Split Thread Protector Sleeve for Fast Tubular Joint Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing protective devices for threaded joints in tubular hydrocarbon working strings are cumbersome to remove, complicating the installation process and exposing weak points during operations, as they require time-consuming unscrewing and attention from operators.
Innovation Solution
A protective device for the male end portion of a steel tube featuring a cylindrical sleeve body split into axially held shells, with an engagement portion that separates under axial force, converting it into a radial force to easily detach from the tube, allowing for quick removal and improved alignment during stabbing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective device with a screwed-on cylindrical sleeve is used to protect the male threaded portion, then the threaded joint is protected from wear, but the device requires time-consuming manual unscrewing and operator attention during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical sleeve is divided into two separate halves that can be easily separated from each other. The engagement portion is also divided into two engagement surfaces, each on a different half of the sleeve. This segmentation allows the protective device to be quickly split apart and removed without time-consuming unscrewing operations, while still providing complete protection when assembled.
2Reliability
If a protective device requiring manual unscrewing is used, then the threaded portion is protected, but the installation process becomes more complicated and operator attention is demanded
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cylindrical sleeve into two halves connected by a fractureable junction, the device transforms from a complex screwed-on assembly into a simple snap-together structure. The two halves can be independently positioned and joined without requiring threading operations, significantly simplifying both installation and removal while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction connecting the two halves is designed to fracture under predefined axial force, making the protective device a disposable component. After use, the device is discarded rather than reused, eliminating the need for complex removal operations and operator attention during installation, while providing reliable protection during the critical period before installation.
3Strength
If the cylindrical sleeve is made as a single solid piece, then structural strength is maximized, but removal becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into two halves that maintain structural strength when assembled, as each half provides support to the other. The fractureable junction is strategically designed to be weak only in the radial direction (for easy separation), while maintaining sufficient strength to protect the threaded portion during handling and installation. This segmentation enables easy removal by simply pulling the halves apart.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sleeve have different structural properties: the two halves have high structural strength to protect the threaded portion, while the junction connecting them has deliberately reduced strength in the radial direction to enable easy separation. This local differentiation of quality allows the sleeve to be both strong when assembled and easy to remove when needed.
4Force
If the engagement portion is designed as a single unified structure, then force distribution is optimized, but the device cannot be easily separated into components
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion is divided into two separate engagement surfaces, each located on a different half of the sleeve. This segmentation allows each engagement surface to independently engage with corresponding features on the tube, providing optimized force distribution while enabling the two halves to be separately manufactured and assembled. The divided structure reduces overall device complexity by allowing modular assembly.
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
Enables faster and easier handling of protectors, simplifying the installation process by allowing for late-stage removal without manual unscrewing, enhancing operational efficiency and protecting the tube's weak points during installation.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement portion 3 is so configured to separate the at least two shells 7, 8 under exertion of a predefined axial force on a first or second engagement surface 9b, 9h
Data Source
AI summary
Protective device for a male end portion of a steel tube for use in a tubular hydrocarbon working string, the device including a cylindrical sleeve body having a main axis and defining an inner cavity intended to receive the male end portion, an engagement portion having the cylindrical sleeve body is split axially in at least two shells being held together by a junction, and the engagement portion is so configured to separate the at least two shells under exertion of a predefined axial force on a first or second engagement surface.