Deployable Centralizer With Gas-Driven Flexible Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centralizers, such as bow spring centralizers, face limitations in deflection force generation, which can compromise cement jobs due to variations in cement thickness caused by lack of concentricity between the casing and well bore, and struggle to support the weight of casings in modern horizontal and slope drilling applications.
Innovation Solution
A centralizer assembly comprising a first and second sleeve with flexible members connected between them, where a gas generating device within the first sleeve extends a slide member to pivot the flexible members away from the casing, providing increased centralizing force and load support with minimal installation drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bow spring centralizers are designed to be easily attached to the casing, then ease of operation is improved, but deflection force generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer transitions from a static retracted state during installation to a dynamic deployed state where flexible members extend outward. This dynamic transformation allows the centralizer to achieve high deflection forces when needed while maintaining ease of attachment in the retracted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible members are nested within the centralizer body in the retracted position, allowing easy attachment to the casing. Upon deployment, these nested members extend outward to provide the necessary deflection force, effectively hiding the force-generating mechanism during installation.
2Force
If centralizers exert enough force to support casing weight in horizontal and slope drilling, then load support capability is improved, but insertion drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer remains in a compact retracted configuration during insertion to minimize drag, then deploys dynamically when positioned to provide full load support capability. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between low insertion drag and high load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer is attached to the casing in its retracted state before insertion, preparing the system for low-drag installation. The deployment action occurs after insertion, ensuring that the high-force capability is activated only when needed for supporting casing weight in deviated sections.
3Manufacturing precision
If centralizers provide sufficient deflection force to ensure concentricity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer uses a simple retracted structure that deploys into an extended configuration to provide deflection force. This dynamic transformation achieves the necessary concentricity control without requiring a permanently complex structure, as the complexity is only present when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer changes its geometric parameters from a compact retracted state to an extended deployed state. This parameter change enables the device to achieve sufficient deflection force for concentricity while maintaining a simpler appearance and structure during the cementing operation phase.
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 enables a centralizer system that supports larger loads and achieves greater centralization in deviated boreholes with reduced installation drag, ensuring a competent cement seal and improved cement job consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generating device contained within the housing and capable of generating an applied force upon the slide member
Data Source
AI summary
A centralizer assembly is disclosed that allows for the assembly to be deployed in-situ. The centralizer assembly includes flexible members that can be extended into the well bore in situ by the initiation of a gas generating device. The centralizer assembly can support a large load carrying capability compared to a traditional bow spring with little or no installation drag. Additionally, larger displacements can be produced to centralize an extremely deviated casing.