Pipe threaded end protector

Abstract

FIELD: piping.SUBSTANCE: thread protector which has an external sleeve to protect the threads located on a tubular element. The thread protector comprises a flange located at the first end of the outer sleeve with the ability to engage with the end of the tubular element. The thread protector also comprises an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular element to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular element, wherein the attachment device comprises a magnet that increases the force of frictional engagement of the attachment device with the inner side of the tubular element. The attachment device may also extend from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, and the attachment device is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.EFFECT: thread protector for a threaded end of a casing or tubing assembly that can be quickly attached to or removed from the casing or tubing assembly.32 cl, 16 dwg

Description

1. Field of technology to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to a thread protector for the threaded end of a casing or tubing assembly, which can be quickly attached to or removed from the casing or tubing assembly. The present invention also relates to a method for attaching or removing thread protectors from the end with external threads of casing or tubing assemblies.2. Description of the prior art

[0002] Casing and / or tubing comprises an end with an external thread and an end with an internal thread. The internal thread end contains threads that are naturally protected by being located within the tubing or casing. The external thread end has threads on the outside of the tubing or casing that are exposed and can be damaged. Thread protectors currently exist for the external thread end of tubing or casing, but they require considerable time to install and remove.When you consider the time required to install and remove a standard thread protector from the male threads of several tubing or casing assemblies, it's a significant amount of time. This significant amount of time is directly lost from the production time of an oil or gas well.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a thread protector for the threads on the end with external threads of tubing or casing, which can be more quickly put on and / or removed from the end with external threads of tubing or casing, but which nevertheless protects all the threads on the end with external threads of tubing or casing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a thread protector that has an outer sleeve for protecting threads located on a tubular element. The thread protector comprises a flange located at a first end of the outer sleeve with the ability to engage with the end of the tubular element. The thread protector also comprises an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular element to maintain the engagement of the thread protector with the tubular element, wherein the attachment device comprises a magnet that increases the frictional engagement force of the attachment device with the inner side of the tubular element.

[0005] The present invention relates to a thread protector that has an outer sleeve for protecting threads located on a tubular element. The thread protector comprises a flange located at a first end of the outer sleeve and capable of engaging with the end of the tubular element. The thread protector also comprises an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular element to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular element, wherein the attachment device is capable of rotation relative to the outer sleeve.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method for protecting external threads at externally threaded ends of tubular elements. The method includes installing a thread protector at the end of the tubular element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a thread protector made in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the thread protector shown in Fig. 4 and made according to the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 7A and made according to the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 8A and made according to the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 9A and made according to the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 10A and made according to the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 10A and made according to the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector made according to the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 11B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the thread protector shown in Fig. 11A and made according to the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 12A-12C show additional views of the thread protector shown in Fig. 11A and 11B and made in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 13A and 13B are perspective views of a portion of the thread protector shown in Fig. 11A and 11B and made according to the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 14A and 14B are additional views of another portion of the thread protector shown in Fig. 11A and 11B and made in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 15A-15D show types of thread protectors containing magnets.

[0029] Fig. 16A-16G are additional views of another portion of the thread protector shown in Fig. 11A and 11B and made in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a thread protector 10 for protecting or securing the thread turns 12 at the end 14 with an external thread of a tubular element 16. The tubular element 16 may be a casing pipe or a tubing pipe used in oil and gas operations. The tubular element 16 also comprises an end 18 with an internal thread opposite the end 14 with an external thread, an inner side 20 and an outer side 22. The end 18 with an internal thread of the tubular element 16 comprises an internal thread 24 located therein on the inner side 20 of the tubular element 16. The thread turns 12 located on the outer side 22 of the end 18 with an external thread of the tubular element 16 may represent a certain number of thread turns or extend along a certain length of the tubular element 16.

