Lift plug

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lift plug for connection with a tubular member, the lift plug comprising: a body comprising an externally threaded portion; the flange is located at the first end of the main body and used for being connected with a lifting mechanism; and a grease collection groove that cuts off at least a portion of the male thread portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to lift plugs. More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to lift plugs for connection to tubular components (e.g., drill pipes, casings, or production tubing), said lift plug being configured to collect excess grease from the threaded portions of said tubular component during use. Background Technology

[0002] Drilling operations (whether geothermal or oil and gas wells) use multiple independent tubular components that are connected together by threaded portions at their ends to form a string, such as a drill string, casing string, or production tubing string.

[0003] Tubular components are typically stored horizontally at the well site and must be lifted to a vertical position to connect with the end of another tubular component already located in the well. Depending on the design of the threaded portion, a lifting plug can be threaded onto the end of the stored tubular component to provide a lifting surface for engagement with the well site's lifting mechanism (e.g., a hoist).

[0004] Before connecting tubular components, grease is typically applied to the threads. It has been found that excess grease applied to the threads of tubular components before connection can, under certain conditions, cause connection failure after the components are lowered into the well. Operators applying grease at the well site are often unaware of the amount of grease applied to the threads or the potential consequences of connection failure.

[0005] The prior art includes patent application US 2021 / 396082, which discloses a lift plug comprising a body screwable onto a column.

[0006] Also known is patent application WO2011 / 159193, which relates to a sealing threaded joint for a pipe in the process string of a drilling equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, a first non-exclusive object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling the amount of grease applied to the threaded portion of a tubular member. Another non-exclusive object of the present invention is to provide a device for removing or draining excess grease from the threaded portion of a tubular member prior to connection with another tubular member.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a lifting plug includes: a body including an external threaded portion; a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and a grease collection groove that cuts off at least a portion of the external threaded portion.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a lifting plug for connection with drill pipe, casing or production tubing, the lifting plug comprising: a body including an external threaded portion; a flange located at a first end of the body for engagement with a lifting mechanism; and a grease collection groove cutting off at least a portion of the external threaded portion, wherein the grease collection groove terminates at a free end of the body (20).

[0010] The lift plug may be configured to connect to or engage (e.g., threaded connection) with a tubular component (such as drill pipe, casing, or production tubing). The lift plug may be configured to provide a lifting point for the tubular component during use.

[0011] The external thread portion may be or may include an external male thread portion.

[0012] The lifting plug may also be referred to as a lifting plug, lifting cap, hoisting cap, hoisting short section head, lifting short section head, hoisting short section, or hoisting short section.

[0013] The body may have a free end at a second end, which is, for example, opposite to the first end and / or the flange.

[0014] The external thread may extend to the free end or the second end of the body. The external thread may begin or terminate at the free end or the second end.

[0015] The starting position of the external thread portion may be spaced apart from the free end or the second end of the main body.

[0016] The grease collection tank can be long and narrow.

[0017] The grease collection groove is configured to collect grease from the tubular member when the external threaded portion engages or is screwed into the female threaded portion, internal threaded portion, or female threaded portion (hereinafter referred to as female thread) of the tubular member during use.

[0018] The grease collection groove is configured to collect grease from the tubular member during use when the external threaded portion engages with the female thread of the tubular member and rotates and / or moves laterally relative to it.

[0019] The grease collection groove may extend approximately perpendicular to one or more threads of the external thread portion.

[0020] The grease collection groove may extend substantially perpendicular to one or more thread crests or one or more thread flanks of the external thread portion.

[0021] The grease collection groove may cut off or cross one or more threads of the external threaded portion.

[0022] The grease collection groove can cut off or cross one or more turns of a single thread in the threaded section.

[0023] The grease collection groove may cut off or traverse one or more thread crests of the external thread portion.

[0024] The grease collection groove can cut off or run through the entire external thread.

[0025] The grease collection groove can cut off or traverse all turns of a single thread in the external thread section.

[0026] The grease collection groove can cut off or traverse all the thread crests of the external thread portion.

[0027] The grease collection groove may be cut off, run across, or extend through the entire external thread.

