US20150129200A1 - Slim-line casing centralizer - Google Patents

Slim-line casing centralizer Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150129200A1
US20150129200A1 US14/520,202 US201414520202A US2015129200A1 US 20150129200 A1 US20150129200 A1 US 20150129200A1 US 201414520202 A US201414520202 A US 201414520202A US 2015129200 A1 US2015129200 A1 US 2015129200A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
casing
centralizer
support
finger
angle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/520,202
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English (en)
Inventor
Norman Bruce Moore
Sarah Mitchell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WWT North America Holdings Inc
Original Assignee
WWT North America Holdings Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by WWT North America Holdings Inc filed Critical WWT North America Holdings Inc
Priority to US14/520,202 priority Critical patent/US20150129200A1/en
Assigned to WWT NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS, INC. reassignment WWT NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MITCHELL, SARAH, MOORE, NORMAN BRUCE
Priority to PCT/US2014/064146 priority patent/WO2015069779A1/fr
Publication of US20150129200A1 publication Critical patent/US20150129200A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • E21B17/1078—Stabilisers or centralisers for casing, tubing or drill pipes
    • 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
    • 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
    • E21B17/1014—Flexible or expansible centering means, e.g. with pistons pressing against the wall of the well
    • E21B17/1021—Flexible or expansible centering means, e.g. with pistons pressing against the wall of the well with articulated arms or arcuate springs
    • E21B17/1028—Flexible or expansible centering means, e.g. with pistons pressing against the wall of the well with articulated arms or arcuate springs with arcuate springs only, e.g. baskets with outwardly bowed strips for cementing operations

