Patent · US Expired

Internally sealable perforable nipple for downhole well applications

US5390742A · kind A · utility

173Cited by
27References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 30, 1993
Grant dateFeb 21, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 30, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/116
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A longitudinally spaced series of tubular nipple structures are installed in a well flow conductor operatively extended through a subterranean well bore. Each nipple structure has a thinned-wall, increased interior diameter longitudinal section through which a plurality of fluid flow openings laterally extend, and an interior side surface annular tool locator recess, with each such recess having a profile different than those of all of the other tool locator recesses. The thinned-wall longitudinal sections of the nipples facilitate the formation of the flow openings therein. To seal off the flow openings in any selected one of these longitudinal nipple sections, a radially expandable tubular metal patch is supported on a setting tool which is lowered into the well flow conductor. A locator member complementarily and lockably receivable by the locator recess of the selected nipple is also supported on the tool. When the locator member snaps into releasably locked engagement with such locator recess, the patch member is automatically positioned in a predetermined longitudinal orientation coaxially with the longitudinal nipple section whose flow openings are to be sealed off. An expan…

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