our four-point solution significantly reduces the risk of rubber fin fractures and debonding.

Centralizer Fins

Why fins fractures and debond

After months of research and collaboration with drilling engineers, directional companies, rubber compounder’s and bonding agent suppliers, we were able to narrow down the primary reason why the rubber on fins fail: SWELL. Swell can produce too much interference between the fin and the tool carrier, increasing friction, compounding the swell issue and ultimately leading to fin fractures. When this happens, the fin loses its ability to keep the tool centred, creating lateral shock and potentially damaging the electronics and battery on the tool string. In addition, if the swell is bad enough, it can compromise the bond, and the rubber can rip off altogether, causing a whole host of issues, such as ending up in the impeller and damaging the RSS.

Our Solution

Much time and resources have gone into determining our four-point solution to fin fractures and debonding. And although these factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of fin failures, it is not a failsafe solution, as there is no escaping the aggressive nature of the application or the caustic ingredients within oil-based muds. However, these four factors can drastically increase fin performance and greatly reduce the risk of potential downtime caused by fin failures.

  1. Swell Resistant Compound: Our immersion testing in produced water and OBM revealed which formulation of HNBR can resist swelling the most. We use this compound for all of our directional clients.
  2. Resilient Blend of Primer and Bonding Agent: We performed multiple custom cone
    tests, applying 10000 pounds of force onto the fins to verify the best primer and bonding agent combination. As a result, this is the only mixture we utilize on fin spines.
  3. Rigorous Preparation Process: After a series of consultations with compounders and bonding agent suppliers, we’ve gone the extra mile in our process to further ensure the bond on refins and new fins.
  4. Run & Swell Limitations: Our test data has also indicated that there will need to be run and/or max swell measurement limitations on the centralizer fins. No HNBR formulation can resist swell completely in oil-based muds.

Download our infographic for more information: Centralizer fin infographic

Quality you can rely on

Measurement 

All parts are measured on our Zeiss O-Machine and or Keyence CMM, which utilize optical and contact measurement technology in a comprehensive analysis. The O-Machine includes multi-sensor coordinate measuring, white light sensors for non-contact assessments and extremely accurate 3D scanners.

We follow AQL 2.5 levels 1 and 2 sample size quantities, and all molded parts are manufactured to RMA A2 tolerances. 

What comes with your orders:

  • Every order is sent with either a paper or digital QC document that includes ID, OD, C/S, Height, angles, and any other dimensions your organization feels critical. 

Materials

Our rubber and plastic materials supply is diversified amongst the top compounders in North America. Each polymer has been qualified to meet typical exploration and production well conditions, including mechanical, tribological, thermal, and specific immersive properties.

What comes with your orders:

  • Every order comes with an MTR that includes a batch number, cure dates, and a set of mechanical properties.

Available Compounds

Elastomers

Material CodeDescriptionTensile StrengthElongationCompression Set100% ModulusData Sheet
MCM80Improved extrusion and wear resistance over standard HNBR.3900 psi210%15%1270 psi

Let’s discuss your project

You’ve made it this far, but we know there is still more to discuss. Click on the book a meeting button below and we can discuss over a phone or video call. You can also email us at info@kcseals.ca.

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