Inflation element for a downhole tool having a pre-disposed bladder and/or cover, and method shaping tool for pre-disposing the bladder and/or cover
First Claim
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1. A method for pre-disposing the expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool, comprising the steps of:
- (a) selecting a desired expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool;
(b) providing a vessel and defining a varying inner diameter of the vessel to define a profile for predisposing the expansion profile in the component;
(c) surrounding at least a portion of the length of the elastomeric component with the vessel;
(d) applying fluid under pressure to the elastomeric component for expanding it into contact with the inner diameter of the vessel and creating a pre-disposed expansion profile in the component; and
(e) reducing the pressure of the fluid for allowing the elastomeric component to return generally to its original shape.
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Abstract
A downhole tool includes an improved expandable, elastomeric component having a pre-disposed expansion profile. The expansion profile is pre-disposed by surrounding at least a portion of the elastomeric component with a shaping tool having an inner diameter that defines a profiled limit. Fluid under pressure is applied to the elastomeric component for expanding it into contact with the inner diameter of the shaping tool. The pressure of the fluid may be reduced to allow the elastomeric component to return generally to its original shape.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for pre-disposing the expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool, comprising the steps of:
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(a) selecting a desired expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool;
(b) providing a vessel and defining a varying inner diameter of the vessel to define a profile for predisposing the expansion profile in the component;
(c) surrounding at least a portion of the length of the elastomeric component with the vessel;
(d) applying fluid under pressure to the elastomeric component for expanding it into contact with the inner diameter of the vessel and creating a pre-disposed expansion profile in the component; and
(e) reducing the pressure of the fluid for allowing the elastomeric component to return generally to its original shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
(a) placing a sleeve in a concentric position over the elastomeric element; and
(b) placing a pair of end caps between the sleeve and elastomeric element for defining the inner diameter of the vessel.
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13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of supplying fluid under pressure comprises supplying fluid under pressure continuously.
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14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of supplying fluid under pressure comprises supplying fluid under pressure intermittently.
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15. The method of claim 1, and further including the step of calendering the elastomeric material before the elastomeric component is formed.
- 16. A downhole tool having an improved expandable, elastomeric component, comprising, an expandable, elastomeric component having a pre-disposed expansion profile, said expansion profile being predisposed by expanding the elastomeric component into contact with a varying inner diameter of a vessel that includes a pair of truncated conical taper sections and allowing the elastomeric component to return to its original shape.
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24. A vessel for providing a pre-disposed expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool, comprising:
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(a) a vessel body shaped and dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the expandable, elastomeric component; and
(b) the vessel body including a varying inner diameter, with at least one tapered section, that defines a profiled limit in which the component can be expanded for forming a predetermined pre-disposed expansion profile in the component. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification