Retractable petal collet backup for a subterranean seal
US8393388B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/1216
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A high expansion plug has multiple sealing elements and an extrusion barrier system that uses overlapping petals in a stack of rings. When setting the plug, the petals are elastically moved toward a surrounding tubular wall in an elastic deformation between a housing that surrounds the mandrel and a tapered ring on the mandrel. That sandwich controls the amount of deformation and allows a potential energy force to be stored in the petals that allows them to return toward their initial position when the set of the plug is released and the seals are allowed to relax and extend axially as they shrink radially. The plug can then be removed without milling. Expansions in the order of 25% of the initial seal dimension are contemplated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.