High frequency surface treatment methods and apparatus to extend downhole tool survivability
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsIndranil Roy, Manuel Marya, Rashmi Bhavsar, Chris Wilkinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A downhole device with compressive layer at the surface thereof. Such devices may be particularly well suited for survivability in the face of potentially long term exposure to a downhole environment. Techniques for forming protective compressive layers at the surfaces of such devices may include positioning devices within a chamber for bombardment by high frequency particles. As a manner of enhancing the compressive layer thickness and effectiveness, low temperature conditions may be applied to the device during the high frequency treatment.
Claims19
A method of treating a downhole device for exposure to an environment of a hydrocarbon well, the method comprising:
- positioning the device in a chamber adjacent an high frequency generator;
- applying a frequency to the chamber with the generator to form a compressive layer at a surface of the device with high frequency particles;
- and
- reducing the temperature of the device to less than about 0° C. during said applying to increase a thickness of the layer.
An assembly for high frequency treatment of a downhole device, the assembly comprising:
- a chamber for accommodating high frequency particles and the device, the particles selected from a group consisting of ceramic, steel and chromium;
- and
- a high frequency generator coupled to the chamber for inducing the particles to bombard a surface of the device at a given frequency to form a compressive layer thereat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.