CZ20004340A3 - Thread protector - Google Patents

Abstract

The thread guard for protecting the threads (42) at the end of the tube (48) comprises a base portion (84), a threaded portion (54) extending axially from the first end of the base portion (52a) and screwably connectable to the tube (48) and an elongated annular bumper (62) ) extending axially from the second end 50b) of the base portion (52a). The elongated bumper (62) has an average length and width to be at least 2 in length and width. The base and CO of the elongated bumper have an overall length of at least 50.8 mm (2 inches).

Description

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to pipe end protectors and, more particularly, to pipe thread end protectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pipes, such as pipes for drilling and producing oil or gas, are often made of sections that can be joined together at the ends. One type of connection involves the use of a male threaded portion at one end (insertion end) of a pipe section that can be screwedly connected to a female threaded portion at the end (sleeve end) of another pipe section.

The ends of the pipe containing the threads are subjected to damage when not in use, eg by contact with other objects or when they fall during transport and storage. Such damage can make the pipe faulty or unusable, resulting in delay, inconvenience and increased costs. Devices known as thread protectors are typically used to protect the ends of pipes, in particular to protect threaded ends, against such damage. The male end thread protector is connected to and protects the male end of the pipe and the male end thread protector is connected to the male end of the pipe and protects it. Thread protectors are designed to prevent damage to the respective pipe ends when the pipe strikes another object, the ground or is otherwise exposed to external impacts. Exemplary known protectors are disclosed in US Patents 4,957,141, 5,195,562, and 5,244,015, all by Dreyfuss et al., And 4,809,752 Stroder, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The Shell ® test is the industry standard of thread protectors for premium pipes. The Shell Test Specification, entitled Shell Oil Specification for Thread Protectors March 1988, is incorporated herein and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The Shell test is also described in ADC / SPE 17209 Technical Document entitled Performance

Evaluation of Commercially Available Thread Protectors by E.J.C. Spruijt and this document is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (the first two pages of the Document are attached here). The Shell test exposes the thread protector and the pipe to impact energy to see if the thread protector under test can protect the ends of the pipe from damage. One type of Shell test simulates installing a thread protector on a pipe, lifting the pipe off the ground, and dropping the pipe axially to assess the effectiveness of the thread protector by detecting whether the end of the steel pipe has been damaged. The Shell test requires the thread protector to prevent damage to the pipe ends during various tests at varying temperatures. Because the tube is used in a variety of environments and is therefore exposed to a wide range of temperatures, the test is performed at different temperatures such as 65 ° C (150 ° F), 21 ° C (70 ° F) or ambient temperature and -45 ° C ( -50 ° F) to ensure that the thread protector will protect the pipe, even if it is still exposed to heat or cold. For pipe testing having nominal external diameters between eg 101.6 mm (4 inches) and 222.25 mm (8% inches), the thread protector can be exposed to 1620 J (1200 ft / lbs) at 65 ° C (150 ° C) F) and again at 21 ° C (70 ° F) (ambient temperature). In the third test, the thread protector and the tube are exposed to 810 J (600 / lbs) at -45 ° C (-45 ° F). E.g. a section of a pipe having a nominal outer diameter between 101.6 mm (4.0 inches) and 222.25 mm (8% inches) and weighing 195.4 kg (430.4 lbs) dropped from 853.44 mm (33.6 inches) transmits 1627 J (1205 ft / lb) impact energy to the thread protector and pipe end. In order to determine the protective efficiency of the protector, the tube is inspected for damage. Damage can be serrations, threads damaged, roundness or other damage affecting the possibility of using the pipe. Although it is preferred that the thread protector is not damaged, damage to the protector is not a criterion in the Shell test. The Shell test for larger pipe diameters requires a large impact such as 2025 J (1500 ft / lbs) at 65 ° C (150 ° F) and 21 ° C (70 ° F) or ambient temperature and 1080 J (800 ft / lbs) at -45 ° C (-50 ° F).

To adequately protect the pipe from impact energy, the thread protector must prevent substantial impact energy from reaching the end of the pipe. Known protectors were made as strong as possible to withstand the expected impact energy. Therefore, known thread protectors are large, robust and rigid members that prevent damage to the pipe and thread protector itself.

To ensure this strength and rigidity, many known thread protectors are made of steel and plastic. One of the most commercially used thread protectors is manufactured by Drilltec Patents and Technologies Company, Inc. and is known as the Drilldards ESPS ™ protector. This protector comprises an outer steel sleeve enclosing the inner plastic member. The steel sleeve has the effect of giving strength and stiffness to the protector while resisting the impact energy. The Drilltec protector is described in US Patent 4,957,141, 5,195,562, and 5,244,015. Outside known protectors such as Drilltec's STP ™, Drilltec's SSP ™ and Molding Specialties, Inc.'s Magnum thread protectors are made of plastic and often contain additives such as fibers or other material but without a steel sleeve. Giant. 1A resp. 1B show a plug-in end of a thread protector similar to those produced by Molding Specialties, Inc. for a pipe having an outside nominal diameter of 177.8 mm (7 inches).

The known thread protectors appear to have various disadvantages. Because these protectors are large and heavy, their manufacture requires a considerable amount of material, usually í.

steel and plastic. The more material required to produce a protector, the greater the manufacturing cost. Known protectors are therefore expensive. Further, the larger, bulkier and heavier the protector, the more complex and time consuming to handle the protector, and the greater the need for special handling equipment, especially for handling thread protectors for large diameter pipes.

Further, the various known thread protectors formed without steel sleeves can then collapse and become non-round or deformed, making it difficult or impossible to fit on the end of the pipe and therefore become unusable. Furthermore, the known typical protectors made primarily of plastic seem ineffective in resisting the substantial impact energy. In particular, a conventional known thread protector made entirely of plastic material or plastic containing particles of another material will not normally pass the Shell test without the need to increase the size by using a substantial amount of material, thereby substantially increasing the cost of manufacturing the protector.

