When Pemex started plans for the development of the Ixtal 3 offshore well in the Gulf of Mexico, it had a problem. Due to circulation losses and the risk of tubing getting stuck in ocean sediments the company decided to use drilling with casing technology. However, in order to avoid the possibility of collision with the Ixtal 2 well, located less than a meter away, the energy company decided to drill the first step in a traditional fashion, since drilling with casing could lessen control of the column's verticality.

As Pemex started to explore options, Mr Miguel Angel Castañeda, Tenaris Technical Sales Representative in Mexico, proposed the use of TenarisHydril ER™ connections over traditional API buttress connections. TenarisHydril ER™ advantage consists of strong torque shoulder making it highly resistant, while providing optimum joint efficiency.

Pemex opted for the alternative offered by Tenaris. For Ixtal 3, Tenaris provided K 55, 20”, 133 lbs/ft casing with TenarisHydril ER™ connections. It was the first time that TenarisHydril ER™ technology was used in drilling with casing application.

Mr Eduardo Perez Avila drilling superintendent of the engineering division of the marine department in Pemex said that "During the operation, Tenaris's casing reached the programmed 850 meters depth. It shortened drilling times compared with the conventional technique, without generating high torque. The TenarisHydril ER™ connection presented an excellent performance, achieving a time savings of at least two days.”

According to Mr Luis Conde manager of Technical Sales in Mexico, the success of the operation opens the door to future projects using this technology. From Pemex, Mr Perez Avila said that "We are satisfied with both the tube and the TenarisHydril ER™ connection in this first operation, so it will be considered for future projects.”