Friction reduction means

Abstract

A component which is adapted for use in a down hole environment such as in a well bore (WB), the component being provided with friction reduction means ( 20 ) comprising a rotatable member ( 28 ) mounted in a ball bearing race ( 27 ), the ball contacting the wall of the well bore (WB) such that the rotatable member ( 28 ) rotates upon the ball bearings to allow the component to be repositioned as necessary in any direction.

1 . A component which is adapted for use in a down hole environment such as in a well bore, the component being provided with friction reduction means comprising a rotatable member mounted in a ball bearing race, the ball contacting the wall of the well bore such that the rotatable member rotates upon the ball bearings to allow the component to be repositioned as necessary in any direction.  
     
     
         2 . A component according to  claim 1 , wherein the ball bearing race comprises a plurality of micro balls upon which the ball rotates.  
     
     
         3 . A component according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the friction reduction means further comprises a seat into which the ball bearing race is mounted.  
     
     
         4 . A component according to  claim 3 , wherein the seat is formed of solid steel or case hardened steel.  
     
     
         5 . A component according to any one of  claims 3  to  5 , wherein the component comprises a cover member which cooperates with the seal to retain the rotatable member in contact with the ball bearing race.  
     
     
         6 . A component according to  claim 5 , wherein the cover member is provided with a central aperture through which the rotatable member projects.  
     
     
         7 . A component according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diameter of the rotatable member is significantly larger than the diameter of the ball bearings.  
     
     
         8 . A component according to  claim 7 , wherein the rotatable member is about 15 mm in diameter and the ball bearings are about 2 mm in diameter.  
     
     
         9 . A component substantially as herein before described with reference to and as shown in the FIGS. 2 and 2 a  of the Figures.  
     
     
         10 . A casing centraliser comprising a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one blade provided on the outer surface of the centraliser for stabilizing the centraliser within a well bore and providing a path for the flow of drilling fluids, said centraliser including a component according to any one of the preceding claims.  
     
     
         11 . A casing centraliser according to  claim 10 , wherein a plurality of friction reducing means are provided on the blade.  
     
     
         12 . A casing centraliser according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the centraliser is provided with a plurality of blades extending from one end of the centraliser body to the other.  
     
     
         13 . A centraliser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in FIGS.  3  to  5  of the Figures.