[0028] The grease collection groove may span one or more threads of the external thread portion.

[0029] The grease collection groove can cut across or through one or more threads or thread crests of the external thread portion.

[0030] The grease collection groove can cut across or through one or more turns of a single thread in the external threaded portion.

[0031] The grease collection groove can cut across or through all the threads or thread crests of the external thread portion.

[0032] The grease collection groove can cut across or through all turns of a single thread in the external threaded portion.

[0033] The grease collection groove may traverse, pass through, cut across, or cut through at least a portion of the external thread, or one or more threads of the external thread or the crest of its threads.

[0034] Along the length of the grease collection groove, the central axis of the grease collection groove may have a generally constant circumferential position on the body (e.g., on the outer surface of the body) or in the circumferential direction of the body.

[0035] The grease collection groove can be approximately straight or linear.

[0036] Along the length of the grease collection groove, the central axis of the grease collection groove may have a varying circumferential position on the body or in the circumferential direction of the body (e.g., its outer surface or external thread).

[0037] The grease collection groove can be non-linear, such as curved or tortuous.

[0038] The grease collection groove may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifting plug or the body.

[0039] The grease collection groove may extend approximately or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lift plug or body.

[0040] The grease collection groove may be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the lifting plug or the body.

[0041] The grease collection groove and the cut-off portion of the external thread portion can define the external male thread of the external thread portion, or one or more threads, or the discontinuity or break of the thread crest of the external thread portion.

[0042] The grease collection groove may include two or more adjacent threads or the cut-off or transverse portion of the thread crest of the external thread portion.

[0043] The grease collection groove may include a plurality of cut-off or transverse portions distributed along the external thread portion. The plurality of cut-off or transverse portions may be arranged at intervals along the external thread portion or the outer surface of the body.

[0044] The grease collection groove may include multiple cut-off or transverse portions of the thread or thread crest of the external thread portion.

[0045] The grease collection groove may be recessed into the body (e.g., its outer surface) at the external thread portion.

[0046] The grease collection groove may be recessed into the outer surface of the body (e.g., at the external thread portion).

[0047] The grease collection groove may be recessed relative to the thread root (e.g., the thread root) of the external thread portion.

[0048] The grease collection tank can define a channel.

[0049] The grease collection tank may have a bottom or a base. The bottom or base may be flat or planar.

[0050] One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may include undercut or overhang structures. The rear sidewall of the grease collection groove may include undercut or overhang structures. In use, the rear side is, for example, the rear side when the lifting plug is screwed into the threaded portion of the tubular member.

[0051] One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle between 40 and 70 degrees relative to the bottom of the groove, for example, between 45 and 65 degrees or between 50 and 60 degrees. One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle of 60 degrees relative to the bottom of the groove.

[0052] The rear sidewall of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle between 40 and 70 degrees relative to the bottom of the groove, for example, between 45 and 65 degrees or between 50 and 60 degrees. The rear sidewall of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle of 60 degrees relative to the bottom of the groove.

[0053] One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees relative to the normal to the tangent at the outer upper end of the sidewall, for example, between 25 and 35 degrees or 30 degrees.

[0054] The rear sidewall of the grease collection groove may extend at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees relative to the normal of the tangent at the outer upper end of the sidewall, for example, between 25 and 35 degrees or 30 degrees.

[0055] The grease collection groove may have a dovetail shape or profile, for example, when viewed in cross-section.

[0056] It should be understood that providing an undercut or overhang structure can improve the effectiveness of the grease collection groove in collecting grease from the female thread of the tubular member during use, because the sidewall can provide a scooping or scraping action when it moves or moves laterally relative to the female thread.

[0057] One or more sidewalls of the grease collection tank may extend at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank bottom or base. One or more sidewalls of the grease collection tank may be perpendicular to the tank bottom or base.

[0058] One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may extend at a 90-degree angle relative to the normal to the tangent at the outer upper end of the sidewall. One or more sidewalls of the grease collection groove may be perpendicular to the normal to the tangent at the outer upper end of the sidewall.