[0031] The thread protector 10 comprises an outer sleeve 26, which has such a size that it is located around the outer side 22 of the tubular element 16, and has a length that is at least equal to the length of the thread turns 12 located at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 14. The outer sleeve 26 can have an inner side 28, an outer side 30, a first end 32 and a second end 34. The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 can contain at least one thread turn 36 for engaging with the thread turns 12 located at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thread protector 10 may also comprise a flange 38 directed inward in a radial direction from the first end 32 of the thread protector 10. The flange 38 is arranged such that the end 14 with an external thread of the tubular element 16 can engage with the flange 38 in order to maintain the thread protector 10 in a position of protecting the threads 12 on the end 14 with an external thread of the tubular element 16. In another embodiment, the inner sleeve 40 may extend from the inner diameter 42 of the flange 38 in the same direction as the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The inner sleeve 40 is sized such that it extends back inside the tubular element 16 to provide additional structural support for the thread protector 10.In another embodiment, a plate 44 may be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26 instead of the flange 38 to prevent debris from entering the interior of the tubular member 16 when the tubular member 16 is not in use.

[0033] The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may have any number of successive thread turns, so that the thread protector 10 can be quickly removed from the tubular element 16 and / or replaced on it. The thread turns 12 located on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 are located near the flange 38 of the thread protector 10, so that when the thread protector 10 is engaged with the thread turns 12 at the end 14 with an external thread, the thread turns 12 of the thread protector 10 engage with the thread turns 12 only in the end portion of the end 14 with an external thread of the tubular element 16.If a limited number of threads on the tubular member 16 are engaged to attach the thread protector 10 thereto, the reduction in the time required to remove the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16 and the time required to attach the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16, in total for a large number of tubular members, will be significant.

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

[0035] The thread turns 12 at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16 can extend along a certain length of the tubular member 16. The engaged thread turns (the thread turns extending from the end portion of the end with the external thread of the tubular member and engaging with the thread turns of the thread protector) extend over a certain percentage of the length of all the thread turns 12 at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the length of the engaged thread turns is less than about 40 percent of the total length of all the thread turns 12 at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged thread turns is less than about 30 percent of the total length of all the thread turns 12 at the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16.In a further embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than approximately 25 percent of the total length of all threads 12 on the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than approximately 20 percent of the total length of all threads 12 on the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than approximately 10 percent of the total length of all threads 12 on the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads is less than approximately 5 percent of the total length of all threads 12 on the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16.

[0036] No way. 4-6 shows a thread protector 10 that includes an attachment device 46 that can extend into the tubular member 16 from the flange 38. The attachment device 46 can engage with the inside of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. The attachment device 46 can have any size and shape so that it holds the thread protector 10 in place on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the attachment device 46 can include a plurality of ribs 48 extending from the central member 50. The ribs 48 have outer portions 52 that can engage with the inside of the tubular member 16. The ribs 48 have terminal ends 54 at the ends opposite the flange 38.The outer portion 52 at the terminal ends 54 of the ribs 48 may be tapered to facilitate the insertion of the device 46 for attaching the thread protector 10 to pass into the tubular element 16. The length, width, and height of the ribs 48 may be varied so that the thread protector 10 functions properly. The device 46 for attaching may also have any number of ribs 48 so that the thread protector 10 functions properly. In various embodiments, the device 46 for attaching may have more than two ribs 48, more than three ribs 48, more than four ribs 48, or five or more ribs 48.

[0037] In another embodiment, shown in more detail in Fig. 6, the attachment device 46 may have a first end 58 with spokes attached to the flange 38, and a second end 60 with spokes separated from the first end 58 with spokes by means of a rod member 62. The first and second ends 58, 60 with spokes engage with the inside of the tubular member 16 to securely hold the thread protector 10 in place. The first end 58 with spokes may have any required number of spokes 64 so that the thread protector 10 works properly. Similarly, the second end 60 with spokes may have any required number of spokes 66 so that the thread protector 10 works properly. A portion of the outer surfaces 68 of the spokes 66 may be tapered to facilitate the insertion of the attachment device 46 into the tubular member 16.The attachment device 46 can be used with at least one thread turn 36 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 or without such a turn. The designs of the spokes and ribs of the attachment device 46 provide the ability to visually inspect the interior of the tubular element 16 and to clean the interior of the tubular element 16.

