US20100276138A1 - Low Friction Centralizer - Google Patents
Low Friction Centralizer Download PDFInfo
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- US20100276138A1 US20100276138A1 US12/770,347 US77034710A US2010276138A1 US 20100276138 A1 US20100276138 A1 US 20100276138A1 US 77034710 A US77034710 A US 77034710A US 2010276138 A1 US2010276138 A1 US 2010276138A1
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- centralizer
- ball
- tubular
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- retainer plate
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- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
- E21B17/1057—Centralising devices with rollers or with a relatively rotating sleeve
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to centralizers for downhole tubulars, such as casing strings. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a centralizer having roller balls that facilitate movement of the centralizer and a casing string coupled thereto relative to a surrounding formation or another casing string.
- Centralizers are commonly used during completions operations in a wellbore, such as to cement a casing string within the wellbore.
- a centralizer Prior to installation of the casing string within the wellbore, a centralizer is positioned within or about the casing string. The casing string with the centralizer coupled thereto is then lowered into the wellbore. As the casing string is lowered, the centralizer contacts the surrounding formation. Contact between the centralizer and formation impedes movement of the casing string and thus its installation. After the casing string is positioned within the wellbore, the centralizers maintain the casing string at the wellbore center, allowing cement to be uniformly distributed throughout an annulus formed by the casing string and surrounding formation.
- the centralizer typically has structural features that facilitate relative movement between the centralizer and formation. For instance, some conventional centralizers have raised vanes that enable sliding contact between the centralizer and formation over a limited area. Even so, slidingly engagement between the vanes and formation can generate significant friction loads. Other conventional centralizers have cylindrical rollers that rotatably engage the formation, resulting in comparatively lower frictional loads. However, movement of the centralizer is facilitated only in a single direction dependent upon the orientation of the rotational axis of the roller relative to the axial centerline of the centralizer. Movement of the centralizer in another direction causes the roller to slide against the formation, increasing frictional loads therebetween. Furthermore, the sliding engagement and associated frictional loads cannot be eliminated by the addition of other rollers having differently orientated rotational axes because at least one of the rollers will always slidingly engage the formation no matter what direction the centralizer moves.
- a centralizer for a downhole system including but not limited to a casing system, is disclosed.
- the centralizer has a tubular body and a plurality of roller ball assemblies circumferentially spaced about the tubular body.
- Each roller ball assembly includes a plurality of rotatable balls adapted to engage a surface radially offset from the centralizer and rotate relative to the surface in any direction.
- the system includes a tubular positioned in a wellbore and a centralizer supported by the tubular.
- the centralizer has a roller ball assembly with a plurality of balls engaging a surface radially offset from the centralizer and rotatable over the surface in any direction.
- the system includes two concentric tubulars positioned in a wellbore, the two concentric tubulars comprising an inner tubular and an outer tubular, and a centralizer disposed therebetween.
- the centralizer includes a plurality of balls engaging the tubulars and rotatable in any direction. Rotation of the balls enables relative movement of the tubulars.
- embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with conventional centralizers.
- the various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is schematic representation a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein positioned in a casing string suspended in a wellbore;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the centralizer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the tubular body of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the retainer plate of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is schematic representation of another embodiment of a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein disposed about a casing string suspended in a wellbore;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the centralizer of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tubular body of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the centralizer of FIG. 6 in partial cross-section
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the ball socket block of FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the retainer plate of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 11 is schematic representation of yet another embodiment of a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein rotatably disposed between two concentric casing strings;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the centralizer of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tubular body of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the centralizer of FIG. 12 in partial cross-section
- FIGS. 15A and 15B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the ball socket block of FIG. 12 ;
- FIGS. 16A and 16B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the retainer plate of FIG. 12 .
- the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to. . . .”
- the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
- the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central or longitudinal axis, while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central or longitudinal axis.
- Casing system 100 further includes an outer casing 110 installed within a wellbore 115 and an inner casing 120 suspended therein. As illustrated, outer casing 110 is secured in position by cement 130 disposed in an annulus 135 between outer casing 110 and a formation 140 surrounding wellbore 115 .
- Inner casing 120 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 125 with centralizer 105 coupled therebetween.
- Centralizer 105 maintains inner casing 120 in a central position within outer casing 110 and enables movement of inner casing 120 relative to outer casing string 110 , as will be described.
- Centralizer 105 includes a tubular body 155 having a first end 160 , a second end 165 , and a flowbore 170 extending therethrough.
- centralizer 105 has external threads 175 that enable centralizer 105 to be threaded into a joint 125 ( FIG. 1 ) of inner casing 120 .
- centralizer 105 has internal threads 180 ( FIG. 3A ) that enable another joint 125 ( FIG. 1 ) to be threaded into centralizer 105 .
- flowbore 170 enables conveyance of cement through centralizer 105 during cementing operations.
- Centralizer 105 further includes a plurality of raised vanes 185 disposed circumferentially about tubular body 155 .
- Each vane 185 has a length extending substantially in the longitudinal or axial direction and a height extending radially from the outer surface 190 of tubular body 155 , thereby creating a valley 195 disposed between adjacent vanes 185 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3B depict axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of tubular body 155 , each vane 185 has a recess 200 therein. Recess 200 is bounded by radially extending surfaces 205 and an axially extending surface 210 therebetween. As best viewed in FIG.
- a plurality of ball receptacles 215 and fastener bores 220 are disposed in surface 210 .
- Each ball receptacle 215 is defined by a spherical surface 225 , whereas each fastener bore 220 is configured to receive a fastener, as will be described.
- centralizer 105 further includes a roller ball assembly 230 coupled within recess 200 of each raised vane 185 .
- Each roller ball assembly 230 includes a plurality of spherical balls 235 , a plurality of fasteners 240 , and a retainer plate 245 .
- Each ball 235 is disposed within a ball receptacle 215 ( FIG. 3A ) of vane 185 . Further, ball 235 is rotatable within ball receptacle 215 relative to vane 185 and thus tubular body 155 of centralizer 105 in all directions.
