High expansion metallic seal

Abstract

A downhole seal includes a seal body; two or more pips extending in a direction from the seal body associated with an intended sealing surface, the two or more pips defining nonparallel facing surfaces when in a run in position.

1 . A downhole seal comprising:
 a seal body;   two or more pips extending in a direction from the seal body associated with an intended sealing surface, the two or more pips defining nonparallel facing surfaces when in a run in position.   
     
     
         2 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the nonparallel facing surfaces define a dimension therebetween that diminishes with increasing distance from the seal body. 
     
     
         3 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the two or more pips nonparallel facing surfaces each define acute angles with a surface of a tubular in which the seal is installed. 
     
     
         4 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the two or more pips each include a selected contact surface. 
     
     
         5 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the contact surface has an angle relative to an axis of the seal body. 
     
     
         6 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising an additional pip located between the two or more pips. 
     
     
         7 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the additional pip is of symmetrical geometry relative to an annular path along which it extends. 
     
     
         8 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a soft material disposed between the two or more pips. 
     
     
         9 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the soft material is a nonmetal material. 
     
     
         10 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the soft material is a metallic material. 
     
     
         11 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the soft material is configured in a single piece. 
     
     
         12 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the single piece is bonded directly to the seal body. 
     
     
         13 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the soft material is configured in a plurality of pieces. 
     
     
         14 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the plurality of pieces are bonded directly to the seal body. 
     
     
         15 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the soft material is one or more O-rings. 
     
     
         16 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the two or more pips are of lesser prominence than the additional pip. 
     
     
         17 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal further comprises a sleeve disposed about the seal body. 
     
     
         18 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the sleeve comprises tough soft material. 
     
     
         19 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the sleeve facilitates sealing at a contact surface of each pip. 
     
     
         20 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal body further includes a concave span surface between the two or more pips.