PROTECTOR FOR TUBULAR THREADED ELEMENTS

Abstract

Protector (1, 2) for a tubular threaded element (49) for drilling, hydrocarbon well exploitation, oil and gas transport, hydrogen transport or storage, carbon capture or geothermal energy, said protector (1, 2) comprising a main body (4), said main body (4) comprising at least one axially extending inner surface (21) that is turned outwards to face the inner surface of a tubular threaded element (49) in the assembled state, characterized in that the axial inner surface (21) of said main body (4) is provided with at least one gasket (10) arranged to block solid particles (50) in the assembled state.

Description

PROTECTOR FOR TUBULAR THREADED ELEMENTS. Technical field The invention relates to threaded tubular components and more precisely to protectors for protecting the end of these components, such as a protector for a threaded tubular element for drilling, exploitation of hydrocarbon wells, transport of oil and gas, transport or storage of hydrogen, carbon capture or geothermal energy. Background of the technique In this document, the term "tubular component" means any element or accessory used for drilling or operating a well that includes at least one threaded end, also called a connection or connector, and is intended to be assembled by a thread to another tubular component to form, together with that other component, a threaded tubular joint. The tubular component may be a threaded tubular element. The size of a threaded tubular element may be relatively large (specifically, approximately ten meters in length), for example, a pipe, or even a tubular sleeve a few tens of centimeters long, or even an accessory for these tubular elements (hanger, crossover, safety valve, tool joint, sub, and the like). The tubular components are generally assembled to each other to lower them into hydrocarbon wells or similar wells and constitute a drilling infrastructure, a column of casing or liners or even a column of production tubing (production columns). 239340 2230658 of 28 The API 5CT specification issued by the American The Petroleum Institute (API) standard, equivalent to ISO 11960 issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), governs pipes used as casing or tubing, and the API 5B specification defines the standard threads for these pipes. The API 7 specification defines shouldered threaded connections for rotary drill rods. Tubular threaded elements usually comprise one or more threads whose threads are substantially trapezoidal and comprise a stabbing flank on the thread side directed towards the free end of the threaded element in question, a loading flank on the side opposite the mating threads, a non-zero width thread crest and a non-zero width thread root. The aforementioned threaded tubular fittings may include a male threaded end intended to screw into a female threaded end of another tubular drilling or production component. Therefore, it is essential that their male and female ends are damaged, contaminated, and deteriorated as little as possible between the time they leave the manufacturing line and the time they are used, as well as between successive uses. It is understood that, in fact, it is necessary to protect not only the threads but also any seats and stops, each of which have specific and complementary functions, from corrosion, dust, and impacts, specifically to ensure a watertight seal during use. Tubular threaded fittings designated as premium or semi-premium generally include at least one butt surface. A first butt surface of a first fitting 239340 2230658 of 28 tubular threading may come into contact with a second stop surface of a second tubular threading element to form a stop during threading. A stop surface may be formed by the transverse annular surface of a free end portion of a male or female end of a tubular threading element. Additionally, the ends of the components mentioned above can be coated with an anti-seize grease just before assembly. However, it is increasingly common to replace this grease with a combination of surface treatments and coatings that have anti-corrosion and / or anti-seizing properties, applied in thin layers to the functional surfaces of a tubular threaded element. A functional surface may consist of one or more threads, one or more seats, or one or more stops. For example, from document EP 3286288, a gasket comprising an overlap of layers is known, one of which comprises anti-corrosive zinc-nickel and an anti-seize layer of lubricating polyurethane polymer. Protectors are devices whose function is to protect the aforementioned functional surfaces from threaded tubular elements, as well as any coatings on those functional surfaces. A protector is generally substantially cylindrical in shape and typically comprises a body and a fastening means. The most common solution for attaching a protector to a threaded tubular element is to screw it onto the thread of the connection. This solution allows for a simple assembly process combined with precise positioning. The protector may include a suitable thread for 239340 2230658 of 28 to be screwed onto the thread of a male or female tubular