So there is still a need to create a thread protector that is able to protect pipe ends and requires less material and therefore has lower production costs

material and work) than previously known protectors. Preferably, the thread protector should not include a steel sleeve and be made of a material lighter than steel. Ideally, the thread protector should be designed to plastically deform under impact such that the impact energy is changed to internal friction and thermal energy, the thread protector utilizing or substantially reducing the transmitted energy and preventing the energy from striking the pipe threads, or is damaged. In particular, a thread protector made of plastic and passed the Shell test would be well received. Further, the thread protector should preferably be of a smaller size and less material requirement than most known thread protectors, thereby reducing transport and handling requirements.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art protectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principle of a thread protector for protecting the threaded ends of pipes according to the invention is to have a base part with a first end having a threaded part extending therethrough and screw-connectable to the pipe and a second end having an elongated annular bumper extending axially therethrough. The elongated bumper has an average length of at least about 27.94 mm (1.1 inches) and preferably about 50.8 mm (2 inches). The ratio of length to average width of the elongated bumper is at least 1.2, and preferably about 3 or more.

The base, threaded portion and elongated annular bumper may be made primarily of a non-metallic material such as high density polyethylene material. The base, threaded portion and elongated annular bumper may be made of a material having a minimum isodic impact test result or a strength limit of about 299 J / m (5.6 ft-lb / inch). The thread protector is preferably able to pass the Shell test.

The elongated bumper preferably has an inner bevel forming a conical inner portion. The elongated bumper may comprise a plurality of cut-outs each having

an average width of between about 0.79 mm (1/32 inch) and about 3.2 mm (1/8 inch). The slots may be grooves that intersect the end edge of the elongated bumper.

The bumper may comprise at least two buffer arms. The elongated bumper may comprise at least one lower tear-off trigger.

In another embodiment, the bumper may have at least one bevel along its length forming an angle of at least 1.8 °. In another embodiment, the ratio of the average length of the elongated bumper to the maximum outer diameter of the thread protector is at least 0.20. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of the average bumper length to the nominal outer diameter of the tube may be at least about 0.22.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

Overview of the drawings

An exemplary embodiment of a thread protector according to the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1A is a partial cross-section of a known male thread protector, Fig. 1B is a partial cross-section of a known male thread protector. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the thread protector of Fig. 2 showing the base and threaded members of the protector; Fig. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the end edge of the insertion bumper thread protector shown in Fig. 2; FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the male threaded bumper shown in FIG. 2 having open cut-outs made in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the male threaded bumper shown in FIG. according to Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the male thread protector of Figure 2 without any cover; Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the male thread protector of Figure 2 with a disc-shaped cover; graph showing the percent strain of the test piece of polyethylene Phillips 66 Marlex HXM 50100 under stress (psi) on the material up to its yield point, Fig. 10 is an enlarged graph shown in Fig. 9 for percent strain in the range of 0 to 20% for Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a threaded end protector made in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a male threaded end protector according to the present invention, illustrating a Phillips 66 Marlex HMX 50100 polyethylene material; distribution of impact energy in the protector after impact,>

Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a threaded end protector having a plurality of bumpers and a lower tear trigger according to the present invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the thread protector of Fig. 13; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the thread protector of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plug-in thread protector according to the present invention; Fig. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the threaded end protector of the present invention; Fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the insertion thread protector of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the threaded end protector of the present invention; Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the threaded end protector of the present invention;

• ·· ·· • • · • * · · · 9 9 • · · · • · · · · · · · • • • • · · 9 '9 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 9 9

Fig. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a threaded end protector according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the above figures and described below. In describing preferred embodiments, like or like reference numerals are used to denote common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be exaggerated or schematic for clarity and brevity.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a male end thread protector 50 of the present invention that can protect the male threads 42 on the outer side 44 of the male end 46 of the pipe 48. The tube 48 shown in FIG. 2 has a nominal outside diameter of 177.8 mm. 7 inches). The thread protector 50 comprises a base 56, a sleeve 52 extending axially from the base 56 in one direction and engaging the insertion end 46 of the tube 48, and the bumper 62 projects axially from the base 56 in the opposite direction. The sleeve 52 extends from one side of the base 56 to one end 50a of the protector 50, while the bumper 62 extends from the other side of the base 56 to the other end 50b of the protector 50.

The base 56 is an annular portion, typically located in the central portion of the protector 50 and near the end edge 49 of the pipe 48. For example, the base 56 may have a substantially rectangular cross section with a thickness 56a and a height 56b and include an inner annular surface or seat 57 for seating The seat 57 preferably has a radial width that is at least as large as the radial width of the end edge 49 of the pipe 48.

The bumper 62 of the present invention is an elongated sleeve-like annular member extending from the base 56 and having a height or length L and a thickness W. The length L of the bumper 62 is measured from the end edge 64 of the bumper 62 to the other end 63 of the bumper 62 at the base 56. note that the second end 63 of the bumper 62 is not critical and is loosely defined as point A2 where the bumper 62 first begins to taper. As shown in FIG. 4, the end edge 64 of the bumper 62 need not be straight but may have different lengths L _1, L 2 ... L ₁ around the end edge 64. In such an embodiment, reference L denotes an average length of the varying lengths L |, L 2 .... L _n. If the bumper 62 has different thicknesses W ₁ , W 2 ... W _n , or is conical as shown, for example, in Fig. 2, reference to W means the average thickness or width of the bumper 62.

