Threaded tubular end protector

Abstract

A thread protector has an outer sleeve to protect a thread disposed on a tubular member. The threaded protector includes a flange disposed on the first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with the end of the tubular member. The threaded protector further includes a fastening device extending from the flange to frictionally engage an inner side of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the threaded protector with the tubular member, the fastening device including a magnet that increases a force of frictional engagement of the fastening device with the inner side of the tubular member. A fastening device may also extend from the flange to frictionally engage an inner side of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the threaded protector with the tubular member, the fastening device being rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thread protector for a threaded end of a casing or pipe unit that can be quickly attached to and removed from the casing or pipe unit. The present disclosure also relates to a method of attaching or removing a thread protector from a pin end of a casing or pipe unit. 2. Background technology

[0002] The casing and / or pipe has a pin end and a box end. The box end includes threads on the inside, which are naturally protected by being arranged inside the pipe or casing. The pin end has threads on the outside of the pipe or casing, which are exposed and may be damaged. Currently, there are protective devices for the pin end threads of pipes or casings, but it takes a considerable amount of time to place and remove the protective device on the pipe or casing. When you multiply the time required to place or remove the typical protective device on the pin end threads of multiple pipes or casing units, a lot of time will result. This large amount of time directly comes from the production time of the oil or gas well.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a thread protector for the threads of a pin end of a pipe or casing that can be placed on and / or removed from the pin end of the pipe or casing more quickly, but still protects all threads of the pin end of the pipe or casing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a thread protector having an outer sleeve to protect threads disposed on a tubular member. The thread protector includes a flange disposed on a first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with an end of the tubular member. The thread protector also includes a fastening device extending from the flange to frictionally engage the inner side of the tubular member so as to maintain the engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, the fastening device including a magnet that increases the force of the frictional engagement of the fastening device with the inner side of the tubular member.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a thread protector having an outer sleeve to protect threads disposed on a tubular member. The thread protector includes a flange disposed on a first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with an end of the tubular member. The thread protector also includes a fastening device extending from the flange to frictionally engage an inner side of the tubular member so as to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, the fastening device being rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

[0006] The present disclosure also relates to a method for protecting the male threads of a pin end of a tubular component. The method includes installing a thread protector on the end of the tubular component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is constructed according to the present disclosure and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the thread protector is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig. 7A A perspective view of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0016] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0018] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig. 9A A perspective view of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0020] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 10B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0022] Fig. 10C is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0023] Fig.11A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 11B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig.11A An exploded view of an embodiment of a thread protector is shown.

[0025] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Additional views of the thread protector shown.

[0026] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A perspective view of a portion of a thread protector is shown.

[0027] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Additional views of another portion of the thread protector are shown.

[0028] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D is a view of a thread protector incorporating a magnet.

[0029] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16G is constructed according to the content of this disclosure Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Additional views of another portion of the thread protector are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a thread protector 10 for protecting or guarding threads 12 on a pin end 14 of a tubular member 16. The tubular member 16 may be a casing or pipe for oil and gas operations. The tubular member 16 also includes a box end 18 opposite the pin end 14, an interior side 20, and an exterior side 22. The box end 18 of the tubular member 16 includes internal threads 24 disposed therein on the interior side 20 of the tubular member 16. The threads 12 disposed on the exterior side 22 of the pin end 18 of the tubular member 16 may be a certain number of threads or extend along a certain length of the tubular member 16.

[0031] The thread protector 10 includes an outer sleeve 26 that is sized to fit around the outer side 22 of the tubular member 16 and has a length that is at least as long as the length of the threads 12 disposed on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 14. The outer sleeve 26 can have an inner side 28, an outer side 30, a first end 32, and a second end 34. The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 can include at least one thread 36 to engage with the threads 12 disposed on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thread protector 10 may also include a flange 38 that points radially inward from the first end 32 of the thread protector 10. The flange 38 is positioned so that the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 can engage the flange 38 to maintain the thread protector 10 in a protecting position relative to the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, an inner sleeve 40 may extend from the inner diameter 42 of the flange 38 in the same direction as the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The inner sleeve 40 is sized to extend rearwardly into the interior of the tubular member 16 to provide additional structural support for the thread protector 10. In another embodiment, a plate 44 may be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26 instead of the flange 38 to prevent debris from entering the interior of the tubular member 16 when the tubular member 16 is not in use.

