Swellable Packer Slip Mechanism
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorJeff Lembcke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A packer having a swellable element is configured for axial expansion of the swellable element. The axial expansion causes the slip mechanism to deploy and engage a sidewall of a tubular or casing. The axial expansion may directly cause activation of the slip mechanism, or may trigger a triggering mechanism to activate a spring-loaded slip mechanism. The swellable element may be the same element used for sealing the packer to the sidewall, or may be a sleeve dedicated for deployment of the slip mechanism.
Claims21
A packer, comprising:
- a mandrel;
- an axially swellable element disposed on the mandrel;
- and
- a first slip mechanism disposed on the mandrel with the axially swellable element, the slip mechanism activated by axial swelling of the element.
A swellable element system for disposal on a mandrel, comprising:
- an elastomeric element, configured to swell axially when subjected to a predetermined activating agent;
- and
- a backup ring, moveably disposed with an end portion of the elastomeric element, configured to retain the end portion of the elastomeric element upon axial expansion of the elastomeric element.
A downhole tool setting method, comprising:
- deploying a packer having a swellable element downhole;
- activating the swellable element to swell axially on the packer;
- and
- activating a slip mechanism of the packer responsive to axial swelling of the swellable element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.