Downhole impression imaging system and methods using shape memory material
A system and method for obtaining an impression of an object in a remote environment. An impression block is affixed to a running string and disposed into the remote environment and used to form an impression. The impression block includes an impression section formed of a shape memory material that can be transformed between an original shape and a temporary shape.
1. An impression block for obtaining an impression of an object within a remote environment, the impression block comprising:
a retaining section having an attachment portion for attachment of the impression block to a running string;
an impression section that is formed of a shape memory material that may be changed between an original shape and a temporary shape;
wherein the impression section is formed of a shape memory polymer that may be changed between the original shape and the temporary shape when at or above a predetermined transition temperature and which retains either the original or temporary shape when below the transition temperature; or
the impression section is formed of a metallic shape memory alloy that may be changed from the original shape to the temporary shape when below a predetermined transition temperature and will return to the original shape from the temporary shape when heated to or above the transition temperature.
2. The impression block of claim 1 further comprising a heating mechanism that can be selectively actuated to heat the impression section up to a predetermined transition temperature.
3. The impression block of claim 2 wherein the heating mechanism is energized with electrical power.
4. The impression block of claim 3 wherein the heating mechanism includes a heating filament to help distribute heating within the impression section.
5. The impression block of claim 4 wherein the heating filament is in a helical form.
6. The impression block of claim 2 wherein the heating mechanism comprises a chemical heating mechanism.
7. An impression imaging system for obtaining an impression of an object within a remote environment, the impression imaging system comprising:
a running string for disposing the impression imaging system into the remote environment;
an impression block affixed to the running string and comprising:
an impression section that is formed of a shape memory material that may be changed between an original shape and a temporary shape;
wherein the impression section is formed of a shape memory polymer that may be changed between the original shape and the temporary shape when at or above a predetermined transition temperature and which retains either the original or temporary shape when below the transition temperature; or
the impression section is formed of a metallic shape memory alloy that may be changed from the original shape to the temporary shape when below a predetermined transition temperature and will return to the original shape from the temporary shape when heated to or above the transition temperature.
8. The impression imaging system of claim 7 further comprising a heating mechanism that can be selectively actuated to heat the impression section up to a predetermined transition temperature.
9. The impression imaging system of claim 8 wherein the heating mechanism is energized with electrical power.
10. The impression imaging system of claim 8 wherein the heating mechanism includes a heating filament to help distribute heating within the impression section.
11. The impression imaging system of claim 10 wherein the heating filament is in a helical form.
12. The impression imaging system of claim 8 wherein the heating mechanism comprises a chemical heating mechanism.