Patent · US Expired

Packing-seal for boreholes

US5048605A · kind A · utility

54Cited by
6References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 1989
Grant dateSep 17, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B33/1208
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

The packing-seal is shown in use in a borehole as a level-isolating seal for a groundwater sampler. The packing-seal shown includes an expandable annulus of Dowell (TM) water-expandable material. Surrounding that is a pressure-sleeve of rubber. A sheet of woven Kevlar (TM) is wrapped circumferentially around the sleeve and the Dowell annulus, such that the ends of the Kevlar sheet overlap. Outside the Kevlar is an outer rubber sleeve. Upon expansion of the packing seal to fill the borehole, the Kevlar sheet unwraps to allow the Dowell to expand without restraint. Once the packing seal has filled the borehole, the Kevlar sheet is prevented from unwrapping further. If the borehole contains a fissure the Kevlar provides a rigid bridge over the fissure, and prevents the packing-seal from ballooning out into the fissure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.