Patent ID: 6530574
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for sealing a first tubular element in a fixed position with respect to a second, concentric tubular element, the apparatus comprising:a first tubular element, said tubular element having a length generally greater than its diameter and having a generally circular cross-section, said first tubular element comprising a cylindrical wall, said cylindrical wall being generally linear and parallel to a longitudinal axis of said tubular element, said cylindrical wall being annularly depressed into an interior of said first tubular element in at least one longitudinal location thereon, said annular depression forming a ring-shaped cavity on an exterior of said first tubular element and a ring-shaped intrusion into said interior of said first tubular element; a quantity of a partially compressible fluid positioned in said annular depression in said first tubular element; a malleable/ductile cover sleeve positioned around said first tubular member and covering said partially compressible fluid positioned within said annular depression; a displacement device positioned within said first tubular element and having an outside dimension incrementally less than said inside diameter of said first tubular element; and means for exerting a longitudinal force on said displacement device so as to direct said displacement device through said first tubular element and past said ring-shaped intrusion into said interior of said first tubular element, said displacement device forcing an expansion of said cylindrical walls of said first tubular element at said annular depression thereby forcing said partially compressible fluid against said malleable/ductile sleeve and expanding said malleable/ductile sleeve into an annular space between said first tubular element and said second tubular element to at least a point where said expanded sleeve contacts an inside wall surface of said second tubular member.