Superelastic nickel-titanium alloy downhole seals, wellbore tools including such seals, and related methods

摘要

A superelastic metal seal for use in a downhole tool, wherein the superelastic metal seal may be formed from a superelastic Ni—Ti alloy. The superelastic Ni—Ti alloy may be prestrained with a permanent strain. Superelasticity may be imparted to the superelastic Ni—Ti alloy through a thermal treatment process or through prestraining the superelastic Ni—Ti alloy. The superelastic Ni—Ti alloy may exhibit superelastic behavior. The superelastic Ni—Ti alloy may not exhibit shape memory behavior.

主权项

1. A superelastic metal seal, comprising a superelastic Ni—Ti alloy, the superelastic Ni—Ti alloy including, by weight percent, about 65% to about 58% nickel (Ni) and about 35% to about 42% titanium (Ti), and wherein the superelastic Ni—Ti alloy is not capable of shape memory behavior.