threaded element. The thread may be of the same type and pitch as that of the connection. A protector thread may comprise threads comprising thread-side flanges facing the free end of the protector, said flanges being intended to contact the flanges of the threads of a tubular threaded element when the protector is screwed onto the connection. Said protector thread may also comprise load-bearing flanks, thread crests and roots, and at least one stop surface. A butt surface of a protector is generally radial and can be configured to come into contact with the butt surface of a tubular threaded element. The primary purpose of a protective cover is to shield a functional surface from various types of external damage: mechanical damage such as impacts, contamination (chemical or material) such as dust deposited on the functional surfaces, or even corrosion of the materials between the time the tubular component leaves the manufacturing line and the time it is used (with various possible assembly and disassembly actions of the protective device). A protective cover also aims to protect a coating that shields this functional surface from external damage. The protectors have been provided with sealing means to reinforce the watertightness of the spaces comprising the functional surfaces, with or without coating(s), of a connection against moisture, condensation water flow, or air. These sealing means are generally applied to the protector and are made 239340 2230658 of 28 with shapes and materials that give them greater flexibility with respect to the extremely rigid body of the protector, so that part of their surface comes into contact with a surface of the connection with a view to making a watertight contact. However, the applicant has observed that when a threaded tubular element equipped with a prior art protector reaches storage facilities, abrasion is seen in the top layer of the coating on several tubes, with the frequency of occurrence of this defect potentially reaching up to 75% of these tubes. The applicant has thus observed degradation of the top coating, for example, of the layer that provides anti-seize properties, which may consist of a polymer layer, such as a polyurethane (PU) layer, and / or of the uncoated thread, despite the use of a prior art protector. The applicant has discovered that the origin of this abrasion problem is linked to the presence of solid particles inside the tubular threaded element at the level of the functional surfaces. The solid particles can be of various origins. They may consist of mill scale formed during the heat treatment of the steel tube, corundum (alumina oxide particles used for surface preparation during a treatment such as that described in patent EP 3286288), or even oxide particles that form inside the tubes during periods of outdoor storage. They may also consist of shot and / or sand used in descaling / cleaning processes of the tube interior. More rarely, they may consist of metal shavings resulting from... 239340 2230658 of 28 the manufacture of the thread of a tubular threaded element. In general, these solid particles emanate, therefore, from the tubular threading itself ([Fig. 1]). For example, prior art patent US 7,284,770 provides a protector that includes two gaskets mounted on the protector body, made of different materials, such as elastomers, and forming a watertight seal in two distinct locations. The first seal consists of a gasket to create an internal seal at the distal end of the tubular component, i.e., at a stop surface. The second seal consists of a gasket to create an external seal on an external wall, upstream of the thread, of the tubular component. On the one hand, a watertight seal with a gasket to form the external seal is located upstream of the thread and cannot act as a barrier to solid particles, such as mill scale, emanating from the interior of a tubular threaded element, without these solid particles or mill scale first reaching the functional surface and degrading it. Therefore, this type of gasket cannot protect against thread deterioration and is thus unsuitable. On the other hand, a gasket designed to form a watertight seal at the distal end, i.e., at the end surface of a tubular threaded element, is unsatisfactory and allows the infiltration of solid particles such as mill scale.Indeed, the applicant has discovered that, due to the brittleness of the elastomeric gasket material and the high mechanical stresses at the butt surfaces—namely, vibrations and impacts between the tubes, which weigh several tons—movements and small gaps are created at the gasket. These gaps can allow solid particles to pass through. 