초록 ▼

A body of shape memory metal is placed within a tubing by a running sub which transports the body to a desired location within the tubing while the shape memory metal is in its martensitic phase whereupon the shape memory metal is heated so as to regain its original shape which is tailored to its ap

A body of shape memory metal is placed within a tubing by a running sub which transports the body to a desired location within the tubing while the shape memory metal is in its martensitic phase whereupon the shape memory metal is heated so as to regain its original shape which is tailored to its application inside the tubing.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for placing a body of shape memory metal within a tubing of a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of: preshaping the body of shape memory metal while it is at a temperature above its austenitic/martensitic transition range into a special shaped construction tailored for use i

A method for placing a body of shape memory metal within a tubing of a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of: preshaping the body of shape memory metal while it is at a temperature above its austenitic/martensitic transition range into a special shaped construction tailored for use in the tubing such that, after installation, the construction tends to expand against an inner wall of the tubing; attaching the body to a running sub between a plurality of protecting stabilizer blades; deforming the special shaped construction into a shape which allows free movement of the special shaped construction through said tubing, said deforming including scrolling the constriction around a cylindrical section of the running sub while holding the temperature of the construction below said transition range; moving the running sub with the body of shape memory metal attached thereto through said tubing while maintaining the construction at a temperature below said transition range; maneuvering the running sub to a location in said tubing where the construction is to be placed; heating the construction to above said transition range, thereby causing the construction to deform, expand and seal against the inner wall of the tubing and thereby secure a flow path therethrough; detaching the running sub from the expanded construction; and retrieving the running sub from the tubing.