Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.

Abstract: A rig site may include a rotary table within a rig floor above a wellbore. A fabric sheet rolled into two symmetrical rolls is disposed on the rig floor. A pre-cut center hole of the fabric sheet is coaxial with the rotary table. A casing string, to be lowered in the wellbore, includes a first casing joint at a bottom of the casing string is a modified float joint. The pre-cut center hole of the fabric sheet is attached to a sleeve of the modified float joint. Union units are provided above the rotary table. The union units close the fabric sheet around the casing string to form a fabric-nested casing string within the wellbore. A cement slurry is pumped down the casing string and into a space between the fabric sheet and the casing string to cement the fabric-nested casing string to the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus with a straddle packer for use within a wellbore. The straddle packer can include a tubular body comprising a first bore and a second bore and a first sealing element configured to seal against an inner surface of a casing installed within the wellbore. A second sealing element configured to seal against the inner surface of the casing, and the second bore can be located between the first sealing element and the second sealing element. An obstruction disposed in association with the tubular body, wherein the obstruction is movable between a first position in which the obstruction opens the second bore and a second position in which the obstruction closes the second bore.

Abstract: A method for providing a permanent barrier in a well includes lowering a first, particulate constituent of a pyrotechnic mixture to a desired location in the well, wherein the first constituent is a metal oxide. The method further includes waiting a first predetermined period of time to allow the first, particulate constituent to settle as sediment at the desired location, lowering a second constituent of the pyrotechnic mixture to the desired location in the well, wherein the second constituent is a metal, and igniting the pyrotechnic mixture to start a heat generating exothermic reduction-oxidation process.

Abstract: A back-up ring system incudes an outer C-ring, an inner C-ring that mates with the outer C-ring, the inner C-ring including a first rupture port, and a ring sheath that fits onto the inner C-ring, the ring sheath including a cut-out region, and a second rupture point. The inner C-ring further includes a blocking segment that angularly offsets the first and second rupture points. The cut-out region of the ring sheath mates with the blocking segment of the inner C-ring. The ring sheath further incudes a ‘7’ shaped cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: Equipment for autonomous abandonment of wells is installed its position during the completion of the well. Such equipment melts the string, cables and accessories and the casing by means of an exothermic reaction (which may have thermite among its reagents). The start of this reaction is remotely triggered according to the interest of the well operator. As a product of the process, there is the formation of a permanent barrier (BIS) to abandon the well. This permanent barrier will be a product of the residual material from the heat release reaction, a molten material from the string and casing, as well as the material responsible for the formation of the BIS, which shall have eutectic characteristics, that is, after its solidification it shall have an expansion in order to ensure that it generates rock-to-rock adhesion.

Abstract: A method for stimulating hydrocarbon production within an open-hole portion of a well, the method comprising ejecting a fluid from at least one perforated drill pipe into an open-hole portion of a well.

Abstract: A through-tubing pressure intensifier, including an atmospheric chamber mandrel having a piston area, an intensifier mandrel having a piston area, the intensifier mandrel connected to the atmospheric chamber mandrel, and an intensifier chamber having a fluid disposed therein, the intensifier chamber being volumetrically reducible to expel the fluid. A hydraulic set packer assembly including a flow control nipple, a hydraulic set packer connected to the nipple, and an intensifier disposed in the packer assembly. A method for setting a hydraulic set packer in a borehole including applying pressure to an intensifier, and changing a pressure at an outlet port disposed in fluid communication with the intensifier chamber relative to an input pressure applied to the intensifier. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and an intensifier disposed within or as a part of the string.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas lift in the main bore and lateral legs of a multilateral well. The systems and methods can allow for gas lift below the junction of a multilateral well.

Abstract: A frac plug has a bottom shoe, a single slip ring supported by the bottom shoe, a slip wedge positioned above the slip ring and axially movable relative to the slip wedge, a radially outwardly expandable sealing element supported by the slip wedge and a deformable backup shoe fixed to the sealing element. The deformable backup shoe has a cap covering at least a portion of a top surface of the sealing element and an outer leg extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. A ball seat is insertable into the radially outwardly expandable sealing element.