- Retainer plate 245 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 250 and a plurality of ball receptacles 255 .
- Each fastener throughbore 250 is configured to receive a fastener 240 ( FIG. 2 ) therethrough.
- Each ball receptacles 255 is bounded by a surface 260 configured to receive a ball 235 ( FIG. 2 ).
- Surface 260 extends between a circular opening 265 in the inner surface 270 of retainer plate 245 and a circular opening 275 in the outer surface 280 of retainer plate 245 . Opening 275 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 235 ( FIG. 2 ), whereas opening 265 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter.
- a ball 235 is disposed within each ball receptacle 215 of vane 185 .
- Retainer plate 245 is then positioned over recess 200 of vane 185 such that ball receptacles 255 of retainer plate 245 align with and receive balls 235 .
- Fasteners 240 are inserted through fastener throughbores 250 of retainer plate 245 and secured within fastener bores 220 of vane 185 .
- a lubricant is injected within ball receptacles 215 of vanes 185 and/or ball receptacles 255 of retainer plate 245 prior to coupling of retainer plate 245 to vane 185 to promote rotation of balls 235 relative to vanes 185 and retainer plate 245 for extended periods of time.
- balls 235 are retained by retainer plate 245 within recess 200 because openings 275 have diameters smaller than those of balls 235 .
- the height of recess 200 and the depths of ball receptacles 215 , 255 , each dimension measured in the radial direction, are selected such that a portion of each ball 235 extends radially through its respective opening 275 in retainer plate 245 and beyond outer surface 280 of retainer plate 245 . As such, balls 235 engage outer casing 110 ( FIG. 1 ).
- centralizer 105 When inner casing 120 is disposed within outer casing 110 , such as during installation of inner casing 120 , contact between balls 235 and outer casing 110 causes rotation of balls 235 within ball receptacles 215 of vanes 185 . Thus, balls 235 of centralizer 105 rotatably engage outer casing 110 . Because balls 235 may freely rotate in any direction, friction loads associated with such contact are greatly reduced in comparison to those associated with conventional centralizers, including those previously described. In other words, centralizers 105 facilitate low friction, or near unimpeded, movement of inner casing 120 relative to outer casing 110 regardless of its direction of movement.
- centralizer 105 is coupled between joints 125 of inner casing 120 , and thus is integral to inner casing 120 .
- the low friction centralizers are not integral to a casing but are instead “slipped on” and coupled to its exterior surface.
- FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an embodiment of a low friction, slip-on centralizer.
- Casing system 300 further includes an outer casing 310 installed within a wellbore 315 and an inner casing 320 suspended therein. Outer casing 310 is secured in position by cement 330 disposed in an annulus 335 between outer casing 310 and a formation 340 surrounding wellbore 315 .
- Inner casing 320 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 325 threaded end-to-end.
- Centralizer 305 is installed about inner casing 320 to maintain inner casing 320 in a central position within outer casing 310 and to enable movement of inner casing 320 relative to outer casing string 310 , as will be described.
- Centralizer 305 includes a tubular body 325 and a plurality of roller ball assemblies 330 disposed circumferentially thereabout.
- Tubular body 325 has a first end 335 , a second end 340 , a throughbore 345 extending therethrough, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores 355 proximal ends 335 , 340 .
- Throughbore 345 enables centralizer 305 to be positioned about, or “slipped on,” inner casing 320 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- Each bore 355 is configured to receive a fastener 360 to enable coupling of centralizer 305 about inner casing 320 .
- Tubular body 325 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutouts 350 , best viewed in FIG. 7 . Each cutout 350 is configured to receive a roller ball assembly 330 therein, as will be described.
- roller ball assembly 330 depicted in cross-section, is positioned within a cutout 350 of tubular body 325 .
- Roller ball assembly 330 includes a ball socket block 365 , a retainer plate 370 , and a plurality of spherical balls 375 and fasteners 380 extending therebetween.
- Ball socket block 365 has an outer surface 385 with a plurality of ball receptacles 390 and fastener bores 395 disposed therein. Each fastener bore 395 is configured to receive a fastener 380 ( FIG. 8 ) to enable coupling of retainer plate 370 thereto. Each ball receptacle 390 is defined by a spherical surface 400 configured to receive a ball 375 ( FIG. 8 ). As such, ball socket block 365 effectively performs the same function as vanes 185 of centralizer 105 , previously described.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are similar views of retainer plate 370 .
- retainer plate 370 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 400 and a plurality of ball receptacles 405 .
- Each fastener throughbore 400 is configured to receive a fastener 380 ( FIG. 8 ) therethrough.
- Each ball receptacle 405 is bounded by a surface 410 extending between a circular opening 415 in the inner surface 420 of retainer plate 370 and a circular opening 425 in the outer surface 430 of retainer plate 370 .
- Opening 425 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 375 ( FIG. 8 ), whereas opening 415 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter.
- ball socket block 365 is disposed within cutout 350 of tubular body 325 , as shown in FIG. 8 , and welded, or otherwise secured, to tubular body 325 .
- a ball 375 is disposed within each ball receptacle 390 of ball socket block 365 .
- Ball 375 is freely rotatable within ball receptacle 390 relative to ball socket block 365 in all directions.
- Retainer plate 370 is then positioned over ball socket block 365 such that ball receptacles 405 in retainer plate 370 align with and receive balls 375 .
- fasteners 380 are inserted through fastener throughbores 400 of retainer plate 370 and secured within aligned fastener bores 395 in ball socket block 365 .
- a lubricant is injected within ball receptacles 390 of ball socket block 365 and/or ball receptacles 405 of retainer plate 370 prior to coupling of retainer plate 370 to ball socket block 365 to promote rotation of balls 375 relative to ball socket block 365 and retainer plate 370 for extended periods of time.
- each ball 375 engages outer casing 310 ( FIG. 5 ).
