Abstract: A packer assembly is provided suitable for multiple setting and unsetting operations in a well bore during a single trip to seal the annulus between the interior walls of the well bore and a tubing string. Thge packer is set by dropping a metal ball which plugs the passageway through the tubing string, such that tubing pressure may thereafter be increased to inflate the packer. A sleeve is axially movable within a control sub from a ball stop position to a ball release position, and has a cylindrical-shaped interior surface with a diameter only slightly greater than the ball. Collet fingers carried on the sleeve are radially movable from an inward position to an outward position to stop or release the ball as a function of the axial position of the sleeve.

Abstract: An inflatable packer for sealing across downhole conduits comprises a pair of rigid tubular packer heads coaxially interconnected by an inflatable tubular packer body. A bladder in the form of an elongate, flexible elastomeric sleeve includes a central section lining the packer body and having an outer diameter which, in a relaxed state of the bladder, is less than the deflated inner diameter of the packer body. The central section of the bladder is folded upon itself within the packer body in its deflated configuration. An inner reinforcing layer of the packer body is exposed in an annular area between the ends of the packer body.

Abstract: A downhole packer assembly includes a first packer tool with a flexible tubular packer body which is radially extendable by virtue of fluid pressure in a packer set chamber. A generally annular packer foundation, including an upper packer head, is connected to the upper end of the packer body. The tool defines a bypass flow system for permitting flow of fluid from the packer set chamber to a central longitudinal flowway of the assembly and from this central flowway to the exterior of the assembly. A control sub adjacent the packer foundation is movable with respect to the packer foundation between a first position, for opening the bypass system, and a second position, closing the bypass system. The control sub is preferably further operative, in its first position, to permit communication between the central flowway and the packer set chamber, and in its second position, to close the packer set chamber. A second packer tool is connected in tandem with the first tool.

Abstract: A dual packer apparatus comprises a tubular outer assembly including upper and lower packers interconnected and spaced apart by tubular spacers. Ports in the outer assembly provide for communication with a well zone between the two packers and a well zone below the lower packer. A tubular inner assembly may be separately assembled and inserted into the outer assembly as assembled. The apparatus may be alternately placed in a number of different operating positions downhole by manipulation of an operating string attached to the inner assembly. Various design features provide special protection for annular seals between the two assemblies. An improved sensor and method of installing the sensor in the inner assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An inflatable packer which can be easily constructed using tubular members such as a section of well casing, the packer having spaced, first and second annular heads which surround a central tubular member, the first head being slidable along the tubular member, a relief or attachment space being formed between the second head and the tubular member, a securing element being disposed in the relief for securing the second head to the tubular member and preventing relative longitudinal movement thereof, a centering member being disposed between the second head and the tubular member to maintain the second head and the tubular member in substantially coaxial relationship independent of the securing element, an inflatable, tubular element being attached to and extending between the first and second heads.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable packer comprising a tubular mandrel having a port extending radially therethrough. An elastomeric valve element is resiliently urged against the exterior of the mandrel to cover the port. A generally tubular packer body surrounds the mandrel and comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced apart heads, one of which is longitudinally slidable on the mandrel, and a tubular radially expandable packer element interposed between the heads. Fluid communication is provided between the radially outer side of the said port and a fluid reception chamber. The packer body is operatively associated with the chamber and responsive to fluid pressure therein to radially extend the packer element.

Abstract: A tool for running in and/or retrieving a bore protector, the tool comprising first and second assemblies longitudinally slidably connected to each other. Latches are mounted on the first assembly for lateral extension and retraction with respect thereto. The latches are also cooperatively connected to the second assembly for laterally inward movement of the latches upon longitudinal movement of the second assembly relative to the first assembly in a first direction, and for laterally outward movement of the latches upon longitudinal movement of the second assembly relative to the first assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction. Means are provided for selectively moving the second assembly in the first direction, and the latches are yieldably biased laterally outwardly. The invention further includes a bore protector adapted for use with the tool by the provision of the internal latch engagement formations. A method of protecting a bore with the bore protector and tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable packer including a tubular mandrel having generally radial ports therethrough and a sub slidably telescopically mounted on the mandrel. A first annular space, in communication with the ports, is formed between the mandrel and the sub. An inflatable packer element is carried by the sub, the mandrel extending through the packer element such that a second annular space is formed between the mandrel and the packer element. A valve mechanism is disposed in the first annular space and includes an annular seal means and a locking mechanism. The seal means is operative upon the presence of pressure differential decreasing thereacross toward the second space to permit fluid flow through the first annular space from the ports to the second annular space and inflate the packer element. The seal means is further operative upon the presence of pressure differential decreasing thereacross toward the ports to form a seal between the ports and the second annular space.

Abstract: A single trip method of testing and treating a down hole formation in which conventional drill stem testing can be carried out followed by acidizing or other treatment of the formation without the need to remove the drill stem test string, the method employing a well tool in the operating tool string which allows reverse circulation to clean out the tool string following the initial drill stem test, allows the introduction of acidizing fluid into the formation and permits a second reverse circulation following acidizing and subsequent testing, the well tool being operative without the necessity for rotation of the tool string.