JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012 - 37

Focus
Matrix centralisers provide the following benefits: - Drilling of longer reach wells – industry best, low-friction factors for longer deployment of casing and well screens - No corrosion - Low wear and material loss - Reduced handling time - Greater flexibility for post-modifications - Reduced likelihood of shattering under thermal shock conditions - Low likelihood of product failure - Shorter lead times

The product development phase included benchmarking and re-engineering what was currently in use within the marketplace. The design, modelling, analysis and prototyping followed including CAD, FEA analysis tools and extensive experimentation to produce a number of models and prototypes displaying innovative solutions critical to the end user. Once the team decided on a prototype that satisfied the desired list of

characteristics, they provided a range of specifications to the tooling supplier to develop in partnership, the design of the injection mould. This was followed by the optimisation stage which included the development of a set of conditions that would guarantee product quality, consistency, maximum productivity and minimum material usage. Development, testing and qualifications were based on the requirements of applicable API standards: API 10D, 10D-2, 10TR4 and 10TR5. Matrix is committed to a continuous process of research and development in order to stay ahead of industry and client demands. It is this focus that allows the company to penetrate new markets and gain market share. To launch the centralizer, Matrix used R&D Solutions who specialise in well construction products for the global oil and gas industry.

Market potential
The market for centralisers and other well construction products is significant

and is being driven by the large number of new wells drilled across the globe, well footage, the growth of lateral completions and the rapidly growing global shale gas market. The number of new land wells around the world is expected to increase by 28.5% from 2011-2017, offshore wells by 33%, well footage (land) by 26%, and a 32% increase for offshore well footage over the same period (source: Spears & Associates, Drilling and Production Outlook September 2011). In 2012, the US alone is expected to drill approximately 53,000 new wells. The market for centralisers is predominately in the US, Canada, Asia and Australia. Matrix also has an extensive and established global distribution network which is a key advantage in this consumable market. Sales of these new centralisers are expected to grow significantly in the short to medium term in-line with the activities mentioned. n
More information: www.matrixengineered.com

sphere

Spheretex GmbH

tex
Germany

World‘s leading producer of core materials volumized with thermoplastic microspheres Complex all-in-one solution for closed mold applications
sphere mat C IP

Feature Construction

easy tailoring fast impregnation excellent drapability minimised resin consumption reinforcement, core and flow medium in one layer (< 8 mm)

www.spheretex.com
No77 December 2012 /

jec composites magazine 37
http://www.matrixengineered.com http://www.spheretex.com http://www.mccleananderson.com
JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012
