COLLECTOR RING USING A RADIALLY OFFSET SLOT

Abstract

COLLECTOR RING USING A RADIALLY OFFSET SLOT The invention relates to a collector ring intended for use with a sealing assembly, a sealing tool, and a method for sealing an annular space inside a borehole. The collector ring, in at least one aspect, comprises an annular element having a first end, a second opposite end, a width (w), and a wall thickness (t).The collecting ring, in this aspect, may further include a slot situated entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the second opposite end, the slot being configured to permit the annular element to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and furthermore a first part of the slot situated at the first end and a second part of the slot situated at the second opposite end being radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees.

Description

Title of the invention: SLIP RING USING A RADIALLY OFFSET SLOT CONTEXT

[0001] A typical sealing assembly (e.g., packer, temporary plug, etc.) generally has one or more sealing elements or "rubbers" that are used to provide a radially fluid-tight seal between a mandrel of the sealing assembly and the casing or wellbore in which the sealing assembly is disposed. Such a sealing assembly is generally routed into a subterranean wellbore suspended from a tubing extending to the earth's surface.

[0002] To prevent damage to the sealing elements while the sealing assembly is being delivered into the wellbore, the sealing elements are carried on the mandrel in a relaxed or uncompressed state in which they are spaced radially inward of the casing. When the sealing assembly is seated, the sealing elements expand radially (e.g., both radially inward and radially outward), thereby sealing against the mandrel and the casing and / or the wellbore. In some embodiments, the sealing elements are axially compressed between element retainers overlapping the sealing elements on the sealing assembly, which in turn radially expand the sealing elements.In other embodiments, one or more inflatable sealing elements are positioned axially between the element retainers, the inflatable sealing elements being configured to expand radially when subjected to one or more different activating fluids.

[0003] The sealing assembly often includes one or more slip rings, which grip the casing and prevent movement of the sealing assembly axially within the casing after the sealing elements have been installed. Thus, if weight or fluid pressure is applied to the sealing assembly, the slip rings resist the axial forces on the sealing assembly thus produced and prevent axial movement of the sealing assembly relative to the casing and / or the wellbore. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] [Fig.l] illustrates a well system designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the well system comprising a sealing tool comprising a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments of the invention;

[0006] [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B], [Fig.2C] and [Fig.2D] illustrate alternative views of a mode of producing a slip ring designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0007] [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B], [Fig.3C] and [Fig.3D] illustrate alternative views of a mode alternative embodiment of a slip ring designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0008] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B], [Fig.4C] and [Fig.4D] illustrate alternative views of a mode alternative embodiment of a slip ring designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C] and [Fig.5D] illustrate alternative views of a mode alternative embodiment of a slip ring designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0010] [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B], [Fig.6C] and [Fig.6D] illustrate alternative views of a mode alternative embodiment of a slip ring designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0011] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing assembly designed, manufactured and operated according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following drawings and descriptions, like parts are generally marked throughout the description and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawn figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown enlarged to scale or in a somewhat simplified form, and some details of certain elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and brevity. The present invention may be embodied in embodiments of various forms.

[0013] Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, it being understood that the present invention is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully appreciated that the various teachings of the embodiments described herein may be used separately or in any suitable combination to produce the desired results.

[0014] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "connect," "engage," "couple," "attach," or any other similar term describing an interaction between elements, is not intended to limit the interaction to a direct interaction between the elements and may also include an indirect interaction between the elements described. Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "top," "upper," "upward," "tophole," "upstream," or other similar terms, should be interpreted to generally refer to the ground surface; likewise, the use of the terms "bottom," "lower," "downward," "bottomhole," or other similar terms, should be interpreted to generally refer to the downhole terminal end of a well, regardless of the orientation of the wellbore.The use of one or more of the preceding terms shall not be construed as referring to positions along a perfectly vertical axis. Unless otherwise specified, the use of the term "subsurface formation" shall be construed as including both areas below the exposed earth's surface and areas below the earth's surface covered by water, such as oceans or freshwater bodies.

