Bow-Spring Centralizer Heel Support Reduces Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bow-spring centralizers experience high frictional resistance during rotation, leading to torque issues and potential damage to wellheads and downhole equipment, as they compress and contact the outer surface of the central tubular member, especially when passing through restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A bow-spring centralizer assembly with a heel support member that prevents bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of the central tubular member, combined with friction-reducing means such as bearings and non-abrasive materials to minimize torque and wear, and a bolster assembly for protection during handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bow-spring centralizers are used to center casing strings, then casing centralization is achieved, but high frictional resistance and torque issues occur during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heel support member as an intermediary component between the bow spring and the tubular member. This heel support member prevents direct contact between the bow spring and the tubular member surface, thereby reducing frictional resistance and torque during rotation while maintaining the centralization function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bow springs are compressed to pass through restrictions, then the centralizer can navigate wellbore restrictions, but the bow springs contact and damage the outer surface of the central tubular member
Solution Approach 1:
The heel support member serves as a protective intermediary that prevents the bow spring from directly contacting and damaging the tubular member surface during compression and passage through restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel support member is positioned in advance to cushion and protect the tubular member surface before any potential contact with compressed bow springs occurs during restriction passage.
3Ease of operation
If friction-reducing means such as bearings are added to reduce torque, then rotation becomes smoother, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heel support member acts as a simple intermediary structure that reduces friction without requiring complex bearing assemblies or additional mechanical components, thereby maintaining operational ease while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 reduces frictional resistance and damage to wellheads, allowing for smoother rotation and improved sealing, while protecting the centralizer from damage during transportation and handling.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of bow spring members extends between said end bands, with said bow spring members biasing said end bands toward each other
Implementation Method 2
A bow spring heel support member to prevent such bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of said central tubular member when said bow springs are compressed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A centralizer assembly (1) has a central tubular body member (10) with upper channel (12) and lower channel (15) extending around the external surface of said central tubular body member. A bow spring assembly (100) having bow spring members (110) is installed around the outer surface of the tubular body member (10) and can rotate about the outer surface of the central tubular body member. Bow spring heel supports prevent the bow spring members (110) from contacting the outer surface of the central tubular member (10) when compressed. Non-abrasive materials prevent damage to wellhead or other polished bore receptacles. A robust bolster frame protects the centralizer assembly during shipping, storage or other periods of non-use.