[0059] The grease collection groove or its bottom or base may have a width between 9 mm and 16 mm (e.g., maximum width), such as between 10 mm and 14 mm, or between 11 mm and 13 mm. The grease collection groove or its bottom or base may have a width between 12 mm and 13 mm (e.g., maximum width).

[0060] The grease collection groove may have a depth between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, for example, between 1 mm and 2 mm relative to the outer surface of the body or the root of the thread of the external thread portion. The grease collection groove may have a depth between 1.5 mm and 2 mm, for example, relative to the outer surface of the body or the root of the thread of the external thread portion.

[0061] The lifting plug may include multiple grease collection grooves, such as those described above.

[0062] The plurality of grease collection grooves may be arranged at intervals along the body (e.g., its outer surface) or the external thread portion.

[0063] The plurality of grease collection grooves may be spaced apart from each other circumferentially along the body or the external thread portion.

[0064] The plurality of grease collection grooves may be spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the body or the external thread portion.

[0065] Each of the grease collection grooves may be identical, except for their location along the body or the external thread.

[0066] Each of the grease collection grooves may be identical, except for their location along the circumferential or outer surface of the body or the external thread.

[0067] The plurality of grease collection grooves may be evenly spaced along the circumference or outer surface of the main body or the external thread.

[0068] The central axis of each of the grease collection grooves may be arranged at intervals or uniform intervals along the circumference or outer surface of the main body or the external thread.

[0069] The lifting plug may include two grease collection grooves. The two grease collection grooves may be spaced 180 degrees apart.

[0070] The lifting plug may include three grease collection grooves. The three grease collection grooves may be spaced 120 degrees apart.

[0071] The lifting plug may include four grease collection grooves. The four grease collection grooves may be spaced 90 degrees apart.

[0072] The lifting plug may include five grease collection grooves. The five grease collection grooves may be spaced 72 degrees apart.

[0073] The lifting plug may include six grease collection grooves. The six grease collection grooves may be spaced 60 degrees apart.

[0074] The lifting plug may include any other suitable number of grease collection grooves.

[0075] One or more grease collection grooves may terminate at a free end or a second end or an external thread of the body (e.g., its outer surface).

[0076] One or more grease collection grooves may open at the free end or second end or external thread of the body (e.g., its outer surface).

[0077] The external threaded portion may have a single-start thread. The external threaded portion may include a single thread, a single thread ridge, or a helix.

[0078] The external threaded portion may have multi-start threads. The external threaded portion may include multiple threads or multiple thread ridges or helices.

[0079] The external thread may include a single thread crest, for example formed on the outer surface of the body or extending through the outer surface of the body.

[0080] The external thread portion may include a plurality of thread crests spaced apart from each other along the external thread portion.

[0081] The external thread portion may be formed on the outer surface of the body.

[0082] The outer diameter of the main body can decrease towards the free end.

[0083] The main body can be truncated cone-shaped.

[0084] The external thread portion may be tapered.

[0085] The major and / or minor diameters of the external threaded portion may decrease toward the free end of the body.

[0086] The lifting plug may include a lifting shoulder located on the side of the flange extending from the body.

[0087] The lifting plug may include a lifting ring fitted onto the body. The lifting ring may abut against the flange or annular shoulder. The lifting ring may be detachably attached to the flange or annular shoulder. The lifting ring may be configured to abut against the free end of a tubular member during use.

[0088] The main body can be tubular.

[0089] The body may have a substantially constant inner diameter along its length.

[0090] The lifting plug, flange, and / or body may be made of steel, such as martensitic steel.

[0091] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming or manufacturing a lifting plug as described above, the method comprising: providing a lifting plug including a body having an external thread and a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and machining a groove that cuts off at least a portion of the external thread.

[0092] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming or manufacturing a lifting plug for drill pipe, casing or production tubing with a grease collection groove, the method comprising the steps of: providing a lifting plug comprising a body having an external thread and a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and machining a groove that cuts off at least a portion of the external thread, wherein the grease collection groove terminates at a free end of the body.

[0093] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming or manufacturing a lifting plug with a grease collection groove, the method comprising: providing a lifting plug including a body having an external thread and a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and machining a groove that cuts off at least a portion of the external thread.

[0094] The method may include placing the lifting plug in a lathe before machining the groove.

