Abstract: A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel and an expandable packer element for sealingly engaging the well. A slip assembly is positioned on the mandrel and will anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assembly may include a slip ring that moves from an unset to a set position. A retaining ring is disposed about the slip ring and will hold the slip ring in the unset position until sufficient force is applied to break the retaining ring. The retaining ring may comprise a retaining band with a dampener to suppress the spring effect experienced by the retaining band when it breaks upon the application of force.

Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.

Abstract: A packer features spaced apart sealing elements with an extrusion barrier between them. When the packer is set the extrusion barrier is protected from debris in the well. The barrier provides full circumferential extrusion protection using one or more rings made of wedge shaped segments that have a keyway at their edges and are assembled in an alternating manner so as to be able to increase or decrease in diameter when mandrel components are moved toward or away from each other. The segments have an opening through which a mandrel projection extends so as to force the segments into the smaller diameter for removal. Travel stops for the segments in the form of machined flats are provided on the relatively movable mandrel components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tubular seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes, a first tubular positioned coaxially with a second tubular having an annular space therebetween, a frustoconical portion at the first tubular having a first end and a second end, such that a radial dimension of the annular space is larger at the first end than at the second end and a tubular seal positioned within the annular space. The seal apparatus further includes an urging member in operable communication with the tubular seal, the urging member is axially movable relative to the frustoconical portion such that movement of the urging member toward the second end of the frustoconical portion urges the tubular seal into sealing engagement with the frustoconical portion and causes diametrical deformation of the tubular seal to thereby sealingly engage with the second tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force.

Abstract: A running tool for landing and setting a retrievable downhole tool at any location in a well bore includes an inner rod, a running tool anchoring device mounted on the inner rod and controllably reconfigurable between a retracted configuration to permit movement of the tool through the well bore and a radially extended configuration for locking engagement of the running tool with the bore wall, a running tool actuating assembly for effecting reciprocal movement of the reconfiguring the running tool anchoring device to and from the retracted and expanded configurations without interacting with any restrictions or recesses within the well bore, and a resistance device for frictionally engaging the bore wall with sufficient gripping force so as to hold the position of the running tool relative to the well bore during movement of the running tool actuating assembly to and from the first and second configuration upon application of the axial force.

Abstract: A down hole flow control device used in a well bore includes a central mandrel and a packer ring disposed thereon. The packer ring is compressible along a longitudinal axis of the central mandrel to form a seal between the central mandrel and the well bore. Upper and lower slip rings are disposed on the central mandrel and include a plurality of slip segments joined together by fracture regions to form the slip rings. The fracture regions are configured to facilitate longitudinal fractures to break the slip rings into the plurality of slip segments that secure the down hole flow control device in the well bore. The upper and lower slip rings have different fracture regions from one another to induce sequential fracturing with respect to the upper and lower slip rings when an axial load is applied to both the upper slip ring and the lower slip ring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a completion device for a wellbore, that includes at least an elastomer circumferentially disposed around a tubular, the elastomer having a main sealing segment and at least one activation segment axially extending from the main sealing segment at opposing ends, wherein each activation segment has an exposed end; and an impermeable membrane circumferentially encasing the elastomer and configured to prevent an influx of wellbore fluids into the elastomer except at the exposed ends.

Abstract: A drillable bridge plug includes a mandrel having external splines disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed around the mandrel proximate an upper end of the sealing element, and a lower cone disposed around the mandrel proximate the lower end of the sealing element, wherein an inner surface of the lower cone comprises internal splines configured to engage the external splines. The drillable bridge plug also includes an upper and a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, and an upper and lower ring assembly each including a first segmented barrier ring, a second segmented barrier ring, and a back-up ring disposed proximate sealing element. A method of setting the drillable bridge plug and a method of removing the drillable bridge plug are disclosed.

Abstract: A formation engaging member for use in an open hole anchor (10) is described. The formation engaging member has at least one first open hole surface engaging element (20) for penetrating a surface of an open hole, and at least one second open hole surface engaging element (22) for fractionally interacting with a surface of the open hole to form an interference engagement. A method of anchoring to a formation surface of an open hole and an anchor are also described.

Abstract: A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel and an expandable packer element for sealingly engaging the well. A slip assembly is positioned on the mandrel and will anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assembly may include a slip ring that moves from an unset to a set position. A retaining ring is disposed about the slip ring and will hold the slip ring in the unset position until sufficient force is applied to break the retaining ring. The retaining ring may comprise a retaining band with a dampener to suppress the spring effect experienced by the retaining band when it breaks upon the application of force.

Abstract: Releasing slips for use with a downhole tool, a tool for deploying downhole in a well utilizing the releasing slips and a well in which a downhole tool is deployed utilizing the releasing slips of the invention is described herein. The tool has a plurality of slips for selective engagement with a wall of a wellbore. The slips include releasing slips and biting slips. The releasing slips have a low friction surface, e.g., a substantially smooth surface for engaging the wall of the wellbore. The smooth wall engaging face of the releasing slips facilitate easy release of the slips, thereby facilitating easy removal of the downhole tool. The slips may include a plurality of hardened members that protrude from the wall engaging face of the releasing slips to reduce wear on the face of the releasing slip.