[0038] In another embodiment, the thread protector 10 may have an edge or ridge 70 located on the outer surface 72 of the outer sleeve 26 near the terminal end 74 of the outer sleeve. The ridge 70 allows for engagement with a strip that can extend to the tubular element 16 to help hold the thread protector 10 in the desired position, for example, when transporting the tubular elements 16 to and from work sites or during storage of the tubular elements 16. The strip that can be used can extend around the entire circumference of the thread protector 10 and the tubular element. Mainly, the ridge 70 prevents the strip from slipping off the thread protector 10, and the strip prevents the thread protector 10 from unscrewing from the tubular element 16.

[0039] Fig. 7A and 7B show another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which includes a device 46 for attaching, which can extend inside the tubular member 16 from the flange 38. The device 46 for attaching can engage with the inside of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. The device 46 for attaching can have any size and shape, so that it holds the thread protector 10 in place on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the device 46 for attaching can include a plurality of curved fingers 80 extending from the flange 38. The curved fingers 80 are curved outwardly toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10.

[0040] In another embodiment, the curved fingers 80 can extend from the plate 44, which can be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26. When the plate 44 is used, the plate 44 can have weakened sections 82, allowing the removable parts 84 of the plate 44 to be removed if necessary to open the inside of the tubular element 16. The terminal ends 86 of the curved fingers 80 can have angled parts 90, which are angled inward from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The angled portions 90 of the curved fingers 80 allow the thread protector 10 to more easily allow the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 to slide between the curved fingers 80 and the outer sleeve 26. When the attachment device 46 is forcibly inserted into the tubular element, the curved fingers 80 frictionally engage with the inner side 28 of the tubular element 16.The engagement of the curved fingers 80 with the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 causes the curved fingers 80 to straighten, which allows a larger surface area of ​​the outer sides 92 of the curved fingers 80 to contact the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the thread protector 10 may comprise a debris barrier 88 arranged around the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 in order to prevent debris or fluid from reaching the threads 12 of the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular member 16. The debris barrier 88 may be arranged on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 near the terminal end 34 or directly adjacent to the terminal end 34 of the outer sleeve 26. When using the thread protector 10, the debris barrier 88 extends from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 to the outer side 22 or very close to the outer side 22 of the tubular member 16.The debris barrier 88 may be made of any material that prevents debris from passing between it and the tubular member 16. The debris barrier may be made of a polymeric material that is rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible.

[0042] The thread protector 10 may also comprise a hole 94 located in the outer sleeve 26 for receiving a pin 96 therein for attachment. In one embodiment, the attachment pin 96 may be tapered to allow the narrower end to pass through the opening 94 and contact the tubular member 16 to improve the security of fastening the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. When using a tapered attachment pin 96, the size of the attachment pin 96 allows the attachment pin 96 to be securely received in the opening 94 when the attachment pin 96 is securely positioned relative to the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the opening 94 and the attachment pin 96 may have threads, and the attachment pin 96 can be screwed into the opening 94 and through it and securely fit against the tubular member 16 to further fasten the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16.The pin 96 for attaching can be made of a material that is strong enough to engage with the tubular member 16 and help attach the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. However, if the pin 96 for attaching is intended to engage with the threads 12 on the tubular member 16, the pin 96 for attaching can be made of a material that is softer than the material used to make the tubular member 16. Examples of a material for the pin 96 for attaching include, but are not limited to, a polymeric material (i.e., plastic, rubber, nylon, etc.) and a soft material.

[0043] Fig. 8A and 8B show another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which contains a fastening device 46 that can extend into the tubular element 16 from the flange 38. In this embodiment, the fastening device 46 can contain a plurality of curved fingers 100 extending from the flange 38 to the insert ring 102. The curved fingers 100 are curved outward toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. In another embodiment, the curved fingers 100 may extend from the plate 44, which may be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26, and extend to the insert ring 102. When the plate 44 is used, the plate 44 may have weakened sections 104 that allow the removable portions 106 of the plate 44 to be removed when necessary to open the interior of the tubular element 16.