[0015] The present invention has recognized that typical C-ring slip rings, which often contain a single axial slot therein (e.g., aligned with a centerline (CL), figures, of the slip ring), do not provide 360-degree contact between the seal and the surrounding tubular member when in the radially expanded state. Specifically, as the axial slot widens as the slip ring transitions from the radially reduced state to the radially expanded state, an exposed region exists where there is no contact between the seal and the surrounding tubular member. The present invention has further recognized that the exposed region can cause the seal to overhang within the surrounding tubular member, and creates misalignment between the associated upper and lower C-ring slip rings, both of which are undesirable.

[0016] Based on the foregoing recognitions, the present invention has recognized that the undesirable overhang effect can be reduced, or even eliminated, if there is 360-degree contact between the gasket and the surrounding tubular member when the slip ring is in the radially expanded state. The present invention has further recognized that the 360-degree contact can be achieved with a slip ring utilizing a slot that is misaligned with the centerline (CL) of the slip ring. For example, the present invention has recognized that the 360-degree contact can be achieved using a slip ring utilizing a slot extending between a first end and an opposite second end of an annular member, wherein a first portion of the slot located at the first end and a second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end are radially offset. from each other by at least 15 degrees. The slot can take many different shapes while achieving the described radial offset, including both non-linear and linear slots. In at least one embodiment, the slot is a non-linear slot, such as a Z-shaped slot, an S-shaped slot, a spiral-shaped slot, or a helix-shaped slot, among others. In yet another embodiment, the slot is a linear slot, such as a linear slot extending from the first end to the opposite second end at an angle.

[0017] Therefore, a slip ring designed, manufactured, and used in accordance with the present invention will allow 360-degree contact between the seal and the surrounding tubular member, even when in a radially expanded state, without the need for a full barrel type outer slip ring. Full barrel type outer slip rings are expensive to manufacture. In addition, a slip ring according to the invention can be manufactured generally using the same processes used to manufacture typical C-ring slip rings (except for the process used to form the slot), which is much less expensive.Therefore, the slip ring of the present invention could be used as a direct replacement for existing C-ring slip rings with a slot of any size and weight range, and thus can be easily used in some seals of low-cost products.

[0018] [Fig.l] illustrates a well system 100 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the well system 100 including a sealing tool 150 including a sealing assembly 155 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The well system 100 includes a wellbore 110 that extends from an earth surface 120 into one or more subterranean zones 130. Upon completion, the well system 100 produces reservoir fluids and / or injects fluids into the subterranean zones 130. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the wellbore 120 may be a fully cased, partially cased, or an open-hole wellbore. In the illustrated embodiment of [Fig.l], the wellbore 110 is at least partially cased, and is thus lined with a casing or liner 140.The casing or liner 140, as described, may be held in place within the wellbore 110 by cement 145.

[0019] An exemplary well sealing tool 150 is coupled to a production string 160 that extends from a wellhead 170 into the wellbore 110. The production string 160 may be a coiled tubing and / or a junction tubing string coupled end-to-end. For example, the production string 160 may be a work string, an injection string, and / or a production pipe. The sealing tool 150 may include a temporary plug, a frac plug, a packer sealing assembly and / or another sealing tool, having a sealing assembly 155 for sealing against the wall of the wellbore 110 (e.g., the casing 140, a liner, and / or bare rock in an open hole context). The sealing assembly 155 may isolate an interval of the wellbore 110 above the sealing assembly 155 from an interval of the wellbore 110 below the sealing assembly 155, for example, such that a pressure differential may exist between the intervals.

[0020] In accordance with the invention, the sealing assembly 155 may include a slip ring having an annular member having a first end, an opposite second end, a width (w), and a wall thickness (t). The slip ring, in at least one embodiment, further includes a slot located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the opposite second end, the slot being configured to allow the annular member to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state. The slip ring, in yet another embodiment, is configured such that a first portion of the slot located at the first end and a second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees.

