Abstract

A back-up ring (1) for a gland seal includes at least two part ring portions (2,4). Each part ring portion comprises first (6, 10) and second (8, 12) ends. Each end has an undulating surface (22, 24) for overlapping in engagement with a corresponding undulating surface on an end of another part ring portion, to form the back-up ring (1). When the part ring portions (2,4) are assembled to form the back-up ring (1) and are held together by axial and/or radial compression, the engagement of the undulating surfaces (22, 24) restricts relative movement between the part ring portions. A seal assembly (34) including the back-up ring (1) is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16J 15/16 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces

Abstract

A downhole sealing apparatus having a sealing assembly with one or more seal elements configured to engage a bore wall or bore-lining tubular wall to seal an annulus between the apparatus and the wall or tubular wall. A bypass arrangement is configured to provide selective bypass of the sealing assembly and the sealing apparatus is reconfigurable between a first configuration permitting bypass of the sealing assembly and a second configuration in which the bypass arrangement prevents or restricts bypass of the sealing assembly. A downhole method provides the downhole sealing apparatus within a bore hole, with the downhole sealing apparatus reconfigured from the first configuration in which the bypass arrangement permits bypass of the sealing assembly to a second configuration in which the bypass arrangement prevents or restricts bypass of the sealing assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/10 - Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure
• E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes

Abstract

A downhole sealing apparatus 10 is described comprising a sealing assembly 14 having one or more seal elements 16 configured to engage a bore wall or bore- lining tubular wall so as to seal an annulus between the downhole sealing apparatus and said bore wall or bore-lining tubular wall. The sealing apparatus 10 comprises a bypass arrangement 30 configured to provide selective bypass of the sealing assembly 14 and the downhole sealing apparatus 10 is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the bypass arrangement 30 permits bypass of the sealing assembly 14 and a second configuration in which the bypass arrangement 30 prevents or restricts bypass of the sealing assembly 14. Also described is a downhole method comprising providing the downhole sealing apparatus 10 within a bore hole and reconfiguring the downhole sealing apparatus 10 from the first configuration in which the bypass arrangement 30 permits bypass of the sealing assembly 14 to a second configuration in which the bypass arrangement 30 prevents or restricts bypass of the sealing assembly 14.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/10 - Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole

Abstract

A back-up ring (1) for a gland seal includes at least two part ring portions (2,4). Each part ring portion comprises first (6, 10) and second (8, 12) ends. Each end has an undulating surface (22, 24) for overlapping in engagement with a corresponding undulating surface on an end of another part ring portion, to form the back-up ring (1). When the part ring portions (2,4) are assembled to form the back-up ring (1) and are held together by axial and/or radial compression, the engagement of the undulating surfaces (22, 24) restricts relative movement between the part ring portions. A seal assembly (34) including the back-up ring (1) is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/00 - Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
• F16J 9/14 - Joint-closures
• F16J 9/18 - Joint-closures with separate bridge-elements

Abstract

A back-up ring (1) for a gland seal includes at least two part ring portions (2,4). Each part ring portion comprises first (6, 10) and second (8, 12) ends. Each end has an undulating surface (22, 24) for overlapping in engagement with a corresponding undulating surface on an end of another part ring portion, to form the back-up ring (1). When the part ring portions (2,4) are assembled to form the back-up ring (1) and are held together by axial and/or radial compression, the engagement of the undulating surfaces (22, 24) restricts relative movement between the part ring portions. A seal assembly (34) including the back-up ring (1) is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16J 9/14 - Joint-closures
• F16J 9/18 - Joint-closures with separate bridge-elements
• F16J 15/06 - Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
• F16J 15/44 - Free-space packings
• E21B 33/00 - Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
• F16J 15/16 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces

Abstract

A downhole packer apparatus for establishing a seal in an annulus between the apparatus and a wall of a bore or bore-lining tubing. The apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of sealing elements configured for mounting on the body, each sealing element engages the wall of the bore or bore-lining tubing dividing the annulus into a plurality of annulus portions. A bypass arrangement operatively associated with each of the sealing elements communicates fluid between the respective plurality of annulus portions. A valve arrangement is configured for controlling flow between the respective plurality of annulus portions via the fluid communication arrangement, and is configurable between a first configuration in which fluid communication between the respective plurality of annulus portions is prevented and a second configuration in which fluid communication between the respective plurality of annulus portions is permitted, in response to a predetermined threshold pressure differential across the valve arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 34/08 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells responsive to flow or pressure of the fluid obtained
• E21B 33/124 - Units with longitudinally-spaced plugs for isolating the intermediate space
• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A pressure control device for use in an oil well is described. The pressure control device comprises a support member configured to be located on a mandrel or a tubular, the support member defining at least one conduit throughbore configured to receive a conduit and a flexible cup member mounted to the support member. In use, a conduit can pass through the pressure control device intact.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A pressure control device for sealing a conduit comprises a seal element comprising an elastomer, the seal element defining a seal element external surface portion, the seal element external surface portion defining an external perimeter. The external perimeter is adapted to increase as an environmental temperature increases, such that, in use, an increase in the environmental temperature can move the seal element external surface portion into engagement with the conduit or, once engaged with the conduit or if already engaged with the conduit, can create an improved seal with the conduit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt
• E21B 37/10 - Well swabs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A pressure control device for use in an oil well is described. The pressure control device comprises a support member configured to be located on a mandrel or a tubular, the support member defining at least one conduit throughbore configured to receive a conduit and a flexible cup member mounted to the support member. In use, a conduit can pass through the pressure control device intact.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

