Open-hole packer

A downhole tool, comprising:

• a first sealing element;
• a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element;
• and
• a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween, wherein the back-up member comprises one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member,
• wherein the one or more anti-swab features comprise at least one hook at an axial end of the back-up member, wherein the at least one hook is received into a hole or groove defined in the first sealing element.

A downhole tool, comprising:

• a first sealing element;
• a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element;
• and
• a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween, wherein the back-up member comprises one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member;
• a mandrel around which the first sealing element, the second sealing element, and the back-up member are positioned;
• a first tapered member positioned around the mandrel and movable with respect to the mandrel, the first tapered member being positioned adjacent to the first sealing member, wherein the first tapered member comprises a shoulder proximal to an inner diameter thereof, and wherein the first sealing element comprises a shoulder proximal to a radial inside thereof, the shoulder of the first tapered member engaging the shoulder of the first sealing element, to delay an expansion of the first sealing element, wherein the mandrel defines a bore extending at least partially axially therethrough and a port extending radially therein;
• an outer housing disposed around the mandrel and at least partially spaced radially apart therefrom, such that an annulus is defined between the outer housing and the mandrel, wherein the annulus communicates with the bore via the port;
• a first piston disposed in the annulus;
• and
• a second piston disposed in the annulus and connected to the first tapered member, wherein, in a first configuration of the downhole tool, the first and second pistons are axially overlapping such that the first piston prevents axial displacement of the second piston with respect to the mandrel, and in a second configuration of the downhole tool, the first and second pistons are spaced axially apart.

A method for manufacturing a downhole tool, comprising:

• positioning a back-up member, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element at least partially around a mandrel, wherein the back-up member is disposed at least partially around the first and second sealing elements and axially therebetween, and wherein the back-up member comprises one or more protrusions that engage the first sealing element, the second sealing element, or both;
• and
• positioning a setting assembly around the mandrel, wherein the setting assembly is configured to radially expand the first and second sealing elements, and wherein at least a portion of the back-up member deflects outward when the sealing elements are radially expanded, wherein positioning the setting assembly comprises:
• coupling an outer housing to the mandrel, wherein a portion of the outer housing is spaced radially apart from the mandrel such that an annulus is defined between the outer housing and the mandrel;
• coupling a first piston to the mandrel, the first piston being disposed in the annulus;
• and
• positioning a second piston at least partially in the annulus, the first piston axially overlapping at least a portion of the second piston,
• wherein, in a first configuration of the downhole tool, the first piston prevents radial deflection of at least a portion of the second piston, and in a second configuration of the downhole tool, the first piston does not prevent radial deflection of the second piston.

A packer, comprising:

• a mandrel defining a bore at least partially axially therethrough;
• a first sealing element disposed around the mandrel;
• a second sealing element disposed around the mandrel and separated axially apart from the first sealing element;
• a back-up member disposed around the first and second sealing elements, the back-up member comprising at least one protrusion received into one or more grooves of the first sealing element, the second sealing element, or both, and a medial rib extending radially inwards between the first and second sealing elements;
• and
• a setting assembly disposed around the mandrel and configured to expand the first and second sealing elements.