FOX is an advanced premium threaded connection which has been jointly developed by JFE

STEEL CORPORATION and HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES. JFE STEEL CORPORATION has
over seventy years experience in steel production, and provides proprietary JFE-series OCTG
for sour service, low temperature service and hi-collapse service, in addition to API grades.
HUNTING OILFIELD SERVICES has over twenty-five years experience in the design,
manufacture and technical field service of connections for OCTG. Together, we have designed
a connection which uses innovative design concepts to overcome problems found in
conventional premium connections. Advanced
thread geometry, a unique seal design and
innovative gauging tech-niques combine to reduce
thread galling and enhance sealing performance.
FOX has been field-proven around the world.

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1 FOX CONNECTION DESIGN FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Legal Notice
This catalog is edited for general information only. Although every
2 THE FOX PITCH CHANGE CONCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 possible effort is made to maintain the accuracy and reliability of
the contents of this publication, JFE Steel Corporation in no way
assumes liability or responsibility for any loss, damage or injury
3 SUPERIOR LOAD DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 resulting from the use of the information and data contained herein.
It is requested that all applications for the material described are to
4 FEA MODELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 be undertaken solely at the customer's own risk and responsibility.

5 THE TRIPLE RADIUS SEAL CONCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

COVER: Graphic shows distribution of
6 GAUGING TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
equivalent plastic strain around seal when
7 AVAILABLE SIZES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 made up with finite element analysis.
 ...
FOX
1. FOX CONNECTION: DESIGN FEATURES

PIPE WALL
BUTTRESS TYPE THREAD WITH
PITCH CHANGE
reduces peak tooth load and improves
load distribution

COUPLING
CONTOURED METAL-TO-METAL
SEAL
reduces stress concentration and
ensures excellent sealability

INTERNAL FLUSH DESIGN

(Tubing)
enhances flow efficiency and corrosion
resistance

PIPE WALL

DESIGN FEATURE EFFECT IMPROVEMENT

THREAD PITCH CHANGE 1. Reduction of maximum tooth load a. High resistance to thread galling
2. More even tooth load distribution b. Good control of make-up
c. High resistance to back off
d. High resistance to coupling belling
and unzipping
e. increased fatigue life

METAL-TO-METAL TRIPLE 1. Localized high sealing pressure a. Ensure excellent sealability

RADIUS SEAL 2. Reduced stress concentration b. Reduce shoulder damage
c. High resistance to over-torquing
d. High resistance to seal galling

INTERNAL FLUSH 1. Reduction of turbulence a. Enhanced resistance to corrosion

b. High flow efficiency

1
 2. THE FOX PITCH CHANGE CONCEPT

A B C

A The gap between load flanks closes B The standard pitch area acts to C The gap between load flanks on
as the joint is made up to torque concentrate loads in the center section initial assembly closes as the joint is
condition. of the thread. axially loaded in tension.

DOUBLE PITCH CHANGE

The pin member retains a standard pitch over its entire length. The box member features three section, each having a
different pitch: increased pitch (in relation to the pin) in the outer part of the box, standard pitch in the center section, and
reduced pitch in the inner section. This produces gaps at the load-bearing flanks of the threads in the inner and outer
regions of the thread prior to make-up and running.

Pitch 2 Pitch 1 Pitch 3

(Smaller than Pitch 1) (Larger than Pitch 1)

Coupling

Pitch 1

Pipe

The gaps between the load-bearing flanks of the threads are closed by make-up torque and by the axial load imposed by
pipe weight. Threads are preferentially loaded in the center of the connection, with reduced loads in the inner and outer
sections. The risk of thread galling is reduced by the lower level of radial thread interference in the FOX connection in
comparison to other designs.

