Pull-Through Centralizer With Bow Springs for Tight Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wellbore centralizers with stop collars are not suitable for all applications, particularly in wellbores with close tolerance restrictions, as they require high starting forces for insertion and can be damaged during conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A centralizer system featuring a first and second body portion connected by bow springs, with a retaining portion in a window providing fixed engagement with the wellbore tubular, allowing for pull-through coupling and reduced starting forces, enabling installation in close tolerance wellbores without dedicated manufacturing facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stop collars are used to maintain centralizer position, then the centralizer can be pushed into the wellbore, but high starting forces are required and damage can occur during conveyance in close tolerance restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional push-through approach by implementing a pull-through centralizer system. The centralizer is designed to be pulled into the wellbore rather than pushed, which eliminates the high starting forces and potential damage associated with push-through methods in close tolerance restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including bow springs that can flex and compress to accommodate the centralizer passing through restrictions, and a drag reduction member that can move relative to the tubular to reduce friction during conveyance. This dynamic design allows the centralizer to adapt to varying wellbore conditions without damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stop collars are used to maintain centralizer position, then the centralizer can be conveyed into the wellbore, but the design is not suitable for all applications particularly close tolerance restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal centralizer design that can be used in all wellbore applications including close tolerance restrictions. The modular components (body portions, bow springs, drag reduction member, retaining portion) work together to provide a single centralizer design that adapts to various wellbore conditions, eliminating the need for different centralizer types for different applications.
3Ease of operation
If a retaining portion is added to provide fixed engagement with the tubular, then pull-through coupling is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is designed to be formed directly on the tubular surface through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing facilities or dedicated subs. The process uses the tubular itself as the substrate, and the retaining portion is created in-situ, making the manufacturing process simpler and more self-contained.
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 system reduces the starting force required for insertion, allows for quick installation on existing tubing, and can be used in close tolerance wellbores without the need for dedicated subs, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion
Implementation Method 2
injecting a composite material into a space between the wellbore tubular and the injection mold to form a retaining portion
Data Source
AI summary
A centralizer system comprising a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises, a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and at least one window disposed in the first body portion, and a retaining portion disposed in the at least one window, wherein the retaining portion is configured to provide a substantially fixed engagement between the first body portion and the wellbore tubular.