Threaded End Protector With Reduced Threads for Faster Tubular Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread protectors for the pin ends of casing or tubing are time-consuming to attach and remove, leading to significant downtime in oil or gas well production.
Innovation Solution
A thread protector with an external sleeve and flange design that engages with pin threads, featuring a reduced number of internal threads and a securing apparatus to facilitate quick attachment and removal, along with optional features like fins, bowed fingers, or U-shaped fingers for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used to protect pin end threads, then thread protection is achieved, but the time required for attachment and removal increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar portion for engagement, a body portion for protection, and a thread portion for securing. This segmentation allows for quicker attachment by enabling the collar to engage the box end first, followed by the thread portion engaging the pin threads, rather than requiring the entire protector to be installed at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar portion is designed to preliminarily engage with the box end before the thread portion engages with the pin threads. This preliminary engagement positions the protector correctly and begins the securing process early, reducing the overall time required for complete attachment while ensuring proper protection.
2Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used to protect pin end threads, then thread protection is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar portion and body portion are merged into a single integrated structure that performs both the engagement function (collar) and the protection function (body) simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and managed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive thread protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread protector is designed as a universal device where the collar portion can engage with the box end and the thread portion can engage with pin threads, making it multi-functional. This universality allows a single device design to handle both engagement and protection tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If fewer internal threads are used on the external sleeve, then attachment speed increases, but the security of engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thread portion of the external sleeve is designed with localized thread engagement features that concentrate the engagement security in specific critical areas rather than distributing threads uniformly along the entire length. This local quality approach ensures secure engagement with sufficient thread engagement in the critical zone while allowing the overall attachment process to remain fast.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar portion provides partial engagement with the box end that is sufficient for initial positioning and securing, without requiring excessive thread engagement. This partial action approach allows for quick attachment while providing adequate security for the application, avoiding the need for numerous threads that would slow down the attachment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thread protector that has an external sleeve having threads disposed on an inner side to engage with pin threads disposed on a pin end of a tubular member. The thread protector also has a flange disposed on a first end of the external sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member, the threads on the inner side of the external sleeve are disposed axially adjacent to the flange and radially adjacent to the end of the pin end of the tubular member. A method of protecting the pin threads of the pin ends of the tubular members. The method includes screwing the thread protector on the pin threads of the pin end of the tubular member.