Adjustable Borehole Casing Centralizer with Segmented Bow Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centralizers for borehole casings face challenges in securely positioning and centralizing the casing within the borehole, particularly in varying diameters and encountering obstructions, due to limitations in adjustability and grip with the casing material.
Innovation Solution
A centralizer segment design featuring rotatable threaded elements, flexible bow elements, and high-friction pads, allowing for adjustable interconnection of collar portions and resilient deformation to maintain centralization, with a mechanism for varying the centralizer's diameter to snugly fit around borehole casings of different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the centralizer diameter is adjusted to fit varying borehole casing diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the diameter to be adjusted in discrete steps to fit different casing sizes while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the diameter to be changed during installation. The mechanism enables smooth transitions between different diameters while maintaining structural integrity, balancing adaptability with mechanical simplicity.
2Reliability
If the centralizer is made resilient to overcome obstructions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to flexible components
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer incorporates flexible elements such as resilient bows or spring-loaded components that can deform to navigate obstructions in the borehole. These flexible elements are designed with specific elastic properties to provide the necessary compliance while maintaining overall structural rigidity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient design includes pre-loaded spring elements or cushioning features that are activated before encountering major obstructions. This allows the centralizer to absorb and navigate minor irregularities smoothly, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the centralizer provides secure grip with borehole casing, then centralization stability is improved, but friction losses increase during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer features localized high-friction contact surfaces at specific engagement points with the borehole casing, while other surfaces maintain lower friction. This selective friction distribution provides secure grip where needed for centralization stability while minimizing overall frictional resistance during installation and adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures secure centralization of borehole casings by providing adjustable fit and resilience to overcome obstructions, maintaining contact with the borehole walls and allowing for precise positioning and stability during installation and grouting.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded element (41) which is rotatable about an axis which is inclined with respect to the axis of the passage and a portion of the thread extends into the passage
Implementation Method 2
the at least bow element is flexibly resilient
Implementation Method 3
The inner face of at least one of the connectors and/or the collars is provided with a surface which has a high coefficient of friction with the borehole casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A centraliser segment (11) comprising a first collar portion(15), a second collar portion (17) and bow means (19) extending between said first collar portion and said second collar portion to maintain the collar portions in spaced relation to each other, said bow portions having an intermediate portion which lies to one side of the plane accommodating the collar portions, a first connector element (21) provided at one end of the collar portions and second connector element (23) provided at the other end of the collar portions, said first connector elements are engagable with said second connector elements of the same or another centraliser segment such that one or more said centraliser segments are connectable together to form a centraliser which in use is capable of being received around a borehole casing, said first and second connector element having an adjustment element which can cause the diameter of the centraliser can be varied by operation of the adjustment element (41) wherein the adjustment is controllably and continuously variable over a range of diameters.