Swellable downhole apparatus and support assembly
US8561689B2 · kind B2 · utility
6Cited by
2References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/1216
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid. A support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. The support assembly may be configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energise a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.