THREADED END OF A TUBULAR COMPONENT, METHOD FOR ITS PREPARATION, TUBULAR COMPONENT AND TUBULAR THREADED JOINT COMPRISING SAID THREADED END

Abstract

A threaded end 1, 2 of a tubular component for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising at least one thread 3, 4 extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface, wherein the thread is coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy.Also a method for preparing a threaded end 1, 2, as defined above, of a tubular component intended for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising at least an electrolytic deposit on the surface of the threading 3, 4 of said end of an aqueous composition comprising one or more zinc salts, one or more chromium salts, one or more electrolytes and one or more surfactants.

Description

27610 THREADED END OF A TUBULAR COMPONENT PROVIDED WITH A COATING COMPRISING A ZINC-CHROMIUM ALLOY DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a threaded end of a tubular component for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising at least one thread whose surface is provided with a zinc and chromium-based coating as described below. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a threaded end of a tubular component comprising at least one electrolytic deposition of an aqueous composition based on one or more zinc salts, one or more chromium salts, one or more surfactants and one or more electrolytes, on the surface of the threading of said end. The present invention also relates to a tubular threaded joint comprising at least one threaded end of a tubular component whose threaded surface is coated with a zinc-chromium based coating as described below. For the purposes of this invention, a tubular component means any element or accessory that has an almost tubular shape suitable for assembly to another element, of the same or different type, intended for drilling and / or operating a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting and / or storing hydrogen, and capturing carbon or geothermal energy. By threaded end of a tubular component, in the sense of the present invention, we mean any end element of a tubular component, as defined above, whose surface is provided with at least one threaded portion, i.e., a thread, which allows the tubular component to be assembled or connected to another component, of the same or different type, in order to form a joint or a connection. Thus, the threaded end of a tubular component in the sense of the invention corresponds to any end element of a tubular component comprising at least one threaded surface and participating in the connection of the tubular component with another analogous or non-analog component. Each tubular component consists of one end provided with at least one zone 1992369 of 26 male-type threaded, i.e., in which the threading extends over the outer peripheral surface, and / or an end provided with at least one female-type threaded area, i.e., in which the threading extends over the inner peripheral surface, each intended to be assembled by threading with the corresponding end of an analogous or dissimilar component in order to form a joint or connection. The threaded tubular components of a connection are generally assembled under defined pressures to meet the tightness and sealing requirements imposed by the operating conditions, specifically focusing on a defined torque. Furthermore, threaded tubular components may have to withstand several tightening and loosening cycles, particularly during service. The operating conditions of these threaded tubular components give rise to different types of stresses that can be reduced, or even minimized, in particular by using films or greases on the sensitive parts that serve to connect these components, such as threaded areas, butt areas, or even metal / metal sealing surfaces. Induced stresses include, in particular, storage resistance stresses that require the application of storage greases (different from the adjusting greases applied before commissioning). However, other solutions exist, such as the use of organic or metallic linings. The tightening and loosening operations are generally performed under heavy axial load, for example, under the weight of a pipe several meters long, usually 10 to 13 meters, to be assembled vertically by the threaded joint. This is sometimes exacerbated by a slight misalignment of the axis of the threaded elements to be assembled. This leads to a risk of seizing at the pipe connection points, particularly at the threaded areas, but also at the butt points and / or on the metal-to-metal sealing surfaces. Consequently, it is important to protect these connection points, especially the threaded areas, from seizing, particularly by coating them with lubricants. Furthermore, threaded tubular components are often stored and then fitted in harsh environments. This is particularly true in offshore situations where salt spray is present, or in onshore situations where sand is present. 1992369 of 26 powders, and / or other contaminants, that cause corrosion risks. It is therefore common to use different types of corrosion-resistant coatings on surfaces subject to tight fit, such as threaded areas, or in close contact, such as metal-to-metal sealing surfaces and butt surfaces. However, given the environmental regulations, it appears that the use of greases that meet the API RP 5A3 standard (American Petrol Institute) is not a viable long-term solution, as these greases are caused to extrude outside the tubular components and be released into the environment or, for example, into a well, which induces blockages that require special cleaning operations. In order to address the problems of durable resistance to corrosion and seizing, as well as the prerogatives linked to the environment, alternatives to greases have already been applied in the state of the art. For this purpose, a zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) based metallic coating has been developed in particular to protect the connection elements, particularly the threaded areas, of a tubular component from corrosion and seizing. However, despite its good resistance to corrosion and galling, this metallic coating has the major drawback of being made from nickel salts, chemical substances with harmful effects on human health. In fact, nickel salts are classified as "CMR" substances, meaning they are considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction. Zinc and nickel-based metal coatings are also commonly used in industry because of their anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties, but their toxicity also means that a very large number of operators are regularly exposed to health risks that could become serious in the long term. Other zinc-based metallic coatings have also been developed to ensure