Shape-memory apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a conduit and methods of using same
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsBasil J. Joseph, Clint Mickey, Andre J. Porter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a seat member disposed within the tubular member for receiving a plug element. One or both of the seat member or the plug element comprise at least one shape-memory material to facilitate the plug element being able to land on the seat and/or to facilitate the plug element to pass through a seat member or other restriction in the tubular member either before or after landing on a seat.
Claims16
An apparatus for restricting flow through a conduit, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat member disposed within the bore, the seat member comprising a shape-memory material, a first shape for receiving a plug element to restrict fluid flow through the longitudinal bore, and a second shape for passage of the plug element through the seat member.
An apparatus for restricting flow through a conduit, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing having a longitudinal bore and a seat disposed within the bore for receiving a plug element to restrict fluid flow through the longitudinal bore, the plug element comprising a shape-memory material, a first shape for landing on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the longitudinal bore, and a second shape for passage of the plug element through the seat member.
A method of restricting fluid flow through a tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) transporting a plug element through a longitudinal bore of a tubular member;
- (b) landing the plug element on a seat disposed within the tubular member causing restriction of fluid flow through the seat, the seat comprising a shape-memory material and having a non-operational shape and an operational shape, the operational shape allowing the plug element to land on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the tubular member;
- (c) moving the seat from the operational shape toward the non-operational shape and transporting the plug element through the seat;
- (d) returning the seat to the operational shape by activation of the shape-memory material of the seat;
- and
- (e) repeating steps (a) and (b).
A method of restricting fluid flow through a tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) transporting a plug element through a longitudinal bore of a tubular member, the plug element comprising a shape-memory material and having a non-operational shape and an operational shape, the operational shape allowing the plug element to land on a seat disposed within the tubular member to restrict fluid flow through the tubular member;
- (b) landing the plug element on the seat causing restriction of fluid flow through the seat;
- and
- (c) moving the plug element from the operational shape to the non-operational shape and transporting the plug element through the seat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.