Insert seal unit and method for making the same

Abstract

An insert seal unit includes a frustoconical body. A lower slip assembly is in operable communication with the body as is an upper slip. A seal element is in operable communication with each of the upper slip and the lower slip assembly.

1 . An insert seal unit comprising:
 a frustoconical body;   a lower slip assembly in operable communication with the body;   an upper slip in operable communication with the body;   a seal element in operable communication with each of the upper slip and the lower slip assembly.   
   
   
       2 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the body further includes a recess therein. 
   
   
       3 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the recess is annular. 
   
   
       4 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the recess includes a frustoconical surface. 
   
   
       5 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the frustoconical surface defines a frustocone oriented in opposition to an orientation of the frustoconical body. 
   
   
       6 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the recess includes a stop surface supportive of a resilient member. 
   
   
       7 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the resilient member is interposed between the stop surface and an internal slip to bias the internal slip outwardly of the body. 
   
   
       8 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the unit further comprises at least one internal slip disposed at least partially within the recess. 
   
   
       9 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the at least one internal slip includes a ratchet thread. 
   
   
       10 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the thread is configured for one-way ratcheting movement. 
   
   
       11 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the lower slip assembly includes a slip body having a ratchet thread and an anchor surface. 
   
   
       12 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the upper slip and the lower slip assembly are aligned axially with the seal element. 
   
   
       13 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 12  wherein a spacing between the upper slip and lower slip assembly is changeable. 
   
   
       14 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the seal is axially loadable by a change in the spacing. 
   
   
       15 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the seal increases in radial dimension upon application of axial load thereon. 
   
   
       16 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal is metal. 
   
   
       17 . The insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal element includes two end housings and an intermediary structure, the intermediary structure being connected to the end housings by offset joining structures. 
   
   
       18 . A method for installing an insert seal unit comprising:
 placing an insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 1  in a target tubular;   urging the lower slip assembly toward an actuated position on the body;   axially loading the seal element between the upper slip and the lower slip assembly.   
   
   
       19 . The method for installing an insert seal unit as claimed in  claim 18  further comprising radially deforming the seal element into sealing contact with the body and an inside surface of the target tubular.