Abstract: Cup tester unit comprising a BOP test plug insertable into a casing head housing, for sealing a space of drilling systems above the BOP test plug; a hanger connected to the lower end of the BOP test plug; and a test cup assembled at the outer circumference of the hangers, for sealing with the inner surface of a well casing. Further, a method of testing a of drilling systems and a connection between a well casing and a casing head housing is claimed.

Abstract: A tubular joint. The tubular joint may include a perforated section, a filter section, a packer, and a chemical dispersion system. The perforated section includes a first plurality of orifices to allow fluid communication between a bore of the tubular joint and a first area surrounding the tubular joint proximate the perforated section. The filter section may include a filter assembly to filter fluid flowing into the bore via a second plurality of orifices from a second area proximate the filter section. The packer may be operable to isolate the first area from the second area when the tubular string is disposed within the well. The chemical dispersion system is disposed adjacent to the filter section, includes a first control line and a first dispersion manifold, and is operable to disperse treatment fluids proximate the filter section to at least reduce a buildup of blockages along the filter assembly.

Abstract: A setting tool for actuating a downhole component includes an inner tubular configured to be connected in fluid communication with a borehole string, a housing configured to define a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber isolated from the first fluid chamber and in fluid communication with the inner tubular, and a setting piston in pressure communication with the second fluid chamber. The setting tool includes a metering module coupled to the housing and disposed at an end of the first fluid chamber, the metering module including a fluid path forming a restriction therein, and an outlet connected to the fluid path. The outlet is configured to be opened to permit fluid to flow out of the first chamber at a controlled rate to generate a differential pressure between the first and second chambers that causes the setting piston to apply a gradually increasing force on the component.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide an expanding and collapsing apparatus and methods of use. The apparatus includes a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure about a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. At least one set of structural elements are operable to move between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition by movement of a first end in an axial direction, and by movement of a second end in a radial dimension. In certain embodiments, the plurality of elements includes at least one set of structural elements extending longitudinally on the apparatus and operable to slide with respect to one another. Applications of the embodiments described herein include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: The retrievable packer system includes a packer mandrel, a lock ring, an upper cone, a lower cone, a slip device, a retrieval mandrel, and a slotted retrieval sleeve. The lock ring is attached to the packer mandrel, followed by the upper cone, the slip device, the lower cone, and the retrieval mandrel. The upper connection sleeve and the lower connection sleeve cover the packer mandrel so as to form a chamber in fluid connection with slip flow channels of the slip device. The packer system is run into the borehole with the slotted retrieval sleeve in the first position relative to the lower cone and the slip device in the run-in position. The packer system is set and can be locked at a location in the borehole. The slotted retrieval sleeve can push the upper cone to return the slip device to the run-in position for retrieval of the packer system.

Abstract: A wellhead annulus packoff and an associated method of energizing and de-energizing are disclosed. The wellhead annulus packoff includes at least one seal element, a hanger lockdown ring, a hanger lockdown energizing ring, a seal lockdown ring, a seal lockdown energizing ring, and one or more mechanical conditional operators, where the at least one seal element adapted to be energized with a first energizing force applied through a seal lockdown energizing ring and with the one or more mechanical conditional operators being engaged, where the seal lockdown ring is adapted to be energized with the first energizing force and with the one or more mechanical conditional operators being disengaged, and where the hanger lockdown ring is adapted to be energized with a second energizing force applied through a hanger lockdown energizing ring.

