Threaded male end protecting device for e.g. VAM flush joint liner joint, has fixing unit to move sealing element and body towards component while defining opening and closing positions, where sealing is obtained in closed position

摘要

#CMT# #/CMT# The device (D) has a protecting body (CP) to protect a part of an outer thread and a free terminal part of a threaded male end. A sealing element (EE) contacts the body and a tubular component in a part located downstream of the thread to assure sealing in downstream of the thread. A fixing unit (MF) e.g. collar, moves the element and the body radially towards the component while defining opening and closing positions of the device in which the element and the body do not contact and tightly contact the component, respectively. A sealing is obtained in closed position of the device. #CMT# : #/CMT# Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method of positioning a protection device (2) a machine for positioning a protection device (3) a method for inspecting a male end of a component of a tubular threaded joint. #CMT#USE : #/CMT# Device for protecting a threaded male end of a tubular component such as component conforming to norms American Petroleum Institute (API), of a tubular threaded joint e.g. VAM flush joint liner (FJL)(RTM: Not defined) joint or VAM TOP(RTM: Not defined) joint, that is utilized for boring and exploitation of a hydrocarbon well. Can also be used for a VAM SLIJ-II(RTM: Not defined) joint. #CMT#ADVANTAGE : #/CMT# The device protects the threaded male end against mechanical damages, pollutions e.g. chemicals, and corrosions, while limiting scraping and removal of lubricating product, irrespective of dimensional variations of the component. The protection device can be assembled on the male end, in a rapid, reliable and automatic manner. The device facilitates the inspection of threading state before utilization and between two successive utilizations of the component. #CMT#DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : #/CMT# The drawing shows a transversal sectional schematic view of a tubular component after placement of a protection device. CP : Protecting body D : Protection device EE : Sealing element FE7 : Outer thread MF : Fixing unit #CMT#POLYMERS : #/CMT# The protecting body is made of thermoplastic material chosen among polycarbonate based mixtures, polyoxymethylene or polyacetal, and high density polyethylene or ultra high density polyethylene. The sealing element is made of flexible and elastic material chosen from a group comprising thermosetting rubber e.g. nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) or chloroprene rubber (CR), and thermoplastic elastomer e.g. thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U).