[0021] Turning to Figures 2A-2D, there are illustrated various views of an embodiment of a slip ring 200 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [Fig. 2A] illustrates a first side view of the slip ring 200, [Fig. 2B] illustrates a first sectional view of the slip ring 200 taken through line 2B-2B of [Fig. 2A], [Fig. 2C] illustrates a second side view of the slip ring 200 (e.g., rotated about 180 degrees from the first side view of [Fig. 2A]), and [Fig. 2D] illustrates a second sectional view of the slip ring 200 taken through line 2D-2D of [Fig. 2C]. The slip ring 200, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises an annular element 210 having a width (w), a wall thickness (t), an inner diameter (d;) and an outer diameter (do).In at least one embodiment, the width (w) is no greater than 2.75 meters (e.g., about 9 feet). In at least one other embodiment, the width (w) is no greater than 1.83 meters (e.g., about 6 feet). In yet at least one other embodiment, the width (w) is between 0.3 meters (e.g., about 1 foot) and 1.2 meters (e.g., about 4 feet). In at least one embodiment, the thickness (t) is no greater than 15 centimeters (e.g., about 5.9 inches). In at least one other embodiment, the thickness (t) is no greater than 9 centimeters (e.g., about 3.5 inches). In yet at least one other embodiment, . the thickness (t) is between 15 centimeters (e.g., about 5.9 inches) and 6 centimeters (e.g., about 2.4 inches).

[0022] The slip ring 200, in the illustrated embodiment, has a first end 220 and an opposite second end 225. In at least one embodiment, the first end 220 is a first uphole end, and the opposite second end 225 is a second downhole end. However, the reverse could be true, and in fact some embodiments use two slip rings 200 that would be arranged opposite each other. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2D, the slip ring 200 further has a plurality of teeth 230 extending from the annular member 210. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of teeth 230 are configured to grip a bore (e.g., tubular member) located outside the annular member 210 when the annular member 210 is in a radially enlarged state.While a plurality of teeth 230 are illustrated in Figures 2A-2D, other embodiments may utilize differently shaped protrusions.

[0023] In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2D, the slip ring 200 further includes one or more reduced thickness notches 240 located in the annular member 210. The one or more reduced thickness notches 240 are configured to allow the annular member 210 to more easily flex between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state. The embodiment of Figures 2A-2D illustrates the annular member 210 having four reduced thickness notches 240, for example radially offset from each other by 90 degrees. However, the number and orientation of the reduced thickness notches 240 may vary while remaining within the scope of the invention. In addition, some embodiments may exist in which the annular member 210 does not include any reduced thickness notches 240.

[0024] The slip ring 200 of Figures 2A-2D further includes a slot 250 located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end 220 and the opposite second end 225. In at least this embodiment, the slot 250 is configured to allow the annular member 210 to move between the radially reduced state (e.g., as shown) and the radially enlarged state (e.g., not shown). In accordance with one or more embodiments, a first portion of the slot 250 located at the first end 220 and a second portion of the slot 250 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees.According to one or more embodiments, the first portion of the slot 250 located at the first end 220 and the second portion of the slot 250 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 30°. degrees. According to one or more embodiments, the first portion of the slot 250 located at the first end 220 and the second portion of the slot 250 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 45 degrees. According to another embodiment, the first portion of the slot 250 located at the first end 220 and the second portion of the slot 250 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 90 degrees.In accordance with yet another embodiment, the first portion of the slot 250 located at the first end 220 and the second portion of the slot 250 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 180 degrees (e.g., as shown in Figures 2A-2D), and in yet another embodiment radially offset from each other by at least 360 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the slot 250 makes more than one complete revolution around the annular member 210, and thus is radially offset from each other by substantially more than 360 degrees (e.g., if the slot 250 were spiral-shaped or helical-shaped).

