EXPANDABLE METAL SEALING / ANCHORING TOOL

Abstract

EXPANSIBLE METAL SEALING / ANCHORING TOOL The invention relates to a sealing / anchoring element, a sealing / anchoring tool, and a sealing / anchoring method within a borehole. The sealing / anchoring element, in one aspect, comprises a ring having an inner surface with an inner diameter (di), an outer surface with an outer diameter (do), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t). In one aspect, the ring has one or more geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, and the ring comprises an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

Description

Title of the invention: EXPANDABLE METALLIC SEALING / ANCHORING TOOL CROSS-REFERENCE TO AN ASSOCIATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. application serial number 17 / 493,944, filed on October 5, 2021, entitled "EXPANDABLE METAL SEALING / ANCHORING TOOL", commonly attributed with this application. CONTEXT

[0002] A typical sealing / anchoring tool (e.g., a sealing pack, a temporary plug, a fracturing plug, etc.) generally comprises one or more sealing elements or "rubbers" that are used to provide a fluid-tight radial seal between a mandrel of the sealing / anchoring tool and the casing or wellbore in which the sealing / anchoring tool is located. A typical sealing / anchoring tool may further comprise one or more anchoring elements (e.g., slip rings) that grip the casing and prevent movement of the sealing / anchoring tool inside the casing after the sealing elements have been installed.Thus, if weight or fluid pressure is applied to the sealing / anchoring tool, the anchoring elements resist the resulting axial forces on the sealing / anchoring tool and prevent axial displacement of the sealing / anchoring tool relative to the casing and / or borehole. Such a sealing / anchoring tool is commonly transported in an underground borehole suspended from a tube extending to the earth's surface.

[0003] To avoid damaging the sealing / anchoring tool components while The sealing / anchoring tool is transported into the borehole. The sealing and / or anchoring elements may be carried on the mandrel in a relaxed or uncompressed state, in which they are radially spaced towards the inside of the casing. When the sealing / anchoring tool is installed, the sealing and / or anchoring elements expand radially (for example, both radially inward and radially outward in some cases), thus providing sealing and / or anchoring against the mandrel and the casing and / or borehole. In some embodiments, the sealing and / or anchoring elements are axially compressed between overlapping element retainers, which in turn radially expand the sealing and / or anchoring elements. In other embodiments, the sealing and / or the anchoring elements are expanded radially by pulling a conical element through them. In still other embodiments, one or more inflatable sealing elements are positioned axially between the element retaining elements, the inflatable sealing elements being configured to expand radially when subjected to one or more different inflating fluids. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

[0005] Figure [1A] illustrates a well system designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments of disclosure, the well system comprising a sealing / anchoring tool comprising a sealing / anchoring element designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments of disclosure;

[0006] Fig. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a fracturing plug designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more embodiments of disclosure;

[0007] Fig. 1C illustrates an embodiment of a production sealing gasket designed, manufactured and operated according to one or more disclosure embodiments;

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of disclosure;

[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0010] Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0011] Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0012] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to one disclosure embodiment;

[0013] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0014] Figures 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0015] Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0016] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0017] Figures 1 IA, 1 IB and 1 IC illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0018] Figures 12A, 12B and 12C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0019] Figures 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0020] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure;

[0021] Figures 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure; and

[0022] Figures 16A, 16B and 16C illustrate various different deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool designed, manufactured and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the drawings and descriptions that follow, identical parts are generally marked throughout the description and all drawings with the same numerical references, respectively. The figures drawn are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown enlarged to scale or in a somewhat simplified form, and it is possible that some details of certain elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and conciseness. This disclosure may be implemented in embodiments of various forms.

[0024] Specific embodiments are described in detail and illustrated in the drawings, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered an example of the principles of disclosure and is not intended to limit disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It should be fully understood that the various teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be used separately or in any appropriate combination to produce the desired results.

[0025] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "connect", "engage", "couple", "attach", or any other similar term describing an interaction between The description of the elements is not intended to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the described elements. Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "top," "upper," "top of hole," "upstream," or similar terms should be interpreted as generally away from the bottom, the terminal end of a well; similarly, the use of terms such as "bottom," "lower," "downward," "bottom of hole," or similar terms should be interpreted as generally toward the bottom, the terminal end of a well, regardless of the wellbore's orientation. The use of one or more of the preceding terms should not be interpreted as designating positions along a perfectly vertical axis.Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the term "subterranean formation" should be interpreted as encompassing both areas below the exposed Earth's surface and areas below the Earth's surface covered by water, such as oceans or freshwater bodies.

[0026] This disclosure describes a sealing / anchoring element using an expandable / expanded metal as a seal and / or anchor in a sealing / anchoring tool. The expandable / expanded metal can have many different locations, sizes, and shapes within the sealing / anchoring element while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the expandable / expanded metal reacts with the fluids inside the wellbore to create a robust sealing / anchoring tool. Consequently, the use of the expandable / expanded metal within the sealing / anchoring element minimizes the likelihood of leakage and / or axial slippage of the sealing / anchoring tool.

[0027] Figure 1A illustrates a well system 100 designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the well system 100 comprising a sealing / anchoring tool 150 comprising a sealing / anchoring element 155 designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The well system 100 comprises a borehole 110 extending from a ground surface 120 into one or more subsurface areas 130. Upon completion, the well system 100 produces reservoir fluids and / or injects fluids into the subsurface areas 130. As understood by those skilled in the art, the borehole 110 may be fully cased, partially cased, or an open-hole borehole. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the borehole 110 is at least partially cased, and is thus lined with casing or a lost column 140.The casing or lost column 140, as illustrated, can be held in place by cement 145.

[0028] An example of a well sealing / anchoring tool 150 is coupled to a production column 160 extending from a wellhead 170 into the drill shaft 110. The The production column 160 may be a coiled tube and / or a butt-jointed joint tube column. For example, the production column 160 may be a working column, an injection column, and / or a production rod. The sealing / anchoring tool 150 may include a temporary plug, a fracturing plug, a sealing packing (for example, a production sealing packing), and / or another sealing / anchoring tool, having a sealing / anchoring element 155 for sealing / anchoring against the wellbore wall 110 (for example, the casing 140, a lost column, and / or bare rock in an open-hole setting). The sealing / anchoring element 155 can isolate an interval of the borehole 110 above the sealing / anchoring element 155 from an interval of the borehole 110 below the sealing / anchoring element 155, for example, so that a pressure differential can exist between the intervals.