protection against corrosion and seizing of the connecting elements of a tubular component. However, it has been observed that metal coatings considered in this way do not constitute a viable solution for several reasons. By way of example, zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) coatings, usually those comprising a content of around 1% by weight of cobalt, are revealed 1992369 of 26 are also toxic since their preparation procedure relies on the application of cobalt salts that are also classified among the substances called “CMR”. Similarly, zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) coatings have the disadvantage of being obtained with cadmium salts, which are also toxic substances to human health. Tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) coatings, particularly those containing 70–80% tin and 20–30% zinc by weight, offer good corrosion protection but have low thermal resistance, especially at high temperatures, and high manufacturing costs. These disadvantages are primarily due to the high tin content used in these coatings. Zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) based coatings in particular are obtained by electrodeposition of zinc salts and magnesium salts in the presence of solvents at high temperatures, usually around 100°C, which makes the preparation procedure difficult to implement on an industrial scale. Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) based coatings, particularly those containing more than 10% iron by weight, have the disadvantage of oxidizing, forming a red corrosion that can be confused with the red rust of the substrate iron. In general, coatings of zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), or even zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) provide cathodic protection to the substrate that is lower than that offered by a coating based on zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni), that is, lower corrosion protection, because the alloying elements (magnesium, manganese, and iron) have lower standard redox potentials than nickel. Thus, there is a real need to propose a coating capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks, that is, one that has reduced, even minimized, toxicity, and is able to effectively protect the threaded ends of a tubular component intended for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, or capturing carbon or geothermal energy against corrosion and seizing. One of the objects of the present invention is thus to propose a coating that has reduced, or even non-toxic, toxicity, and whose performance 1992369 of 26 anti-corrosion and anti-seize are not adversely affected by the nature of the alloy elements in order to effectively protect the threaded elements of a tubular component that serves to assemble it to another analogous or non-analog tubular component. The present invention relates in particular to a threaded end of a tubular component for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising at least one thread extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface, wherein the thread is coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. In other words, the coating comprising a zinc-chromium alloy (ZnCr) in which zinc (Zn) is the major metallic element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy, covers at least one thread of the threaded end of the tubular component, as defined above. Preferably, the threaded end of the tubular component, as defined above, comprises at least one thread extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface and at least one unthreaded portion, preferably containing a stop and / or a sealing range; the thread and the unthreaded portion are coated with a coating comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major metallic element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. In other words, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention covers at least one thread of the threaded end of the tubular component, as defined above, and preferably at least the said thread and at least one unthreaded portion, preferably containing a stop and / or a sealing range, of the threaded end of the tubular component. In the context of the invention, the layer comprising the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy also refers to a coating comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy or a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating. Thus, in the description, the terms "layer" and "coating" may be used interchangeably to designate the zinc-chromium alloy deposit, as defined according to the invention, which covers at least the threaded end of the tubular component. According to the present invention, the layer comprising the zinc-chromium alloy 1992369 of 26 (Zn-Cr) is different from the superposition of a zinc (Zn) layer and a chromium (Cr) layer. A “zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr)” alloy, in the sense of the present invention, means a mixture comprising zinc and chromium, wherein zinc represents the base metal, i.e., the metallic element present in the majority of the mixture, and chromium represents an addition metallic element, i.e., a metallic element present or voluntarily incorporated into the mixture. In other words, the chromium present in the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy is not an impurity or an unwanted metallic element in the alloy. In other words, chromium represents the major metallic addition element by weight among all the metallic addition elements likely to be present in the mixture. The zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention has the advantage of being non-toxic since the chromium salts used in the course of the preparation procedure are not classified among the substances called “CMR”, thus allowing operators to be exposed less to serious health risks. The chromium present in the zinc-chromium alloy (Zn-Cr) corresponds to / is trivalent chromium Cr (III). Furthermore, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention allows for effective protection against corrosion and seizing of a threaded end of a tubular component, in very aggressive environments such as marine, industrial, environments subject to heavy rainfall and / or that suffer from large thermal amplitudes. The zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating used according to the invention thus confers a good level of corrosion resistance by providing effective cathodic protection of the substrate. Indeed, the chromium contained in the zinc-chromium metallic coating according to the invention is naturally inactivated by forming chromium oxide, thus ensuring effective corrosion protection. This natural formation of chromium oxide eliminates the need for an additional passivation step, which would otherwise reinforce the substrate's corrosion protection, resulting in time savings from an industrial perspective. The zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating also exhibits excellent lubrication properties that ensure effective protection against seizing of the threaded end during successive tightening and loosening operations of the component. 