239340 2230658 of 28 such as calamine and therefore have the effect of a loss of the protective and sealing function. Another problem has been identified with this type of gasket, namely that it also tends to stick to the butt surface of the tubular threaded element when the protector is removed; the end user must systematically perform an additional visual check to ensure that no gaskets have stuck and remove them if necessary. Furthermore, experience has shown that during tube handling in the factory or during transport, it is extremely common for protective sleeves to loosen without external intervention. In fact, since the tubes are round, during the packing and unpacking phases, the sleeves, whose external diameter is larger than that of the tubes or tubular threaded elements, will come into contact with each other. Depending on the direction of rotation of the tubes, this will frequently cause the sleeve to loosen. In the event of temperature variations, the thermal expansion is not the same between a metal tubular threaded element and a plastic sleeve, which further exacerbates the loosening of the sleeve. Furthermore, the gasket that ensures external sealing comes into contact with the connection surface from the very beginning of the protector's installation. Because its material is more flexible, the frictional forces on these gaskets are significant. Consequently, both tightening and loosening these protectors using this type of gasket require more force and take longer. Other solutions developed by the applicant used protectors comprising only an external seal, since water infiltration is greater on the outside of the 239340 2230658 of 28 tubes in case of rain or passage through a washing machine on the packaging line, compared to the less significant internal infiltration that is mainly the result of condensation phenomena on the inner wall of the tube at storage sites. But this solution also does not address the problem posed by solid particles emanating from inside the tube, such as mill scale or corundum, and focuses substantially on water tightness to improve anti-corrosion performance. The applicant has established that a gasket of a protector configured to come into contact with a stop surface of a tubular threaded element, either on the outer face of a tubular threaded element or at the level of the distal end, specifically upstream of the thread along a longitudinal axis, or even a gasket placed on the annular part of the protector, does not serve to block solid particles such as mill scale inside the tube. The invention provides a solution to all the problems mentioned above. In particular, the invention proposes a male or female protector comprising a gasket to block solid particles emanating from a threaded tubular element, and in particular, mill scale particles, from entering the tube. According to one embodiment, the invention provides a protector for a tubular threaded element for drilling, hydrocarbon well exploitation, oil and gas transport, hydrogen transport or storage, carbon capture, or geothermal energy, said protector comprising a main body, said main body may comprise at least one axially extending outer surface that is rotated outwards to face an inner wall of a threaded element. 239340 2230658 of 28 tubular in the assembled state, characterized in that the outer axial surface of said main body may be provided with at least one gasket arranged to block calamine particles in the assembled state. The term "outer axial surface" refers to a cylindrical or frustoconical surface of the protector extending along a longitudinal axis Z and comprising a generatrix. This outer axial surface does not include a stop surface and does not form part of a stop surface of a protector. However, the outer axial surface may be contiguous with a stop surface of a protector. The expression "provided with at least one gasket" means a gasket that is either applied directly to the outer axial surface, or that surface has a local discontinuity in the form of a cavity or housing to accommodate the gasket. A gasket may comprise a base portion that comes into contact with the axial surface or the housing. Thanks to this feature, when the protector is screwed onto the tubular threaded element, the gasket is positioned so that it rests against the inner wall of the threaded element. This prevents the passage of any solid particles, and in particular mill scale, from inside the threaded element to its functional surface, specifically the seat and thread. Thanks to this feature, the protector, according to the invention, allows protection, when assembled with a tubular threaded element, from degradation of a functional surface or polymer coating of said tubular threaded element. In particular, the protector effectively protects a coating from degradation. 239340 2230658 of 28 comprises polyurethane (PU) and therefore the anti-seize properties of the coating. Thanks to this feature, the position of the gasket is such that it prevents problems of loosening of the protectors due to movement of the tubes in the factory, during transport and / or during temperature variations. Thanks to this feature, the gasket, according to the invention, considerably improves the braking effect of the protector. The braking effect of the protector refers to its ability to resist unscrewing under external stresses, i.e., the mechanical and / or thermal stresses that the tubular threaded element encounters during its service life. In effect, the protector stores anti-unscrewing energy during tightening thanks to an additional torque provided by the gasket inside the tube, in addition to that provided by the