A hammer union is a type of integral union used in the oil and gas industry and other industries where high-pressure, temporary connections are required. It is designed to create a reliable, leak-free connection between two pieces of equipment or piping quickly and securely. Hammer unions are commonly used in drilling and well control operations, as well as in other applications where high-pressure fluid transfer is necessary.
Key features and characteristics of hammer unions include:
Quick Assembly: Hammer unions are known for their ease and speed of assembly. They can be quickly connected and disconnected using a hammer or mallet to tighten or loosen the union’s nut and sub.
High-Pressure Applications: These unions are specifically designed to handle high-pressure environments, making them ideal for use in oil and gas drilling operations, wellhead equipment, and hydraulic systems.
Sealing Mechanism: Hammer unions have a metal-to-metal sealing design. When the nut is tightened, it compresses a soft seal (usually made of rubber or other elastomers) between the two mating surfaces, creating a tight seal that prevents leaks.
Variety of Sizes and Types: Hammer unions are available in various sizes and pressure ratings to accommodate different applications and requirements. They come in different configurations, including threaded, butt-weld, and socket-weld types.
Integral Parts: Hammer unions consist of three main components: the nut, the male sub, and the female sub. The nut is tightened or loosened with a hammer or mallet, hence the name “hammer union.” The male and female subs are the threaded or welded sections that mate together to create the connection.
Swivel Joints: Some hammer unions incorporate swivel joints, allowing for rotational movement at the connection point. Swivel hammer unions are useful in applications where flexibility is required.
Here are some common usages of hammer unions in upstream oil and gas operations:
Drilling Operations: Hammer unions are extensively used in drilling rigs. They facilitate the quick assembly and disassembly of drill string components, including drill pipes, drill collars, and heavy-weight drill pipes. This allows for efficient drilling operations, the removal of pipe and tools from the wellbore, and the implementation of well control measures.
Wellhead Equipment: Hammer unions are employed in wellhead equipment, including Christmas trees, casing heads, and tubing heads. They enable the connection of valves, chokes, and other control equipment to the wellhead, facilitating the safe control of well operations, such as production, injection, and well testing.
Manifold Systems: Manifold systems are used to direct the flow of fluids between wells, pipelines, and production equipment. Hammer unions are used to connect manifold components, including valves, flowlines, and chokes, allowing for the proper distribution and control of fluids in upstream operations.
Flowback Operations: During flowback operations after hydraulic fracturing (fracking) or well stimulation, hammer unions are used to connect equipment such as flowback manifolds, well test separators, and flowback tanks. They enable the management and measurement of well effluents and production fluids.
Well Testing: Hammer unions are used in well testing equipment to quickly connect and disconnect components like flowhead assemblies, choke manifolds, and test separators. These connections are essential for conducting well tests to assess reservoir characteristics and production potential.
Pressure Control Equipment: Pressure control equipment, including blowout preventers (BOPs) and associated components, use hammer unions for the connection of control lines, hydraulic hoses, and other high-pressure lines. These connections are crucial for well control and safety.
Pipeline Pigging: In pipelines used for transporting oil and gas from the well to processing facilities, hammer unions are used to connect pig launchers and receivers. Pigs are devices used for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining pipelines.
Hydraulic Systems: Hammer unions are employed in hydraulic systems on drilling rigs, well servicing equipment, and other upstream operations. They facilitate the quick connection and disconnection of hydraulic hoses and fittings.
Temporary Piping: In temporary piping systems used for well testing or flow diversion, hammer unions allow for the quick installation of pipe segments and components, helping to adapt the flow system to changing operational needs.
General Maintenance: Hammer unions are used for various maintenance tasks, including equipment repairs and replacements. They enable technicians to quickly disconnect and replace components without extended downtime.
Gulfwell provides a range of Hammer Unions complying with various standards like Fig 50, Fig 100, Fig 200, Fig 206, Fig 207, Fig 211, Fig 400, Fig 600, Fig 602, Fig 1002, Fig 1003, Fig 1004, Fig 1502, Fig 2002, Fig 2202. All the hammer unions are available with Threaded (LP, EUE), Welded, or Blind connections. These hammer unions can be used for Standard Services and Sour Services i.e. hydrocarbon fluid contains high level of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and/ or carbon dioxide (CO2). These hammer unions are available from 1” size to 12” size. These hammer unions are designed and manufactured for high pressure working environments and have pressure ratings up to 20,000 CWP PSI for standard services and up to 15,000 PSI for Sour Services. For more information on Gulfwell’s range of Hammer Unions please write to sales@gulfwell.ae