Back to results
US 7,730,941 B2Granted
Expandable tool with enhanced expansion capability
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsJohn R. Abarca, Shawn E. Nowlin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An expandable downhole tool features a mandrel that is expanded from within by a swage or other technique. The expansion of the mandrel advances an exterior ring or comparable slidably mounted object against an exterior sleeve that can be impervious or porous. The ring engages a ratchet mechanism to hold its position with respect to the mandrel as the swage advances through the mandrel and expands the ring and the exterior sleeve. The locking of the ring to the mandrel keeps the exterior sleeve from springing back longitudinally as the expansion is concluded.
Claims12
A tool for wellbore use, comprising:
- a mandrel having a longitudinal axis and defining a passage therethrough, said mandrel is capable of being expanded from said passage in a direction along said axis;
- a sleeve mounted to said mandrel to expand therewith for contact with the surrounding wellbore;
- a longitudinal compaction element initially spaced from said sleeve and slidably mounted on said mandrel for selective exclusive compressing on initial contact of said sleeve apart from said mandrel expansion, said compaction element continuously moved with a swage over a predetermined distance by progressing dimensional increase of said mandrel during its expansion to a locked position of said compaction element, whereupon, with said compaction element locked, said swage advances under said compaction element while enlarging said compaction element to continue expansion of said mandrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.