Tubular Thread Protector With Partial Thread Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thread protectors for the pin end of casing or tubing are time-consuming to install and remove, significantly impacting production time in oil and gas operations.
Innovation Solution
A thread protector with an external sleeve featuring internal threads and a flange that can be quickly secured and removed, utilizing a securing apparatus such as fins or bowed fingers to maintain position, reducing the number of threads needed for engagement and enhancing structural support.
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 installation and removal time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is divided into two main segments: an external sleeve with internal threads and a separate securing apparatus (fins or bowed fingers). This segmentation allows the protector to be quickly installed by screwing the sleeve onto the pin threads, while the securing apparatus automatically engages with the tubular member to prevent rotation and removal, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing apparatus (fins or bowed fingers) is pre-configured on the external sleeve to automatically engage with the tubular member upon installation. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the sleeve is screwed onto the pin threads, the securing apparatus immediately locks into position, preventing any rotation or accidental removal, thus achieving reliable protection without requiring additional time-consuming securing steps.
2Productivity
If the thread protector is quickly installed and removed, then productivity increases, but thread protection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bowed fingers of the securing apparatus are curved to match the contour of the tubular member. This curvature allows the fingers to flex and automatically engage with the tubular member's surface when the external sleeve is installed, providing secure locking without requiring precise alignment or additional fastening steps. The curved design enables quick installation while ensuring reliable protection against rotation and accidental removal.
3Reliability
If multiple threads are engaged for secure attachment, then reliability improves, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external sleeve engages with only a portion of the pin threads (partial action) rather than requiring engagement with all available threads. The securing apparatus (fins or bowed fingers) provides additional locking that compensates for the reduced thread engagement, ensuring reliable attachment security while significantly reducing the time required to screw the protector onto the pin end.
Data Source
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.