Slimline Stop Collar Solid Cam Ring Downhole Tubular
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop collars for downhole tubulars lack sufficient strength and adaptability to securely engage and stabilize the tubulars in varying borehole conditions, particularly due to the use of split or slotted cam rings that compromise structural integrity and gripping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A slimline stop collar design featuring a solid cam ring, a compressible slip ring with teeth, and a cylindrical bolt, where the tapered surfaces are driven together to compress the slip ring and engage the tubular, providing enhanced gripping and stability without the structural weaknesses of split or slotted designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a split or slotted cam ring is used in the stop collar, then the device can be assembled and disassembled more easily, but the structural integrity and gripping efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam ring is divided into two semi-circular halves that can be assembled separately onto the tubular and then joined together. This segmentation allows for easier installation by splitting the assembly process into manageable steps while maintaining the integrity of a complete cam ring during operation, avoiding the weaknesses of fully slotted designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compressible slip ring with teeth is used, then the gripping efficiency on varying sizes of tubulars is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is designed with compressible material that changes its dimensional parameters under load. When the cam ring applies force, the slip ring compresses radially to expand its outer diameter, allowing the teeth to engage more deeply with the tubular surface. This parameter change enables adaptation to different tubular sizes without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If the tapered surfaces are driven together to compress the slip ring, then the secure engagement and stabilization is enhanced, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam ring features a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into radial compression of the slip ring. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage, allowing the application of significant compressive force on the slip ring through a controlled rotational movement rather than requiring direct application of large linear forces.
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 solid cam ring enhances the structural integrity and gripping efficiency of the stop collar, allowing for secure engagement and stabilization of downhole tubulars, even in varying sizes, while preventing loosening due to vibration, and accommodating size variations in tubulars.
Implementation Method 1
Screwing the threaded surfaces of the housing and the bolt is operable to drive the tapered surfaces together, thereby compressing the slip ring such that the teeth engage a periphery of the tubular
Implementation Method 2
The solid cam ring enhances the structural integrity and gripping efficiency of the stop collar, allowing for secure engagement and stabilization of downhole tubulars
Data Source
AI summary
A stop collar for mounting to a downhole tubular includes: a cylindrical housing having a threaded inner surface and a tapered inner surface; a compressible slip ring having teeth formed in an inner surface thereof and a pair of tapered outer surfaces; a solid cam ring having a tapered inner surface; and a cylindrical bolt having a threaded outer surface. A natural outer diameter of each ring is greater than a minor diameter of the threaded surfaces. Screwing the threaded surfaces of the housing and the bolt is operable to drive the tapered surfaces together, thereby compressing the slip ring such that the teeth engage a periphery of the tubular.