Abstract: A method of making a controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises disposing a sealing element about at least a portion of the mandrel, applying a mask onto at least a portion an outer surface of the sealing element, wherein the sealing element comprises a swellable material, and wherein the mask comprises void spaces, and applying a jacket to the sealing element not covered by the mask. The jacket may be disposed such that it covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket. The mask may be removed from the sealing element after applying the jacket to the sealing element not covered by the mask.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alternative methods of joining a solid part (1) and a polymer (2). The methods comprise attaching a primer layer (4) with a predetermined surface chemistry, density and thickness covalently to at least a part of a surface (3) of the solid part (1). Some embodiments of the invention further comprise polymerizing second molecules onto the primer layer (4) so that the surface (3) is at least partly covered with surface immobilized polymer brushes (8). The surface (3) of the solid part (1) is brought into contact with the polymer (2) and a predetermined temperature profile is applied resulting in covalent bonds (6) being established between the polymer (2) and the primer (4), and/or polymer brushes (8) melting or softening and entangling with melted or softened polymer (2) so that the solid part (1) and the polymer (2) remain joined after cooling.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alternative methods of joining a solid part (1) and a polymer (2). The methods comprise attaching a primer layer (4) with a predetermined surface chemistry, density and thickness covalently to at least a part of a surface (3) of the solid part (1). Some embodiments of the invention further comprise polymerizing second molecules onto the primer layer (4) so that the surface (3) is at least partly covered with surface immobilized polymer brushes (8). The surface (3) of the solid part (1) is brought into contact with the polymer (2) and a predetermined temperature profile is applied resulting in covalent bonds (6) being established between the polymer (2) and the primer (4), and/or polymer brushes (8) melting or softening and entangling with melted or softened polymer (2) so that the solid part (1) and the polymer (2) remain joined after cooling.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel, a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket comprises a substantially impermeable material with respect to a swelling agent that is configured to cause the sealing element to swell.

Abstract: A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket.