API 6A Specification for
Wellhead and Christmas Tree
Equipment
Scope
Service Conditions
Product Specification Levels
Performance Requirement Levels
Material Class Levels
Temperature Classes
Specific Component Design Requirements
Quality Control Requirements
Valve Testing
Casing and Tubing Hanger Requirements
Tubing Head Adapter requirements
API 6A Scope
for new and re-conditioned equipmentWellhead
Equipment
Connections &
Fittings
Casing & Tubing Valves & ChokesLoose
Connections
Other Equipment
Casing Head
Housing
Crossover
connections
Mandrel Hangers Single completion
valves
Weld neck
connectors
Acturators
Casing Head
Spools
Tubing head
adapters
Slip hangers Multiple completion
valves
Blind
connectors
Ring Gaskets
Tubing Head
Spools
Top Connections Actuated valvesThreaded
Connectors
Crossover
Spools
Tees and Crosses Valves prepared
for actuators
Adapter &
spacer
connectors
Multi-stage Head
Housing &
Spools
Fluid sampling
devices
Check valves
Adapter & spacer
spools
Chokes
SSV/USV &
Actuators for
offshore service
API 6A 17th ed. Includes guidelines for repair and re-manufacture
API Monogram
The presence of an API monogram on wellhead
and Christmas tree equipment:
–Ensures that the materials used have been tested and
qualified to an industry accepted standard.
–Certifies a performance verification level.
–Confirms that manufacturing facilities and processes have
been audited by the recognized industry standards
organization.
–Recognizes manufacturer’s ability to produce products
suitable for the oil and gas industry.
Pressure Ratings
API Pressure Test Presure
Rating (psi) 13-3/8”16-3/4 “
2,000 4,0003,000
3,000 6,0004,500
5,000 10,00010,000
10,000 15,00015,000
15,000 22,50022,500
20,000 30,000-
Six pressure ratings from 2,000 to 20,000 psi :
Temperature Ratings
Eight temperature ratings:
API Temp. Class’n Operating Range (°F) (°C)
K -75 to 180 -60 to 82
L -50 to 180 -46 to 82
P -20 to 180 -29 to 82
R Room Temp
S 0 to 150 -18 to 65
T 0 to 120 -18 to 50
U 0 to 250 -18 to 121
V 35 to 250 0 to 121
X 0 to 350 (app G) -18 to 180
Y 0 to 650 (app G) 18 to 345
Factors influencing the corrosivity of a well fluid:
Temperature
Pressure
Production Rate
CO
2content
H
2S content
pH
Sand Production
Composition/amount of hydrocarbons
Composition/amount of produced water/condensate
Presence of sulfate reduction bacteria
API 6A : " choosing material classes is the
ultimate responsibility of the user "
API Material Classes
( Trim Selection )
Use of packer/completion
fluids
Acidizing
Inhibition
Chemical Injection for
hydrate control, paraffin
control, etc...
API Material Classes
( for Production Trees )API Material
Classification
H2S partial
pressure
CO2 partial
pressure
Chlorides
content
Maximum
temperature
AA - General Service
Non-corrosive
0.05 psi < 7 psi < 20,000 ppm 350°F / 180°C
BB - General Service
Mildly corrosive
0.05 psi 7 to 30 psi< 20,000 ppm 350°F / 180°C
CC - General Service
Corrosive
0.05 psi > 30 psi < 50,000 ppm 250°F / 120°C
DD - Sour Service
Non-corrosive
> 0.05 psi< 7 psi < 20,000 ppm 350°F / 180°C
EE - Sour Service
Mildly corrosive
> 0.05 psi7 to 30 psi< 50,000 ppm 350°F / 180°C
FF - Sour Service
Corrosive
> 0.05 psi> 30 psi < 50,000 ppm 250°F / 120°C
HH - Sour Service
Extremely corrosive
> 10 psi > 30 psi < 100,000 ppm350°F / 180°C
API Minimum Material
RequirementsAPI Material ClassificationBody, Bonnet, End & Outlet
Connections
Pressure Controlling Parts,
Stems & Mandrel Hangers
AA - General Service Carbon or low alloy steelCarbon or low alloy steel
BB - General Service Carbon or low alloy steelStainless Steel
CC - General Service Stainless steel Stainless steel
DD - Sour Service Carbon or low alloy steelCarbon or low alloy steel
EE - Sour Service Carbon or low alloy steelStainless steel