[0029] According to the disclosure, the sealing / anchoring element 155 may comprise a ring having an inner surface with an inner diameter (d), an outer surface with an outer diameter (d0), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. The term elasto / plastically, as used here, refers to mechanical deformation and means that the ring can deform elastically, can deform plastically, or can deform both elastically and plastically.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the ring comprises an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. The term "expandable metal," as used here, refers to the expandable metal in a pre-expandable form. Similarly, the term "expanded metal," as used here, refers to the expanded metal resulting after the expandable metal has been subjected to a reactive fluid, as discussed below. The expanded metal, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure, comprises a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In some embodiments, the expanded metal includes residual metal that has not reacted. For example, in some embodiments, the expanded metal is intentionally designed to include residual metal that has not reacted.The residual unreacted metal has the advantage of allowing the expanded metal to self-repair if cracks or other anomalies appear later, or, for example, to adapt to changes in the diameter of the tubular element or mandrel due to variations in temperature and / or pressure. However, other embodiments may exist in which no residual unreacted metal is present in the expanded metal.

[0031] The expandable metal, in certain embodiments, can be described as se expanding into a cement-like material. In other words, the expandable metal transitions from metal to micron-scale particles, which then expand and interlock to essentially seal two or more surfaces together. In some embodiments, the reaction can occur in less than two days in a reactive fluid and at specific temperatures. However, the reaction time can vary depending on the reactive fluid, the expandable metal used, the bottom-hole temperature, and the surface area to volume (SA:V) ratio of the expandable metal.

[0032] In some embodiments, the reactive fluid may be a brine solution such as can be produced during well completion activities, and in other embodiments, the reactive fluid may be one of the additional solutions discussed herein. The expandable metal is electrically conductive in some embodiments. The expandable metal, in some embodiments, has a yield strength greater than approximately 8,000 psi, for example, 8,000 psi + / - 50%.

[0033] Hydrolysis of the expandable metal can create a metal hydroxide. The metal-forming properties of alkaline earth metals (Mg - Magnesium, Ca - Calcium, etc.) and transition metals (Zn - Zinc, Al - Aluminum, etc.) in hydrolysis reactions demonstrate structural characteristics favorable to use with the present disclosure. Hydration leads to an increase in the size of the hydration reaction and results in the formation of a metal hydroxide that can precipitate from the fluid.

[0034] The hydration reactions of magnesium are:

[0035] Mg + 2H2O -> Mg(OH)2 + H2,

[0036] where Mg(OH)2 is also known as brucite. Another hydration reaction uses the hydrolysis of aluminum. The reaction forms a material known as gibbsite, bayerite, boehmite, aluminum oxide, and norstrandite, depending on the form. The possible hydration reactions for aluminum are:

[0037] Al + 3H2O -> A1(OH)3 + 3 / 2 H2.

[0038] Al + 2H2O -> Al O(OH) + 3 / 2 H2

[0039] Al + 3 / 2 H2O -> U2 A12O3 + 3 / 2 H2

[0040] Another hydration reaction uses the hydrolysis of calcium. The hydration reaction of aluminum is:

[0041] Ca + 2H2O -> Ca(OH)2 + H2,

[0042] where Ca(OH)2 is known as portlandite and is a common hydrolysis product of Portland cement. Magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide are considered relatively insoluble in water. Aluminum hydroxide can be considered an amphoteric hydroxide, which has solubility in strong acids or strong bases. Alkaline earth metals (e.g., Mg, (Ca, etc.) work well for the expandable metal, but transition metals (Al, etc.) also work well for the expandable metal. In one embodiment, the metal hydroxide is dehydrated by the swelling pressure to form a metal oxide.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the expandable metal is a non-graphene-based expandable metal. Non-graphene-based material is understood to mean that it does not contain graphene, graphite, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, graphite intercalation, or, in certain embodiments, compounds and their derivatives to include a functional group, for example, including carboxy, epoxy, ether, ketone, amine, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, lactone, functionalized polymer or oligomer groups, or a combination comprising at least one of the preceding functional groups. In at least one other embodiment, the expandable metal does not include a matrix material or an exfoliable material based on graphene. Non-exfoliable is understood to mean that the expandable metal is not capable of undergoing an exfoliation process.Exfoliation as used here refers to the creation of individual sheets, planes, layers, flakes, etc. (generally, "layers") of a graphene-based material; the delamination of the layers; or the widening of a planar space between adjacent layers, which, in at least one embodiment, expandable metal is not capable of doing.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the expandable metal does not comprise graphite intercalation compounds, the graphite intercalation compounds comprising intercalation agents such as, for example, an acid, metal, binary alloy of an alkali metal with mercury or thallium, binary compound of an alkali metal with a group V element (e.g., P, As, Sb, and Bi), metal chalcogenide (including metal oxides such as, for example, chromium trioxide, PbO2, MnO2, metal sulfides, and metal selenides), metal peroxide, metal hyperoxide, metal hydride, metal hydroxide, metals coordinated by nitrogen compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), aliphatic hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, n-hexane) and their oxygen derivatives, halogen, fluoride, metal halide, nitrogen compound, inorganic compound (by example, trithiazyl trichloride, thionyl chloride),organometallic compound, oxidizing compound (e.g., peroxide, permanganate ion, chlorite ion, chlorate ion, perchlorate ion, hypochlorate ion, As2O5, N2O5, CH3C1O4, (NH4)2 S2O8, chromate ion, dichromate ion), solvent, or a combination comprising at least one of the preceding. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the expandable metal is a structural solid expanded metal, that is, a metal that does not exfoliate or intercalate. In yet another embodiment, In this case, the expandable metal does not swell by sorption.

