Alaska Patent of the Month – March 2021
Casing or tubing strings are long connections of pipes used in drilling applications. These are made from threaded tubular sections joined together with a couple to create a strong and sturdy string. When inserted in a borehole, the string has to remain centered to evenly distribute forces and make the operation safe. Centralizers are typically made of a cylinder that covers the string at intervals. Each component has raised blades that extend out. Various formats for the blades have been developed to try and minimize weight and increase efficiency. The blades provide a level of support around the string but can also block the path of fluid as the string is inserted into the borehole. This blocked path causes a pressure build up, so the insertion is slowed down to allow pressure to release as you go. Unique Machine, LLC has designed a new blade configuration that prevents excessive pressure build up. Their product reduces the time needed to insert the string into a borehole.
Their design involves a helical blade set up which reduces drag and friction forces. Their design allows fluids to flow past more readily which reduces the pressure build up. The leading edge of the blades are sharply angled and do not overlap each other. This gap between blades allows pressure releases and fluid flow. These modifications to the blade design and introduction of space between the blades increases efficiency and effectiveness of the string insertion.
About Unique Machine, LLC
Unique Machine is Alaska’s largest machine shop, serving the fishing, mining, construction, government, gas and oilfield industries for over 40 years and is an important supplier to all oilfield Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) companies statewide. They seek out innovative ways to include and introduce new products, machinery and methods to save energy and be more efficient.
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