Machine a threadolet to a socketolet 2

[larryli2004]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience of machining a threadolet to a socketolet? It is an odd question. We have a threadolet welded to the pipe already. Want to see if it can be machined to a socketolet.

Thanks.

 

[mk3223]

IMO, it may be difficult to meet the machining tolerance of the socket joint.
Typically, the alternative is to keep the thread connection and seal weld it to cover all the exposed threads.

 

[larryli2004]

Agreed. keep thread connection and seal weld to cover all exposed threads is our primary option. Just want to check if machining was done before.

 

[racookpe1978]

I see no explicit reason why it would not be possible - given an accurate drill depth that creates the socket analog.
The outside dimensions on each threadolet and sockolet supplier I checked (NOT all by any means!) are the same between their two style connections. The drill dia of the socket must be greater than the pipe OD (obviously), so drilling out the threads will remove the stress risers of the threads, and the socket depth drilled out replaces the threads cut into the forging, so the stress levels in the casting/forging are nearly identical.

The top surface needs to be cleaned up to accept the fillet weld, and you MUST be sure the metal is correct for welding. What depth will you drill, and what diameter are you going to drill?

 

[larryli2004]

Good comments, Racookpe1978. I am working with some companies to figure this out. Apparently it has been done before.