[0033] The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may have any number of continuous threads so that the thread protector 10 may be quickly removed and / or replaced from the tubular member 16. The threads 12 disposed on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 are positioned proximate to the flange 38 of the thread protector 10 so that when the thread protector 10 engages with the threads 12 of the pin end 14, the threads 12 of the thread protector 10 engage only with the threads 12 at the end of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. If a limited number of threads on the tubular member 16 are engaged to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member, the time taken to remove the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16 and the time taken to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16 will be significantly reduced when the tubular member and thread protector combination is used for multiple tubular members.

[0034] In one embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than ten threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than eight threads. In yet another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than six threads. In yet another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than four threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than three threads. In yet another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than two threads.

[0035] The threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 may extend along a certain length of the tubular member 16. The engaged threads (threads extending from the end of the pin end of the tubular member that engage with the threads of the thread protector) extend a certain percentage of the length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 40% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 30% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 25% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 20% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 10% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than about 5% of the total length of all threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 .

[0036] See now Figures 4 to 6 , which shows a thread protector 10 having a fastener 46 that can extend from the flange 38 inside the tubular member 16. The fastener 46 can engage the interior of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The fastener 46 can have any size and shape so that the fastener maintains the thread protector 10 in the proper position on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the fastener 46 can include a plurality of fins 48 extending from a central member 50. The outer portions 52 of the fins 48 can engage the inside of the tubular member 16. The ends 54 of the fins 48 are on the end opposite the flange 38. The outer portion 52 can be tapered at the ends 54 of the fins 48 to make it easier to insert the fastener 46 of the thread protector 10 extending downward into the tubular member 16. The length, width, and height of the fins 48 can vary so that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. The fastening device 46 may also have any number of fins 48 such that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. In various embodiments, the fastening device 46 may have more than two fins 48, more than three fins 48, more than four fins 48, or five or more fins 48.

[0037] exist Figure 6In another embodiment shown in more detail in FIG. 4 , the fastening device 46 can have a first spoke end 58 attached to the flange 38, and a second spoke end 60 separated from the first spoke end 58 via a rod member 62. The first spoke end 58 and the second spoke end 60 engage the interior of the tubular member 16 to securely hold the thread protector 10 in place. The first spoke end 58 can have any desired number of spokes 64 so that the thread protector 10 operates as intended. Similarly, the second spoke end 60 can have any desired number of spokes 66 so that the thread protector 10 operates as intended. A portion of the outer surface 68 of the spokes 66 can be tapered to facilitate insertion of the fastening device 46 into the tubular member 16. The fastening device 46 can be used with or without at least one thread 36 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The spoke and fin design of the fastening device 46 allows for visual inspection of the interior portion of the tubular member 16 and cleaning of the interior portion of the tubular member 16.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the thread protector 10 can have a ridge or lip 70 disposed on an outer surface 72 of the outer sleeve 26 near the end 74 of the outer sleeve. The ridge 70 allows for engagement by a band that can extend to the tubular member 16 to help hold the thread protector 10 in place, such as during transport of the tubular member 16 to a job site or when the tubular member 16 is stored. The band that can be used can extend around the entire circumference of the thread protector 10 and the tubular member. Primarily, the ridge 70 prevents the band from sliding off the thread protector 10, while the band prevents the thread protector 10 from rotating off the tubular member 16.

[0039] See now Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , which shows another embodiment of a thread protector 10 having a fastener 46 that can extend from the flange 38 inside the tubular member 16. The fastener 46 can engage the interior of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The fastener 46 can have any size and shape so that the fastener maintains the thread protector 10 in the proper position on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the fastener 46 can include a plurality of arcuate fingers 80 extending from the flange 38. These arcuate fingers 80 are arcuate outwardly toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10.

[0040] In another embodiment, the arcuate fingers 80 may extend from a plate 44 that may be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26. When a plate 44 is used, the plate 44 may have weakened sections 82 that permit a removable portion 84 of the plate 44 to be removed when desired to expose the interior of the tubular member 16. The distal ends 86 of the arcuate fingers 80 may have angled portions 90 that are angled inwardly away from the interior side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The angled portions 90 of the arcuate fingers 80 allow the thread protector 10 to more easily permit the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 to slide between the arcuate fingers 80 and the outer sleeve 26. The arcuate fingers 80 frictionally engage the interior side 28 of the tubular member 16 as the fastening device 46 is forced downwardly into the tubular member. The engagement of the arcuate fingers 80 with the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 causes the arcuate fingers 80 to straighten, which permits more surface area of ​​the outer sides 92 of the arcuate fingers 80 to contact the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 .

