Testing of a Polymer Drill String Protector under Conditions close to Borehole

Abstract

With today's proliferation of various polymers, it is necessary to assess the feasibility and feasibility of replacing rubber with more modern materials. The purpose of the tests was to study the effect of abrasive wear, the effect of temperature on material properties, resistance to chipping and other types of wear. This will allow assessing the possibility of application in well conditions, as well as determining the magnitude of the effect of each type of wear on the product. We were faced with the task of testing new protectors in conditions close to full-scale ones. For this, a stand was designed, which allows you to reproduce the lateral load, add abrasive and corrosive agents that affect the wear of the product, ensure circulation of the model fluid, with the characteristics of the drilling fluid, as well as study the effect of elevated temperature on the change in material properties. Due to the fact that in a real well the protector is not under constant load, especially in the vertical sections of the wellbore, but can rotate on the pipe, a day on the test bench can be equivalent to months when the protector is in the well. Therefore, the tests carried out can predict the wear of tread parts, as well as assess the reliability of the use of treads made of polymer materials.