Anchor for tool, method for managing a borehole, and system

Abstract

A downhole tool including a body having a function relevant to a selected environment, an electroactive polymer (EAP) anchor disposed with the body and configured to expand, upon application of an electric signal to the EAP, into loaded contact with a tubular member in which the downhole tool is to be set during use. A method for managing a borehole including running a tool to a selected depth in the borehole, applying an electric signal to the EAP, and anchoring the tool with the EAP. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, a tool disposed within or as a part of the string.

1 . A downhole tool comprising:
 a body having a function relevant to a selected environment;   an electroactive polymer (EAP) anchor disposed with the body and configured to expand, upon application of an electric signal to the EAP, into loaded contact with a tubular member in which the downhole tool is to be set during use, the EAP being otherwise unrelated to the function of the body of the tool.   
     
     
         2 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the EAP is constituted in a toroidal form. 
     
     
         3 . The tool as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the EAP includes a surface texture at an outside diameter of the annular form. 
     
     
         4 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tool further includes a controller configured to apply the electric signal to the EAP upon occurrence of a trigger. 
     
     
         5 . The tool as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the trigger is one or more of temperature, pressure, depth, and environmental chemical makeup. 
     
     
         6 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tool is a fracture tool. 
     
     
         7 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tool is a chemical injection tool. 
     
     
         8 . A method for managing a borehole comprising:
 running a tool as claimed in  claim 1  to a selected depth in the borehole;   applying an electric signal to the EAP; and   anchoring the tool with the EAP.   
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the applying is automatic in response to a sensed condition. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the anchoring is expanding the EAP into contact with a structure radially outwardly located of the tool. 
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising creating a seal with the EAP. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the applying is voltage. 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the applying is current. 
     
     
         14 . A borehole system comprising:
 a borehole in a subsurface formation;   a string in the borehole;   a tool as claimed in  claim 1  disposed within or as a part of the string.