Abstract: A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element which swells in the well, a reinforcement in the seal element, and an extrusion barrier which displaces outward in response to swelling of an end portion of the seal element, the reinforcement being longitudinally spaced apart from the end portion of the seal element. A method of constructing a packer assembly can include positioning a reinforcement in a seal element which swells in response to contact with a fluid, the positioning including longitudinally spacing opposite ends of the reinforcement away from opposite end portions of the seal element, and installing extrusion barriers which radially outwardly overlie the seal element end portions.

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure around 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. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part of a surface of the element.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve opening tool includes an engaging element, a ball seat and a guiding head connected in sequence, as disclosed herein. The engaging element includes at least two elastic pawls uniformly disposed in a circumferential direction and at least one engaging part disposed on an external circumferential surface of an elastic pawl, and the engaging element is further provided with a first fluid channel which runs through the engaging element. The ball seat is provided with a second fluid channel which runs through the ball seat, and within the second fluid channel a taper hole section for bearing a sealing ball is disposed, the second fluid channel being in communication with the first fluid channel. The guiding head is provided with a third fluid channel which runs through the guiding head, and the third fluid channel is in communication with the second fluid channel.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a packer. The packer includes a fluid bypass positioned along a longitudinal axis of the packer. The fluid bypass provides a fluid flow path between a downhole location and an uphole location from the packer. Additionally, the packer includes a sealing element positioned around the fluid bypass that is elastically deformable to expand in a direction radially outward from the longitudinal axis when the sealing element experiences axial compression. The sealing element includes at least one elastomeric seal reinforcer molded into the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A micro frac plug used to seal individual perforations formed in a casing installed within a subterranean wellbore. The plug comprises an insert element and a deformable sleeve. The insert element is received and retained within a medial section of the sleeve. The plug is sized to be lodged in or seated on a single perforation. The plug blocks fluid from flowing through the perforation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole expandable metal tubular having an axial extension, to be expanded in a well downhole to abut against an inner face of a casing or a borehole, comprising a first section having a first outer diameter, two circumferential projections having a second outer diameter which is larger than the first outer diameter, a second section arranged between the two projections, each projection having an inclined face tapering from the second outer diameter towards the second section, wherein the second section has a third outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter in an unexpanded condition, and a sealing element is arranged between the projections opposite the second section, so that during expansion the second section bulges more radially outwards than the first section, forcing the sealing element radially outwards. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an annular barrier, a downhole completion and a sealing expansion method.

Abstract: A piston pump including a cylinder body having an internal fluid chamber, a piston configured to axially cycle within the cylinder body, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an annular seal positioned between the piston and cylinder body, a barrier fluid pocket formed in the cylinder body adjacent one end of the annular seal, and a barrier fluid contained within the barrier fluid pocket, the barrier fluid preventing suspended solids in pumped fluid from contacting the annular seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid contact with a borehole wall during drilling operations include introducing an outer pipe into a borehole and positioning an inner pipe within the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe may be axially disposed within the outer pipe. The annular isolator may be disposed within an annulus between the outer pipe and the borehole wall. The method may include placing a control fluid in the annulus between the outer pipe and the borehole wall. The method may further include circulating a drilling fluid to a drill bit using the inner pipe and the annulus between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The drilling fluid may be separated from the control fluid by an annular isolator.

Abstract: A packer unit for an annular blowout preventer including an annular elastomer body including an elastomer having a unidirectional grain and a quantity of fiber longitudinally aligned with the grain of the elastomer. A method of forming a packing unit for a blowout preventer including forming a fiber reinforced elastomer by aligning fibers with a grain of an elastomer; cutting a portion from the fiber reinforced elastomer in the direction of the grain; loading the cut portion in a packing unit mold such that the grain of the fiber reinforced elastomer of the cut portion is parallel to a packing unit axis; and heating the loaded packing unit mold.

Abstract: Inflatable packers are provided with one or more components to improve longevity and/or functionality. One or more of the packer components utilizes reinforced materials incorporated in a manner that enables the improved longevity and/or functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use downhole comprising an expandable component; a support member that has a selected corrosion rate; wherein the support member is disposed on the expandable component; where the support member comprises a plurality of particles fused together; the particles comprising a core comprising a first metal; and a first layer disposed upon the core; the first layer comprising a second metal; the first metal having a different corrosion potential from the second metal; the first layer comprising a third metal having a different corrosion potential from the first metal.

Abstract: A sealing system and method for sealing a tubular conduit, the sealing system includes a housing, at least one annular seal surrounding the outer surface of the housing, at least one seal back-up mounted on the housing outer surface, and seal and anchor energising means for urging the annular seal and the anchor surface into contact with the tubular conduit in response to an actuation force.

Abstract: An extrusion resistant ring that is radially expandable and contactable to accommodate the relative movement of two joined bodies relative to each other. The extrusion resistant ring in combination with an elastomeric diaphragm provides a high pressure seal for down-hole oil drilling apparatus.

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: 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 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: 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 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: A downhole well tool comprises a seal ring secured along the outer surface of the downhole tool. The downhole tool expands the seal ring radially outward into sealing engagement with an outer tubular member in the well. The seal ring has an annular reinforcing element having an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface, and at least one hole disposed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. At least one sealing material, either preformed or molded in place with the reinforcing element, is disposed along the outer wall surface, through each of the holes, and along at least a portion of the inner wall surface.

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: A high pressure ring seal for tube assembly joints provides structural foundation ring having inside and outside circumferential channels between end rims. The channels and rims are separated by a web of integral ring material. This web is perforated by a plurality of apertures. As an integral coating within both channels and integrally tied through the web apertures is a coating of polymer sealant material. Inside and outside faces of the sealant are pressure equalized by vent apertures through the web apertures.

Abstract: A packer comprises an elastomeric member (2) which, in use, will deform radially when subjected to axial pressure. A plurality of steel fingers (3, 4) are vulcanized onto the elastomeric member (2). One end of each steel finger (3, 4) is accomodated in a recess in a bearing ring (5). The cross section of the fingers (3, 4) is generally wedge-shaped so that, when axial pressure is applied to the elastomeric member (2), the fingers (3, 4) pivot outwardly yet completely circumscribe the sealing member (2). The packer is particularly useful for applications where the packer must pass through a relatively narrow opening yet seal a relatively wide tubular.

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.

Abstract: A seal system for sealing between a pair of members is provided wherein a pair of substantially aligned walls on inner faces of the members have internal frustoconical portions. A metal ring includes a pair of lips with external frustoconical portions which sealingly engage the internal frustoconical portions. The metal ring includes at least one convolution between the lips. The convolution permits axial extension of the metal ring upon application of external pressure to the ring.

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.