Wells – Packers or plugs – Flow stopping type; e.g. – plug
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-01
2001-04-24
Bagnell, David (Department: 3672)
Wells
Packers or plugs
Flow stopping type; e.g., plug
C166S294000, C166S376000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220350
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides apparatus including a high strength water soluble plug.
For economy of manufacture, convenience of assembly and use, etc., it would be quite desirable to fabricate certain components of apparatus used in operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells of soluble polymeric material. In this manner, operation of the apparatus could be controlled, at least in part, by controlling contact between the polymer and the fluid in which it is soluble.
For example, it would be desirable to construct a plug apparatus in which a plug member blocking flow through a fluid passage included a soluble polymer. Subsequent contact between the polymer and the fluid in which it is soluble would enable the plug member to be dispersed, thereby permitting flow through the fluid passage.
As another example, it would be desirable to construct an apparatus in which a displacement member displaces in operation of the apparatus, and in which a blocking member blocks displacement of the displacement member. Subsequent contact between the polymer and the fluid in which it is soluble would permit displacement of the displacement member, thereby controlling operation of the apparatus.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide apparatus in which a soluble polymer is utilized to control, at least in part, operation of the apparatus. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments thereof, apparatus is provided which is used in conjunction with operations performed in a subterranean well. In one embodiment, a plug member of a plug apparatus includes a soluble polymer. In another embodiment, an apparatus blocking member, which includes a soluble polymer, blocks displacement of a displacement member.
In one aspect of the present invention, a plug apparatus includes a plug member blocking flow through a fluid passage. The plug member is constructed of a polymer soluble in a fluid. The fluid is placed in contact with the soluble polymer, thereby permitting the plug member to be dispersed and permitting flow through the fluid passage. The plug member may also include other soluble material, such as salt, and crack initiator material, such as sand.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a displacement member and a blocking member preventing displacement of the displacement member. In an embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein, the apparatus is a valve in which displacement of a closure member is blocked by a member constructed of a polymer soluble in a fluid. The fluid is placed in contact with the soluble polymer, thereby permitting the closure member to displace and operate the valve.
These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.
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Omega 2.1 Unibalance Pressure Cycle Plug; Dated 1995.
Brothers Lance E.
Eoff Larry S.
Bagnell David
Halliburton Energy Service,s Inc.
Herman Paul I.
Smith Marlin R.
Walker Zakiya
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