Top U.S. Operator Implements TenarisHydril Wedge 451™ Connection for the First Time in the Permian Basin
Tenaris has expanded and enhanced its Wedge™ Series 400 portfolio for shale applications with the introduction of the TenarisHydril Wedge 451™, a next-generation threaded and coupled connection engineered to deliver extreme torque capacity and faster installation speeds in slim well environments; the new connection represents a significant technological advancement tailored to the operational realities of modern shale drilling, where operators face increasingly demanding torque loads, extended laterals, and tighter clearance constraints; successfully deployed across multiple wells in the Permian Basin, the Wedge 451™ demonstrates Tenaris’s ongoing commitment to engineering innovation, operational efficiency, and performance optimization in North America’s most active unconventional plays.
Engineering Innovation Driving the Evolution of the Wedge Series 400™ Portfolio
The development of the Wedge 451™ connection reflects approximately 18 months of focused engineering work aimed at addressing evolving shale well requirements; as operators push drilling boundaries with longer horizontal sections and higher torque demands, traditional connection designs must evolve to withstand intensified mechanical stresses without compromising installation speed or sealing reliability; building upon the field-proven foundation of the Wedge Series 400™, the Wedge 451™ introduces refined thread geometry and enhanced structural efficiency that collectively provide higher torque capacity and improved tensile performance compared with its predecessor, the Wedge 441® connection; the engineering team concentrated on maximizing torque resistance within slim well profiles, where limited annular clearance intensifies operational complexity and increases the importance of connection reliability during running and cementing operations.
Designed for Extreme Torque and Slim Well Applications
Slim wells present unique technical challenges, including restricted clearance, higher friction factors during casing installation, and amplified torque loads generated by extended reach laterals and complex well trajectories; the Wedge 451™ connection addresses these challenges through an optimized thread design that enhances torque transfer capability while maintaining excellent runnability; its advanced geometry enables operators to achieve higher make-up torque without exceeding material limits, reducing the risk of connection damage during installation; improved tensile efficiency further strengthens the connection’s structural resilience under high axial loads encountered in long horizontal sections; by combining mechanical robustness with installation efficiency, Tenaris has positioned the Wedge 451™ as a strategic solution for shale operators seeking to balance performance with operational speed.
Field Validation in the Permian Basin
Initial deployments of the Wedge 451™ were conducted between July and August 2025 across several wells in the Permian Basin, one of the world’s most prolific shale regions; these early applications confirmed the connection’s ability to perform reliably in long lateral wells characterized by demanding torque profiles and challenging downhole conditions; field results validated laboratory projections, demonstrating stable make-up behavior, consistent sealing integrity, and smooth running performance throughout casing operations; the successful installations underscored the value of Tenaris’s collaborative development approach, which integrates customer feedback and real-world operational data into product refinement cycles to ensure that new technologies meet the precise needs of shale operators.
Rigorous Testing Under the Multi-Fractured Horizontal Well Protocol
To ensure the Wedge 451™ meets the highest performance standards, Tenaris subjected the connection to a comprehensive validation program under its Multi-Fractured Horizontal Well protocol, a rigorous internal testing framework specifically designed for shale environments; the testing regimen included fatigue assessments to evaluate resistance to cyclic loading, frac cycle simulations to replicate hydraulic fracturing stresses, liquid and gas pressure testing to confirm sealing integrity, and limit-load evaluations to measure structural capacity under extreme mechanical conditions; these tests collectively ensured that the connection could withstand the repeated pressure fluctuations and mechanical stresses associated with multi-stage fracturing operations, thereby safeguarding well integrity throughout the lifecycle of shale wells; the successful completion of this protocol reinforced the connection’s readiness for large-scale field deployment.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through RunReady™ and Rig Direct®
As part of Tenaris’s integrated Rig Direct® service model, the Wedge 451™ connection is delivered through the RunReady™ service, which provides pipes ready-to-be-run with a pre-applied running coating; this pre-application streamlines onshore operations by eliminating additional preparation steps at the rig site, reducing handling time, and minimizing the risk of human error during connection preparation; by integrating product design with logistics, coating application, and field support, Rig Direct® enhances supply chain coordination and ensures that operators receive precisely configured materials aligned with their drilling schedules; this integrated model not only accelerates installation but also improves safety by reducing manual intervention and exposure during rig operations.
Digital Monitoring with iRun Casing® for Installation Quality Assurance
To guarantee consistent quality during field installations, Tenaris utilized its iRun Casing® digital tool, a real-time monitoring solution that forms part of the WISer™ portfolio aimed at enhancing well integrity; during the first deployments of the Wedge 451™, iRun Casing® tracked each step of the running operation, capturing torque values, rotation speeds, and installation parameters to ensure compliance with recommended procedures; this data-driven oversight enables operators to identify deviations immediately and implement corrective measures before they impact well integrity; by integrating digital monitoring into casing operations, Tenaris reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging operational data analytics to refine installation practices and optimize performance across future deployments.
Strengthening North American Shale Operations
The introduction of the Wedge 451™ further strengthens Tenaris’s portfolio of advanced connection technologies tailored to the evolving demands of North American shale plays; as operators continue to extend lateral lengths and intensify completion designs, connection reliability becomes a critical factor influencing well productivity and lifecycle costs; the enhanced torque capacity and tensile efficiency of the Wedge 451™ directly address these operational realities, providing a robust mechanical interface capable of sustaining complex drilling and fracturing programs; by aligning engineering innovation with integrated service delivery, Tenaris supports improved drilling efficiency, reduced non-productive time, and enhanced safety performance across shale operations.
Official Launch at THRIVE Energy Conference
The Wedge 451™ connection will be officially launched at the THRIVE Energy Conference, organized by Daniel Energy Partners, taking place February 24–26, 2026, at Daikin Park in Houston; during the conference, Tenaris will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of products and services at booth #9, highlighting the Rig Direct® model and its role in enhancing operational efficiency throughout oil and gas value chains; the event provides a strategic platform for industry stakeholders to evaluate emerging technologies, exchange insights on capital equipment trends, and discuss the future trajectory of shale development amid evolving energy market dynamics.
Leadership Perspective on Energy Market Trends
As part of the conference program, Guillermo Moreno, Tenaris President in the United States, will participate in the Capital Equipment Outlook panel scheduled for February 25 at 3:00 PM CST; his discussion will address key trends shaping the energy market, including capital allocation strategies, technology adoption in unconventional plays, and the increasing role of digitalization in drilling operations; Moreno has emphasized that the development of the Wedge 451™ exemplifies how Tenaris’s Rig Direct® model fosters engineering collaboration with customers, accelerating innovation cycles and enabling rapid adaptation to emerging operational challenges; by combining advanced connection technologies with integrated services and digital tools, Tenaris aims to drive performance improvements while maintaining high safety and reliability standards.
A Forward-Looking Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The introduction of the TenarisHydril Wedge 451™ marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Wedge Series 400™ family, reinforcing Tenaris’s long-term commitment to advancing connection technology for shale applications; through sustained investment in engineering research, field validation, digital monitoring, and integrated service models, the company continues to deliver solutions that align with the operational realities of modern drilling environments; the successful deployment in the Permian Basin, rigorous validation under specialized shale testing protocols, and upcoming industry launch at the THRIVE Energy Conference collectively demonstrate Tenaris’s strategic focus on performance-driven innovation; as shale development continues to evolve, the Wedge 451™ stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to strengthening well integrity, optimizing installation efficiency, and supporting the safe and productive expansion of North American oil and gas operations.
Source Link:https://www.tenaris.com/
