Abstract: A packer with an equalizing valve for automatically equalizing the pressure above and below the packer element. The packer comprises a housing having an equalizing valve disposed therein. A packer element is disposed about the housing for sealingly engaging the wellbore. An equalizing valve is disposed in the housing and seals the housing to prevent flow therethrough when the packer element is actuated to engage the wellbore. The valve is movable in the closed position wherein communication through the housing is prevented to an open position so that the portion of the wellbore above the packer element may be communicated with a portion of the wellbore below the packer element while the element is in the set position so that pressure above and below the element may be equalized. Once the pressure is equalized, the packer can be unset and retrieved from the wellbore.

Abstract: A packer with an equalizing valve for automatically equalizing the pressure above and below the packer element is disclosed. The packer comprises a housing having an equalizing valve disposed therein. A packer element is disposed about the housing for sealingly engaging the wellbore. An equalizing valve is disposed in the housing and seals the housing to prevent flow therethrough when the packer element is actuated to engage the wellbore. The valve is movable in the closed position wherein communication through the housing is prevented to an open position so that the portion of the wellbore above the packer element may be communicated with a portion of the wellbore below the packer element while the element is in the set position so that pressure above and below the element may be equalized. Once the pressure is equalized, the packer can be unset and retrieved from the wellbore.