Removable plugging method and apparatus
US11448034B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B36/008
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removably plugging a wellbore. The wellbore leads to a reservoir having a reservoir temperature. The method includes: selecting a melting point of a metal alloy based on the reservoir temperature; sealing the metal alloy against an interior wall of a tubing, while the tubing is above a ground in which the wellbore is drilled, such that the metal alloy defines a fluid barrier plug against flow of any portion of the reservoir through the tubing when the tubing is disposed within the wellbore; and heating the metal alloy above the melting point while the tubing is disposed within the wellbore such that the metal alloy flows from the tubing and the fluid barrier plug is eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.