Abstract: A method of coupling a control line to a packer includes disposing the control line in a groove of a sealing element and a slot of a retainer; and rotating the retainer relative to the sealing element to retain the control line in the groove.

Abstract: A method of coupling a control line to a packer includes disposing the control line in a groove of a sealing element and a slot of a retainer; and rotating the retainer relative to the sealing element to retain the control line in the groove.

Abstract: A downhole tool or plug is used for sealing in tubing. A mandrel of the tool has a first shoulder disposed toward a downhole end of the mandrel. A sealing element for sealing in the tubing is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first shoulder, a slip is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the sealing element, and a cone is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the slip. In setting the tool, the cone moves toward the first shoulder, wedges the slip against the tubing, and compresses the sealing element between the slip and the first shoulder. Force applied against a seated plug in the mandrel transfers through the mandrel to the cone and slip without passing through the sealing element.

Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.

Abstract: A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements.

Abstract: A device and method allow a longer sealing element to be used on a packer or other downhole tool while providing an increase in the total amount of setting force that can be used and providing for more uniform or balanced setting of the sealing element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to radially expand one end of the sealing element with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to continue the radial expansion of the sealing element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism.

Abstract: A downhole tool or plug is used for sealing in tubing. A mandrel of the tool has a first shoulder disposed toward a downhole end of the mandrel. A sealing element for sealing in the tubing is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first shoulder, a slip is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the sealing element, and a cone is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the slip. In setting the tool, the cone moves toward the first shoulder, wedges the slip against the tubing, and compresses the sealing element between the slip and the first shoulder. Force applied against a seated plug in the mandrel transfers through the mandrel to the cone and slip without passing through the sealing element, which avoids detrimental effects.

Abstract: A method of deploying a tool in a wellbore includes installing a tool body at an upper end of a tubular string extending from a wellbore, the body having at least one control line groove formed on its outer surface with the at least one control line housed therein. The method also includes providing an assembly strung on the at least one control line. The assembly includes an element with at least one ring on each end thereof; at least one ring on each end of the element; a locking ring at an upper end of the assembly. The method further includes installing the assembly over the body to house the at least one control line between the body and the assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool accommodates a feed-through line running along a tubing string. The tool has a mandrel and a sleeve disposed on the mandrel. The feed-through line runs adjacent the mandrel and can be accommodated in a groove defined in an inner dimension of the sleeve. When deployed and compressed, the sleeve is compressible from an uncompressed state to a compressed state in which the sleeve expands radially outward to seal in casing or borehole. The sleeve defines a radial spiral slit along a length of the sleeve and wraps around the mandrel and the feed-through line. External spacing of the radial slit on an exterior of the sleeve can vary along the length of the sleeve, and a cross-sectional angle of the radial slit from an interior to an exterior of the sleeve can vary along the length of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a method of deploying a tool in a wellbore is disclosed and consists of installing a tool body at an upper end of a tubular string extending from a wellbore, the body having at least one control line groove formed on its outer surface for housing at least one control line, the at least one control line housed therein; providing an assembly, the assembly strung on the at least one control line and including a compressible element with at least one ring on each end thereof; at least one ring on each end of the element; a locking ring at an upper end of the assembly. The method further includes installing the assembly over the body whereby the at least one control line is housed between the body and the assembly.

Abstract: A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements.

Abstract: A device and method allow a longer sealing element to be used on a packer or other downhole tool while providing an increase in the total amount of setting force that can be used and providing for more uniform or balanced setting of the sealing element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to radially expand one end of the sealing element with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to continue the radial expansion of the sealing element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.