Abstract: An annular seal system for sealing between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing, the system including an actuator ring having a rigid portion and a flexible portion, and a lockdown ring positioned adjacent the actuator ring. The annular seal system further includes a seal assembly capable of moving between a de-energized position and an energized position, wherein the seal assembly in the de-energized position has a defined a space between the seal assembly and the rigid portion of the actuator ring, wherein the seal assembly in the energized position has the space closed, wherein the rigid portion of the actuator ring is to contact a surface of the casing hanger, wherein the flexible portion of the actuator ring is to push the lockdown ring into engagement with the wellhead, and wherein the flexible portion of the actuator ring adapted is to axially compress to allow positional variation between the lockdown ring and the wellhead housing.

Abstract: Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; an expansion ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool with a radially expandable sealing element, such as a packer or plug. The sealing element employs metallic support rings disposed on the sealing element outer surface for preventing extrusion during run-in and for clamping the sealing element to the tool.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for use downhole may include a plug having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The plug may have an expandable sealing member positioned between the first end and the second end of the plug. The expandable sealing member having a run-in-hole diameter and an expanded diameter that is greater than the run-in-hole diameter. A support device may extending at least partially between a first end of the plug and the expandable sealing member. The support device may include a recess. An elastomeric material may be positioned at least partially within the recess of the support device. A cover may be positioned at least partially over the support device for reducing extrusion of the elastomeric material from within the recess of the support device in the expanded diameter.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion ring including a ring body having a cross sectional shape, a radial contact surface making up a part of the cross sectional shape of the ring body the radial contact surface being configured to preferentially load a radial edge portion of the radial contact surface when the anti-extrusion ring is loaded, an axial contact surface making up a part of the cross sectional shape, the axial contact surface being configured to preferentially load an axial edge portion of the axial contact surface when the anti-extrusion ring is loaded, and an element load surface positioned between the radial edge portion and the axial edge portion and method for creating a seal.

Abstract: A through-tubing annular isolation device includes a plurality of building elements tethered sequentially together such that a tubular form is achieved at a second energy condition and a dimensionally smaller form is achieved at a first energy condition. A method for isolating an annular space through-tubing.

Abstract: An expandable tool can be lowered in a contracted state into a subterranean well. The expandable tool includes a tool frame that is movable between a frame contracted position and a frame extended position, and a plurality of tool segments. The plurality of tool segments include a plurality of moveable tool segments and a plurality of stationary tool segments. An outer diameter of the expandable tool can be increased by moving each of the tool segments radially outward. The expandable tool can be rotated so that the plurality of moveable tool segments rotate relative to the tool frame and the plurality of stationary tool segments remain fixed relative to the tool frame. Applying axial force to the expandable tool will move moveable tool segments axially relative to the tool frame, and an axial length of the expandable tool is reduced until the expandable tool is in a final state.

Abstract: A composite frac plug (12) is formed of composite polymer materials, except for shear pins (52) and anchor cleats (96, 112) which are formed of metal. The frac plug (12) has an elastomeric ball seat (44) which sealing engages with a frac ball (18). A ratchet lock assembly (26) has a split ratchet ring (82) which moves over the mandrel (22) in a downward direction only, and prevents movement of the mandrel (22) downward within the ratchet ring (92). An anchor assembly (28) has slip bodies (92, 108) which are segmented and separately urge anchor cleats (96, 112) into the interior surface of a well casing (136).

Abstract: The present invention regards a sealing arrangement for a valve, comprising a valve element (3) provided with a sealing element (4), arranged to be abutting a valve seat (2) in a closed state of the valve. The valve element (3) comprises at least two parts, a first and second part (31,32), each comprising an abutting surface (310,320), which abutting surfaces (310,320) are arranged facing each other and to abut against corresponding sealing element surfaces (41,42) of the sealing element (4), and whereof at least one part (31) of the valve element (3) is being arranged to be moveable relative another part (32) of the valve element (3) and the at least one part (31) of the valve element (3) comprises a pressure surface (311) exposed to a surrounding fluid in a closed state of the valve giving pressure on the sealing element (4) responsive to the pressure in the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: A seal system selectively set between coaxial downhole tubulars seals between the tubulars; the system also locks the tubulars together to resist relative axial movement from thermal expansion. The seal system includes a seal element with a nose ring that couples a lock-down ring to both the inner and outer tubulars. Before inserting the seal system between the tubulars, the lock-down ring is disposed in a groove on the inner tubular. Setting the seal system drives a lower tip of the nose ring between the lock-down ring and inner tubular, thereby urging the lock-down ring radially outward. A portion of the lock-down ring remains in the groove, while an outer radial portion of the lock-down ring inserts into a profile on the outer tubular. Axial movement of a tubular transfers force to the other tubular through the lock-down ring, while a minimal amount of force transfers through the seal system.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use between wellbore tubulars employs an inner seal ring partially circumscribed by an outer seal ring. The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards. The bulging seal rings come into contact with opposing sides of the wellbore tubulars to define a sealing surface. Axial supports at opposing lateral ends of the seal rings maintain the seal between the tubulars.

