Application of Bionic Non-Smooth Theory in Solid Expandable Tubular Technology

Abstract

During the application of solid expandable tubular (SET) technology, the friction between expansion cone and tubular results in high expansion pressure, high operational risk, and severe abrasion of expansion cone over long distance operation. So far, traditional methods have not been able to effectively achieve the purpose of reducing the friction and improving the wear resistance of expansion cone. The bionic non-smooth surface has been studied and confirmed to have characters of reducing friction and wear, and these characteristics have been successfully applied in many fields. In this paper, the bionic non-smooth theory was applied on the surface of expansion cone, and bionic cone was fabricated by laser texturing and carbon based coating. The ground tests proved that the bionic surface treatment on the expansion cone could reduce the expansion pressure by 15% at least and improve the wear resistance.

Advances in the application of biomimetic surface engineering in the oil and gas industry

“…Gao et al [5] also proposed the fabrication of non-smooth structures on the surface of the tool joints artificially to produce non-smooth wear characteristics, which can increase the service life of the drill pipe and greatly reduce the cost of the drilling. Figure 2 shows a biomimetic non-smooth surface expansion cone [6]. Moreover, during an expansion tube operation, the non-smooth surface reduces the frictional resistance between the expansion cone and the inner wall of the expansion tube, thereby improving the wear resistance of the expansion cone.…”