The elongated bumper 62 may have an inner taper along its length L forming a conical portion and thus has a cross-sectional area that is less than 100% of the rectangular cross-sectional area: length L times the greatest thickness W of the bumper 62. the bumper 62 may have an overall taper along the entire length L forming an angle greater than 1.8 degrees. The exemplary bumper 62 of FIG. 2 has a cross-sectional area of less than about 80% of the total cross-sectional area between the two ends 63,64, outer cone A- | passing from midpoint 62c of length L to bumper edge 64 of bumper 62 has 4.0 to 5.0 degrees, the first inner cone A2 extending from end 63 of bumper 62 or from base 56 to mid end 62c of length L about 6, And a second inner cone A3 of about 8.0 to 8.5 degrees extending from about the midpoint 62c to the end edge 64 of the bumper 62. Alternatively, the bumper 62 has an unequal cross-section. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, for example, the bumper 62 has a thickness ranging from a thickness W3 of about 14 mm to a thickness W2 of about 11.68 mm (0.46 inches) to a thickness W- | about 5 mm (0.20 inch). The average thickness W of the bumper 62 is about 10.4 mm (0.41 inches). It should be noted, however, that the thread protector 50 of the present invention is not limited to conical elongated buffers 62 or any of the above examples.

The thread protector 50 is preferably made of a material that plastically deforms under impact to convert the impact energy into internal friction and thermal energy, the thread protector 50 utilizing or substantially reducing the transmitted energy and preventing the energy from reaching the threads of the respective pipe 48 or damaged. Thus, the thread protector 50 is preferably made of a material that absorbs a substantial amount of energy when subjected to external forces, such as the impact energy in a Shell test. The material absorbs impact energy by deflecting,

deforming or bending and / or adapting or attenuating, all of this requires energy. In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2, the thread protector 50 is made primarily of a material having a true notch impact as determined by an isodic impact test as defined in ASTM Designation D 256-93a entitled Standard Test Methods for Determining the Pendulum Ompact Resistance of Notched Specimens of Plastics which is incorporated herein by reference and actual compressive strength as defined in the Designatiom D 695-96 ASTM guide entitled "Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics", which is incorporated herein by reference links. Materials with these characteristics exhibit good energy absorption. See, for example, pages 11 and 12 of the Marplex Phillips 66 Brochure, entitled Engineering Properties of Marlex Resins, which are incorporated herein by reference. Other important references to materials include Marlex Phillips 66 Brochures, entitled Polyethylene TIB 1 Properties & Processing and Blow Molding Resins: Information on Marlex Polyethylene Resins.

The thread protector 50 is preferably made primarily of high density polyethylene material such as Phillips 66 Marlexe HHM 5502 BN or HXM 50100. The nominal physical properties and mechanical properties of these materials are given in the appendix named Nominal Physical Properties, which are incorporated herein by reference. . Izod notch toughness or breaking strength of HHM 5501 is 299 J / m (5.6 ft-lb./inch) at room temperature. Typical tensile strength and elongation values for various materials are also appended and references are made to this annex. Further information on HXM 50100 in the Marlex Brochure entitled Polyethylene Data Sheet Marlex HXM 50100 is also attached and is incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 9 and 10 are graphs with curves 80a, 80b for HXM 50100. Curves 80a and 80b show the breaking strength and maximum strength of this material for use in making a thread protector 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Curves 80a, 80b show the yield strength at 28,278 MPa (4100 psi), the yield strength at 19,312 MPa (2800 psi) and the yield strength at 9.7% and at the yield strength at 861%. Area 82a, 82b below the curves 80a,

80b represents impact energy losses or absorbed energy to produce a given amount of deformation in the material. (Area = force x distance (or work)). The graphs show that HMX 50100 is not completely damaged, but deforms and consumes energy from external impact. Therefore, the external impact energy consumed in the thread protector 50 made of this material according to the present invention tends to absorb sufficient impact energy to dissipate enough energy to prevent damage to the end of the connected pipe. Such characteristics tend to maintain in the material over the temperature range and Shell impact energy. It will be appreciated that the energy absorption, bending and damage characteristics of various materials, such as plastics, are difficult to measure accurately and may vary between the same samples of the same type of material.

In other embodiments, the thread protector 50 may be made of low density polyethylene. Low density polyethylene typically gives desirable deformation characteristics of the present invention over low temperature ranges such as 45 ° C (-50 ° F). Yet another example, the protector 50 may be made of a plastic, such as high density polyethylene, with one or more additives such as a metal (eg, aluminum), or metal and other materials dispersed in the plastic.

The dimensions of the bumper 62 of FIG. 2 may vary according to the size of the tube 48 to be protected. The larger the tube 48, the greater the protection required due to its increased weight. The following preferred dimensions were found for tubes 48 having a nominal outer diameter of 48 and 177.8 mm (7.0 inches). The length L of the bumper 62 formed in accordance with the present invention is preferably at least 27.94 mm (1.1 inches) and even more preferably at least about 50.8 mm (2 inches). Further, the length L and the thickness W of the bumper 62 preferably have a ratio of aek L to a thickness W (L / W) of at least 1.2, and preferably 3 or more. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, for example, the length L is about 50.8 mm (2.0 inches) and the (average) thickness W is about 10.4 mm (0.38 inches), the L / W ratio is about 4.88 . Therefore, L and W may be varied to maintain a preferred L / W ratio. Further, the length L of the bumper 62 plus the height 56b of the base 56 is preferably at least 44.45 mm (1.75 inches). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the height 56b is about 9.65 mm (0.38 inches), L + 56b is therefore about 60.45 mm (2.38 inches). Length L

it can also be based on its ratio with an outside diameter of 50 thread protector. The ratio of length L to outer diameter Od of the thread protector 50 (L / Od) may be greater than 0.15 according to the present invention. E.g. The outer diameter of the thread protector 50 of FIG. 2 is about 190.5 mm. The L / Od ratio is therefore about 0.27. Another method of measuring the length L of the bumper 62 may be the ratio of the length L to the nominal outer diameter 48a of the protected tube 48, the ratio L / 48a of the present invention being at least 0.15. E.g. The protector 50 of Figure 2, which is intended for tubes 48 having a nominal outer diameter of about 177.8 mm (7.0 inches), has an L / 48a ratio of about 0.29.