1992369 of 26 tubular. The zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating used according to the invention also has the advantage of being wear-resistant during successive adjustments, allowing it to continue guaranteeing anti-corrosion and anti-seize resistance performance even after several adjustment / unadjustment cycles without needing additional anti-corrosion and anti-seize protection. In other words, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention is capable of ensuring long-term protection against corrosion and seizing, even after several adjustment and de-adjustment operations of the tubular component in an aggressive environment. Wear resistance, in particular, can be determined by means of an indentation test, specifically a scratch test. This test consists of applying a load, specifically a ball, which is moved under increasing pressure across the coating surface until detachment occurs, i.e., an adhesive rupture of the coating. The critical load required to produce this adhesive rupture is then measured. Thus, the threaded end according to the invention shows increased resistance to corrosion and seizing, even after several cycles of tightening and loosening the tubular component provided with said end, and this even in the aggressive media mentioned above. Furthermore, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention exhibits performance at least as good as that of a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating against the appearance of red corrosion. Furthermore, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention exhibits superior performance to that of a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating in the face of the appearance of white corrosion. In particular, salt spray tests, carried out without passivation of the coating, show a rapid appearance of white corrosion on zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coatings and a much slower appearance of this white corrosion for a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention, even for a thickness divided by half. In the context of the present invention, the expression “zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight with respect to the total weight of the alloy” means that zinc has the highest weight content among the elements of the alloy. According to one embodiment, the threading is coated with a layer 1992369 of 26 consisting of a binary zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. According to the present invention, the term “tenor” corresponds to the weight concentration of the metallic element considered with respect to the concentration of the set of elements present in the alloy. In other words, the “tenor” corresponds to the weight concentration of the metallic element considered with respect to the total concentration of the mixture. According to one embodiment, the zinc (Zn) content is greater than 50% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 60% by weight, more preferably greater than or equal to 65% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. Preferably, the zinc (Zn) content ranges from 70% to 80% by weight, more preferably from 70 to 75% by weight with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, the chromium (Cr) content is greater than or equal to 3% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. Preferably, chromium is the only metallic addition element present in the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy. Preferably, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy is a mixture comprising zinc, which is the major metallic element by weight with respect to the total weight of the alloy, chromium, which is an addition metallic element, preferably the only addition metallic element, and possibly one or more metallic or non-metallic impurities. By “metallic addition element”, in the sense of the invention, we mean an alloying element voluntarily present or incorporated into the alloy. In other words, an added metallic element is not an impurity. In other words, the chromium present in the alloy according to the invention is not an impurity. Indeed, zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings according to the invention having a chromium content greater than or equal to 3% by weight consist of at least one crystalline phase of the Cr-Zn-17 type, which in particular exhibits increased corrosion resistance compared to a coating made up solely of zinc. According to one embodiment of the invention, the chromium (Cr) content varies from 20 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. The zinc-chromium coatings according to the invention having a content 1992369 of 26 in chromium ranging from 20 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy, have the advantage of being particularly adherent to the surface, coherent and homogeneous, having excellent anti-corrosion properties, in particular anti-corrosion properties equal to or better than those of zinc-based coatings, in particular zinc- and nickel-based coatings. The quality of the coating according to the invention is thus significantly improved, particularly in terms of adhesion, coherence, and wear resistance, for chromium content ranging from 20 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the alloy, compared to zinc- and chromium-based coatings having a chromium content strictly less than 20% by weight (<20% by weight) or strictly greater than 30% by weight (>30% by weight). In particular, zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings having a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight consist of at least one gamma-phase crystalline phase that confers an anti-corrosion property five times greater than that of a coating made up solely of zinc (i.e., a coating in which the zinc content is 100% by weight with respect to the total weight of the coating). The advantage of this crystalline phase lies in the fact that it has a body-centered cubic structure and thus possesses certain symmetry elements in common with the crystal lattice of the austenite of certain steels that serve as a substrate, which favors epitaxial growth and leads to better adhesion of the coating to the substrate. Thus, zinc-chromium coatings according to the invention, having a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, exhibit better adhesion to the substrate than zinc-chromium based coatings having a chromium content strictly less than 20% by weight (<20% by weight) or strictly greater than 30% by weight (>30% by weight). In other words, zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings according to the invention, having a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, exhibit a higher quality structure and increased strength. On the other hand, zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings, which have a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy, exhibit anti-corrosion properties 14 times superior to those of a zinc-nickel (ZnNi) coating for white corrosion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the chromium (Cr) content varies from 25 to 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. 