Stator injection molding centralization
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsRichard David Peer, Byong Jun Kim
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Abstract
In a stator injection molding centralization technique, a mold core is disposed inside a stator tube, thereby forming an annulus between the stator tube and mold core. The mold core includes a pitch length defined between a first and second lobe tip of the mold core. A centralizing member is positioned in the annulus, which has a length at least as long as the pitch length of the mold core. During the injection molding process, elastomeric material is injected into the annulus behind the centralizing member, which is located adjacent to the injection point. As the elastomer is injected, it displaces the centralizing member ahead of it along the annulus. As the centralizing member moves through the annulus, it supports the mold core, thus preventing the sag effect.
Claims14
A method for centralizing a mold core inside a stator tube, comprising:
- disposing the mold core inside a stator tube, thereby forming an annulus between the mold core and stator tube, wherein a pitch length of the mold core is defined between a first lobe tip and a second lobe tip of the mold core;
- positioning a centralizing member adjacent a first end of the stator tube and within the annulus, wherein the centralizing member is a tubular concentrically disposed around the mold core to thereby extend at least from the first lobe tip to the second lobe tip;
- injecting elastomer proximate the first end of the stator tube to fill the annulus;
- and
- displacing the centralizing member along the stator tube as the annulus is filled with the elastomer.
An apparatus for centralizing a mold core inside a stator tube, comprising:
- a mold core positioned inside the stator tube, thereby defining an annulus between the stator tube and mold core, wherein the mold core comprises pitch length defined between a first lobe tip and a second lobe tip of the mold core;
- a centralizing member positioned in the annulus, wherein the centralizing member is a tubular concentrically disposed around the mold core to thereby cover the first and second lobe tips;
- and
- a mechanism to inject an elastomer within the annulus and thereby translating the centralizing member along a length of the stator tube through the annulus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.