The material of the protector 50 may also vary with the size of the tube 48 to be protected and depending on the end point where the tube is to be conveyed. The dimensions of the bumper 62 will also be influenced by the properties of the material selected for the protector 50 such as impact resistance, energy absorption, compressive strength, stiffness, thermal durability, elongation or other relevant capabilities of the material of which the protector 50 is made. The preferred material of the protector 50 is phillips 66 Marlex HHM 5502 BN. E.g. a protector 50 made of a preferred material and having a bumper 62 with a length of at least 27.94 mm (1.1 inches) passes the Shell® test at 1627 J (1200 ft / lb)

It should be noted that the material of the protector 50 and the dimensions of the bumper 62 need not meet more than one of the above criteria of the present invention, and in any case is not limited to specific examples of said preferred embodiments. It should further be noted that the present invention is not limited to thread protectors 50 that pass the Shell test.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a sleeve 52 having ends 52a and 52b may be provided. As an example, there is shown a sleeve 52 having an inner bore 54 on which a plurality of threaded members 55 are formed. The threaded members 55 are formed so that they can be screwed onto the threads 42 of the pipe 48 and each has a approximately the height Hj and the thickness Tj (Fig. 3). The height Hj of the threaded member 55 is the distance from the top to the foot of the threaded member 55 and the thickness Tj is the distance between the centers of adjacent heels on both sides of the threaded member 55. The bore 54 and the threaded members 55 can be formed in any suitable shape and configuration.

to be screwed onto the threads 42 of the pipe 48. the height H1 and the thickness T1 of the threaded member 55 may be sized to fit a certain type of pipe thread 42. It will be appreciated that the pipe threads 42 may have one or more degrees and may be straight or bevelled.

The sleeve 52 may also include an annular cutout 58 formed in bore 54 of the sleeve 52 adjacent the threaded member 55a that is closest to the base 56. Further, the second annular cutout 58c may be formed in a bore 54 adjacent the threaded member 55b that is closest to the end 52a of the sleeve 52 The slots 58 and 58c may have any desired dimensions suitable for use in the present invention. In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, the cutout 59 has a depth 58a that is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height Hj of the threaded member 55. For example, the threaded member 55 of the thread protector 50 of Fig. 2 (for use with tube 48). having a nominal outer diameter 48a (about 177.8 mm) may be formed with a thickness T1 about 5.08 mm and a height H i of about 1.6 mm and a cutout 58 formed with a depth 58a ^{y of} about 5.08 mm. The width 58b of the slot 58 may also have special dimensions, such as 1.6 mm (0.063 inches).

The inclusion of the cutout 58 in the sleeve 52 of the protector 50 allows the threaded member 55 to be formed in the sleeve 52 to allow a threading knife, for example a tap (not shown) to move in and out of the bore 54. completes the thread cutting in the bore 54, forming and remaining in the threaded sleeve 52 of the fibers, chips and shavings of the material after the threaded knife has been pulled out. Once the tube 48 has been screwed onto the base 54, the shavings can be cut into the pipe threads 42 and can cause the tube 48 to later not be screwed into another device, such as a pipe joint (not shown) or remain fixed in the bore 54. very difficult to pull out of it. The cutout 58 may also serve as a grease nipple for retaining the fat carried by the pipe threads 42.

Referring now to Fig. 12, in operation, upon impact of the elongated bumper 62 and the pipe end (not shown), the impact energy E is dissipated by the fan-like bumper material 62, starting at the end edge 64. As shown in FIG.

For example, the energy E propagates through the bumper material 62 towards the end 63 of the bumper 62, energy being absorbed and thus lost as the bumper 62 bends, deforms and bends. Since each of these processes requires energy, the amount of energy that can reach the end of the tube (not shown) and cause damage will be reduced. The energy of a relatively low external impact force on the end edge 64 can be absorbed or dissipated only in a portion of the elongated bumper 62. A larger impact on the end edge 64 or elsewhere in the elongated bumper 62 increases bending, deformation and downward deflection L of the elongated bumper 62. energy. If the impact energy is high, it may be sufficient to rupture, tear or break the bumper 62 and possibly the base 56 or sleeve 52. This material damage substantially increases the energy absorption so that the impact energy reaching the tube 48 (Fig. 2) already it is not large enough to damage the tube 48.

According to another feature of the present invention, it may be desirable to provide a thread protector 50 that prevents premature rupture, elongation or damage. For example, the protector 50 may be susceptible to ductility and damage (and thus to primary damage) at those locations on the protector 50 where stress or radial stiffness changes are concentrated, such as sudden changes in the geometry of the protector 50. Depending on the various factors such as the shape and configuration of the protector 50, the type of material used to manufacture the protector 50, and the size of the tube 48 on which the protector 50 is mounted, it may be desirable to make gradual stiffness transitions through the thread protector 50 and eliminate or reduce the stress concentration in the protector 50 Eg. For example, the thread protector 50 may be formed with bevels or chamfers at various locations where sudden geometric changes may occur on the protector 50. Alternatively, where stress concentrations can occur, e.g. at corners formed on the thread protector 50, additional corners may be formed near existing corners to reduce the stress concentration at each corner.

The embodiment of Fig. 2 has particular features that help to remove initial damage. The cutout 58 may be a voltage concentration location and therefore a location on the protector 50 that is susceptible to damage. To reduce this susceptibility, a groove 66, such as an annular groove 67 formed in the housing 81, may be formed near the slot 58. Further, the depth 66a (FIG. 3) of the groove 66 may be

the need minimized by effective magnification by strengthening the protector 50 in this region.

base thickness and usually

Further, an annular sleeve 68 may be formed between the groove 66 and the slot 58 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Increasing the height 69a of the sleeve 68 typically increases the strength of the protector 50 in the base 56 and helps prevent primary breakage of the protector 50. seating 57 for seating on the end edge 49 of tube 48. Further, the protector 50 may be shaped such that the sleeve 68 forms substantially a seat with the end edge 49 of tube 48 and prevents moisture from entering the end 46 of tube 48 when tube 48 is connected to the protector. 50, having a cover 81. In such a case, the width 68b of the sleeve 68 (FIG. 3) may be made to match the thickness of the end 49 of the pipe 48. In other shapes, the protector 50 may be formed such that the sleeve 68 is not fitted the end edge 49 of the tube 48 did not form a seal with it. The further the sleeve 68 is from the pipe 48, the better the energy absorption by the protector 50.

