Tubular Thread Protector With Friction Locking 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 attach and remove, significantly impacting production time in oil and gas operations.
Innovation Solution
A thread protector with an external sleeve and flange that frictionally engages the tubular member, utilizing a securing apparatus such as fins or spokes to maintain position, allowing for quick attachment and removal while protecting the threads.
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 attachment and removal time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is divided into two main segments: an external sleeve that protects the threads and a separate securing apparatus (collar with jaws) that attaches to the tubular member. This segmentation allows the protective sleeve to be quickly positioned while the securing mechanism independently attaches, reducing overall installation time while maintaining full thread protection
Solution Approach 2:
The securing apparatus features dynamic jaws that can rapidly open and close to engage or disengage from the tubular member's outer surface. This dynamic mechanism enables quick attachment and removal without requiring threading or complex fastening operations, directly addressing the time loss issue while ensuring reliable thread protection when engaged
2Productivity
If thread protectors are quickly attached and removed, then production time is improved, but thread protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The external sleeve is designed to be pre-positioned over the pin end threads before the securing apparatus is attached. This preliminary positioning ensures that the threads are already protected when the quick-attach mechanism is engaged, maintaining protection reliability while enabling rapid deployment for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The securing apparatus is designed to self-latch onto the tubular member's outer surface through its jaw mechanism, requiring no additional fastening steps or tools. This self-service attachment method maintains quick operation for productivity while ensuring firm engagement that prevents accidental displacement, thereby maintaining thread protection reliability
3Speed
If a securing apparatus with fins or spokes is used, then attachment speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is extracted as a separate collar-based apparatus distinct from the protective sleeve. This extracted securing mechanism with its fin or spoke design can quickly engage the tubular member's outer surface without complicating the simple protective sleeve structure, achieving fast attachment while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional separation
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
Significantly reduces the time required to attach and remove the thread protector from multiple tubular members, enhancing production efficiency by protecting the pin end threads without compromising protection.
Implementation Method 1
a securing apparatus extending from the flange to frictionally engage an inside portion of the tubular member to maintain position of the thread protector on the tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
A thread protector that has an external sleeve to protect pin threads disposed on a pin end of a tubular member. The thread protector also has flange disposed on a first end of the external sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member. The thread protector further includes a securing apparatus extending from the flange to frictionally engage an inside portion of the tubular member to maintain position of the thread protector on 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.