Pipe end protector

Abstract

A pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on a female pipe end of a pipe component for hydrocarbon well exploration and production, the pipe end protector including a body and an annular flexible axial lip seal, the body formed from a first polymeric material having a first modulus of elasticity, and the lip seal formed from a second polymeric material having a second modulus of elasticity lower than the first modulus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe end protector for protecting a pipe thread provided on a pipe end portion of a pipe component for hydrocarbon well exploration and production, and an assembly including such a pipe end protector and a pipe component. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a pipe end protector.

[0002] After a pipe component for hydrocarbon well exploration and production is manufactured, it is necessary to transport the pipe component to a location where hydrocarbon well exploration and production are carried out. During this transportation, there is a high risk that the pipe thread at the pipe end is damaged. To reduce this risk, a pipe end protector is screwed onto the pipe end to cover the pipe thread. At least one seal is provided on the pipe end protector to avoid humidity or small solid particles, such as dust accumulating on the pipe thread. Generally, the pipe end protector has an inner seal and an outer seal, and the pipe thread is located between the inner seal and the outer seal.

Background Art

[0003] Known pipe end protectors include a body having a longitudinal axis and a tubular portion provided with a protector thread configured to cooperate with the pipe thread of the pipe end. A groove is provided in the body, and the inner seal and the outer seal are manually arranged in the groove.

[0004] This pipe end protector has the disadvantage that the manufacturing cost is relatively high. This is caused especially by the fact that the seals are manually arranged in the groove.

[0005] In addition, the seals may come out of the groove when the pipe end protector is reused. As a result, the average sealing ability of the pipe end protector decreases relatively quickly when it is reused. Therefore, the pipe end protector is generally reused only a relatively limited number of times.

[0006] Pipe end protectors can be divided into two distinct groups: pipe protectors for male pipe ends and pipe protectors for female pipe ends. Due to the differences in design between male and female pipe ends, each of these two groups of pipe end protectors may have its own unique challenges. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an improved, or at least alternative, pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on the pipe ends of pipe components for hydrocarbon well exploration and production. The pipe end protector is: - A body having a longitudinal axis, a support portion having an annular seal support surface that extends at least partially radially, and a tubular portion provided with a protector thread configured to cooperate with a pipe thread at the pipe end, - Includes an annular, flexible axial lip seal provided on the seal support surface; -- The main body is formed from a first polymer material having a first elastic modulus, -- The axial lip seal is formed from a second polymer material having a second elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus. -- The axial lip seal includes an annular lip base, the annular lip base extending radially along at least a portion of the seal support surface and attached to the seal support surface by overmolding. -- An axial lip seal includes an annular lip, the annular lip extending from the lip base to the free edge of the lip, the free edge being axially spaced from the lip base; --- The pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend toward the longitudinal axis by the female projection surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other axially during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, in order to position the free edge between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the female pipe end (in use), or --- The pipe end protector is configured for the male pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend away from the longitudinal axis by the male projection surface of the male pipe end as the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, in order to position the free edge between the male pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the male pipe end (in use).

[0008] Overmolding the axial lip seal on the main body allows for efficient manufacturing of pipe end protectors with minimal manual labor. In addition, the overmolding ensures that the axial lip seal remains in place even when the pipe end protector is reused.

[0009] The axial lip seal is configured to address the specific characteristics of female and male pipe ends and to form a robust seal between the pipe end protector and the female pipe end, or between the pipe end protector and the male pipe end.

[0010] Because axial lip seals have an elongated portion (when viewed in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis), they are very well suited to being efficiently manufactured by overmolding.

[0011] The position of the free edge between the pipe end and the longitudinal axis ensures that the lip is pressed against the female pipe end, increasing the sealing effect of the axial lip seal.

[0012] The position of the free edge between the female end and the longitudinal axis is related to the position of the free edge relative to the female end and the longitudinal axis in the radial direction.

[0013] The position of the male tube end between the free edge and the longitudinal axis ensures that the lip is pressed against the male tube end, increasing the sealing effect of the axial lip seal.

[0014] The position of the male tube end between the free edge and the longitudinal axis is related to the position of the male tube end and the free edge relative to the longitudinal axis in the radial direction.

[0015] The terms "axial" and "radial" used refer to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0016] The terms "radially extending" and "extends radially" refer to situations where an item extends away from its longitudinal axis.

[0017] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip includes an annular outer lip surface, and the axial lip seal is configured to maintain contact between the outer lip surface and the pipe end when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the pipe end (during use).

[0018] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to apply a lip force to the pipe end by its outer lip surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end (during use).

[0019] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip force applied to the pipe end has an axial force component and a radial force component.

[0020] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip force is formed by the rigidity of the axial lip seal.

[0021] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, when the lip reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end (during use), there is no contact with the main body, and the lip force is formed solely by the rigidity of the axial lip seal.

[0022] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the body includes an annular body contact surface located between the lip and the longitudinal axis, and the axial lip seal is configured to contact the body contact surface when it reaches its final configured position on the female pipe end (during use). More specifically, the lip of the axial lip seal is in contact with the body contact surface of the body when it reaches its final configured position on the female pipe end (during use). In this way, the annular body contact surface assists in forming the lip force.

[0023] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the body includes an annular body contact surface, the lip is located between the body contact surface and the longitudinal axis, and the axial lip seal is configured to contact the body contact surface when it reaches its final configured position on the male pipe end (during use). More specifically, the lip is in contact with the body contact surface of the body when it reaches its final configured position on the male pipe end (during use). In this way, the annular body contact surface assists in forming the lip force.

[0024] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is in contact with the body contact surface when it reaches its final configured position on the pipe end (more specifically, the female pipe end or the male pipe end) (during use).

[0025] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip includes an annular inner lip surface, and the annular inner lip surface is in contact with the body contact surface when it reaches its final configured position on the pipe end (more specifically, the female pipe end or the male pipe end) (during use).

[0026] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the body contact surface extends at an angle α of 35° to 55° (including both ends), preferably 40° to 50° (including both ends) with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip includes a first lip contact area configured to contact the female pipe end (during use) when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the female pipe end, and the lip includes a second lip contact area configured to contact the body contact surface (during use) when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the female pipe end. The first lip contact area and the second contact area are located (during use) between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the female pipe end.

[0028] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip includes a first lip contact area configured to contact the male pipe end (during use) when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the male pipe end, and a second lip contact area configured to contact the body contact surface (during use) when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the male pipe end. The male pipe end is (during use) located between the first and second lip contact areas and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configured position on the male pipe end.

[0029] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the body contact surface is a portion of the peripheral surface of the tubular portion. The peripheral surface is the outer peripheral surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end. The peripheral surface is the inner peripheral surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end.

[0030] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the first lip contact area is located on the outer lip surface, and the second lip contact area is located on the inner lip surface.

[0031] In one aspect of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to first make contact between the free edge and the female protrusion surface of the female pipe end during rotation of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end (during use), and then move the free edge along the female protrusion surface toward the longitudinal axis when the rotation configuration continues.

[0032] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured such that, during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, it first makes contact between the free edge and the male projection surface of the male pipe end, and then moves the free edge along the male projection surface away from the longitudinal axis as the rotation configuration continues.

[0033] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a female projection surface that extends at an angle β of 70° to 90° (including both ends), preferably 80° to 90° (including both ends), with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0034] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a male projection surface that extends at an angle β of 70° to 90° (including both ends), preferably 80° to 90° (including both ends).

[0035] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to contact the inner edge of the female pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end (during use).

[0036] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to contact the outer edge of the male pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end (during use).

[0037] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to contact the inner edge of the female pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end and its inner edge is positioned between the female projection surface and the longitudinal axis (during use).

[0038] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to contact the outer edge of the male pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end and the male protruding surface is positioned between the outer edge and the longitudinal axis.

[0039] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to have annular line contact with the pipe end (more specifically, the female or male pipe end) surrounding the longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end (during use).

[0040] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is located on the female pipe end. When the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position (in use), it is configured to have annular line contact with the inner edge of the female pipe end that surrounds the longitudinal axis.

[0041] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to have annular line contact with the outer edge of the male pipe end surrounding the longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end (during use).

[0042] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is oriented toward the longitudinal axis when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0043] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends along the longitudinal axis at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0044] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is located radially closer to the longitudinal axis than the lip base when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0045] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is directed toward the tubular portion when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0046] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends toward the tubular portion at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0047] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the tubular portion is located radially between the longitudinal axis and the axial lip seal. This applies when the pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end.

[0048] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip of the axial lip seal is configured to bend toward the tubular portion by the female protruding surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end.

[0049] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is directed toward the protector thread when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0050] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends toward the protector thread at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0051] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the pipe end protector is configured such that, during the configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, at least a portion of the protector thread moves axially along the female protruding surface before the lip of the axial lip seal is bent toward the longitudinal axis by the female protruding surface of the female pipe end.

[0052] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is oriented away from the longitudinal axis when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

[0053] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends along the longitudinal axis at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

[0054] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is located radially further from the longitudinal axis than the lip base when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

[0055] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is directed toward the tubular portion when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0056] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends toward the tubular portion at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

[0057] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is located radially between the longitudinal axis and the tubular portion. This applies when the pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end.

[0058] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip of the axial lip seal is configured to bend toward the tubular portion when the support portion and the male pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end.

[0059] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is directed toward the protector thread when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female pipe end.

[0060] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends toward the protector thread at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

[0061] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the pipe end protector is configured such that, during the configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, at least a portion of the protector thread moves axially along the male protruding surface before the lip is bent away from the longitudinal axis by the male protruding surface of the male pipe end.

[0062] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is directed toward the circumferential surface of the tubular portion when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the pipe end. The circumferential surface is the outer circumferential surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end. The circumferential surface is the inner circumferential surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end.

[0063] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip extends toward the circumferential surface at the free edge when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the pipe end.

[0064] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the free edge is located radially closer to the circumferential surface than the lip base when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the pipe end.

[0065] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip of the axial lip seal is configured to bend toward the outer peripheral surface by the female protruding surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end.

[0066] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the lip of the axial lip seal is configured such that when the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector at the male pipe end, the lip bends toward the inner circumferential surface by the male protruding surface of the male pipe end. It has been done.

[0067] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw is provided on the circumferential surface of the tubular portion.

[0068] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is configured to extend from the seal support surface over a first axial lip seal distance XL1 when no force is applied by the pipe end (more specifically, the female or male pipe end), and to extend from the seal support surface over a second axial lip seal distance XL2 which is smaller than the first axial lip seal distance XL1 when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the pipe end (during use).

[0069] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, at the final configuration position, the pipe end (more specifically, the female pipe end or male pipe end) is located at an axial pipe distance XP from the seal support surface, and the axial pipe end distance XP is smaller than the first axial lip distance XL1.

[0070] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the seal support surface extends at least partially radially from the circumferential surface of the tubular portion. The circumferential surface is the outer circumferential surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end. The circumferential surface is the inner circumferential surface when the pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end.

[0071] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is an external lip seal for the female pipe end.

[0072] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is an internal lip seal for the male pipe end.

[0073] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is a single portion formed by overmolding.

[0074] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw (and pipe screw) is a wedge-type screw.

[0075] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw (and pipe screw) is a free-running thread.

[0076] In one embodiment of a pipe end protector, a first polymer material and a second polymer material are selected to be bonded to each other by overmolding.

[0077] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, adhesive attachment is achieved by chemical, dispersion, and / or diffusion bonding of a first polymer material and a second polymer material by overmolding.

[0078] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the first polymer material of the main body is a polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is an elastomer, preferably an olefin block copolymer, more preferably a block copolymer of polyethylene blocks arranged alternately with blocks of ethylene / octen copolymer.

[0079] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the body is at least partially radially Including a further support portion having an extending annular further sealing support surface, - The pipe end protector includes an annular flexible further lip seal provided on a further seal support surface, the further lip seal being formed from a third polymer material having a third modulus of elasticity lower than a first modulus, the further lip seal including an annular further lip base, the annular further lip base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding.

[0080] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw is located in the axial direction between an axial lip seal and a further lip seal.

[0081] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw is located in the axial direction between the seal support surface and a further seal support surface.

[0082] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the axial lip seal is located in the axial direction further away from the lip seal than the protector threads.

[0083] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further lip seal is an internal lip seal for the female pipe end.

[0084] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further lip seal is an external lip seal for the male pipe end.

[0085] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further lip seal includes an annular further lip, the annular further lip extending from a foot of the further lip attached to the further lip base to a free edge of the further lip axially spaced from the further lip base, the foot and the further free edge being radially offset.

[0086] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further lip seal is a further axial lip seal, - The further axial lip seal includes an annular support base, the annular support base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding, and the support base includes an annular base contact surface configured to contact the annular lip contact surface of the further lip when in use, Further lip bases and support bases are spaced radially apart from each other, and further lip bases and support bases are spaced axially apart from each other.

[0087] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw is located in the axial direction between an axial lip seal and a further axial lip seal.

[0088] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, a further axial lip seal includes an annular seal opening located between the lip contact surface and the base contact surface, the seal opening providing access to an annular space, the annular space being surrounded in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis by a further lip, a further lip base, and a support base.

[0089] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the pipe end protector includes an air passage.

[0090] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further lip seal is a radial lip seal, and the further free edge is located further from the longitudinal axis than the further lip base, and The edges are oriented toward the longitudinal axis, or the further free edges are located closer to the longitudinal axis than the further lip bases and are oriented toward the longitudinal axis.

[0091] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the protector screw is located in the axial direction between the axial lip seal and the radial lip seal.

[0092] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the further axial lip seal is a single portion formed by overmolding.

[0093] In one embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention, the radial lip seal is a single portion formed by overmolding.

[0094] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the pipe end protector according to the present invention may include features of any combination of any number of embodiments of the pipe protector according to the present invention as defined above.

[0095] The present invention further relates to an assembly including a pipe component for the exploration and production of hydrocarbon wells, wherein the pipe component has a female pipe end provided with pipe threads and a pipe end protector according to the present invention, wherein the pipe threads and the protector threads are screwed together, the female pipe end is located in the final configuration position, and the free edge of the lip is located between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis, or the present invention relates to an assembly including a pipe component for the exploration and production of hydrocarbon wells, wherein the pipe component has a male pipe end provided with pipe threads and a pipe end protector according to the present invention, wherein the pipe threads and the protector threads are screwed together, the male pipe end is located in the final configuration position, and the male pipe end is located between the free edge and the longitudinal axis.

[0096] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the lip bends toward the longitudinal axis by the female end as the support portion and the female end move toward each other in an axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe.

[0097] In one aspect of the assembly according to the present invention, the lip bends away from the longitudinal axis by the male pipe end as the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe.

[0098] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the pipe thread and the protector thread are wedge-type threads.

