Inflation packer method and apparatus

An inflation packer apparatus for sealing a well bore comprising;

• a packer body comprising an inflatable packer bladder;
• a packer mandrel having a central flow passage defined therethrough disposed in said packer body;
• inflation passage means disposed in said inflation packer apparatus for communicating inflation fluid from said central flow passage to said inflatable packer bladder;
• and
• a chemical accelerating agent operably associated with said. inflation passage means, so that said accelerating agent is dispersed in said inflation fluid, thereby accelerating the hardening time of said inflation fluid.

A method for sealing between a tubing string and a well bore comprising:

• providing said tubing string, said tubing string including a packer assembly connected thereto, said packer assembly comprising;
• a substantially cylindrical packer mandrel having a central flow passage therethrough;
• a packer body disposed about said packer mandrel, said packer body comprising an inflatable packer bladder;
• and
• an annular inflation fluid passageway defined between said packer body and said packer mandrel;
• lowering said tubing string into said well bore;
• pumping a cementitious fluid into said central flow passage;
• directing said cementitious fluid into said annular inflation passageway until said inflatable packer element reaches a desired inflation pressure;
• and
• accelerating the hardening time of said cementitious fluid after the fluid has been pumped into the central flow passage.

An inflation packer apparatus comprising:

• an upper adapter, for connecting said packer apparatus to a tubing string;
• a substantially cylindrical outer packer body connected to said upper adapter, said outer packer body comprising an inflatable packer bladder;
• a substantially cylindrical packer mandrel having a central flow passage defined therethrough disposed in said packer body, said packer mandrel having a plurality of spiral grooves defined on an outer surface thereof;
• an annular inflation fluid passageway defined between said packer mandrel and said packer body;
• an inflation port defined in said packer mandrel communicating said central flow passage with said annular inflation fluid passageway, so that an inflation fluid is communicated from said central flow passage into said annular passageway, thereby inflating said inflatable packer bladder;
• and
• a chemical accelerating agent placed in said spiral grooves, so that said accelerating agent is dispersed in said inflation fluid as it passes through said annular inflation passageway, thereby accelerating the hardening time of said inflation fluid.