[0045] In one embodiment, the expandable metal used may be a metal alloy. The expandable metal alloy may be an alloy of the base expandable metal with other elements in order to adjust the strength of the expandable metal alloy, the reaction time of the expandable metal alloy, or the strength of the resulting metal hydroxide by-product, among other adjustments. The expandable metal alloy may be alloyed with elements that improve the strength of the metal, such as, but not limited to, Al - Aluminum, Zn - Zinc, Mn - Manganese, Zr - Zirconium, Y - Yttrium, Nd - Neodymium, Gd - Gadolinium, Ag - Silver, Ca - Calcium, Sn - Tin, Re - Rhenium, and Cu - Copper.In some embodiments, the expandable metal alloy can be alloyed with a corrosion-promoting dopant, such as Ni (nickel), Fe (iron), Cu (copper), Co (cobalt), Ir (iridium), Au (gold), C (carbon), Ga (gallium), In (indium), Mg (mercury), Bi (bismuth), Sn (tin), and Pd (palladium). The expandable metal alloy can be constructed in a solid-solution process where the elements are combined with molten metal or a metal alloy. Alternatively, the expandable metal alloy could be constructed using a powder metallurgy process. The expandable metal can be cast, forged, extruded, sintered, welded, milled, turned, stamped, eroded, or a combination thereof. The metal alloy can be a mixture of the metal and the metal oxide. For example, a mixture of aluminum powder and aluminum oxide can be ground together to increase the reaction rate. .

[0046] Optionally, non-expandable components can be added to the starting metallic materials. For example, ceramic, elastomer, plastic, epoxy, glass, or non-reactive metal components can be embedded in the expandable metal or coated onto its surface. In other embodiments, the non-expandable components are metal fibers, a composite weave, a polymer ribbon, or ceramic granules, among others. Alternatively, the starting expandable metal can be a metal oxide. For example, calcium oxide (CaO) with water will produce calcium hydroxide in an energetic reaction. Due to the higher density of calcium oxide, this can have a volumetric expansion of 260% (for example, the conversion of 1 mole of CaO can result in a volume increase from 9.5 cc to 34.4 cc).In one variant, the expandable metal is formed in a serpentinite reaction, a hydration and metamorphic reaction. In another variant, the resulting material resembles a mafic material. Additional ions can be added to the reaction, including silicate, sulfate, aluminate, carbonate, and phosphate. The metal can be alloyed to increase reactivity or to control oxide formation.

[0047] The expandable metal can be configured in many different ways, both that an adequate volume of material is available to seal the leak. For example, the expandable metal can be formed into a single long element, several short elements, rings, among other shapes. In another embodiment, the expandable metal can be formed into a long expandable metal wire, which can in turn be wound around a tubular element such as a sleeve. The wire diameters need not be circular in cross-section but can be any cross-section. For example, the wire cross-section could be oval, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, keystone-shaped, hollow braided, woven, twisted, among other shapes, and remain within the scope of disclosure. In some other embodiments, the expandable metal is a set of separate individual pieces of metal held together with a bonding agent.In yet other embodiments, the expandable metal is a set of individual pieces separated from the metal which are not held together with a bonding agent, but held in place using one or more different techniques.

[0048] Furthermore, a retarding coating or protective layer can be applied to one or more parts of the expandable metal to delay the expansion reactions. In one embodiment, the material configured to delay the hydrolysis process is a fusible alloy. In another embodiment, the material configured to delay the hydrolysis process is a eutectic material. In yet another embodiment, the material configured to delay the hydrolysis process is a wax, an oil, or another non-reactive material.

[0049] Turning briefly to [Fig. IB], an embodiment of a fracture plug 180 designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated. The fracture plug 180, in the illustrated embodiment, could function as the sealing / anchoring element 150 of [Fig. IA]. Accordingly, the fracture plug 180 could include the ring mentioned above, for example, a ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

[0050] Turning briefly to [Fig. IC], an embodiment of a production sealing gasket 190 designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated. The production sealing gasket 190, in the illustrated embodiment, could function as the sealing / anchoring element 150 of [Fig. 1A]. Accordingly, the production sealing gasket 190 could include the ring mentioned above, for example, a ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

[0051] Referring to [Fig. 2], an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element 200 designed, manufactured and operated according to an embodiment of The disclosure. The sealing / anchoring element 200, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a ring 210 having an inner surface with an inner diameter (d), an outer surface with an outer diameter (d0), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t). The ring 210, in the illustrated embodiment, further comprises one or more geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. Following the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the ring 210 comprises an expandable metal configured to expand until hydrolysis, as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the width (w) is not greater than 2.75 meters (for example, about 9 feet). In at least one other embodiment, the width (w) is not greater than 1.83 meters (for example, about 6 feet). In at least one further embodiment, the width (w) is between 0.3 meters (for example, about 1 foot) and 1.2 meters (for example, about 4 feet). In at least one embodiment, the thickness (t) is not greater than 15 centimeters (for example, about 5.9 inches). In at least one further embodiment, the thickness (t) is not greater than 9 centimeters (for example, about 3.5 inches). In at least one further embodiment, the thickness (t) is between 15 centimeters (for example, about 5.9 inches) and 6 centimeters (for example, about 2.4 inches).

[0053] In at least one embodiment of [Fig. 2], the ring 210 of [Fig. 2] is a cylinder slide. For example, the cylinder slide may have inclined surfaces 220 positioned along its inner diameter (d). In at least one embodiment of [Fig. 2], the inclined surfaces 220 are configured to engage with one or more associated shims of a sealing / anchoring tool, for example, to move the ring 210 between the radially reduced state (for example, as illustrated) and the radially enlarged state.

[0054] The sealing / anchoring element 200 of [Fig.2] further comprises one or several geometric features 230 in the ring 210, which allow the ring 210 to deform elasto / plastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more geometric features 230 are two or more alternating geometric cuts that allow the ring 210 to deform elastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. In at least one embodiment, the two or more alternating geometric cuts are located in the wall thickness (t) and spaced around a circumference of the ring 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the two or more alternating geometric cuts are a plurality of axial cuts located in the wall thickness (t). The expression "axial sections", as used here, means that the larger dimension of two or more alternating geometric sections is generally aligned with a central axis of the sealing / anchoring element 200, as opposed to generally perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing / anchoring element 200.

