Tubular Thread Protector Structure for Faster Pin-End Handling
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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 minimal number of threads and optional securing apparatuses like fins or bowed fingers to maintain position, reducing installation and removal time.
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 a collar portion and a protective portion that can rotate relative to each other. The collar remains stationary on the tubular member while the protective portion rotates on and off, separating the permanent attachment function from the temporary protection function to reduce installation/removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The protective portion is designed to rotate dynamically on and off the pin end threads while the collar remains fixed. This dynamic movement allows quick deployment and removal of protection without requiring complete detachment from the tubular member
2Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used to protect pin end threads, then complete thread coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is segmented into a collar portion for attachment and a protective portion for coverage. This segmentation allows the protective portion to be simpler in structure while the collar handles the complexity of secure attachment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The collar portion serves multiple functions: providing attachment to the tubular member, serving as an anchor for the protective portion, and potentially providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure
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 detach thread protectors from multiple tubular members, enhancing production efficiency by minimizing the time spent on protecting pin end threads.
Implementation Method 1
The thread protector 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
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.