ATS regularly gets requests to manufacture Synthetic/Plastic/Composite Centralizers to our clients’ specifications.  To manufacture synthetic/plastic centralizers to a company’s specification is a straightforward process for us.  What many of our clients are unaware of is that there is a US Patent (6,435,275) in effect on synthetic/plastic/composite centralizers and there is a United States license holder for that patent. Many of our clients have been contacted and have had to either buy an approved product or pay a royalty.  The most important section is from the “Summary of the Invention” Section and is as follows:

Typically, the plastic, elastomeric and/or rubber material may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone, carbon reinforced polyetheretherketone, polyphthalamide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyphenylylene sulphide, polyetherimide, polyethylene, polysulphone, polyethersulphone, polybutyleneteraphthalate, polyetherketoneketone, polyamides, a rubber & rubber compounds, phenolic resins or compounds, thermosetting plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic compounds or thermoplastic polyester resins.

In one example of the invention, the plastic, elastomeric or rubber material may contain a filler material, such as glass, carbon, PTFE, silicon, molybdenum disulphide, graphite, oil or wax, or any combination of these materials.

The annular body may be manufactured from and consist of the plastic, elastomeric and/or rubber material. However, the annular body may comprise a combination of the plastic, elastomeric and/or rubber material and another material such as a metal. For example, the annular body may comprise a metal skeleton or other structure coated, or partially coated, with the plastic, elastomeric or rubber material. In addition, or as an alternative, the annular body may comprise a combination of different plastic, elastomeric and/or rubber materials.

This listing is extensive if not exhaustive.

Many of our clients have worked with us and selected alternative, non-patented and non-patentable materials to make their proprietary centralizers.  In some cases the non-synthetic centralizers can be smaller than the synthetic centralizer being replaced.  In nearly every case, the alternative materials are less expensive.  The following chart lists some of the alternative centralizer materials and properties replacing synthetic materials.

Material                        Tensile         Yield             Elongation        Brinell

                                      (min kpsi)   (min kpsi)        (min %)           (min)

Aluminum A356-T6           34                   24                     3.5                80

Aluminum Tenzaloy          32                   22                     3.0                 75

Ductile Iron A536              72                    50                    18.0             130

ADI Grade 2                     120                   90                      2.0              302

(Austempered Ductile Iron)

ATS welcomes the opportunity to work with your company in manufacturing your centralizers.  There is never a charge for developing quotes.  Our clients are no obligated on the first Purchase Order (PO), until they have approved the first articles.

For additional information, contact jred@amosstrading.com.