch
Figure 1502
• Utilize go/no-go gauges to determine if component is acceptable
to use with 2-inch Figure 1502
• Regular inspection and marking of 2-inch of unions
• Training on hazards of mismatched hammer unions and
recognition of same
• Use of Management of Change (MOC) process when hammer
union component needs to be changed
• Permit-to-Work (PTW) or Job Safety Analysis (JSA) should be
used for all jobs involving hammer unions
• Maintain an inventory of hammer union components by job site
• Color-code hammer union components to indicate figure number
of the equipment
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Mitigation measures for mismatched components
parting explosively:
• Use barriers and/or restricted access of personnel for
all pressurized operations
• Orient outlet and instrumentation fittings at 90° or
180° to an employee’s expected body placement
when it is necessary for an employee to be near
pressurized equipment (e.g. to operate valves or read
gauges)
• Locate the temporary pipe connections where there is
less exposure to personnel (e.g. under the rig floor).
• Use a system of restraint that has been proven in
pressurized operations for pipework (e.g. fiber rope
restraints and safety clamps with wire rope)
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
General safety recommendations:
• Covers general safety recommendations for
working with temporary pipe and hammer unions:
¾ Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
¾ Inspection, maintenance and testing
¾ Avoid mixing unions from different manufacturers
¾ Follow-up safe practices for make-up, breakout and testing
¾ Understand maximum pressure rating of system, taking
into account lowest rating of any one component
 API RP 7HU1 Overview – June 2009
Summary of TG5 initiatives:
• API RP 7HU1 entitled “Safe Use of 2-inch Hammer
Unions for Oilfield Applications“ is published and
available on-line at:
http://www.api.org/publications/new/

• An API technical design specification for hammer

unions is being developed, with participation from
numerous manufacturers and users, to drive a more
permanent fix of the mismatch hammer union issue.
Targeted completion date is year-end 2010.