Threaded tubular end protector

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.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a thread protector for a threaded end of a unit of casing or tubing that can be quickly attached to and removed from the unit of casing or tubing. The present disclosure also relates to a method of attaching or removing the thread protectors from the pin end of the units of casing or tubing.

2. Description of the Related Art

Casing and/or tubing have a pin end and a box end. The box end includes threads inside, which are naturally protected by being disposed inside the tubing or casing. The pin end has threads on the outside of the tubing or casing that are exposed and can be damaged. Currently, there are protective devices for the pin end threads of the tubing or casing but they take a considerable amount of time to put on the tubing or casing and remove from the tubing or casing. When you multiply the time it takes to put on or remove a typical protector device from the pin end threads of multiple units of tubing or casing, it results in a large amount of time. This large amount of time is taken directly from production time of an oil or gas well.

Accordingly, there is a need for a thread protector for the threads of the pin end of the tubing or casing that can be more quickly placed on and/or removed from the pin end of the tubing or casing, but still protects all the threads of the pin end of the tubing or casing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed toward 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.

The present disclosure is also directed toward a method of protecting pin threads of pin ends of tubular members. The method includes screwing the thread protector on pin threads of a pin end of a tubular member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a thread protector10to guard or protect threads12on a pin end14of a tubular member16. The tubular member16can be casing or tubing used in an oil and gas operation. The tubular member16also includes a box end18opposite the pin end14, an internal side20and an external side22. The box end18of the tubular member16includes internal threads24disposed therein on the internal side20of the tubular member16. The threads12disposed on the external side22of the pin end18of the tubular member16can be a certain number of threads or extend along a certain length of the tubular member16.

The thread protector10includes an external sleeve26that is sized to fit around the external side22of the tubular member16and have a length that is at least as long as the length of the threads12disposed on the pin end14of the tubular member14. The external sleeve26can have an inner side28, an outer side30, a first end32, and a second end34. The inner side28of the external sleeve26can include at least one thread36to engage with the threads12disposed on the pin end14of the tubular member16.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thread protector10can also include a flange38inwardly directed in a radial direction from the first end32of the thread protector10. The flange38is positioned so that the pin end14of the tubular member16can engage the flange38to maintain the thread protector10in a protective position with respect to the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In another embodiment, an internal sleeve40can extend from an inner diameter42of the flange38in the same direction of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10. The internal sleeve40is sized to extend back into the inside of the tubular member16to provide additional structural support for the thread protector10. In another embodiment, a plate44can be attached to the first end32of the external sleeve26instead of the flange38to prevent debris from getting inside the tubular member16when the tubular member16is not in use.

The inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can have any number of consecutive threads such that the thread protector10can be quickly removed and/or replaced from the tubular member16. The threads12disposed on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10are positioned close to the flange38of the thread protector10so that when the thread protector10engages with the threads12of the pin end14, the threads12of the thread protector10only engage with the threads12at the end of the pin end14of the tubular member16. If a limited number of the threads on the tubular member16are engaged to secure the thread protector10thereto, then the reduction in time it would take to remove the thread protector10from the tubular member16, and the time it would take to secure the thread protector10to the tubular member16, when combined for numerous tubular members, would be significant.

In one embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than ten threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than eight threads. In a further embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than 6 threads. In yet another embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than 4 threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than 3 threads. In a further embodiment, the number of threads12on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10can be less than 2 threads.

The threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16can extend along a certain length of the tubular member16. The engaged threads (threads extending from the end of the pin end of the tubular member that are engaged by the threads of the thread protector) extend a certain percentage of the length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In one embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 40 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 30 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In a further embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 25 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 20 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In an even further embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 10 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaged threads are less than about 5 percent of the total length of all the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-6, shown therein is a thread protector10that has a securing apparatus46that can extend inside the tubular member16from the flange38. The securing apparatus46can engage with the inside of the tubular member16to maintain position of the thread protector10relative to the threads12of the pin end14of the tubular member16. The securing apparatus46can have any size and shape such that it maintains the thread protector10in place on the tubular member16. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus46can include a plurality of fins48that extend from a central member50. The fins48have outer portions52that can engage with the inner side of the tubular member16. The fins48have terminal ends54on the opposite ends from the flange38. The outer portion52at the terminal ends54of the fins48can be tapered so that insertion of the securing apparatus46of the thread protector10is easier to extend down into the tubular member16. The length, width and height of the fins48can be varied such that the thread protector10functions as intended. The securing apparatus46can also have any number of fins48such that the thread protector10functions as intended. In various embodiments, the securing apparatus46can have more than two fins48, more than three fins48, more than four fins48or five or more fins48.

In another embodiment shown in more detail inFIG. 6, the securing apparatus46can have a first spoke end58that is attached to the flange38, a second spoke end60that is separated from the first spoke end58via a rod member62. The first and second spoke ends58and60engage the inside of the tubular member16to hold the thread protector10securely in place. The first spoke end58can have any desired number of spokes64so that the thread protector10operates as intended. Similarly, the second spoke end60can have any desired number of spokes66so that the thread protector10operates as intended. A portion of the outer surfaces68of the spokes66can be tapered to facilitate insertion of the securing apparatus46into the tubular member16. The securing apparatus46can be used with our without the at least one thread36on the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10. The spoke and fin designs of the securing apparatus46allow for visual inspection of the inner part of the tubular member16and cleaning of the inside part of the tubular member16.

In yet another embodiment, the thread protector10can have a ridge or lip70disposed on an outer surface72of the external sleeve26close to a terminal end74of the external sleeve. The ridge70allows for engagement by a band that can extend to the tubular member16to help hold the thread protector10in position, such as during transportation of the tubular members16to and from job sites or while the tubular members16are being stored. The band that can be used can extend around the entire circumference of the thread protector10and the tubular member. Primarily, ridge70prevents the band from sliding off of the thread protector10and the band prevents the thread protector10from rotating off of the tubular member16.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, shown therein is another embodiment of a thread protector10that has a securing apparatus46that can extend inside the tubular member16from the flange38. The securing apparatus46can engage with the inside of the tubular member16to maintain position of the thread protector10relative to the threads12of the pin end14of the tubular member16. The securing apparatus46can have any size and shape such that it maintains the thread protector10in place on the tubular member16. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus46can include a plurality of bowed fingers80that extend from the flange38. The bowed fingers80are bowed outward towards the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10.

In another embodiment, the bowed fingers80can extend from the plate44that can be attached to the first end32of the external sleeve26. When the plate44is used, the plate44can have weakened sections82that permit removable parts84of the plate44to be removed if desired to expose the inside of the tubular member16. Terminal ends86of the bowed fingers80can have angled portions90that angle inwards away from the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10. The angled portions90of the bowed fingers80allow the thread protector10to more easily permit the pin end14of the tubular member16to slide between the bowed fingers80and the external sleeve26. As the securing apparatus46is forced down into the tubular member, the bowed fingers80frictionally engage the inner side28of the tubular member16. The engagement of the bowed fingers80with the inner side28of the tubular member16causes the bowed fingers80to straighten, which permits more surface area of outer sides92of the bowed fingers80to contact the inner side28of the tubular member16.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the thread protector10can include a debris barrier88that is disposed around the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10to prevent debris or fluid away from the threads12on the pin end14of the tubular member16. The debris barrier88can be disposed on the inner side28of the external sleeve26close to the terminal end34or immediately adjacent to the terminal end34of the external sleeve26. When the thread protector10is in use, the debris barrier88extends from the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10to the external side22, or very close to the external side22, of the tubular member16. The debris barrier88can be made of any material that prevents debris from passing between itself and the tubular member16. The debris barrier can be made of a polymeric material that is rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

The thread protector10can also include an opening94disposed in the external sleeve26for receiving a securing pin96. In one embodiment, the securing pin96can be tapered to permit a narrower end to be stuck through the opening94and contact the tubular member16to increase the secureness of the thread protector10on the tubular member16. When the tapered securing pin96is used, the size of the securing pin96is such that the securing pin96is securely lodged in the opening94when the securing pin96is securely positioned against the tubular member16. In another embodiment, the opening94and the securing pin96can be threaded wherein the securing pin96can be screwed into and through the opening94and securely against the tubular member16to further secure the thread protector10to the tubular member16. The securing pin96can be constructed of a material that is strong enough to engage the tubular member16and help secure the thread protector10to the tubular member16. However, if the securing pin96is going to engage the threads12on the tubular member16, the securing pin96can be constructed of a material that is softer than the material used to construct the tubular member16. Examples of material for the securing pin96include, but are not limited to, a polymeric material (i.e. plastic, rubber, nylon, etc.) and a soft metal.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A and 8B, shown therein is another embodiment of a thread protector10that has a securing apparatus46that can extend inside the tubular member16from the flange38. In this embodiment, the securing apparatus46can include a plurality of bowed fingers100that extend from the flange38to an insertion ring102. The bowed fingers100are bowed outward towards the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10. In another embodiment, the bowed fingers100can extend from the plate44that can be attached to the first end32of the external sleeve26and extend to the insertion ring102. When the plate44is used, the plate44can have weakened sections104that permit removable parts106of the plate44to be removed if desired to expose the inside of the tubular member16.