- centralizer 305 When inner casing string 320 moves within outer casing 310 , such as during installation of inner casing 320 , contact between balls 375 and outer casing 310 causes rotation of balls 375 within roller ball assembly 330 . Thus, balls 375 of centralizer 305 rotatably engage outer casing 310 . Because balls 375 may freely rotate in any direction, friction loads associated with such contact are greatly reduced in comparison to those associated with conventional centralizers, including those previously described. In other words, centralizer 305 facilitates low friction, or near unimpeded, movement of inner casing 320 relative to outer casing 310 regardless of its direction of movement.
- FIGS. 11-16 illustrate an embodiment of a low friction, slip-on centralizer that permits such movement.
- Casing system 600 further includes an outer casing 610 installed within a wellbore 615 and an inner casing 620 suspended therein. Outer casing 610 is secured in position by cement 630 disposed in an annulus 635 between outer casing 610 and a formation 640 surrounding wellbore 615 .
- Inner casing 620 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 625 threaded end-to-end.
- Centralizer 605 is installed about inner casing 620 to maintain inner casing 620 in a central position within outer casing 610 . Further, centralizer 605 is moveable relative to outer casing 610 and to inner casing 620 . To maintain the axial position of centralizer 605 relative to inner casing 620 , casing system 600 further includes two locking collars 645 coupled to inner casing 620 above and below centralizer 605 . Locking collars 645 do not move relative to inner casing 620 and thereby limit movement of centralizer 605 in the axial direction relative to inner casing 620 .
- Centralizer 605 includes a tubular body 610 and a plurality of roller ball assemblies 615 disposed circumferentially thereabout.
- Tubular body 610 has a first end 620 , a second end 625 , and a throughbore 630 extending therethrough. Throughbore 630 enables centralizer 605 to be positioned about, or “slipped on,” inner casing 620 , as illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- tubular body 610 is not fastened to inner casing 620 , but rather is enabled by roller ball assemblies 615 to move relative to inner casing 620 .
- tubular body 610 does not include fastening means, such as fastener bores proximal ends 620 , 625 . Because centralizer 605 is moveable relative inner casing 620 but restricted by locking collars 645 ( FIG. 11 ) from moving appreciably in the axial direction relative to inner casing 620 , centralizer 605 may be referred to as a “rotatable, slip-on centralizer.”
- Tubular body 610 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutouts 635 , best viewed in FIG. 13 . Each cutout 635 is configured to receive a roller ball assembly 615 therein, as will be described.
- roller ball assembly 615 depicted in cross-section, is positioned within a cutout 635 of tubular body 610 .
- Roller ball assembly 615 includes a ball socket block 640 , a retainer plate 645 , and a plurality of spherical balls 650 and fasteners 655 extending therebetween.
- retainer plate 645 is disposed radially inward of ball socket block 640 and coupled thereto by fasteners 655 extending from the interior of centralizer 605 .
- inner casing 620 FIG. 11
- inner casing 620 would prevent them from disengaging retainer plate 645 .
- Ball socket block 640 has an inner surface 660 with a plurality of ball receptacles 665 and fastener bores 670 disposed therein. Each fastener bore 670 is configured to receive a fastener 655 ( FIG. 14 ) therein. Each ball receptacle 665 is defined by a spherical surface 675 configured to receive a ball 650 ( FIG. 14 ). Surface 675 extends between a circular opening 680 in inner surface 660 and a circular opening 685 in the outer surface 690 of ball socket block 640 . Opening 685 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 650 ( FIG. 8 ), whereas opening 680 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter.
- FIGS. 16A and 16B are similar views of retainer plate 645 .
- retainer plate 645 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 695 and a plurality of ball receptacles 700 .
- Each fastener throughbore 695 is configured to receive a fastener 655 ( FIG. 8 ) therethrough.
- Each ball receptacle 700 is defined by a spherical surface 705 configured to receive a ball 650 ( FIG. 14 ).
- Surface 705 extends between a circular opening 710 in the inner surface 715 of retainer plate 645 and a circular opening 720 in the outer surface 725 of retainer plate 645 .
- Opening 710 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 650 ( FIG. 14 ), whereas opening 720 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter.
- a ball 650 is disposed within each ball receptacle 665 of ball socket block 640 .
- Retainer plate 645 is then positioned over ball socket block 640 such that ball receptacles 700 of retainer plate 645 align with and receive balls 650 .
- Fasteners 655 are inserted through fastener throughbores 695 of retainer plate 645 and secured within aligned fastener bores 670 in ball socket block 640 .
- a lubricant is injected within ball receptacles 665 and/or ball receptacles 700 prior to coupling of retainer plate 645 to ball socket block 640 to promote rotation of balls 650 relative to ball socket block 640 and retainer plate 645 for extended periods of time.
- roller ball assembly 615 is disposed within cutout 635 of tubular body 610 , as shown in FIG. 14 , and secured in position, such as by welding ball socket block 640 to tubular body 610 .
- balls 650 are retained therebetween because openings 710 of retainer plate 640 and openings 685 of ball socket block 640 have diameters smaller than those of balls 650 .
- balls 665 are freely rotatable within ball receptacles 665 , 700 relative to ball socket block 640 and retainer plate 645 in all directions.
- the thickness of ball socket block 640 between surfaces 660 , 690 and the thickness of retainer plate 640 between surfaces 715 , 725 are selected such that a portion of each ball 650 extends radially through ball receptacle 700 in retainer plate 645 and beyond inner surface 715 of retainer plate 645 .
- each ball 650 extends radially through ball receptacle 665 in ball socket block 640 and beyond outer surface 690 of ball socket block 640 . As such, balls 650 engage inner casing 620 and outer casing 610 ( FIG. 11 ).
- centralizer 605 facilitates low friction, or near unimpeded, movement of inner casing 620 relative to outer casing 610 regardless of its direction of movement.