[0044] The insert ring 102 may have a tapering portion 108 that is located at an inward angle from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The tapered portion 108 can extend around the entire insert ring 102. The tapered portion 108 of the insert ring 102 allows the thread protector 10 to more easily allow the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 to slide between the insert ring 102 (and the curved fingers 100) and the outer sleeve 26. When the attachment device 46 is forced into the tubular element, the curved fingers 100 frictionally engage with the inner side 28 of the tubular element 16. The engagement of the curved fingers 100 with the inner side 28 of the tubular element 16 causes the curved fingers 100 to straighten, which allows a larger surface area of ​​the outer sides 110 of the curved fingers 100 to contact the inner side 20 of the tubular element 16.In a further embodiment, the attachment device 46 may also comprise a structural ring located between the flange 38 or plate 44 and the curved pins 100 to provide additional structural support for the attachment device 46.

[0045] No way. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of a thread protector 10 that includes an attachment device 46 that can extend inside the tubular member 16 from the flange 38. In this embodiment, the attachment device 46 can include a plurality of U-shaped pins 112 that have a first leg 114 extending from the flange 38 and a second leg 116 extending from a main portion 118 that also extends from the flange 38. The first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112 moves further from the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16 as the first leg 114 moves from the flange 38 to the bottom 120 of each U-shaped pin 112. The main portion 118 of the attachment device 46 can have any desired shape that provides adequate structural support for the plurality of U-shaped pins 112.The main portion 118 may extend downwardly into the tubular member 16, or the main portion may be a plate extending inside the flange 38.

[0046] The end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 can be forcibly inserted into the thread protector 10, so that the side wall 122 of the tubular element 16 is thereby positioned between the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and each U-shaped pin 112. The narrowing ratio between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112 creates a situation in which, depending on the thickness of the side wall 122, the side wall 122 of the tubular element 16 is securely wedged between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112. The narrowing ratio and the U-shape of each pin 112 create a greater distance between the lower portion 120 of each U-shaped pin 112 and the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, which facilitates the initial engagement with the tubular element 16.As the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 is forced into engagement with the device 46 for attaching the thread protector 10, the outer surfaces 124 of the first legs 114 of each U-shaped pin are flattened so that more surface area for the outer surfaces 124 can contact the inner side 20 of the tubular element 16 for better attachment of the thread protector 10 to the tubular element 16.

[0047] Fig. 10A-10C show a thread protector 10 that includes an attachment device 46 that can extend into the tubular member 16 from the flange 38 or plate 44. The attachment device 46 can engage with the inside of the tubular member 16 to maintain the position of the thread protector 10 relative to the threads 12 of the end 14 with an external thread of the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the attachment device 46 can include a plurality of ribs 130 extending in a radial direction from the central member 132. The ribs 130 have outer portions 134 that can engage with the inside of the tubular member 16. The length, width and height of the ribs 130 can be varied so that the thread protector 10 functions properly. The attachment device 46 may also have any number of ribs 130 so that the thread protector 10 functions properly.In one embodiment, the attachment device 46 may have multiple levels 136 of ribs 130, wherein each level 136 of ribs 130 may have a different length of ribs 130. Each rib 130 may also have a different stiffness. Different values ​​of the length of the ribs 130 at each level 136 provide the ability to engage with tubular members 16 having different internal diameters. For example, a wider tubular member 16 with a larger internal diameter will engage with the longer ribs 130 of the attachment device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 on the tubular member 16. Conversely, a tubular member 16 with a smaller internal diameter will engage with the shorter ribs 130 of the attachment device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 on the tubular member 16.The thread protector 10 may also comprise a handle 138, which may be attached in any manner known in the art to assist in putting on and removing the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the handle 138 may be attached to the flange 38.

