Wellbore seal with helical cut tubular member

摘要

A method usable with a subterranean well comprises forming a helical groove in a tubular member to form a spring 52. The spring is used to expand in the annular space between a tubing disposed substantially coaxially in the well and the wall of the well to form a barrier between axially spaced regions of said annular space. The longitudinal profile, wall thickness and winding density of the spring may be varied along the length of the spring.