Abstract: An inflatable packer construction where the inflatable elastomer element is; (1) constructed from the same type of rubber compound from end-to-end and the rubber is cured differentially from end-to-end so that inflation is from one end to the other end; (2) is constructed of rubber having different characteristics from end-to-end so that the cured rubber will inflate from one end to the other end; (3) is constructed of rubber having a release agent between one end of the rubber and a mandrel so as to release one end of the rubber first from the mandrel upon inflation; (4) is constructed of rubber having different thicknesses from end-to-end so that one end inflates sooner than the other end; or (5) is constructed of rubber with a segment of the length of the element having a releasable confining element.

Abstract: An inflatable packer construction where the inflatable elastomer element is; (1) constructed from the same type of rubber compound from end-to-end the rubber is cured differentially from end-to-end so that inflation is from one end to the other end; (2) is constructed of rubber having different characteristics from end-to-end so that the cured rubber will inflate from one end to the other end; (3) is constructed of rubber having a release agent between one end of the rubber and a mandrel so as to release one end of the rubber first from the mandrel upon inflation; (4) is constructed of rubber having different thicknesses from end-to-end so that one end inflates sooner than the other end; or (5) is constructed of rubber with a segment of the length of the element having a releasably confining element.

Abstract: An inflatable packer including a tubular mandrel, a pair of collars secured to the mandrel, and an inflatable sleeve connected between the collars about the mandrel. The exterior surface of the mandrel underlying the sleeve is roughened to increase the coefficient of friction between the mandrel and the sleeve.

Abstract: An inflatable packer construction where the inflatable elastomer element is; (1) constructed from the same type of rubber compound from end-to-end and the rubber is cured differentially from end-to-end so that inflation is from one end to the other end; (2) is constructed of rubber having different characteristics from end-to-end so that the cured rubber will inflate from one end to the other end; (3) is constructed of rubber having a release agent between one end of the rubber and a mandrel so as to release one end of the rubber first from the mandrel upon inflation; (4) is constructed of rubber having different thicknesses from end-to-end so that one end inflates sooner than the other end; or (5) is constructed of rubber with a segment of the length of the element having a releasable confining element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing an inflatable packer including a mandrel and a sleeve for insertion into a fluid filled well bore. The method includes pressure testing the sleeve and its connection with the mandrel with a gas without introducing any incompressible fluid between the area of contact between the sleeve and mandrel. The method also includes the filling any pressure vulnerable areas in the packer not in the area of contact of the sleeve and mandrel with an incompressible fluid.

Abstract: A string of pipe is provided with intermittent coatings of grit-like materials bonded to the pipe to provide a rough surface for adhesion of cement in a cementing operation. Between the intermittent coatings are intermittent bare portions of pipe thereby to permit the use of a cement bonding tool. The spacings of the coatings is functionally related to the transmitter/receiver spacing for a cement bonding tool.

Abstract: An inflatable packer with a supporting mandrel having intermittent coatings of grit-like materials bonded to the mandrel to provide a frictional contact surface for an inflatable rubber sleeve with intermittent bare portions thereby to permit use of a cement bond logging tool, the spacings of the coatings being functionally related to the transmitter/receiver spacing of a cement bond logging tool.

Abstract: In a completion of an oil well where the well bore traverses the earth formations, a multiple series of inflatable packer elements are employed with each packer element having a defined sequential dependency of inflation to inflate the lowermost packe first then to inflate the packers in a sequence from the lowermost packer upwardly.

Abstract: A method for determining true fracture pressure of earth formations disposed below a liner or casing cemented in place comprising the location of an elastomer sealing element cemented in place against the borehole wall at the bottom of the liner or casing and just above the casing shoe so as to prevent annular migration of liquids in the seal interface with the earth formations and to permit true fracture pressure of the formations to be determined.

Abstract: In a completion of an oil well where the well bore traverses the earth formations, a multiple series of inflatable packer elements are employed with each packer element having a defined sequential dependency of inflation to inflate the lowermost packer first then to inflate the packers in a sequence from the lowermost packer upwardly.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels is disclosed. The valve system uses one valve to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable packer which includes a tubular mandrel with an inflatable sleeve position about and connected to the mandrel by a pair of axially spaced apart collars. The ends of the sleeve are reinforced by reinforcing sheaths which include a plurality of axially extending overlapping expansible ribs which are contained in spaced apart cavities formed adjacent the ends of the sleeve. Ports are provided for allowing well bore fluid to communicate with the cavities to equalize the pressure around and between the ribs so that well bore pressure does not prevent the ribs from expanding.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels is disclosed. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid form the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. In two embodiments, inflation of the packer beyond a given pressure is prevented. In all embodiments, the differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. The differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer, the exposure including the use of a check valve to permit flow from the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels is disclosed. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. In two embodiments, inflation of the packer beyond a given pressure is prevented. In all embodiments, the differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. The differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer, the exposure including the use of a check valve to permit flow from the exterior of the mandrel.