Abstract: A swellable packer which includes a generally tubular mandrel having a central axis and an exterior cylindrical surface. The swellable packer further includes a swellable elastomeric body fixed to the exterior cylindrical surface of the mandrel, wherein the swellable elastomeric body includes a plurality of grooves and wherein the generally tubular elastomeric sleeve has a circumference and a thickness.

Abstract: A swellable packer which includes a generally tubular mandrel having a central axis and an exterior cylindrical surface. The swellable packer further includes a swellable elastomeric body fixed to the exterior cylindrical surface of the mandrel, wherein the swellable elastomeric body includes a plurality of grooves and wherein the generally tubular elastomeric sleeve has a circumference and a thickness.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

Abstract: An improved inflatable packer 10 is provided having a pre-stretched bladder to minimize Z-folding. An expandable outer body 11 includes an inner elastomeric bladder layer 12, a reinforcement layer 14 which may include overlapping slats or cable, and an outer elastomer cover layer 16 which may cover only a portion of the reinforcement layer 14. The bladder 12 may expand non-uniformly due to the variations in the cross-section of the borehole 20, irregularities in construction of the bladder 12, and/or difference in resistance to expansion between the covered portion and the exposed portion of the reinforcement layer 14. An improved inflatable packer and method comprises pre-stretching the bladder 12 to keep the bladder in tension and minimize the occurrence of Z-folds.

Abstract: An improved inflatable packer 10 is provided having a pre-stretched bladder to minimize Z-folding. An expandable outer body 11 includes an inner elastomeric bladder layer 12, a reinforcement layer 14 which may include overlapping slats or cable, and an outer elastomer cover layer 16 which may cover only a portion of the reinforcement layer 14. The bladder 12 may expand non-uniformly due to the variations in the cross-section of the borehole 20, irregularities in construction of the bladder 12, and/or difference in resistance to expansion between the covered portion and the exposed portion of the reinforcement layer 14. An improved inflatable packer and method comprises pre-stretching the bladder 12 to keep the bladder in tension and minimize the occurrence of Z-folds.