2
 ...
FOX
3. SUPERIOR LOAD DISTRIBUTION

TYPICAL Make-up only Make-up plus axial tension

PREMIUM
CONNECTION 1 5 10 18 1 5 10 18

/ O.D. L80 data

512 / O.D. L80 data
512
60,000 60,000
Load on each thread (lbs)

Load on each thread (lbs)

50,000 50,000

40,000 40,000

30,000 30,000

20,000 20,000

10,000 10,000

0 0
1 5 10 18 1 5 10 18

Thread tooth number Thread tooth number

FOX Make-up only Make-up plus axial tension

PREMIUM
CONNECTION 1 5 10 18 1 5 10 18

/ O.D. L80 data

512 / O.D. L80 data
512
60,000 60,000
Load on each thread (lbs)

Load on each thread (lbs)

50,000 50,000

40,000 40,000

30,000 30,000

20,000 20,000

10,000 10,000

0 0
1 5 10 18 1 5 10 18

Thread tooth number Thread tooth number

4. F.E.A. MODELS

Two FEA graphics show the difference in

axial stress distribution with and without
pitch change.

The pitch change concept, which is one of

the main features of the FOX design,
works to give more even load distribution
on each thread. (with Pitch Change)

(without Pitch Change)

3
 5. THE TRIPLE RADIUS SEAL CONCEPT

The triple radius seal used in the 'FOX' connection comprises a pin seal feature having a profile of three interacting radii
engaging with a corresponding sealing surface profile in the coupling. Because of the generous blending radius which
this design allows, there is a reduced local stress concentration giving better resistance to over torquing and fatigue.

Primary radius metal-to-metal seal

Coupling

Reduced local stress concentrations

Enhanced overtorque resistance

Pipe

Torque shoulder
Internally flush to eliminate turbulence (tubing only)

The smooth, continuous profile of the FOX triple-radius seal improves sealing performance, reduces stress concentrations
and provides for increased overtorque resistance.
A more gradual lead-in during make-up is achieved compared with the conventional double taper design, and the principle
of tri-axial compression is included. Sealing is achieved as a result of combined radial and axial compression of the pin end.
The smooth interior pin to coupling profile produces internally flush bores for tubing applications, maximizing bore diameter
and reducing turbulence.

COMPARISON OF SEAL STORED ENERGY

FOX Connection Typical Premium Connection

160 160
Pipe
140 140
Cumulative strain energy (axial)

Cumulative strain energy (axial)

120 Coupling 120

100 100
Pipe
80 80
Coupling
60 60

40 40

20 20

0 0

Plots of strain energy induced in the pin and coupling for both a conventional and the FOX connections were obtained
from the finite element analysis. These confirm the prediction that the strain energy stored across the metal-to-metal seal
for the FOX is significantly greater than for a conventional connection.

4
 ...
FOX
6. GAUGING TECHNIQUES

Electronic Gauging
As part of the FOX development program, the FOX development team addressed problems of conventional thread gauging,
and devised a new electronic gauging technique. The gauge measures stand-off, taper, seal diameter and lead of pin and
box thread at a resolution of one micron. The measurements are analysed by a data processsing unit, which is able to
mathematically compensate for pipe ovality on the basis of measurement data. The electronic gauging process reduces the
wear problem associated with hard gauging, and enables an individual data record to be retained for every FOX
connection.

Data Processing Unit

Pin Taper Seal Gauge

Mechanical Gauging
Conventional taper, lead and thread height gauges may also be used in gauging of FOX connections, in such forms as
go/no-go gauges.

MRP Gauge Thread Form Gauge

Go/No-Go Gauge to
inspect thread form.

To measure thread diameter.

5
 7. AVAILABLE SIZES

Coupling Outside Diameter

Outside Nominal Wall Nominal Drift Coupling Make up
Diameter Weight Thickness Inside TPI Diameter API Regular Coupling 100% Efficiency Special Clearance Coupling Length Loss
Diameter (API) Length
D t d Outside Diameter Tensile Outside Diameter Outside Diameter Tensile LL
in. mm lb/ft in. mm in. in. in. mm Efficiency,% in. mm in. mm Efficiency,% in. in.

