Non-backed-up packing element system

A packing element system for sealing a well tool against an outer tubular member, the packing element system comprising:

• a mandrel having disposed thereon an upper supporting member and a lower supporting member, one of the supporting members being movable toward the other supporting member;
• a cantilever element and a ramp element disposed between the upper and lower supporting members, each of the cantilever element and the ramp element having cylindrical inner and outer diameters, a supporting member end that interfaces with one of the supporting members, and a conical end, the conical ends interfacing with each other and defining a conical angle relative to an axis of the mandrel;
• and
• the cantilever element and the ramp element each being formed of a deformable material so that axial movement of one of the supporting members toward a set position extrudes both the cantilever element and the ramp element into sealing contact with the outer tubular member.

A method of sealing a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) running a string having a packing element system attached thereto into a bore of a wellbore having a wellbore casing, the packing element system having a cantilever element and a ramp element disposed along a mandrel having an axis, wherein the cantilever element is disposed against the ramp element to provide an interface between the cantilever element and the ramp element, the interface forming an angle less than 90 degrees;
• (b) applying an axial load to force the cantilever element and the ramp element against each other, causing the ramp element to wedge under the cantilever element and force the cantilever element radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore casing;
• and
• (c) continuing to apply the axial load causing the ramp element to move radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore casing.