US Patent 12129717 Drill pipe torque reducer and method

An apparatus for reducing torque in a drill string includes a clamp assembly having a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, the first and second clamp segments each being generally arcuate and configured to connect together so as to secure the clamp assembly around an oilfield tubular and prevent the clamp assembly from axial and rotational movement relative to the oilfield tubular. The first and second clamp segments each include a first extension and a second extension, each of the first and second extensions having a tapered end that decreases in outer diameter as proceeding in an axial direction, so as to provide a conical guide surface. An outer sleeve is positioned around the clamp assembly, is configured to rotate with respect to the oilfield tubular and the clamp assembly, and is prevented from axial movement relative thereto.