2-3/8 60.32 04.60 0.190 4.83 1.995 8 1.901 2.723 69.16 5.125 2.313
05.80 0.254 6.45 1.867 8 1.773 2.782 70.66 5.125 2.313
2-7/8 73.02 6.40 0.217 5.51 2.441 8 2.347 3.297 83.74 5.875 2.688
7.80 0.276 7.01 2.323 8 2.229 3.297 83.74 5.875 2.688
8.60 0.308 7.82 2.259 8 2.165 3.412 86.66 5.875 2.688
3-1/2 88.90 07.70 0.216 5.49 3.068 6 2.943 3.878 98.50 6.790 3.145
09.20 0.254 6.45 2.992 6 2.867 3.878 98.50 6.790 3.145
10.20 0.289 7.34 2.922 6 2.797 4.053 102.95 6.790 3.145
12.70 0.375 9.52 2.750 6 2.625 4.053 102.95 6.790 3.145
15.50 0.476 12.09 2.548 6 2.423 4.150 105.41 6.790 3.145
4 101.60 9.50 0.226 5.74 3.548 6 3.423 4.378 111.20 7.456 3.478
10.70 0.262 6.65 3.476 6 3.351 4.378 111.20 7.456 3.478
13.20 0.330 8.38 3.340 6 3.215 4.556 115.72 7.456 3.478
4-1/2 114.30 10.50 0.224 5.69 4.052 5 3.927 5.000 127.00 145 4.824 122.53 4.882 124.00 114 9.469 4.440
11.60 0.250 6.35 4.000 5 3.875 5.000 127.00 131 4.867 123.62 4.882 124.00 103 9.469 4.440
12.60 0.271 6.88 3.958 5 3.833 5.000 127.00 121 4.901 124.49 4.882 124.00 96 9.469 4.440
13.50 0.290 7.37 3.920 5 3.795 5.000 127.00 114 4.932 125.27 4.882 124.00 90 9.469 4.440
15.10 0.337 8.56 3.826 5 3.701 5.000 127.00 99 5.005 127.13 4.882 124.00 78 9.469 4.440
18.90 0.430 10.92 3.640 5 3.515 5.000 127.00 79 5.142 130.61 4.882 124.00 62 9.469 4.440
21.50 0.500 12.70 3.500 5 3.375 5.000 127.00 69 5.238 133.05 4.882 124.00 55 9.469 4.440
23.70 0.560 14.22 3.380 5 3.255 5.000 127.00 63 5.316 135.03 4.882 124.00 49 9.469 4.440
5 127.00 13.00 0.253 6.43 4.494 5 4.369 5.563 141.30 145 5.364 136.25 5.391 136.93 106 9.869 4.640
15.00 0.296 7.52 4.408 5 4.283 5.563 141.30 125 5.435 138.05 5.391 136.93 91 9.869 4.640
18.00 0.362 9.19 4.276 5 4.151 5.563 141.30 104 5.540 140.72 5.391 136.93 75 9.869 4.640
21.40 0.437 11.10 4.126 5 4.001 5.563 141.30 87 5.652 143.56 5.391 136.93 63 9.869 4.640
23.20 0.478 12.14 4.044 5 3.919 5.563 141.30 80 5.711 145.06 5.391 136.93 59 9.869 4.640
24.10 0.500 12.70 4.000 5 3.875 5.563 141.30 77 5.742 145.85 5.391 136.93 56 9.869 4.640
5-1/2 139.70 15.50 0.275 6.98 4.950 5 4.825 6.050 153.67 130 5.905 149.99 5.891 149.63 97 9.869 4.640
17.00 0.304 7.72 4.892 5 4.767 6.050 153.67 118 5.953 151.21 5.891 149.63 88 9.869 4.640
20.00 0.361 9.17 4.778 5 4.653 6.050 153.67 101 6.045 153.54 5.891 149.63 75 9.869 4.640
23.00 0.415 10.54 4.670 5 4.545 6.050 153.67 88 6.128 155.65 5.891 149.63 66 9.869 4.640
26.80 0.500 12.70 4.500 5 4.375 6.050 153.67 74 6.254 158.85 5.891 149.63 55 9.869 4.640

6
 ...
FOX
Coupling Outside Diameter
Outside Nominal Wall Nominal Drift Coupling Make up
Diameter Weight Thickness Inside TPI Diameter API Regular Coupling 100% Efficiency Special Clearance Coupling Length Loss
Diameter (API) Length
D t d in. Outside Diameter Tensile Outside Diameter Outside Diameter Tensile LL
in. mm lb/ft in. mm in. in. mm Efficiency,% in. mm in. mm Efficiency,% in. in.