Abstract: A fracturing system having rams for controlling flow through a fracturing tree is provided. In one embodiment, a well intervention method includes injecting fracturing fluid into a well through a bore of a frac stack coupled to a wellhead. The frac stack includes rams that can be moved between open and closed positions to control flow through the bore. The well intervention method also includes coupling a lubricator to the frac stack without a blowout preventer between the lubricator and the frac stack and lowering an intervention tool from the lubricator through the bore of the frac stack and into the well. Additional systems, devices, and methods for fracturing and intervention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well plugging technique that includes a downhole plug system to be disposed downhole in a well and including a plug bladder system including an inflatable bladder (to be inflated with a resin) and a check valve (to facilitate flow of the resin into, and inhibit back flow of the resin out of, the bladder), and a plug deployment system including a resin chamber to house the resin and a resin deployment system to urge the resin to flow from the resin chamber, through the check valve and into the inflatable bladder while the downhole plug system is disposed downhole in the well, to inflate the plug bladder system into sealing contact with a surrounding downhole portion of the well. The resin including a hardening resin adapted to harden inside of the inflatable bladder to form a hardened plug downhole in the well.

Abstract: A release tool can include an inner mandrel, an electric motor assembly, and an engagement member. The inner mandrel is displaceable by the electric motor assembly between a position in which the inner mandrel supports the engagement member and prevents separation of portions of the release tool, and another position in which the engagement member is not supported by the inner mandrel and separation of the portions of the release tool is permitted. A method of separating portions of a release tool in a well can include transmitting an electrical signal to an electrical motor assembly of the release tool, displacing an inner mandrel of the release tool in response to the transmitting, and separating the portions of the release tool after the displacing.

Abstract: A technique facilitates utilization of a packer (34) in a borehole (32) or within other tubular structures. The packer may be constructed for mounting about a generally tubular base pipe (36). The packer generally comprises a metal sleeve (40) combined with extremities (44) located at each axial end of the metal sleeve. The metal sleeve (40) maintains a seal once expanded to a surrounding wellbore wall, e.g. a casing wall. For example, the metal sleeve (40) may be combined with an elastomer along its exterior, the elastomer sealing against the surrounding wellbore wall when the metal sleeve is radially expanded. Additionally, a device, e.g. a valve (62), is employed to control the pressures acting on the metal sleeve. For example, the device may be in the form of a valve operable (62) to control pressures acting on the metal sleeve (40) while miming-in-hole, during expansion of the metal sleeve, and after setting of the packer.

Abstract: A method for guiding an untethered measurement device used in a subterranean well ascending from a space provided by a casing and a terminus of a production conduit. The method includes the step of securing a swellable packer radially on an exterior surface of the production conduit at or proximate to the terminus of the production conduit. The swellable packer is in a non-swollen configuration. The method includes the step of deploying the production conduit into the subterranean well to a target depth. The method includes the step of contacting the swellable packer with a fluidic component at the target depth such that the swellable packer transitions to a swollen configuration.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having a wall including an outer surface, an inner surface defining a passage, an opening extending from the passage through the outer surface. The outer surface includes a recess. A valve sleeve is arranged in the passage and is selectively positioned over the opening. A valve actuator module is detachably mounted in the recess. The valve actuator module includes a housing having an inlet fluidically exposed to the passage, an outlet fluidically exposed to the valve sleeve, and a valve member arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The valve member includes an actuator delay mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier for providing isolation of a zone in a well having an isolation layer of less than 5 metres, comprising a tubular metal part configured to be mounted as part of a well tubular metal structure, the tubular metal part having an outer face, an opening and an axial extension along the well tubular metal structure, a first expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, the first expandable metal sleeve having a first thickness, a first end and a second end, the first end of the expandable metal sleeve being connected with the outer face of the tubular metal part, a second expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, the second expandable metal sleeve having substantially the same thickness as the first expandable metal sleeve, and the second expandable metal sleeve having a first end connected with the outer face of the tubular metal part and a second end, wherein the annular barrier further comprises a first connecting sleeve having a

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an unfoldable device for controlling lost circulation in a target lost circulation zone in a borehole. The unfoldable device includes a sheet, a backbone, and a shell. The sheet has an unfolded state and a folded state. The backbone reinforces the sheet. The backbone includes a shape-memory material having an original state and a deformed state. The shell encapsulates the sheet in the folded state and the backbone in the deformed state. In some embodiments, the shell includes a degradable polymer that degrades in the borehole upon contact with a drilling fluid such that the sheet transitions to the unfolded state and the backbone transitions to the original state. The sheet in the unfolded state accumulates on a borehole wall at least partially covering an entrance to a macrochannel of the target lost circulation zone.

