Expandable sealing apparatus
US6907937B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for sealing a wellbore. The sealing apparatus includes an expandable tubular body having one or more sealing elements disposed thereon. In one aspect, the sealing elements include swelling and non-swelling sealing elements. Preferably, the swelling sealing elements are made of a swelling elastomer capable of swelling upon activation by an activating agent. The swelling elements may be covered with a protective layer during the run-in. When the tubular body is expanded, the protective layer breaks, thereby exposing the swelling elements to the activating agent. In turn, the swelling elements swell and contact the wellbore to form a fluid tight seal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.