Protecting Your Tubular Equipment with Thread Protectors Is Still Important

 

Drill Pipe Thread Protector

 

The experienced oil worker will find this rather obvious, but it is never an option to cut corners when it's talk about protecting the casing tubular. Still, we see that routines are not followed or someone takes too many personal liberties. A quick brush-up of dos and don'ts, including a time-saving tip, will not harm anyone.

 

Familiar situation

You stand on the drill floor running casing in the hole and suddenly your graphs are bad. You try to make up, but your threads are damaged. Then you break out, take the pipe away, check the threads in the box for damage, perhaps change the box, before running a new joint. Even though it is quite time-consuming, changing the box is cheaper than changing the whole joint. Part of everyday life on the drill floor, yes, but the added time these interruptions causes is expensive and can easily be reduced to a minimum.

 

Thread compound

Running compound will dry out faster and won't provide the protection against corrosion preservation compound can offer. So there is no way around the time-consuming process of removing preservation compound and applying running compound before a joint is ready to run in hole. Unless you opt for the pre-doped tubular. Then this process is taken care of at the yard, and the tubular arrives at the rig with running compound on the threads, ready to run in hole.

 

Thread protectors

Thread protectors prevent damage and deterioration to your pipe during storage, handling and transport, both in the yard, during transportation and on site. Make sure you have the right protector with the right specs providing the necessary functions and optimal protection. It has to withstand the local environment where your pipe is stored, and it must be tight at all times. Your supplier should be able to meet you on these criteria:

ㆍUse clean protectors. When thread compound is changed, protectors need washing and drying.

ㆍCheck the tightness of the protectors

ㆍIf damaged protectors are spotted, replace them immediately and inspect the threads.

ㆍUse protectors that matches the size and type of your connection.

ㆍAlways use approved lifting equipment.

ㆍRe-use the protectors when possible.

 

Choosing Your Thread Protector Material

► Plastic Thread Protectors

 

Plastic pipe cap

 

Thread protectors are used during transportation to protect the threads that are on the ends of pipes from being damaged.  Plastic thread protectors are made from the highest quality plastics.  The benefit of these plastics is that they provide the same great protection as other materials, but they do so in a very lightweight and affordable manner when compared to steel or composite options.  Many find that purchasing plastic thread protectors is the most cost-effective way to protect their pipe.  Other benefits associated with the plastic pipe protectors from Biaohuang include:

ㆍThe thread protectors are 100% recyclable, so they are an environmentally friendly protection option

ㆍThe plastic protectors are offered in all standard sizes

ㆍCompanies who need custom-designed thread protectors can also utilize the all-plastic design

► Steel Thread Protectors

These are a great option when superior protection is necessary and conditions are exceptionally harsh, making fully plastic protectors not entirely sufficient.  While steel is going to offer you great protection, it is also the most expensive form of thread protection.  Though a sizeable investment, steel protectors more affordable than damaged pipe that can slow or stop projects.

► Composite Thread Protection

Composite thread protectors bring together the best benefits of plastic and steel.  These protectors are popular because they offer similar protection as the all-steel design, but they are more affordable.

 

Inspection on the rig

After a long transportation, with a lot of lifting and moving from many involved parties, a final inspection is required on site. It is needless to point out the consequences of running a damaged joint in the hole, so an inspection process has to be carried out either on pipe deck or, in rare cases, on the drill floor.

The time-consuming process is a responsibility of the rig manager but is often carried out by the casing or deck crew. As an alternative, dedicated personnel from an inspection company or the pipe supplier might be hired.

 

Premium pipe

When you use premium pipe, you have the highest quality pipe at your disposal and you can expect close to zero deterioration or damage. You can be confident that the pipe has been stored correctly and inspected regularly, and with the pre-doped option, it is ready for use.

We keep a close eye on everything we run in the hole and the reasons are obvious. The harsh environment and strong physical forces deep down put our tubular equipment on the toughest tests year in and year out.

Compared to a leakage, with the following process of changing an entire casing section, the effort we make to protect the tubular are microscopic.

 

Biaohuang Has the Thread Protectors You Need

Biaohuang is proud to offer a wide range of thread protectors, ensuring all unique needs can be met. Regardless of your pipe side and thread connection, Biaohuang can not only meet but exceed your expectations. You can browse our catalog, or you can view our thread protector products on our website. Not seeing what you need? Don't hesitate to contact us!  We look forward to working with you soon!