Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a swellable packer and a process for manufacturing swellable packers that may be used for sealing off chambers within a well bore. Various embodiments of the present invention include a variety of in situ molding techniques, such as injection molding and compression molding. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention include centering end caps about a tube and securing the end caps to the tube. In these embodiments, the swellable packer can then be molded about the tube and the position of the end caps can be used to determine the position of the outer surface of the swellable polymer with respect to the tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a process for manufacturing swellable packers with reinforcing fabrics and associated products used for sealing off chambers within well bores. According to one embodiment, the swellable packer is formed around a pipe by embedding a sheet of the reinforcing fabric within layers of a swellable polymer wrapped around the pipe. A sheet of reinforcing fabric is situated near each end of the swellable packer. Thus, as exposure to oil or water will cause the swellable packer to expand, the reinforcing fabric will initially retard swelling at the ends to allow for greater initial swelling along the center portion. The reinforcing fabric also strengthens the polymer to resist tearing or breakage caused by the flow of oil or water. A pair of swellable packers according to embodiments of the present invention can be placed on a pipe and placed within a bore and exposed to oil or water to create a pressurized chamber.