- balls 650 facilitate low friction movement of centralizer 605 relative to inner casing 620 in any direction. This may be particularly useful in other embodiments wherein outer casing 610 is not fixed, but is moveable like inner casing 620 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, locking collars 645 ( FIG. 11 ) limit axial movement of centralizer 605 relative to inner casing 620 .
- centralizer 305 has a tubular body 325 with a plurality of cutouts 350 , each cutout 350 receiving a ball socket block 365 , which is coupled to tubular body 325 , such as by welding.
- centralizer 605 has a tubular body 610 with a plurality of cutouts 635 , each cutout 635 receiving a ball socket block 640 , which is coupled to tubular body 610 , such as by welding.
- tubular body 325 , 610 and ball socket block 365 , 640 may be formed integrally as a single component, rather than as separate components subsequently joined in some manner.
- tubular body 325 and ball socket block 365 may be formed as a single component through casting or forging.
- balls 375 would then be seated in ball receptacles 390 of the integral tubular body and ball socket block and retainer plate 370 coupled thereto.
- tubular body 610 and ball socket block 640 may be formed as a single component through casting or forging.
- balls 650 would then be seated in ball receptacles 665 of the integral tubular body and ball socket block and retainer plate 645 coupled thereto.
- a centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, including the embodiments described above, enables low friction movement of the centralizer relative to a downhole tubular, such as a casing string, or a surrounding formation. Movement of the centralizer relative to the casing string, or surrounding formation, is facilitated by a plurality of balls which engage the casing string, or formation, and rotate freely in any direction. Thus, the centralizer is moveable in any direction relative to the casing string or formation.
- the friction forces associated with such movement are no greater in one direction than any other, in contrast to many conventional centralizers. Moreover, the friction forces are significantly less than those associated with many conventional centralizers, in particular those which enable sliding engagement, as previously described.
- centralizers 105 , 305 , 605 are depicted and described as facilitating movement of an inner casing 120 , 320 , 620 within a fixed outer casing 110 , 310 , 610 , respectively.
- Centralizers 105 , 305 , 605 would function identically as described were they to instead engage a surrounding formation 140 , 340 , 640 in the absence of outer casing 110 , 310 , 610 .
- the embodiments of the low friction centralizers disclosed herein are described in the context of being integral with or coupled to a casing string for the purpose of centralizing the casing string and facilitating movement of the casing string relative to another casing string.
- the low friction centralizers are equally applicable to other types of tubulars or tubular strings, such as but not limited to drill strings, which require centralization and/or movement relative to a formation or another tubular string. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/174,617 filed May 1, 2009 and entitled “Low Friction Centralizer,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Not applicable.
- The disclosure relates to centralizers for downhole tubulars, such as casing strings. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a centralizer having roller balls that facilitate movement of the centralizer and a casing string coupled thereto relative to a surrounding formation or another casing string.
- Centralizers are commonly used during completions operations in a wellbore, such as to cement a casing string within the wellbore. Prior to installation of the casing string within the wellbore, a centralizer is positioned within or about the casing string. The casing string with the centralizer coupled thereto is then lowered into the wellbore. As the casing string is lowered, the centralizer contacts the surrounding formation. Contact between the centralizer and formation impedes movement of the casing string and thus its installation. After the casing string is positioned within the wellbore, the centralizers maintain the casing string at the wellbore center, allowing cement to be uniformly distributed throughout an annulus formed by the casing string and surrounding formation.
- To reduce frictional loads resulting from contact between the centralizer and formation during installation of the casing string, the centralizer typically has structural features that facilitate relative movement between the centralizer and formation. For instance, some conventional centralizers have raised vanes that enable sliding contact between the centralizer and formation over a limited area. Even so, slidingly engagement between the vanes and formation can generate significant friction loads. Other conventional centralizers have cylindrical rollers that rotatably engage the formation, resulting in comparatively lower frictional loads. However, movement of the centralizer is facilitated only in a single direction dependent upon the orientation of the rotational axis of the roller relative to the axial centerline of the centralizer. Movement of the centralizer in another direction causes the roller to slide against the formation, increasing frictional loads therebetween. Furthermore, the sliding engagement and associated frictional loads cannot be eliminated by the addition of other rollers having differently orientated rotational axes because at least one of the rollers will always slidingly engage the formation no matter what direction the centralizer moves.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a centralizer that facilitates movement between the centralizer and casing string coupled thereto relative to the formation, or another casing string, in any direction with reduced associated frictional loads.
- A centralizer for a downhole system, including but not limited to a casing system, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the centralizer has a tubular body and a plurality of roller ball assemblies circumferentially spaced about the tubular body. Each roller ball assembly includes a plurality of rotatable balls adapted to engage a surface radially offset from the centralizer and rotate relative to the surface in any direction.
- In some embodiments, the system includes a tubular positioned in a wellbore and a centralizer supported by the tubular. The centralizer has a roller ball assembly with a plurality of balls engaging a surface radially offset from the centralizer and rotatable over the surface in any direction.
- In some embodiments, the system includes two concentric tubulars positioned in a wellbore, the two concentric tubulars comprising an inner tubular and an outer tubular, and a centralizer disposed therebetween. The centralizer includes a plurality of balls engaging the tubulars and rotatable in any direction. Rotation of the balls enables relative movement of the tubulars.
- Thus, embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with conventional centralizers. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
- For a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is schematic representation a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein positioned in a casing string suspended in a wellbore; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the centralizer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the tubular body ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the retainer plate ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is schematic representation of another embodiment of a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein disposed about a casing string suspended in a wellbore; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the centralizer ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tubular body ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the centralizer ofFIG. 6 in partial cross-section; -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the ball socket block ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the retainer plate ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 11 is schematic representation of yet another embodiment of a low friction centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein rotatably disposed between two concentric casing strings; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the centralizer ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tubular body ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the centralizer ofFIG. 12 in partial cross-section; -
FIGS. 15A and 15B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the ball socket block ofFIG. 12 ; and -
FIGS. 16A and 16B are axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the retainer plate ofFIG. 12 . - The following description is directed to exemplary embodiments of a modular reinforce pipeline fabrication system and associated methods. The embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. One skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and that the discussion is meant only to be exemplary of the described embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
- Certain terms are used throughout the following description and the claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function. Moreover, the drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components described herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.