[0041] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thread protector 10 may include a debris barrier 88 disposed about the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 to prevent debris or fluid from exiting the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The debris barrier 88 may be disposed on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, near the end 34, or proximate to the end 34 of the outer sleeve 26. When the thread protector 10 is in use, the debris barrier 88 extends from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 to or very near the outer side 22 of the tubular member 16. The debris barrier 88 may be made of any material that prevents debris from passing between the debris barrier itself and the tubular member 16. The debris barrier may be made of a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible polymer material.

[0042] The thread protector 10 may also include an opening 94 disposed in the outer sleeve 26 for receiving a securing pin 96. In one embodiment, the securing pin 96 may be tapered to permit a narrower end to be captured through the opening 94 and contact the tubular member 16 to increase the securement of the thread protector 10 on the tubular member 16. When a tapered securing pin 96 is used, the securing pin 96 is sized so that when the securing pin 96 is securely positioned against the tubular member 16, the securing pin 96 is securely captured in the opening 94. In another embodiment, the opening 94 and securing pin 96 may be threaded, wherein the securing pin 96 may be screwed into and through the opening 94 and securely against the tubular member 16 to further secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. The securing pin 96 may be constructed of a sufficiently strong material to engage the tubular member 16 and help secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. However, if the securing pin 96 will engage the threads 12 on the tubular member 16, the securing pin 96 may be constructed of a softer material than the material used to construct the tubular member 16. Examples of materials for the securing pin 96 include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials (i.e., plastic, rubber, nylon, etc.) and soft metals.

[0043] See now Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , which shows another embodiment of a thread protector 10 having a fastening device 46 that can extend from the flange 38 inside the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fastening device 46 can include a plurality of arcuate fingers 100 that extend from the flange 38 to an insert ring 102. The arcuate fingers 100 are bent outwardly toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. In another embodiment, the arcuate fingers 100 can extend from a plate 44 that can be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26 and extend to the insert ring 102. When the plate 44 is used, the plate 44 can have weakened sections 104 that permit a removable portion 106 of the plate 44 to be removed to expose the interior of the tubular member 16 when desired.

[0044] The insert ring 102 can have a tapered portion 108 that is angled inwardly away from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The tapered portion 108 can extend around the entire insert ring 102. The tapered portion 108 of the insert ring 102 allows the thread protector 10 to more easily permit the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 to slide between the insert ring 102 (and the arcuate fingers 100) and the outer sleeve 26. As the fastening device 46 is forced downwardly into the tubular member, the arcuate fingers 100 frictionally engage the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16. The engagement of the arcuate fingers 100 with the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 causes the arcuate fingers 100 to straighten, which permits more surface area of ​​the outer side 110 of the arcuate fingers 100 to contact the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the fastening device 46 may further include a structural ring present between the flange 38 or plate 44 and the arcuate fingers 100 to provide additional structural support to the fastening device 46 .

[0045] See now Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B , which shows another embodiment of a thread protector 10 having a fastening device 46 that can extend from the flange 38 inside the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fastening device 46 can include a plurality of U-shaped fingers 112 having a first leg 114 extending from the flange 38 and a second leg 116 extending from a base portion 118, which also extends from the flange 38. As the first leg 114 moves from the flange 38 to the bottom 120 of each U-shaped finger 112, the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112 moves further from the interior side 20 of the tubular member 16. The base portion 118 of the fastening device 46 can have any desired shape to provide appropriate structural support to the plurality of U-shaped fingers 112. The base portion 118 can extend downward into the tubular member 16, or the base portion can be a plate extending inside the flange 38.

[0046] The pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 can be forced into the thread protector 10 so that the side wall 122 of the tubular member 16 is ultimately positioned between the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112 creates a situation where, depending on the thickness of the side wall 122, the side wall 122 of the tubular member 16 is securely wedged between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship and U-shape of each finger 112 creates a greater distance between the bottom 120 of each U-shaped finger 112 and the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, which permits easier initial engagement with the tubular member 16. When the male thread end 14 of the tubular member 16 is forced to engage with the fastening device 46 of the threaded protector 10, the outer surface 124 of the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger is flattened so that more surface area of ​​the outer surface 124 can contact the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16 to better fasten the threaded protector 10 to the tubular member 16.

