Abstract: A swellable packer construction. A method of forming an annular barrier in a well includes the steps of: embedding a reinforcement material within a swellable seal material to form a seal assembly; and swelling the seal material by contacting the seal material with well fluid. A method of constructing a well packer includes the steps of: embedding a reinforcement material in a swellable seal material to form a seal assembly; and then installing the seal assembly on a base pipe. A swellable packer construction comprises a seal assembly including a swellable seal material having a reinforcement material embedded therein, the seal material being cylindrical shaped and disposed both external and internal relative to the reinforcement material, and the seal material being swellable in response to contact with well fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating and isolating perforations in a wellbore. A perforating and isolating apparatus includes at least one packer having a swellable seal material, and a perforating assembly attached to the packer. A method of perforating and isolating perforations in a subterranean wellbore includes the steps of: positioning an apparatus in the wellbore, the apparatus including at least one packer having a swellable seal material, and a perforating assembly attached to the packer; isolating at least one existing perforation by swelling the seal material; and forming at least one new perforation by actuating the perforating assembly.