[0055] Referring to [Fig. 3], an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element 300 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The sealing / anchoring element 300 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring element 200. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The sealing / anchoring element 300 differs substantially from the sealing / anchoring element 200 in that the sealing / anchoring element 300 uses a ring of material 310 that completely encircles at least a portion of the outer surface of the ring 210. In at least one embodiment, the ring of material 310 is a ring of thermoplastic material.For example, the material ring 310 (e.g., a thermoplastic material ring) could have the advantage of holding the ring 210 together during the through-hole state, but then stretching with the ring 210 as it moves from the radially reduced to the radially expanded state. Furthermore, the material ring 310 can improve the sealing of the sealing / anchoring element 300 during the adjustment process. Examples of materials that may be part of material ring 310 include acrylic, ABS, nylon, PLA, polybenzimidazole, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyoxymethylene, polyetherether ketone, polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvidnylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene.In some examples, the thermoplastic material is mixed with a thermosetting polymer, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0056] Referring to [Fig. 4], an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element 400 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The sealing / anchoring element 400, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a ring 410 having an inner surface 412 with an inner diameter (d), an outer surface 414 with an outer diameter (d0), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t). The ring 410, in the illustrated embodiment, further includes one or more geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when displaced from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. According to the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the ring 410 comprises an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of [Fig. 4], the ring 410 is an element in A football-shaped object having an opening 430 extending through it and a larger geometric area 440 of material removed from its center. In the illustrated embodiment, the larger geometric area 440 of material removed from the center is at least one geometric feature that allows the ring 410 to deform elasto / plastically when moved from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. In at least this embodiment, the opening 430 is configured to rest on a mandrel extending entirely through it.

[0058] The ring 410, in one or more embodiments, comprises entirely the expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. In other embodiments, only a portion of the ring 410 comprises the expandable metal. For example, in some embodiments, an inner portion of the ring 410 could comprise another material that does not expand in response to hydrolysis, such as steel, and an outer portion (for example, a radial cap) of the ring 410 could comprise the expandable material. In other embodiments, an inner portion of the ring 410 could comprise an expandable metal, and an outer portion (for example, a radial cap) of the ring 410 could comprise another material that does not expand in response to hydrolysis, such as a polymer.

[0059] Referring to [Fig. 5], an embodiment of a sealing / anchoring element 500 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The sealing / anchoring element 500 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring element 400. Accordingly, similar reference identifiers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring element 500 differs, in essence, from the sealing / anchoring element 400, in that the sealing / anchoring element 500 uses a plurality of teeth 510 located around at least a portion of the outer surface 414. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of teeth 510 helps the ring 410 to anchor itself in a surface when the ring 410 is moved from the radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state.

[0060] The plurality of teeth 510, in at least one embodiment, comprises the expandable metal. In one or more embodiments, the remainder of the ring 410 also comprises the expandable metal, or alternatively, comprises a non-expandable metal. In still other embodiments, the plurality of teeth 510 comprises a non-expandable metal, such as steel, while another portion of the ring 410 or the entire remaining portion of the ring 410 comprises the expandable metal.

[0061] Turning now to Figures 6A to 6C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 600 designed, manufactured, and operated according to one aspect of the disclosure are illustrated. Figure 6A illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 600 in a through-hole state, and thus its element The sealing / anchoring tool is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 6B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 600 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 6C] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 600 with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thus initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the sealing / anchoring element after expansion). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0062] The sealing / anchoring tool 600, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures Figures 6A to 6C include a mandrel 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the mandrel 610 is centered around a centerline (CL). The sealing / anchoring tool 600, in at least the embodiment shown in Figures 6A to 6C, is located in a bore 690 positioned around the mandrel 610. In at least one embodiment, the bore 690 is an exposed borehole. In at least one other embodiment, the bore 690 is a tubular element positioned inside a borehole, such as casing, a production tube, etc. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the mandrel 610 and the bore 690 form an annular space 680. In one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the sealing / anchoring tool 600 is a fracturing plug or a production sealing gasket, among other tools, and can thus provide sealing, anchoring, or both sealing and anchoring.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing / anchoring tool 600 includes a sealing / anchoring element 620 positioned around the mandrel 610. In at least one embodiment, the sealing / anchoring element 620 includes a ring 630. The ring 630, as discussed above, may have an inner surface having an inner diameter (d), an outer surface having an outer diameter (d0), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t). In addition, at least a portion of the ring 630 may include a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

[0064] The ring 630 may further include one or more geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when moved from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state. In at least one embodiment, the one or more geometric features are one or more cross-sections (not shown) (for example, axial cross-sections extending entirely through the wall thickness (t)) located within the wall thickness (t) and spaced around of a circumference of the ring 630. In yet another embodiment, the one or more geometric features are two or more alternating geometric sections located in the wall thickness (t) and spaced around a circumference of the ring 630. However, other geometric features fall within the scope of disclosure.

[0065] The ring 630 illustrated in Figures 6A to 6C is configured as a cylinder sliding structure, for example similar to that illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A to 6C, the ring 630 further comprises inclined surfaces 635 positioned along its inner diameter (d). As will be detailed below, the inclined surfaces 635 are configured to engage with one or more associated wedges to move the ring 630 between a radially reduced state and a radially enlarged state. However, the cylinder sliding structure could employ different designs while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0066] The sealing / anchoring tool 600, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises in addition to one or more associated shims 640 (for example, a first shim and a second shim located on opposite sides of the sealing / anchoring element 620). The one or more associated shims 640, in one or more embodiments, are configured to slide axially along the mandrel 610 relative to the ring 630 to move the ring 630 from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state (for example, the first and second shims being configured to slide axially along the mandrel relative to each other to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, as if it were a fracturing plug). The one or more associated shims 640, in the illustrated embodiment, include one or more associated inclined surfaces 645.As is evident in the embodiment of Figures 6A to 6C, the one or more associated inclined surfaces 645 can function to engage with the opposite inclined surfaces 635 of the ring 630, and thus move the ring 630 between the radially reduced state (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6A]) and a radially enlarged state (for example, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C).

[0067] The sealing / anchoring tool 600, in the illustrated embodiment, can further include one or more end rings 660 located on opposite sides of one or more associated shims 640. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the end rings 660 can be fixed axially with respect to the mandrel 610 or the bore 690, and the other of the end rings 660 can move axially with respect to the mandrel 610 or the bore 690, and thus move the ring 630 between the radially reduced state (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6A]) and a radially enlarged state (for example, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C).