In another example of a feature that helps to remove initial damage, the intersection area 70 (FIG. 7) of the elongate bumper 62 and the base 56 may be a site of substantial stiffness change. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the end 63 of the elongate bumper 62 is connected to the base 56 in the region of the intersection 70. To help reduce the dramatic change in stiffness, the base 56 may be formed with a relatively substantial width 56a and a thickness 56b. Further, the end 63 of the bumper 62 may be conical having a greater height W3 near the intersection 70, which helps to reduce the voltage concentration and reduces the extra rigidity of the protector 50 in this region.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the thread protector 50 may have any desired external threads and may be of any material corresponding to the different sizes of the pipes 48. For example, the thread protector 50 may be of any desired size. different sizes of thread protector 50 may correspond to nominal outer diameters 48a in the range of 60 mm (2 3/8 inches) to 508 mm (20 inches). Further, the thread protector 50 may be designed to have a minimum weight. E.g. a thread protector 50 capable of passing the Shell test and protecting the threads 42 at the end 46 of the quality tube 48 having a nominal outer diameter 48a of about 177.8 mm (7 inches) may be formed to have a weight of about 1.10 kg (2.43 kg) pounds).

The thread protector 50 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, such as injection molding. For example, the thread protector 50 may be made as a single compact molding. It should be taken into account that the type of manufacturing process used can affect energy absorption, bending characteristics, and damage to the threadguard 50.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the elongate bumper 62 may include several slots 72 to increase the energy absorption of the protector 50. The slots 72 cause a stress concentration to support the protector material near the slits 72 to tear upon impact and thereby the impact energy has been redistributed over a larger volume of the protector material and also the impact energy has been utilized and further the transmission of the impact energy to the connected pipe (not shown) has been minimized. The slots 72 may be formed in any shape, amount, and location of the bumper wall 62. In FIG. 5, for example, each slope preferably forms grooves 76 that intersect the end edge 64 of the elongate bumper 62 at its end 74. ends 74 open. Each groove 76 extends over the thickness of the bumper 62 and has a narrow width (not shown). For example, each cutout 72 of the embodiment of Fig. 5 has an average width of between about 0.8 mm (1/32 inch) and about 3.17 mm (1/8 inch).

The corners C at the ends 73, 74 of the slots 72 can be left sharp and not rounded to improve the rupture and breakage of the material. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the slots 72 extend partially across the length L of the elongated bumper 62 and terminate at angles 78 at their ends 73.

In Fig. 6, the cutouts 72 are internal fissures or grooves 76a having ends 73a. 74a both arranged in the longitudinal bumper 62. The inner grooves 76a are thus closed and have corners C formed at the ends 73a. 74a. The inner grooves 76a are also shown passing through the thickness of the bumper 62, have a narrow width (not shown) and have corners C that are sharp and unrounded.

In another embodiment of Fig. 8, the bumper 62 may include two or more mounting grooves 62d that can be used for a screwing tool and

unscrewing the protector 50 from the tube 48 as is well known. For example, the embodiment of Fig. 8 includes four mounting grooves 62d that are about 19 mm (0.75 inches) wide and about 12.7 mm (0.50 inches) deep into which a tool such as eg, a standard mounting rod, for turning the protector 50 on and off the tube 48.

The central aperture 51 of the protector 50 in Figures 2, 7 and 8 may be completely or partially covered or not covered. E.g. For example, the protector 50 may be fully open as shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the protector 50 may include a central cover 81 extending from the base. The center cover 81 may be formed to partially or completely cover an opening 51, such as the disc cover 81a of Fig. 8. when the center cover 81 completely covers the opening 51, the fragments cannot reach the end 46 of the tube 48 from outside the protector 50. In another embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the center cover 81 may be a recess member 82. The recess member 82 may be formed in any shape or configuration. In Fig. 2, the recess member 82 is a cup member 84 extending from the base 56 allowing the thread protector 50 and the tube 48 to be lifted. A device such as a hook (not shown) may be inserted into the cup member 84 when the tube 48 and the associated thread protector 50 are not in a vertical position to raise and / or lower the protector 50 and the tube 48.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a threaded end protector 100 for protecting internal threads 42 formed on the inner surface 45 of the threaded end 47 of a pipe 48 according to the present invention. The foregoing description of the male threaded thread protector 50 and its use is used essentially to the same for the protector 100, except as otherwise described herein. The thread protector 100 comprises a base 156, a pin 152 protruding from the base 156 in one direction and engaging the sleeve end 47 of the tube 48, and an elongate bumper 162 protruding axially from the base 156 in the opposite direction. Thus, pin 152 extends to one end 100a of guard 100, while bumper 162 extends to other end 100b of guard 100.

The base 156 is part of a protector 100 positioned near the end edge 49 of the pipe 48. The base 156 may comprise an annular surface or seat 57,

The seat 57 preferably has a radial width that is at least as large as the radial width of the end edge 49 of the pipe 48. This allows the the seat 57 protected the end edge 49 against damage. The base 156 may be formed with a substantially rectangular or square cross section having a height 156b. which extends from the seat 57 to the end 163 of the bumper 162 near the beginning of the chamfer and the thickness 156a. As shown in FIG. 11. In other embodiments (not shown), the base 156 may have a cross-section only as having a protector 100 at the seat 57, and in these cases the elongate bumper 162 extends substantially directly from the seat 57.