Abstract: A method of removing dope from a tubing system in a wellbore includes the step of, prior to setting a production packer, reverse circulating fluid within a tubing-casing annulus (TCA) so that is flows from the tubing-casing annulus into a first tubing and propels at least one wiper plug within the first tubing in an uphole direction, thereby wiping the inside of the first tubing and removing excess dope.

Abstract: An uphole end for a compression-set straddle packer has a multicomponent mandrel and a multicomponent sliding sleeve that reciprocates within a limited range on the multicomponent mandrel. A bias element constantly resists relative movement between the multicomponent mandrel and the multicomponent sliding sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, as well as a method for establishing a seal between a mandrel and a borehole. The apparatus, in one aspect, includes a mandrel, and a packer, the packer including: a constrained portion coupled to the mandrel; and an unconstrained portion made of a swellable material and coupled to the constrained portion, wherein the unconstrained portion is free to move with respect to the mandrel. The apparatus, according to one aspect, further includes a spring positioned between the mandrel and the unconstrained portion and configured to urge the unconstrained portion away from the mandrel, the spring having a spring force less than a yield strength of the swellable material when the swellable material is in an unswelled condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for downhole well integrity reconstruction in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method for downhole well integrity reconstruction in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes: positioning, a laser head at a first subterranean location, wherein the laser head is attached to a tubular inside of a wellbore; directing, by the laser head, a laser beam towards a leak on the wellbore; and sealing the leak using the laser beam.

Abstract: A fail-safe method to cement a section of casing string to a formation is provided. The method includes providing the casing string in a wellbore, the casing string comprising a stage tool, a packer, and a sensor. The packer is located vertically below the stage tool and vertically above the sensor on the casing string. The method further includes pumping cement down the casing string and up an annulus to an expected height, the expected height being a vertical distance above the sensor, and detecting a presence or absence of cement with the sensor. If the sensor detects the presence of cement, the stage tool is kept closed and the packer is kept deflated. If the sensor detects the absence of cement, the stage tool is opened and the packer is inflated.

Abstract: A system may include a connector coupled to a wellhead assembly. The system may also include a hydraulic power unit coupled to the connector and a valve of the wellhead assembly. The system may further include a controller in communication with the connector and the hydraulic power unit. The controller may be operable to receive one or more conditions associated with the connector and a valve of the wellhead assembly. The controller may also be operable to operate at least one of the connector and the valve through the hydraulic power unit based on the one or more condition.

Abstract: A downhole tool suitable for use in a wellbore, the tool having a chassis or mandrel, with a center element and a plurality of support elements disposed therearound. The downhole tool also includes a first fingered member, and a second fingered member. In a run-in configuration, the first fingered member has a slot axially aligned with a midpoint of a finger of the second fingered member.

Abstract: A sealing tool, system and method for sealing a wellbore achieves increased expansion with the use of a seal seat extender. In one example, a seal seat (e.g., a ball seat) defines an axial flow bore in fluid communication with the wellbore to be sealed, a sealing profile for receiving a loose sealing element (e.g., a ball or dart) to close the axial flow bore, and a tapered outer profile. The seal seat extender is initially disposed against the seal seat and is expandable against the seal seat in response to an axial setting force, such as by sliding up the tapered outer profile of the seal seat and/or buckling outwardly, in response to a setting force. A compliant annular packing element disposed against the seal seat extender is deformable outwardly into sealing engagement with the wellbore in response to the axial setting force.

