Sealing devices and related methods for oil and gas applications
A sealing device includes a first ring that is fixedly attached to a pipe segment, a second ring that is movably secured to the pipe segment and spaced axially apart from the first ring in an initial configuration of the sealing device, and a third ring that axially overlaps a first wall portion of the first ring and a second wall portion of the second ring, wherein the third ring is expandable radially to accommodate a third wall portion of the first ring and a fourth wall portion of the second ring within an interior region of the third ring.
1 . A sealing device comprising:
a first ring that is fixedly attached to a pipe segment;
a second ring that is movably secured to the pipe segment and spaced axially apart from the first ring in an initial configuration of the sealing device; and
a third ring that axially overlaps a first wall portion of the first ring and a second wall portion of the second ring, wherein the third ring is expandable radially to accommodate a third wall portion of the first ring and a fourth wall portion of the second ring within an interior region of the third ring,
wherein the second ring comprises a latch that is configured to engage a surrounding pipe segment.
2 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the third ring is made of one or more metals.
3 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the third ring is made entirely of metals.
4 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the third ring is slidable axially with respect to the first ring.
5 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the second ring is slidable axially with respect to the first ring in an operational configuration of the sealing device.
6 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the second ring is slidable axially with respect to the third ring in an operational configuration of the sealing device.
7 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the third ring comprises multiple circumferential ribs.
8 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the second ring comprises multiple circumferential ribs that engage the third ring and progressively increase in height along a central axis of the sealing device.
9 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the latch is spring-loaded.
10 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the third ring overlaps the second ring by a first length in the initial configuration of the sealing device, and wherein the third ring overlaps the second ring by a second length that is larger than the first length in a final configuration of the sealing device.
11 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third rings define a gap within the sealing device.
12 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the movable second ring is configured to move a total axial distance of about 0.3 m to about 5 m with respect to the pipe segment during a setting operation.
13 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is configured to be weight-set within a well.
14 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is configured to be tension-set within a well.
15 . The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the second ring comprises an automated latch mechanism that is configured to engage a surrounding pipe segment.
16 . The sealing device of claim 15 , wherein the automated latch mechanism is configured to be controlled from a subterranean surface above a well in which the sealing device is installed.
17 . The sealing device of claim 15 , wherein the automated latch mechanism is configured to receive and process downlink commands.
18 . The sealing device of claim 15 , wherein the automated latch mechanism comprises a hydraulic actuation system.
19 . A method of a sealing an annular region, the method comprising:
moving a first pipe segment within a second pipe segment to a first downhole position, the first and second pipe segments defining the annular region therebetween, and the first pipe segment carrying a sealing device that comprises:
a first ring that is fixedly attached to the first pipe segment,
a second ring that is movably secured to the first pipe segment, and
a third ring that axially overlaps a first wall portion of the first ring and a second wall portion of the second ring;
causing cement to move along the annular region;
moving the first pipe segment within the second pipe segment to a second downhole position at which a latch of the second ring is retained within a groove of the second pipe segment; and
expanding the third ring radially outward to contact the second pipe segment and seal the annular region.
20 . A sealing device comprising:
a first ring that is fixedly attached to a pipe segment;
a second ring that is movably secured to the pipe segment and spaced axially apart from the first ring in an initial configuration of the sealing device; and
a third ring that axially overlaps a first wall portion of the first ring and a second wall portion of the second ring, wherein the third ring is expandable radially to accommodate a third wall portion of the first ring and a fourth wall portion of the second ring within an interior region of the third ring,
wherein the second ring comprises multiple circumferential ribs that engage the third ring and progressively increase in height along a central axis of the sealing device.