Disintegrable Centralizer for Borehole Stabilization and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centralizers in the downhole drilling and completions industry often interfere with subsequent operations and are difficult, costly, and time-consuming to remove, necessitating a solution for selective removal to facilitate subsequent activities.

Innovation Solution

A centralizer system utilizing a disintegrable material, such as a metal composite with a cellular nanomatrix and disintegration agent, that can be selectively removed by exposure to a specific fluid, allowing for temporary stabilization and subsequent disintegration to clear radial gaps between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional centralizer is used to stabilize components during drilling operations, then stability and alignment are improved, but removal difficulty and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidremoval difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The centralizer is constructed from disintegrable material that performs its stabilization function temporarily and then deliberately disintegrates to be removed from the borehole. This eliminates the need for complex removal operations after the centralizer has served its purpose during drilling or completion operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralizer material undergoes parameter changes in response to specific fluid conditions (such as pH, temperature, or chemical composition) that cause it to transition from a stable, functional state during operations to a disintegrating state for removal. This controlled transformation enables easy removal without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a permanent centralizer is installed to maintain concentricity, then alignment precision is improved, but subsequent operational access and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconcentricityVSAvoidsubsequent operational access

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralizer transitions from a static, permanent structure to a dynamic, time-dependent component that maintains its structural integrity only when needed for alignment during drilling or completion operations. After serving its function, it deliberately disintegrates to restore borehole access for subsequent operations such as production or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than installing a permanent centralizer that would obstruct future operations, the system uses a temporary disintegrable centralizer that is removed automatically after serving its alignment function, thereby maintaining productivity for subsequent operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If manual removal of centralizers is performed, then complete removal is achieved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval completenessVSAvoidremoval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The centralizer performs its own removal through controlled disintegration when exposed to specific fluid conditions in the borehole. This self-removal mechanism eliminates the need for manual fishing operations, reducing both time and cost while ensuring complete removal without requiring intervention equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The centralizer is designed as a disposable component that dissolves or disintegrates on its own after serving its function, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming manual removal operations. The material is selected to be inexpensive and easily removable through chemical or physical degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables efficient and controlled removal of centralizers, reducing operational complexity and costs by allowing for temporary stabilization during operations and subsequent disintegration to maintain borehole access without manual removal processes.

Implementation Method 1

a centralizer disposed between the first component and the second component for at least partially filling a radial clearance between the first component and the second component, the centralizer formed at least partially from a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisintegration:

Data Source

PatentUS9016384B2Disintegrable centralizer

Publication Date: 2015.04.28 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A system including a first component, a second component disposed radially adjacent to the first component, and a centralizer disposed between the first component and the second component for at least partially filling a radial clearance between the first component and the second component. The centralizer is formed at least partially from a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid. A method of completing a borehole is also included.