The present invention provides a pressure control device (10) suitable to be mounted on a rigid mandrel or the like and to form a seal in an oilwell, for example, in order to deploy a zonal control system. The pressure control device comprises a flexible sealing element (18), a first support member (30, 32) and a second support member (34, 36). One of the support members (34, 36) comprises a composite material.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A pressure control device (10) for sealing a conduit (12) is described. The pressure control device (10) comprises a seal element (14) comprising an elastomer, the seal element (14) defining a seal element external surface portion (20), the seal element external surface portion (20) defining an external perimeter. The external perimeter is adapted to increase as an environmental temperature increases, such that, in use, an increase in the environmental temperature can move the seal element external surface portion 20 into engagement with the conduit (12) or, once engaged with the conduit or if already engaged with the conduit, can create an improved seal with the conduit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A pressure control device (10) for sealing a conduit (12) is described. The pressure control device (10) comprises a seal element (14) comprising an elastomer, the seal element (14) defining a seal element external surface portion (20), the seal element external surface portion (20) defining an external perimeter. The external perimeter is adapted to increase as an environmental temperature increases, such that, in use, an increase in the environmental temperature can move the seal element external surface portion 20 into engagement with the conduit (12) or, once engaged with the conduit or if already engaged with the conduit, can create an improved seal with the conduit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A seal assembly for establishing a seal in an annulus between a mandrel and a bore wall includes a mandrel, a radially expandable seal element mounted on the mandrel, and a setting arrangement mounted on the mandrel and being arranged to displace the seal element radially outwardly from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The expandable seal element defines a cup seal when in the extended configuration.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16L 55/12 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ
• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/03 - Well heads; Setting-up thereof
• E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A downhole sealing apparatus includes a cup sealing assembly defining a central bore to permit mounting on a mandrel. At least a portion of the cup sealing assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to a mandrel. Such a downhole sealing assembly may be millable when in situ.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A downhole device having a body comprising a male end portion, a female end portion and a mandrel portion disposed between the male end portion and the female end portion. A recess is disposed in the outer surface of the male end portion and is configured to receive a retainer for securing the downhole device to another downhole device.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/16 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
• E21B 17/02 - Couplings; Joints

