Apparatus and method for repairing failure spots on subterranean well tubulars using shock waves

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for the repair of failure spots, such as holes, crevices, and the like, along a first tubular section, such as casing section(s) in subterranean wells. The apparatus includes a housing made of a malleable material, such as steel, which is responsive to shock waves generated by an explosive material, such as a detonator cord, carried inside the housing. The explosive detonator cord is activated to generate shock waves within the housing to expand the malleable housing to conform to the wall holes, openings and failure spots in the casing. Thereafter, a head, selectively securable to the housing, is disengaged from the housing during retrieval of the head after activation of the detonator cord, to retrieve the head from the well and leave the malleable housing intact and across the failure spots.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.