[0025] The slot 250 can take many different shapes while still achieving the aforementioned radial offset. In at least one embodiment, as shown, the slot 250 is a non-linear slot. However, in other embodiments, the slot 250 is a liner slot. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2D, the slot 250 is a non-linear Z-shaped slot. For example, the slot 250 of Figures 2A-2D has a first portion extending from the first side 220 in a direction substantially parallel to the centerline (CL), a second portion extending in a direction not substantially parallel to the centerline (CL) (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the centerline (CL)), and a third portion extending from the second portion in a direction substantially parallel to the centerline (CL) and toward the opposite second side 225. Accordingly, the slot 250 forms a (e.g., modified) Z-shaped slot.The second portion of the slot 250 is illustrated approximately at a center point of the width (w) of the annular member 210, but this is not necessary. While the illustrated slot 250 is a Z-shaped slot, as will be illustrated below, other formed slots are within the scope of the invention.

[0026] Turning to Figures 3A-3D, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a slip ring 300 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. The slip ring 300 is similar in some respects to the slip ring 200. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The ring Slip ring 300 differs, in essence, from slip ring 200 in that slip ring 300 uses an S-shaped slot 350 (e.g., with a radial offset of 180 degrees).

[0027] Turning to Figures 4A-4D, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a slip ring 400 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Slip ring 400 is similar in some respects to slip ring 200. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. Slip ring 400 differs, in essence, from slip ring 200 in that slip ring 400 utilizes a linear slot 450. Linear slot 450, in the illustrated embodiment, is located such that the first portion of slot 450 located at first end 220 and the second portion of slot 450 located at the opposite second end 225 are radially offset from each other by 180 degrees.

[0028] Turning to Figures 5A-5D, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a slip ring 500 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Slip ring 500 is similar in some respects to slip ring 400. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. Slip ring 500 differs, in essence, from slip ring 400 in that slip ring 500 is located such that the first portion of slot 550 located at first end 220 and the second portion of slot 550 located at the opposite second end 225 are radially offset from each other by 180 degrees.

[0029] Turning to Figures 6A-6D, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a slip ring 600 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Slip ring 600 is similar in some respects to slip ring 400. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. Slip ring 600 differs, in essence, from slip ring 400 in that slip ring 600 is located such that the first portion of slot 650 located at first end 220 and the second portion of slot 650 located at the opposite second end 225 are radially offset from each other by 90 degrees.

[0030] Turning now to Figures 7A and 7B, there are illustrated various different deployment states for a sealing tool designed, manufactured and operated in accordance with one aspect of the invention. [Fig.7A] illustrates the sealing tool 700 in a through-hole state, and thus its slip ring is in the radially collapsed state. In contrast, [Fig. 7B] illustrates the sealing tool 700 with its slip ring in the radially enlarged state. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B, the sealing tool 700 is positioned in a bore 790. The bore 790, in at least one embodiment, is an exposed wellbore. The bore 790, in at least one other embodiment, is a tubular member positioned within a wellbore, such as casing, tubing, etc. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the sealing tool 700 and the bore 790 form an annular space 780.

[0031] The sealing tool 700, in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B, includes a mandrel (e.g., not shown because it is covered by the other features of the sealing tool 700). The mandrel, in the illustrated embodiment, is centered about a centerline (CL). The sealing tool 700, in at least the embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B, further includes a sealing assembly 720 positioned about the mandrel. In at least one embodiment, the sealing assembly 720 includes first and second slip rings 730, 735 designed, manufactured, and operated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.The first and second slip rings 730, 735, as discussed above, may each have a slot 740 located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the opposite second end thereof, and be configured such that a first portion of the slot 740 located at the first end and a second portion of the slot 740 located at the opposite second end are radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees. The slot 740 is visible in the first slip ring 730, but is not visible in the second slip ring 735. In at least one embodiment, as shown, the slot 740 of the first slip ring 730 and the slot 740 of the second slip ring 735 are radially offset an equal distance around the mandrel.

[0032] The sealing assembly 720 may further include one or more sealing elements 750 positioned about the mandrel, the one or more sealing elements 750 operable to move between a radially relaxed state and a radially expanded state. The one or more sealing elements 750, in the illustrated embodiment, are positioned between the first and second slip rings 730, 735. In at least one embodiment, the one or more sealing elements 750 are elastomeric sealing elements. In at least one other embodiment, the one or more sealing elements 750 are one or more inflatable sealing elements.

