Composite Pipe End Protector for Impact and Corrosion Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe end protectors for oilfield tubulars face issues such as high cost, insufficient impact resistance, and susceptibility to electrolytic corrosion, particularly during handling and storage of large diameter surface casing pipes.

Innovation Solution

A pipe end protector system comprising an engaging portion made of polymeric materials like polypropylene and a softer bumper portion, which can be an elastomer, designed to connect securely to the pipe and absorb impacts, with a shore D hardness difference to ensure robustness and shock resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional metal protectors are used, then strength and impact resistance are improved, but susceptibility to electrolytic corrosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidelectrolytic corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a polymeric thread protector that is designed to be sacrificial and replaceable. The polymeric material corrodes preferentially in electrolytic environments, protecting the valuable pipe threads. The protector can be easily removed and replaced after use, making it a disposable component that sacrifices itself to protect the permanent pipe infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes polymeric materials with specific properties to create a composite protection system. The protector is made from polymers selected for their corrosion resistance, impact absorption capabilities, and mechanical strength, combining multiple material properties in a single component that addresses both corrosion protection and mechanical protection needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional plastic protectors are used, then cost is reduced and corrosion resistance is improved, but impact resistance becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular polymeric materials and their properties, including Shore D hardness ranges (60-70) and elongation at break requirements (20-40%). By carefully selecting and controlling these material parameters, the protector achieves both adequate impact resistance and corrosion resistance. The polymer formulation and manufacturing process are optimized to balance these competing properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If metal protectors are used, then impact resistance is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a polymeric thread protector that is designed to be sacrificial and replaceable. The polymeric material corrodes preferentially in electrolytic environments, protecting the valuable pipe threads. The protector can be easily removed and replaced after use, making it a disposable component that sacrifices itself to protect the permanent pipe infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces metal-based protection systems with polymer-based systems. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive metal protectors while maintaining adequate protection through the polymer's corrosion resistance and impact absorption properties. The polymer protector achieves the same protective function at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If heavy duty protectors are used, then impact resistance is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidprotector weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes polymeric materials with specific properties to create a composite protection system. The protector is made from polymers selected for their corrosion resistance, impact absorption capabilities, and mechanical strength, combining multiple material properties in a single component that addresses both corrosion protection and mechanical protection needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The system provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and robust protection for pipe ends against mechanical impacts and corrosion, maintaining structural integrity even if the engaging portion fractures, and can be used in extreme temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a softer bumper portion (8), which can be an elastomer... designed to connect securely to the pipe and absorb impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Conventional pipe end protectors for oilfield tubulars face issues such as high cost, insufficient impact resistance, and susceptibility to electrolytic corrosion... The system provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and robust protection for pipe ends against mechanical impacts and corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS11320085B2System and protector for protecting an end of a pipe

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 KROLL PETER

AI summary

A system and a protector for protecting pipes is proposed, wherein the protector comprises a bumper portion made out of an elastomer and an engaging portion made out of a polymeric material.