An apparatus for sealing perforations, holes, cracks or the like in a tube
or pipe and particularly in an oil well casing. The apparatus including a
delivery tool for delivery of a coiled patch composed of spring-like
material to the location of a damaged portion within a pipe. The patch
consisting of a flat sheet of spring-like material where the length and
width of the patch are comparatively large with respect to the thickness
of the patch. The delivery tool comprising a hydraulicly activated plunger
assembly and barrel. Prior to use, the patch is wound into the form of a
coiled cylinder by means of a rolling tool and is loaded into the barrel
of the delivery tool. To deploy the patch, hydraulic pressure is applied
to the plunger assembly causing the plunger to move downwardly within the
barrel and push the patch out of the barrel. Upon deployment, the patch
unwinds within the pipe or tube and seals the damaged area against the
infiltration or exfiltration of fluids or gasses.