- In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to. . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections. Further, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central or longitudinal axis, while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central or longitudinal axis.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a schematic representation of acasing system 100, including alow friction centralizer 105 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, is shown.Casing system 100 further includes anouter casing 110 installed within awellbore 115 and aninner casing 120 suspended therein. As illustrated,outer casing 110 is secured in position bycement 130 disposed in anannulus 135 betweenouter casing 110 and aformation 140 surroundingwellbore 115.Inner casing 120 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 125 withcentralizer 105 coupled therebetween.Centralizer 105 maintainsinner casing 120 in a central position withinouter casing 110 and enables movement ofinner casing 120 relative toouter casing string 110, as will be described. - Turning next to
FIG. 2 , a perspective view of onecentralizer 105 is shown.Centralizer 105 includes atubular body 155 having afirst end 160, asecond end 165, and aflowbore 170 extending therethrough. Atfirst end 160,centralizer 105 hasexternal threads 175 that enablecentralizer 105 to be threaded into a joint 125 (FIG. 1 ) ofinner casing 120. Atsecond end 165,centralizer 105 has internal threads 180 (FIG. 3A ) that enable another joint 125 (FIG. 1 ) to be threaded intocentralizer 105. When centralizer 105 is coupled betweenjoints 125, as shown inFIG. 1 , flowbore 170 enables conveyance of cement throughcentralizer 105 during cementing operations. -
Centralizer 105 further includes a plurality of raisedvanes 185 disposed circumferentially abouttubular body 155. Eachvane 185 has a length extending substantially in the longitudinal or axial direction and a height extending radially from theouter surface 190 oftubular body 155, thereby creating avalley 195 disposed betweenadjacent vanes 185. Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B , which depict axial and radial cross-sectional views, respectively, oftubular body 155, eachvane 185 has arecess 200 therein.Recess 200 is bounded by radially extendingsurfaces 205 and anaxially extending surface 210 therebetween. As best viewed inFIG. 3A , a plurality ofball receptacles 215 and fastener bores 220 are disposed insurface 210. Eachball receptacle 215 is defined by a spherical surface 225, whereas each fastener bore 220 is configured to receive a fastener, as will be described. - Returning briefly to
FIG. 2 ,centralizer 105 further includes aroller ball assembly 230 coupled withinrecess 200 of each raisedvane 185. Eachroller ball assembly 230 includes a plurality ofspherical balls 235, a plurality offasteners 240, and aretainer plate 245. Eachball 235 is disposed within a ball receptacle 215 (FIG. 3A ) ofvane 185. Further,ball 235 is rotatable withinball receptacle 215 relative to vane 185 and thustubular body 155 ofcentralizer 105 in all directions. - Turning to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , top and axial cross-sectional views, respectively, ofretainer plate 245 are shown.Retainer plate 245 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 250 and a plurality of ball receptacles 255. Eachfastener throughbore 250 is configured to receive a fastener 240 (FIG. 2 ) therethrough. Eachball receptacles 255 is bounded by asurface 260 configured to receive a ball 235 (FIG. 2 ).Surface 260 extends between acircular opening 265 in theinner surface 270 ofretainer plate 245 and acircular opening 275 in theouter surface 280 ofretainer plate 245.Opening 275 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 235 (FIG. 2 ), whereas opening 265 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter. - To couple roller ball assembly 230 with
tubular body 155 ofcentralizer 105, aball 235 is disposed within each ball receptacle 215 ofvane 185.Retainer plate 245 is then positioned overrecess 200 ofvane 185 such thatball receptacles 255 ofretainer plate 245 align with and receiveballs 235.Fasteners 240 are inserted through fastener throughbores 250 ofretainer plate 245 and secured within fastener bores 220 ofvane 185. In some embodiments, a lubricant is injected withinball receptacles 215 ofvanes 185 and/orball receptacles 255 ofretainer plate 245 prior to coupling ofretainer plate 245 to vane 185 to promote rotation ofballs 235 relative tovanes 185 andretainer plate 245 for extended periods of time. - When
retainer plate 245 is coupled tovane 185, as described,balls 235 are retained byretainer plate 245 withinrecess 200 becauseopenings 275 have diameters smaller than those ofballs 235. The height ofrecess 200 and the depths ofball receptacles ball 235 extends radially through itsrespective opening 275 inretainer plate 245 and beyondouter surface 280 ofretainer plate 245. As such,balls 235 engage outer casing 110 (FIG. 1 ). - When
inner casing 120 is disposed withinouter casing 110, such as during installation ofinner casing 120, contact betweenballs 235 andouter casing 110 causes rotation ofballs 235 withinball receptacles 215 ofvanes 185. Thus,balls 235 ofcentralizer 105 rotatably engageouter casing 110. Becauseballs 235 may freely rotate in any direction, friction loads associated with such contact are greatly reduced in comparison to those associated with conventional centralizers, including those previously described. In other words,centralizers 105 facilitate low friction, or near unimpeded, movement ofinner casing 120 relative toouter casing 110 regardless of its direction of movement. - In the above-described embodiment,
centralizer 105 is coupled betweenjoints 125 ofinner casing 120, and thus is integral toinner casing 120. In other embodiments, the low friction centralizers are not integral to a casing but are instead “slipped on” and coupled to its exterior surface.FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an embodiment of a low friction, slip-on centralizer. - Beginning with
FIG. 5 , a schematic representation of acasing system 300, including alow friction centralizer 305 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, is shown.Casing system 300 further includes anouter casing 310 installed within awellbore 315 and aninner casing 320 suspended therein.Outer casing 310 is secured in position bycement 330 disposed in anannulus 335 betweenouter casing 310 and aformation 340 surroundingwellbore 315.Inner casing 320 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 325 threaded end-to-end.Centralizer 305 is installed aboutinner casing 320 to maintaininner casing 320 in a central position withinouter casing 310 and to enable movement ofinner casing 320 relative toouter casing string 310, as will be described. - Turning to