FF - Sour Service Stainless steel Stainless steel
HH - Sour Service Corrosion Resistant AlloyCorrosion Resistant Alloy
Welding
Weld Procedure Qualification:
PSL-1ASME Sect IX with hardness survey
PSL-2As PSL-1 plus base metal grouping
PSL-3As PSL-2 plus chemical analysis and
PWHT controls
PSL-4No welding allowed
(except CRA overlay)
Welding
Weld Performance Qualification:
PSL-1ASME Sect IX
PSL-2As PSL-1 plus hole qualification
PSL-3As PSL-2
PSL-4No welding allowed
(except CRA overlay)
Markings
Markings on the exterior surface to include:
–Designation “6A”
–Temperature rating or classification
–Material Class
–Product Specification Level (PSL)
–Performance Requirement Level (PR)
–Date of Manufacture
–Manufacturer’s name or mark
BODY MARKING: P/N, REV,
MFG.ID, S/N
GV ASSEMBLY MARKING:
"ASSY", P/N, REV, MFG.ID
("CCF"), S/N
GV NAMEPLATE
API 6A INFORMATION:
SIZE, WP, M/C, T/C, PSL, PR
API 6A LOGO
STAMP WITH
LICENSEE N°
ASSY S/N
ASSY P/N
CAMERON LOGO
GV Identification
Valve Testing
Hydrostatic Testing
–Body test to 1.5 or 2 times WP (depending on
size)
–Seat test to WP
–Chart recording for PSL 3 and 4
Gas Testing
–No bubbles observed, (less than 20 cm
3
/hour)
–All potential leak paths submerged, Nitrogen
as test medium
–Body test for 15 minute hold period
–Seat test for 60 minute hold period
–Test pressure is working pressure (WP)
–Backseat test (WP)
Requirements PSL-1 PSL-2 PSL-3 PSL-4
Hydrostatic
Body Test
1.5 to 2x
WP, 2x 3’
1.5 to 2x
WP, 2x 3’
1.5 to 2x WP,
3’ + 15’
1.5 to 2x
WP, 3’ + 15’
Hydrostatic Seat
Test
WP, 2x 3’
per seat
WP, 3x 3’
per seat
WP, 3’ + 2x 15’
per seat
WP, 3’ + 2x
15’ per seat
P opening N/A 2 per seat 2 per seat 2 per seat
Gas Body Test - - Opt., WP, 15’WP, 15’
Gas Seat Test
(per seat)
- - Opt., 15’ at WP
+ 15’ at 300 psi
60’ at WP +
60’ at 5-
10% WP
Gas Backseat
Test
- - Opt., WP, 15’WP, 2x 60’ Valve Testing (holding time)
Xmas tree Testing
Drift Testing
–Through main bore (vertical)
–42'' -1065 mm long drift
–PSL 1 to 4
Hydrostatic Testing
–Body test to WP (if with previously tested
equipment)
–Hold period per PSL (2x 3' or 3' + 15')
–No mandatory seat test if previously done on
individual valves
Valve Testing
Appendix FPerformance RequirementsPR level PR-1 PR-2
Open/Close dynamic
pressure test - room temp
3 cycles 160 cycles
Low Pressure seat test -
room temp
Objective evidence I hour at 5- 10% WP
Open/Close dynamic
pressure test - max/tin temp
Objective evidence 20 cycles at each extreme
Low Pressure seat test - min
temp
Objective evidence I hour at 5- 10%
Fluid compatibility Objective evidence Yes
Operating Force Per Manufacturer's spec Yes
Press/Temp cycling Objective evidence Yes
Casing and Tubing
Hanger Requirements
Features:
–Group 1: Hangs pipe
–Group 2: Hangs pipe and seals in one direction
–Group 3: Hangs pipe and seals in two directions
–Group 4: Hangs pipe, seals in 2 directions, locks in hanger
–Group 5: Hangs pipe, seals in 2 directions, locks in hanger
and accepts a back pressure valve
Slip Hangers
Mandrel Hangers
Tubing Head Adapter
Features:
–Group 1: Seal wellbore from annulus
–Group 2: Seal wellbore from annulus and suspend tubing.
General Requirements
Chokes
Crosses and tees
Crossover connectors
Actuators
Studs and nuts
Lock screws
Threads
Gaskets and fittings
Repair/Remanufacture
Storage and handling
How To
Order
Information Required
–Ruling Specification
–Well Information
–Fluid Characteristics
–Impurities and waste
products
–Corrosive conditions
–Casing Program
–Production rates
–Coating requirements
API 6A Summary
Standard for wellhead industry
Covers wellheads, hangers, valves, flanges
Use for design, material selection, manufacture,
fabrication and testing
Deviations from standard cost money and time