Abstract: An expansion tool for use in a wellbore includes an expansion surface made up of a concave portion, a convex portion and a straight section therebetween. The straight section is formed according to a formula Y=(1.26) (X)?0.13, where X is the wall thickness of a tubular and Y is the length of the straight section. The concave portion and the convex portion have an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. The concave and convex portions are radius-shaped. The arrangement of the shapes and their relation to each other reduces relatively high and low contact pressures and lessens the effects of axial bending in a tubular or a connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal seal is used to seal between two tubular members. In one embodiment, a metal-to-metal seal forms a seal in an annulus housing between an inner and outer diameter of tubular members of an adjustable casing sub. The seal can have an inner and an outer sealing ring, or more than one pair of inner and outer sealing rings, that can be set in place by a running tool. An energizing ring can have a tapered or bulbous surface, and can create a pre-load force against the sealing rings.

Abstract: An expandable packer features a sealing element in an exterior recess that is straddled by projections or bumps. Upon expansion the bumps move out against the borehole wall as an anchor support. Optionally, the bumps may be covered with a sealing material and may be constructed to assist in their radial movement to the borehole wall as a result of expansion particularly if the mandrel is expanded in compression. The bumps are not necessarily expanded with the swage and their radial growth can be induced from longitudinal shrinkage resulting from radial expansion.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly having concentric tubulars and a seal assembly in an annulus between the tubulars. The seal assembly includes an upper portion having an annular body with a U-shaped cross section and a nose ring seal. The nose ring seal has a bellows like cross section and provides sealing in the annulus and exerts a lockdown force onto one of the tubulars. Metal inlays are provided on the outer edges of the folds in the bellows and a compressible medium is disposed between the folds.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus comprises a mandrel, a sealing element carried on the mandrel, the sealing element being radially expandable from a first run-in diameter to a second set diameter in response to application of axial force on the sealing element, and an extrusion limiting assembly carried on the mandrel and proximate the sealing element. The extrusion limiting assembly comprises a plurality of separate segments and a first circumferential band that retains the plurality of segments in a ring shape and substantially covers an outer circumferential surface of the plurality of segments while in a run-in condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: A wellhead or Christmas tree seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead or Christmas tree members. U-shaped metal seals having legs that face in opposite directions, are bonded to a wiping element. During installation of the seal assembly, the ends of the seal legs seal against the wellhead members and the wiping element compensates for defects on the surfaces of the wellhead members. The wiping element can be of an elastomer, metallic, or intercalated graphite material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the seal and the wellhead housing. The wellhead assembly can further include a seal energizer capable of moving relative to the seal in a manner that forces the seal against the wellhead housing to bridge the gap. A method of installing a tubing hanger into a throughbore of a wellhead housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis and a tubular member seal profile. A metal seal ring having a proximal base and a distal end has a seal ring seal profile between the proximal base and distal end that contacts the tubular member seal profile. A distal annular recess is in one of the seal profiles, the distal annular recess being spaced axially from the distal end of the seal ring, defining a seal surface between the distal end of the seal ring and the distal annular recess that engages a seal surface of the tubular member seal profile. The contacting portions of the seal surfaces form a metal-to-metal seal area. A proximal annular recess in one of the seal profiles is spaced axially from the distal annular recess, defining a support area axially spaced from the metal-to-metal seal area.

Abstract: A high pressure metal-to-metal seal utilizes an expandable metal seal element able to withstand caustic fluids, high pressure, and high temperature. The metal-to-metal seal assembly is resilient for repeatable sealing and comprises an energizing metal ring and a metal sealing ring. Engagement of these two rings expands surfaces of the metal sealing ring to create inner and/or outer metal-to-metal seals.

Abstract: Device for sealing a leakage in a well tube, comprising a sealing ring and elements for forcing the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the wall of the tube. A power device being operatively connected to the elements. The sealing ring having beveled ends which are juxtaposed with a pair of mating conical rings. A cylinder-piston device engages the conical rings to force them into expanding engagement with the sealing ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing an annular space between an inner and an outer pipe in a double-walled subsea pipeline which seal assembly comprises an annular member (1) and moveable blocking means (2, 3) and: (a) under normal operating conditions is in a non-sealing position which allows the passage of a gas through said seal assembly; and (b) is actuatable from a non-sealing position to a sealing position in response to the entry of liquid into said annular space.

