Method and apparatus for securing bodies using shape memory materials

US10508323B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC · US

Inventors

• Steven Craig Russell · Houston, US
• Daniel E. Ruff · Kingwood, US
• Juan Miguel Bilen · The Woodlands, US
• Bo Yu · Spring, US
• Kenneth R. Evans · Spring, US
• Xu Huang · Beijing, CN
• John H. Stevens · Palo Alto, US
• Eric C. Sullivan · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2016
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 26, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B10/567
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A tool for forming or servicing a wellbore includes a first body, a second body, and a retaining member located between a surface of the first body and a surface of the second body. The retaining member at least partially retains the second body with respect to the first body. The retaining member comprises a shape memory material configured to transform, responsive to application of a stimulus, from a first solid phase to a second solid phase. A method of forming a tool for forming or servicing a wellbore includes disposing a retaining member comprising a shape memory material in a space between a first body and a second body and transforming the shape memory material from a first solid phase to a second solid phase by application of a stimulus to cause the retaining member to create a mechanical interference.