FIG. 6 , a perspective view of onecentralizer 305 is shown.Centralizer 305 includes atubular body 325 and a plurality ofroller ball assemblies 330 disposed circumferentially thereabout.Tubular body 325 has afirst end 335, asecond end 340, athroughbore 345 extending therethrough, and a plurality of circumferentially spacedbores 355 proximal ends 335, 340.Throughbore 345 enablescentralizer 305 to be positioned about, or “slipped on,”inner casing 320, as illustrated inFIG. 5 . Eachbore 355 is configured to receive afastener 360 to enable coupling ofcentralizer 305 aboutinner casing 320. When secured toinner casing 320 viafasteners 360,centralizer 305 does not move appreciably relative toinner casing 320. For this reason,centralizer 305 may be referred to as a “fixed, slip-on centralizer.”Tubular body 325 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedcutouts 350, best viewed inFIG. 7 . Eachcutout 350 is configured to receive a roller ball assembly 330 therein, as will be described. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a perspective view ofcentralizer 305 is shown in partial cross-section to better illustrate features of aroller ball assembly 330. As shown,roller ball assembly 330, depicted in cross-section, is positioned within acutout 350 oftubular body 325.Roller ball assembly 330 includes aball socket block 365, aretainer plate 370, and a plurality ofspherical balls 375 andfasteners 380 extending therebetween. - Turning to
FIGS. 9A and 9B , top and axial cross-sectional views, respectively, ofball socket block 365 are shown.Ball socket block 365 has anouter surface 385 with a plurality ofball receptacles 390 and fastener bores 395 disposed therein. Each fastener bore 395 is configured to receive a fastener 380 (FIG. 8 ) to enable coupling ofretainer plate 370 thereto. Eachball receptacle 390 is defined by aspherical surface 400 configured to receive a ball 375 (FIG. 8 ). As such, ball socket block 365 effectively performs the same function asvanes 185 ofcentralizer 105, previously described. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are similar views ofretainer plate 370. As shown,retainer plate 370 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 400 and a plurality of ball receptacles 405. Eachfastener throughbore 400 is configured to receive a fastener 380 (FIG. 8 ) therethrough. Eachball receptacle 405 is bounded by asurface 410 extending between acircular opening 415 in theinner surface 420 ofretainer plate 370 and acircular opening 425 in theouter surface 430 ofretainer plate 370.Opening 425 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 375 (FIG. 8 ), whereas opening 415 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter. - To couple roller ball assembly 330 with
tubular body 325 ofcentralizer 305,ball socket block 365 is disposed withincutout 350 oftubular body 325, as shown inFIG. 8 , and welded, or otherwise secured, totubular body 325. Next, aball 375 is disposed within each ball receptacle 390 ofball socket block 365.Ball 375 is freely rotatable withinball receptacle 390 relative toball socket block 365 in all directions.Retainer plate 370 is then positioned over ball socket block 365 such thatball receptacles 405 inretainer plate 370 align with and receiveballs 375. Lastly,fasteners 380 are inserted through fastener throughbores 400 ofretainer plate 370 and secured within aligned fastener bores 395 inball socket block 365. In some embodiments, a lubricant is injected withinball receptacles 390 ofball socket block 365 and/orball receptacles 405 ofretainer plate 370 prior to coupling ofretainer plate 370 toball socket block 365 to promote rotation ofballs 375 relative toball socket block 365 andretainer plate 370 for extended periods of time. - When
retainer plate 370 is coupled toball socket block 365, as described,balls 375 are retained therebetween becauseopenings 425 ofretainer plate 370 have diameters smaller than those ofballs 375. The depths ofball receptacles ball 375 extends radially through itsrespective opening 425 inretainer plate 370 and beyondouter surface 430 ofretainer plate 370. As such,balls 375 engage outer casing 310 (FIG. 5 ). - When
inner casing string 320 moves withinouter casing 310, such as during installation ofinner casing 320, contact betweenballs 375 andouter casing 310 causes rotation ofballs 375 withinroller ball assembly 330. Thus,balls 375 ofcentralizer 305 rotatably engageouter casing 310. Becauseballs 375 may freely rotate in any direction, friction loads associated with such contact are greatly reduced in comparison to those associated with conventional centralizers, including those previously described. In other words,centralizer 305 facilitates low friction, or near unimpeded, movement ofinner casing 320 relative toouter casing 310 regardless of its direction of movement. - In the previously described embodiment, fixed, slip-on
centralizer 305 does not move relative toinner casing 320. Even so, there may be instances where relative movement betweencentralizer 305 andinner casing 320 is desirable.FIGS. 11-16 illustrate an embodiment of a low friction, slip-on centralizer that permits such movement. - Beginning with
FIG. 11 , a schematic representation of acasing system 600, including alow friction centralizer 605 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, is shown.Casing system 600 further includes anouter casing 610 installed within awellbore 615 and aninner casing 620 suspended therein.Outer casing 610 is secured in position bycement 630 disposed in anannulus 635 betweenouter casing 610 and aformation 640 surroundingwellbore 615.Inner casing 620 includes two casing pipe segments, or joints, 625 threaded end-to-end. -
Centralizer 605 is installed aboutinner casing 620 to maintaininner casing 620 in a central position withinouter casing 610. Further,centralizer 605 is moveable relative toouter casing 610 and toinner casing 620. To maintain the axial position ofcentralizer 605 relative toinner casing 620,casing system 600 further includes two lockingcollars 645 coupled toinner casing 620 above and belowcentralizer 605. Lockingcollars 645 do not move relative toinner casing 620 and thereby limit movement ofcentralizer 605 in the axial direction relative toinner casing 620. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , a perspective view of onecentralizer 605 is shown.Centralizer 605 includes atubular body 610 and a plurality ofroller ball assemblies 615 disposed circumferentially thereabout.Tubular body 610 has afirst end 620, asecond end 625, and athroughbore 630 extending therethrough.Throughbore 630 enablescentralizer 605 to be positioned about, or “slipped on,”inner casing 620, as illustrated inFIG. 11 . Unlikecentralizer 305, previously described,tubular body 610 is not fastened toinner casing 620, but rather is enabled byroller ball assemblies 615 to move relative toinner casing 620. Thus,tubular body 610 does not include fastening means, such as fastener bores proximal ends 620, 625. Becausecentralizer 605 is moveable relativeinner casing 620 but restricted by locking collars 645 (FIG. 11 ) from moving appreciably in the axial direction relative toinner casing 620,centralizer 605 may be referred to as a “rotatable, slip-on centralizer.”Tubular body 610 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedcutouts 635, best viewed inFIG. 13 . Eachcutout 635 is configured to receive a roller ball assembly 615 therein, as will be described. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , a perspective view ofcentralizer 605 is shown in partial cross-section to illustrate features of aroller ball assembly 615. As shown,roller ball assembly 615, depicted in cross-section, is positioned within acutout 635 oftubular body 610.Roller ball assembly 615 includes aball socket block 640, aretainer plate 645, and a plurality ofspherical balls 650 andfasteners 655 extending therebetween. In contrast toretainer plate 370 ofcentralizer 305,retainer plate 645 is disposed radially inward ofball socket block 640 and coupled thereto byfasteners 655 extending from the interior ofcentralizer 605. In the unlikely event thatfasteners 655 were to loosen, inner casing 620 (FIG. 11 ) would prevent them from disengagingretainer plate 645. - Turning to
