Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a swellable metal. The swellable metal, when exposed to a fluid, is transitionable from an initial configuration having an initial volume to an expanded configuration having an increased volume. The swellable metal, upon transitioning to the expanded configuration in an annulus of a fluid channel, forms a seal against a surface of the fluid channel such that fluid communication across the swellable metal in the annulus is at least partially restricted.

Abstract: Example apparatuses and methods are described for providing a swell packer apparatus having a vulcanized non-swelling outer layer with a pattern cut into it to expose an inner swellable sealing element. In an example embodiment, the swell packer includes a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A sealing element extends radially around the mandrel and a non-swelling layer circumferentially covers an outer surface of the sealing element. One or more grooves are cut in the non-swelling layer to expose a portion of the outer surface of the sealing element. The non-swelling layer is configured to prevent fluid communication between a swelling fluid disposed outside of the non-swelling layer and portions of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the non-swelling layer.

Abstract: A wellbore packer system includes a mandrel positionable within a wellbore. The system further includes a wellbore packer positionable around the mandrel. The wellbore packer includes an expandable metal sealing element positionable around a first portion of the mandrel to form a long-term seal within the wellbore in response to exposure of the expandable metal sealing element to wellbore fluid. Additionally, the wellbore packer includes an elastomeric sealing element positionable around a second portion of the mandrel to form a short-term seal in response to receiving a seal-setting force. Moreover, the wellbore packer includes a setting piston positionable to apply the seal-setting force on the elastomeric sealing element.

Abstract: A wellbore packer system includes a mandrel positionable within a wellbore. The system further includes a wellbore packer positionable around the mandrel. The wellbore packer includes an expandable metal sealing element positionable around a first portion of the mandrel to form a long-term seal within the wellbore in response to exposure of the expandable metal sealing element to wellbore fluid. Additionally, the wellbore packer includes an elastomeric sealing element positionable around a second portion of the mandrel to form a short-term seal in response to receiving a seal-setting force. Moreover, the wellbore packer includes a setting piston positionable to apply the seal-setting force on the elastomeric sealing element.

Abstract: A downhole packer ring apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member has an end with a plurality of separated end tabs. The first ring member has an opening with an inner diameter sized to encircle a basepipe of the wellbore. The second ring member has a tapered interior surface and an end with an opening having an inner diameter sized to encircle the basepipe and connect to the first ring member such that the end tabs of the first ring member are locatable in the end opening of the second ring member and pressable against the tapered interior surface such that flexed portions of the end tabs engage with the basepipe.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the disclosure relate to a valve device for use in a wellbore. In one example, the valve device includes a body containing swell fluid, a swellable elastomer, and a piston. The swell fluid can contact the swellable elastomer, causing the swellable elastomer to swell. The swellable elastomer can swell and contact the piston. The swellable elastomer can move the piston from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the piston can open, close, or restrict one or more flow paths through the valve device.

Abstract: A method may comprise: inserting an apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the apparatus comprises: a seal element comprising: an elastomer; and a swellable metal embedded in the elastomer; exposing the seal element to a fluid; transitioning the seal element from an initial state with an initial volume to an expanded state with an expanded volume to form a seal in the wellbore.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the disclosure relate to a valve device for use in a wellbore. In one example, the valve device includes a body containing swell fluid, a swellable elastomer, and a piston. The swell fluid can contact the swellable elastomer, causing the swellable elastomer to swell. The swellable elastomer can swell and contact the piston. The swellable elastomer can move the piston from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the piston can open, close, or restrict one or more flow paths through the valve device.

Abstract: A method may comprise: inserting an apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the apparatus comprises: a seal element comprising: an elastomer; and a swellable metal embedded in the elastomer; exposing the seal element to a fluid; transitioning the seal element from an initial state with an initial volume to an expanded state with an expanded volume to form a seal in the wellbore.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided. The sealing apparatus includes a swellable metal. The swellable metal, when exposed to a fluid, is transitionable from an initial configuration having an initial volume to an expanded configuration having an increased volume. The swellable metal, upon transitioning to the expanded configuration in an annulus of a fluid channel, forms a seal against a surface of the fluid channel such that fluid communication across the swellable metal in the annulus is at least partially restricted.

Abstract: A downhole packer ring apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member has an end with a plurality of separated end tabs. The first ring member has an opening with an inner diameter sized to encircle a basepipe of the wellbore. The second ring member has a tapered interior surface and an end with an opening having an inner diameter sized to encircle the basepipe and connect to the first ring member such that the end tabs of the first ring member are locatable in the end opening of the second ring member and pressable against the tapered interior surface such that flexed portions of the end tabs engage with the basepipe.

Abstract: Example apparatuses and methods are described for providing a swell packer apparatus having a vulcanized non-swelling outer layer with a pattern cut into it to expose an inner swellable sealing element. In an example embodiment, the swell packer includes a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A sealing element extends radially around the mandrel and a non-swelling layer circumferentially covers an outer surface of the sealing element. One or more grooves are cut in the non-swelling layer to expose a portion of the outer surface of the sealing element. The non-swelling layer is configured to prevent fluid communication between a swelling fluid disposed outside of the non-swelling layer and portions of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the non-swelling layer.