Patent ID: 7708063
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A centralizer comprising: a deformable tubular member having: a non-deformable portion with an outside surface defining a reference diameter; a deformable portion being deformable to a greater radial dimension than the reference diameter, the deformable portion when in the deformed position fluidically isolating at least one first fluid passage having a greater radial dimension than the reference diameter from at least one second fluidic passage having a radial dimension smaller than a radial dimension of the deformable portion, at least a portion of the deformable portion when deformed being contactable with a tubular structure so that the centralizer is centralized by such contact; and a plurality of lines of weakness disposed at the tubular member, at least one of the plurality of lines of weakness being at one of an inside surface and the outside surface and at least one other of the plurality of lines of weakness being at the other of the inside surface and the outside surface, the lines of weakness, upon axial loading of the centralizer causing deformation of the deformable portion and contact of the at least a portion of the deformable portion with the tubular structure.