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, in which the body comprises a member having a geometry which is configured to engage and substantially block flow through a passageway in the well; and
an enclosure containing the body, in which the enclosure is configured to prevent flow through gaps between the member and the passageway while the member is engaged with the passageway, in which the enclosure comprises a material that degrades in the well, and in which relative motion is 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.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A plugging device for use in a subterranean well, the plugging device comprising:
-
a body, in which the body comprises a member having a geometry which is configured to engage and substantially block flow through a passageway in the well; and an enclosure containing the body, in which the enclosure is configured to prevent flow through gaps between the member and the passageway while the member is engaged with the passageway, in which the enclosure comprises a material that degrades in the well, and in which relative motion is permitted between the body and the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A method of plugging a passageway in a well, the method comprising:
-
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, in which the body comprises a member having a geometry which is configured to engage and substantially block flow through the passageway, and relative motion being permitted between the body and the enclosure; the plugging device engaging the passageway and thereby blocking the passageway, the enclosure preventing flow through gaps between the member and the passageway; and a material of the enclosure degrading in the well. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. 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, wherein sliding contact is permitted between the body and the enclosure, wherein the body comprises a member having a dimension which is larger than a diameter of a passageway in the well, and wherein the enclosure is configured to prevent flow through gaps between the member and the passageway while the member is engaged with the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
Specification