[0099] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the pipe threads and the protector threads are free-moving threads.

[0100] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, a further lip of a further axial lip seal is pressed to contact a support base by an axial force Fa applied by the pipe end (more specifically, the female pipe end or the male pipe end).

[0101] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, a further free salt of the radial lip seal is pushed radially inward by a radial force Fr applied by the female end.

[0102] In one embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the further free edge of the radial lip seal is pushed radially outward by a radial force Fr applied by the male pipe end.

[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an assembly according to the present invention may include features of any combination of any number of embodiments of the assembly according to the present invention as defined above.

[0104] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on the pipe end of pipe components for hydrocarbon well exploration and production, wherein the method is: - Injecting a first polymer material into a main mold configured to form a body having a first elastic modulus, a longitudinal axis, at least one support portion having an annular sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, and a tubular portion, - After removing the main body from the main mold, the axial lip seal mold is placed to cover the seal support surface, - Injecting a second polymer material into an axial lip seal mold, wherein the axial lip seal mold is configured to form an annular flexible axial lip seal, the annular flexible axial lip seal having a second elastic modulus lower than a first elastic modulus, extending radially along at least a portion of the seal support surface and attached to the seal support surface by overmolding, and further including an annular lip extending from the lip base to a free edge of the lip, the free edge being axially spaced apart from the lip base; -- The pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend toward the longitudinal axis by the female projection surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other axially during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, in order to position the free edge between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the female pipe end (in use), or -- The pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend away from the longitudinal axis by the male protruding surface of the male pipe end when the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, in order to position the male pipe end between the free edge and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the male pipe end (in use).

[0105] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method includes forming a protector thread on a tubular portion using a threading device, the protector thread being configured to cooperate with a pipe thread at the end of the pipe.

[0106] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the method includes forming a protector thread on a tubular portion using a main mold, the protector thread being configured to cooperate with a pipe thread at the end of the pipe.

[0107] In one embodiment of the method, the main mold is configured to form a body including a further support portion having an annular further sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, and the method is as follows: - The method includes arranging a further lip seal mold over a further seal support surface and injecting a third polymer material into the further lip seal mold, wherein the further lip seal mold is configured to form a further axial lip seal, and the further axial lip seal has a third elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus; -- An annular additional lip base extending radially along at least a portion of the additional seal support surface and attached to the additional seal support surface by overmolding, -- An annular support base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding, -- Including an annular base contact surface located on the support base and configured to contact the lip contact surface located on the lip during use; --- Further lip bases and support bases are spaced radially apart from each other. --- Further lips and support bases are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. --- Further axial lip seals are provided, annularly located between the lip contact surface and the base contact surface. Includes a sealing opening, --- The seal opening provides access to an annular space surrounded by a further lip, a further lip base, and a support base in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis. - The further axial lip seal mold includes an annular space mold portion configured to form a space for further axial lip seals, - The method includes injecting a third polymer material into a further axial lip seal mold, and then removing the annular space mold portion through the sealing opening of the further axial lip seal.

[0108] In one aspect of the method according to the present invention, the main mold is configured to form a body including a further support portion having an annular sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, and the method is as follows: - The method includes arranging a further lip seal mold to cover a further seal support surface, and injecting a third polymer material into the further lip seal mold, wherein the further lip seal mold is a radial lip seal mold configured to form a radial lip seal having a third elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus, and the further free edge is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the further lip base and is directed away from the longitudinal axis.

[0109] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the method according to the present invention may include features of any combination of any number of embodiments of the method according to the present invention as defined above.

[0110] Embodiments of the pipe end protector, assembly, and method according to the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the attached schematic diagrams in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0111] [Figure 1A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 1B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 1A is shown. [Figure 1C] A schematic enlarged view of section C of Figure 1A is shown. [Figure 1D] A schematic enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of part C in Figure 1A is shown. [Figure 1E] A schematic enlarged view of another alternative embodiment of part C in Figure 1A is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the female pipe end of a pipe component relative to the pipe end protector. [Figure 3A] The cross-sectional views of the pipe end protector in Figure 1A and the female pipe end in Figure 2 during the rotation configuration are schematically shown. [Figure 3B]A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 3A is shown. [Figure 3C] A schematic enlarged view of section C of Figure 3A is shown. [Figure 4A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention is shown, including the pipe end protector and female pipe end shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 4B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 4A is shown. [Figure 4C] A schematic enlargement of section C in Figure 4A is shown. [Figure 5A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the pipe end protector and female pipe end according to the present invention in a rotating configuration is shown. [Figure 5B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 5A is shown. [Figure 5C] A schematic enlarged view of section C in Figure 5A is shown. [Figure 6A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention is shown, including the pipe end protector and female pipe end shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 6A is shown. [Figure 6C] A schematic enlarged view of section C of Figure 6A is shown. [Figure 7A] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7B] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7C] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7D] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7E] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7F] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7G] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 7H] One embodiment of the method according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 8A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 8B] A schematic enlarged view of part B of Figure 8A is shown. [Figure 9] Figure 8A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration for the female end of a pipe component relative to the pipe end protector. [Figure 10] A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention is shown, including the pipe end protector in Figure 8A and the female pipe end in Figure 9. [Figure 11A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 11B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 11A is shown. [Figure 11C] A schematic enlargement of section C in Figure 11A is shown. [Figure 12] Figure 11A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the male pipe end of a pipe component relative to the pipe end protector. [Figure 13A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention is shown, including the pipe end protector in Figure 11A and the male pipe end in Figure 12. [Figure 13B] A schematic enlargement of part B of Figure 13A is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0112] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the pipe end protector 1 according to the present invention. The pipe end protector 1 is configured to be screwed onto the female pipe end 3 of the pipe component 4 in Figure 2. Although only the upper half of the pipe end protector 1 is shown, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the pipe end protector 1 is radially symmetrical. This also applies to the other drawings in which only the upper half is shown. Figures 1B and 1C show enlarged views of parts B and C of Figure 1A, respectively. The pipe end protector 1 is configured to protect the pipe threads 2 provided on the female pipe end 3 of a pipe component 4 for hydrocarbon well exploration and production. The pipe end protector 1 includes a body 5 having a longitudinal axis 6 and a support portion 10 having an annular seal support surface 7 that extends at least partially radially, and a tubular portion 8 (see Figures 3A and 4A) provided with a protector thread 9 configured to cooperate with the pipe threads 2 of the pipe end 3. An annular, flexible axial lip seal 11 is provided on the seal support surface 7. As will be described in detail, the pipe end protector 1 also includes a further lip seal 150, which is a further axial lip seal 111. The further lip seal 150 is provided on an annular further seal support surface 107 that extends at least partially radially on the further support portion 110. The axial lip seal 11 is an external lip seal 36. The further lip seal 150 is an internal lip seal 37. The pipe thread 2 and the protector thread 9 are wedge-type threads 79. In another example, the pipe thread 2 and the protector thread 9 are free-moving threads.

[0113] The terms "axial direction" and "radial direction" used refer to the longitudinal axis 6 of the main body 5.

[0114] The terms "radially extending" and "extends radially" refer to a situation where an item extends away from its longitudinal axis.

[0115] For example, in the embodiment of the pipe end protector 1 shown in Figure 1, the annular seal support surface 7, which extends at least partially radially, extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6. In another embodiment of the pipe end protector 1 according to the present invention, the seal support surface 7 is less than 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis 6. It extends at least partially under a certain angle. This also applies, in particular, to an annular further seal support surface 107 that extends at least partially radially, on which an additional lip seal 150 is provided in a similar manner.