[0048] Fig. 11A-14B show another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which includes an attachment device 46 configured to be selectively attached to the thread protector 10. The attachment device 46 can extend inside the tubular element 16. In this embodiment, the attachment device 46 can be configured to be removed from the thread protector 10 and replaced with attachment devices 46 of other sizes, so that the thread protector 10 can fit tubular elements 16 of several sizes. The attachment device 46 can include a plurality of U-shaped pins 112, which have a first leg 114 extending to the flange 38 and a second leg 116 extending from the main part 118 of the attachment device 46. The main part 118 of the attachment device 46 can be attached to the main element 120, which rests on the flange 38.The first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112 moves further from the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16 as the first leg 114 moves from the direction of the flange 38 to the lower part 124 of each U-shaped pin 112. The main member 120, which is engaged with the attachment device 46, can have any required shape in which the appropriate structural support is provided for the plurality of U-shaped pins 112 of the attachment device 46. The main member 120 can extend downwards into the tubular member 16, or the main member 120 can be a plate extending inside the flange 38.

[0049] The engagement between the main part 118 of the attachment device 46 and the main element 120 can be designed so that the attachment device 46 can be selectively engaged. This allows the attachment devices 46 of different sizes to be used with the thread protector 10 depending on the size of the tubular element 16 having threads that need to be protected. The main part 118 of the attachment device 46 can have projections 126 extending from it, which reliably engage with the holes 128 located in the main element 120. It should be understood that the projections can be located on the main element 120 and the holes can be located in the main part 118 of the attachment device 46. In one embodiment, the projections 126 can have an L-shape, and the holes 128 can have a size that allows the L-shaped projections to pass through them.In one embodiment, the openings 128 may be slots that may allow the first leg 130 of the L-shaped projections 126 to pass through them and may allow the second leg 132 (the part extending from the main part 118 of the attachment device) to pass through the opening 128. In one embodiment, at least one of the openings 128 has a flexible member 134 extending laterally into the opening 128. The flexible member 134 allows the first leg 130 to pass through the opening 128 and allows the second leg 136 of the projection 126 to pass past it when the attachment device 46 is rotated relative to the main member 120 and the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10, but the flexible member 134 does not allow the main member 120 of the attachment device 46 to be easily rotated to rotate it in the opposite direction.The outer sleeve 26 in this embodiment may comprise a slot 136 located therein to provide a gripping point for removing the thread protector 10 in certain situations.

[0050] The end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 can be forcibly inserted into the thread protector 10, so that the side wall 138 of the tubular element 16 is thereby positioned between the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and each U-shaped pin 112. The narrowing ratio between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112 creates a situation in which, depending on the thickness of the side wall 138, the side wall 138 of the tubular element 16 is securely wedged between the first leg 114 of each U-shaped pin 112. The narrowing ratio and the U-shape of each pin 112 create a greater distance between the lower portion 124 of each U-shaped pin 112 and the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, which facilitates the initial engagement with the tubular element 16.As the end 14 with the external thread of the tubular element 16 is forced into engagement with the device 46 for attaching the thread protector 10, the outer surfaces 140 of the first legs 114 of each U-shaped pin are flattened so that more surface area for the outer surfaces 140 can contact the inner side 20 of the tubular element 16 for better attachment of the thread protector 10 to the tubular element 16.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, a debris protection sleeve 142 can be used with a thread protector 10 to create a thread protection system 144. The debris protection sleeve 142 can be implemented to prevent damage to the threads 12 of the tubular element 16 by moisture and debris. The debris protection sleeve 142 is designed to cover a portion of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and an outer portion of the tubular element 16 adjacent to the outer sleeve 26. The debris protection sleeve 142 can have a wider portion 146 that covers the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and a narrower portion 148 that covers the outer portion of the tubular element 16.Both the wider portion 146 and the narrower portion 148 may have a channel 150 located therein for receiving a strip 152 (or a strip) that can be stretched in the channels 150 to ensure engagement of the debris protection sleeve 142. In one embodiment, the outer sleeve 26 may have an annular channel 154 located therein for receiving a channel 150 located in the wider portion 146 of the debris protection sleeve 142. The strip 152 or strip may be any type of strip or strip that can be stretched.

