Swaging/expansion and subsequent stress relieving are common methods of manufacture for many of the premium integral joint connections used for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG). The swaging/expansion process provides adequate metal for machining of threads and metal-to-metal seal surfaces to assure proper sealing performance. This paper discusses how the sulfide stress cracking (SSC) resistance of high strength alloy steels utilized for OCTG are affected by the swaging/expansion and stress relieving process. Details are provided on the effects of cold working on other various tubular properties. Recommendations are provided on proper stress relieving techniques to assure no deterioration of SSC resistance of high strength sour service tubulars.
Keywords: swaging, cold expansion, plastic deformation, cold working, dislocation density, sulfide stress cracking (SSC), Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), stress relieving, C110 casing, premium connections, inclusions