Filler rings for swellable packers and method for using same
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey J. Lembcke, Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward
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Abstract
A swellable packer with an enhanced sealing ability comprises a tubular body, a swellable element, and a filler ring disposed about the tubular body between the tubular body and the swellable element. The filler ring is formed of a material harder than the swellable element. The filler ring enhances the sealing ability of the swellable packer. Any number of filler rings may be used. The filler ring or rings may be fixed to the tubular body or may be unfixed.
Claims17
A downhole tool, comprising:
- a tubular body;
- a swellable element, formed of a first swellable material, disposed about the tubular body;
- and
- a plurality of filler rings, formed of a second swellable material, different from the first swellable material, disposed about the tubular body between the tubular body and the swellable element, spaced along a length of the swellable element, wherein the filler ring are harder than the swellable element.
An apparatus for installation in a downhole tool having a swellable element disposed about a tubular body, comprising:
- a plurality of filler rings formed of a filler ring swellable material harder than the swellable element,
- wherein the filler rings are configured to be disposed between the swellable element and the tubular body, spaced along a length of the swellable element.
A method of assembling a swellable downhole tool, comprising:
- disposing a swellable element about a tubular body;
- and
- disposing a plurality of filler rings about the tubular body between the tubular body and the swellable element, spaced along a length of the swellable element, the filler rings formed of a swellable material harder than the swellable element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.