Expandable seal

Details Expandable seal Expandable seal

2005-09-19

2008-12-30

Bomar, Shane (Department: 3676)

Wells

Processes

Placing or shifting well part

C166S191000, C166S217000, C166S138000, C277S339000, C277S340000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07469750

ABSTRACT:
In one aspect, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus for use in a tubular member. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes an expandable sleeve and an expandable a toroidal/ring-shaped seal. The seal seats within a circumferential saddle or groove formed in the sleeve. An exemplary seal has an enlarged diameter portion and presents a radially outward sealing surface. During expansion, the enlarged diameter portion is compressed against the tubular member but, at least initially, the remainder of the sealing surface is not compressed. Thus, the pressure associated with the compression is focused on the limited contact area between the seal and the tubular. Continued expansion can increase the contact pressure and/or the amount of contact area. In one arrangement, the seal is configured to provide a gas tight seal.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3812910 (1974-05-01), Wellstein
patent: 3948321 (1976-04-01), Owen et al.
patent: 4901794 (1990-02-01), Baugh et al.
patent: 5251695 (1993-10-01), Coronado
patent: 5293945 (1994-03-01), Rosenhauch et al.
patent: 5456327 (1995-10-01), Denton et al.
patent: 6276690 (2001-08-01), Gazewood
patent: 6325389 (2001-12-01), Sharify
patent: 6431282 (2002-08-01), Bosma et al.
patent: 6834725 (2004-12-01), Whanger et al.
patent: 6854522 (2005-02-01), Brezinski et al.
patent: 2004/0256808 (2004-12-01), Tsuboi et al.
patent: 2005/0173110 (2005-08-01), Trahan
patent: 2005/0183610 (2005-08-01), Barton et al.
patent: 2006/0014269 (2006-01-01), Streit et al.
patent: WO 299247 (2002-12-01), None
patent: WO 02099247 (2002-12-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Expandable seal does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Expandable seal, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Expandable seal will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-4033191