Inflatable packer drill stem testing system
First Claim
1. In a drill stem testing apparatus having upper and lower inflatable packing elements adapted to be suspended in a well bore on a pipe string, the improvement comprising:
- first pump means operable in response to rotation of the pipe string for inflating said lower packing element into sealing engagement with the well bore wall to seal off the lower end of a well bore interval; and
second pump means operable in response to upward and downward movement of the pipe string for inflating said upper packing element into sealing engagement with the well bore wall to seal off the upper end of said well bore interval.
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Abstract
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a drill stem testing apparatus that utilizes upper and lower inflatable packer elements to isolate an interval of the borehole includes a unique pump system that is adapted to supply fluids under pressure to the respective elements in response to manipulation of the pipe string extending to the surface. The pump system includes a first pump assembly that is operated in response to rotation of the pipe string for inflating the lower packer element, and a functionally separate second pump assembly that is operated in response to vertical movement of the pipe string for inflating the upper packer element. The rotationally operated pump assembly is uniquely designed to limit the inflation pressure that is supplied to the lower packer, whereas the inflation pressure generated by the vertically operated pump can be monitored at the surface.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a drill stem testing apparatus having upper and lower inflatable packing elements adapted to be suspended in a well bore on a pipe string, the improvement comprising:
- first pump means operable in response to rotation of the pipe string for inflating said lower packing element into sealing engagement with the well bore wall to seal off the lower end of a well bore interval; and
second pump means operable in response to upward and downward movement of the pipe string for inflating said upper packing element into sealing engagement with the well bore wall to seal off the upper end of said well bore interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- first pump means operable in response to rotation of the pipe string for inflating said lower packing element into sealing engagement with the well bore wall to seal off the lower end of a well bore interval; and
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14. Apparatus for use in inflating an inflatable packing element adapted to expand into sealing engagement with a surrounding well bore wall, comprising:
- housing means adapted to be restrained against rotation in the well bore;
a mandrel adapted to be rotated relative to said housing;
annular piston and cylinder means in said housing, said piston means being arranged for reciprocating movement with respect to said cylinder means for supplying fluid under pressure to said packing element;
means for converting rotary movement of said mandrel to reciprocating movement of said piston means; and
yieldable means operable only after a predetermined inflation pressure has been developed for disabling said converting means for automatically stopping the supply of fluid to said packing element during continued rotation of said mandrel to limit the inflation pressure applied to said packing element. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- housing means adapted to be restrained against rotation in the well bore;
Specification