[0095] The method may include moving a planer laterally through at least a portion of the external thread or body to form the groove.

[0096] The method may include moving a milling machine laterally through at least a portion of the external thread or body to form the groove.

[0097] The method may include laterally moving the planer or milling machine through the external thread or body until the free end of the body opposite the flange. The method may also include moving the planer or milling machine beyond the free end of the body.

[0098] The method may include rotating the lifting plug about its longitudinal axis and repeating the process to machine another groove. The method may include, for example, rotating the lifting plug by operating the lathe.

[0099] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for removing excess grease from the female thread of a tubular member (e.g., a sleeve), the method comprising: threading a lifter plug as described above into the female threaded end of the tubular member; and loosening the lifter plug and removing it from the end of the tubular member.

[0100] The method may include threading the lifting plug until the free end of the tubular member abuts against the flange or lifting ring.

[0101] The method may include moving the tubular member via the lifting plug and connecting it to an existing tubular column before loosening the lifting plug.

[0102] The method may include applying grease to the female threads at the end of the tubular member before engaging the lifting plug thread.

[0103] The method may include removing collected grease from the grease collection tank after loosening the lifting plug from the tubular member.

[0104] According to another aspect of the invention, a lifting plug includes: a tubular body including an external thread; one or more holes extending through the tubular body within the external thread; and a flange located at a first end of the tubular body for engaging with a lifting mechanism.

[0105] The one or more holes may be or may include grease discharge holes or grease venting holes.

[0106] The lift plug may be configured to connect to or engage (e.g., threaded connection) with a tubular component (such as drill pipe, casing, or production tubing). The lift plug may be configured to provide a lifting point for the tubular component during use.

[0107] The external thread portion may be or may include an external male thread portion.

[0108] The lifting plug may also be referred to as a lifting plug, lifting cap, hoisting cap, hoisting short section head, lifting short section head, hoisting short section, or hoisting short section.

[0109] The one or more holes may extend through the wall thickness of the tubular body, for example, from the outer or external surface of the tubular body to its inner or internal surface.

[0110] The lifting plug may include a plurality of holes extending through the tubular body within the external threaded portion.

[0111] The lifting plug may include a plurality of holes extending through the external thread.

[0112] One or more thread crests in the hole may extend through one or more threaded portions of the external thread.

[0113] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the holes may extend through one or more thread roots of the external thread portion.

[0114] The lifting plug may include one or more holes extending through the crest of the threaded portion and one or more holes extending through the root of the threaded portion.

[0115] The lifting plug may include a plurality of holes extending through the crest and / or root of the threaded portion.

[0116] The holes may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

[0117] The holes may be spaced apart from each other along the external thread.

[0118] Two or more of the holes may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

[0119] Two or more of the holes or aligned holes may have substantially the same, equal or constant circumferential position on the body or external thread, for example along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

[0120] Two or more of the holes or aligned holes may have substantially the same, equal or constant position along the circumference or outer surface of the body or external thread, for example along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

[0121] The aligned holes can form or define a group of holes.

[0122] Each hole in the hole group can extend through the corresponding thread crest of the external thread portion.

[0123] Each hole in the hole group can extend through the corresponding thread root of the external thread portion.

[0124] Adjacent groups of holes may alternate between holes that extend through the crest of the thread and holes that extend through the root of the thread.

[0125] One or more of the holes may have a circular cross-section, for example, when viewed along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hole.

[0126] Each of the plurality of holes may be identical, except for their position on the external thread portion.

[0127] The lifting plug may include a plurality of holes arranged circumferentially along the tubular body or the external thread portion.

[0128] The lifting plug may include a plurality of holes spaced apart along the outer surface of the tubular body or the external thread portion.

[0129] The holes can be arranged at uniform intervals along the circumference of the tubular body or the external threaded portion.

[0130] The holes can be evenly spaced along the outer surface of the tubular body or the external thread.

[0131] The lifting plug may include two sets of holes. The two sets of holes may be spaced 180 degrees apart.

[0132] The lifting plug may include three sets of holes. The three sets of holes may be spaced 120 degrees apart.

