Patent ID: 6009611
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: E21B,F16J,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of detecting thread wear for drill pipe sections that are connectable end-to-end at threaded pin and box joint connections, comprising the steps of:a) providing a pair of pipe joints to be joined, each joint having end portions with threaded portions that connect to similarly threaded portions of another joint;b) placing a projection on a first of the pipe joints near the joint end portion, said projection facing a second pipe joint during assembly of a pair of pipe joints;c) connecting the joints of pipe together, wherein said transverse faces are spaced apart upon said connection if said threaded portions are not unduly worn;d) observing the joints of pipe after assembly at the projection to determine whether or not one of the joints of pipe has become mechanically deformed at the projection, by the projection contacting the second joint of pipe to indicate a worn condition of the threads.