Abstract

A downhole seal assembly (10) for establishing a seal against a bore wall (13a) comprises a mandrel (14), a seal element (16) mounted on the mandrel (14), a setting support member (18) mounted on the mandrel (14), and at least one setting element (20) mounted on the mandrel (14) axially between the seal element (16) and the setting support member (16). Relative axial movement between the seal element (16) and the setting support member (18) over a first actuation distance causes the seal element (16) to be deflected radially outwardly by an axially adjacent setting element (20). Relative axial movement of the seal element (16) and the setting support member (18) over a subsequent actuation distance causes radial expansion of at least one setting element (20) to further expand the seal element (16).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A seal assembly (10) for establishing a seal in an annulus between a mandrel (16) and a bore wall (14) comprises a mandrel (16), a radially expandable seal element (18) mounted on the mandrel, and a setting arrangement (20) mounted on the mandrel and being arranged to displace the seal element radially outwardly from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The expandable seal element defines a cup seal when in the extended configuration.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A downhole sealing apparatus (10, 110) comprises a cup sealing assembly (14, 114) defining a central bore to permit mounting on a mandrel (40), wherein at least a portion of the cup sealing assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to a mandrel. Such a downhole sealing assembly may be millable when in situ.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A downhole sealing apparatus (10, 110) comprises a cup sealing assembly (14, 114) defining a central bore to permit mounting on a mandrel (40), wherein at least a portion of the cup sealing assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to a mandrel. Such a downhole sealing assembly may be millable when in situ.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A sealing element (10) for use in establishing a seal in an annulus (50) between a mandrel (52) and a bore wall (54) comprises an annular body (12) which defines a through bore (14) to permit mounting of the sealing element (10) on a mandrel (52), and further defines an inner surface (16), an outer surface (18) and opposing axial ends (20, 22). A pair of inner circumferential grooves (24, 26) are formed in the inner surface (16) of the annular body (12), wherein each groove (24, 26) is defined by first and second opposing ramp surfaces (224a, 24b, 26a, 26b) extending from the inner surface (16) of the annular body (12), wherein the first ramp surface (24a, 26a) defines a shallower ramp angle than the second ramp surface (24b, 26b). The ends (20, 22) of the body (12) are configured to receive an axial setting force to axially compress the annular body (12) and cause radial expansion thereof to, in use, establish a seal between the inner surface (16) and the mandrel (52), and the outer surface (18) and a bore wall (54).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing apparatus (10) for use in establishing a seal in an annulus (12) between a mandrel (14) and a bore wall (16) has an annular seal element (18) which extends to sealingly engage the bore wall (16) and a back-up assembly (30) for supporting the seal element (18) and preventing or resisting extrusion of the seal element (18). The back-up assembly (30) includes a collar (54) interposed between a support member (40) of the back-up assembly (30) and the end (32) of the seal element (18) and which defines a sea-engaging surface (60), the collar (54) in use preventing or mitigating damage to the support member (40) from the seal element (18).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing apparatus (10) for use in establishing a seal in an annulus (12) between a mandrel (18) and a bore wall (14) has an annular seal element (20) initially activateable between a first, retracted, configuration and a second, expanded, configuration. The seal element (20) is disposed around a mandrel (18) and is free to move relative the mandrel (18) such that when the seal element (20) defines the second, expanded, configuration, pressurised fluid from the annulus (12) urges the seal element (20) into sealing or enhanced sealing engagement with the bore wall (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A pressure control device for isolating a section of a conduit comprises a support member, a flexible cup member mounted to the support member, a first swellable element, the first swellable element adapted, upon activation by an activation fluid, to urge a first portion of the cup member outwards into engagement with a conduit surface and at least one bypass arranged to permit the activation fluid to bypass the swellable element and build up behind a second portion of the cup member.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt
• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A sealing apparatus for sealing a well bore is described. The sealing apparatus comprises a sealing element adapted to be moved from a run-in configuration to a set configuration, a first back-up layer and at least one second back-up layer sandwiched between the sealing element and the first back-up layer. The at least one second back-up layer comprises a thinner material than the first back-up layer. The first back-up layer and the at least one second back-up layer are adapted to be moved from the run-in configuration to the set configuration under the action of the sealing element.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A pressure control device for isolating a section of a conduit is described. The device comprises a support member, a flexible cup member mounted to the support member, a first swellable element, the first swellable element adapted, upon activation by an activation fluid, to urge a first portion of the cup member outwards into engagement with a conduit surface and at least one bypass arranged to permit the activation fluid to bypass the swellable element and build up behind a second portion of the cup member.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A sealing element for a packer is described. The sealing element comprises an annular body having an internal surface defining a throughbore, the internal surface adapted to engage a mandrel having a mandrel diameter. The annular body internal surface defines first and second regions, the throughbore diameter of the regions being less than the mandrel diameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure
• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs

Abstract

A sealing element for a packer is described. The sealing element comprises an annular body having an internal surface defining a throughbore, the internal surface adapted to engage a mandrel having a mandrel diameter. The annular body internal surface defines first and second regions, the throughbore diameter of the regions being less than the mandrel diameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing apparatus for sealing a well bore is described. The sealing apparatus comprises a sealing element adapted to be moved from a run-in configuration to a set configuration, a first back-up layer and at least one second back-up layer sandwiched between the sealing element and the first back-up layer. The at least one second back-up layer comprises a thinner material than the first back-up layer. The first back-up layer and the at least one second back-up layer are adapted to be moved from the run-in configuration to the set configuration under the action of the sealing element.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing apparatus for sealing a well bore is described. The sealing apparatus comprises a sealing element adapted to be moved from a run-in configuration to a set configuration, a first back- up layer and at least one second back-up layer sand-wiched between the sealing element and the first back-tip layer. The at least one second bark-up layer comprises a thinner material than the first back-up layer. The first back-up layer and the at least one second back-up layer are adapted to be moved from the run-in configuration to the set configuration under the action of the sealing element.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing element for a packer is described. The sealing element comprises an annular body having an internal surface defining a throughbore, the internal surface adapted to engage a mandrel having a mandrel diameter. The annular body internal surface defines first and second regions, the throughbore diameter of the regions being less than the mandrel diameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure

Abstract

A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus is described. The apparatus comprises a first sealing element (20) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from above the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from above the apparatus and a second sealing element (40) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from below the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from below the apparatus. In use, the sealing elements are arranged such that the second sealing element is above the first sealing element.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/124 - Units with longitudinally-spaced plugs for isolating the intermediate space
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt

Abstract

A pressure control device for mounting on a mandrel includes a flexible cup member, a rigid support member and an anti extrusion portion of greater hardness than the cup member located at an outer portion of the cup member. The cup member is bonded only to selected areas of the anti extrusion portion and the support member, thereby permitting relative movement between other areas of contact.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 47/06 - Measuring temperature or pressure
• E21B 33/12 - Packers; Plugs
• E21B 33/126 - Packers; Plugs with fluid-pressure-operated elastic cup or skirt