Downhole apparatus with a swellable support structure
US8151894B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/1216
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.