Oilfield Pipe Thread Protectors: A Basic Guide On Plastic Types
If you are in the oilfield business, you already know that there is a lot of time and money dedicated to using the right oilfield pipes in the processes that take place every day. However, too many oilfield owners disregard the importance of pipe thread protectors. The pipes used in oilfield mining are made of some pretty tough material, but in spite of that, the threads can be fragile and break down much faster than the pipe itself. Because of this, using high quality thread protection is of the utmost importance. Plastic is one form of thread protectors for oilfield pipes. Here are a few facts you should know about plastic oilfield pipe thread protectors.
What are the different forms of plastic pipe thread protectors?
There are several different forms of thread protectors that are available which are made from some form of plastic. Plastics can have different levels and degrees of rigidity, absorption, and flex depending on their composition. A few of the most common forms of plastic used for oilfield pipe thread protection include:
- Hardened plastic
- Composite plastic
- Polyurethane plastic
The type of plastic protection you choose should never depend solely on the cost of the materials. Instead, look at the qualities of the plastic and if it will cater well to the environment. For example, composite plastic thread protectors stand up better to friction, so logically, these should be used on pipes where friction could be a problem.
Why do some claim that polyurethane thread protection is the best?
It is absolutely true that polyurethane pipe thread protectors are most preferred in the industry. There are a few reasons why this is the case. For one, polyurethane offers absolute heat resistance, with the ability to handle high temperatures without breaking down like some composite or hardened plastic products. Polyurethane is also made from a polymer-composite material, so it is highly flexible. Therefore, it does well in transit and storage.
Even though polyurethane thread protection is definitely great, it is not the best for every setting. For example, hardened plastic thread protection can be better for protecting the threads of oilfield pipes from direct force, which can be a problem at some sites.
At the end of the day, the pipes that you are using in your oilfield operation are only as good as the threads that conjoin the sections. Reach out to a thread protector provider for further information about plastic products available.