Patent ID: 7699115

Claim:
A method of applying an annular seal to a tubular element for use in a wellbore, the method comprising: a) providing at least one flexible seal layer at the wellbore site, each seal layer having a pair of opposite longitudinal edges movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends substantially around the tubular element, the seal layer being made of material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid; wherein the tubular element is assembled from a plurality of tubular element sections, and wherein the length of each seal layer corresponds to substantially the length of the tubular element section to which the seal layer is applied; wherein the seal layer includes at least two pairs of aligned bores longitudinally spaced apart along the seal layer; wherein the aligned bores in each pair are formed so as to allow a bolt to be extended through the aligned bores so as to fasten the seal layer; and wherein the seal layer is provided with a longitudinal recess for accommodating a set of control lines; b) partially lowering the tubular element into the wellbore; c) applying the seal layer in the open position thereof to a portion of the tubular element extending above the wellbore; d) moving the seal layer to the closed position thereof and fastening the seal layer by extending a bolt through each pair of aligned bores and affixing a nut to each bolt; and e) further lowering the tubular element with the seal layer applied thereto into the wellbore until the seal layer is located at a selected location in the wellbore.