Conformable Devices Using Shape Memory Alloys for Downhole Applications
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsCarlos A. Prieto, Bennett M. Richard
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Abstract
In one aspect, an apparatus for use in wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a device having a shape conforming member that includes a shape memory alloy that has been compressed from a first expanded shape to a second compressed shape and a device for supplying electrical energy to the shape memory alloy downhole to transform the shape memory alloy from the second shape to or near the first shape.
Claims17
An apparatus for use in wellbore, comprising:
- a device including a shape memory alloy (SMA) that is electrically conductive and has a first shape, wherein the SMA when heated to or above a transition temperature will attain a second shape;
- and
- an electric energy source configured to supply electric energy to the SMA to cause the SMA to heat to or above the transition temperature to attain the second shape.
A method of deploying an apparatus in a wellbore, comprising:
- providing a device that includes a shape memory alloy member configured to expand from a first compressed shape to second expanded shape when heated to or above a transition temperature;
- placing the device with the shape memory alloy member in the wellbore in the first compressed shape;
- and
- heating the shape memory alloy member in the wellbore to or above the transition temperature to transform the shape memory from the first compressed shape to the second expanded shape.
A wellbore system, comprising:
- a device that includes at least one SMA member;
- and
- a heat source configured to heat the SMA member in the wellbore to cause it to expand from a first shape to a second shape.
A method of deploying a shape conforming device in a wellbore, comprising:
- forming the device using a shape memory alloy to attain a first shape;
- compressing the shape memory alloy from the first shape to a second shape;
- and
- heating the shape memory alloy to transform the shape memory alloy from the second shape to the first shape or near the first shape by supplying electrical energy to the shape memory alloy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.