[0068] The sealing / anchoring tool 600, in one or more embodiments, can Furthermore, it includes a piston structure 665 for axially displacing the free-end ring 660. Consequently, the piston structure 665 can be used to move the ring 630 between a radially reduced state (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6A]) and a radially enlarged state (for example, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C). The piston structure 665 can adopt many different designs while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0069] With reference to [Fig. 6A], the ring 630 is again configured as the cylinder sliding structure and comprises a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. The ring 630 may comprise any of the expandable metals discussed above. The ring 630 may have a variety of shapes, different sizes, etc., and remain within the scope of disclosure. Furthermore, different features of the ring 630 may include the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 6B], illustrated is the sealing / anchoring tool 600 of [Fig. 6A] after the sealing / anchoring element 620 has been put in place. In the illustrated embodiment of [Fig. 6B], the sealing / anchoring element 620 is put in place by axially moving (for example, by means of the piston 665) the end rings 660 relative to each other and thereby engaging the one or more associated inclined surfaces 645 of the one or more wedges 640 with the opposite inclined surfaces 635 of the ring 630. As a result, the sealing / anchoring element 620 is moved between the radially reduced state (for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6A]) and the radially enlarged state shown in [Fig. 6B]. In at least one embodiment, the elasto / plastic deformation increases the outside diameter by at least 5%.In yet another embodiment, the elasto-plastic deformation increases the outside diameter by at least 20%, and in yet another embodiment, the elasto-plastic deformation increases the outside diameter in a range of 5% to 50%.

[0071] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6B], the sealing / anchoring element 620 engages with the bore 690, thus covering the annular space 680. According to the embodiment of [Fig. 6B], the ring 630 has been deformed elasto / plastically. Thus, in some cases, the ring 630 has been deformed elastically, in some other cases, the ring 630 has been deformed plastically, and in still other embodiments, the ring 630 has been deformed both elastically and plastically.

[0072] With reference to [Fig. 6C], illustrated is the sealing / anchoring tool 600 of [Fig. 6B] after subjecting the sealing / anchoring element 620 to a reactive fluid to form an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 670, as discussed above. As described above, the metallic sealing / anchoring element The expanded metal 670 may contain residual unreacted metal. The reactive fluid may be any of the reactive fluids discussed above. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6C], the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 at least partially fills the annular space 680 and thus acts as a seal / anchor. For example, the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 may act as a seal, with a very low anchoring capacity. In other embodiments, the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 may act as an anchor, with a very low sealing capacity. In still other embodiments, the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 may act as both a seal and a highly suitable anchor.It should be noted that, since the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 remains in the radially expanded state regardless of the force of the piston structure 665, some embodiments can remove the force of the piston structure 665 after the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element 670 has been formed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the time period for the hydration of the ring 630 is different from the time period for the setting of the sealing / anchoring element 620. For example, the setting of the sealing / anchoring element 620 can create a fast, but weaker, seal / anchor for the sealing / anchoring tool 600, whereas the ring 630 can take several hours to several days for the hydrolysis process to develop completely, but provide a solid seal / anchor for the sealing / anchoring tool 600.

[0074] Although not shown, the sealing / anchoring tool 600, and more particularly the sealing / anchoring element 620 of the sealing / anchoring tool 600, may further include one or more additional sealing elements. For example, the one or more additional sealing elements could be located at the top or bottom of the hole of the sealing / anchoring element 620, and thus be used to fluidically seal the annular space 680. In many situations, the one or more additional sealing elements include elastomeric sealing elements that are located at the bottom of the hole of the sealing / anchoring element 620.

[0075] A sealing / anchoring tool and an associated sealing / anchoring element, as disclosed herein, may provide higher technical ratings and / or may provide a lower-cost alternative to existing sealing / anchoring elements contained in current sealing gaskets and fracturing plugs. A sealing / anchoring tool and an associated sealing / anchoring element utilize a game-changing material that overcomes the problems encountered in conventional elastomeric devices, such as: extreme temperature limits, low-temperature sealing limits, and swabbing. during operation, extrusion over time, conformation to irregular shapes, etc.

[0076] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 700 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 7A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 700 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 7B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 700 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 7C illustrates the 700 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0077] The sealing / anchoring tool 700 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 600. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The sealing / anchoring tool 700 differs substantially from the sealing / anchoring tool 600 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 700 uses a plurality of teeth 710 located around at least a portion of the outer surface of its ring 630. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of teeth 710 include the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, the remainder of the ring 630 not including the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.In still other embodiments, the plurality of teeth 710 does not include a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, but other features of the ring 630 include a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. In yet another embodiment, the ring 630 and the plurality of teeth 710 include the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. The result, in one or more embodiments, after hydrolysis, may be the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 670 comprising a plurality of teeth 720, as illustrated in [Fig. 7C].

[0078] Referring to Figures 8A to 8C, various deployment states are illustrated for a sealing / anchoring tool 800 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of disclosure. [Fig. 8A] illustrates the tool Figure 8B illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 800 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in a radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, Figure 8B illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 800 with its sealing / anchoring element in a radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, Figure 8C illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 800 with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thus initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the sealing / anchoring element after expansion).As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0079] The sealing / anchoring tool 800 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 600. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring tool 800 differs essentially from the sealing / anchoring tool 600 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 800 uses a self-contained (e.g., frangible) body of reactive fluid 810. For example, the self-contained body of reactive fluid 810 could be positioned between the shims 640. Thus, when the shims 640 slide axially relative to each other to move the ring 630 from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, the self-contained body of reactive fluid 810 bursts, thereby subjecting the ring 630 to the reactive fluid.What may result in one or more embodiments, after the bursting of the autonomous reactive fluid body 810 and after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 670 shown in [Fig.8C].

[0080] Referring to Figures 9A to 9C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 900 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated. Figure 9A illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 900 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, Figure 9B illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 900 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 9C] illustrates the 900 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thus initiating the hydrolysis reaction, thereby forming an element expanded metal sealing / anchoring (e.g., the sealing / anchoring element after expansion). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metal sealing / anchoring element.

