Modeling of а centralizer-turbulator

This paper presents the results of modeling a centralizer-turbulator developed at the Department of oil and gas well drilling at Almetyevsk state technological university. The device was developed to address one of the key challenges in the construction of oil and gas wells with deviated and horizontal sections: reducing non-productive time associated with the elimination of complications and accidents during drilling.

During the centralizer design, drilling fluid flow modeling was performed for nine of the most common device profiles. The study revealed that the maximum flow velocity is achieved in the centralizer's central section. The use of modeling allows for the pre-determination of the necessary design and hydrodynamic characteristics of the device, which helps reduce development and prototyping costs.

The developed centralizer-turbulator generates an intense turbulent drilling fluid flow with high frequency and amplitude of local velocity pulsations. This flow regime prevents cuttings from settling on the wellbore walls and, consequently, reduces the likelihood of mechanical sticking. Reducing the number of such complications allows for a reduction in non-productive time during well construction and increases the economic efficiency of oilfield service companies.

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