Swellable downhole apparatus and support assembly
US8960315B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/1216
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downhole apparatus and support assembly has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the 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 energize 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.