1992369 of 26 Zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings according to the invention, having a chromium content of 25 to 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy, withstand loads at least as high as zinc- and nickel-based coatings, having excellent anti-corrosion properties, particularly in aggressive environments. Zinc-chromium coatings according to the invention, having a chromium content of 25 to 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy, resist long-term abrasion better than zinc- and nickel-based coatings, having excellent anti-corrosion properties. Advantageously, the chromium (Cr) content is 27% by weight with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, the zinc (Zn) content ranges from 70% to 80% by weight and the chromium (Cr) content ranges from 20% to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, the layer comprising a zinc-chromium alloy, as defined above, is a layer made of a binary zinc-chromium alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, the threading is coated with a layer consisting of a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) binary alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy and the chromium (Cr) content ranges from 20 to 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the alloy. According to a preferred embodiment, the layer comprising the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy is deposited electrolytically. Advantageously, electrolytic deposition, or electrodeposition, allows zinc and chromium to be deposited onto the substrate at very high current densities, particularly at a deposition rate of approximately 7 pm / min. This deposition rate is three times higher than that of depositing a layer made of a zinc-nickel alloy. According to one embodiment, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy coating has a thickness ranging from 4 to 20 µm. This thickness allows for more optimal application of the zinc-chromium coating to at least the threaded end of a tubular component. In other words, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating deposit according to the invention is better distributed over the threaded end at thicknesses ranging from 4 to 20 µm, ensuring improved protection against corrosion and seizing. This thickness thus allows for optimal bonding. 1992369 of 26 the geometry of the threads at the end of the tubular component. Advantageously, corrosion protection is fully achieved from 4 pm, and up to 20 pm the layer remains dense without any brittleness. Beyond 20 pm, there is a risk of the layer becoming too thick for the machining clearance of the connection. Advantageously, the layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy comprises a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, preferably 25 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy and a thickness of 4 to 20 pm, preferably 10 to 20 pm. Zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings, which have a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, preferably 25 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy, and whose thickness varies from 4 to 20 pm, preferably 10 to 20 pm, have the advantage of being optimally distributed over the threading and being particularly adherent, homogeneous, coherent and wear-resistant, exhibiting excellent corrosion properties. Advantageously, the layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy is not coated with a passivation layer comprising trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). Indeed, the natural formation of chromium oxide from the chromium contained in the coating allows for a transition to an additional passivation stage focused on reinforcing corrosion protection. Thus the zinc-chromium coating is advantageously not coated with a passivation layer comprising trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). Preferably, the threaded end of the tubular component further comprises at least one unthreaded portion coated with the layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention. Preferably, the unthreaded portion includes a stop. Preferably, the unthreaded part comprises a range of airtightness. According to a preferred embodiment, the non-threaded portion coated with the layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention comprises a stop and / or a sealing range. Preferably, the threaded end of the tubular component is made of steel. Preferably, the steel threaded end of the tubular component as described above comprises at least one thread extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface, wherein the thread is coated with at least one layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy comprising a content in 1992369 of 26 chromium ranging from 20 to 30% by weight, preferably ranging from 25 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy. Preferably, the steel threaded end of the tubular component as described above comprises at least one thread extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface, the thread being coated with at least one layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy comprising a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, preferably 25 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the zinc-chromium alloy, and a thickness of 4 to 20 µm. According to one embodiment, the surface of the threaded part and optionally of the unthreaded part, as defined above, coated with a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention, can have a surface roughness, in particular a surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 pm. According to one embodiment, the surface of the threaded and unthreaded portion, which preferably includes a stop and / or a sealing range, coated with a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention, may have a surface roughness, in particular a surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 pm. Surface roughness can be obtained by a sandblasting procedure. In other words, the surface of the threaded part, and eventually the surface of the unthreaded part, can be pre-treated by a mechanical treatment, preferably a sandblasting procedure. The surface roughness allows for improved adhesion of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating as well as its wear resistance. According to a preferred embodiment, the surface of the threading, and optionally of the unthreaded portion which preferably comprises a stop and / or a sealing range, is pre-treated by a sandblasting process, and the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating comprises a chromium content ranging from 20 to 30% by weight and, preferably, a thickness ranging from 4 to 20 µm. The invention also relates to the use of a coating comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy, as defined above, to protect from corrosion and seizing at least one threaded end of a tubular component as defined above. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a threaded end, as defined above, of a tubular component 1992369 of 26 intended for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising at least one electrolytic deposit on at least the surface of the threading of the aforementioned end of an aqueous composition comprising one or more zinc salts, one or more chromium salts, one or more electrolytes and one or more surfactants, preferably non-ionic. The procedure according to the invention allows for the deposition of a layer comprising at least one zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy, as defined above, which is homogeneous, compact and capable of being evenly distributed over the threads of the threaded end. According to one embodiment, the procedure according to the invention may also comprise a preparation of the surface to be coated, preferably by a mechanical treatment, more preferably a sandblasting procedure. Preparing the surface to be coated by a mechanical treatment, preferably a sandblasting procedure, improves the adhesion of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating and minimizes the risks of brittle coating behavior. According to one embodiment, the procedure according to the invention may comprise a preparation of the threaded surface and of a non-threaded part, preferably comprising a stop and / or a sealing range, by a mechanical treatment, preferably by a sandblasting procedure. According to one embodiment, the procedure according to the invention may comprise sandblasting the surface to be coated of the threaded end, preferably sandblasting the surface of the threading and of a non-threaded part comprising a stop and / or a sealing range. According to one embodiment, the procedure according to the invention comprises sandblasting the surface to be coated and electrolyzing the previously defined aqueous composition onto at least the sandblasted surface of the threading, preferably the sandblasted surface of the threading and the unthreaded part which preferably includes a stop and / or a sealing range. Furthermore, the zinc-chromium coating obtained shows a surface that has a homogeneous aesthetic appearance. According to a preferred embodiment, the deposition rate of the aqueous composition on the surface to be coated is between 4 and 20 pm / min, preferably 5 to 7 pm / min. 1992369 of 26 Zinc salts and chromium salts are soluble in aqueous composition. According to the invention, the chromium (Cr) salt(s) are the trivalent chromium salts Cr(III). Preferably, the electrolytic deposition is carried out at a current density greater than at least 30 amperes / dm2. In particular, a sufficient stirring speed of the aqueous composition, for example a speed of 0.23 m / s at the cathode level, allows advantageously increasing the current density without risking causing burn marks that risk causing degradation of the appearance of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. More preferably, the electrolytic deposition is carried out at a current density ranging from 30 amperes / dm2 to 50 amperes / dm2. Below 30 amperes / dm2, the incorporation of chromium is reduced or even inhibited, and the resulting coating has dark gray spots, which represent the areas without chromium. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio between the chromium salt(s) and the zinc salt(s) varies from 0.8 to 1.4. Preferably, the surfactant(s) are chosen from the group consisting of non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is chosen from the group consisting of (poly)alkoxylated fatty alcohols, in particular C8-C40 (poly)alkoxylated fatty alcohols, in particular poly(ethylene glycol) octyl ether, and oxirane, 2-methyl, polymer with oxirane, mono 2-naphthaonyl ether. The presence of the surfactant in the aqueous composition allows the chromium to be deposited together with the zinc. Indeed, it has been observed that in the absence of surfactant, the resulting deposit does not contain chromium. This is primarily due to the formation of zinc hydroxides, which result from the increased pH at the cathode caused by the release of dihydrogen, which can block the diffusion of chromium towards the cathode. This lack of chromium deposition can also be explained by a shift in reduction potentials (the reduction potential of chromium becoming lower than that of zinc and / or the reduction potential of water). The presence of at least one surfactant in this way facilitates the diffusion of chromium in the diffusion layer and / or decreases the cathodic overpotential of chromium and / or increases the cathodic overpotential of water electrolysis, which allows 1992369 of 26 minimize the release of dihydrogen and the formation of zinc hydroxides. Preferably, the surfactant is present at a concentration ranging from 0.3 to 3 mmol / L. The concentration in surfactant allows modulation of the brightness of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. Preferably, increasing the concentration of surfactant allows for reinforcing the brightness of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. Preferably, the zinc salts can be chosen from zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfamate, preferably the zinc salt will be zinc sulfate. Ideally, the chromium salts can be chosen based on the nature of the zinc salt. If zinc sulfate is preferred, then chromium sulfate should be chosen. The conductive / support salts can be selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and ammonium sulfate and their mixtures, preferably sodium sulfate. These conductive / support salts ensure electrical conductivity during the procedure. Preferably, the aqueous composition also comprises one or more amino acids, preferably glycine. Glycine allows the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings, according to the invention, to be glossy, semi-glossy, or matte. The glycine content in the aqueous composition can vary from 50 to 75 g / l with respect to the total concentration of the composition. The glycine content allows modulation of the matte appearance of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. Preferably, when the glycine content is increased and the surfactant content is decreased, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating has a matte appearance. Preferably, when the glycine content is decreased and the surfactant content is increased, the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating has a bright appearance. When the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating is bright on a non-sandblasted surface or semi-bright on a sandblasted surface, the mechanical properties of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating are superior to those of a zinc-chromium (Zr-Cr) coating that has a matte appearance. The pH of the aqueous composition can vary from 1.5 to 3.5, preferably from 2 to 2.5. 