Corrugated Sonde Centralizer for Downhole Tubular Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole logging tools face challenges in maintaining proper functioning due to harsh drilling conditions, and existing centralizers with tight tolerances are difficult and costly to manufacture and install, affecting the stabilization of sonde housings within downhole tubulars.
Innovation Solution
A centralizer with corrugated support features that partially extend about the sonde housing, allowing elastic deflection for easier installation and stabilization, while maintaining contact with both the sonde housing and downhole tubular to centralize the sonde within the tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralizer with tight tolerances is used to minimize movement of the centralizer with respect to the downhole tubular, then the sonde housing is stabilized in a specific location, but the centralizer becomes difficult and costly to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer transitions from a rigid structure with tight tolerances to a flexible structure that can dynamically adapt to installation conditions. The support features are configured to flexibly contact the sonde housing and downhole tubular, allowing the centralizer to maintain stabilization function while accommodating variations in manufacturing and installation without requiring tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the centralizer by introducing flexibility through the configuration of support features. Instead of maintaining fixed geometric parameters with tight tolerances, the support features are designed to deform and adapt, changing the parameter regime from rigid precision to flexible adaptation, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation difficulty while maintaining stabilization reliability.
2Reliability
If the support features extend fully about the sonde housing to maximize stabilization, then the sonde housing is firmly centralized, but the installation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support features extend only partially about the sonde housing rather than fully encircling it. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the necessary centralization and stabilization of the sonde housing while significantly reducing the complexity of the centralizer structure and simplifying the installation process compared to a full circumferential support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer is segmented into multiple discrete support features rather than a continuous circumferential structure. Each support feature can be independently positioned and installed, reducing overall device complexity and making installation more manageable while collectively providing sufficient stabilization when multiple segments work together.
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 centralizer effectively stabilizes the sonde housing, ensuring proper functioning by maintaining a centralized position despite harsh drilling conditions, while facilitating fluid flow and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A centralizer with corrugated support features that partially extend about the sonde housing, allowing elastic deflection for easier installation and stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a centralizer configured to be disposed in a radial gap formed between a downhole tubular and a sonde housing. The centralizer may include at least one support feature having a first circumferential end feature, a second circumferential end feature, and an elongated body portion extending axially along a centralizer axis and extending circumferentially about the centralizer axis from the first circumferential end feature to the second circumferential end feature. The elongated body portion may be corrugated with radially inward extending portions and radially outward extending portions alternating along the elongated body portion. Additionally, the radially inward extending portions may be configured to contact the sonde housing and the radially outward extending portions may be configured to contact the downhole tubular to hold the sonde housing in a centralized position with respect to the downhole tubular.