초록 ▼

An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well provides a sophisticated bladder, either alone or in combination with a sophisticated cover, which results in a uniform expansion profile and exceptionally low angles of expansion propagation during inflation of the bladder to set the devic

An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well provides a sophisticated bladder, either alone or in combination with a sophisticated cover, which results in a uniform expansion profile and exceptionally low angles of expansion propagation during inflation of the bladder to set the device, whereby well fluids between the wall of the well bore and the exterior of the cover of the device are swept away from the area of subsequent sealing of the cover. The propensity for rib kinking and rib cutting, pinching, folding, cracking and tearing of the bladder during inflation are eliminated. Correspondingly, reduced stresses and strains in cover segments combined with near ideal inflation profiles result in enhanced expansion propagation of the inflation element and improved service performance and reliability of the downhole device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well bore having a wall, said device being inflatable by pressured fluid communicated to the device from a source of fluid to seal the device against said well bore wall upo

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well bore having a wall, said device being inflatable by pressured fluid communicated to the device from a source of fluid to seal the device against said well bore wall upon inflation, said device comprising:(a) a housing;(b) an elastomeric cover disposed exterior of the housing for sealing against the wall of the well bore; and(c) an inflatable bladder positioned interiorally of said cover, said bladder being configured so that the cover extends from a point of contact during effective inflation at a departure angle of no more than about 20.degree. at expansion ratios up to about 3:1.