Designed for compatibility

and superior performance

VAM CDS

Designed for compatibility and superior performance

Increasingly Challenging Drilling Environments

The continuous development of oil and gas drilling operations has resulted in an increase of extended-reach
wells and horizontal drilling procedures. These deeper and deviated wells call for drill strings with higher
torsional yield strength and greater torque capacity than is offered by standard API products.
Financial risks associated with drilling operations today are pushing oil and gas companies to mitigate drilling
risks and reduce total drilling costs. This involves improving drilling efficiency and optimizing drilling programs
by using versatile assets with superior performance capabilities.

Operational Challenges
Standard API connections have shown their limitations both in terms of reach and hydraulic efficiency
for drilling complex wells in challenging environments. Proprietary rotary double shoulder connections
with API thread forms provide the extra performance capabilities necessary to facilitate drilling in all
environments including extended reach or ultra-deep wells and deepwater drilling, especially when
combined with Sour Service or Arctic conditions.

The Solution
VAM CDS is a high performance rotary double shoulder
connection that is fully compatible with API and certain
other double-shoulder connections available in the market.
VAM CDS provides cost efficiencies similar to that of
API connections and incorporates 3 major design features:
API thread shape for compatibility with standard
API tool joints
Internal shoulder for higher torque performance
User friendly benchmark
VAM CDS is available in drill pipe sizes from 2-7/8 to 6-5/8
OD, including 5-7/8, and in a wide range of steel grades,
including sour service, low temperature and high strength.

Performance Comparisons
Torque Performance
MUT (FT-LBS)

100,000

500

VAM CDS

API

80,000

PRESSURE LOSS (PSI) PER 10,000 FT

54%
55%

60,000

57%
53%

40,000

50%

20,000

49%

51%

5 1/2 FH

5 1/2 FH VAM CDS

400

300

200

100

NC38

NC31

NC40

NC46

NC50

5 1/2 FH

500

6 5/8 FH

600

700

800

900

1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500

FLOW RATE (GPM)

Significantly higher performance

than standard API connections:

Improved hydraulic performance:

Allows for using similar ODs but with
increased IDs while increasing torsional
strength

130 ksi standard tool joint

Higher torsional capacity than standard
API connections

Possibility of smaller ODs & larger IDs while

keeping constant torsional strength

Increased allowable tool joint OD wear

Improved hydraulics & annular clearance

Tool Joint Comparison

VAM CDS provides superior performance
in Sour Service Environments:
TM

CONNECTION

TOOL JOINT

MAKE-UP
TORQUE

TORSIONAL
STRENGTH

TYPE

GRADE

OD (IN)

ID (IN)

(FT-LBS)

API (120 ksi)

G105

6 5/8

3 1/4

30,700

51,200

API (110 ksi)

VM-105 DP SS

6 5/8

3 1/4

28,200

49,600

VAM CDS (110 ksi) VM-105 DP SS

6 5/8

3 1/4

32,700

68,200

VAM CDS (110 ksi) VM-105 DP SS

6 5/8

3 1/2

34,300

57,200

TM

TM

(FT-LBS)

Note: OD and ID were selected to be the same for comparative purposes only.

PRIMARY SEALING
EXTERNAL SHOULDER

Operational Benefits
Higher torque performance comes standard with VAM CDS.
The additional strength provides the higher torque required for
deviated and extended reach wells. VAM CDS offers:
Higher torsional strength than standard API connections
(about 50% more than API)

API THREAD FORM

Improved hydraulics and annular clearance

Fully tested intermateability with API connections and
compatibility with other premium connections*
Extended MU range offering more flexibility for varying
operational requirements
Longer service life
SECONDARY
INTERNAL SHOULDER

*Please contact your local Vallourec Office to confirm connection compatibility with VAM CDS.

SALES & SERVICES OFFICES

AFRICA
Vallourec Drilling Products France
Phone +33 1 41 03 78 19
sales.drilling-products.Africa@vallourec.com
CHINA
Vallourec (Beijing) Co. Ltd
Phone +86 10 5923 3065
sales.drilling-products.CN@vallourec.com
EUROPE

FAR EAST
Vallourec Asia Pacific Corp. Pte Ltd
Phone +65 6933 9100
sales.drilling-products.Asia@vallourec.com
MIDDLE EAST
Vallourec Drilling Products Middle East FZE
Phone +971 4 815 0000
sales.drilling-products.ME@vallourec.com
NORTH AMERICA

Vallourec Oil & Gas UK Ltd

Phone +44 1224 279 392
sales.drilling-products.UK@vallourec.com

Client Support Center

Phone +1 713 479 3200
CSC.drilling-products@vallourec.com

Vallourec Drilling Products France

Phone +33 1 49 09 35 61
sales.drilling-products.EU@vallourec.com

Vallourec Drilling Products USA

Phone +1 713 844 3700
sales.drilling-products.NA@vallourec.com

Vallourec Deutschland GmbH

Phone +49 211 960 2352
sales.drilling-products.EU@vallourec.com

Vallourec Canada Inc.

Phone +1 780 955 8350
sales.drilling-products.NA@vallourec.com

Visit out Website www.vallourec.com/drilling-products

RUSSIA
Vallourec RUS LLC
Phone +7 495 787 49 30
sales.drilling-products.RU@vallourec.com
LATIN AMERICA
Vallourec Tubos do Brasil S.A.
Phone +55 21 3873 83 00
sales.drilling-products.SA@vallourec.com

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Leader in Drilling Solutions