6-5/8 168.28 20.00 0.288 7.32 6.049 5 5.924 7.390 187.71 167 7.048 179.02 7.000 177.80 91 10.269 4.840
24.00 0.352 8.94 5.921 5 5.796 7.390 187.71 138 7.155 181.74 7.000 177.80 75 10.269 4.840
28.00 0.417 10.59 5.791 5 5.666 7.390 187.71 118 7.261 184.43 7.000 177.80 64 10.269 4.840
32.00 0.475 12.06 5.675 5 5.550 7.390 187.71 104 7.352 186.74 7.000 177.80 56 10.269 4.840
7 177.80 20.00 0.272 6.91 6.456 5 6.331 7.656 194.46 155 7.384 187.55 7.380 187.45 99 10.669 5.040
23.00 0.317 8.05 6.366 5 6.241 7.656 194.46 134 7.462 189.53 7.380 187.45 85 10.669 5.040
26.00 0.362 9.19 6.276 5 6.151 7.656 194.46 118 7.538 191.47 7.380 187.45 75 10.669 5.040
29.00 0.408 10.36 6.184 5 6.059 7.656 194.46 106 7.614 193.40 7.380 187.45 67 10.669 5.040
32.00 0.453 11.51 6.094 5 5.969 7.656 194.46 96 7.686 195.22 7.380 187.45 61 10.669 5.040
35.00 0.498 12.65 6.004 5 5.879 7.656 194.46 88 7.756 197.00 7.380 187.45 56 10.669 5.040
38.00 0.540 13.72 5.920 5 5.795 7.656 194.46 81 7.821 198.65 7.380 187.45 52 10.669 5.040
7-5/8 193.68 26.40 0.328 8.33 6.969 5 6.844 8.500 215.90 169 8.098 205.69 8.000 203.20 83 11.069 5.240
29.70 0.375 9.52 6.875 5 6.750 8.500 215.90 149 8.178 207.72 8.000 203.20 73 11.069 5.240
33.70 0.430 10.92 6.765 5 6.640 8.500 215.90 131 8.270 210.06 8.000 203.20 64 11.069 5.240
39.00 0.500 12.70 6.625 5 6.500 8.500 215.90 114 8.382 212.90 8.000 203.20 56 11.069 5.240
42.80 0.562 14.27 6.501 5 6.376 8.500 215.90 102 8.479 215.37 8.000 203.20 50 11.069 5.240
45.30 0.595 15.11 6.435 5 6.310 8.500 215.90 97 8.529 216.64 8.000 203.20 47 11.069 5.240
8-5/8 219.08 32.00 0.352 8.94 7.921 5 7.796 9.625 244.48 177 9.145 232.28 9.120 231.65 96 11.069 5.240
36.00 0.400 10.16 7.825 5 7.700 9.625 244.48 157 9.227 234.37 9.120 231.65 85 11.069 5.240
40.00 0.450 11.43 7.725 5 7.600 9.625 244.48 140 9.311 236.50 9.120 231.65 76 11.069 5.240
44.00 0.500 12.70 7.625 5 7.500 9.625 244.48 127 9.393 238.58 9.120 231.65 69 11.069 5.240
49.00 0.557 14.15 7.511 5 7.386 9.625 244.48 115 9.484 240.89 9.120 231.65 62 11.069 5.240
9-5/8 244.48 36.00 0.352 8.94 8.921 5 8.765 10.625 269.88 175 10.149 257.78 10.100 256.54 92 11.069 5.240
40.00 0.395 10.03 8.835 5 8.679 10.625 269.88 157 10.244 260.20 10.100 256.54 82 11.069 5.240
43.50 0.435 11.05 8.755 5 8.599 10.625 269.88 143 10.293 261.44 10.100 256.54 75 11.069 5.240
47.00 0.472 11.99 8.681 5 8.525 10.625 269.88 132 10.355 263.02 10.100 256.54 69 11.069 5.240
53.50 0.545 13.84 8.535 5 8.379 10.625 269.88 116 10.476 266.09 10.100 256.54 61 11.069 5.240
58.40 0.595 15.11 8.435 5 8.279 10.625 269.88 106 10.556 268.12 10.100 256.54 56 11.069 5.240

LL

The Make up loss for FOX is shown in the size table.

7
0709P(0609)3-0.5 UM
Printed in Japan