Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure generally relate to anti-extrusion techniques for packer assemblies. A packer assembly comprises a mandrel; a retainer movably disposed adjacent to the mandrel, the retainer comprising a ramp; a packer element disposed adjacent to the mandrel and the ramp; a ring movably disposed on the ramp, the ring comprising a spiral cut; and a sleeve disposed around the retainer and the ring, wherein the sleeve is deformable to retain at least the packer element or the ring.

Abstract: A radially expandable backup ring (50) with relatively rigid segments (56) and relatively resilient segments (58) that are integral with one another to circumferentially urge the relatively rigid segments (56) together when the backup ring (50) expands. The backup ring (50) may radially expand to reduce or eliminate a radial gap between the backup ring (50) and a radially inwardly facing surface of a corresponding cased wellbore (22) to prevent or minimize axial extrusion of a corresponding sealing member (32), such as a compressible packer seal of a cased-hole retrievable packer assembly. The relatively resilient segments (58) allow the backup ring (50) to elastically expand and retract to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member (32). The relatively rigid support segments (54) may be axially aligned with a corresponding relatively resilient segment (58) of the backup ring to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member (32) through the corresponding relatively resilient segment (58).

Abstract: A seal assembly, comprising: a connector body having an open end configured for receiving a free end of a pipe; an adaptor for securing at the free end of the pipe; the adaptor comprising a first ring, configured to be mounted around the circumference of the free end of a pipe, and a second ring configured to cooperate with the first ring in order to drive the first ring into engagement with an outer surface of the pipe; and a mechanical interlock arrangement configured for driving the adaptor in the direction of the connector body, when the adaptor is secured at the free end of the pipe; and wherein the mechanical interlock arrangement is further configured for preventing or limiting axial movement of the pipe relative to the connector body, when the adaptor is secured to the outer surface of the pipe and when the free end of the pipe is in sealing contact with a metal seal surface of the connector body.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.

Abstract: A downhole system having a liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger and a running tool. The running tool includes a tubular and an expandable member disposed circumferentially around the tubular. The expandable member is configured to increase in volume from a first condition to a second condition at a surface location. The second condition of the expandable member connects the running tool to the liner hanger.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided for retrieving a sealing assembly from within a tubing string positioned downhole in a wellbore. The sealing assembly may include a plug that may include a non-elastomeric material at least partially surrounding an elastomeric material. The sealing assembly may be run downhole in the wellbore with the plug at an original diameter. The sealing assembly may be set such that the plug is expanded to a set diameter. The retrieval tool may be coupled to the sealing assembly and may be extended in a first direction. The extension of the retrieval tool may lengthen the sealing assembly. The lengthening of the sealing assembly may extend the length of the plug and may thereby reduce the diameter of the plug. In some aspects, the retrieval tool may reduce the diameter of the plug back to the original diameter.

Abstract: A method of making a downhole swellable seal with a passageway therethrough includes, perimetrically surrounding a first tubular with a first substantially nonswellable material, perimetrically surrounding at least one second tubular with a second substantially nonswellable material, positioning the at least one second tubular adjacent the first tubular, perimetrically surrounding the first tubular and the at least one second tubular with a swellable material, curing the first substantially nonswellable material, curing the second substantially nonswellable material, and curing the swellable material.

Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise a sealing element having one or more non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers formed by a plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers may comprise one or more of natural material, metallic material, plastic material, or other non-elastomeric sealing material. The non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers may be formed by weaving the plurality of fibers, braiding the plurality of fibers, or forming a fibrous mass of the plurality of fibers. During operation, the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers are radially expanded causing compression of the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers. As a result, at least a portion of the air volume within the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers is displaced by non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material causing the sealing element to engage a sealing surface, thereby forming a seal.

Abstract: A sealing element for a packer is described. The sealing element comprises an annular body having an internal surface defining a throughbore, the internal surface adapted to engage a mandrel having a mandrel diameter. The annular body internal surface defines first and second regions, the throughbore diameter of the regions being less than the mandrel diameter.