1992369 of 26 Indeed, when the pH of the aqueous composition is particularly higher than 3.5, the risks of precipitation of chromium salts in the bath increase, just as the risks are minimized between pH 1.5 and 3.5. The procedure according to the invention is applied at a temperature ranging from 35°C to 45°C. Below 35°C, the effectiveness of the composition may be insufficient, and above 45°C, the chemical components may be degraded. Preferably, the aqueous composition comprises: - one or more zinc salts, - one or more chromium salts, - one or more conductive salts / support salts, preferably sodium sulfate, - one or more surfactants, preferably non-ionic, and - optionally one or more amino acids, preferably glycine. Advantageously, the process according to the invention does not comprise an additional step of forming a passivation-type anti-corrosion conversion layer comprising trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). In other words, advantageously, the process according to the invention does not comprise a step of forming a passivation anti-corrosion conversion layer comprising trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) after the deposition of the layer comprising a zinc-chromium alloy. The invention also relates to a tubular component for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon or geothermal energy, comprising a threaded end according to the invention containing at least one thread extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy, according to the invention, wherein zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. The threaded end is as defined above. The layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy is as defined above. The tubular component exhibits improved resistance to corrosion and seizing. Preferably, the tubular component is of the male type and consists of at least one thread extending over its outer peripheral surface. 1992369 of 26 More preferably, the tubular component is of the male type and consists of at least one thread extending over its outer peripheral surface and at least one unthreaded portion, preferably chosen from a stop and / or a sealing range. Preferably, the tubular component is of the female type and consists of at least one thread that extends over its inner peripheral surface. More preferably, the tubular component is of the female type and consists of at least one thread extending over its inner peripheral surface and at least one unthreaded portion, preferably chosen from a stop and / or a sealing range. According to the invention, the tubular component is provided with a axis of revolution. The tubular component according to the invention is made more particularly of steel, and in particular of steel, such as those described in API 5CT standards, for example those comprising carbon in a proportion of less than 0.25%, preferably steels having a grade as defined according to ISO 11960 and ISO 13680 standards, including carbon steel H40, J55, K55, M65, L80, C90, C95, T95, P110, Q125, or even martensitic steel 13Cr or S13Cr, or Duplex 22Cr + 25Cr, or Super-Duplex 25Cr, or austenitic Fe 27Cr. The invention also relates to the use of a tubular component as defined above for drilling and / or operating a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon, or geothermal energy. Preferably, the invention relates to the use of the tubular component as defined above for drilling and / or operating a hydrocarbon well. The present invention also relates to a tubular threaded joint for drilling and / or exploiting a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon, or geothermal energy, comprising a threaded end of a male-type tubular component having at least one thread extending over its outer peripheral surface and a threaded end of a female-type tubular component having at least one thread extending over its inner peripheral surface, fitted together, wherein at least one of said ends is as defined above, in particular wherein the thread is coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy as defined above. The tubular threaded joint according to the invention features in particular a 1992369 of 26 better resistance to corrosion and seizing, included in aggressive media as defined above. Preferably, the two threaded ends are as defined above. According to one aspect of the invention, the threaded end of the male-type tubular component has at least one thread, which extends over its outer peripheral surface, coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (ZnCr) alloy according to the invention as described above. According to another aspect of the invention, the threaded end of the female-type tubular component has at least one thread, which extends over its inner peripheral surface, coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention as described above. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the threaded end of the male-type tubular component has at least one thread, extending over its outer peripheral surface, coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention, and the threaded end of the female-type tubular component has at least one thread, extending over its inner peripheral surface, coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention. Preferably, the tubular threaded joint comprises a threaded end of a male-type tubular component having at least one thread extending over its outer peripheral surface and at least one unthreaded portion selected from a stop and / or a sealing range with a metal / metal interference fit, and a threaded end of a female-type tubular component having at least one thread extending over its inner peripheral surface and at least one unthreaded portion selected from a stop and / or a sealing range with a metal / metal interference fit; wherein the threaded portion and the unthreaded portion are coated with a layer comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy according to the invention