FIGS. 15A and 15B , top and axial cross-sectional views, respectively, ofball socket block 640 are shown.Ball socket block 640 has an inner surface 660 with a plurality ofball receptacles 665 and fastener bores 670 disposed therein. Each fastener bore 670 is configured to receive a fastener 655 (FIG. 14 ) therein. Eachball receptacle 665 is defined by aspherical surface 675 configured to receive a ball 650 (FIG. 14 ).Surface 675 extends between acircular opening 680 in inner surface 660 and acircular opening 685 in theouter surface 690 ofball socket block 640.Opening 685 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 650 (FIG. 8 ), whereas opening 680 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter. -
FIGS. 16A and 16B are similar views ofretainer plate 645. As shown,retainer plate 645 includes a plurality of fastener throughbores 695 and a plurality of ball receptacles 700. Eachfastener throughbore 695 is configured to receive a fastener 655 (FIG. 8 ) therethrough. Eachball receptacle 700 is defined by aspherical surface 705 configured to receive a ball 650 (FIG. 14 ).Surface 705 extends between acircular opening 710 in theinner surface 715 ofretainer plate 645 and acircular opening 720 in theouter surface 725 ofretainer plate 645.Opening 710 is defined by a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of each ball 650 (FIG. 14 ), whereas opening 720 is defined by a diameter that is at least that of the ball diameter. - To couple roller ball assembly 615 with
tubular body 610 ofcentralizer 605, aball 650 is disposed within each ball receptacle 665 ofball socket block 640.Retainer plate 645 is then positioned over ball socket block 640 such thatball receptacles 700 ofretainer plate 645 align with and receiveballs 650.Fasteners 655 are inserted through fastener throughbores 695 ofretainer plate 645 and secured within aligned fastener bores 670 inball socket block 640. In some embodiments, a lubricant is injected withinball receptacles 665 and/orball receptacles 700 prior to coupling ofretainer plate 645 toball socket block 640 to promote rotation ofballs 650 relative toball socket block 640 andretainer plate 645 for extended periods of time. Lastly,roller ball assembly 615 is disposed withincutout 635 oftubular body 610, as shown inFIG. 14 , and secured in position, such as by weldingball socket block 640 totubular body 610. - When
retainer plate 645 is coupled toball socket block 640, as described,balls 650 are retained therebetween becauseopenings 710 ofretainer plate 640 andopenings 685 ofball socket block 640 have diameters smaller than those ofballs 650. At the same time,balls 665 are freely rotatable withinball receptacles ball socket block 640 andretainer plate 645 in all directions. The thickness of ball socket block 640 betweensurfaces 660, 690 and the thickness ofretainer plate 640 betweensurfaces ball 650 extends radially throughball receptacle 700 inretainer plate 645 and beyondinner surface 715 ofretainer plate 645. Similarly, a portion of eachball 650 extends radially throughball receptacle 665 inball socket block 640 and beyondouter surface 690 ofball socket block 640. As such,balls 650 engageinner casing 620 and outer casing 610 (FIG. 11 ). - When
inner casing 620 moves withinouter casing 610, such as during installation ofinner casing 620, contact betweenballs 650 andcasings balls 650 withinroller ball assembly 615. Thus,balls 650 ofcentralizer 615 rotatably engageouter casing 610 andinner casing 620. Becauseballs 650 may freely rotate in any direction, friction loads associated with such contacts are greatly reduced in comparison to those associated with conventional centralizers, including those previously described. In other words,centralizer 605 facilitates low friction, or near unimpeded, movement ofinner casing 620 relative toouter casing 610 regardless of its direction of movement. - Furthermore,
balls 650 facilitate low friction movement ofcentralizer 605 relative toinner casing 620 in any direction. This may be particularly useful in other embodiments whereinouter casing 610 is not fixed, but is moveable likeinner casing 620. In the illustrated embodiment, however, locking collars 645 (FIG. 11 ) limit axial movement ofcentralizer 605 relative toinner casing 620. - As described,
centralizer 305 has atubular body 325 with a plurality ofcutouts 350, eachcutout 350 receiving aball socket block 365, which is coupled totubular body 325, such as by welding. Similarly,centralizer 605 has atubular body 610 with a plurality ofcutouts 635, eachcutout 635 receiving aball socket block 640, which is coupled totubular body 610, such as by welding. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate thattubular body ball socket block tubular body 325 andball socket block 365 may be formed as a single component through casting or forging. During assembly ofcentralizer 305,balls 375 would then be seated inball receptacles 390 of the integral tubular body and ball socket block andretainer plate 370 coupled thereto. Likewise,tubular body 610 andball socket block 640 may be formed as a single component through casting or forging. During assembly ofcentralizer 605,balls 650 would then be seated inball receptacles 665 of the integral tubular body and ball socket block andretainer plate 645 coupled thereto. - A centralizer in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, including the embodiments described above, enables low friction movement of the centralizer relative to a downhole tubular, such as a casing string, or a surrounding formation. Movement of the centralizer relative to the casing string, or surrounding formation, is facilitated by a plurality of balls which engage the casing string, or formation, and rotate freely in any direction. Thus, the centralizer is moveable in any direction relative to the casing string or formation. The friction forces associated with such movement are no greater in one direction than any other, in contrast to many conventional centralizers. Moreover, the friction forces are significantly less than those associated with many conventional centralizers, in particular those which enable sliding engagement, as previously described.