[0116] As used herein, the term "ring-shaped" refers to items having a ring-like structure.

[0117] As merely an example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an annular seal support surface 7 that is at least partially radially extending may have an axially extending portion. This may be similar to the situation shown in Figures 8B and 11B, where a further annular seal support surface 107 that is at least partially radially extending has an axially extending portion.

[0118] The main body 5 is formed from a first polymer material 12 having a first elastic modulus 13. The axial lip seal 11 is formed from a second polymer material 14 having a second elastic modulus 15 that is lower than the first elastic modulus 13.

[0119] The axial lip seal 11 has an annular lip base 16, which extends radially along at least a portion of the seal support surface 7 and is attached to the seal support surface 7 by overmolding. The axial lip seal 11 includes an annular lip 21 extending from the lip base 16 to a free edge 23 of the lip 21, which is axially spaced away from the lip base 16. The lip 21 is configured to bend toward the longitudinal axis 6 when the support portion 10 and the female pipe end 3 are moved axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3, so that the free edge 23 is positioned between the female free end 3 and the longitudinal axis 6 when the pipe end protector 1 reaches its final configuration position 70 on the female pipe end 3 (in use) (see Figure 4A).

[0120] The position of the free edge 23 between the female pipe end 3 and the longitudinal axis 6 ensures that the lip 21 is pressed against the female pipe end 3, thereby increasing the sealing effect of the axial lip seal 11.

[0121] The first polymer material 12 of the main body 5 is polyolefin, more specifically polyethylene. The second polymer material 14 of the axial lip seal 11 is elastomer, more specifically olefin block copolymer, and even more specifically block copolymer of polyethylene blocks arranged alternately with blocks of ethylene / octen copolymer.

[0122] The first polymer material 12 and the second polymer material 14 are selected to be bonded to each other by overmolding. The bonded attachment of the axial lip seal 11 of the body 5 to the seal support surface 7 is achieved by chemical, dispersion, and / or diffusion bonding of the first polymer material 12 and the second polymer material 14, which is caused by overmolding.

[0123] Chemical adhesion occurs when surface atoms of one material form ionic, covalent, or hydrogen bonds with surface atoms of another material. In dispersion adhesion, the two materials are held together by van der Waals forces. Diffusion adhesion occurs through polymer chains, where the molecular ends of one polymer material diffuse into the other polymer material. If both polymer materials are crystalline, crystallization of the polymer chains may occur. Preferably, adhesive attachment occurs through diffusion adhesion of polymer chains, optionally including cocrystallization.

[0124] Since the axial lip seal 11 is attached to the seal support surface 7 by overmolding, the axial lip seal 11 will remain in its position on the seal support surface 7 when the pipe end protector 1 is reused. The reduction in the sealing capacity of the part protector 1 will be relatively low. Therefore, the pipe end protector 1 can be used more frequently.

[0125] The free edge 23 is oriented toward the longitudinal axis 6 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female pipe end 3. This facilitates the lip 21 bending toward the longitudinal axis 6 of the pipe end protector 1 when the support portion 10 and the female pipe end 3 are moved axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3.

[0126] The lip 21 extends toward the longitudinal axis 6 at the free edge 23 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the female end 3.

[0127] When the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female end 3, the free edge 23 is located radially closer to the longitudinal axis 6 than the lip base 16.

[0128] The free edge 23 is directed toward the tubular portion 8 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female end 3.

[0129] The lip 21 extends toward the tubular portion 8 at the free edge 23 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female end 3.

[0130] The tubular portion 8 is located radially between the longitudinal axis 6 and the axial lip seal 11. This also applies to the pipe end protector 1 configured for the female pipe end 3.

[0131] The lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is configured to bend toward the tubular portion 8 by the female protruding surface 76 of the female end 3 when the support portion 10 and the female end 3 move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female end 3.

[0132] The free edge 23 is oriented toward the protector screw 9 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female pipe end 3.

[0133] The lip 21 extends toward the protector screw 9 at the free edge 23 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female pipe end 3.

[0134] In the configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3, at least a portion of the protector screw 9 is configured to move axially along the female protruding surface 76 before the lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is bent toward the longitudinal axis 6 by the female protruding surface 76 of the female pipe end 3.

[0135] The free edge 23 is directed toward the circumferential surface 44 of the tubular portion 8 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the female end 3. The circumferential surface 44 is the outer circumferential surface 48.

[0136] The protector screws 9 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 48 of the tubular portion 8.

[0137] The lip 21 extends toward the outer peripheral surface 48 at the free edge 23 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the female pipe end 3.

[0138] The free edge 23 is located radially closer to the outer peripheral surface 48 than the lip base 16 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the female pipe end 3.

[0139] The seal support surface 7 extends at least partially radially from the outer peripheral surface 48 of the tubular portion 8. ru.

[0140] The lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is configured to bend toward the outer peripheral surface 48 by the female protruding surface 76 of the female pipe end 3 when the support portion 10 and the female pipe end 3 move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3.

[0141] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to extend from the seal support surface 7 over a first axial lip seal distance XL1 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the female pipe end 3.

[0142] The further axial lip seal 111 includes a further annular lip base 116, which extends radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface 107 and is attached to the further seal support surface 107 by overmolding. The further axial lip seal 111 includes a further annular lip 121, which, in an uncompressed axial state, extends from a foot 122 of the further lip 121 attached to the further lip base 116 to a further free edge 123 of the further lip 121 that is axially spaced away from the further lip base 116. The foot 122 and the further free edge 123 are radially offset.

[0143] The further axial lip seal 111 includes an annular support base 117, which extends radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface 107 and is attached to the seal support surface 107 by overmolding. The support base 117 includes an annular base contact surface 126 configured to contact the annular lip contact surface 130 of the further lip 121 when in use. The further lip base 116 and the support base 117 are radially spaced apart from each other. The further lip 121 and the support base 117 are axially spaced apart from each other. As a result, the lip contact surface 130 and the base contact surface 126 are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0144] The further axial lip seal 111 includes an annular intermediate base 119, which extends radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface 107 and is attached to the further seal support surface 107 by overmolding. The intermediate base 119 interconnects the further lip base 116 and the support base 117. The further axial lip seal 111 is a single piece formed by injection overmolding.

[0145] The further axial lip seal 111 includes an annular seal opening 125 located between the lip contact surface 130 and the base contact surface 126. In a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis 6, the seal opening 125 provides access to an annular space 124 surrounded by the further lip 121, the further lip base 116, and the support base 117.

[0146] Since the axial lip seal 11 and the further axial lip seal 111 are overmolded onto the main body 5, the pipe end protector 1 can be manufactured more efficiently or without manual labor. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the pipe end protector 1. Overmolding is a manufacturing process in which an item is (injection) molded onto (a part of) another item.

[0147] Both the axial lip seal 11 and the further axial lip seal 111 with space 124 have an elongated shape that is very suitable for overmolding. Thus, the axial lip seal 11 and the further axial lip seal 111 can be overmolded efficiently and with high reliability.

[0148] The protector screw 9 is located in the axial direction 27 between the axial lip seal 11 and a further axial lip seal 111.

[0149] The protector screw is located between the seal support surface 7 and a further seal support surface 107 in the axial direction 27.

[0150] The axial lip seal 11 is located in the axial direction further away from the axial lip seal 111 than from the protector screw 9.

