Sealing method and apparatus for oil and gas wells
OwnerHomer L. Spencerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for melting material in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, the material is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.
Claims16
Method for melting a material in an annulus between the surface and production casing of an oil or gas well, said method comprising positioning said material at a predetermined location in said annulus and applying heat to said material, melting said material by said application of said heat and terminating said application of said heat following said melting of said material thereby to allow said material to solidify within said annulus and to form a seal within said annulus.
8 Method as in claim 7 wherein said pressure is applied by compressed air or pressurised nitrogen injected into said annulus and maintained at a pressure within said annulus.
Apparatus for melting material in an annulus between the production and surface casing of an oil or gas well, said apparatus comprising an opening to allow the injection of said material into said annulus and to assume a predetermined location within said annulus, heating apparatus to apply heat to said material at said predetermined location within said annulus and to melt said material within said annulus and a switch to initiate and terminate said application of said heat to said material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.