Downhole sealing tools and method of use
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsPaul D. Ringgengberg, Gregory W. Vargus, Lee Wayne Stepp, Donald R. Smith, Ronald L. Hinkie, Don S. Folds
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into and sealing engagement with a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a tube having an expandable diameter, and a gripping member joined to the tube adapted to engage a portion of the wellbore to limit movement of the tube within the wellbore. The tube may also include a sealing member adapted to mate with the wellbore to form a sealing engagement.
Claims49
A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubular member having an outer surface defining an outer diameter, wherein the tubular member has an insertion configuration in which the outer diameter defines a first outer diameter, the tubular member has a set configuration to limit movement of the tubular member within the wellbore, the outer diameter defines a second outer diameter in the set configuration, and the second diameter is greater than the first diameter;
- and
- a gripping member extending beyond the outer surface of the tubular member, wherein the gripping member is adapted to penetratingly engage a portion of the wellbore when the tubular member is in the set configuration.
A downhole tool device for insertion into a wellbore, the device comprising:
- a tubular member having an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines an internal chamber;
- a ring member coupled to the tubular member, wherein the ring member is in hydraulic communication with the internal chamber, and the ring member is adapted for responding to an increase in pressure in the internal chamber by expanding in a radial direction;
- a gripping member coupled to an exterior surface of the ring member for penetratingly engaging a portion of the wellbore;
- and
- a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the ring member for sealingly engaging a portion of the wellbore.
A downhole tool device for insertion into a wellbore, the device comprising:
- a tubular member having an outer surface defining an outer diameter and an internal chamber, wherein the tubular member is adapted for responding to an increase in pressure in the internal chamber by expanding the outer diameter;
- a gripping member coupled to the outer surface of the tubular member for penetratingly engaging a portion of the wellbore;
- and
- a sealing member coupled to the outer surface of the tubular member for sealingly engaging a portion of the wellbore.
A downhole tool device for insertion into a wellbore, the device comprising:
- a tubular member having an open end and an opposite closed end, wherein the open end is adapted to expand circumferentially from a run-in condition to an expanded condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of pressure;
- and
- a gripping member coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular member, wherein the gripping member engages a portion of the wellbore when the tubular member is in the expanded condition.
A downhole tool device for insertion into a wellbore, the device comprising:
- a tubular body having an internal surface, an exterior surface, an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the upper end and the lower end;
- a plug adapted to engage the internal surface, wherein advancement of the plug longitudinally from the upper end towards the lower end expands the tubular body circumferentially from an insertion configuration to a set configuration;
- and
- a gripping member coupled to the exterior surface of the tubular body, wherein the gripping member engages a portion of the wellbore when the tubular body is in the set configuration to maintain the position of the tubular body in the wellbore.
A method of sealing a wellbore, comprising the steps of:
- inserting a tubular member having both a gripping element and a sealing element on the outer surface thereof into the wellbore;
- and
- expanding at least a portion of the tubular member to a set configuration, wherein the gripping element engages the wellbore and the sealing element seals the wellbore.
A method of sealing a wellbore, comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular member without an internal mandrel;
- positioning the tubular member in a wellbore;
- and
- expanding at least a portion of the tubular member to engage the wellbore.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.