The insertion ring102can have a tapered portion108that angle inwards away from the inner side28of the external sleeve26of the thread protector10. The tapered portion108can extend around the entire insertion ring102. The tapered portion108of the insertion ring102allows the thread protector10to more easily permit the pin end14of the tubular member16to slide between the insertion ring102(and the bowed fingers100) and the external sleeve26. As the securing apparatus46is forced down into the tubular member, the bowed fingers100frictionally engage the inner side28of the tubular member16. The engagement of the bowed fingers100with the inner side28of the tubular member16causes the bowed fingers100to straighten, which permits more surface area of outer sides110of the bowed fingers100to contact the inner side20of the tubular member16. In a further embodiment, the securing apparatus46can also include a structural ring that exists between the flange38or plate44and the bowed fingers100to provide additional structural support for the securing apparatus46.

Referring now toFIGS. 9A and 9B, shown therein is another embodiment of a thread protector10that has a securing apparatus46that can extend inside the tubular member16from the flange38. In this embodiment, the securing apparatus46can include a plurality of U-shaped fingers112that have a first leg114that extends from the flange38and a second leg116that extends from a base portion118that also extends from flange38. The first leg114of each U-shaped finger112moves further from the internal side20of the tubular member16as the first leg114moves from the flange38to a bottom120of each U-shaped finger112. The base portion118of the securing apparatus46can have any shape desirable such that proper structural support is provided to the plurality of U-shaped fingers112. The base portion118can extend down into the tubular member16, or the base portion could be a plate that extends within the flange38.

A pin end14of the tubular member16can be forced into the thread protector10such that a sidewall122of the tubular member16ends up being positioned between the external sleeve26of the thread protector10and each U-shaped finger112. The tapering relationship between the first leg114of each U-shaped finger112creates a situation where, depending on the thickness of the sidewall122, the sidewall122of the tubular member16gets securely wedged between the first leg114of each U-shaped finger112. The tapering relationship and the U-shape of each finger112creates a larger distance between the bottom120of each U-shaped finger112and the inner side28of the external sleeve26, which permits easier initial engagement with the tubular member16. As the pin end14of the tubular member16is forced into engagement with the securing apparatus46of the thread protector10, outer surfaces124of the first legs114of each U-shaped finger are flattened so that more surface area of the outer surfaces124can contact the internal side20of the tubular member16to better secure the thread protector10to the tubular member16.

Referring now toFIGS. 10A-10C, shown therein is a thread protector10that has a securing apparatus46that can extend inside the tubular member16from the flange38or the plate44. The securing apparatus46can engage with the inside of the tubular member16to maintain position of the thread protector10relative to the threads12of the pin end14of the tubular member16. In this embodiment, the securing apparatus46can include a plurality of fins130that extend radially from a central member132. The fins130have outer portions134that can engage with the inner side of the tubular member16. The length, width and height of the fins130can be varied such that the thread protector10functions as intended. The securing apparatus46can also have any number of fins130such that the thread protector10functions as intended. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus46can have multiple levels136of fins130wherein each level136of fins130can have varied lengths of fins130. Each fin130can also have a varied stiffness. The varied lengths of fins130at each level136provides engagement capabilities with tubular members16of varying sized inner diameters. For example, a wider tubular member16with a wider inner diameter would engage with the longer fins130of the securing apparatus46to secure the thread protector10on the tubular member16. Conversely, a tubular member16with a narrower inner diameter would engage with the shorter fins130of the securing apparatus46to secure the thread protector10on the tubular member16. The thread protector10can also include a handle138that can be attached in any manner known in the art for helping put on and remove the thread protector10on the tubular member16. In one embodiment, the handle138can be attached to the flange38.

The present disclosure is also directed toward a method of removing the thread protectors10from the tubular members16and using the tubular members16in various oil and gas operations. The method is also directed towards securing the thread protectors10to the tubular members16that are being used in the oil and gas operations.

From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the disclosure. While present embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the disclosure and claims. Any elements of any embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.