Pipe dope

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for an automated pipe doping apparatus. The apparatus may include a pump fluidly coupled to a reservoir and a dope manifold, the pump positioned to pump pipe dope from the reservoir to the dope manifold; an ejector coupled to the dope manifold, the ejector positioned to supply a fixed volume of pipe dope from the dope manifold to a dope distribution line; and a pipe dope applicator, the pipe dope applicator fluidly coupled to the dope distribution line positioned to deposit pipe dope on a threaded connection. In some embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a fan-pattern nozzle. In other embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a mold-type applicator. In other embodiments, the pipe dope applicator may be a brush-type applicator.

Abstract: A pipe dope applicator apparatus (10) for coating the threaded ends (201) of pipes (200) having different diameters; wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of nesting apertured cup members (20) retained within the cap member (50) of the apparatus (10); and, at least one apertured cup member (20) captively engaged between a collar member (40) and a dope filled tube member (30); wherein, the collar member (40) is releasably attached to the tube member (30), and the cap member (50) is releasably attached to the collar member (40); and, wherein the apertured cup members have different sized openings to accommodate pipes (200) of different diameters.

Abstract: Phosphate-conversion coatings are widely used on (premium) casing connections for protection against corrosion. These coatings provide galling protection in conjunction with lubricant. The friction and wear that occur during makeup and subsequent load cycling strongly influence the sealing performance of the metal/metal seal. Therefore, phosphate-conversion coatings play an important role in the sealing performance of metal/metal seals. An extensive test program was set up to investigate the role of phosphate coatings during makeup and in the subsequent sealing of the metal/metal seal. With pin-on-disk, anvil-on-strip, and ring-on-ring tests, the interactions between the substrate, lubricant, and phosphate coating were investigated. A comparison was made between uncoated and coated specimens using base greases and formulated greases: API-modified lubricant and two commercially available yellow dopes. The results indicate a strong influence of the phosphate coating leading to damage-free makeup, low wear, and less dependence on the lubricant for optimal sealing ability. This is attributed to the formation of a hard and smooth dissimilar surface, the ability to adsorb the lubricant, and the generation of a transfer layer on the uncoated countersurface. It is concluded that taking the interaction with phosphates into account could enable lubricants to be tailored for sealing performance, and thus can ease the transition to environmentally friendly rated lubricants.