Seal or fluid barrier using strands

Abstract

The present invention provides for a seal or barrier comprising strands that are woven or wrapped in an overlapping manner such as, for example, helical or circumferential patterns.

1 . A seal for use in a wellbore, comprising:
 a first tubular;   a second tubular; and   a non-compressible tubular shaped body disposed between the first tubular and the second tubular, the body containing a plurality of strands disposed therein, wherein the strands are placed in an overlapping arrangement to form a plurality of pores.   
   
   
       2 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands are made of metal. 
   
   
       3 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands are made of a synthetic material. 
   
   
       4 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands are woven. 
   
   
       5 . The seal of  claim 4  in which the woven strands are woven in a helical pattern. 
   
   
       6 . The seal of  claim 4  in which the woven strands are woven in a circumferential pattern. 
   
   
       7 . The seal of  claim 4  in which the woven strands are woven in an orthogonal pattern. 
   
   
       8 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands have a circular cross-section. 
   
   
       9 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands have an angular cross-section. 
   
   
       10 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the strands are impregnated or coated with a conformable material. 
   
   
       11 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the woven strands are made of natural materials. 
   
   
       12 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the woven strands are made of synthetic materials. 
   
   
       13 . The seal of  claim 1  in which the woven strands comprise a polytetrafluoroethylene laminate. 
   
   
       14 . The seal in  claim 1  in which the strands are impregnated with an elastomer. 
   
   
       15 . The seal in  claim 1  in which the strands are coated with an elastomer. 
   
   
       16 . The seal in  claim 4  in which the woven strands are impregnated with an elastomer. 
   
   
       17 . A seal for use in a wellbore, comprising:
 a first tubular;   a second tubular; and   a non-compressible tubular shaped body disposed between the first tubular and the second tubular, the body containing a fluid barrier disposed therein, wherein the fluid barrier comprises a plurality of pores that are sized to restrict passage of sand therethrough, but allow passage of fluid, wherein the fluid barrier is a laminated, woven fabric.