[0047] See now FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , which shows a thread protector 10 having a fastening device 46 that can extend from the flange 38 or plate 44 inside the tubular member 16. The fastening device 46 can engage the interior of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fastening device 46 can include a plurality of fins 130 that extend radially from a central member 132. The outer portion 134 of the fin 130 can engage the inside of the tubular member 16. The length, width, and height of the fin 130 can vary so that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. The fastening device 46 can also have any number of fins 130 so that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. In one embodiment, the fastening device 46 can have multiple stages 136 of fins 130, wherein each stage 136 of fins 130 can have fins 130 of different lengths. Each fin 130 can also have a varying stiffness. The varying lengths of the fins 130 at each stage 136 provide the ability to engage tubular members 16 having varying sizes of inner diameters. For example, a wider tubular member 16 having a wider inner diameter will engage with the longer fins 130 of the fastening device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. Conversely, a tubular member 16 having a narrower inner diameter will engage with the shorter fins 130 of the fastening device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. The thread protector 10 may also include a handle 138 that may be attached in any manner known in the art to assist in placing and removing the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the handle 138 may be attached to the flange 38.

[0048] See now FIG. 11A to FIG. 14B , which shows another embodiment of a thread protector 10 having a fastening device 46 that can be selectively fastened to the thread protector 10. The fastening device 46 can extend inside the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fastening device 46 can be removable from the thread protector 10 and can be replaced with fastening devices 46 of other sizes so that the thread protector 10 can be adapted to a variety of sizes of tubular members 16. The fastening device 46 can include a plurality of U-shaped fingers 112 having a first leg 114 extending toward the flange 38 and a second leg 116 extending from a base portion 118 of the fastening device 46. The base portion 118 of the fastening device 46 can be fastened to a base member 120 supported by the flange 38. As the first leg 114 moves from the direction of the flange 38 to the bottom 124 of each U-shaped finger 112, the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112 moves further from the interior side 20 of the tubular member 16. The base member 120 that engages the fastening device 46 can have any desired shape to provide appropriate structural support to the plurality of U-shaped fingers 112 of the fastening device 46. The base member 120 can extend downwardly into the tubular member 16, or the base member 120 can be a plate that extends within the flange 38.

[0049] The engagement between the base portion 118 of the fastening device 46 and the base member 120 can be designed so that the fastening member 46 can be selectively engaged. This allows fastening devices 46 of different sizes to be used with the thread protector 10, depending on the size of the tubular member 16 having the threads to be protected. The base portion 118 of the fastening device 46 can have protrusions 126 extending from the base portion, which are securely engaged with openings 128 arranged in the base member 120. It should be understood that these protrusions can be on the base member 120, and these openings can be arranged in the base portion 118 of the fastening device 46. In one embodiment, the protrusion 126 can be L-shaped, and the size of the opening 128 can be set so that the L-shaped protrusion can fit through. In one embodiment, the opening 128 can be a slot that allows the first leg 130 of the L-shaped protrusion 126 to pass therethrough and allows the second leg 132 (the portion extending from the base portion 118 of the fastening device) to extend through the opening 128. In one embodiment, at least one of the openings 128 has a flexible member 134 extending transversely into the opening 128. When the fastener 46 is rotated relative to the base member 120 and the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10, the flexible member 134 allows the first leg 130 to pass through the opening 128 and permits the second leg 136 of the protrusion 126 to move past, but the flexible member 134 does not readily permit the rotation of the base member 120 of the fastener 46 to be reversed and rotated back. The outer sleeve 26 of this embodiment may include a slit 136 disposed therein to provide a prying point to remove the thread protector 10 in certain circumstances.

[0050] The pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 can be forced into the thread protector 10 so that the side wall 138 of the tubular member 16 is ultimately positioned between the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112 creates a situation in which, depending on the thickness of the side wall 138, the side wall 138 of the tubular member 16 is securely wedged between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship and U-shape of each finger 112 creates a greater distance between the bottom 124 of each U-shaped finger 112 and the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, which permits easier initial engagement with the tubular member 16. When the male thread end 14 of the tubular member 16 is forced to engage with the fastening device 46 of the threaded protector 10, the outer surface 140 of the first leg 114 of each U-shaped finger is flattened so that more surface area of ​​the outer surface 140 can contact the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16 to better fasten the threaded protector 10 to the tubular member 16.

