Multi-layered temperature responsive pressure isolation device

A sealing assembly for use on a tool in a wellbore, comprising:

• a deformable outer shell portion;
• an inner core comprising a material with a lower melting point than the outer shell and substantially enclosed within the outer shell, the deformable outer shell portion to be deformed into sealing contact with at least one adjacent surface within said wellbore, wherein the inner core, in response to heating to a predetermined temperature, acts to effect radial expansion of the deformable outer shell portion, and wherein the inner core contains a quantity of stored energy;
• and
• a preloaded spring mounted within the deformable outer shell portion, the spring containing the quantity of stored energy, such that upon heating of the inner core to the predetermined temperature, the spring is activated and provides radially expansive force on the deformable outer shell portion.

A method of sealing a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing an annular sealing element around the exterior of a tubular member, the sealing element comprising a deformable outer shell, an inner core material with a lower melting point than the outer shell, the inner core material substantially enclosed within the outer shell, and an energy storage device positioned within the deformable outer shell portion, the energy storage device containing a quantity of stored energy;
• positioning the tubular member and the annular sealing element in the well;
• softening or melting the inner core material in response to exposure of the sealing element to a predetermined temperature, wherein, upon softening or melting of the inner core material in response to exposure of the sealing element to the predetermined temperature, the energy storage device is activated and provides at least one of a radially expansive force and an axially compressive force on the deformable outer shell portion;
• radially expanding and axially compressing the outer shell;
• and
• sealing a surface of the deformable outer shell against a surface in the well.