[0081] The 900 sealing / anchoring tool is similar in some respects to the 600 sealing / anchoring tool. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring tool 900 differs, essentially, from the sealing / anchoring tool 600, in that the sealing / anchoring tool 900 uses a self-contained (e.g., frangible) heat source 910. For example, the self-contained heat source 910 could be positioned between the wedges 640. Thus, when the wedges 640 slide axially relative to each other to move the ring 630 from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, the self-contained heat source 910 bursts, thereby subjecting the ring 630 to high temperatures, which could be used at the rate of hydrolysis.

[0082] A person skilled in the art understands the various materials that can be used for the self-contained heat source 910. For example, in at least one embodiment, the self-contained heat source 910 could comprise small particles of magnesium, aluminum, etc., which would react with water to form a hydroxide, the reaction creating the high temperatures. The result, in one or more embodiments, after the self-contained heat source 910 bursts and after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 670 shown in [Fig. 9C].

[0083] Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1000 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 1OA] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1000 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 1OB] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1000 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 1000 illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore. thus forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0084] The 1000 sealing / anchoring tool is similar in some respects to the tool Sealing / anchoring tool 600. Consequently, the same numerical references have been used to denote similar, if not identical, characteristics. Sealing / anchoring tool 1000 differs essentially from sealing / anchoring tool 600 in that sealing / anchoring tool 1000 uses a sealing / anchoring element 1020 which uses a football-shaped ring 1030. In at least one embodiment, the football-shaped ring 1030 is similar in many respects to the ring 410 of [Fig. 4]. What may result in one or more embodiments, after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1070 shown in [Fig. 100].

[0085] Referring to Figures 11A to 1 IC, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1100 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 11A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1100 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 11B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1100 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 11C illustrates the 1100 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0086] The sealing / anchoring tool 1100 is similar in some respects to the tool sealing / anchoring tool 1000. Consequently, the same numerical references have been used to denote similar, if not identical, features. Sealing / anchoring tool 1100 differs substantially from sealing / anchoring tool 1000 in that sealing / anchoring tool 1100 uses a plurality of teeth 1110 located around at least a portion of the outer surface of its ring 1030. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of teeth 1110 include the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, the remainder of the ring 1030 not including the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. In still other embodiments, the plurality of teeth 1110 do not include a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, but other features The ring 1030 includes a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. In yet another embodiment, the ring 1030 and the plurality of teeth 1110 include the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. What may result in one or more embodiments, after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1070 comprising a plurality of teeth 1120, as illustrated in [Fig. IIC].

[0087] Referring to Figures 12A to 12C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1200 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 12A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1200 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 12B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1200 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 12C illustrates the 1200 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0088] The sealing / anchoring tool 1200 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 600. Accordingly, the same numerals have been used to denote similar, if not identical, features. The sealing / anchoring tool 1200 differs substantially from the sealing / anchoring tool 600 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1200 uses a sealing / anchoring element 1220 having a ring 1230 which includes an expandable metal wire, for example as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable metal wire is wound around the mandrel 610 and provides the geometric characteristics necessary to allow it to deform elasto / plastically when moved from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state with the compression of the shims 640.

[0089] Although a single expandable metal wire can be used, in some other embodiments, a plurality of different expandable metal wires can be used. In some embodiments, the expandable metal wire has a higher surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) than in most of the embodiments discussed above, and can therefore react more rapidly to the reactive fluid than some of the others embodiments. What can result in one or more embodiments, after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1270 shown in [Fig.12C].

[0090] Referring to Figures 13A to 13C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1300 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 13A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1300 in a lowered hole-passage state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 13B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1300 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 3C illustrates the 1300 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0091] The sealing / anchoring tool 1300 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 1200. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring tool 1300 differs essentially from the sealing / anchoring tool 1200 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1300 uses a ring of material 1310 that completely encircles at least a portion of the outer surface of the ring 1230. In at least one embodiment, the ring of material 1310 is a ring of thermoplastic material. For example, the ring of material 1310 (e.g., the ring of thermoplastic material) could have the advantage of holding the ring 1230 together during the hole-passing state, but then stretching with the ring 1230 when it moves from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.Furthermore, the 1310 material ring can improve the sealing of the 1300 sealing / anchoring element during the adjustment process.

[0092] The sealing / anchoring tool 1300 further differs from the sealing / anchoring tool 1200 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1300 uses one or more fluid ports 1320 in its mandrel 610. In at least one embodiment, the one or more fluid ports 1320 couple an interior of the mandrel 610 with the ring 1230 comprising the expanding metal. Consequently, a sliding sealing element 1330 can be used to seal the one or more fluid ports 1320. When the ring 1230 is in the radially reduced state, it is configured to be removed to allow the ring 1230 to encounter a reactive fluid when the ring 1230 is in the radially enlarged state. Figures 13A and 13B illustrate one or more fluid ports 1320 sealed with the sealing element 1330, while Figure 13C illustrates the sealing element 1330 having been removed. The resulting configuration, in one or more embodiments, after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1370 shown in Figure 13C.

[0093] Referring to Figures 14A to 14C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1400 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 14A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1400 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 14B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1400 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 14C illustrates the 1400 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the sealing / anchoring element after expansion). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0094] The sealing / anchoring tool 1400 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 600. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring tool 1400 differs, essentially, from the sealing / anchoring tool 600 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1400 uses a traction cone 1410 as part of its wedge. In the illustrated embodiment, the traction cone 1410 is positioned in the inner diameter (d;) of the ring 630. Thus, when the traction cone 1410 is pulled axially through the ring 630, and the inclined surface 635 of the ring 630 comes into contact with an inclined surface 1420 of the traction cone 1410, the ring 630 moves from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, as shown in [Fig.14B].

[0095] Following the embodiment of Figures 14A and 14B, the ring 630 itself does not comprise the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, but an insert 1430 (for example, placed in one or more of the geometric features which allow the ring 630 to deform elasto / plastically) including the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis is employed. This can result in one or more embodiments, after the tensile cone 1410 is pulled axially through the ring 630 and after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1470 shown in [Fig.14C].

[0096] Referring to Figures 15A to 15C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1500 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative disclosure embodiment are illustrated. [Fig. 15A] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1500 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 15B] illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1500 with its sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state, but again, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig.Figure 15C illustrates the 1500 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thereby initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the expansion sealing / anchoring element). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0097] The sealing / anchoring tool 1500 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 1400. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The sealing / anchoring tool 1500 differs, essentially, from the sealing / anchoring tool 1400 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1500 uses a wire insert 1530 (for example, placed in one or more of the geometric features that allow the ring 630 to deform elasto / plastically) as the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. This can result in one or more embodiments, after the traction cone 1410 is pulled axially through the ring 630 and after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1570 shown in [Fig.15C].

