Shape memory material packer for subterranean use

摘要

A shape memory polymer is initially fabricated to a size where its peripheral dimension will be at least as large as the borehole wall in which it is to be deployed. After the initial manufacturing the material temperature is elevated above the transition temperature and the material is stretched on a mandrel to retain its inside dimension as its outside dimension is reduced to size that will allow running the seal to a desired subterranean location without failing the material during the stretching. The material is allowed to cool below the transition temperature to hold the new shape. The material on the mandrel is then secured to a tubular string and delivered to the desired location. Wellbore fluid at given temperature raises the material again above the transition temperature, which causes the material to revert to its originally manufactured shape.

主权项

1. A method of using a seal for a subterranean location having a borehole dimension, comprising:
providing a shape memory element to a manufactured peripheral dimension at least as large as the borehole dimension and extending for at least a portion of the length of said element; reducing said peripheral dimension to less than the borehole dimension before running in; running in said element on a mandrel to the subterranean location; allowing said element to revert to said manufactured peripheral dimension to seal at the subterranean location; biasing said element with a biasing member supported on a mandrel and contacting said shape memory element, after said allowing said element to revert to said manufactured peripheral dimension, to enhance the seal at the subterranean location.