Drill string/annulus sealing with swellable materials
US8353355B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B23/06
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A well system can include a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, and a swellable seal exposed to fluid in an annulus external to the drill string. The swellable seal can include a swellable material which swells in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent. A method of preventing undesired release of fluid from a wellbore can include displacing a drill string through the wellbore, thereby drilling the wellbore, and installing in the wellbore a swellable seal which, in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent, reduces flow through an annulus formed radially between the drill string and the wellbore. Another well system can include a swellable seal carried into a wellbore on a drill string, with the swellable seal including a swellable material which swells in response to a fluid in the wellbore comprising a predetermined activating agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.