threaded protector itself. Without a gasket, according to the invention, more traditional braking effects rely solely on the torque imposed by the protector's stop on the threaded portion and / or a torque generated in the threads, which are completely ineffective when the protector loosens even slightly. Thanks to this feature, the gasket, according to the invention, also avoids the problem of a gasket that creates a sealing surface at the level of a stop surface remaining stuck after the protective layer is removed. Therefore, a visual check to ensure the gasket has adhered is unnecessary, saving valuable time, especially considering, for example, the extremely high daily rental cost of an oil platform. According to one mode of realization, the main body can 239340 2230658 of 28 comprising at least one outer radial surface and at least one inner radial surface, said inner radial surface extending radially and being opposed along a longitudinal axis Z to said outer radial surface. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that it may further comprise a thread having a thread pitch P, and a stop surface configured to come into contact with a corresponding stop surface of said tubular threaded element. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the outer axial surface may comprise a housing configured to accommodate the gasket (10). Thanks to this feature, a housing allows a gasket to be attached and anchored to the main body of the protector. This attachment can be made along the entire gasket or partially, specifically at its base. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the outer axial surface further comprises a gasket support, said gasket support comprising said housing. According to one embodiment, the gasket support can be integrated into the main body. According to one embodiment, the gasket support can be a separate piece and attached to or applied to the main body of the protector. Thanks to this feature, a gasket support allows for easy assembly of the gasket onto the main body. Thanks to this feature, a gasket support allows for easy assembly of the gasket onto the main body. Indeed, the gasket support provides ease of assembly. 239340 2230658 of 28 to certain types of protectors that structurally do not allow an operator to slide their hands to insert the gasket. Thanks to this feature, a gasket holder allows for easier removal of the gasket so the protector can be recycled and fitted with a new gasket. This is particularly useful when the gasket needs to be replaced due to advanced wear. Thanks to this feature, a gasket holder allows for easier cleaning of the solid particle protector by simply removing the gasket holder. This removal allows According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that said housing comprising the gasket may comprise at least one profiled section configured to retain said gasket in the housing. A profiled section can have different shapes and can be, for example, a segment or protrusion extending axially from or as an extension of the outer axial surface. A profiled section can also be a protrusion extending axially from a housing support comprising a housing. Thanks to this feature, the profiled section will allow for better retention of the gasket in the housing and, therefore, will prevent any possible leakage or slippage of the gasket. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that said seal can be of an elastomeric type, a soft bristle brush, foam or a plastic lip. Thanks to this feature, each of these types of seals plays its role as a barrier when it interferes with the 12 239340 2230658 of 28 inner wall of the pipe to block solid particles and, in particular, mill scale. Furthermore, an elastomeric gasket, due to its more flexible material, has better adaptability and elastic deformation capabilities within a gasket holder. A soft bristle or foam brush gasket has a low manufacturing cost and is very easy to install. A plastic lip gasket has the advantage of requiring few manufacturing steps. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the gasket support can be attached to the outer axial surface by means of an inverted spiral pitch system, optionally reinforced with adhesive, a riveting system, friction welding or welding with filler material. Thanks to this feature, the joint support has improved strength and prevents the risk of detachment during storage, transport, and impacts caused by production lines and loading / unloading. The adhesive provides additional reinforcement of the assembly's strength. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the minimum position of the seal with respect to the Z-axis can be determined according to the following equation: Zp2 > P / 2 Where: P: Value in mm corresponding to the thread pitch of the protector. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket. Thanks to this feature, a position is established 239340 2230658 of 28 minimum in order to maintain sealing against solid particles when the guard is slightly loosened and the guard has not retreated along the Z axis a distance greater than Zp2, P / 2 being a minimum safety distance and corresponding to half the value in mm of the thread pitch of the guard. Similarly, the minimum position also allows the braking effect to be maintained even when the guard has loosened slightly and has not retracted along the Z-axis a distance greater than Zp2. This provides additional assurance that the guard will remain correctly positioned on the threaded portion of the tubular threaded element. Thanks to this feature, the minimum gasket position ensures that it is sufficiently far from any impact surface, i.e., the impact surface of the protector, or even the impact surface of the tubular threaded element, in the assembled state. This minimum distance protects the gasket from the point where the impact surfaces of the tubular threaded element and the protector meet, where impacts could be severe. In the case that the thread pitches of the protector are not constant, for example, P1 followed by P2, where P1 is different from P2, then P always corresponds to the smallest value. Zp2 necessarily implies a non-zero distance from the joint to the stop, i.e., greater than 0. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the maximum position of the joint with respect to the Z axis can be determined according to the following equation: Zp2 + Zp1 < Zf Being: Zf: Value of the distance between the stop surface and 239340 2230658 of 28 the end of the male or female thread of the protector according to the Z axis. Zp1: Value of the axial contact length of the joint at the level of the outer axial surface according to the Z axis. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket Thanks to this feature, the braking effect provided by the gasket is guaranteed not to begin too early, i.e., before the threads of the protectors engage with those of the tubular threaded element. In the latter case, more force and more time will be required for installation. Additionally, an excessively strong braking effect can also hinder or even prevent manual unscrewing, forcing the operator to use specialized tools to loosen the protector, thus generating additional operating costs and a considerable loss of time. According to one embodiment, the protector is characterized in that the maximum position of the seal with respect to the Z-axis can be between: 0.05 x (Zf) < Zp2 + Zp1 < 0.3 x (Zf) Being: Zf: Value of the distance between the stop surface and the end of the male or female thread of the protector according to the Z axis. Zp1: Value of the axial contact length of the joint at the level of the outer axial surface according to the Z axis. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket Thanks to this feature, an optimal gasket position is guaranteed with the best ratio between the level of watertightness maintenance in case of 15 239340 2230658 of 28 loosen the protector and the braking effect level. Finally, the present application also covers a tubular threaded element comprising a protector, according to the invention, and according to the set of embodiments described above. Brief description of the figures The invention will be better understood and other objectives, details, features, and advantages thereof will become clearer in the course of the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, incorporated by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] schematically describes, according to a longitudinal section view, a state-of-the-art protector in contact with a tubular threaded element. [Fig. 2] Figure 2 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal section view, a male protector, according to a first embodiment of the invention, provided with a gasket. [Fig. 3] Figure 3 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal section view, a male protector, according to a second embodiment of the invention, provided with a gasket. [Fig. 4] Figure 4 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal cross-section view, a portion of a female protector, according to a third embodiment of the invention, provided with a gasket support integrated into the main body comprising a gasket. [Fig. 5] Figure 5 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal cross-section view, a male protector, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a state mounted with a tubular threaded element. 239340 2230658 of 28 [Fig. 6] Figure 6 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal cross-section view, a male protector comprising a gasket, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. [Fig. 7] [Fig. 7] schematically describes, according to a longitudinal section view, a portion of a male protector, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, comprising a joint support with at least one profiled section. [Fig. 8] Figure 8 schematically describes, according to a longitudinal section view, a portion of a protector, according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, comprising an outer axial surface with at least one profiled section. Detailed description of the figures In the remainder of the description and in the claims, the terms "external" or "internal," as well as the axial and radial orientations, shall be used to designate, according