[0098] Referring to Figures 16A to 16C, various deployment states for a sealing / anchoring tool 1600 designed, manufactured, and operated according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated. Figure 16A illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1600 in a through-hole state, and thus its sealing / anchoring element is in the radially reduced state, and furthermore, the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, Figure 16B illustrates the sealing / anchoring tool 1600 with its element of sealing / anchoring in the radially enlarged state, but again the expandable metal has not been subjected to a reactive fluid to initiate hydrolysis. In contrast, [Fig. 10C] illustrates the 1600 sealing / anchoring tool with its radially enlarged sealing / anchoring element having been subjected to a reactive fluid, thus initiating the hydrolysis reaction and forming an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element (e.g., the sealing / anchoring element after expansion). As disclosed above, the expandable metal can be subjected to a suitable reactive fluid inside the wellbore, thereby forming the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0099] The sealing / anchoring tool 1600 is similar in some respects to the sealing / anchoring tool 1400. Accordingly, the same numerical references have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, characteristics. The sealing / anchoring tool 1600 differs essentially from the sealing / anchoring tool 1400 in that the sealing / anchoring tool 1600 uses a protective cover 1610 on the expanding metal insert 1430. Therefore, when the protective cover 1610 surrounds the expanding metal insert 1430, the reactive fluid cannot come into contact with the expanding metal insert 1430. However, in at least one embodiment, when the traction cone 1410 is pulled axially through the ring 630, the protective cover 1610 is broken and / or removed, thus exposing the expanding metal insert 1430 to the reactive fluid.A person skilled in the art is familiar with the different materials that the protective cover may contain. What may result in one or more embodiments, after the tensile cone 1410 is pulled axially through the ring 630 and after hydrolysis, is the expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element 1670 shown in [Fig. 10C].

[0100] The aspects disclosed in the present invention include:

[0101] A. A sealing / anchoring element intended for use with a sealing / anchoring tool, the sealing / anchoring element comprising: 1) a ring having an inner surface having an inner diameter (d), an outer surface having an outer diameter (d0), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features which enable it to deform elasto / plastically when it passes from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

[0102] B. A sealing / anchoring tool, the sealing / anchoring tool comprising: 1) a wedge; and 2) a sealing / anchoring element positioned near the wedge, the sealing / anchoring element comprising: a) a ring having an inner surface having an inner diameter (d), an outer surface having an outer diameter (d0), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t), the ring having a or several geometric features that allow it to deform elasto / plastically when one or more inclined surfaces positioned along its inner or outer surface come into contact with the wedge to move the ring from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis and thus fix the ring in the radially enlarged state.

[0103] C. A method for sealing / anchoring inside a borehole, the method comprising: 1) providing a sealing / anchoring tool inside a borehole, the sealing / anchoring tool comprising: a) a wedge; and b) a sealing / anchoring element positioned near the wedge, the sealing / anchoring element comprising: i) a ring having an inner surface having an inner diameter (d;), an outer surface having an outer diameter (do), a width (w), and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features that enable it to deform elasto / plastically when one or more inclined surfaces positioned along its inner or outer surface engage with the wedge to move the ring from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis and fix the ring in the radially enlarged state; 2) the elasto / plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element by moving the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state; and 3) the submission of the elasto / plastically deformed sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged element to a reactive fluid to form an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

[0104] Aspects A, B, and C may have a combination of one or more of the following additional elements: Element 1: wherein the ring is a cylinder slide. Element 2: wherein the cylinder slide has two or more alternating geometric cuts to allow the cylinder slide to deform elastically when moved from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state. Element 3: wherein the cylinder slide has a ring of material completely encircling at least a portion of the outer surface. Element 4: wherein the ring of material is a ring of thermoplastic material. Element 5: wherein the cylinder slide has a plurality of teeth located around at least a portion of the outer surface. Element 6: wherein the plurality of teeth comprise the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.Element 7: wherein the outer surface comprises the expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, and the plurality of teeth comprise a material not configured to expand in response to hydrolysis. Element 8: wherein the ring is a football-shaped element having . an opening extending through it and a larger geometric area of ​​material removed from one of its centers. Element 9: wherein the football-shaped element has a plurality of teeth situated around at least a portion of its outer surface. Element 10: wherein the ring has one or more inclined surfaces positioned along its inner or outer surface, the one or more inclined surfaces being configured to engage with one or more associated shims of a sealing / anchoring tool to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state. Element 11: wherein the shim and the sealing / anchoring element are positioned around a mandrel, the shim being configured to slide axially along the mandrel relative to the ring to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.Element 12: wherein the wedge is a first wedge and further comprises a second wedge, wherein the first and second wedges are located on opposite sides of the sealing / anchoring element, the first and second wedges being configured to slide axially along the mandrel relative to each other to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state. Element 13: wherein the mandrel, the first wedge, the second wedge, and the sealing / anchoring element form at least one part of a fracturing plug. Element 14: wherein the mandrel comprises one or more fluid ports coupling an interior of the mandrel with the ring comprising the expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.Element 15: further comprising a sliding seal element sealing one or more fluid ports, the sliding seal element being configured to seal the one or more fluid ports when the ring is in the radially reduced state and configured to be retracted to allow the ring to encounter reactive fluid to cause expansion of the expandable metal in response to hydrolysis when the ring is in the radially enlarged state. Element 16: wherein the wedge forms part of a tensile cone positioned in the inner diameter (d), the wedge of the tensile cone being configured to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state when the tensile cone is pulled axially through the ring. Element 17: wherein one or more geometric features allow the ring to deform elastically.Element 18: wherein one or more geometric features enable the ring to deform plastically. Element 19: wherein the ring is a cylinder slide having two or more alternating geometric cuts to enable the cylinder slide to deform elastically when moved from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state. Element 20: wherein the cylinder slide has a ring of thermoplastic material completely encircling at least a portion of the outer surface. Element 21: wherein the cylinder slide has a plurality. of teeth situated around at least a portion of the outer surface. Element 22: wherein the ring is a football-shaped element having an opening extending through it and a larger geometric area of ​​material removed from its center. Element 23: wherein the football-shaped element has a plurality of teeth situated around at least a portion of the outer surface. Element 24: wherein the elastoplastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element involves the axial pull of a tensile cone having the wedge through the inner diameter (d) to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.Element 25: wherein the wedge and the sealing / anchoring element are positioned around a mandrel having one or more fluid ports coupling an interior of the mandrel with the ring, and further wherein a sliding sealing element seals the one or more fluid ports, wherein the submission of the elasto / plastically deformed sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state to the reactive fluid includes the withdrawal of the sliding sealing element to allow the elasto / plastically deformed sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state to encounter the reactive fluid. Element 26: wherein the elasto / plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element includes the elastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element. Element 27: wherein the elasto / plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element includes the plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element.Element 28: in which the elasto-plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element includes the elastic and plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element.