- While various embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings herein. The embodiments herein are exemplary only, and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the apparatus disclosed herein are possible and within the scope of the invention. For example,
centralizers inner casing outer casing Centralizers surrounding formation outer casing
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/770,347 US20100276138A1 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2010-04-29 | Low Friction Centralizer |
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US17461709P | 2009-05-01 | 2009-05-01 | |
US12/770,347 US20100276138A1 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2010-04-29 | Low Friction Centralizer |
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US20100276138A1 true US20100276138A1 (en) | 2010-11-04 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US12/770,347 Abandoned US20100276138A1 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2010-04-29 | Low Friction Centralizer |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US20100276138A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2760670A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2011011364A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010127128A2 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20110000665A1 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-06 | Smith International, Inc. | Hydraulically Locking Stabilizer |
WO2014018040A1 (en) * | 2012-07-26 | 2014-01-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Axis maintenance apparatus, systems, and methods |
US20160290069A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2016-10-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole drilling tools including low friction gage pads with rotatable balls positioned therein |
US9765577B2 (en) | 2013-04-22 | 2017-09-19 | Rock Dicke Incorporated | Method for making pipe centralizer having low-friction coating |
US9790748B2 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2017-10-17 | Impact Selector International, Llc | Wireline roller standoff |
US10053925B1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2018-08-21 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | Centralizer system |
CN109025848A (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2018-12-18 | 中煤地质集团有限公司北京分公司 | A kind of aperture centralizer |
US10287829B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2019-05-14 | Colorado School Of Mines | Method and apparatus to rotate subsurface wellbore casing |
US10364619B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2019-07-30 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | Integral electrically isolated centralizer and swell packer system |
WO2019152975A1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2019-08-08 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
WO2020047111A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-05 | Impact Selector International, Llc | Apparatus and method for running casing into a wellbore |
US10895117B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2021-01-19 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for improved centralization and friction reduction using casing rods |
WO2022155383A1 (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2022-07-21 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
US11448016B2 (en) | 2018-02-05 | 2022-09-20 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
US11993986B1 (en) * | 2023-01-18 | 2024-05-28 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | System, method and apparatus for a protection clamp for pipe |
Families Citing this family (1)
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EA034114B1 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2019-12-27 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Научная Компания "Луч" | Device for moving equipment in production casing |
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US8082987B2 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2011-12-27 | Smith International, Inc. | Hydraulically locking stabilizer |
US20110000665A1 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-06 | Smith International, Inc. | Hydraulically Locking Stabilizer |
WO2014018040A1 (en) * | 2012-07-26 | 2014-01-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Axis maintenance apparatus, systems, and methods |
AU2012386004B2 (en) * | 2012-07-26 | 2016-11-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Axis maintenance apparatus, systems, and methods |
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US9790748B2 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2017-10-17 | Impact Selector International, Llc | Wireline roller standoff |
US20160290069A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2016-10-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole drilling tools including low friction gage pads with rotatable balls positioned therein |
US9790749B2 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-17 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole drilling tools including low friction gage pads with rotatable balls positioned therein |
US10287829B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2019-05-14 | Colorado School Of Mines | Method and apparatus to rotate subsurface wellbore casing |
US10961791B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2021-03-30 | Colorado School Of Mines | Method and apparatus to rotate subsurface wellbore casing |
US10590717B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2020-03-17 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | Centralizer system |
US10364619B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2019-07-30 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | Integral electrically isolated centralizer and swell packer system |
US10053925B1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2018-08-21 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | Centralizer system |
WO2019152975A1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2019-08-08 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
US10920502B2 (en) | 2018-02-05 | 2021-02-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
US11448016B2 (en) | 2018-02-05 | 2022-09-20 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
WO2020047111A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-05 | Impact Selector International, Llc | Apparatus and method for running casing into a wellbore |
US10975631B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2021-04-13 | Impact Selector International, Llc | Apparatus and method for running casing into a wellbore |
CN109025848A (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2018-12-18 | 中煤地质集团有限公司北京分公司 | A kind of aperture centralizer |
US10895117B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2021-01-19 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for improved centralization and friction reduction using casing rods |
WO2022155383A1 (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2022-07-21 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Casing friction reduction methods and tool |
US11993986B1 (en) * | 2023-01-18 | 2024-05-28 | Alaskan Energy Resources, Inc. | System, method and apparatus for a protection clamp for pipe |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010127128A2 (en) | 2010-11-04 |
CA2760670A1 (en) | 2010-11-04 |
MX2011011364A (en) | 2012-02-08 |
WO2010127128A3 (en) | 2011-03-03 |
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