Abstract: The removable plug features a solid material that is housed in a porous container that has its shape changed to transition from the run in shape to the set shape. A swage is moved through a passage in the container to enlarge the passage and move the container to a borehole wall. The passage is then closed such as with a flapper valve or by moving in a mandrel into the expanded passage and lodging the mandrel in the expanded passage. Various release techniques are described.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method of using a packer having at least two areas of relative rotation. The disclosure is further directed toward a method of using a packer incorporating a jet port, a highly debossed mandrel and/or a J-pin rotatably disposed within a drag block assembly for continuously and redundantly engaging a J-slot area disposed in the mandrel.

Abstract: A through tubing bridge plug (200) for providing a gripping and sealing engagement with a casing string of a wellbore. The bridge plug (200) includes an actuation rod (208), an anchor assembly (212), a pair of compression assemblies, each including a support assembly (216, 242) and an anti extrusion assembly (220, 238) and a packing assembly (224) disposed about the actuation rod (208) between the compression assemblies. Responsive to longitudinal movement of the actuation rod (208), the anchor assembly (212) establishes the gripping engagement with the casing string, the compression assemblies are radially deployed such that the anti extrusion assemblies (220, 238) are supported by the support assemblies (216, 242) and the packing assembly (224) establishes the sealing engagement with the casing string.

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: 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 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: A temperature activated actuator installed on a tubular to actuate an adjacent device may include one or more shape-memory alloy elements. The elements may be coupled between a first portion and a second portion of a device, or the elements may be coupled between the tubular and a portion of the device. The elements are activated by raising the temperature to a transition temperature to cause metallurgical phase transformation, causing the elements to shrink and displace at least a portion of the device. The actuator may be used, for example, to actuate a centralizer from a run-in mode to a deployed mode or, alternately, to actuate a packing member from a run-in mode to an isolating mode. A nickel-titanium alloy, for example, may be used as the shape-memory alloy material from which the shape-memory element is made.

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: 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: 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: A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end.

Abstract: An anchoring device for tool is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in casing. The anchoring device can have an architecture that supports installation by running downhole and into engagement with a recess formed in the casing. The anchoring device can support the use of weak materials such as plastic.

Abstract: A reinforced stripper rubber assembly with a stripper rubber body including a drillstring engaging portion having a drillstring bore extending axially therethrough. The drillstring engaging portion of the stripper rubber body is made from an elastomeric material, has an inner surface that engages a drillstring when the drillstring is dispose therein and has a reinforcing insert receiving recess within an exterior surface thereof extending at least partially around the drillstring bore. A reinforcing insert is disposed within the reinforcing insert receiving recess. The reinforcing insert includes an elastomeric material bonded to the stripper rubber body within the reinforcing insert receiving recess. A support structure is disposed within a support structure engaging portion of the stripper rubber body. The support structure includes a central opening generally aligned with the drillstring bore thereby allowing the drillstring to pass jointly through the central opening and the drillstring bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tubular sealing system. The sealing system includes, a deformable tubular sealable to a first tubular and a second tubular. The deformable tubular includes, a first deformable portion configured to deform in a first radial direction, a second deformable portion configured to deform in a second radial direction, and a third deformable portion configured to deform in the first radial direction. The second deformable portion is positioned longitudinally between the first deformable portion and the third deformable portion and at least one of the first deformable portion and the third deformable portion is sealable to the first tubular when the first deformable portion or the third deformable portion is deformed. Further, the second deformable portion is sealable to the second tubular when the second deformable portion is deformed.

Abstract: A reciprocating-rod seal (10) comprising a one-piece rigid support (20) and a one-piece elastomeric body (30) bonded to the rigid support (20). A notch (40) separates an ID fluidside portion (41) of the elastomeric body (30) from an OD fluidside portion (42) of the elastomeric body (30), and the ID fluidside portion (41) forms a sealing lip (43). A groove (50) separates an ID airside portion (51) of the elastomeric body (30) from an OD airside portion (52) of the elastomeric body (30), and the ID airside portion (51) forms a wiping lip (53). The sealing lip (43) prevents fluid escape during forward and return strokes of a reciprocating rod, and the wiping lip (53) removes dirt, dust, or other debris from the rod during return strokes. The seal (10) can serve as the primary seal for a mudpump pony rod and/or a mudpump plunger rod.

