Hunting Introduces HYPER-LOCK™ HELIX2 for Faster Makeup in Extended Reach Wells

HYPER-LOCK™ HELIX2 (HLH2), a semi-premium threaded-and-coupled (T&C) connection designed to improve running performance and shorten installation time in extended-reach drilling applications.

As lateral lengths increase, achieving a balance between operational performance and cost effectiveness becomes increasingly challenging. Variability in field operations and increasing demands on connection performance can impact running efficiency and reduce execution control in extended reach wells.

HYPER-LOCK™ HELIX2 addresses this challenge with a proprietary thread form engineered to deliver faster connection makeup while maintaining the connection integrity required for demanding extended reach wells. Compared with conventional semi-premium buttress-style connections commonly used in these applications, the innovative design achieves full engagement in fewer turns, enabling complete makeup in nearly half the time. This improves installation efficiency while helping reduce overall operating costs.

Travis Kelley, General Manager of Hunting’s Connection Technology group, commented:

“In today’s extended-reach wells, connection performance is more critical than ever. Increasing well complexity is driving higher operational and commercial expectations, making continuous innovation essential. Operators require connection performance that improves running efficiency without compromising reliability. HYPER-LOCK™ HELIX2 was engineered to do exactly that by dramatically reducing installation time while delivering consistent execution across the full length of the well, helping operators achieve both technical and commercial objectives.”

The connection maintains predictable performance under demanding conditions while helping reduce rig time. Consistent with Hunting’s standard product development process, initial testing to validate key performance properties has been completed, with additional full-scale validation testing currently underway to satisfy various industry and end-user-specific protocols.

HYPER-LOCK™ HELIX2 expands Hunting’s Connection Technology portfolio within the semi-premium segment, where cost discipline and operational demands define the next generation of connection requirements. The launch reinforces Hunting’s strategy to deliver connection solutions across a full range of well designs, from standard applications to the most complex and challenging environments.