The length L of the bumper 162 of the protector 100 of Fig. 11 is measured from the end edge 164 of the bumper 162 to the opposite end 163 of the bumper 162 or base 156. Again, it is noted that the other end 163 of the bumper 162 is not critical and is freely defined as which starts at the bumper first cone A5 as previously defined. If the bumper has a varying thickness, W 2, ... W _n or is conical, as shown, for example, in Fig. 11, reference to W is a reference to the average bumper thickness 162.

The length L of the bumper 162 of the present invention may be at least 38.1 mm (1.5 inches). Further, the length L of the bumper 162 plus the height 156b of the base 156 may be at least 45.72 mm (1.8 inches). In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 11, for example, the length L of the bumper 162 is at least 45.72 mm (1.8 inches) and the length L of the bumper 162 plus the height 156b of the base 156 is at least 48.26 mm (1.9 inches) and preferably more than 55.88 mm (2.2 inches).

Dimensions protshioho nsrszniku

IciιΟπΟϋ iiciiii o vcnr \ uou uuui \ y to be protected. The following preferred dimensions were found for tube 48 having a nominal outer diameter of 177.8 mm (7.0 inches). The length L and the thickness W of the bumper 162 formed in accordance with the present invention may be formed such that the ratio of the length L to the thickness W (L / W) is at least 2.0 and preferably over 3. In the embodiment of FIG. the length L is about 45.72 mm (1.8 inches) and the average thickness W is about 11.43 mm (0.45 inches), therefore the L / W ratio is about 4.0.

• φ · · · · · · · φ «« «φ · ·

The length L can also be measured on the basis of this ratio with another variable, such as the outside diameter ^ of the thread protector 100. The ratio of the length L to the outer diameter Oj of the thread protector 100 (L / Od) according to the present invention may be greater than 0.20. E.g. The outside diameter of the protector 100 of FIG. 11 is about 195.58 mm (7.7 inches). The L / Od ratio is thus about 0.23. Another method of measuring the length of the elongated bumper 162 may be the ratio of the length L to the nominal outer diameter 48a of the tube 48 to be protected, the ratio L / 48a according to the present invention being at least about 0.22. E.g. The protector 100 of Fig. 11 is connected to a pipe 48 having an outside nominal diameter 48a of about 177.8 mm (7 inches), therefore the L / 48a ratio is 0.26.

It will be appreciated that the bumper 162 does not need to meet more than one of the above criteria of the present invention, and in any case is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the elongate bumper 162 may be at least partially tapered along its length L and may have a cross-sectional area that is less than 100% of a rectangular cross-sectional area that is L times the greatest thickness W of the bumper 162. For example. the bumper 162 may have a full chamfer along a length L forming an angle of at least 1.8 degrees. The exemplary bumper 162 of Figure 11, for example, has a cross-sectional area that is about 70% of the entire rectangular cross-sectional area between the ends 163, 164, an external chamfer A4 extending from approximately the midpoint 162c of length L to the end edge 164 of the bumper 162. 0 to 5.0 degrees and an internal bevel A5 of about 12.0 to 13.0 degrees extending from the end edge 164 to the end 163 of the bumper 162. In another embodiment, the bumper 162 may be formed with bevels similar to bevels A1, A2 and A3 of the bumper. 62 described above with respect to the protector 50 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the bumper 162 may have a non-uniform cross-section. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, for example, the bumper 162 has a thickness ranging from a thickness W3 of about 17.27 mm (0.68 inches) to a thickness W1 of about 5.08 mm (0.20 inches). The average thickness W of the bumper 162 is about 11.43 mm (0.45 inches). It will be appreciated that the thread protector 100 of the present invention is not limited to beveled elongate buffers 162 or other examples above.

• ·· ·· * · • «· ·· • · t • · • • • · * · Φ ♦ • • · · • • · • 4 « • ·· • • ··· • · • r • ···

Pin 152 having ends 152a and 152a, respectively. 152b. can be connected to the sleeve end 47 and the threads 42 of the pipe 48. For example, e.g. The pin 152 of the embodiment of Figure 11 is shown having an outer surface 154 provided with a plurality of threaded members 155 formed at least partially thereon. The threaded members 155 are configured to be threaded onto the threads 42 and have a shape and size similar to that described with respect to the threaded members 55 of the protector 50.

Still referring to Fig. 11, the thread protector 100 may be of any overall size to match the different sizes of the tubes 48. For example, thread protectors 100 of various sizes may be provided to fit tubes 48 having nominal external diameters of 60.32 mm (2 3/8 inches) to 508 mm (20 inches). Further, they may be designed to have a minimum weight. E.g. A thread protector 100 that passes the Shell test and protects the best quality tubes having an outer diameter 48a of about 177.8 mm can be formed with a weight of 0.79 kg (1.75 lbs).

The possibility to include a groove 66 and a collar 68 as described above with respect to the protector 50 (FIG. 2) cannot be used with the thread protector 100. Further, still referring to FIG. 11, the central aperture 51 of the protector 100 may be wholly or partially covered or not obscured, as described above with respect to the protector 50. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the central cover 81 extends from the end 152a. 152.

Giant. Figures 17 to 22 show exemplary embodiments of the present invention for pipes of different diameters; 17 illustrates an insertion thread protector 400 of an insertion end 46 of a tube 48 having a nominal diameter of 48 and 139.7 mm (5.5 inches). The bumper length is approximately 50.8 mm (2.0 inches) and has an average width W of approximately 12.19 mm (0.48 inches) with a W / L ratio of 4.19. The outside diameter of Od is about 157.48 mm (6.20 pa), with an L / Od of about 0.36. The length 56b of the base is about 5.08 mm (0.20 inches), with an impact path distance D of 55.62 mm (2.19 inches) between the bumper end 64 and the sleeve 57 adjacent the end edge 49 of the tube 48. End width W 1 is about 8.12 mm (0.32 inches) and the base width W 3 is about 16 mm (0.63 inches). The cross-sectional area of the bumper 62 with the inner conical portion 402 is about 75% of the area of the rectangular cross-section: base width W3 times the length L of the bumper.

