Centralizer

Abstract

A centralizer for a pipe or other elongate member is formed from a plurality of tubular bodies ( 16 ) each having a through passage ( 23 ) that is connected end-to-end to form a continuous passageway. Each of the tubular bodies ( 16 ) has a female connector portion ( 26 ) at one end and a male connector portion ( 24 ) at the opposite end that fits into the female connector portion ( 26 ) with longitudinal and/or angular play. The securing means in the form of a mounting flange ( 14 ) is also provided to fix the centralizer with respect to a J-tube through which the centralizer is to pass. The invention centralizes the elongate member in the J-tube and maintains the allowable minimum bending radius, whilst eliminating, or reducing to acceptable levels, the contact loads and abrasion on the elongate member.

1 . A centralizer for an elongate member, comprising a plurality of tubular bodies each having a through passage, tubular bodies in the plurality being connected end-to-end to form a continuous passageway, each tubular body comprising connection means for connecting to an adjacent tubular body while permitting play between adjacent tubular bodies that is at least one of longitudinal and angular play, and securing means for securing the centralizer with respect to an elongate tubular member through which the connected tubular bodies pass.  
   
   
       2 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connection means comprises a female connector portion at one end and a male connector portion at an opposite end of a tubular body, the connection means being adapted to fit into the female connector portion of an adjacent tubular body.  
   
   
       3 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the female connector portion comprises a recess having an aperture defined by an inturned peripheral lip.  
   
   
       4 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the male connector portion comprises a projecting rib whose outer diameter exceeds the inner diameter of the inturned peripheral lip.  
   
   
       5 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein a longitudinal length of the recess exceeds a longitudinal length of the projecting rib of the male connector portion.  
   
   
       6 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein an internal diameter of the recess exceeds an external diameter of the projecting rib of the male connector portion.  
   
   
       7 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of tubular bodies comprises a plurality of portions and means for securing the portions together to form the tubular body.  
   
   
       8 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the portions of a tubular body are substantially identical.  
   
   
       9 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of the tubular bodies comprises two parts.  
   
   
       10 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tubular bodies comprise substantially identical tubular bodies.  
   
   
       11 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the securing means comprises means for securing a flange to one of the tubular bodies.  
   
   
       12 . A centralizer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the securing means comprises a flange and means for attaching the flange to one of the plurality of tubular bodies.