Definitions

  • This invention relates to gas and oil production, and more particularly to improvements in casing centralization.
  • casing centralizers typically after an oil or gas well is drilled the hole is lined with steel pipe and cement is inserted between the pipe and the formation.
  • the centering of the casing within the hole is performed by casing centralizers of various types.
  • Casing centralization is of importance to oil and gas wells because proper centralization of the casing within the hole leads to improved cementing of the casing, and hence, pressure, integrity and safety.
  • Centralizers are also important to allow use of slotted liners to avoid slot plugging, reduce drag during installation, and limit differential sticking of the casing to the formation during installation.
  • part of casing centralization is efficient passage of the cement past the centralizer towards the surface. If the centralizer fills a significant portion of the annulus between the casing and the well bore, the result is restriction of the cement flow, thus requiring greater pumping, but more incomplete cement coverage.
  • contingency planning frequently involves the drilling string design with many concentric casing.
  • various governmental regulatory agencies and industry associations have required more contingency planning that has resulted in increased number of casing strings that have outside diameters that allow less space between the formation and the casing for cement.
  • One of the methods to allow contingency planning for additional casing strings is to drill out from one casing with an under-reamer thus producing a drilled hole that is larger than the inside diameter of the casing the under-reamer passes through.
  • a centralizer installed on a 113 ⁇ 4 inch casing application may be required to pass through (i.e. collapse) from 123 ⁇ 8 inch and expand to 141 ⁇ 2 inch and support 1,000 pounds of side load. Consequently, a need exists for a centralizer that can run between two well casings having a relatively narrow annular space between casings. Such an application eliminates the use of fixed diameter centralizers because they cannot expand or contract through the restrictions.
  • the present invention is directed to a slim-line casing centralizer having limited expansion and collapse capability but with high amounts of side load support capability.
  • the slim-line casing centralizer of the present invention includes three components including a top and a bottom stop collar positioned above and below a centralizer sleeve.
  • the centralizer body or sleeve is typically made of steel that is quenched and tempered to produce a high strength spring-steel-like behavior.
  • the centralizer body or sleeve can be made of a low modulus high-strength metal such as titanium or a specially designed fiber-epoxy composite.
  • the centralizer body can have a coating of low friction materials.
  • the centralizer body consists of a multiplicity of support fingers, each finger is formed into a collapsible spring. Each finger is shaped to support a predetermined load at its apex. The shape is approximated by the performance of a beam and consists of a leading forward angle (downhole), a following aft angle (uphole). Typically the forward and downward angle range from 15 to 85 degrees, but most typically are forty-five degrees. The forward and aft angles are not necessarily the same.
  • the end of the support fingers consist of a landing tab. When the centralizer experiences radial loads, the support finger collapses into a finger pocket. The pocket is sized to allow the complete collapse of the support finger. The landing tab guides the spring finger into its collapse without interference with the body of the centralizer.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a formation illustrating the slim-line casing centralizer of the present invention positioned between two casing sections;
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the centralizer of FIG. 1 as installed on a casing;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stop collar of the centralizer of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the centralizer body or sleeve of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a slim-line casing centralizer 10 positioned in the narrow annular space between casings 12 and 14 located within a bore hole 16 drilled within an underground formation 18 .
  • the casing centralizer 10 consists of a centralizer sleeve 20 and top and bottom stop collars 22 and 24 .
  • stop collars are typically made of steel or aluminum or other metal and include holes 26 for the insertion of steel set screws 28 which when turned apply a griping force from the collar to the inner casing 14 .
  • the centralizer body or sleeve 20 is typically made of a sheet of steel that is quenched and tempered to produce a high strength spring-steel-like behavior.
  • the centralizer body can be made of a low modulus high strength metal such as titanium or a specially designed fiber-epoxy composite.
  • the centralizer body can include a coating of low friction materials to prevent wear on the casing.
  • the coating may be urethane or an epoxy filled with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. These coatings reduce wear as well as rotating friction.
  • the casing itself can also be coated.
  • the coating can also include Teflon® (PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkanes).
  • the centralizer sleeve is made into a continuous cylindrical body 30 by rolling the sheet metal and welding the ends 32 together.
  • a plurality of finger support elements 34 are cut into the body 30 uniformly along the body.
  • the finger support elements are cut into the body to include gaps for the finger elements to function.
  • Each support finger 34 is formed into a collapsible spring.
  • Each finger is shaped to support a pre-determined load at its apex 36 .
  • the shape of the finger is approximated by the performance of a beam and consists of a leading forward angle 38 and a following aft support angle 40 .
  • the forward and aft angles range from about 15 to about 85 degrees, but most typically are 45 degrees. The forward and aft angles are not necessarily the same.
  • the end of the support fingers consists of a landing tab 42 .
  • the support fingers collapse with the landing tab 42 extending into a finger pocket 44 .
  • the finger pocket is sized to allow the complete collapse of the support finger.
  • the landing tab guides the support finger into its collapse without interference with the body of the centralizer which prevents the support fingers from snagging on surfaces during sliding into the hole.
  • the support fingers can be of different sizes to facilitate running in the hole.
  • the support fingers are of increasing height moving to the center of the sleeve from either end. This embodiment helps reduce snagging during running. Further, a variable amount of side load support may be useful in applications where dogleg severity changes abruptly.
  • each finger contributes to the side load capacity of the centralizer.
  • a 14 inch diameter configuration made from 0.05 inch thick steel with yield strength of 150,000 psi, a forward angle of 45 degrees, an aft angle of 30 degrees, a 0.5 inch wide finger with a 0.5 inch space between fingers, a 3 inch collapsed length, can support approximately 22 pounds side force per finger that is normally loaded.
  • a percentage of the normal load is proportional to the angle of the load to the transfer axis of the casing. For an application that requires 1500 pound side load will require a centralizer that is approximately 68 inches long.
  • Table 1 provides dimensional requirements for the slim-line casing centralizer examples of the present invention for various casing sizes.
  • the minimum restoring force (a radial force) at 67% standoff (67% of the cross-sectional area of the hole is filled by the centralizer) is 620 pound and a maximum 620 pound starting force (axial sliding).
  • the restoring radial force is approximately 800 pounds and the maximum axial sliding starting force in formation is approximately 325 pounds.
  • Lower starting forces advantageous for starting to run casing and a higher standoff force is advantageous, especially for inclined or horizontal wells, which the slim line casing centralizer of the present invention achieves.
  • the number of centralizers placed on a casing string can vary from about 5 to about 200 depending upon the well inclination and casing size and weight, dog-leg severity, and other well completion parameters.
  • the side loads can be estimated by current commercially available software packages. Typically, each well is analyzed and specific recommendations per well are made.
  • Benefits of the slim-line casing centralizer of the present invention include centralization in narrow openings between individual casing. This allows for centralization between casing when the annular space is limited such as when running contingency casing strings in offshore applications. Utilizing a high forward angle or aft angle (from about 15 to about 85 degrees) in the support fingers allows the largest amount of support per finger and when combined with a large number of fingers within sheet metal construction, the result is an extremely slim structure with high collapse resistance and low drag resistance. A large number of support fingers that have wide range of expansion and collapse configurations allows the centralizer to be flexible to anticipated side load conditions.
  • the centralizer of the present invention is scalable for casing between 41 ⁇ 2 inches and 16 inches in outside diameter.
  • the slim-line casing centralizer of the present invention typically exceeds the API 10D minimum radial standoff force and is typically less than the maximum starting force; from filling both of these requirements facilitates centralization in inclined holes and ease of running.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US14/520,202 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Slim-line casing centralizer Abandoned US20150129200A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/520,202 US20150129200A1 (en) 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Slim-line casing centralizer
PCT/US2014/064146 WO2015069779A1 (fr) 2013-11-08 2014-11-05 Centreur de colonne de tubage a petit diametre