Abstract: A swellable packer with composite material end rings. A packer assembly includes at least one generally tubular seal element extending longitudinally between opposite ends thereof. At least one end ring is positioned proximate one of the seal element opposite ends. The end ring includes a nonmetal material. A method of constructing a packer assembly includes the steps of: chemically bonding at least one end ring to a base pipe; providing at least one generally tubular seal element which extends longitudinally between opposite ends thereof; and restricting longitudinal displacement of the seal element relative to the base pipe utilizing the end ring positioned at one of its opposite ends.

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: A disposable downhole tool includes an elongated body and a compression element. The compression element is disposed about the elongated body. The compression element includes at least one preconfigured division at disposal of the disposable downhole tool.

Abstract: A high expansion packer or bridge plug is described. It features an external portion of a soft material that flows into spiral exterior leak paths formed when the sealing element is subjected to longitudinal compression. Preferably, the sealing element is an elastomer such as cured rubber, while the outer material is a soft uncured or somewhat cured rubber. The outer covering may itself be covered for protection when running in with such protective covering breaking or otherwise getting out of the way during the element compression process. As a result of compression, the soft material occupies the exterior helical or other leak paths for a sufficient length along the sealing element to withstand high differential pressures, without leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for sealing a wellbore. The apparatus includes a swelling elastomer disposed around an outer surface of the tubular body. The swelling elastomer is isolated from wellbore fluid in an annulus. However, upon the application of an outwardly directed force to an inner surface of the tubular body, the tubular body expands radially outward causing the swelling elastomer to contact the wellbore while exposing the swelling elastomer to an activating agent via the one or more apertures, thereby causing the swelling elastomer to create a pressure energized seal with one or more adjacent surfaces in the wellbore.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided for making a seal against an annular surface. The device includes at least one flexible seal ring having a relaxed position in which the seal ring is out of contact with the surface and an active position in which the seal ring is in sealing contact with the surface, an operating member movable relative to the seal ring in a direction substantially parallel to the annular surface to produce a substantially radial movement of the ring into the active position, and a plurality of elongate, substantially parallel shape-memory material actuators arranged around the annular surface. A change of shape of the actuators produces the movement of the operating member which moves the seal ring into the active position.

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 tubular connection, an example of which is a subsea wellhead having a primary and secondary seal areas allows the use of a backup or contingency gasket for engagement with the secondary seal area in the wellhead should a failure occur in the primary seal area. In the preferred embodiment, the primary and secondary seal areas are sufficiently separated such that the erosion damage which occurs from leakage with the original gasket adjacent the primary seal area, which can spread below the primary seal area, leaves the secondary seal area unaffected. A backup or contingency gasket can be inserted for sealable contact with the secondary sealing area for further well operations.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: A downhole packer in a well removably seals an annular space between an inner tube and an outer tube or well casing in a well bore. The packer provides a metal to metal tapered seal between a female sealing element having a tapered inner sealing surface and a male sealing element having a tapered outer sealing surface. Each sealing element has tubing welded to upper and lower faces as required to provide a resealable annular space that may be filled with corrosion resistant fluid under pressure. The pressure is then monitored to detect leaks. Repairs may be made by lifting out the tube, repairing the leak, and lowering the tube until the two sealing surfaces mate.

Abstract: An annular seal is made of a collapsible bellows. The bellows can function as an anchor or a seal and is easily set into position using relative component movement. The bellows folds can be slanted and their outer sealing edges can have different profiles to meet expected conditions. The bellows is expanded for insertion to reduce its outer dimension and sets by compaction as a result of relative movement. The bellows can be straight or tapered and is settable with a minimal axial force.

Abstract: A bridge plug (1) for use in a casing (7), for example in oil and/or gas wells, comprising a packing element (2) of a resilient material is disclosed. The packing element (2) is adapted for at impact from a running tool to expand from a first diameter, to a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the casing that is to be sealed. The packing element (2) is divided in zones forming at least one expandable sealing packing element (34, 35) and at least one expandable support packing element (31, 32, 33), where the support packing elements (31, 32, 33) are expandable to a smaller diameter than the sealing packing elements (34, 35). The bridge plug (1) is further comprised of an anchoring means (3) that is provided for holding the bridge plug (1) in its place in the casing by a friction surface (28) that is pressed radially against the casing (7).

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.