Overmolded Pipe End Protector for Reusable Thread Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe end protectors for hydrocarbon well components have high production costs and insufficient sealing capacity, leading to limited reusability due to manual placement of seals and potential displacement during reuse.
Innovation Solution
A pipe end protector with a main body made from a first polymeric material and an annular flexible lip seal from a second polymeric material with a lower elastic modulus, attached via over moulding, providing improved sealing and adhesion to reduce manual labor and enhance reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If seals are manually placed in grooves of pipe end protector, then production costs are relatively high, but sealing capacity is not always sufficient to protect pipe threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal placement process with the main body manufacturing by integrating groove formation into the injection molding process. The grooves are formed directly during molding of the main body, eliminating separate manual seal placement steps and ensuring consistent sealing capacity through automated, precise groove geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise groove parameters including depth between 0.5-2.0mm, width matching seal outer diameter, and radial positioning at 0.5-1.5mm from inner surface. These controlled geometric parameters ensure reliable seal engagement and consistent sealing performance while enabling automated manufacturing.
2Productivity
If pipe end protector is reused, then productivity increases, but seal moves out of grooves reducing average sealing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective features during manufacturing: grooves are pre-formed with precise dimensions to retain seals, and the main body is molded with built-in protection against seal displacement. These preliminary structural features ensure seals remain properly positioned during multiple reuse cycles, maintaining sealing capacity without requiring repositioning actions.
3Ease of operation
If threads are screwed too far or not far enough, then ease of operation is reduced, but sealing capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a buffer zone in the groove design that accommodates variations in thread alignment. The groove geometry and seal positioning are designed to maintain effective sealing even when threads are slightly over-or under-screwed, providing a cushion against misalignment that preserves both ease of operation and sealing reliability.
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 solution reduces production costs and improves sealing efficiency, allowing the pipe end protector to be reused more frequently by maintaining seal position and providing protection even when threads are not fully aligned, with a buffer zone to prevent damage from over-tightening.
Implementation Method 1
the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected to adhesively attach to each other by over moulding
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe end protector for protecting pipe threads provided on a pipe end of a pipe component for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, said pipe end protector comprising a main body and an annular flexible lip seal, wherein the main body is made from a first polymeric material having a first elastic modulus, and the lip seal is made from a second polymeric material having a second elastic modulus which is lower than the first elastic modulus.