Abstract: Swellable metal assemblies that have a reactive metal and a polymer, and are located around or inside an oilfield tubular. The oilfield tubular and the swellable metal assembly can be provided in a wellbore to form a seal therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for repairing a partially collapsed pipe. The method comprises fitting a mesh stent around the outside of an actuation assembly of a pipe repair apparatus, and positioning the pipe repair apparatus within a portion of the pipe, at least a part of the portion of the pipe being partially collapsed. The method also comprises causing actuation between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration such that the partially collapsed part of the pipe changes from a partially collapsed form towards a non-collapsed form. The method also comprises removing the pipe repair apparatus from the pipe and leaving the mesh stent in the portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method of reverse stage cementing in which flow into a casing string from an annulus between the casing string and wellbore walls is pressure dependent; the flow is blocked after stage completion. The flow enters the casing string through a cementing sub integrally formed in the casing string. A flapper valve is in a sidewall of the cementing sub that opens when pressure in the annulus reaches a threshold value, and remains open until the annulus pressure falls below the threshold value. Flapper valve actuation is controlled by a hinge spring that is calibrated to open and close the flapper valve based on the annulus pressure. Also in the cementing sub is a sleeve that is positioned behind the flapper valve after the reverse stage cementing is completed. Sleeve actuation is timed to allow adequate time for the flapper valve to return to the closed position.

Abstract: Methods for positioning an expandable metal sealing element in the wellbore. An example method includes an expandable metal sealing element having a reactive metal and disposed in a location. The method further includes actuating a washout prevention element, contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, and allowing the washout prevention element to prevent at least a portion of the reaction product from flowing away from the location.

Abstract: Methods for traversing an expandable metal sealing element. An example method includes positioning an expandable metal sealing element in a wellbore; wherein the expandable metal sealing element includes a reactive metal and a void extending axially through at least a portion of the expandable metal sealing element. The method further includes disposing a line in the void and contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, wherein the reaction product seals around the line while it is disposed in the void.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an unfoldable device for controlling lost circulation in a target lost circulation zone in a borehole. The unfoldable device includes a sheet, a backbone, and a shell. The sheet has an unfolded state and a folded state. The backbone reinforces the sheet. The backbone includes a shape-memory material having an original state and a deformed state. The shell encapsulates the sheet in the folded state and the backbone in the deformed state. In some embodiments, the shell includes a degradable polymer that degrades in the borehole upon contact with a drilling fluid such that the sheet transitions to the unfolded state and the backbone transitions to the original state. The sheet in the unfolded state accumulates on a borehole wall at least partially covering an entrance to a macrochannel of the target lost circulation zone.

Abstract: A pre-set inhibiting extrusion limiter has a segmented anti-extrusion ring with a plurality of anti-extrusion ring segments supported by a stepped cone frustum. Each ring segment is retained in a run-in condition by a compression spring retained by a retainer ring held in a retainer ring groove in the respective anti-extrusion ring segments. A push ring moves the respective anti-extrusion ring segments from the run-in condition to a packer-set condition in which the anti-extrusion ring segments abut a cone frustum step of the stepped cone frustum.

Abstract: The described pack-off assembly includes a tubular sleeve that is configured to selectively encompass a pack-off wireline seal and that is positionable through selective application of pressurized fluid to one or more actuation chambers that interact with a piston portion of the sleeve. Pressure may be applied to position the sleeve to encompass the seal to engage a wireline and enable pressure-control wireline operations. A different pressure may be applied to position the sleeve to expose the seal for servicing.

Abstract: A coating reservoir defining a chamber operable retain to a liquid coating. A retractable application assembly includes a nozzle fluidically coupled to the coating reservoir. The nozzle is configured to dispense the liquid coating onto a wall of a wellbore. A spreader is proximal to the nozzle. The spreader is configured to regulate a thickness of the liquid coating dispensed by the nozzle. A flexible coating housing is positioned between the coating reservoir and the nozzle. The coating housing is configured to seal against a wall of the wellbore and seal the nozzle, spreader, and dispensed liquid coating from contamination within the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for energizing seals. An example method includes providing a sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus comprises a sealing element and a swellable material. The method further includes contacting the swellable material with a swell-inducing fluid, wherein the contacting swells the swellable material; applying pressure to the sealing element with the swollen swellable material; and forming a seal with the sealing element.

