Centralizer Internal Stop Collar Tubular Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centralizers for downhole tubulars lack effective internal stop collars that can securely engage and stabilize the tubulars during cementing operations, leading to potential issues with cement quality and tubular positioning.
Innovation Solution
A centralizer with an internal stop collar comprising a compressible slip ring with teeth and tapered outer surfaces, paired with cam rings, which are actuated using an assembly tool to securely engage the downhole tubular, ensuring stability and allowing for relative rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an internal stop collar is used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to securely engage and stabilize the tubular during cementing operations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stop collar functionality with the centralizer body by integrating the stop collar as an internal feature of the centralizer assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate external stop collar components while maintaining the stabilization function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without compromising tubular stabilization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stop collar is nested within the centralizer body structure, with the stop collar forming an internal feature that receives and stabilizes the tubular. This nesting approach allows the stop collar to be contained within the centralizer assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device while preserving the engagement and stabilization functions
2Reliability
If a compressible slip ring with teeth is used, then engagement security with the tubular is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is designed with compressible material properties that allow it to deform elastically during engagement. This parameter change from rigid to compressible enables the slip ring to accommodate variations in tubular dimensions and tolerances, providing secure engagement through elastic deformation rather than requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The slip ring utilizes a flexible, compressible structure with teeth that can deform to match the tubular outer surface. This flexibility allows the slip ring to conform to slight variations in tubular geometry while maintaining secure engagement, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid engagement mechanisms
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 internal stop collar effectively stabilizes the downhole tubular, maintaining a uniform cement sheath and improving the quality of the cement bond between the tubular and the wellbore, while reducing complexity and cost compared to external stop collars.
Implementation Method 1
An assembly tool is operable to drive the tapered surfaces together, thereby compressing the slip ring such that the teeth engage a periphery of the downhole tubular
Implementation Method 2
a compressible slip ring having teeth formed in an inner surface thereof and a pair of tapered outer surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A centralizer for mounting onto a downhole tubular incudes a cylindrical body. The body has: a plurality of blades forming a periphery thereof, a first portion with an inner surface, and a second portion having a groove formed in an inner surface thereof for receiving a stop collar. The stop collar includes: a compressible slip ring having teeth formed in an inner surface thereof and a pair of tapered outer surfaces, and a pair of cam rings, each cam ring having a tapered inner surface. An outer diameter of each cam ring is greater than a diameter of the inner surface of the first portion and less than a diameter of the groove. An assembly tool is operable to drive the tapered surfaces together, thereby compressing the slip ring such that the teeth engage a periphery of the downhole tubular.