DRILL PIPE/CASING PROTECTOR

摘要

A non-rotating drill pipe/casing protector. The protector (P) has a bi-directional thrust bearing which can be mounted uphole or downhole from the protector. The bi-directional thrust bearing comprises a female and male part where the female is fixed to the tube and the male can relatively rotate with respect to the pipe (28). The protector has an insert (54) which extends longitudinally out of the sleeve (10) and is used as the male component in the thrust bearing. Thrust loads are absorbed by metallic component contact, thereby eliminating edge wear of the non-rotating sleeve. The thrust bearing components may have wear pads (40, 52, 68, 72) that are replaceable. Roller bearings (92, 94) can also be used to facilitate the relative rotation between the drill pipe (28) and the sleeve (10). Wear pads (66) can also be employed on the outside of the sleeve to increase its life.