[0105] The person skilled in the art concerned with this request will understand that other additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the embodiments described.

Claims

Demands

1. Sealing / anchoring element (210) for use with a sealing / anchoring tool (150), comprising: a ring (210) having an inner surface (412) having an inner diameter (d), an outer surface (414) having an outer diameter (d0), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features (230) that enable it to deform elasto / plastically when it passes from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

2. Sealing / anchoring element (200) according to claim 1, wherein the ring (210) is a cylinder slide.

3. Sealing / anchoring element (200) according to claim 2, wherein the cylinder slide has two or more alternating geometric cuts to allow the cylinder slide to deform elastically when moved from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.

4. Sealing / anchoring element (300) according to claim 2, wherein the cylinder slide comprises a ring of material (310) completely encircling at least a portion of the outer surface, or optionally wherein the ring of material is a ring of thermoplastic material.

5. Sealing / anchoring element (500) according to claim 2, wherein the cylinder slide has a plurality of teeth (510) situated around at least a portion of the outer surface, or optionally wherein the plurality of teeth comprise the metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, or optionally wherein the outer surface comprises the expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, and the plurality of teeth comprises a material not configured to expand in response to hydrolysis.

6. Sealing / anchoring element (400) according to claim 1, wherein the ring (410) is a football-shaped element having an opening (430) extending through it and a larger geometric area (440) of material removed from a center of it, or optionally wherein the football-shaped element has a plurality of teeth situated around at least a portion of the outer surface.

7. Sealing / anchoring element (600) according to claim 1, wherein the ring (610) has one or more inclined surfaces (635) positioned along its inner or outer surface, the one or more inclined surfaces being configured to engage with one or more associated wedges (640) of a sealing / anchoring tool to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.

8. Sealing / anchoring tool (600), comprising: a wedge (640); and a sealing / anchoring element (620) positioned near the wedge, the sealing / anchoring element comprising: a ring (630) having an inner surface having an inner diameter (di), an outer surface having an outer diameter (do), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features that enable it to deform elasto / plastically when one or more inclined surfaces positioned along its inner or outer surface engage with the wedge to move the ring from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis and thus fix the ring in the radially enlarged state.

9. Sealing / anchoring tool (600) according to claim 8, wherein the shim (640) and the sealing / anchoring element (620) are positioned around a mandrel (610), the shim being configured to slide axially along the mandrel relative to the ring (630) to move the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state.

10. Sealing / anchoring tool (600) according to claim 9, wherein the shim (640) is a first shim and further comprising a second shim, wherein the first and second shims are located on opposite sides of the sealing / anchoring element (620), the first and second shims being configured to slide axially along the mandrel (610) relative to each other to move the ring (630) from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, or optionally wherein the mandrel, the first shim, the second shim and the sealing / anchoring element form at least part of a fracturing plug.

11. Sealing / anchoring tool (1300) according to claim 9, in wherein the mandrel (610) has one or more fluid ports (1320) coupling an interior of the mandrel with the ring (1330) comprising the expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, or optionally further comprising a sliding sealing element (1330) sealing the one or more fluid ports, the sliding sealing element being configured to seal the one or more fluid ports when the ring is in the radially reduced state and configured to be removed to allow the ring to encounter a reactive fluid to cause the expandable metal to expand in response to hydrolysis when the ring is in the radially enlarged state.

12. Sealing / anchoring tool (1400) according to claim 8, wherein the wedge is part of a traction cone (1410) positioned in the inner diameter (d), the wedge of the traction cone being configured to move the ring (630) from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state when the traction cone is pulled axially through the ring

13. Sealing / anchoring tool (1400) according to claim 8, wherein one or more geometric features allow the ring (630) to deform elastically, or optionally wherein one or more geometric features allow the ring to deform plastically.

14. Sealing / anchoring tool (600) according to claim 8, wherein the ring (630) is a cylinder slide having two or more alternating geometric cuts to enable the cylinder slide to deform elastically when moved from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state, or optionally wherein the cylinder slide has a ring of thermoplastic material completely encircling at least a portion of the outer surface, or optionally wherein the cylinder slide has a plurality of teeth situated around at least a portion of the outer surface.

15. Sealing / anchoring tool (600) according to claim 8, wherein the ring (630) is a football-shaped element having an opening extending through it and a larger geometric surface of material removed from a center of it, or optionally wherein the football-shaped element has a plurality of teeth situated around at least a portion of the outer surface.

16. Method for sealing / anchoring inside a borehole (110), including: the supply of a sealing / anchoring tool (150) inside a borehole, the sealing / anchoring tool comprising: a wedge (640); and a sealing / anchoring element (620) positioned near the wedge, the sealing / anchoring element comprising: a ring (630) having an inner surface having an inner diameter (di), an outer surface having an outer diameter (do), a width (w) and a wall thickness (t), the ring having one or more geometric features which enable it to deform elasto / plastically when one or more inclined surfaces positioned along its inner or outer surface come into contact with the wedge to move the ring from a radially reduced state to a radially enlarged state, the ring comprising an expandable metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis and fix the ring in the radially enlarged state; the elasto-plastic deformation of the sealing / anchoring element by moving the ring from the radially reduced state to the radially enlarged state; and the submission of the elasto / plastically deformed sealing / anchoring element in the radially enlarged state to the reactive fluid to form an expanded metallic sealing / anchoring element.

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