High expansion metallic seal

Abstract

A downhole seal includes a seal body; a prominent pip having extending from the seal body; and one or more reduced prominence pips adjacent the prominent pip.

1 . A downhole seal comprising:
 a seal body;   a prominent pip extending from the seal body; and   one or more reduced prominence pips adjacent the prominent pip.   
     
     
         2 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more reduced prominence pips include an angled surface facing the prominent pip. 
     
     
         3 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal body includes two reduced prominence pips that define a distance between them that diminishes with increasing distance from the seal body. 
     
     
         4 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal body includes a concave span surface. 
     
     
         5 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the downhole seal further includes a sleeve disposed around the seal body. 
     
     
         6 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the sleeve comprises a material having toughness for durability. 
     
     
         7 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the sleeve comprises a material having softness for flowability. 
     
     
         8 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seal body includes a soft material filler disposed about the prominent pip. 
     
     
         9 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the filler is disposed between two reduced prominence pips. 
     
     
         10 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the filler is a single piece of filler. 
     
     
         11 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the single piece of filler is bonded directly to the seal body. 
     
     
         12 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the filler is multipiece. 
     
     
         13 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the multipiece filler is bonded directly to the seal body. 
     
     
         14 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the filler is trapped between the one or more reduced prominence pips and a tubular against which the seal is sealed when in use. 
     
     
         15 . A downhole seal as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the filler is anchored in place by the one or more reduced prominence pips.