Tubular End Thread Protector for Faster Pin Thread Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thread protectors for the pin end of casing or tubing are time-consuming to install and remove, significantly impacting production time in oil and gas operations.
Innovation Solution
A thread protector with an external sleeve featuring axially and radially positioned threads on its inner side, along with a flange for engagement, allowing for quick attachment and removal, and optional internal sleeves or securing apparatuses for additional support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used to protect pin end threads, then thread protection is achieved, but installation and removal time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is divided into two main segments: an external sleeve with internal threads and an internal sleeve with external threads. This segmentation allows the protector to be installed more efficiently while maintaining comprehensive thread protection. The external sleeve provides immediate protection when screwed onto the pin end, while the internal sleeve can be inserted to protect remaining threads, enabling rapid deployment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protecting threads from the inside out or using complex locking mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using an external sleeve that screws onto the pin end threads. The external sleeve has internal threads that engage with the pin end external threads, providing protection through a reverse engagement method that simplifies installation and removal operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If more threads are engaged for secure attachment, then stability improves, but installation and removal time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention engages only a portion of the available threads rather than all threads along the pin end. The external sleeve is designed to engage with a limited number of threads (e.g., 3-6 threads) which is sufficient to provide stable attachment and protection. This partial engagement reduces the time required for installation and removal while maintaining adequate stability for the application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces the time required to install and remove the thread protector from multiple tubular members, enhancing production efficiency by minimizing the number of threads engaged and providing effective protection for the pin end threads.
Implementation Method 1
an external sleeve (26) having threads (36) disposed on an inner side (28) to engage with pin threads (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A thread protector that has an external sleeve having threads disposed on an inner side to engage with pin threads disposed on a pin end of a tubular member. The thread protector also has a flange disposed on a first end of the external sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member, the threads on the inner side of the external sleeve are disposed axially adjacent to the flange and radially adjacent to the end of the pin end of the tubular member. A method of protecting the pin threads of the pin ends of the tubular members. The method includes screwing the thread protector on the pin threads of the pin end of the tubular member.