Giant. 18 illustrates a mouthpiece protector 410 of a mouth end 47 of a pipe 48 having a nominal diameter of 48 and 139.7 mm (5.5 inches). The length L of the bumper is about 30.48 mm (1.20 inches) and the average width W of the bumper is about 9.65 mm (0.38 inches), with a W / L ratio of 3.19. The outer diameter Oj is about 159.25 mm (6.27 inches) with an L / Od of about 0.19 and an L / 48a of about 0.22. The base length 156b is about 27.43 mm (1.08 inches), with an impact path distance D of 57.9 mm (2.28 inches) between the bumper end edge 164 and the collar 157 adjacent the end edge 49 of the tube 48. Collar 157 it is partly formed by an annular retention flange 159 extending outwardly from the base 156 to ensure that the end edge 49 of the tube 48 is covered by the sleeve 157 and therefore protected. It should be noted that the outer diameter of the pipe 48 will vary due to differences in thread types and pipe dimensions. End width W <| is about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and the base width W3 is about 12.7 mm (0.50 inches). The cross-sectional area of the bumper 62 with the inner conical portion 402 is about 75% of the area of the rectangular cross-section, the base width W3 times the length L of the bumper.

Giant. 21 illustrates a sleeve thread protector 440 for a sleeve end 47 of a pipe 48 having a nominal diameter of 48 and 244.4 mm (9 5/8 inches). The bumper length L is about 52.324 mm (2.06 inches) and has an average bumper width W of about 13.2 mm (0.52 inches) with a W / L ratio of 3.96. The outer diameter of Od is about 250 mm (9.86 inches) and the L / Od ratio is about 0.21 and the L / 48a is about 0.21. The length 156b of the base is about 5.08 mm (0.20 inches) and the length D of the impact path is 57.4 mm (2.26 inches) between the bumper end edge 164 and the shoulder 157 adjacent the end edge 49 of the tube 48. End width W 1 is about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and the base width W3 is about 20.06 mm (0.79 inches). The cross-sectional area of the bumper 62 with the inner conical portion 402 is about 66% of the area of the rectangular cross-section, width W3 of the base times length L.

Giant. 17 also illustrates a male thread protector for a male end 46 of a tube 48 having a nominal diameter of 48 and 339.72 mm (13 3/8 inches). The bumper length L is about 51.56 mm (2.03 inches) and the average width W is about 13.97 mm (0.55 inches) and the W / L ratio is 3.71. The outer diameter of Od is about 356.1 mm (14.02 inches), with an L / Od of about 0.14 and an L / 48a of about 0.15. The length 56b of the base is about 10.41 mm (0.41 inches) and the impact path length is 61.97 mm (2.44 inches) between the trailing edge 64

The end width W 1 is about 10.16 mm (0.40 inches) and the base width W 3 is about 17.78 mm (0.70 inches). The cross-sectional area of the bumper 62 with the inner conical portion 402 is about 70% of the area of the rectangular cross-section, the base width W3 times the length L of the bumper.

Giant. 22 illustrates a sleeve protector 450 for a sleeve end 47 of a pipe 48 having a nominal diameter of 48 and 339.72 mm (13 3/8 inches). The length L of the bumper is about 45.46 mm (1.79 inches) and the average width W is about 11.17 mm (0.44 inches), with a W / L ratio of 4.03. An outside diameter of about 353.31 mm (13.91 inches), with the ratio L / ^e J from ^{about 13} ° · ^and L / 48a of about 0.13. The base length 156b is about 11.93 mm (0.47 inches) and with an impact path length of 57.40 mm (2.26 inches) between the bumper end edge 164 and shoulder 157 that abuts the end edge 49 of tube 48 The end width W 1 is about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and the base width W 3 is about 16.25 mm (0.64 inches). The cross-sectional area of the bumper 62 with the inner conical portion 402 is about 70% of the rectangular cross-sectional area. foundation width W3 times the length L of the bumper.

Giant. 13 to 16 show further exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The male thread protector 250 of Figures 13 and 14 is suitable for protecting the male threads 42 on the outer surface 44 of the male end 46 of the pipe 48, while the male thread protector 300 of Figures 15 and 16 is suitable for protecting the female threads 42 on the inner surface 45 13 and 16 are substantially similar to the exemplary embodiments 50 and 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12, except where otherwise described herein.

Referring to FIG. 13, the base 256 is part of the protector 250 just adjacent the end edge 49 of the pipe 48. The base 256 may be formed with a substantially rectangular or square cross section. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, for example, the base 256 has a thickness 256a and a height 256b. The base 256 may include a seat 257 that abuts the end edge 49 of the tube 48 when the protector 250 is screwed onto the tube 48. In the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, a cover 281 extending from the base 256 is shown. the insertion end 46 of the tube 48. For example, e.g. represented by t

the sleeve 252 has an internal bore 254 with a plurality of threaded members 255 formed at least in part thereon.

The outer surface 253 of the base 256 of the protector 250 may be formed with one or more tear-off starters 259. The base tear-off starters 259 may have any suitable shape, number, and location on the base 256. For example, the base tear-release starters may be of any suitable shape. the base tear-off starters 259 in the embodiment of Figure 13 include a pair of annular channels 260a. 260b formed on the outer surface 253 around the periphery of the base 256 and extending partially into the thickness 256a of the base 256. However, the protector 250 may instead be formed with one or more base tear-off triggers 259 or channels 260a. 260b.