[0151] The pipe end protector 1 includes an air passage 58 that, when viewed in the radial direction 18, is located closer to the longitudinal axis 6 than the internal lip seal 36. The air passage 58 prevents the formation of overpressure within the pipe component 4 when the pipe end protector 1 is placed on both pipe ends 3. The air passage 58 is a through hole 59.

[0152] The additional lip base 116 protrudes from the additional seal support surface 107, positioning the foot 122 of the additional lip 121 at a distance 133 from the additional seal support surface 107 in the axial direction 18. The support base 117 protrudes from the additional seal support surface 107, positioning the base contact surface 126 at a distance 134 from the additional seal support surface 107 in the axial direction 18.

[0153] The seal opening 125 encloses less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, and more preferably less than 10% of the space 124 in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis 6.

[0154] The seal opening 125 allows space 124 to be formed by an annular space mold portion 155 of an additional axial seal mold 153 configured to form an additional axial lip seal 111 by overmolding (see Figure 7G).

[0155] The seal opening 125 is the only access to the space 124. A further lip 121 extending from the foot 122 to a further free edge 123 is oriented toward the longitudinal axis 6. The support base 117 is located closer to the longitudinal axis 6 than the further lip base 116. The further axial lip seal 111 is formed from a third polymer material 45 having a third modulus of elasticity 46 that is lower than the first modulus of elasticity 13 of the first polymer material 12. The third polymer material 45 may be the same as the second polymer material 14, and therefore the third modulus of elasticity 46 may be the same as the second modulus of elasticity 15.

[0156] Figures 1D and 1E show enlarged views of two alternative embodiments of the additional axial lip seal 111 shown in section C of Figure 1A. The alternative additional axial lip seal 111 in Figure 1E differs in that it does not include the intermediate base 119, and therefore the additional lip base 116 and support base 117 are not interconnected. The additional axial lip seal 111 is manufactured in two (only two) parts by injection overmolding. The alternative body 5 differs in that the additional seal support surface 107 extends not only radially 18 but also axially 27.

[0157] Figures 1A to 1E show the pipe end protector 1 in an uncompressed state. Figures 4A to 4C show the pipe end protector 1 in an axially compressed state, with the pipe end protector 1 at its final configuration position 70 on the female pipe end 3.

[0158] Figures 3A-3C schematically show the pipe end protector 1 in Figure 1A and the female pipe end 3 in Figure 2 during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3 (as shown in Figure 3A). The axial lip seal 11 first makes contact between the free edge 23 and the female projection surface 76 of the female free end 3, and then, as the rotation configuration continues, the free edge 23 is aligned with the female projection surface 76. It is configured to move toward the longitudinal axis 6.

[0159] The axial lip seal 11 is configured such that the free edge 23 moves along a female projection surface 76 that extends at an angle β of approximately 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis 6, as shown in Figure 3B. In another example, the angle β is 70° to 90° (inclusive of both ends), preferably 80° to 90° (inclusive of both ends) with respect to the longitudinal axis 6. The female projection surface 76 is oriented to facilitate the movement of the free edge 23 toward the longitudinal axis 6, particularly by pressing.

[0160] Figures 4A-C show the pipe end protector 1 in its final configuration position 70 on the female pipe end 3. The lip 21 includes an annular outer lip surface 71, and the lip seal 11 is configured to maintain contact between the outer lip surface 71 and the female free end 3.

[0161] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to apply a lip force FL to the female pipe end 3 by its outer lip surface 71. The lip force FL applied to the female pipe end has an axial force component FLx (which is greater than 0 Newtons) and a radial force component FLr (which is greater than 0 Newtons).

[0162] In Figure 4A, when the lip 21 reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3 (during use), there is no contact with the body 5, and the lip force FL is formed solely by the rigidity of the axial lip seal 3. In another example, the lip 21, more specifically the free edge 23 of the lip 21, is in contact with the body 5 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3 (during use). In this way, an annular body contact surface 72 of the body 5 in contact with the lip 21 is formed. The body contact surface 72 is used to assist in the formation of the lip force FL. Figure 6A shows a further example of using the body contact surface 72 to assist in the formation of the lip force FL. The body contact surface 72 is a part of the outer peripheral surface 48 of the tubular portion 8.

[0163] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to contact the inner edge 77 of the female end 3. The inner edge 77 is located between the female projection surface 76 and the longitudinal axis 6. The axial lip seal 11 has an annular line contact 78 that surrounds the longitudinal axis 6 with the female end 3, more specifically with the inner edge 77 of the female end 3. The line contact 78 reduces the risk of liquid passing through the axial lip seal 11 by capillary action.

[0164] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to extend from the seal support surface 7 to a first axial lip seal distance XL1 that is smaller than the second axial lip seal distance XL2 at the final configuration position 70.

[0165] At the final configuration position 70, the female pipe end 3 is located at an axial pipe distance XP from the seal support surface 7, and the axial pipe end distance XP is smaller than the first axial lip distance XL1.

[0166] Herein, we refer to a further axial lip seal 111. The further lip 121 is configured to contact the base contact surface 126 when an axial force Fa is applied to the further lip 121 by the female end 3, more specifically by the internal shoulder 20 of the female end 3.

[0167] Figures 5A to 5C show a second embodiment of the pipe end protector 1 and female pipe end 3 according to the present invention in a rotating configuration. The final configuration position 70 is reached in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0168] The body 5 includes an annular body contact surface 72 located between the lip 21 and the longitudinal axis 6, and the axial lip seal 11 is configured to contact the body contact surface 72 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3. The lip 21 includes an annular inner lip surface 73 that is in contact with the body contact surface 72 at the final configuration position 70. In this example, the free edge 23 may come into contact with the main body contact surface 72 during the final configuration.

[0169] The main body contact surface 72 extends at an angle α of approximately 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis 6. In other examples, the angle α is approximately 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis 6. When viewed in the radial direction 18, the main body contact surface 72 is inclined toward the seal support surface 7.

[0170] The lip 21 includes a first lip contact area 74 configured to contact the female pipe end 3 and a second lip contact area 75 configured to contact the main body contact surface 72. In the final configuration position 70, the first lip contact area 74 and the second contact area 75 are located between the female pipe end 3 and the longitudinal axis 6. The first lip contact area 74 is located on the outer lip surface 71, and the second lip contact area 75 is located on the inner lip surface 73.

[0171] Figures 7A to 7H illustrate one aspect of the method according to the present invention. More specifically, they illustrate one aspect of the manufacturing method for the pipe end protector 1 shown in Figure 1. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this method can be similarly applied to the manufacture of other disclosed pipe end protectors 1.

[0172] The manufacturing method for the pipe end protector 1 shown in Figure 1 includes the following steps.

[0173] In Figure 7A, the main mold 52 is provided. The main mold 52 is configured to form the body 5. The first polymer material supply unit 61 is connected to the main mold 52.

[0174] In Figure 7B, the first polymer material 12 is injected into the main mold 52 by the first polymer material supply unit 61 to form a body 5 having a first elastic modulus 13. In Figure 7C, the main body 5 is removed from the main mold 52.

[0175] In the embodiment of the method described, a main mold 52 is used to form the protector screws 9 on the tubular portion 8. The protector screws 9 are formed on the tubular portion 8 during the injection of the first polymer material 61 into the main mold 52.

[0176] In another embodiment of the method, a threading device (not shown) is used to form the protector threads 9 on the tubular portion 8. In this embodiment, the main mold 52 does not include a thread mold portion 57 for forming the protector threads 9. The protector threads 9 are threaded on the tubular portion 8 after the body 5 has been removed from the main mold 52.