[0133] The lifting plug may include four sets of holes. The four sets of holes may be spaced 90 degrees apart.

[0134] The lifting plug may include five groups of holes. The five groups of holes may be spaced 72 degrees apart.

[0135] The lifting plug may include six groups of holes. The six groups of holes may be spaced 60 degrees apart.

[0136] The lifting plug may include any other suitable number of orifice groups.

[0137] The holes are spaced apart from each other by at least one thread crest of the external thread. The holes may be provided through every second thread crest.

[0138] The holes are spaced apart from each other by at least one thread root of the external thread. The holes are provided through every second thread root.

[0139] Two or more of the holes may be spaced apart from each other circumferentially along or around the tubular body.

[0140] Two or more of the holes may be spaced apart from each other along or around the outer surface of the tubular body or the external thread.

[0141] One or more of the holes, or each of them, such as their longitudinal axis, may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

[0142] One or more of the holes, for example their longitudinal axis, may extend substantially perpendicular to the thread crest and / or thread root through which they extend.

[0143] Each of the holes, for example its longitudinal axis, may extend substantially perpendicular to the crest and / or root of the thread through which it extends.

[0144] One or more of the holes, for example their longitudinal axis, may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the tubular body.

[0145] Each of the holes, for example, its longitudinal axis, may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the tubular body.

[0146] The external threaded portion may have a single-start thread. The external threaded portion may include a single thread, a single thread ridge, or a helix.

[0147] The external threaded portion may have multi-start threads. The external threaded portion may include multiple threads or multiple thread ridges or helices.

[0148] The external thread portion may include a plurality of thread crests spaced apart from each other along the external thread portion.

[0149] The outer diameter of the tubular body can decrease towards the free end.

[0150] The tubular body may be truncated conical.

[0151] The external thread portion may be tapered.

[0152] The major and / or minor diameters of the external threaded portion may decrease toward the free end of the tubular body.

[0153] The lifting plug may have a lifting shoulder on the side of the tubular body extending from the flange.

[0154] The lifting plug may include a lifting ring fitted onto the body. The lifting ring may abut against the flange or annular shoulder. The lifting ring may be detachably attached to the flange or annular shoulder. The lifting ring may be configured to abut against the free end of a tubular member during use.

[0155] The tubular body may have a substantially constant inner diameter along its length.

[0156] The lifting plug, flange, and / or body may be made of steel, such as martensitic steel.

[0157] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming or manufacturing a lift plug as described above, the method comprising: providing a lift plug including a tubular body having an external thread and a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and drilling a hole in the external thread through the tubular body to form one or more grease discharge holes.

[0158] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming or manufacturing a lift plug with grease discharge holes, the method comprising: providing a lift plug including a tubular body having an external thread and a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and drilling a hole in the external thread through the tubular body to form one or more grease discharge holes.

[0159] The method may include placing or positioning the lifter plug in the lathe before drilling the one or more grease drain holes.

[0160] The method may include drilling through the wall thickness of the tubular body, for example, drilling from the outer or external surface of the tubular body to its inner or internal surface.

[0161] The method may include drilling through one or more crests and / or one or more roots of the external thread.

[0162] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for removing or draining excess grease from the female thread of a tubular member (e.g., a sleeve), the method comprising: threading a lifter plug as described above to the female threaded end of the tubular member; and loosening the lifter plug and removing it from the end of the tubular member.

[0163] The method may include threading the lifting plug until the free end of the tubular member abuts against the flange or lifting ring.

[0164] The method may include moving the tubular member via the lifting plug and connecting it to an existing tubular column before loosening the lifting plug.

[0165] The method may include applying grease to the female threads at the end of the tubular member before engaging the lifting plug thread.

[0166] The method may include removing grease from the inner surface of the tubular body, the grease having passed through the one or more holes.

[0167] According to another aspect of the invention, a lifting plug includes: a tubular body including an external thread; a flange located at a first end of the body for engaging with a lifting mechanism; one or more holes extending through the tubular body within the external thread; and a grease collection groove that cuts off at least a portion of the external thread.

[0168] For clarity, any features described herein also apply to any aspect of the invention. For example, it should be understood that the lift plug may include one or more grease collection grooves and one or more grease discharge holes as described above.

