Systems and methods for improved centralization and friction reduction using casing rods

A system for completing a subterranean well, the system including:

• a casing string, the casing string being an elongated tubular member formed of successive casing joints and having a central axis, the casing string extending into the subterranean well;
• a plurality of ribs secured to the casing string, the ribs being elongated members spaced circumferentially around an outer diameter of the casing string;
• where
• the ribs extend axially from a downhole end of a casing joint to an uphole end of the casing joint;
• and
• the ribs are positionable radially outward from the casing string to center the casing string within the subterranean well;
• where
• the ribs include a swellable material.

A method for completing a subterranean well, the method including:

• delivering a casing string into the subterranean well, the casing string being an elongated tubular member formed of successive casing joints and having a central axis;
• providing a plurality of ribs that are secured to the casing string, the ribs being elongated members spaced circumferentially around an outer diameter of the casing string, where the ribs extend axially from a downhole end of a casing joint to an uphole end of the casing joint;
• where
• each of the plurality of ribs include a rod member and the method further includes locating bearings around a portion of an outer diameter of the rod member, and welding the rod member directly to the outer diameter of the casing string.

A system for completing a subterranean well, the system including:

• a casing string, the casing string being an elongated tubular member formed of successive casing joints and having a central axis;
• a plurality of ribs secured to the casing string, the ribs being elongated members spaced circumferentially around an outer diameter of the casing string;
• where
• the ribs extend axially from a downhole end of a casing joint to an uphole end of the casing joint;
• each of the plurality of ribs is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, where in the retracted position a radially outermost surface of the rib has a retracted diameter measured from the central axis that is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the casing joint;
• and
• the ribs include a swellable material.

A system for completing a subterranean well, the system including:

• a casing string, the casing string being an elongated tubular member formed of successive casing joints and having a central axis;
• a plurality of ribs secured to the casing string, the ribs being elongated members spaced circumferentially around an outer diameter of the casing string;
• where
• the ribs extend axially from a downhole end of a casing joint to an uphole end of the casing joint;
• and
• the ribs include an elastic material.