[0033] The sealing assembly 720, in the illustrated embodiment, further comprises one or more associated shims 760. The one or more associated shims 760, in the illustrated embodiment, include one or more associated inclined surfaces that are operable to engage the inner diameter (d; ) of the first and second slip rings 730, 735. Accordingly, the one or more associated shims 760 may be used to move the first and second slip rings 730, 735 between the radially reduced state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7A]) and a radially enlarged state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7B]). In some embodiments, the one or more associated shims 760 also move the one or more sealing members 750 between the radially relaxed state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7A]) and a radially expanded state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7B]).

[0034] The sealing assembly 720, in one or more embodiments, further includes a piston structure 770 for axially moving the first and second slip rings 730, 735, one or more sealing elements 750, and one or more associated shims 760 relative to one another. Accordingly, the piston structure 770 may be used to move the first and second slip rings 730, 735 between the radially reduced state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7A]) and a radially enlarged state (e.g., as shown in [Fig. 7B]). The piston structure 770 may take many different designs while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Aspects described in the present invention include:

[0036] A. A slip ring for use with a sealing assembly, the slip ring comprising: 1) an annular member having a first end, an opposite second end, a width (w) and a wall thickness (t); and 2) a slot located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the opposite second end, the slot being configured to allow the annular member to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further a first portion of the slot located at the first end and a second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end being radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees.

[0037] B. A sealing tool, the sealing tool comprising: 1) a mandrel; and 2) a sealing assembly positioned about the mandrel, the sealing assembly having a slip ring comprising: a) an annular member having a first end, an opposite second end, a width (w) and a wall thickness (t); and b) a slot located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the opposite second end, the slot being configured to allow the annular member to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further a first portion of the slot located at the first end and a second portion of the slot located at the second opposite end being radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees.

[0038] C. A method for sealing an annular space within a wellbore, the method comprising: 1) providing a sealing tool within a wellbore, the sealing tool comprising: a) a mandrel; and b) a sealing assembly positioned around the mandrel, the sealing assembly having a slip ring comprising: i) an annular member having a first end, an opposite second end, a width (w) and a wall thickness (t);and ii) a slot located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end and the opposite second end, the slot being configured to allow the annular member to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further a first portion of the slot located at the first end and a second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end being radially offset from each other by at least 15 degrees; and 2) positioning the slip ring by moving the expandable metal annular member from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state into engagement with a tubular member in the wellbore. ;

[0039] Aspects A, B and C may have a combination of one or more of the following additional features: Feature 1: the first portion of the slot located at the first end and the second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end being radially offset from each other by at least 360 degrees. Feature 2: the first portion of the slot located at the first end and the second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end being radially offset from each other by at least 180 degrees. Feature 3: the first portion of the slot located at the first end and the second portion of the slot located at the opposite second end being radially offset from each other by at least 90 degrees. Feature 4: the slot being a non-linear slot. Feature 5: the slot being a Z-shaped slot. Feature 6: the slot being an S-shaped slot.Element 7: the slot being a linear slot. Element 8: further comprising one or more reduced thickness notches located in the annular member, the one or more reduced thickness notches being configured to allow the annular member to flex between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state. Element 9: further comprising a plurality of teeth extending from the annular member, the plurality of teeth being configured to grip a tubular member located outside the annular member when the annular member is in the radially enlarged state. Element 10: the sealing assembly further comprising one or more sealing members positioned around the mandrel, the one or more sealing members operable to . move between a radially relaxed state and a radially expanded state. Item 11: the one or more sealing members being one or more elastomeric sealing members. Item 12: the sealing assembly further comprising one or more shims positioned about the mandrel, the one or more shims operable to move the annular member between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state. Item 13: further comprising one or more reduced thickness notches located in the annular member, the one or more reduced thickness notches configured to allow the annular member to flex between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state, and a plurality of teeth extending from the annular member, the plurality of teeth configured to grip a tubular member located outside the annular member when the annular member is in the radially enlarged state.Element 14: The slip ring in the radially enlarged state having 360 degree contact with the tubular element.