[0052] The attachment device 46 may also contain at least one magnet 160 located in any part of the attachment device 46 in such a way that the magnet 160 can be attracted to the inside of the tubular member 16 and help attach the thread protector 10 to the tubular member. Each attachment device may contain any necessary number of magnets 16 or any necessary sizes of magnets 160 to provide the necessary operation of the thread protector 10. The magnet 160 may be embedded in the surface or located on the surface of any part of the attachment device 46 shown in Fig. 4-13B. Fig. 15A shows an illustrative embodiment of the magnet 160 included in the thread protector 10 shown in Fig. 7A and 7B. Fig. 15B shows an illustrative embodiment of the magnet 160 included in the thread protector 10 shown in Fig. 8A and 8B. In Fig.15C shows an illustrative embodiment of a magnet 160 included in the thread protector 10 shown in Figs. 9A and 9B. Fig. 15D shows an illustrative embodiment of a magnet 160 included in the thread protector 10 shown in Figs. 11A-12C. In some examples, magnets 160 are shown embedded in portions of the attachment device 46, and in other examples, magnet 160 is shown located on the surface of various portions of the attachment device 46.

[0053] Fig. 16A-16G show another embodiment of the thread protector 10 shown in Fig. 11A-14B, having a unique engagement between the main part 118 of the attachment device 46 and the main member 120. In this embodiment, the main part 118 of the attachment device 46 is capable of rotating relative to the main member 120. Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 13A-14B, this allows attachment devices 46 of different sizes to be used with the thread protector 10, depending on the size of the tubular member 16 containing the threads that need to be protected. The main part 118 of the attachment device 46 can have projections 126 extending from it, which securely engage with a part of the main member 120.It should be understood that the projections 126 may be located on the main member 120, and the portion engaged with the projections 126 may be located in / on the main part 118 of the attachment device 46. In one embodiment, the projections 126 may engage with the opening 162 located in the main member 120 to prevent axial separation of the main member 120 and the main part 118, but allow the main member 120 and the main part 118 to rotate relative to each other.

[0054] The opening 162 separates the inner part 164 of the main member 120 and the engagement side 166, which abuts against the support side 168 of the main member 120. The side wall 170 contains the opening 162 and has a certain depth. Each projection 126 may comprise an engaging end 172 that selectively engages with the inner portion 164 of the main portion 118 to attach the main member 120 and the main portion 118 in the axial direction, and a portion 174 in the form of a post extending from the supporting side of the main member to the engaging end 172 of each projection 126. Each engaging end 172 may comprise a shoulder 176 so that when the main member 120 and the main portion 118 are engaged, the shoulder 176 contacts the inner portion 164 of the main member 120 and the angled portion 178 to allow the engaging ends 172 to move upward through the opening 162 and past the side wall 170 when the main member 120 and the main portion 118 are connected.The portion 174 in the form of a post is flexible, which also allows the engaging end 172 of each projection to bend in the opposite direction from the side wall 170 when connecting the main element 120 and the main part 118. The shoulders 176, the supporting side 168 of the main part 118 and the parts 174 in the form of a post of the projections 126 form an annular slot that accommodates the side wall 170, which forms an opening 162 and provides an area in which the main element 120 and the main part 118 will be given the opportunity to rotate relative to each other.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for removing thread protectors 10 from tubular elements 16 and using tubular elements 16 in various oil and gas operations. The method also relates to attaching thread protectors 10 to tubular elements 16 used in oil and gas operations.

[0056] From the above description, it is clear that the present invention is well adapted to achieve the objects and advantages mentioned herein, as well as the advantages inherent in the present invention. Although the present embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that numerous changes can be made that will be obvious to those skilled in the art and that are carried out within the scope of the invention and the claims. Any elements of any embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with any other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A thread protector, wherein the thread protector comprises: an external sleeve for protecting the external thread turns located at the end with an external thread of the tubular element; a flange located at the first end of the outer sleeve with the possibility of engaging with the end with an external thread of the tubular element; and an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member.

2. A thread protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment device additionally comprises a plurality of U-shaped pins for engagement with the inner side of the tubular element.