to the definitions incorporated in the description, elements of a protector or a tubular threaded element. The longitudinal Z-axis determines the axial orientation. The radial orientation is orthogonally directed to the longitudinal Z-axis. Figure 1 describes a male protector 30, according to the state of the art, in the assembled state with a male tubular threaded element 49 comprising an inner wall 48, a thread 51, a seat 53, as well as a stop surface 54. More specifically, [Fig. 1] shows the path of solid particles such as mill scale or corundum coming from inside the tubular threaded element 49, for example, from the inner wall 48 and infiltrating at the level of the thread 51, passing through the stop surface 54 and the protector 17 239340 2230658 of 28 30. The presence of such solid particles can damage the thread 51 or, for example, an anti-seize top layer of a coating applied to said thread 51, which may lead to rejection of the tubular threaded element 49 upon arrival at the production and drilling site. The absence of a gasket or improper gasket placement, such as a gasket on the butt surface 54 or upstream of the thread 51 to achieve an external seal, leads to the same unsatisfactory result. Figure 2 describes a male protector 1, according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a male thread 12 and a stop surface 7. The male thread 12 is configured to engage with the opposing male thread of a male tubular threaded element 49. The stop surface 7 is configured to contact the stop surface of one end of a male tubular threaded element 49. The protector 1 also comprises a main body 4 comprising at least one outer radial surface 24 and at least one inner radial surface 25. Each of the radial surfaces extends radially and is opposed to each other along a longitudinal axis Z. The main body 4 comprises an outer axial surface 21, which is continuous in this embodiment. The outer axial surface 21 extends from the stop surface 7 and terminates at the level of the inner radial surface 25.The outer axial surface does not include the thread of the protector. The term "external axial surface" refers to a cylindrical or truncated conical surface of the protector extending along a longitudinal axis Z and comprising a generatrix. The external axial surface 21 is rotated outwards so that it lies inside a threaded tubular element and faces an internal wall of said threaded element 18 239340 2230658 18 of 28 in the mounted state of the male or female protector on said male or female threaded tubular element. Said outer axial surface 21 comprises a gasket 10 arranged to block solid particles 50 such as mill scale in the assembled state. The gasket 10 is applied to the axial surface and is not part of the main body 4, i.e., it is not integrated into the main body 4. Gasket 10 can be an elastomeric type, a soft bristle brush, foam, or a plastic lip. These types of gaskets may have additional and different advantages, but all are at least capable of blocking solid particles such as calamine or corundum. An elastomeric gasket, due to its more flexible material, offers better adaptability and elastic deformation within a gasket support. A soft-bristled or foam brush gasket is inexpensive to manufacture and very easy to install. A plastic lip gasket has the advantage of requiring few manufacturing steps. When gasket 10 is applied to the outer axial surface 21, the latter is configured to come into contact against the inner wall of a tubular threaded element during the screwing of the protector with said tubular threaded element. The position of gasket 10 prevents the gasket from loosening due to tube movement during manufacturing, transport, and / or temperature variations. Specifically, this position ensures the gasket is sufficiently far from high-stress areas such as the end surface. This allows for a complete seal in the assembled state without creating gaps or causing movement. 239340 2230658 of 28 possible infiltrations of solid particles in the area of ​​the functional surfaces of a tubular threaded element. Another advantage of the position of gasket 10 is that it allows for improved braking effect of the protector. Figure 3 describes a portion of a male protector 1, according to the invention. This second embodiment differs from that of Figure 2 in that the main body 4 comprises an outer axial surface 21 comprising a housing-shaped discontinuity 9. The main body 4 comprises a gasket support 16. The gasket support may not be of the same material as the main body 4 and may be applied while integrated within the main body 4. However, the invention is not restricted to this embodiment and may comprise other variants in which the gasket support is integrated within the main body 4. In [Fig. 3], the thread pitch P corresponds to the value in mm for the thread pitch of protector 1. The concept of thread pitch should be understood in light of ISO 5408:2009, which deals with the definition of threads. However, it should be noted that the concept of male or female threading differs for protectors compared to tubular threaded elements. In fact, a protector is classified as male or female not in relation