Abstract: A packer for a well is described. The packer comprises a seal element and seal setting apparatus. The seal setting apparatus is moveable with respect to the seal element in a setting direction to apply a setting force to the seal element to move the seal element from a run-in configuration to a set configuration in which, in use, the seal element forms a contact seal with a conduit wall. In use, the packer is arranged such that, in the set configuration, a pressure differential across the packer, which creates a force in the setting direction, will increase the setting force applied by the seal setting apparatus to the seal element to maintain the seal.

Abstract: The invention features the use of a shape memory material in a downhole application to provide an energy source for at least in part setting the tool. In a specific application the springs that set slips for a liner hanger are made from the shape memory material and easily pre-compressed below the transition temperature when the material has low modulus of elasticity. The tool is run into position where a heat source such as well fluids or a heater can bring the springs above the transition temperature to store a force. The tool is then independently released to allow the stored force to set the tool.

Abstract: Packers and methods of using same are described. The packer includes a packer body, a slip to engage a casing of the well and a sealing element to seal an annulus of the well, a fluid bypass chamber adapted to allow fluid passage through the packer body during run in hole and in release position, and a re-settable mandrel slideably engaged with guide pins attached to the packer body and adapted to selectively open and close circulation paths upon actuation. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A swell packer includes a base tubular; a seal member encircling the base tubular, the seal member swelling radially to a seal equilibrium swell upon contact with a particular fluid; and a disc positioned about the base tubular substantially abutting an end of the seal member but not physically connected to the seal member in a manner that limits the equilibrium swell of the seal member, the disc swelling radially to a first equilibrium swell upon contact with a particular fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool capable of being set and released. A novel arrangement of a push sleeve in the spring body eliminates several shear pins while an internal J slot formed directly on the mandrel significantly reduces the size of the lower drag body and thus the length of the tool. An internal pathway between the inner mandrel and the mandrel body selectively provide increase flow through the packer tool to facilitate running in of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force.

Abstract: A device that relates to a downhole tool. The tool comprising, a tool body having first and second support portions, and at least one extendable assembly pivotally mounted between the first and second support portions. The extendable assembly is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration by relative movement of the support portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force.

Abstract: A seal and/or anchoring arrangement includes a first perimetrically closed wedge, a second perimetrically closed wedge, an actuator in operable communication with one of the first and second wedges, and a frustoconical surface at an inside dimension of the inside more located surface of the first and second wedges and method.

Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.

Abstract: An improved cone and integral slip assembly is described for use in the anchoring assembly of a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac plug, or cement retainer. The cone may include external fins that are integral to and run axially along the cone. The integral slip assembly includes at least one axial slot, which facilitates subsequent breaking up of the integral slip assembly into individual slip segments. Each slip segment may include a channel that is adapted to mate with an external fin of the cone. As the integral slip assembly traverses the cone, the channels of the slip segments ride on the fins encouraging the integral slip assembly to break apart along the slots into the slip segments. The spacing of the fins and corresponding channels in the slip segments are positioned such to ensure that the slip segments are advantageously positioned around the cone thus, locating the packing element of the plug in the center of the wellbore.

Abstract: The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. In one embodiment, both retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. In another embodiment, both of the two retainer rings include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed above the sealing element and a lower cone disposed below the sealing element, an upper slip assembly disposed above the upper cone and a lower slip assembly disposed below the sealing element, at least one lock ring configured to maintain energization of the sealing element when the downhole tool is set, and a secondary lock that couple the upper cone with the at least one lock ring. A method of increasing pack-off force of a downhole tool includes setting the downhole tool and energizing further the sealing element by applying a differential pressure to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.

Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.

Abstract: A downhole tool for isolating zones in a well, the tool including a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed around the mandrel proximate an upper end of the sealing element, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel adjacent a sloped surface of the upper cone, a lower cone disposed around the mandrel proximate a lower end of the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel adjacent a sloped surface of the lower cone, two element end rings, a first element end ring disposed adjacent the upper end of the sealing element and a second element end ring disposed adjacent the lower end of the sealing element, and two element barrier assemblies, each assembly disposed adjacent one of the two element end rings is disclosed.

Abstract: A packer assembly features one or more elements that preferably swell when in contact with well fluids and have a feature in them that responds to an applied load in a given direction by retaining such a boost force with a locking mechanism. A single element can have two such mechanisms that respond to applied forces from opposed directions. Friction force for adhering the element to the mandrel is enhanced with surface treatments between them that still allow the locking mechanisms to operate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a bridge plug for isolating portions of a downhole casing is provided comprising a retrievable upper mandrel assembly and a lower mandrel assembly coupled to the upper mandrel assembly, wherein the lower mandrel assembly comprises a drillable material.

Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and is secured in place upon the expansion mandrel by an annular retaining ring. The slip mandrel is secured to the retaining ring by screw connectors that pass through the slip mandrel and into retainer segments. The retaining ring is clamped between the slip mandrel and segments. Additionally, the packer device carries a fluid seal that is made up of a thermoplastic material with elastomeric energizing elements.

