Inflatable packer with prestressed bladder
US6752205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/127
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved inflatable packer 10 is provided having a pre-stretched bladder to minimize Z-folding. An expandable outer body 11 includes an inner elastomeric bladder layer 12, a reinforcement layer 14 which may include overlapping slats or cable, and an outer elastomer cover layer 16 which may cover only a portion of the reinforcement layer 14. The bladder 12 may expand non-uniformly due to the variations in the cross-section of the borehole 20, irregularities in construction of the bladder 12, and/or difference in resistance to expansion between the covered portion and the exposed portion of the reinforcement layer 14. An improved inflatable packer and method comprises pre-stretching the bladder 12 to keep the bladder in tension and minimize the occurrence of Z-folds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.