[0169] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program element comprising and / or describing and / or defining a three-dimensional design for simulating a device or three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing apparatus or equipment (e.g., a three-dimensional printer or a CNC machine tool), the three-dimensional design including an embodiment of the lifter as described above.

[0170] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program element comprising computer-readable program code means for causing a processor to execute a program to implement one or more steps of the above-described method.

[0171] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, particularly their various features, may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, any embodiment and / or any feature of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless such features are incompatible. For clarity, the terms “may,” “and / or,” “for example,” “like,” and any similar terms used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting, such that any technical feature so described is not mandatory. In fact, any combination of optional technical features is expressly covered without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not such combination is expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or accordingly file new claims, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to make it subordinate to and / or incorporated into any technical feature of any other claim, even if the original claim did not claim protection in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0172] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0173] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the lifting plug according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional top view of the lifting plug; and Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of area A.

[0174] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Detailed images of the cut sections; and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of region F. Detailed Implementation

[0175] Now refer to Figure 1 The figure shows a lifting plug 10, configured to be threadedly connected to a tubular component (e.g., drill pipe, casing, or production tubing, not shown) during use and to provide a lifting point for the tubular component. The lifting plug 10 has a tubular body 20 extending along a longitudinal axis L, extending between a first end 22 connected to an annular flange 30 and a free end located at a second end 24. The flange 30 is configured to engage with a lifting mechanism (e.g., a lifting clamp for drilling equipment) during use.

[0176] exist Figure 1In the structure shown, the external thread portion 40 extends from the second end 24 through a portion of the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20 and is configured to engage with the female thread of the tubular member during use. However, it should be understood that the external thread portion 40 does not need to start from the second end 24; its starting point may be spaced apart from the second end 24. As will be described in detail below, an elongated grease collection groove 50 cuts off the external thread portion 40 and is configured to collect grease from the female thread of the tubular member during use when the external thread portion 40 engages with the female thread of the tubular member and rotates relative to it.

[0177] In addition, a plurality of holes 70 extend through the tubular body 20 within the external thread portion 40 and are configured to discharge grease from the female thread of the tubular member during use when the external thread portion 40 engages with the female thread of the tubular member and rotates relative to it.

[0178] The tubular body 20 has a constant inner diameter D defined by its inner surface 20b (FIG. 2). A first portion 26 of the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20 extends between the flange 30 and the external threaded portion 40, having a substantially constant outer diameter and being unthreaded. A lifting ring 29 is fitted onto the first portion 26, making the first portion invisible. In this embodiment, the lifting ring 29 is detachably attached to the flange 30 by one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws). It should also be understood that the lifting ring 29 may not be necessary. The tubular body 20 is substantially truncated tapered at the external threaded portion 40 extending from the first portion 26 to the second end 24. The wall thickness 28 of the tubular body 20 is substantially constant over the first portion 26 and gradually decreases towards the second end 24 over the entire external threaded portion 40, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The cutaway portion is shown.

[0179] In this embodiment, the flange 30 is integrally formed with the tubular body 20. However, it should be understood that the flange 30 may alternatively be detachably connected to the tubular body 20, for example, by one or more fasteners or screws. The flange 30 has an inner diameter defined by a radially inner surface 32, which is approximately equal to the inner diameter D of the tubular body 20, such that surface 20b and surface 32 are abutted. The flange 30 also has a radially outer surface 34, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the first portion 26 of the tubular body 20.

[0180] Therefore, an annular shoulder 36 is provided near the first end 22 (e.g., on the side of the tubular body 20 extending from the flange), the radial width of which is approximately equal to the difference between the diameter defined by the outer surface 34 and the outer diameter of the first portion 26 of the tubular body 20. A lifting ring 29 abuts against the annular shoulder 36, and its radial width is approximately equal to that of the annular shoulder 36. In use, the lifting ring 29 is used to engage with a lifting mechanism. The upper corner of the flange 30 is chamfered, as shown by reference numeral 38. In use, the lifting ring 29 also abuts against the free end or end face of a female threaded joint (e.g., a female threaded joint of a drill string or casing string).