[0177] In Figure 7D, the axial seal mold 53 is positioned on the seal support surface 7. The second polymer material supply unit 62 is connected to the axial seal mold 53.

[0178] In Figure 7E, the second polymer material 14 is injected into the axial seal mold 53 to form an axial lip seal 11 having a second elastic modulus 15 that is lower than the first elastic modulus 13. Because the axial lip seal 11 has an elongated shape, the injection-molded second polymer material 14 can be cooled relatively quickly. As a result, the axial lip seal 11 can be overmolded efficiently in terms of time.

[0179] In Figure 7F, the axial seal mold 53 has been removed. A further axial seal mold 153 is positioned to cover the further seal support surface 107. The further axial seal mold 153 includes an annular space mold portion 155 which will form the space 124 for the further axial lip seal 111. A third polymer material supply unit 63 is connected to the further axial seal mold 153.

[0180] In Figure 7G, the third polymer material 45 is injected into a further axial seal mold 153. This forms a further axial lip seal 111 having a third elastic modulus 46 that is lower than the first elastic modulus 13.

[0181] In Figure 7H, the additional axial seal mold 153 has been removed. The annular space mold portion 155 has been removed through the seal opening 125 of the additional axial lip seal 111. The manufacturing process for the pipe end protector 1 is complete.

[0182] In one example of manufacturing the pipe end protector 1 as shown in Figure 8, a radial lip seal mold is used to overmolde the radial lip seal 140 onto the additional seal support surface 107 of the main body 5.

[0183] Figures 8A and 8B show a third embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention. The embodiment in Figure 8 differs from the embodiment in Figure 1 in that the further lip seal 150 is an annular, flexible radial lip seal 140. The further free edge 123 of the radial lip seal 140 is located further away from the longitudinal axis 6 than the further lip base 116. The further free edge 123 is oriented away from the longitudinal axis 6. The configuration of the radial lip seal 140 achieves better sealing performance.

[0184] In particular, the radial lip seal 140 is very suitable for internal sealing to protect the pipe threads at the end of a pipe component when the pipe end does not have an internal shoulder. In other words, the radial lip seal 140 is especially useful for providing internal sealing between the end of a pipe component and a pipe end protector when the pipe end does not have an internal shoulder.

[0185] A radial lip seal 140 is provided on an additional seal support surface 107. The radial lip seal 140 is formed from a third polymer material 45. The radial lip seal 140 forms an internal lip seal 36. The radial lip seal 140 includes an annular additional lip base 116, which extends radially along the additional seal support surface 107 and is attached to the additional seal support surface 107 by overmolding. The annular additional lip 121 extends from a foot 122 of the additional lip 121 attached to the additional lip base 116 in an uncompressed radial state to an additional free edge 123 located further from the longitudinal axis 6 than the additional lip base 116.

[0186] The further lip 121 includes an intermediate lip section 149 located between the foot portion 122 and the further free edge 123.

[0187] The radial lip seal 140 is a single piece manufactured by injection overmolding.

[0188] The protector screw 9 is located between the axial lip seal 11 and the radial lip seal 140 in the axial direction 27.

[0189] The protector screw 9 is located in the axial direction 27 between the seal support surface 7 and a further seal support surface 107.

[0190] The axial lip seal 11 is located in the axial direction further away from the radial lip seal 140 than the protector screw 9.

[0191] Figure 9 shows an alternative configuration of the female pipe end 3 of the pipe component 4 relative to the pipe end protector 1 in Figure 8A. The female pipe end 3 does not include an internal shoulder.

[0192] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe end protector of Figure 8A located at the final configuration position 70 on the female pipe end of Figure 9. During the rotational configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the female pipe end 3, the further free edge 123 of the radial lip seal 140 is moved radially inward by the radial force Fr applied by the pipe end 3.

[0193] Figures 11A-C show cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of the pipe end protector according to the present invention. The pipe end protector 1 is configured for the male pipe end 83 of Figure 12. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many of the features discussed in relation to the previous figures are also applicable to the pipe end protector 1 of Figure 11A in a similar manner, with necessary modifications. Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, including the pipe end protector of Figure 11A and the male pipe end of Figure 12. Figure 13B shows an enlarged view of part B of Figure 13A.

[0194] The pipe end protector 1 is configured for the male pipe end 83, and the lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is configured to bend away from the longitudinal axis 6 by the male projection surface 86 of the male pipe end 83 as the support portion 10 and the male pipe end 83 move axially toward each other, in order to position the male pipe end 83 between the free edge 23 and the longitudinal axis 6 when the pipe end protector 1 reaches its final configuration position 70 on the male pipe end 83 (in use). The term "between" refers to the situation relative to the longitudinal axis 6 when viewed in the radial direction 18.

[0195] The position of the male tube end 83 between the free edge 23 and the longitudinal axis 6 ensures that the lip 21 is pressed against the male tube end 83, thereby increasing the sealing effect of the axial lip seal.

[0196] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to first make contact between the free edge 23 and the male projection surface 86 of the male pipe end 83 during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83, and then move the free edge 23 along the male projection surface 8 away from the longitudinal axis 6 as the rotation configuration continues.

[0197] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to allow the free edge 23 to move along a male projection surface 86 that extends at an angle β of approximately 90°. In another example, the angle β is 70° to 90° (inclusive of both ends), preferably 80° to 90° (inclusive of both ends). The male projection surface 86 is oriented to facilitate the movement of the free edge 23 away from the longitudinal axis 6.

[0198] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to contact the outer edge 84 of the male pipe end 83 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83, and the male projection surface 86 is located between the outer edge 84 and the longitudinal axis 6.

[0199] The axial lip seal 11 is configured to have an annular line contact 78 that surrounds the longitudinal axis 6 with the outer edge 84 of the male pipe end 83 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83.

[0200] The free edge 23 is oriented away from the longitudinal axis 6 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 83. This facilitates the bending of the lip 21 as the support portion 10 and the male pipe end 83 move axially toward each other during the rotational configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83.

[0201] The lip 21 extends away from the longitudinal axis 6 at the free edge 23 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the male pipe end 83.

[0202] The free edge 23 is such that when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 83, In the radial direction, it is located further from the longitudinal axis 6 than the lip base 16.

[0203] The free edge 23 is directed toward the tubular portion 8 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 38.

[0204] The lip 21 extends toward the tubular portion 8 at the free edge 23 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 38.

[0205] The axial lip seal 11 is located radially between the longitudinal axis 6 and the tubular portion 8. This also applies when the pipe end protector 1 is configured for the male pipe end 38.

[0206] The lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is configured to bend toward the tubular portion 8 when the support portion 10 and the male pipe end 38 move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 38, by the male protruding surface 86 of the male pipe end 38.

[0207] The free edge 23 is oriented toward the protector screw 9 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 38.

[0208] The lip 21 extends toward the protector screw 9 at the free edge 23 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 38.

[0209] The pipe end protector 1 is configured such that, during its construction on the male pipe end 38, at least a portion of the protector screw 9 moves axially along the male protruding surface 86 before the lip 21 is bent away from the longitudinal axis 6 by the male protruding surface 86 of the male pipe end 38.

[0210] The free edge 23 is directed toward the circumferential surface 44 of the tubular portion 8 when no force is applied to the axial lip seal 11 by the male pipe end 83. The circumferential surface 44 is the internal circumferential surface 47.

