Patent ID: 9181775
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for forming a plug in a passageway, the apparatus comprising: a. a carrier which in use is lowered into the passageway, the carrier comprising a mandrel resistant to creep which supports first and second spaced apart portions and a skirt that extends axially from a lower end of the carrier, the skirt being dimensioned to define a clearance between the skirt and the passageway; b. a body of material supported on the carrier, said body of material having a melting point which is higher than the temperature within the passageway and which expands as it solidifies; and c. means for melting the body of material such that melted material, produced by melting said body of material, fills a space defined between the first and second portions, and flows into the clearance defined between the skirt and the passageway, wherein the means for melting said body of material is a removable heater operative to melt said body of material, the heater being releasably connected to the mandrel of the carrier.