FLOW CONTROL IN SUBTERRANEAN WELLS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A plugging device for use in a subterranean well, the plugging device comprising:
- a body configured to engage and substantially block flow through a passageway in the well; and
an enclosure containing the body, relative motion being permitted between the body and the enclosure.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A plugging device, well system and method. In one example, a wrap, band or other type of binding is utilized to secure together multiple fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines of the plugging device. In another example, fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines are fused, adhered or bonded to an outer surface of a body of the plugging device. In other examples, a material of the plugging device may become more rigid or swell in a well. A plugging device may comprise a body loosely enclosed in a bag, wrapper or other enclosure.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1. A plugging device for use in a subterranean well, the plugging device comprising:
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a body configured to engage and substantially block flow through a passageway in the well; and an enclosure containing the body, relative motion being permitted between the body and the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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2. (canceled)
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5. (canceled)
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7-8. -8. (canceled)
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11. (canceled)
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16. A method of plugging a passageway, the method comprising:
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releasing a plugging device into a fluid flow, thereby causing the plugging device to be carried by the fluid flow to the passageway, the plugging device comprising a body enclosed by an enclosure, and relative motion being permitted between the body and the enclosure; and the plugging device engaging the passageway and thereby blocking the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32)
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17-19. -19. (canceled)
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24. (canceled)
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26-27. -27. (canceled)
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31. (canceled)
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33. (canceled)
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34. A well system, comprising:
a plugging device conveyed through a tubular string by fluid flow in the well, the plugging device comprising a body contained within an enclosure, the body being configured to engage and resist extrusion through a passageway in the well, the enclosure being configured to block the fluid flow between the plugging device and the passageway, and sliding contact being permitted between the body and the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (35, 38, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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36-37. -37. (canceled)
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39-42. -42. (canceled)
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50-88. -88. (canceled)
Specification