[0051] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a debris sleeve 142 may be used with the thread protector 10 to create a thread protection system 144. The debris sleeve 142 may be implemented to prevent moisture and debris from damaging the threads 12 of the tubular member 16. The debris sleeve 142 is designed to cover a portion of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and an outer portion of the tubular member 16 adjacent the outer sleeve 26. The debris sleeve 142 may have a wider portion 146 that covers the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and a narrower portion 148 that covers the outer portion of the tubular member 16. The wider portion 146 and the narrower portion 148 may each have a groove 150 disposed therein for receiving a band 152 (or strip) that may be tightened in the groove 150 to secure the engagement of the debris sleeve 142. In one embodiment, the outer sleeve 26 may include a circumferential groove 154 disposed therein for receiving the groove 150 disposed in the wider portion 146 of the debris sleeve 142. The band 152 or strap may be any type of strap or band that may be tightened.

[0052] The fastening device 46 may also include at least one magnet 160 disposed in any portion of the fastening device 46 so that the magnet 160 can be attracted to the interior of the tubular member 16 and help fasten the thread protector 10 to the tubular member. Each fastening device may include any desired number of magnets 16 or desired magnet 160 size so that the thread protector 10 operates as desired. The magnet 160 may be embedded in the Figures 4 to 13B The fastening device 46 shown in FIG. 4 is preferably arranged in or on a surface of any portion of the fastening device 46 shown in FIG. Fig.15A Shown in combination with Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An exemplary embodiment of a magnet 160 in a thread protector 10 is shown. Fig. 15B Shown in combination with Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An exemplary embodiment of a magnet 160 in a thread protector 10 is shown. Fig. 15C Shown in combination with Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B An exemplary embodiment of a magnet 160 in a thread protector 10 is shown in FIG. Fig.15D Shown in combination with FIG. 11A to FIG. 12C Exemplary embodiments of magnets 160 in thread protectors 10 are shown. Some examples show magnets 160 embedded in portions of fastening device 46, and other examples show magnets 160 disposed on surfaces of various portions of fastening device 46.

[0053] See now FIG. 16A to FIG. 16G , which shows FIG. 11A to FIG. 14BAnother embodiment of the thread protector 10 is shown, which has a sole engagement between the base portion 118 of the fastener 46 and the base member 120. In this embodiment, the base portion 118 of the fastener 46 is rotatable relative to the base member 120. Similar to FIG. 13A to FIG. 14B In the illustrated embodiment, this permits fasteners 46 of different sizes to be used with the thread protector 10, depending on the size of the tubular member 16 having the threads to be protected. The base portion 118 of the fastener 46 may have protrusions 126 extending therefrom that securely engage a portion of the base member 120. It should be understood that the protrusions 126 may be on the base member 120, and the portion that engages with the protrusions 126 may be disposed in / on the base portion 118 of the fastener 46. In one embodiment, the protrusions 126 may engage with openings 162 disposed in the base member 120 to prevent the base member 120 from axially separating from the base portion 118, but permit the base member 120 and the base portion 118 to rotate relative to each other.

[0054] The opening 162 separates the inner portion 164 of the base member 120 from the engagement side 166 that abuts the abutment side 168 of the base member 120. The sidewall 170 defines the opening 162 and has a certain depth. Each protrusion 126 may include: an engagement end 172 that selectively engages the inner portion 164 of the base portion 118 to secure the base member 120 and the base portion 118 in the axial direction; and a column portion 174 that extends from the abutment side of the base member to the engagement end 172 of each protrusion 126. Each engagement end 172 may include a shoulder 176 that contacts the inner portion 164 of the base member 120 when the base member 120 and the base portion 118 are engaged, and an angled portion 178 to allow the engagement end 172 to move upward through the opening 162 and pass through the sidewall 170 when the base member 120 and the base portion 118 are connected. The post portion 174 is flexible, which also allows the engagement end 172 of each projection to flex away from the side wall 170 when the base member 120 and the base portion 118 are connected. The shoulder 176, the abutment side 168 of the base portion 118, and the post portion 174 of the projection 126 form a circumferential groove that receives the side wall 170 that creates the opening 162 and provides an area that will permit the base member 120 and the base portion 118 to rotate relative to each other.

[0055] The present disclosure also relates to a method of removing a thread protector 10 from a tubular member 16 and using the tubular member 16 in various oil and gas operations. The method also relates to securing the thread protector 10 to a tubular member 16 for use in oil and gas operations.

[0056] It is clear from the above description that the present disclosure is well suited to achieve these purposes and to realize the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the present disclosure. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that many changes may be made that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and that these changes are implemented within the spirit of the present disclosure and claims. Any element of any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A thread protector, comprising: an outer sleeve for protecting a male thread disposed on a pin end of the tubular member; a flange disposed on the first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with the pin end of the tubular member; as well as A fastener extends from the flange to frictionally engage the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member.

2. The thread protector according to claim 1, wherein: The fastening device further includes a plurality of U-shaped fingers for engaging the inner side of the tubular member.

3. The thread protector according to claim 2, wherein: Each U-shaped finger has a first leg extending toward the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger and a second leg extending from the bottom of the U-shaped finger to the base portion.

4. The thread protector according to claim 3, wherein: The first leg of each U-shaped finger tapers away from the interior side of the outer sleeve as the first leg extends from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger.

5. The thread protector according to claim 3, wherein: The base portion of the fastening device engages a base member supported by the flange.

6. The thread protector according to claim 5, wherein: The base portion can include protrusions extending from the base portion that can securely engage openings disposed in the base member.

7. The thread protector according to claim 6, wherein: The projections are L-shaped.

8. The thread protector according to claim 5, wherein: The base member can include protrusions extending from the base member, which can securely engage openings disposed in the base portion of the fastening device.

9. The thread protector according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the openings disposed in the base member has a flexible member disposed in the at least one opening that permits at least one protrusion to pass therethrough when the base portion is rotated relative to the base member.

10. The thread protector according to claim 1, wherein: The fastening device includes a magnet that increases the force of the frictional engagement of the fastening device with the inner side of the tubular member.

11. The thread protector according to claim 10, wherein: The fastening device further comprises a plurality of U-shaped or arcuate fingers for engaging the inner side of the tubular member, and the magnet is arranged on the outer surface of the U-shaped or arcuate fingers or embedded inside the U-shaped or arcuate fingers.

12. A thread protector, comprising: an outer sleeve for protecting threads disposed on the tubular member; a flange disposed on the first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with an end of the tubular member; as well as A fastener extends from the flange to frictionally engage the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, the fastener being rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

13. The thread protector according to claim 5, wherein: The base portion of the fastening device engages a base member supported by the flange.

14. The thread protector according to claim 6, wherein: The base portion can include protrusions extending from the base portion that can securely engage a side wall defining an opening in the base portion and an interior portion of the base portion.

15. The thread protector according to claim 7, wherein: Each projection includes a post portion and an engagement end including a shoulder and an angled portion, the shoulder engaging an inner portion of the base portion.

16. The thread protector according to claim 8, wherein: A circumferential groove is created by the post portions and shoulders of the projections and the abutment side of the base member.

17. A method for protecting a male thread of an end portion of a tubular member, the method comprising: A thread protector is installed on the end of the tubular member to protect threads disposed on the end of the tubular member.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein: The thread protector comprises: an outer sleeve for protecting a male thread disposed on a pin end of the tubular member; a flange disposed on the first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fastener extends from the flange to frictionally engage the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The fastening device further includes a plurality of U-shaped fingers for engaging the inner side of the tubular member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: Each U-shaped finger has a first leg extending toward the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger and a second leg extending from the bottom of the U-shaped finger to the base portion.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: The first leg of each U-shaped finger tapers away from the interior side of the outer sleeve as the first leg extends from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein: The base portion of the fastening device engages a base member supported by the flange.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The base portion can include protrusions extending from the base portion that can securely engage openings disposed in the base member.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: The projections are L-shaped.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein: The base member can include protrusions extending from the base member, which can securely engage openings disposed in the base portion of the fastening device.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein: At least one of the openings disposed in the base member has a flexible member disposed in the at least one opening that permits at least one protrusion to pass therethrough when the base portion is rotated relative to the base member.

27. The method of claim 18, wherein: The fastening device includes a magnet that increases the force of the frictional engagement of the fastening device with the inner side of the tubular member.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The fastening device further comprises a plurality of U-shaped or arcuate fingers for engaging the inner side of the tubular member, and the magnet is arranged on the outer surface of the U-shaped or arcuate fingers or embedded inside the U-shaped or arcuate fingers.

29. The method of claim 17, wherein: The thread protector comprises: an outer sleeve for protecting threads disposed on the tubular member; a flange disposed on the first end of the outer sleeve so as to be engageable with an end of the tubular member; and A fastener extends from the flange to frictionally engage the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, the fastener being rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The base portion of the fastening device engages a base member supported by the flange.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: The base portion can include protrusions extending from the base portion that can securely engage a side wall defining an opening in the base portion and an interior portion of the base portion.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: Each projection includes a post portion and an engagement end including a shoulder and an angled portion, the shoulder engaging an inner portion of the base portion.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: A circumferential groove is created by the post portions and shoulders of the projections and the abutment side of the base member.

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