In the hydrocarbon recovery industry, sealing structures such as packers have long been used for various sealing duties. While the ultimate purpose of sealing is the same, there have been many different kinds of structures used. Indeed, entire development arms have built up over the years for different types of packers/seals. These structures may be mechanical, inflatable, etc. While all of the currently available packers/seals have an environment in which they function well, the industry as a whole continues to evolve and produce new environments in which such devices are meant to function. This often exposes a need for new technology to ensure reliable service for an acceptably long period of time.
A seal includes a mandrel; an element disposed radially adjacent the mandrel; a chamber defined between the mandrel and the element; and a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the chamber, the regulator configured to resist fluid flow to a selected threshold pressure related to element expansion.
A method for setting a seal with particulate matter includes pressurizing the seal with a particulate laden fluid; expanding the seal to an intended final set of dimensions; flowing the fluid; and depositing the particulate in the seal.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:
Referring to
Still referring to
While any type of particulate material is possible for use with the seal and method of this invention, it is noted that in one particular embodiment, a resilient particulate material is selected. Such a resilient particulate material may comprise an elastomeric material, such as nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer, etc. Resilient material utilized as the particulate 26 or at least as a component of the particulate 26 provides a rebound force to the seal 10 that is useful to allow the seal to remain sealed during pressure reversals. Resilience significantly enhances reliability of the seal 10.
While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation.
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Entry |
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Paul Wilson and Corey E. Hoffman, SPE, Weatherford, “Thermally Compensated Inflatable Packers and Plugs”, Production Technology, Oct. 2000, p. 26. |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20090173499 A1 | Jul 2009 | US |