First VAM® SLIJ‑3 Run in Europe: A Successful Deployment for a Salt‑Producer Cavern
Vallourec has successfully completed the first European deployment of the VAM® SLIJ‑3 connection, supporting the development of a salt‑producer cavern in the Netherlands. The operation represents a major milestone for this advanced semi‑flush premium connection, confirming its ability to deliver reliable performance in complex and demanding well environments.
A challenging well profile for salt cavern development
The HVM‑1 well was drilled onshore, with a 3,300‑meter step‑out to an offshore target, requiring precise trajectory control and high structural integrity throughout the casing string. The well followed an S‑shaped profile, drilled through a 17½” hole down to 4,798 m measured depth (MD) and 3,006 m true vertical depth (TVD).
Such geometry imposed significant bending loads on the casing string, particularly in the tangent section, which reached inclinations of up to 65°. In addition, the monobore design of the salt‑cavern application required a connection capable of maintaining sealability and structural performance without compromise throughout installation and operation.
Seamless running performance with zero rejects
A total of 407 joints, equivalent to 4,728 meters MD, of 11¾” 65# VM110HC casing equipped with VAM® SLIJ‑3 connections were run into the well. The operation was completed without a single deck reject, backout or connection reject, confirming both the robustness of the connection design and the efficiency of running operations.
This flawless running record highlights the suitability of VAM® SLIJ‑3 for applications where operational reliability and running efficiency are critical to project success.
Increased tension and compression capacity
A key factor in selecting VAM® SLIJ‑3 was the need for higher tension and compression ratings than those offered by existing integral connections. The well design and salt‑cavern constraints required a solution capable of sustaining elevated axial loads while ensuring structural integrity and reliable sealability.
The customer also required an expanded performance envelope, with particular emphasis on maintaining sealability under combined axial and bending loads. Designed to address these conditions, VAM® SLIJ‑3 proved ideally suited to the well’s S‑shaped trajectory and high‑inclination tangent section.
Its performance has been confirmed through full‑scale qualification testing and API RP 5C5:2017 CAL‑IV validation, demonstrating reliable sealing even under severe bending. This capability was decisive in meeting the challenging geometry and operational demands of the HVM‑1 well.
The casing string was manufactured in VM110HC steel grade, offering a higher collapse rating without increasing pipe weight or minimum yield strength—a key advantage for salt‑cavern applications. Together, VAM® SLIJ‑3 and VM110HC delivered a solution combining mechanical robustness, operational efficiency and installation reliability.
A benchmark for future European projects
This first European run confirms VAM® SLIJ‑3 as a robust and reliable solution for wells involving high loads, complex trajectories and stringent sealability requirements. By combining a semi‑flush premium connection, a robust qualification program, and advanced material performance, Vallourec once again demonstrates its ability to support complex well architectures and deliver reliable solutions for demanding subsurface applications.