Abstract: A high pressure seal assembly configured for sealing contact with an opposing surface. The seal assembly comprises an annular seal body with a sealing surface on one side of the seal body. An end of the sealing surface includes a sealing face for sealing contact with the opposing surface. The sealing surface also includes at least one support point that contacts the opposing surface when the seal is placed in sealing contact. Strategically positioning the support point on the sealing surface selectively adjusts the sealing contact stress between the sealing face and the opposing surface.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for sealing an annular space formed between an outer cylindrical element (4) having an end closure (16) and an inner pipe (1) extending within the outer element and having a free end. The invention incorporates a packer element (2) being slidably disposed around said pipe (1), an actuation element (6) adapted for telescopic assembly around the outer surface of the pipe (1) and slidable from a first position to a second position, a conical ring (12) adapted for installation on the pipe (1), where the actuation element (6) comprises an abutment element (10) designed for abutment against said packer (2), and an actuation pipe (8) extending beyond the pipe (1) first end when the actuation element (6) is in said first position. The invention also refers to a method for sealing the annular space.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: A seal and/or anchoring arrangement includes a first perimetrically closed wedge, a second perimetrically closed wedge. An actuator is in operable communication with one of the first and second wedges. A frustoconical surface is present at a radially inwardly most located surface of the first and second wedges. A and method is included.

Abstract: A self adjusting excluder sub includes a first subassembly; a second subassembly with respect to which the first subassembly is axially movable; and a support disposed at the second subassembly and when actuated being resiliently disposed against the first subassembly while being laterally movable relative to the first and second subassemblies jointly and method.

Abstract: A bi-directional metal seal is energized and un-energized by a rolling action that takes place between radiused seal lips. The seal forms an assembly with upper and lower energizing rings. The rings have external grooves for engaging hook ends on the inner surfaces of the seal lips in a nesting arrangement when the seal is in the un-energized position. When the upper ring is pulled upward, the seal is un-energized and does not contact the adjacent conductors or wellhead members. When the upper ring is forced downward, the hooks ends of the seal are forced out of the grooves causing the seal lips to roll around in a radial outward direction, rather than stretch, and expand against the seal's outer diameter. This energizing process also causes the seal to become smaller on the seal's inner diameter, and thus forms a pressure-assist, metal-to-metal seal with the adjacent conductors.

Abstract: A device for sealing and anchoring within a tubular member. The device comprises a top swage member disposed within the tubular member, with the top swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. Also included is a first sealing member disposed about the top swage member, with the first sealing member containing a first plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the first sealing member, The device may also include a second sealing member that is attached to the first sealing member, with the second sealing member containing a second plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the second sealing member. A bottom swage member is disposed within the second sealing member, with the bottom swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. The device further comprises a setting apparatus for driving the top swage longitudinally downward relative to the top swage's longitudinal center axis and for driving the bottom swage longitudinally upward relative to the bottom swage's center axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus for use in a tubular member. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes an expandable sleeve and an expandable a toroidal/ring-shaped seal. The seal seats within a circumferential saddle or groove formed in the sleeve. An exemplary seal has an enlarged diameter portion and presents a radially outward sealing surface. During expansion, the enlarged diameter portion is compressed against the tubular member but, at least initially, the remainder of the sealing surface is not compressed. Thus, the pressure associated with the compression is focused on the limited contact area between the seal and the tubular. Continued expansion can increase the contact pressure and/or the amount of contact area. In one arrangement, the seal is configured to provide a gas tight seal.

Abstract: An annular packer device, wherein the annular packer is expandable in an annulus between an inner body and an outer boundary, and wherein the annular packer is sealingly movable along at least one of the inner body and the outer boundary.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the insertion of a tool into a wellbore, especially a non-vertical wellbore. In one embodiment a tool is fixable in a wellbore and includes centralizing, friction-reducing members that serve to keep the body of the tool off the walls of the wellbore. In another embodiment the tool includes a wiper ring that partially fills an annular area formed between the centered tool and the wellbore walls. The surface of the ring facing the upper end of the wellbore provides fluid resisting piston surface and permits the centered tool to be pumped down the wellbore more effectively.

Abstract: A cup tool for use with a high-pressure mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a three-part packoff assembly that slides over a cup tool tube from an unset position to a set position. The three-part pack off assembly includes an elastomeric cup, a rigid alignment ring located above the elastomeric cup and an elastomeric packoff element located above the rigid alignment ring. The rigid alignment ring helps ensure that the elastomeric cup remains correctly aligned in a casing or tubing that is not straight, is out of round or is washed, and helps ensure that the elastomeric packoff achieves a high-pressure seal in the set position, even under adverse downhole conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biased actuator. The actuator includes, a reservoir, at least one piston in operable communication with the reservoir, at least one metal seal disposed about the at least one piston and in substantial sealing communication therewith, the at least one metal seal further being in substantial sealing communication with the reservoir and a biasing system in operable communication with both the reservoir and the at least one piston.