to the orientation of the thread but rather to its correspondence with the male or female tubular threaded element. For example, a protector will be male if it is intended to screw onto and protect a male tubular threaded element. The protector will be said to be female if it is intended to correspond to a female tubular threaded element. Zf corresponds to the distance between the stop surface 7 and the end of the male thread 12 of the protector 1 along the Z-axis. Next, Zp1 corresponds to 20 239340 2230658 of 28 to the value of the axial contact length of the gasket 10 at the level of the outer axial surface 21 according to the Z axis. Finally, Zp2 corresponds to the value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface 7 of the protector 1 and the gasket 10. On the one hand, the minimum position of joint 10 with respect to the Z axis is determined according to the following equation: Zp2 > P / 2 Being: P: Value in mm corresponding to the thread pitch of the protector. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket This minimum position allows the braking effect to continue even when the guard has loosened slightly and has not retracted along the Z-axis by more than Zp2, where P / 2 is a minimum safety distance corresponding to half the thread pitch (P) of the guard in mm. This ensures that the guard will remain in place on the threaded part of the tube. On the other hand, the maximum position of the joint (10) with respect to the Z axis is between: Zp2 + Zp1 < Zf Being: Zf: Value of the distance between the stop surface and the end of the male thread of the protector according to the Z axis. Zp1: Value of the axial contact length of the joint at the level of the outer axial surface according to the Z axis. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket Thanks to this feature, the effect is guaranteed 239340 2230658 of 28 braking force provided by joint 10 should not be too large. The objective being to facilitate manual unscrewing by an operator, avoiding the need to use an unscrewing tool, thus saving time and facilitating the use of the invention. According to one embodiment, the maximum position of the joint (10) with respect to the Z axis is between: 0.05 x (Zf) < Zp2 + Zp1 < 0.3 x (Zf) Being: Zf: Value of the distance between the stop surface and the end of the male thread of the protector according to the Z axis. Zp1: Value of the axial contact length of the joint at the level of the outer axial surface according to the Z axis. Zp2: Value in mm of the distance, according to the Z axis, between the stop surface of the protector and the gasket This ensures an optimal joint position to achieve the best balance between sufficient braking effect and sufficient joint preservation during use. The set of equations remains valid with or without gasket support, and this applies whether for a male protector 1 or a female protector 2. To simplify the approach, example empirical values ​​for the equation parameters have been determined and validated for the set of equations described above. These values ​​are incorporated in Table 1 below for male protectors according to the nominal outside diameter (OD) of the protector: [Table 1] OD (mm) 208.275 154.3 284.475 Zp2 (mm) 6 6 8 239340 2230658 of 28 Zp1 (mm) 6 6 6 P (mm) 8.5 5.1 5.1 Zf (mm) 140 125 145 The set of developments described for a male protector is applicable to a female protector. Figure 4 depicts a female protector 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. The female protector 2 comprises a female thread 13, configured to engage with the opposing female thread of a female tubular threaded element (not shown in Figure 4), and a stop surface 8 configured to contact a stop surface of a female tubular threaded element. The protector 2 also comprises a main body 4 comprising at least one outer radial surface 24 and at least one inner radial surface 25 that extends radially and is opposite along a longitudinal axis Z to said outer radial surface. Said main body 4 comprises an outer axial surface 21 which, in this embodiment, admits a discontinuity in the form of a housing 9 which forms part of the outer axial surface 21. In this figure there is no gasket support, but the female protector may also include a gasket support 16 comprising said housing 9. In [Fig. 4], the thread pitch P corresponds to the value in mm of the thread pitch of the protector. Zf corresponds to the value of the distance between the stop surface 8 and the end of the female thread 13 of the protector 2 along the Z-axis. Next, Zp1 corresponds to the value of the axial contact length of the gasket 10 at the level of the outer axial surface 21 along the Z-axis. Finally, Zp2 corresponds to the value in mm of the distance, along the Z-axis, between the stop surface 8 of the protector 2 and the gasket 10. 