Packer providing multiple seals and having swellable element isolatable from the wellbore
US8087459B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/128
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A packer provides multiple seals when deployed downhole. Exposed to an activating agent, a swellable element on the packer's mandrel expands radially outward to form a seal with the borehole wall. Deformable elements, are disposed on the mandrel adjacent the swellable element. These deformable elements deform outward to the surrounding borehole wall to at least partially isolate the downhole annulus and the swellable element. Bias units releasable affixed on the tool adjacent the deformable elements can deform the elements. These bias units can be released either by swelling of the swellable element or by fluid pressure. Once released, the bias units are axially biased toward the deformable elements to deform them. In this way, the packer can form multiple seals with the borehole wall, and the deformable elements can isolate the swellable element from the downhole annulus, which can keep the swellable element from degrading or being overly extruded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.