Abstract: A device for sealing and anchoring within a tubular member. The device comprises a top swage member disposed within the tubular member, with the top swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. Also included is a first sealing member disposed about the top swage member, with the first sealing member containing a first plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the first sealing member. The device may also include a second sealing member that is attached to the first sealing member, with the second sealing member containing a second plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the second sealing member. A bottom swage member is disposed within the second sealing member, with the bottom swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. The device further comprises a setting apparatus for driving the top swage longitudinally downward relative to the top swage's longitudinal center axis and for driving the bottom swage longitudinally upward relative to the bottom swage's center axis.

Abstract: A packer, and operation of the same, which forms elastomeric seals and non-elastomeric seals. The packer may be constructed from a non-elastomeric tubular core having a frustoconical shaped inner diameter. The outer diameter of the core may be substantially smooth and carry one or more elastomeric sealing elements. The packer is set by causing the diametrical expansion of the tubular core. The construction of the tubular core is preferably such that its diametrical expansion causes the formation of radial raised portions (upsets) on the outer surface. These raised portions form the non-elastomeric seals and also prevent extrusion of the elastomeric sealing elements.

Abstract: To provide a novel gland packing and a sealing apparatus comprising this, wherein the gland packing displays high and stable sealability for a stem and an inner wall surface of a stuffing box even for uses further requesting the movability (rotation and reciprocating movement), and further, gives excellent effects, such as decrease of moving resistance of a stem, shape stability, adaptability to a corroded and worn-out stem and stuffing box, function for receiving shafts, easiness of equipment, simplification of sealing structure, and compactness of a sealing apparatus.

Abstract: The seal assembly 10 seal between a subsea wellhead housing 12 and a casing hanger 16. A metal seal body 20 includes fingers 32 and 34 and one or more elastomeric seals 38. An upper seal body 64 may include threads for engagement with the metal seal body. According the method of the invention, an initial elastomeric seal is first formed, and fluid pressure is applied from above to set the high temperature metal seal.

Abstract: A packer, and operation of the same, which forms elastomeric seals and non-elastomeric seals. The packer may be constructed from a non-elastomeric tubular core having a frustoconical shaped inner diameter. The outer diameter of the core may be substantially smooth and carry one or more elastomeric sealing elements. The packer is set by causing the diametrical expansion of the tubular core. The construction of the tubular core is preferably such that its diametrical expansion causes the formation of radial raised portions (upsets) on the outer surface. These raised portions form the non-elastomeric seals and also prevent extrusion of the elastomeric sealing elements.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus is an anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. The sealing system comprises of a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each cone, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The components of the sealing system are arranged such that, when compressed, the sealing member may expand radially into contact with a casing. In another aspect, the apparatus the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool.

Abstract: A pad plunger assembly, for use in gas well tubing, includes an elongated mandrel having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends, a pair of opposite end members each attached to one of the opposite ends of the mandrel, and a seal-forming pad subassembly disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon. The pad subassembly has an outer exterior surface of an annular concave configuration formed by opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface being disposed farther radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel than an intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface is disposed radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel such that a frictional seal which generates reduced friction is provided on the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing.

Abstract: A metallic sealing element comprises a generally tubular body having first and second opposed ends and a center section which is located between the first and second ends. In use the sealing element is compressible to bring the first and second ends towards one another to cause a center section to bulge transversely and sealingly engage a co-operating sealing surface.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus between a mandrel and an outer tubular. The apparatus comprises a top seal ring and a bottom seal ring separated by a double-ramped cylinder, all mounted on the mandrel and fit within the inner diameter of the outer tubular. The sealing apparatus is placed on the mandrel in running in position. The mandrel and sealing apparatus are then placed downhole in the outer tubular. Once at the desired location, a load is applied to the top seal ring. Once the load reaches a predetermined magnitude, the ramp slides under and expands the bottom seal ring to form a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular. Additional load placed on the top seal ring causes the top seal ring to slide over the ramp and expand. As the top seal ring expands, the top seal ring forms a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular.

Abstract: A seal stack includes one or more first seals that are adapted to seal in at least a first range of temperatures. The seal stack also includes a second seal that is adjacent to at least one of the first seals. The second seal is adapted to seal in at least a lower range of temperatures than the first range of temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a seal assembly, or seal array, having a seal body and one or more non-extrusion end rings to prevent or minimize extrusion of the seal body between either the packer assembly and the casing or between the packer assembly and the gauge ring used to energize the seal assembly. More particularly, the end ring of the present invention has discrete deformable portions, which may be integrally encapsulated within a resilient cover or which may be provided as separate end ring members. The discrete deformable portions may further be provided with a deformable hinge portion formed therebetween.