239340 2230658 of 28 To simplify the approach, empirical parameter values ​​for the equations have been determined and validated for the set of equations described above. These values ​​are incorporated into Table 2 below for female protectors according to the nominal outside diameter (OD) of the protector: [Table 2] OD (mm) 208.275 154.3 284.475 Zp2 (mm) 4 3 3 Zp1 (mm) 6 6 6 P (mm) 8.5 5.1 5.1 Zf (mm) 99 91 136 The equations developed in [Fig. 3] for a male protector are applicable to a female protector. In general, by analogy, the set of developments established for a female protector, according to the invention, is applicable to a male protector and vice versa. Figure 5 describes a male protector 1 according to one embodiment of the invention in the assembled state with a tubular threaded element 49. In this configuration, the stop surface of the protector 7 and the stop surface 54 of the tubular threaded element are in contact. The threads 12 of the protector 1 and of the tubular threaded element 51 are assembled. The outer axial surface 21 faces the inner wall 48 of the tubular threaded element 49. In this embodiment, said outer axial surface 21 has a housing-shaped discontinuity 9 comprising a gasket 10, but it is equally permissible that the invention may also comprise an outer axial surface 21 without housing 9 and provided with gasket 10. In the assembled state, gasket 10 is in contact with the inner wall 48 to block solid particles and, in 24 239340 2230658 of 28 particular, made of calamine. Said gasket 10 can be of the elastomeric type, a soft bristle brush, foam or a plastic lip. In this configuration, it is understood that the position of gasket 10 and its ability to block solid particles emanating from wall 48 are intended to prevent damage to functional surfaces such as seat 53 and thread 51. The inner radial surface 25, in the assembled state, is located inside the tubular threaded element. The outer radial surface 24 is opposite this inner surface 25 and may not be located inside the tubular threaded element. Figure 6 describes a male protector 1 comprising a stop surface 7, a thread 12, a main body 4, and an outer axial surface 21. Said outer axial surface 21 comprises a seal support 16 that is not integrated into the main body 4, said seal support comprising a housing 9. The gasket support 16 comprising the housing 9 is attached to the outer axial surface 21 by means of an inverted thread pitch system 17 or even by means of a riveting system, friction welding, or welding with filler material. Optionally, each of these joining means can be reinforced with adhesive. This allows the gasket support to have greater strength and prevents the risk of gasket support 16 detaching under storage and transport conditions, as well as from impacts caused by production lines and loading / unloading. The adhesive, when present, provides additional reinforcement to the strength of the assembly of gasket support 16, housing 9, and gasket 10. 239340 2230658 of 28 Optionally, the housing 9 may comprise a profiled section 11 at the level of the housing 9 as depicted in [Fig. 7]. The outer axial surface 21 of [Fig. 6] is continuous in this embodiment, although the invention allows for the case where the outer axial surface 21 can also be discontinuous. Figure 7 describes an embodiment of the invention in which the outer axial surface 21 of a male or female protector comprises a local discontinuity in which a gasket support 16 comprising a housing 9 has been applied. In this embodiment, the material of the gasket support is different from that of the main body 4 and comprises a housing 9 for accommodating a gasket 10. Said housing 9 accommodates a profiled section 11 extending along a Z axis and configured to partially cover a gasket 10 in order to retain said gasket 10 in the housing 9. A profiled section can have different shapes and can be, for example, a segment or protrusion extending axially from or as an extension of the outer axial surface. A profiled section can also be a protrusion extending axially from a housing support comprising a housing. Figure 8 describes a variant of the invention in which the outer axial surface 21 of a male or female protector comprising a housing 9 comprises at least one profiled section 11. One or the other of the profiled sections 11 extends along a Z-axis and projects axially from the outer axial surface 21. The projecting segment is configured to partially cover a joint 10 or at least the base of 239340 2230658 of 28 a gasket 10 in order to retain said gasket 10 in housing 9. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention. 239340 2230658 of 28 20225952036 CRISTIAN DANIEL BITTEL - 20225952036 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAMITES - INPI Date: 2023.04.10 15:58:52 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 2230658

Claims

1. A protector (1, 2) for a tubular threaded element (49) for drilling, hydrocarbon well exploitation, oil and gas transport, hydrogen transport or storage, carbon capture, or geothermal energy, said protector (1, 2) comprising a main body (4), said main body (4) comprising at least one axially extending outer axial surface (21) that is rotated outward to face an inner wall (48) of a tubular threaded element (49) in the assembled state, characterized in that the outer axial surface (21) of said main body (4) is provided with at least one gasket (10) arranged to block mill scale particles (50) in the assembled state. Ten claims follow.