[0211] The protector screws 9 are provided on the inner peripheral surface 47 of the tubular portion 8.

[0212] The lip 21 extends toward the inner peripheral surface 47 at the free edge 23 when the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 83.

[0213] When the axial lip seal 11 is not subjected to force by the male pipe end 83, the free edge 23 is located radially closer to the inner peripheral surface 47 than the lip base 16.

[0214] The seal support surface 7 extends at least partially radially from the inner peripheral surface 47 of the tubular portion 8.

[0215] The lip 21 of the axial lip seal 11 is configured to bend toward the inner circumferential surface 47 by the male protruding surface 86 of the male pipe end 83 when the support portion 10 and the male pipe end 83 move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83.

[0216] The axial lip seal 11 is an internal lip seal 36 for the male pipe end 83. A further lip seal 150 is provided as an external lip seal 37 for the male pipe end 83.

[0217] The further lip seal 150 is a radial lip seal 140, and the further free edge 123 is It is located closer to the longitudinal axis 6 than the further lip base 116 and is oriented toward the longitudinal axis.

[0218] The further free edge 123 of the radial lip seal 140 is pushed radially outward by the radial force Fr applied by the male pipe end 83.

[0219] The main body 5 includes an annular main body contact surface 72, the lip 21 is located between the main body contact surface 72 and the longitudinal axis 6, and the axial lip seal 11 is configured to contact the main body contact surface 72 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83 (during use). This is similar to the embodiment discussed in relation to Figure 5A.

[0220] The lip 21 includes a first lip contact area 28 configured to contact the male pipe end 83 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 86, and a second lip contact area 29 configured to contact the main body contact surface 72 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 86. The male pipe end 83 is located between the first and second lip contact areas 28, 29 and the longitudinal axis 6 when it reaches the final configuration position 70 of the pipe end protector 1 on the male pipe end 83. The main body contact surface 72 is a portion of the inner peripheral surface 47 of the tubular portion 8.

[0221] The pipe thread 2 and the protector thread 9 are free-moving threads 81. In another example, the pipe thread 2 and the protector thread 9 are wedge-type threads.

[0222] While detailed embodiments of the invention have been discussed herein as necessary, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details discussed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as representative grounds to teach those skilled in the art to use the invention in substantially any of the appropriately detailed structures. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0223] The terms “a” or “an” are defined as, as used herein, one or more. The term “plural” is defined as, as used herein, two or three or more. The term “another” is defined as, as used herein, at least second or more. The terms “contains” and / or “have” are defined as, as used herein, “contains” (i.e., open language that does not exclude other elements or steps). No reference mark in the claims should be construed as limiting the claims or the scope of the invention.

[0224] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the pipe end protector, assembly, and method according to the present invention without departing from the scope defined in these claims.

[0225] The first polymer material and / or the second polymer material may contain additives such as colorants, fillers, flame retardants, dyes, reinforcing fibers, plasticizers, and other additives known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on the pipe end of a pipe component for hydrocarbon well exploration and production, wherein the pipe end protector comprises: - A body having a longitudinal axis, a support portion having an annular seal support surface that extends at least partially radially, and a tubular portion provided with a protector thread configured to cooperate with a pipe thread at the pipe end, - Including an annular, flexible axial lip seal provided on the seal support surface; -- The main body is formed from a first polymer material having a first elastic modulus, -- The axial lip seal is formed from a second polymer material having a second elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus. -- The axial lip seal includes an annular lip base, the annular lip base extends radially along at least a portion of the seal support surface and is attached to the seal support surface by overmolding. -- The axial lip seal includes an annular lip, the annular lip extending from the lip base to the free edge of the lip, the free edge being spaced axially from the lip base; --- The pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend toward the longitudinal axis by the female protruding surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, in order to position the free edge between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the female pipe end, or --- The pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend away from the longitudinal axis by the male protruding surface of the male pipe end as the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, in order to position the male pipe end between the free edge and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the male pipe end.

2. The pipe end protector according to claim 1, wherein the lip includes an annular outer lip surface, and the axial lip seal is configured to maintain contact between the outer lip surface and the pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end.

3. The axial lip seal has reached the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end. The pipe end protector according to claim 2, wherein the outer lip surface is configured to apply lip force to the pipe end.

4. The pipe end protector according to claim 3, wherein the lip force applied to the pipe end has an axial force component and a radial force component.

5. The pipe end protector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lip force is formed by the rigidity of the axial lip seal.

6. - The body includes an annular body contact surface located between the lip and the longitudinal axis, and the axial lip seal is configured to contact the body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, or - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body includes an annular body contact surface, the lip is located between the body contact surface and the longitudinal axis, and the axial lip seal is configured to contact the body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end.

7. The pipe end protector according to claim 6, wherein the free edge is in contact with the main body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end or male pipe end.

8. The pipe end protector according to claim 6, wherein the lip includes an annular inner lip surface that is in contact with the main body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end or male pipe end.

9. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the main body contact surface extends at an angle α between 35° and 55° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

10. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the main body contact surface extends at an angle α between 40° and 50° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

11. - The lip includes a first lip contact area configured to contact the female pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, and a second lip contact area configured to contact the main body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, wherein the first lip contact area and the second contact area are located between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when they reach the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, or - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lip includes a first lip contact area configured to contact the male pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, and a second lip contact area configured to contact the main body contact surface when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, and the male pipe end is located between the first and second lip contact areas and the longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end.

12. The pipe end protector according to claim 11, wherein the first lip contact area is located on the outer lip surface and the second lip contact area is located on the inner lip surface.

13. - The axial lip seal is configured such that, during the rotation configuration of the tube end protector on the female tube end, it first makes contact between the free edge and the female projection surface of the female tube end, and then moves the free edge along the female projection surface toward the longitudinal axis as the rotation configuration continues, or - The axial lip seal, in the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, first A pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the free edge is configured to make contact with the male projection surface of the male pipe end, and subsequently, when the rotation configuration is in progress, the free edge is configured to move along the male projection surface away from the longitudinal axis.

14. - The axial lip seal is configured to have a free edge that moves along a female projection surface that extends at an angle β between 70° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis, or - The pipe end protector according to claim 13, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a male projection surface extending at an angle β between 70° and 90°.

15. - The axial lip seal is configured to have a free edge that moves along a female projection surface that extends at an angle β between 70° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis, or - The pipe end protector according to claim 13, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a male projection surface extending at an angle β between 80° and 90°.

16. - The axial lip seal is configured to have a free edge that moves along a female projection surface that extends at an angle β between 80° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis, or - The pipe end protector according to claim 13, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a male projection surface extending at an angle β between 70° and 90°.

17. - The axial lip seal is configured to have a free edge that moves along a female projection surface that extends at an angle β between 80° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis, or - The pipe end protector according to claim 13, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to move its free edge along a male projection surface extending at an angle β between 80° and 90°.

18. - The axial lip seal is configured to contact the inner edge of the female end when it reaches the final configuration position of the end protector on the female end, or - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to contact the outer edge of the male pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end.

19. - The axial lip seal is configured to contact the inner edge of the female pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, and the inner edge is located between the female projection surface and the longitudinal axis, or - The pipe end protector according to claims 13 to 17, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to contact the outer edge of the male pipe end when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, and the male protruding surface is located between the outer edge and the longitudinal axis.

20. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to make annular line contact with the female pipe end or male pipe end along the longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end.

21. - The axial lip seal is configured to have an annular line contact with the inner edge of the female pipe end along its longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, or - The axial lip seal is configured to have an annular line contact with the outer edge of the male pipe end along its longitudinal axis when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end. The pipe end protector according to claim 18 or 19.

