The oil and gas industry can be perilous when you have defective pipe threads. Poor quality in pipe protection can lead to expensive problems and lengthy wait times for repairs that hinder business. Below, we discuss how pipe protection maintains the integrity of your drill pipe threads, and how you can ultimately save money.
The Importance of Preserving Pipe Threads
Preserving pipe threads is one of the most essential preventative measures to take in drilling for oil and gas. Not only does preserving your pipe threads offset damages, but it also helps bolster profits. The money that some companies lose on pipe and thread repairs can be costly. Unfortunately, this typically happens when they choose to forego proper protection methods.
Common hazardous practices include:
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- Not using protectors at all
- Using protectors that don’t meet the impact requirements needed by the end-user
- Re-using thread protectors that retailers simply clean for resale
To ensure that their drill pipe and pipe threads remain in good condition, most companies make small but vital investments. Rather than using reconditioned protectors, they purchase new pipe protection products and accessories from suppliers like MSI Pipe Protection Technologies. Experienced producers and drilling operators know that new high-quality pipe protectors will always preserve drill pipe threads. Even accessories like pipe packaging frames can help ensure that your drilling equipment is ready for use on land or offshore.
Combatting the Wear and Tear On Piping for Oil and Gas Companies
Drill strings typically suffer a lot of wear and tear during use and in operations where they are moved in different directions. Consequently, the damages from that wear and tear add up quickly and can run up crippling costs. Companies can easily avoid these costs by simply using the appropriate pipe protection equipment. This equipment is crucial to every stage of oilfield operations, from transport to storage and then to handling, pipe and pipe threads need consistent protection.
For instance, when companies use pipe handling systems like MSI’s Raptor or Rhino, they help extend the life of their oilfield equipment. By preventing unnecessary contact between pipe joints and protecting the pipe from corrosion, systems like these help extend the life of your assets. Preventative care is the best way to ensure that you don’t suffer costly equipment problems down the line. At MSI, we offer a full range of pipe protection products that can save you the hassle of equipment failure while also maintaining safe operations.
Best Practices for Using Pipe Protectors
Using pipe thread protectors can protect your investment in terms of equipment, but there are some important considerations to take into account to ensure you’re getting the best in thread protection.
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- Always ensure you’re using a proper protector designed for your thread profile.
- Thread engagement is key, so using a threaded protector over a slip-on style cap can further protect each individual thread.
- Protectors should be able to be installed and removed with reasonable effort and force. If protectors are too loose, you risk them falling off during handling or transit. If they are too tight, you could cause unintentional thread damage.
- It is recommended that you use a new protector for each pipe. Using recycled protectors doesn’t allow any traceability of the protector, which could mean current unknown damage of the protector and ultimately, lead to damage of the pipe itself.
Partner with the Right Manufacturer for Best Quality Protection
Companies like MSI Pipe Protection Technologies are among the best to procure high-quality pipe threads and other protective tools. The benefits of buying through trusted API standard leaders are vast. However, one thing is for certain, you can rely on us to continue manufacturing protective OCTG products that will last.
We are committed to remaining in compliance with manufacturing standards like ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. And as API members, we remain committed to the quality assurance and safety measures that you’ve come to rely on from API. As always, we’re here to help you deliver. Contact MSI Pipe Protection Technologies today for orders and information. We’re an NOV/Tuboscope company with locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