[0181] The external threaded portion 40 includes a single-start male thread 42, which is composed of a single helix extending multiple turns along the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20. Figure 1 In the structure shown, the thread 42 begins at the second end 24 of the body 20 and ends at the end of the external thread portion 40 adjacent to the first portion 26 of the tubular body 20.

[0182] Thread 42 defines a plurality of thread crests 44 arranged along the external thread portion 40, with adjacent thread crests 44 separated by thread roots 46. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in the cross-section, the thread crest 44 has a generally square or rectangular profile. It is understandable that, although... Figure 1 Not shown in the diagram, thread crest 44 may alternatively adopt a dovetail profile.

[0183] See Figures 1 to 3 The lifting plug 10 is provided with three slender grease collection grooves 50. The three grease collection grooves 50 are evenly spaced along the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20 or circumferentially, that is, spaced 120 degrees apart from each other (specifically as shown in the figure). Figure 2 (As shown). Each grease collection groove 50 is approximately a straight groove, and its central axis C is approximately constant in circumferential position on the outer surface of the tubular body 20.

[0184] Each grease collection tank 50 has a first end 52 located within a first portion 26 of the tubular body 20, and a second open end 54 located at a second end 24 of the tubular body 20. Because the grease collection tank 50 is open at the second end 24 of the tubular body 20, the cleaning operation of the collected grease is simplified. Tools or cleaning instruments can be moved along the grease collection tank 50 from the first end 52 to the second open end 54, and all collected grease can be discharged from the second open end 54.

[0185] In this embodiment, each grease collection groove 50 extends through or across the entire external thread portion 40, and cuts off all helical segments or thread crests 44 of the thread 42. The grease collection groove 50 extends substantially perpendicular to the thread 42 or thread crest 44 of the external thread portion 40. Furthermore, the cut-off of the grease collection groove 50 by the external thread portion 40 forms a discontinuity or gap B on the thread 42 throughout the entire external thread portion 40.

[0186] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the grease collection groove 50 is recessed into the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20 within the range of the external thread portion 40, forming a channel with a generally flat groove bottom 56 and a pair of opposing sidewalls 58, 60. The groove bottom 56 of the grease collection groove 50 is recessed at the first end 52 relative to the first portion 26, and is also recessed relative to the thread root 46 of the external thread portion 40.

[0187] One of the sidewalls 58 can be referred to as the posterior sidewall, and the other sidewall 60 can be referred to as the anterior sidewall. See details. Figure 2 During use, the rear sidewall 58 is where the lifting plug 10 is screwed into the tubular component (i.e., Figure 2 The rear side of the lifting plug 10 (when rotated clockwise).

[0188] In this embodiment, each sidewall 58, 60 is provided with an undercut or overhang structure 62 (hereinafter referred to as undercut). In addition, each sidewall 58, 60 extends at an angle X of 60 degrees relative to the flat groove bottom 56. At the same time, each sidewall 58, 60 extends at an angle Y of 30 degrees relative to the normal N of the tangent T at its outer upper end 64.

[0189] For the flat groove bottom 56 of this embodiment, each sidewall 58, 60 extends at an angle Y of 30 degrees relative to the normal N of the groove bottom 56. In use, the undercut 62 improves the effect of the grease collection groove 50 in collecting grease from the female thread of the tubular member, because when the sidewalls 58, 60 move relative to the female thread or laterally cross the female thread, a scooping or scraping action is produced.

[0190] Understandably, despite Figure 1 As not shown, in some embodiments, each sidewall 58, 60 may not have an undercut or overhang structure. In such embodiments, each sidewall 58, 60 extends at an angle X of 90 degrees relative to the flat tank bottom 56. Simultaneously, each sidewall 58, 60 extends at an angle Y of 90 degrees relative to the normal N of the tangent T at its outer upper end 64. For the flat tank bottom 56 of this embodiment, each sidewall 58, 60 may extend at an angle Y of 90 degrees relative to the normal N of the tank bottom 56.