22. - The free edge is oriented toward the longitudinal axis when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the female end, or - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the free edge is oriented away from the longitudinal axis when the axial lip seal is not subjected to force by the male pipe end.

23. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the axial lip seal is configured to extend from the seal support surface over a first axial lip seal distance XL1 when no force is applied by the female or male pipe end, and to extend from the seal support surface over a second axial lip seal distance XL2 which is smaller than the first axial lip seal distance XL1 when it reaches the final configuration position of the pipe end protector on the pipe end.

24. The pipe end protector according to claim 23, wherein in the final configuration position, the female pipe end or male pipe end is located at an axial pipe distance XP from the seal support surface, and the axial pipe end distance XP is smaller than the first axial lip distance XL1.

25. - The axial lip seal is an external lip seal for the end of a female pipe, or - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the axial lip seal is an internal lip seal for the male pipe end.

26. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the pipe thread and the protector thread are wedge-type threads.

27. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first polymer material and the second polymer material are selected to be bonded to each other by overmolding.

28. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is a polyolefin, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is an elastomer.

29. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is polyethylene, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is an elastomer.

30. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is a polyolefin, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is an olefin block copolymer.

31. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is a polyolefin, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is a block copolymer of polyethylene blocks arranged alternately with blocks of ethylene / octen copolymer.

32. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is polyethylene, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is an olefin block copolymer.

33. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first polymer material of the main body is polyethylene, and the second polymer material of the lip seal is a block copolymer of polyethylene blocks arranged alternately with blocks of ethylene / octen copolymer.

34. - The main body includes a further support portion having an annular sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, - The pipe end protector includes an annular, flexible, further lip seal provided on a further seal support surface, -- The further lip seal is formed from a third polymer material having a third elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus. -- The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the further lip seal includes an annular further lip base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding.

35. - The further lip seal is an internal lip seal for the female end, or - The pipe end protector according to claim 34, wherein the further lip seal is an external lip seal for the male pipe end.

36. The pipe end protector according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the further lip seal includes an annular further lip, the annular further lip extending from a foot of the further lip attached to the base of the further lip to a free edge of the further lip axially spaced from the base of the further lip, and the foot and the further free edge are radially offset.

37. - The aforementioned further lip seal is a further axial lip seal, - The further axial lip seal includes an annular support base that extends radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and is attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding, - The support base includes an annular base contact surface configured to contact an annular lip contact surface of a further lip during use. - The further lip base and support base are spaced radially apart from each other. - The pipe end protector according to claim 36, wherein the further lip and support base are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

38. The pipe end protector according to claim 37, wherein the further axial lip seal includes an annular seal opening located between the lip contact surface and the base contact surface, the seal opening providing access to an annular space surrounded by the further lip, the further lip base, and the support base in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis.

39. - The aforementioned further lip seal is a radial lip seal, - The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the further free edge is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the further lip base and is directed away from the longitudinal axis, or the further free edge is located closer to the longitudinal axis than the further lip base and is directed toward the longitudinal axis.

40. The pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the pipe end protector includes an air passage.

41. It is an assembly; - A pipe component for the exploration and production of hydrocarbon wells, wherein the pipe component comprises a female pipe end provided with pipe threads and a pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the pipe threads and the protector threads are screwed together, the female pipe end is located in the final configuration position, and the free edge of the lip is located between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis, or - A pipe component for the exploration and production of hydrocarbon wells, wherein the ring component comprises a male pipe end provided with pipe threads and a pipe end protector according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the pipe threads and the protector threads are screwed together, the male pipe end is located in the final configuration position, and the male pipe end is located between the free edge and the longitudinal axis, pipe component An assembly that includes this.

42. - The lip, during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe, bends toward the longitudinal axis when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction, or - The assembly according to claim 41, wherein the lip bends away from the longitudinal axis when the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe.

43. The assembly according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the pipe thread and protector thread are wedge-type threads.

44. The assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the further lip of the further axial lip seal is pressed to contact the support base by an axial force Fa applied by the female or male end, The pipe end protector is as defined in claim 37. Assembly.

45. - The further free edge of the radial lip seal is pushed radially inward by the radial force Fr applied by the female end, or - The further free edge of the radial lip seal is pushed radially outward by the radial force Fr applied by the male pipe end. An assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, The pipe end protector is as defined in claim 36. Assembly.

46. A method for manufacturing a pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on the pipe end of pipe components for hydrocarbon well exploration and production, the method being: - Injecting a first polymer material into a main mold configured to form a body having a first elastic modulus, a longitudinal axis, at least one support portion having an annular seal support surface that extends at least partially radially, and a tubular portion, - To form a protector thread on a tubular portion using a threading device or a main mold, wherein the protector thread is configured to cooperate with the pipe thread at the end of the pipe. - After removing the main body from the main mold, the axial lip seal mold is placed over the seal support surface, - Injecting a second polymer material into an axial lip seal mold, wherein the axial lip seal mold is configured to form an annular flexible axial lip seal, the annular flexible axial lip seal having a second elastic modulus lower than a first elastic modulus, extending radially along at least a portion of the seal support surface and attached to the seal support surface by overmolding, and further comprising the free movement of the lip from the lip base Including an annular lip extending to the edge, the free edge is axially spaced from the base of the lip, including injection; -- The pipe end protector is configured for a female pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend toward the longitudinal axis by the female protruding surface of the female pipe end when the support portion and the female pipe end move toward each other in the axial direction during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the female pipe end, in order to position the free edge between the female pipe end and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the female pipe end, or -- A method wherein the pipe end protector is configured for a male pipe end, and the lip is configured to bend away from the longitudinal axis by the male projection surface of the male pipe end as the support portion and the male pipe end move axially toward each other during the rotation configuration of the pipe end protector on the male pipe end, in order to position the male pipe end between the free edge and the longitudinal axis when the pipe end protector reaches its final configuration position on the male pipe end.

47. The main mold is configured to form a body including a further support portion having an annular sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, and the method is: - To cover an additional seal support surface and place an additional lip seal mold, - comprising injecting a third polymer material into a further lip seal mold, wherein the further lip seal mold is configured to form a further axial lip seal, and the further axial lip seal has a third elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus; -- An annular further lip base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding, -- An annular support base extending radially along at least a portion of the further seal support surface and attached to the further seal support surface by overmolding, -- Including an annular base contact surface located on the support base and configured to contact the lip contact surface located on the lip during use; --- Further lip bases and support bases are spaced radially apart from each other. --- Further lips and support bases are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. --- Further axial lip seals include an annular sealing opening located between the lip contact surface and the base contact surface, --- The seal opening provides access to an annular space surrounded by a further lip, a further lip base, and a support base in a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis. - The further axial lip seal mold includes an annular space mold portion configured to form a space for a further axial lip seal, - The method according to claim 46, wherein the method comprises removing an annular space mold portion through a sealing opening of the further axial lip seal after the third polymer material has been injected into a further axial lip seal mold.

48. The main mold is configured to form a body including a further support portion having an annular sealing support surface that extends at least partially radially, and the method is as follows: - To cover an additional seal support surface and place an additional lip seal mold, The method according to claim 46, comprising: injecting a third polymer material into a further lip seal mold, wherein the further lip seal mold is configured to form a radial lip seal having a third elastic modulus lower than a first elastic modulus, and the further free edge is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the further lip base and is directed away from the longitudinal axis.

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