as described above. In the text of the description, and without further indication, the terminals of a value sector are included in this sector, particularly in the expressions "between" and "ranging from ... to ...". Furthermore, the expression “at least one” used in this description is equivalent to the expression “one or more”. The features of the invention are set out in more detail in the description 1992369 of 26 below, with reference to the attached drawings. [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a joint resulting from the snap-fit ​​assembly of two tubular components. [Fig. 2] is an enlarged view of a framed area A from Figure 1. [Fig. 3] is a detailed view of the cooperation between the threads of two assembled tubular components. [Fig. 4] is a detailed view of a connecting (threaded) element according to the invention coated with a zinc-chrome coating according to the invention. [Fig. 5] is a diagram comparing the time of appearance of a white corrosion layer of intensity 2 and intensity 3, after exposure to a salt spray test, on the surface of a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating and the surface of a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. [Fig. 6] is a diagram comparing the total coating time by a white corrosion layer of intensity 2, after exposure to a salt spray test, of the surface of a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating and of the surface of a (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention. The threaded joint shown in Figure 1 comprises a first tubular component with a pivot axis 9 and a male end 1, and a second tubular component with a pivot axis 9 and a female end 2. The two ends 1 and 2 each terminate in a radially oriented end surface with respect to the pivot axis 9 of the threaded joint and are provided with threaded portions 3 and 4, respectively, which cooperate for mutual assembly by tightening the two components. The threaded portions 3 and 4 may be of the trapezoidal or other type. In the example shown, the threaded portions have threads with tapering profiles at their respective ends. These tapering profiles extend over a portion of the axial length of the threaded portion. In particular, a portion of the tapering profile 10 of the threaded portion does not cooperate with a complementary thread. Furthermore, as depicted in Figure 2, the metal-to-metal sealing surfaces (reaches) 5, 6, intended to be in tight-fitting contact against each other after the threaded assembly of the two components, are located respectively on the male and female ends in close proximity to the threaded portions 3, 4. Finally, the male end 1 terminates in a terminal surface 7 that comes into contact with a corresponding surface 8 located on the female end 2 when the two ends are fitted together. The surfaces 7 1992369 of 26 and 8 are called limits. Figure 3 shows a detail of a threaded portion. Each thread thus consists of a load-bearing side 11 that forms an angle 12 between -5 and +5° relative to the normal N of the connecting shaft 10. The load-bearing side is joined by a vertex 13 to an assembly side 14. In particular, the connection shown is such that in the final assembly position, the load-bearing sides of the male threaded portion 3 are in contact with the corresponding load-bearing sides of the female threaded portion 4. In Figure 4, the male end 1 of a tubular component is shown, the threaded portion 3 and the sealing surface 5 (scope) being coated with a coating 15 as defined in the invention, namely a zinc-chromium coating comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the major element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. Preferably, the coating 15 comprises a chromium content of 20 to 30% by weight, more preferably 25 to 30% by weight, and a zinc content of 70 to 80% by weight, more preferably 70 to 75% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy. Example of implementation It is carried out on a threaded part in L80 grade carbon steel, an electrolytic deposit, as described above, of a semi-bright metallic coating comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy comprising a chromium content of 27% by weight with respect to the total weight of the alloy. The semi-gloss zinc-chromium coating has been obtained from an aqueous composition containing 75 g / L of glycine. Zinc-chromium plating is comparable to zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) plating, in which zinc is the major element by weight, consisting of varying nickel content ranging from 10 to 18% by weight. The weight percentage is calculated relative to the total weight of the alloy. The linings have been subjected to tribological tests (scratch test and bowderi test) in order to determine the critical load for which a detachment of the linings is verified (plastic deformation), the initial coefficient of friction as well as the number of cycles that the linings are able to withstand. The coatings have also been subjected to a salt spray test to determine their anti-corrosion performance. 1992369 of 26 Scratch Test The experimental conditions involved applying a tungsten carbide ball to the coatings and moving it under an increasing load from 10 N to 260 N, with a ball displacement speed of 4.20 mm / s, a duration of 2.38 seconds, a ball size of 5 mm, and a track length of 10 mm. The results of the scratch test are shown in Table 1. Critical load (N) % by weight of metallic element X in the alloy (Zn-X) Zn-Ni ZnCr (semi-bright) 10 250 14 209 18 149 27 170 The results of the scratch tests described in Table 1 show that the semi-bright zinc-chromium coating withstands loads at least as high as those withstood by zinc-nickel coatings having a nickel content of 10 to 18% by weight of the total alloy weight. Bowden test To evaluate the lubricating properties (coefficient of friction) of the coating surface, a commercially available Bowden friction tester (Shinko Engineering Co., Ltd.) was used. In the Bowden friction tester, a tungsten carbide ball was moved back and forth in a straight line across a coating formed on a steel sheet while a load was applied to the ball. The coefficient of friction has been measured from the friction force and the pressure load at that moment. Procedure The tungsten carbide ball is applied to the coatings and moved with a pressing load of 30 N and 100 N, with a ball displacement speed of 4.20 mm / s, a duration of 2.38 seconds, a ball size of 5 mm and a track length of 10 mm. 1992369 of 26 The initial coefficient of friction has been determined in order to evaluate the lubricating properties of the lining. The number of cycles (number of times the ball passes over the surface) has been measured for each coating to assess its abrasion resistance. The results are shown in the following tables 2 and 3. Bowden test - result for a load of 30 N [Table 2] Initial coefficient of friction Resistance (number of cycles) % by weight of metallic element X in the alloy (Zn-X) Zn-Ni ZnCr (semi-bright) Zn-Ni ZnCr (semi-bright) 10 - 14 0.5-0.6 300 18 0.4-0.5 500 27 0.3-0.4 500 The Bowden test described in Table 2 shows that for a load of 30 N, the initial coefficients of friction are lower for a zinc-chromium coating according to the invention than for zinc-nickel coatings. Furthermore, the zinc-chromium coating exhibits a resistance at least as high as the zinc-nickel coatings for a load of 30 N. Bowden test - result for a load of 100 N [Table 3] Resistance (number of cycles) % by weight of metallic element X in the alloy (Zn-X) Zn-Ni ZnCr (semi-bright) 10 <100 14 <100 18 100-150 27 250 The Bowden test performed for a load of 100 N, described in Table 3, shows that the zinc-chromium coating according to the invention exhibits a higher resistance than zinc-nickel coatings. It turns out that the zinc-chromium coating according to the invention exhibits better wear resistance than zinc-nickel coatings in which the tenor 1992369 of 26 in nickel varies from 10 to 18% by weight. It turns out that the more the load is increased, the more improved the resistance of the zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coating according to the invention is, i.e., a superior wear resistance, compared to a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating. Try salt spray The corrosion tests consisted of a neutral salt spray test carried out in a climate-controlled room under the following conditions: 35°C with a saline solution at 50 g / L with a density between 1.029 and 1.036 at 25°C, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.2 at 25°C and recovered at an average rate of 1.5 ml / h. During this test, the occurrence of red corrosion and white corrosion was evaluated. Anti-corrosion performance - appearance of red corrosion The appearance of red corrosion is evaluated by determining, in an increasing order, the degree of corrosion Re, which corresponds to the percentage of corroded surface with respect to the total surface. Intact samples without red corrosion should then correspond to class Re0 of the ISO 9227 standard after exposure. The results are shown in Table 4 below. [Table 4] Coating Red corrosion after salt spray test for a period of 504 hours Zn-Ni with 14% nickel - 10 pm Re1 Zn-Cr (1) with 27% chromium - 5 pm Re0 Zn-Cr (1) with 27% chromium - 10 pm Re1 Zn-Cr (1) with 27% chromium - 15 pm Re1 The degree of corrosion in an increasing order from Re0 to Re2 after exposure corresponds to the corroded surface with respect to the total surface. According to this degree of corrosion: Re0 = 0% corrosion of the total surface, Re1 = 0.05% corrosion of the total surface, Re2 = 0.5% corrosion of the total surface, Re6 = 40% - 50% of total surface corrosion. Table 4 thus shows that zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings 1992369 of 26 show performance at least as good against the appearance of red rust as a zinc-nickel coating. Anti-corrosion performance - appearance of white corrosion The presence of white corrosion corresponds to the oxidation of the coating, in particular the oxidation of zinc, and is assessed by measuring, after exposure to salt spray, its time of appearance and its time of total coating of the coating surface. After exposure to salt spray, the intensity of the white corrosion layer coating the linings is classified according to the following increasing order: - white corrosion of intensity 1, which corresponds to fine and light white corrosion, which can also be called veil corrosion, - white corrosion of intensity 2, which corresponds to white corrosion that occurs in the form of crystals, - white corrosion of intensity 3 which corresponds to a very dense layer of white corrosion. Time of appearance of white corrosion Figure 5 compares the time of appearance of a white corrosion layer of intensity 2 and intensity 3, after exposure to the salt spray test, on the surface of a zinc-nickel coating [Zn-Ni with 14 wt% nickel and a thickness of 10 pm] and the surface of a zinc-chromium coating [Zn-Cr with 27 wt% chromium and a thickness of 5 pm]. Figure 5 shows a rapid appearance of a white corrosion layer of intensity 2 on the surface of the zinc-nickel coating [Zn-Ni with 14 wt% nickel and a thickness of 10 pm], starting from 24 hours, while a white corrosion layer of intensity 2 only appears after 170 hours on the surface of a zinc-chromium coating [Zn-Cr with 27 wt% chromium and a thickness of 5 pm]. Figure 5 also shows the rapid appearance of a white corrosion layer of intensity 3 on the zinc-nickel coating [Zn-Ni with 14 wt% nickel and a thickness of 10 pm], starting at 24 hours, while a white corrosion layer of intensity 3 only appears after 336 hours for a zinc-chrome coating [Zn-Cr with 27 wt% chromium and a thickness of 5 pm]. 1992369 of 26 Total surface coating coverage time for white corrosion Figure 6 compares the total surface coating time of a zinc-nickel coating [Zn-Ni with 14 wt% nickel and a thickness of 10 μm] and a zinc-chromium coating [Zn-Cr with 27 wt% chromium and a thickness of 5 μm] by a white corrosion layer of intensity 2. Figure 6 shows that the total coating time of the zinc-nickel coating [Zn-Ni with 14 wt% nickel and a thickness of 10 μm] by a white corrosion layer of intensity 2 is 24 hours, while this coating time for the same layer is 336 hours for a zinc-chromium coating [Zn-Cr with 27 wt% chromium and a thickness of 5 μm]. Conclusion The results show that zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) coatings according to the invention exhibit superior performance in terms of the appearance of white corrosion compared to a zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) coating. This results in better adhesion of the layers subsequently placed over the zinc-chrome coatings. 1992369 of 26 Federico Aulmann - 20219535830 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAMITES - INPI Date: 2022.10.06 16:43:35 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 1992369

Claims

1. A threaded end (1, 2) of a tubular component for drilling and / or operating a hydrocarbon well, transporting oil and gas, transporting or storing hydrogen, capturing carbon, or generating geothermal energy, characterized in that it comprises at least one thread (3, 4) extending over its outer or inner peripheral surface, wherein the thread (3, 4) is coated with a layer (15) comprising a zinc-chromium (Zn-Cr) alloy in which zinc (Zn) is the predominant element by weight, with respect to the total weight of the alloy, wherein the zinc (Zn) content is greater than 50% by weight, the chromium (Cr) content is greater than or equal to 3% by weight, and the layer (15) has a thickness between 4 and 20 µm. 14 Claims follow