[0191] See now Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The lifting plug 10 is provided with four holes 70, which extend through the tubular body 20 within the external threaded portion 40. Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The holes 70 shown constitute a hole group. Although not shown in the figures, this embodiment has six such hole groups, resulting in a total of 24 holes 70 extending through the tubular body 20. Each hole group is evenly distributed among the three grease collection grooves 50. It will be understood that the invention covers other different arrangements of the grease collection grooves and holes. Each hole 70 extends from the outer surface 20a through the wall thickness of the tubular body 20 to the inner surface 20b.

[0192] Each hole 70 has a longitudinal axis E, which is approximately perpendicular to the inner surface 20b of the tubular body 20 and approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the tubular body 20. When viewed in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis E, each hole 70 has a generally circular cross-section.

[0193] Each hole 70 extends through a corresponding thread crest 44, and adjacent holes 70 are spaced apart by one thread crest 44 along the longitudinal axis L. In this embodiment, the holes 70 are aligned along the longitudinal axis L of the tubular body 20, so they are in the same circumferential position along or around the outer surface 20a of the tubular body 20. It is understood that the number of hole groups arranged circumferentially or on the outer surface 20a of the body 20 or the external thread portion 40 may be other values. Furthermore, it is understood that the holes 70 of one or more hole groups may extend through a corresponding thread root 46, and adjacent holes 70 are spaced apart by one thread root 46 along the longitudinal axis L. Adjacent hole groups may be alternately configured to pass through the thread crest 44 and through the thread root 46.

[0194] In use, the lifting plug 10 is threaded into the end of a tubular member (not shown) with female threads, and then... Figure 2 The view shown is rotated clockwise. The rotation of the lifting plug 10 causes the external thread 40 and thread 42 to engage with the female thread and move laterally relative to the female thread. During the rotation of the lifting plug 10, some of the excess grease coated on the female thread is scraped off and collected in the grease collection groove 50, while the other part is discharged through the hole 70.

[0195] After the tubular component has been moved and connected to the existing tubular column, the lifting plug 10 is loosened and removed from the tubular component to clean the grease in the grease collection groove 50. Additionally, grease discharged through the hole 70 can be removed from the inner surface 20b of the tubular body 20. At this point, there is no longer any excess grease in the female threads of the tubular component that could cause connection failure.

[0196] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

[0197] Those skilled in the art will also understand that any combination of the above features and / or the features shown in the accompanying drawings has significant advantages over the prior art and therefore falls within the protection scope of the present invention as described herein.

Claims

1. A lift plug (10) for connection with drill pipe, casing or production tubing, said lift plug (10) comprising: The main body (20) includes an external threaded portion (40); A flange (30), located at the first end of the body (20), is used to engage with a lifting mechanism; and The grease collection groove (50) cuts off at least a portion of the external thread (40). The grease collection groove (50) terminates at the free end of the main body (20).

2. The lifting plug (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) is elongated.

3. The lifting plug (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) extends through one or more threads of the external threaded portion (40).

4. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) extends perpendicularly to one or more threads of the external thread portion (40).

5. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) and the cut-off portion of the external thread (40) define the discontinuity in one or more threads of the external thread (40).

6. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) is recessed into the outer surface (20a) of the main body (20) at the external thread portion (40).

7. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grease collection groove (50) is recessed relative to the thread root of the external thread portion (40).

8. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The grease collection tank (50) has a generally flat bottom (56).

9. The lifting plug (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sidewalls (58, 60) of the grease collection groove (50) include undercuts (62).

10. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes multiple grease collection tanks (50).

11. The lifting plug (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The plurality of grease collection grooves (50) are arranged circumferentially around the external thread portion (40).

12. The lifting plug (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, It includes three grease collection grooves (50) arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the external thread portion (40).

13. The lifting plug (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It includes an annular lifting shoulder (36) located on the side of the flange (30) extending from the body (20).

14. A method for manufacturing a lifting plug (10) with a grease collection groove (50) for use in drill pipes, casings, or production tubing, characterized in that, The method includes: A lifting plug (10) is provided, the lifting plug (10) comprising a body (20) having an external thread (40) and a flange (30) located at a first end of the body (20) for engaging with a lifting mechanism; and A groove is machined to cut off at least a portion of the external thread (40), wherein the grease collection groove (50) terminates at the free end of the body (20).

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