Solid Lubricating Coating for Pipe Threaded Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Threaded joints for oil country tubular goods face challenges with galling resistance and environmental impact due to the use of liquid greases, which are not effective under high pressure and can lead to surface tackiness and foreign matter adhesion, while solid lubricating coatings lack adhesion and self-repairing abilities.

Innovation Solution

A solid lubricating coating using a lubricating oil-containing polymer with a polyolefinic polymer and lubricating oil, either in a uniform or gradient composition, is applied to the contact surfaces of threaded joints, providing a dry surface that prevents foreign matter adhesion and exhibiting self-repairing abilities under high pressure through the release of lubricating oil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid grease is applied to threaded joints, then galling resistance is improved, but surface tackiness occurs and foreign matter adhesion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalling resistanceVSAvoidforeign matter adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state of the lubricant from liquid to solid by using a solid lubricating coating containing molybdenum disulfide particles dispersed in a resin matrix. This parameter change eliminates surface tackiness and foreign matter adhesion while maintaining galling resistance through the solid lubricant's properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite solid lubricating coating by combining molybdenum disulfide particles with a resin matrix. This composite structure provides both the lubricating properties of MoS2 and the adhesive properties of the resin, achieving galling resistance without the drawbacks of liquid grease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If solid lubricating coating is applied to threaded joints, then foreign matter adhesion is prevented, but adhesion of coating to surface is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign matter adhesionVSAvoidcoating adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure where resin particles form a matrix that adheres to the metal surface, while solid lubricant particles are dispersed within this matrix. The resin provides adhesion strength and the solid lubricant provides low friction, solving both adhesion and foreign matter adhesion problems simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The resin matrix acts as an intermediary between the metal surface and the solid lubricant particles. It provides the adhesive bond to the metal surface while holding the lubricant particles in position, enabling both coating adhesion and lubrication function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If solid lubricating coating is applied to threaded joints, then environmental harm is reduced, but self-repairing ability under high pressure is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidself-repairing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The solid lubricating coating is designed to self-repair under high pressure conditions. When the threaded joint is tightened, the pressure causes the resin matrix to deform and redistribute the solid lubricant particles, automatically replenishing lubrication in high-stress areas without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention exploits pressure-induced parameter changes in the coating structure. Under high pressure during tightening, the coating's physical properties change, allowing the solid lubricant to redistribute and maintain lubrication effectiveness, providing self-repairing capability without liquid grease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances galling resistance and prevents foreign matter adhesion, maintaining effective lubrication even under extreme conditions without the environmental drawbacks of liquid greases, achieving performance comparable to compound greases without their environmental and operational drawbacks.

Implementation Method 1

exhibiting self-repairing abilities under high pressure through the release of lubricating oil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced release: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a solid lubricating coating having a matrix of a lubricating oil-containing polymer comprising a polyolefinic polymer and a lubricating oil which are dissolved in each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2414718B1Threaded joint for pipes
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORP
  • EP2414718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2414718B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2414718B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A solid lubricating coating formed on a contact surface of a threaded joint for pipes has a matrix of a lubricating oil-containing polymer. The lubricating oil-containing polymer has either a uniform composition or a gradient composition in which the concentration of lubricating oil decreases towards the contact surface and in which there is substantially no lubricating oil in the vicinity of the contact surface.