Apparatus including metal foam and methods for using same downhole

摘要

A device to be deployed downhole. The device includes a member including a metallic foam and a sealing material coupled to the metallic foam. The member attains a compressed shape when compressed to restrict fluid flow between regions downhole. The sealing material may be in, on or coated on the metallic foam member.

主权项

1. A device, comprising:
a member on a tubular of a production string, the member comprising a metallic foam located on the tubular, the metallic foam made of a shape memory alloy having a plurality of gas-filled pores, wherein the metallic foam deforms to a shape that forms the seal and provides support to the seal at a downhole temperature when compressed along the longitudinal axis; a sealing material covering the metallic foam and filling in the pores of the metallic foam, wherein the sealing material impregnates the pores of the metallic foam as the metallic foam deforms to provide a sealing function of the member; and a first completion member and a second completion member of the production string at opposite ends of the tubular wherein the first completion member and the second completion member move towards each other to compress the metallic foam along the longitudinal axis to deform the member to form a seal, and wherein the sealing material is at least partially disposed between the tubular and at least one of the first and second completion members prior to such movement.