Expandable packer with anchoring feature

• US 20050034876A1
• Filed: 03/31/2004
• Published: 02/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
• Original Assignee: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
• Inventors: Doane, James C., Harper, Jason M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,986,390 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 166/386
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/06 for setting packers
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1204 permanent; drillable
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1208 characterised by the construction of the sealing or packing means E21B33/1277 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1216 Anti-extrusion means, e.g. means to prevent cold flow of rubber packing
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/129 with mechanical slips for hooking into the casing E21B33/122, E21B33/124 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1293 with means for anchoring against downward and upward movement E21B33/1291, E21B33/1295 take precedence

Abstract

An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.

Claims

1-32. -32. (canceled)

33. A method of well completion, comprising:

running in a bit and expandable packer on tubing;

expanding the packer to close off an annular space around said tubing after drilling.

34. The method of claim 33, comprising:

dropping the bit;

producing through said tubing after expanding said expandable packer.

35. The method of claim 33, comprising:

drilling out a plug in the wellbore.

36. A method of well completion, comprising:

running an expandable packer into a wellbore;

pumping sealing material around the outside of said packer; and

expanding said packer.