Apparatus and method for protecting tubulars during installation

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for preventing damage to the surface of metal tubulars or work pieces when force to turn or support the tubulars is applied by the serrated surface of a die or insert. A woven fabric made from a polymer and having a selected thickness and structure is maintained between the die and the surface to be protected.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method for preventing die marks on a metal tubular or a work piece when applying a force to the tubular or work piece by use of a die, comprising:
 selecting a material comprising a woven fabric;   placing the material over the die; and   maintaining the material between the tubular or work piece and the die while the force is applied.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is selected to have a maximum value of static coefficient of friction with a selected metal surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material further comprises particles to increase the coefficient of friction with a selected metal surface. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is maintained between the tubular or work piece and the die by an adhesive or a melt of the material. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is maintained between the tubular or work piece by embedment of fibers of the material in the teeth of the die. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is maintained between the tubular or work piece and the die by mechanical fasteners in the material. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is maintained between the tubular or work piece and the die by mechanical fasteners in straps that are attached to the material. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the woven fabric is made from a synthetic polymer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the synthetic polymer is selected from synthetic polymers consisting of NYLON, KEVLAR, polypropylene and a polyester. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus for turning or supporting a tubular or work piece, comprising:
 apparatus comprising a die; and   a woven fabric disposed over the die.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is slips. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is tongs. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is used for machining a work piece. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising a mechanical fastener adapted for maintaining the woven fabric disposed over the die when the apparatus is operated. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14  further comprising a strap containing the mechanical fastener, the strap being attached to the woven fabric.