End protector system for tubular goods

Abstract

An end protector system for tubular goods including, but not necessarily limited to, drilling riser pipe. The end protector system utilizes lightweight substantially rigid, UV-stabilized molded plastic members that can quickly and easily cover box and pin end connections of drilling riser pipe, as well as ancillary conduit holes, bolt holes and/or other openings. The end protector system of the present invention can be used on tubular goods having an end connection flange, as well as those without an end connection flange, to block access to internal surfaces of the drilling riser components. The end protector system of the present invention further includes a retention system to ensure that individual end protectors remain in place during transportation and/or prolonged storage of such tubular goods.

1 . An apparatus for covering an end of a section of drilling riser pipe having an end connection flange comprising:
 a. an ultraviolet stabilized plastic cap; and   b. means for securing said cap to said flange.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cap prevents access to all internal surfaces of said drilling riser pipe. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said means for securing said cap comprises a plurality of clip fasteners attached to said cap. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said means for securing said cap to said flange comprises:
 a. at least one aperture extending through said cap; and   b. at least one tie wrap, wherein said at least one tie wrap is disposed through said at least one aperture and around a portion of said section of drilling riser pipe.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet stabilized plastic cap is molded. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet stabilized plastic cap further comprises:
 a. a body member having an opening adapted to fit around said flange;   b. a substantially flat surface, wherein said substantially flat surface is smaller than said body member and is oriented parallel to said flange; and   c. a tapered surface, wherein said tapered surface extends from said body member to said substantially flat surface.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one hollow member protruding from said substantially flat surface. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one aperture extending through said cap, wherein said at least one aperture is aligned with a lifting eye of said section of drilling riser pipe. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet stabilized plastic cap further comprises:
 a. a ring;   b. a substantially flat surface, wherein said substantially flat surface is smaller than said ring; and   c. a tapered surface, wherein said tapered surface extends from said ring to said substantially flat surface.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a plurality of apertures extending through said ring.