Tool for metal plugging or sealing of casing
US11441384B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2224/0401
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve. The method comprises lowering a body of meltable plugging material into the well casing near the perforations; lowering the plugging device into the well casing immediately on top of the body of meltable plugging material; melting the meltable plugging material by igniting the thermite thereby transferring heat to the body of meltable plugging material; forcing the molten plugging material into the perforations by pushing the plugging tool further downhole; cooling the plugging tool and the plugging material until the plugging material solidifies; disengaging the tubing string from the sleeve and retrieving the tubing string with the heater; and removing the sleeve and bismuth remaining in the well casing, but not in the perforations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.