Open-hole packer for alternate path gravel packing, and method for completing an open-hole wellbore
US8789612B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Zonal isolation apparatus includes at least one packer assembly and can be used in completing an open-hole portion of a wellbore, which open-hole portion extends through at least two subsurface intervals. The zonal isolation apparatus includes base pipe and filter medium, which together form a sand screen. Each packer assembly comprises at least two mechanically set packer elements. Intermediate the at least two mechanically set packer elements is at least one swellable packer element. The swellable packer element is actuated over time in the presence of a fluid such as water, oil, or a chemical. Swelling may occur should one of the mechanically set packer elements fail. The zonal isolation apparatus also includes alternate flow channel(s) that serve to divert gravel pack slurry from an upper interval to lower intervals during gravel packing operations. A method for completing a wellbore using the zonal isolation apparatus is also provided herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.