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361902091P 2013-11-08 2013-11-08
US14/520,202 US20150129200A1 (en) 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Slim-line casing centralizer

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US20150129200A1 true US20150129200A1 (en) 2015-05-14

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US14/520,202 Abandoned US20150129200A1 (en) 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Slim-line casing centralizer

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US (1) US20150129200A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2015069779A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160326813A1 (en) * 2015-05-08 2016-11-10 Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co., Llc Devices and methods for forming bow springs of one-piece centralizers
CN107842322A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2018-03-27 中海石油（中国）有限公司湛江分公司工程技术作业中心 大口径隔水导管水上扶正装置
US20210025248A1 (en) * 2019-07-26 2021-01-28 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Centralizer

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4871020A (en) * 1987-09-21 1989-10-03 Intevep, S.A. Sucker rod centralizer
US6679325B2 (en) * 2002-02-08 2004-01-20 Frank's International, Inc. Minimum clearance bow-spring centralizer
US20080217063A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Moore N Bruce In-situ molded non-rotating drill pipe protector assembly

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3270697A (en) * 1962-10-02 1966-09-06 B & W Inc Method for forming a pipe centering device
US4520869A (en) * 1983-09-29 1985-06-04 Svenson Bert N Centralizer for well casings
GB0115704D0 (en) * 2001-06-27 2001-08-22 Winapex Ltd Centering device
US8678096B2 (en) * 2011-01-25 2014-03-25 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Composite bow centralizer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4871020A (en) * 1987-09-21 1989-10-03 Intevep, S.A. Sucker rod centralizer
US6679325B2 (en) * 2002-02-08 2004-01-20 Frank's International, Inc. Minimum clearance bow-spring centralizer
US20080217063A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Moore N Bruce In-situ molded non-rotating drill pipe protector assembly

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160326813A1 (en) * 2015-05-08 2016-11-10 Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co., Llc Devices and methods for forming bow springs of one-piece centralizers
US10493515B2 (en) * 2015-05-08 2019-12-03 Innovex Downhole Solutions, Inc. Devices and methods for forming bow springs of one-piece centralizers
CN107842322A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2018-03-27 中海石油（中国）有限公司湛江分公司工程技术作业中心 大口径隔水导管水上扶正装置
US20210025248A1 (en) * 2019-07-26 2021-01-28 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Centralizer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2015069779A1 (fr) 2015-05-14

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AS Assignment

Owner name: WWT NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MOORE, NORMAN BRUCE;MITCHELL, SARAH;SIGNING DATES FROM 20141007 TO 20141009;REEL/FRAME:034010/0885

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION