Patent · US Active

Use of swellable material in an annular seal element to prevent leakage in a subterranean well

US7841417B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
12References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 24, 2008
Grant dateNov 30, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 24, 2028

Classification

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

Abstract

A method of sealing an annulus formed between a casing string and a surface in a well includes: positioning a seal element in the annulus, a swellable material of the seal element being positioned between the casing string and the surface; and flowing cement through a channel formed between the swellable material and the casing string. A method of sealing in a well includes the steps of: positioning an annular seal element comprising a swellable material in the well; and flowing cement into at least one channel formed longitudinally through the seal element. A method of sealing an annulus between two casing strings includes: providing multiple arcuate segments, each of the segments comprising a swellable material; and installing the segments in the annulus, each of the segments thereby occupying a respective circumferential portion of the annulus.

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