[0040] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will understand that other additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. A slip ring (200) for use with a sealing assembly (720), comprising: an annular member (210) having a first end (220), an opposite second end (225), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t); and a slot (250) located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end (220) and the opposite second end (225), the slot (250) being configured to allow the annular member (210) to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further wherein a first portion of the slot (250) located at the first end (220) and a second portion of the slot (250) located at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 180 degrees.

2. The slip ring (200) of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the slot (250) at the first end (220) and the second portion of the slot (250) at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 360 degrees.

3. The slip ring (200) of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the slot (250) at the first end (220) and the second portion of the slot (250) at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 90 degrees.

4. The slip ring (200) of claim 1, wherein the slot (250) is a non-linear slot, or optionally wherein the slot (250) is a Z-shaped slot, or optionally wherein the slot (250) is an S-shaped slot, or optionally wherein the slot (250) is a linear slot.

5. The slip ring (200) of claim 1, further comprising one or more reduced thickness notches located in the annular member (210), the one or more reduced thickness notches being configured to allow the annular member (210) to flex between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state.

6. The slip ring (200) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth (230) extending from the element annular (210), the plurality of teeth (230) being configured to grip a tubular member located outside the annular member (210) when the annular member (210) is in the radially expanded state.

7. A sealing tool (700), comprising: a mandrel; and a sealing assembly (720) positioned around the mandrel, the sealing assembly (720) having a slip ring (200) comprising: an annular member (210) having a first end (220), an opposite second end (225), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t); and a slot (250) located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end (220) and the opposite second end (225), the slot (250) being configured to allow the annular member (210) to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further wherein a first portion of the slot (250) located at the first end (220) and a second portion of the slot (250) located at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 180 degrees.

8. The sealing tool (700) of claim 7, wherein the sealing assembly (720) further comprises one or more sealing elements (750) positioned about the mandrel, the one or more sealing elements operable to move between a radially relaxed state and a radially expanded state, or optionally wherein the one or more sealing elements (750) are one or more elastomeric sealing elements.

9. The sealing tool (700) of claim 7, wherein the sealing assembly (720) further comprises one or more shims positioned about the mandrel, the one or more shims (760) operable to move the annular member (210) between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state.

10. The sealing tool (700) of claim 7, wherein the first portion of the slot (250) located at the first end (220) and the second portion of the slot (250) located at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 90 degrees.

11. The sealing tool (700) of claim 7, wherein the slot (250) is a non-linear slot, or optionally wherein the slot (250) is a Z-shaped slot or an S-shaped slot, or optionally wherein the slot (250) is a linear slot.

12. The sealing tool (700) of claim 7, further comprising one or more reduced thickness notches located in the annular member (210), the one or more reduced thickness notches being configured to allow the annular member (210) to flex between the radially reduced state and the radially enlarged state, and a plurality of teeth (230) extending from the annular member (210), the plurality of teeth (230) being configured to grip a tubular member located outside the annular member (210) when the annular member (210) is in the radially enlarged state.

13. A method for sealing an annular space within a wellbore, comprising: providing a sealing tool (700) within a wellbore, the sealing tool (700) comprising: a mandrel; and a sealing assembly (720) positioned around the mandrel, the sealing assembly (720) having a slip ring (200) comprising: an annular member (210) having a first end (220), an opposing second end (225), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t);and a slot (250) located entirely through the wall thickness (t) and extending between the first end (220) and the opposite second end (225), the slot (250) being configured to allow the annular member (210) to move between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state, and further wherein a first portion of the slot (250) located at the first end (220) and a second portion of the slot (250) located at the opposite second end (225) are radially offset from each other by at least 180 degrees; and adjusting the slip ring (200) by moving the expandable metal annular member from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state into engagement with a tubular member in the wellbore.; 16

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the slip ring (200) in the radially enlarged state has 360 degree contact with the tubular member.

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