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US 8,997,854 B2Granted
Swellable packer anchors
AssigneeWeatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorJeffrey J. Lembcke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Anchor areas are provided that are engaged by swelling of a swellable element of a downhole tool. When engaged with an open hole or casing, the anchor areas provide additional holding power for the swellable element. The anchor areas may be formed as separate elements disposed about the swellable element or may be formed into the surface of the swellable element.
Claims14
A downhole apparatus, comprising:
- a mandrel;
- a swellable element comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on absorption of at least one predetermined fluid, secured to the mandrel;
- a pair of end rings, screwed to the mandrel, disposed at each end of the swellable element;
- a pair of flexible support assemblies, rigidly screwed to the mandrel, each disposed between one of the end rings and the corresponding end of the swellable element, defining an unfilled internal volume operable to receive a portion of the swellable element upon axial expansion of the swellable element, each comprising:
- a first anchor area, formed on a radially outer surface of a portion of the support assembly, operable to anchor the swellable element to a surrounding surface upon swelling of the swellable element, comprising:
- a plurality of wickers, formed of material selected to be harder than the surrounding surface.
3 more elements
A downhole apparatus, comprising:
- a mandrel;
- a swellable element, secured to the mandrel, comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on absorption of at least one predetermined fluid;
- and
- a pair of flexible support assemblies, rigidly screwed to the mandrel, each disposed about an end portion of the swellable element, defining an unfilled internal volume operable to receive a portion of the swellable element upon axial expansion of the swellable element, comprising:
- a flared portion, operable to be deployed from a retracted position, and configured to receive and expand about the end of the swellable element upon axial expansion of the swellable element;
- and
- a first anchor area, disposed with a surface of the flared portion, and operable to anchor the swellable element to a surrounding surface upon expansion of the swellable element,
- a pair of end rings screwed to the mandrel, wherein each support assembly is disposed longitudinally between the swellable element and one of the pair of end rings.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.