Abstract: An elastomer sleeve is applied to a wellbore tubular. The elastomer sleeve, which defines a circumference around longitudinal bore in a longitudinal direction, is brought in an elastically stretched condition by applying a stretching force to the elastomer sleeve. While the elastomer sleeve is kept in the elastically stretched condition, it is moved in the longitudinal direction over the wellbore tubular to a selected position on the wellbore tubular whereby the wellbore tubular extends through the bore. The elastomer sleeve is then snuggly fitted to an outside surface of the wellbore tubular by relaxing the elastically stretching force. The thus prepared wellbore tubular may be lowered into a wellbore in the Earth, and cement may be pumped on the outside of the wellbore tubular to form a cement sheath which fully surrounds the elastomer sleeve.

Abstract: An uphole end for a compression-set straddle packer has a multicomponent mandrel and a multicomponent sliding sleeve that reciprocates within a limited range on the multicomponent mandrel. A bias element constantly resists relative movement between the multicomponent mandrel and the multicomponent sliding sleeve.

Abstract: A cut-to-release packer can include a bottom sub, a wedge assembly, a mandrel, and a load diverting snap ring. The mandrel extends within the wedge assembly. The mandrel can include a support portion with a first cross-sectional thickness and a cut zone portion with a second cross-sectional thickness less than the first cross-sectional thickness, wherein the cut zone portion is disposed between the bottom sub and the support portion. Both the mandrel and the wedge assembly can be coupled to the bottom sub. The load diverting snap ring can be engaged with the mandrel along the support portion, wherein the load diverting snap ring facilitates transfer of tensile load between the wedge assembly and the support portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods for forming a seal in a wellbore. An example method includes positioning an expandable metal sealing element in the wellbore; wherein the expandable metal sealing element comprises a composite material of expandable metal and a reinforcement material. The expandable metal forms a matrix and the reinforcement material is distributed within the matrix. The method further includes contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the expandable metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the expandable metal.

Abstract: A downhole tool component may be deployed in a wellbore such that a flexible portion of the tool component is constrained to a first range of motion. By applying a force to the flexible portion, a flexible carrier material applied around the flexible portion of the tool component may be compressed and collapsible objects carried by the carrier material to be collapsed to permit the flexible portion to move through a second range of motion greater than the first range of motion. Cement in the wellbore may constrain movement of the flexible portion, and an elastomeric sheet may be compressed, and glass spheres carried by the elastomeric sheet may be crushed to create voids through which the flexible portion may move. Closure of a barrier valve may be effected by the operation of an actuator assembly that relies on movement of the flexible portion through the second range of motion.

Abstract: An annular barrier configured to be arranged on an outer face of a well tubular metal structure for providing zonal isolation in an annulus downhole, includes an annular space defined by a first expandable metal sleeve part and a second expandable metal sleeve part. The first expandable metal sleeve part having an outer face configured to face away from the outer face of the well tubular metal structure and the second expandable metal sleeve part having an outer face configured to face the outer face of the well tubular metal structure when arranged around the well tubular metal structure. The annular barrier further includes a first inner annular sealing element arranged on the outer face of the second expandable metal sleeve part configured to seal between the second expandable metal sleeve part and the well tubular metal structure.

Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) system includes a housing having a bore, a seal element positioned within the housing, a piston assembly supported within the housing and configured to drive the seal element to seal the bore, and a bearing assembly supported within the housing and configured to enable the seal element to rotate relative to the housing. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing section positioned between the housing and the seal element and a second bearing section positioned between a piston of the piston assembly and the seal element.

Abstract: Swellable metal sealing elements and methods for forming a seal in a wellbore using said swellable metal sealing elements. An example method comprises providing a swellable metal sealing element selected from the group consisting of an O-ring, a gasket, or a seal stack; wherein the swellable metal sealing element is disposed in or around a downhole tool disposed in the wellbore. The method further comprises exposing the swellable metal sealing element to a brine and allowing or causing to allow the swellable metal sealing element to swell.