The elongate bumper 262 of the protector 250 may comprise two or more axially extending bumper arms 286. In the embodiment of Figure 13, two bumper arms 286 are provided that are annular outer and inner portions 288a. 288b in the form of a ring. Further, two or more arms 286 with different lengths L may be formed. the ring-shaped portion 288a that is most radially outwardly of the embodiment of FIG. 13 has a length L 1 and the ring-shaped portion 288b has a length 12 that is less than L 1.

After impacting the bumper 262, the impact energy may be transmitted between two or more bumper arms 286. For example, in Figures 13 and 14, the outer annular elongated ring-shaped portion 288a may be broken, bent or deformed as a result of an external impact. Energy can be substantially dissipated or absorbed until it reaches base 256 or sleeve 252.

When the energy reaches the base 256, the base tear-off trigger 259 generates a voltage concentration so as to prevent the breaker material 250 at the starters 259 from breaking or bending and to distribute energy across the bulk of the base 256 material as well as to consume impact energy. energy per pipe connected (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, for example, the protector 250 may rupture or

• · · · • · · · · • · · • · · · • · · · · • · · · · · • ·

can be damaged in the annular channels 260a, 260b instead of transferring energy to the tube 48.

13 and 14 and the use thereof applies to the sleeve end protector 300 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, except as otherwise described. The thread protector 300 (FIG. 15) comprises a base 356, a pin 352 protruding axially from the base 356 in one direction and connectable to the sleeve end 47 of the tube 48, and an elongate bumper 362 protruding axially from the base 356 in the opposite direction. The pin 352 therefore extends to one end 300a of the protector 300 while the bumper 362 extends to the other end 300b.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the base 356 is the portion of the protector 300 lying near the end edge 49 of the pipe 48. The base 356 may have a substantially rectangular or square cross section. In the embodiment of Fig. 15, for example, the base 356 has a thickness 356a and a height 356b. The base 356 may include a seat 357 that abuts the end edge 49 of the tube 48 when the tube 48 is connected to the protector 300. In the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, a cover 381 extending from the base 356 is shown.

The base of the annular channel 260b and the seat 357 form an annular retaining flange 359 having a depth and height in relation to the thickness of the pin 352 and its end edge 49. The retaining flange 359 remains in place and against the end edge 49 of the pin 352 threading. The protector 300 is easily removed from the tube 352 because no high stresses pass through the retention flange 359. When the retention flange 300 is in place, the end edge 49 of the tube 352 is not damaged at all. The retention flange 359 taxe will block access to the foreigner preometre.

The insertion portion 352 having the ends 352a, 352b may at least partially engage the sleeve end 47 and the threads 42 of the pipe 48. The insertion portion 352 of the embodiment of FIG. 15 is shown with a series of threaded members 355 formed thereon

at least partly. The threaded members 355 may be formed similarly to those described above for the protector 100 of FIG. 11.

While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, modifications thereof may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Certain features of the embodiments described above are exemplary of the invention and may be useful in other embodiments without having the same features. E.g. the base 56 of the protector 50 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be formed with base tear-off actuators 259 (FIG. 13), and the elongate bumper 262 of the embodiment of FIG. 14 may be formed with cutouts 72 (FIG. 5). Many variations and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims (18)

PATENT CLAIMS A pipe end protector comprising: a body, a body having a coupling for connection to a pipe, a body having a bumper, a bumper having an assembly, and being made of substantially non-metallic material, and the assembly and material capable of dissipating energy 1620 Mpa (1200 ft / lbs) ambient at 65 ° C (150 ° F). Protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the material is high density polyethylene. Protector according to claim 2, characterized in that the polyethylene has notched impact strength as determined by the isodic impact test and the compression properties of HHM 5502. The protector of claim 1, wherein the bumper is a sleeve-shaped member having a length of at least 50.8 mm (2 inches). 5. The protector of claim 1, wherein the body has a base portion, the connector is a threaded portion extending axially from a first end of the base portion and is connectable to a pipe, and the bumper is an elongated annular member extending axially from the second end of the base portion. an average length and an average thickness of at least about 27.94 mm (1.1 inches); and an average length to average thickness ratio of at least 1.2. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated annular bumper is conical. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the base, the threaded part and the elongated annular bumper are made in particular of a non-metallic material. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the base, threaded part and elongated bumper meet the Shell test conditions. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the base, the threaded part and the elongated annular bumper are made especially of high density polyethylene material. The thread protector of claim 5, wherein the base, threaded portion, and elongated annular bumper are made of a material having an isodic impact strength test of 299 J / m (5.6 ft-lb / inch). Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated bumper comprises several cut-outs. and The thread protector of claim 11, wherein the slots have an average width of about 0.79 mm (1/32 inch) to 3.17 mm (1/8 inch). 13. The thread protector of claim 11, wherein the elongate bumper has an end edge and the cutout includes a groove intersecting the end edge of the elongated bumper. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated bumper comprises at least two bumper arms. Thread protector according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated bumper comprises at least one base burst trigger. 16. Thread protector for protecting threads at the end of a pipe, having a maximum outer diameter, consisting of: a base portion having a first length and a first and a second end, a threaded portion extending axially from a first end of said base portion and screw-connectable to a tube, an elongated annular bumper extending axially from a second end of the base portion and having an average length; the length is at least 50.8 mm (2 inches). A threaded end-of-pipe thread protector comprising: a base portion having first and second ends, a threaded portion extending axially from a first end of the base portion and screw-connectable to a pipe, and an elongated annular bumper extending axially from the second end of the base portion and average length and average width, characterized in that the ratio of average length to average width is at least 2. A threaded end-of-pipe thread protector, comprising: a base portion having first and second ends, a threaded portion extending axially from a first end of the base portion and screw-connectable to a pipe, and an elongated annular bumper extending axially from a second end of the base portion the elongated bumper has a maximum length and a maximum width, the elongated annular bumper has a cross section that is at least 80% smaller than the maximum length times the maximum width.