Expandable Threaded Tubular End Protector for Fast Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread protectors for the pin end of casing or tubing are time-consuming to install and remove, which significantly reduces production time in oil and gas operations.
Innovation Solution
A thread protector design featuring an end cap with a securing apparatus, including leg assemblies that frictionally engage the inner side of the tubular member, and a bolt that actuates the leg assemblies for quick attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used to protect the pin end threads, then the threads are protected from damage, but the installation and removal process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assemblies are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to expand and contract along the longitudinal axis. When the bolt is rotated, it actuates the leg assemblies to expand outward, causing the feet to frictionally engage with the inner side of the tubular member. This dynamic mechanism enables quick attachment and detachment without time-consuming manual assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread protector is designed to be self-securing through the frictional engagement of the feet with the tubular member's inner side. The expanding leg assemblies automatically create the securing force when the bolt is rotated, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to ensure the thread protector remains in place, then reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing apparatus is divided into multiple independent leg assemblies, each with its own feet that can independently engage with the tubular member's inner side. This segmentation allows the complex securing function to be distributed across multiple simple, identical components, making the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture while maintaining high attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The feet act as intermediary elements between the leg assemblies and the tubular member's inner side. These feet create the frictional engagement that secures the thread protector in place, serving as the contact interface that translates the mechanical action of the bolt into a reliable attachment force without requiring direct complex interaction between the bolt and the tubular member.
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 thread protector allows for rapid installation and removal, significantly reducing the time required for production operations while effectively protecting the threads of the pin end.
Implementation Method 1
The securing apparatus includes a plurality of leg assemblies to engage the inside of the tubular member. The thread protector also includes a bolt extending through an opening in the end cap that actuates the leg assemblies when the bolt is turned.
Data Source
AI summary
A thread protector that includes an end cap for engaging with a pin end or box end of a tubular member and a securing apparatus extending from the end cap to frictionally engage an inner side of the tubular member to maintain the thread protector's engagement with the tubular member. The securing apparatus includes a plurality of leg assemblies to engage the inside of the tubular member. The thread protector also includes a bolt extending through an opening in the end cap that actuates the leg assemblies when the bolt is turned. Another thread protector that includes a cup end for engaging with a pin end or box end of a tubular member and the cup end has an end plate. The thread protector also includes a protective sleeve extending from the end plate of the cup end outside of the tubular member wherein the protective sleeve has inner threads disposed on an inside part. The thread protector further includes a releasable sleeve selectively securable around the tubular member with outer threads disposed on an outside portion whereby the outer threads on the releasable sleeve can engage the inner threads on the protective sleeve. A method of protecting pin threads of pin ends of tubular members. The method includes installing a thread protector on a pin end or a box end of a tubular member to protect threads disposed on the pin end or the box end of the tubular member.