Shape memory material seals

Abstract

The invention relates to a shape memory sleeve to create an annular tightness. More precisely, the invention relates to a ring to provide tightness, made from shape memory alloy material and including an interior annular portion and an exterior annular portion, comprising at least one annular groove or one annular rib on its interior annular portion.

1 . Ring for providing tightness, made of a shape memory alloy material and including an interior annular portion and an exterior annular portion, and comprising at least one annular groove or one annular rib on its interior annular portion. 
   
   
       2 . Ring according to  claim 1 , comprising several annular grooves or annular ribs on its interior annular portion. 
   
   
       3 . Plug for providing tightness, made of a shape memory alloy material and comprising an exterior annular portion, and comprising at least one annular groove or one annular rib on its exterior annular portion. 
   
   
       4 . Plug according to  claim 3 , comprising several annular grooves or annular ribs on its exterior annular portion. 
   
   
       5 . Method for realizing the tightness of a well-bottom tool, comprising the step of using an element such as described in  claim 1 . 
   
   
       6 . Method for realizing the tightness of a well-bottom tool, comprising the selection of two elements to assemble in a tight manner, the selection of a ring made of shape memory alloy material in its non permanent mode in order to assemble said elements in a tight manner, the realization of at least one annular rib on the interior portion of said ring and the positioning of said ring in permanent mode by heating to a given temperature such that said ring provides the tightness of said two elements. 
   
   
       7 . Method for realizing the tightness of a well-bottom tool, including the selection of two elements to be assembled in a tight manner, the selection of a ring made from shape memory alloy material in its non permanent mode in order to assemble said elements in a tight manner, the realization of at least one annular rib on one of the two elements and the positioning of said ring in permanent mode by heating to a given temperature such that said ring provides the tightness of said two elements. 
   
   
       8 . Method for realizing the tightness of a well-bottom tool, including the selection of an element with holes to plug in a tight manner, the selection of a plug made from shape memory alloy material in its non permanent mode to fill said hole of the element in a tight manner, the realization of at least one annular rib on said plug and the positioning of said plug in said hole in permanent mode by heating to a given temperature such that said plug provides the tightness of the element with holes. 
   
   
       9 . Method according to  claim 6 , wherein the shape memory alloy material is Nickel Titanium Niobium with 14% niobium and the given temperature is approximately 165° C.