3. A thread protector according to claim 2, characterized in that each U-shaped pin has a first leg extending in the direction of the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped pin, and a second leg extending from the bottom of the U-shaped pin to the main part.

4. A thread protector according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the first leg of each U-shaped pin tapers in the direction from the inner side of the outer sleeve as the first leg passes from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped pin.

5. A thread protector according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the main part of the fastening device engages with the main element resting on the flange.

6. A thread protector according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the main part may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with holes located in the main element.

7. A thread protector according to paragraph 6, characterized in that the projections are L-shaped.

8. A thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the main element may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with holes located in the main part of the fastening device.

9. A thread protector according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the openings located in the main element has a flexible element located therein and allowing at least one projection to pass by when the main part rotates relative to the main element.

10. A thread protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment device contains a magnet that increases the frictional engagement force of the attachment device with the inner side of the tubular element.

11. A thread protector according to claim 10, characterized in that the attachment device further comprises a plurality of U-shaped or curved pins for engagement with the inner side of the tubular element, and the magnet is located on the outer surface of the U-shaped or curved pins or is built into the U-shaped or curved pins.

12. A thread protector, wherein the thread protector comprises: an external sleeve to protect the threads located on the tubular element; a flange located at the first end of the outer sleeve with the possibility of engaging with the end of the tubular element; and an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, wherein the attachment device is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

13. A thread protector according to paragraph 12, characterized in that the main part of the fastening device engages with the main element resting on the flange.

14. A thread protector according to claim 13, characterized in that the main part may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with a side wall that forms an opening in the main part and the inside of the main part.

15. A thread protector according to claim 14, characterized in that each projection comprises a portion in the form of a post and an engaging end, wherein the engaging end comprises a shoulder and an angled portion, the shoulder engaging with the inner portion of the main portion.

16. A thread protector according to paragraph 15, characterized in that the parts in the form of a stand and shoulders of the projections and the supporting side of the main element form an annular groove.

17. A method for protecting external threads of the ends of tubular elements, the method including: installing a thread protector at the end of the tubular element to protect the threads located at the end of the tubular element, wherein the thread protector contains: an external sleeve for protecting the external thread turns located at the end with an external thread of the tubular element; a flange located at the first end of the outer sleeve with the possibility of engaging with the end with an external thread of the tubular element; and an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inside of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the attachment device further comprises a plurality of U-shaped pins for engagement with the inner side of the tubular element.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that each U-shaped pin has a first leg extending in the direction of the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped pin, and a second leg extending from the bottom of the U-shaped pin to the main part.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the first leg of each U-shaped pin tapers in the direction from the inner side of the outer sleeve as the first leg passes from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped pin.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the main part of the fastening device engages with the main element resting on the flange.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the main part may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with holes located in the main element.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the projections are L-shaped.

24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the main element may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with holes located in the main part of the fastening device.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one of the openings located in the main element has a flexible element located therein and allowing at least one projection to pass by when the main part rotates relative to the main element.

26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the attachment device contains a magnet that increases the frictional engagement force of the attachment device with the inner side of the tubular element.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the attachment device further comprises a plurality of U-shaped or curved fingers for engaging with the inner side of the tubular element, and the magnet is located on the outer surface of the U-shaped or curved fingers or is built into the U-shaped or curved fingers.

28. A method for protecting external threads of the ends of tubular elements, the method including: installing a thread protector at the end of the tubular element to protect the threads located at the end of the tubular element, wherein the thread protector contains: an external sleeve to protect the threads located on the tubular element; a flange located at the first end of the outer sleeve with the possibility of engaging with the end of the tubular element; and an attachment device extending from the flange for frictional engagement with the inner side of the tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, wherein the attachment device is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the main part of the fastening device engages with the main element resting on the flange.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the main part may contain projections extending from it, which can reliably engage with the side wall that forms an opening in the main part, and the interior of the main part.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that each projection contains a part in the form of a post and an engaging end, wherein the engaging end contains a shoulder and an angled part, the shoulder engages with the inner part of the main part.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the parts in the form of a stand and shoulders of the projections and the supporting side of the main element form an annular groove.

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