The functions of integral screw stabilizer during the oil drilling process?

The integral screw stabilizer is a critical component in oil drilling operations, particularly in directional and horizontal drilling. Its primary functions are:

 1. Wellbore Stabilization  

   - Maintains the desired hole size by preventing excessive enlargement or irregularities.  

   - Reduces vibrations and shocks caused by drill string movement, improving drilling efficiency.  

 2. Directional Control  

   - Works with downhole motors and measurement tools to guide the drill bit along the planned trajectory.  

   - Helps maintain wellbore inclination and azimuth in directional drilling.  

 3. Reducing Dogleg Severity  

   - Smoothens abrupt changes in wellbore direction, minimizing sharp bends (doglegs) that can cause drill string fatigue or stuck pipe incidents.  

 4. Centralizing the Drill String  

   - Keeps the drill string centered in the wellbore, ensuring even weight distribution on the bit and improving drilling accuracy.  

   - Reduces differential sticking risks by minimizing contact between the drill string and wellbore wall.  

 5. Enhancing Hole Cleaning  

   - Promotes efficient removal of drill cuttings by maintaining consistent annular space for optimal mud flow.  

 6. Protecting Downhole Tools  

   - Acts as a buffer to reduce wear on MWD (Measurement While Drilling) and LWD (Logging While Drilling) tools from vibrations and shocks.  

 7. Improving Weight Transfer  

   - Ensures effective transfer of weight from the drill string to the bit, enhancing penetration rates.  

 Design Features  

- Integral Blades: Machined directly onto the stabilizer body (not welded), providing higher strength and durability.  

- Hardfacing: Often coated with tungsten carbide or other wear-resistant materials to extend service life in abrasive formations.  

 Applications  

- Used in both rotary and motor-assisted drilling systems.  

- Essential in extended-reach drilling (ERD), horizontal wells, and complex well profiles.  

By performing these functions, the integral screw stabilizer contributes to smoother drilling operations, better wellbore quality, and reduced non-productive time (NPT).