Abstract: An expandable downhole anchoring tool positionable within a wellbore for use in cooperation with drilling equipment comprises a body including a plurality of angled channels formed into a wall thereof, and a plurality of moveable slips disposed in the same radial plane around the body, wherein the plurality of moveable slips are hydraulically translatable along the plurality of angled channels between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A method of setting an expandable anchor within a wellbore comprises running the anchor into the wellbore in a collapsed position, and expanding the anchor into gripping engagement with the wellbore, wherein the anchor is adapted to expand up to at least 1.5 times a collapsed diameter of the anchor.

Abstract: A bridge plug having a segmented backup shoe, and at least one split cone extrusion limiter, the extrusion limiter comprising a two part conical retainer positioned between packer elements and the segmented backup shoe to block packer element extrusion though spaces between backup shoe segments. In one embodiment, two split cone extrusion limiters are used together and positioned so that each split cone extrusion limiter covers gaps in the other extrusion limiter and together the two split cone extrusion limiters block packer element extrusion though gaps between backup shoe segments regardless of their orientation relative to the segmented backup shoe. In one embodiment, a solid retaining ring is positioned between a split retaining cone extrusion limiter and a packer element and resists extrusion of packer elements into spaces in the split cone extrusion limiter or limiters.

Abstract: A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force.

Abstract: A bridge plug having a segmented backup shoe, and at least one split cone extrusion limiter, the extrusion limiter comprising a two part conical retainer positioned between packer elements and the segmented backup shoe to block packer element extrusion though spaces between backup shoe segments. In one embodiment, two split cone extrusion limiters are used together and positioned so that each split cone extrusion limiter covers gaps in the other extrusion limiter and together the two split cone extrusion limiters block packer element extrusion though gaps between backup shoe segments regardless of their orientation relative to the segmented backup shoe. In one embodiment, a solid retaining ring is positioned between a split retaining cone extrusion limiter and a packer element and resists extrusion of packer elements into spaces in the split cone extrusion limiter or limiters.

Abstract: A packer device includes a central packer mandrel and a radially surrounding expansion mandrel that can expand radially. At least one slip mandrel carrying wickers surrounds the expansion mandrel and a plurality of axial slots are disposed within the slip mandrel.

Abstract: A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention features the use of a shape memory material in a downhole application to provide an energy source for at least in part setting the tool. In a specific application the springs that set slips for a liner hanger are made from the shape memory material and easily pre-compressed below the transition temperature when the material has low modulus of elasticity. The tool is run into position where a heat source such as well fluids or a heater can bring the springs above the transition temperature to store a force. The tool is then independently released to allow the stored force to set the tool.

Abstract: A packing tool comprises a sealing element for mounting on a mandrel so as to define a volume between the sealing element and the mandrel; and a ring member for mounting on the mandrel adjacent the sealing element. The ring member is axially movable relative to the sealing element to cause deformation of the sealing element and includes a communicating bore extending between the volume defined between the sealing element and the mandrel and an exterior portion of the tool.

Abstract: A packer and actuator therefor configured for use in relatively high hydrostatic pressure environments. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes an actuator for setting the packer. The actuator includes multiple pistons circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hydraulic tools which may be used to set a liner top packer and/or may be used to resist the lifting forces of cementing pack-offs. One embodiment of a tool string for use in wellbore operations comprises a hydraulic anchor assembly adapted to prevent axial movement of the tool string and a hydraulic packer actuator assembly adapted to set a packer.

Abstract: A well bore tool with a torsional resistant slip mechanism for resisting axial and torsional forces comprising a mandrel, a plurality of slips disposed about the circumference of the mandrel. The slips include a plurality of inserts oriented to resist axial forces and torsional forces. The tool also comprises a setting means adjacent each to slip for radially expanding and setting said slips.

Abstract: A packer includes one dual, or double acting, slip and a single acting slip positioned on a mandrel on opposite sides of a packing element and a setting cylinder. The single acting slip is designed to resist forces acting on the mandrel in one direction. Setting forces generated by the setting cylinder are coupled to the mandrel through a releasing sleeve. When the releasing sleeve is decoupled from the mandrel, the slip setting forces on both slips and the packing element are released and the packer can be retrieved from a well. In a preferred form, the releasing sleeve may be decoupled from the mandrel by multiple means.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided which can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a first and second support ring having one or more tapered wedges, a first and second expansion ring, and a sealing member disposed between the expansion rings and the support rings.

Abstract: A slip for an expanding hanger or patch is disclosed. The slip is mounted over the hanger body and has an internal profile that nests within a mating profile on the exterior of the hanger. When a compressive force is applied to the hanger, it shrinks longitudinally and as a result the slip is cammed radially to the extent the inside diameter of the surrounding tubing permits. When the swage is advanced, the diameter of the hanger increases forcing the slip into preferably penetrating contact with the inside wall of the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: In order to prevent premature separation of the slip and slip spring and to simplify production of the slip casing, a self-centering spring engageable with a packer tool slip is modified according to the present invention. A groove located at a lower center of the slip below the pocket of the slip cooperates with the spring to retain the spring against the slip and is centered within the pocket without requiring partitions or further welding of lugs to retain the springs.