Patent ID: 6814143
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A system for forming a patch in a well at a location along a downhole tubular string which has lost sealing integrity, comprising:a tubular patch for positioning within the downhole tubular string at the location which has lost sealing integrity, the tubular patch being supported on a running tool suspended in the well from a work string; the tubular patch including a central patch body having a generally cylindrical central interior surface, an upper expander body having a generally cylindrical upper interior surface and at least one upper exterior seal, and at least one lower expander body having a generally cylindrical lower interior surface and a lower exterior seal; the running tool including an inner mandrel axially moveable relative to the central patch body, one or more pistons each axially moveable relative to the inner mandrel in response to fluid pressure within the running tool, a top expander axially moveable downward relative to the upper expander body in response to axial movement of the one or more pistons for radially expanding the upper expander body into sealing engagement with the downhole tubular string, and a bottom expander axially moveable upward relative to the lower expander body in response to axial movement of the one or more pistons for radially expanding the lower expander body into sealing engagement with the downhole tubular string, and for radially collapsing to withdraw the running tool from the well after expanding the lower expander body; and wherein the bottom expander includes an expander setting sleeve axially moveable in response to the one or more pistons from a run-in position wherein the expander setting sleeve is axially spaced below the lower expander body to a set position wherein the expander setting sleeve is radially inward of and axially aligned with the lower expander body.