Patent ID: 8459379
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: E21B,F16C

Abstract:
1. A method of reducing contact pressure between first and second cylindrical bearing surfaces of a well tool, the method comprising: forming the first cylindrical bearing surface on one of an internal surface and an external surface of a bearing, the bearing permitting rotation of a well tool component which extends radially outward from an interface between the first and second cylindrical bearing surfaces; forming the second cylindrical bearing surface on the other of the internal surface and the external surface of the bearing; constructing a structure which supports the first cylindrical bearing surface in contact with the second cylindrical bearing surface, the structure including a material having a reduced elastic modulus which allows the first cylindrical bearing surface to deform in response to a concentrated accumulation of strain energy in the structure; and deforming the first cylindrical bearing surface, thereby distributing the strain energy across the first cylindrical bearing surface and reducing the contact pressure between the first and second cylindrical bearing surfaces.