Back to results
US 6,474,414 B1Granted
Plug for tubulars
AssigneeTexaco Inc.
InventorsManuel Eduardo Gonzalez, Mark D. Looney, Robert B. Carpenter, Philip D. Fader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A molten metal plug which expands upon solidification can be used to form a pressure resistant seal in a tubular such as is used in oil and gas exploration and production.
Claims47
Apparatus comprising
- a tubing containing a plug which was cast in the tubing;
- wherein the tubing extends downwardly into the earth and into a fluid production zone;
- wherein the plug is formed from metal solder which has a melting point of less than 1100° F.;
- and wherein the plug is cast in the tubing on a platform for the metal solder at a desired location in the tubing, by forming a pool of the metal solder in molten form on the platform, and
- permitting the pool of molten metal solder to cool and solidify to form the plug.
2 more elements
Apparatus comprising
- a tubing containing a plug which was cast in the tubing,
- wherein the tubing is formed from steel, and the plug is formed from metal solder which has a melting point of less than 1100° F. and forms a seal across the tubing,
- wherein the steel tubing is formed from a sidewall having an inside surface and a longitudinal axis,
- wherein the inside surface defines at least one recess leading away from the longitudinal axis, and the plug is positioned so that metal extends into the recess,
- wherein the recess in the generally cylindrical sidewall is formed by corrosion or mechanical damage, and
- a passage has been drilled longitudinally through the plug, so that the plug forms a tubularly shaped repair body.
3 more elements
A method for isolating a first volume from a second volume in a passage which extends generally downwardly into the earth,
- wherein said passage contains a platform capable of supporting a pool of molten metal in the passage, said method comprising
- forming a pool of molten metal on the platform, and
- permitting the molten metal to solidify and cool so as to form a highly pressure resistant seal across the passage.
Apparatus comprising
- a container formed from a generally cylindrical sidewall and a bottom end closure;
- a mass of solidified soldering composition in the container;
- and
- an electrical resistance heating element embedded in the solidified mass of soldering composition.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.