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 for isolating zones in a well includes 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, and two element end rings. The two element end rings include 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. The downhole tool includes two element barrier assemblies; each assembly disposed adjacent one of the two element end rings.

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 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 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 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 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 plug that can include a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug can further include a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges can be at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones can be disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: A packer that is usable with a well includes an anchor. The anchor includes at least one spirally extending ring, which is adapted to be selectively radially expanded to secure the packer to a casing string.

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 backup system including, a tubular positionable within a downhole structure such that an annular space exists between the tubular and the downhole structure, and a plurality of wedges that are radially movably positioned within the annular space, each of two opposing ends of the plurality of wedges are configured to completely cover the annular space at all possible radial positions of the plurality of wedges.

Abstract: A downhole tool and a running tool are described, each being retrievably settable within a suitably sized cased well bore without the need for any interaction between the downhole tool or the running tool and any restrictions or recesses in the well bore to land, anchor or retrieve either tool. The downhole tool has a mandrel, an anchoring means mounted on the mandrel and controllably reconfigurable from a retracted configuration to permit movement of the downhole tool through the well bore to a radially expanded configuration for releasably engaging the cased well bore. The downhole tool anchoring means is reconfigured using a ratchet that resists movement of the tool anchoring means from the expanded configuration back to the retracted configuration until a release mechanism is released to allow retraction of the downhole tool anchoring means and retrieval of the downhole tool from the well bore.

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: 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 crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus for use in a tubular member. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes an expandable sleeve and an expandable a toroidal/ring-shaped seal. The seal seats within a circumferential saddle or groove formed in the sleeve. An exemplary seal has an enlarged diameter portion and presents a radially outward sealing surface. During expansion, the enlarged diameter portion is compressed against the tubular member but, at least initially, the remainder of the sealing surface is not compressed. Thus, the pressure associated with the compression is focused on the limited contact area between the seal and the tubular. Continued expansion can increase the contact pressure and/or the amount of contact area. In one arrangement, the seal is configured to provide a gas tight seal.

Abstract: A downhole well tool comprises a seal ring secured along the outer surface of the downhole tool. The downhole tool expands the seal ring radially outward into sealing engagement with an outer tubular member in the well. The seal ring has an annular reinforcing element having an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface, and at least one hole disposed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. At least one sealing material, either preformed or molded in place with the reinforcing element, is disposed along the outer wall surface, through each of the holes, and along at least a portion of the inner wall surface.

Abstract: A wellbore pressure isolation apparatus is deployed in a wellbore and has a sealing element that can be activated to seal against an interior surface of a surrounding tubular. Once set, a ball valve in the apparatus restricts upward fluid communication through the apparatus, and another ball valve in the apparatus can restrict downward fluid communication through the apparatus. These ball valve can have disintegratable balls intended to disintegrate in wellbore conditions after different periods of time. To facilitate deployment of the apparatus in a horizontal section of the well bore, the apparatus has a plurality of rollers positioned on a distal end. In addition, the apparatus has a ring disposed about the body between the distal body portion and an adjacent body portion. The ring has an outside diameter at least greater than that of the adjacent body portion to facilitate pumping of the apparatus in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the insertion of a tool into a wellbore, especially a non-vertical wellbore. In one embodiment a tool is fixable in a wellbore and includes centralizing, friction-reducing members that serve to keep the body of the tool off the walls of the wellbore. In another embodiment the tool includes a wiper ring that partially fills an annular area formed between the centered tool and the wellbore walls. The surface of the ring facing the upper end of the wellbore provides fluid resisting piston surface and permits the centered tool to be pumped down the wellbore more effectively.

Abstract: A well tool having an enhanced performance packing element assembly. A well tool includes a packing element assembly for sealingly engaging a surface, the assembly including a packing element having at least one circumferential variation. Another well tool includes a packing element assembly including a packing element and a backup ring, the packing element being configured to bias the backup ring into contact with a surface opposite a circumferential portion of the backup ring, while another circumferential portion does not contact the surface. A method of setting a well tool includes providing a packing element assembly with multiple packing elements, and setting the well tool by squeezing fluid from between the packing elements via a gap, and then closing off the gap.

Abstract: A downhole plug is provided. In one or more embodiments, the plug includes a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug further includes a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges are at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones are disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for an intermittent lift plunger system includes a retrievable downhole anchor which may be set and reset in one downhole trip, a retrievable packing device, and a plunger stop.

Abstract: A packer, and operation of the same, which forms elastomeric seals and non-elastomeric seals. The packer may be constructed from a non-elastomeric tubular core having a frustoconical shaped inner diameter. The outer diameter of the core may be substantially smooth and carry one or more elastomeric sealing elements. The packer is set by causing the diametrical expansion of the tubular core. The construction of the tubular core is preferably such that its diametrical expansion causes the formation of radial raised portions (upsets) on the outer surface. These raised portions form the non-elastomeric seals and also prevent extrusion of the elastomeric sealing elements.

Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.

Abstract: A packer, and operation of the same, which forms elastomeric seals and non-elastomeric seals. The packer may be constructed from a non-elastomeric tubular core having a frustoconical shaped inner diameter. The outer diameter of the core may be substantially smooth and carry one or more elastomeric sealing elements. The packer is set by causing the diametrical expansion of the tubular core. The construction of the tubular core is preferably such that its diametrical expansion causes the formation of radial raised portions (upsets) on the outer surface. These raised portions form the non-elastomeric seals and also prevent extrusion of the elastomeric sealing elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to affix a tool downhole in a cased wellbore, one embodiment comprising a tubular body with a slot along its length. A portion of the slot is V-shaped to accommodate a wedge with a corresponding V-shape. The outside of the tubular body has integral teeth. To set the apparatus, the wedge is driven into the V-shaped slot. This movement widens the slot and expands the diameter of the tubular body until it intersects with the casing. The teeth on the outside of the body bite into the casing wall to affix the tool to the casing.

Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing a tubular. In one aspect, the apparatus is sealing apparatus for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a sealing apparatus having a body and a sealing system disposed about the body. The sealing apparatus further includes one or more extrusion rings disposed at each end of the sealing system. The sealing apparatus may also have a first cone to support the one or more extrusion rings and a second cone expandable over the first cone. A slip member is disposed adjacent the second cone at each end of the sealing system. Upon actuation, the sealing apparatus expands the sealing system and causes the slip member to fold outward and engage the tubular. The sealing apparatus is functionally expandable to at least 25% diametrically to seal the tubular.

Abstract: A packer, and operation of the same, which forms elastomeric seals and non-elastomeric seals. The packer may be constructed from a non-elastomeric tubular core having a frustoconical shaped inner diameter. The outer diameter of the core may be substantially smooth and carry one or more elastomeric sealing elements. The packer is set by causing the diametrical expansion of the tubular core. The construction of the tubular core is preferably such that its diametrical expansion causes the formation of radial raised portions (upsets) on the outer surface. These raised portions form the non-elastomeric seals and also prevent extrusion of the elastomeric sealing elements.

Abstract: A composite bridge plug system for containing a well bore with reduced drill up time. The composite bridge plug system includes an elongate mandrel, a head member attached to a lower portion of the mandrel, an upper collar positioned about an upper portion of the mandrel, and a plurality of gripping members positioned about the mandrel. The gripping members are expandable outwardly when the mandrel is pulled upwardly with an engaging tube preventing the upward movement of the upper collar thereby compressing the gripping members. The upper portion of the mandrel includes a shear portion that is breakable by pulling upwardly upon the mandrel. An engaging portion surrounds the shear portion adjacent to the upper collar that is engageable with a lower slot within a head member of a higher bridge plug thereby preventing rotation of the higher bridge plug during drilling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus is an anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. The sealing system comprises of a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each cone, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The components of the sealing system are arranged such that, when compressed, the sealing member may expand radially into contact with a casing. In another aspect, the apparatus the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate body having a coupling end adapted for mating engagement with a tubular good. The coupling end includes a structural member, a flexible cylindrical cage and a pressure member. Longitudinal strips joined at their opposed ends form the cage coaxial with and connected to the structural member of the body. The coaxial pressure member is disposed in an annulus between the structural member and the cage. The pressure member is adapted to cause radial displacement of the cage, thereby exerting a gripping force to maintain the mating engagement between the tubular good and the coupling end enabling a transfer of force between the body and the tubular good.

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: An improved downhole tool apparatus for limiting the extrusion of a packer element. The apparatus includes a packer mandrel having a packer element assembly disposed in a wellbore. Packer retaining shoes are disposed about the packer mandrel at the ends of the packer element assembly. The packer retaining shoes have an inner retainer and an outer retainer. The inner retainer has a plurality of segments having gaps therebetween that expand in width when the retaining shoe is moved from an initial position in which it is disposed about the packer mandrel to an expanded position wherein it engages the wellbore to limit the extrusion of the packer element assembly. The outer retainer is likewise made up of a plurality of segments having gaps therebetween that will expand. The inner retainer segments cover the gaps that exist between the outer retainer segments and the outer retainer segments cover the gaps that exist between the inner retainer segments so that extrusion is limited.

Abstract: A retrievable packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement between a tubing string and a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The retrievable packer (50) comprises a collet member (64) that is slidably disposed about a packer mandrel (52). The collet member (64) has a first operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a support ring (76) to positively position the support ring (76) at least partially between a first slip wedge (90) and the packer mandrel (52) to set a seal assembly (96, 98, 100). In addition, the collet member (64) has a second operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a slip assembly (80) to set the slip assembly (80).

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer, in a drilled bore between inner tubing and outer tubing comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension. The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing.

Abstract: A retrievable packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement between a tubing string and a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The retrievable packer (50) comprises a collet member (64) that is slidably disposed about a packer mandrel (52). The collet member (64) has a first operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a support ring (76) to positively position the support ring (76) at least partially between a first slip wedge (90) and the packer mandrel (52) to set a seal assembly (96, 98, 100). In addition, the collet member (64) has a second operating position wherein the collet member (64) applies an axial force on a slip assembly (80) to set the slip assembly (80).

Abstract: A system and method for sensing and monitoring the status/performance of components of a downhole tool to enable any problems to be corrected.

Abstract: A wellbore packer and slip combination for production tubing and the like comprises a plurality of slip elements that are caged together around the periphery of a cylindrical mandrel. An axially displaced actuator simultaneously engages all of the elements to ramp one end of all elements against a casing wall. After the one end of the slip and packer unit is set, further displacement of the actuator expands the other end of the elements against the casing wall. The packer and slip assembly may be retracted and recovered by a simultaneous lift and rotation of the tool string.

Abstract: A bridge plug for use in a wellbore to isolate an upper portion of the wellbore from a lower portion. The bridge plug is run into the wellbore on wireline or run-in tubular and then set in the wellbore at a predetermined depth. In one aspect of the invention, the bridge plug includes a cylindrical body having a longitudinal bore therethrough which is sealed to the passage of fluid. A first and second lock ring assemblies are installed on the outer surface of the body and are designed to move in a single direction with respect to the body. A bidirectional slip member which provides resistance to axial forces in two directions and a sealing member is located on the exterior of the body. A sealing member is disposed between the first and second lock ring assemblies and is actuated by movement of the first ring towards the second ring.

Abstract: A wellbore packer and slip combination for production tubing and the like comprises a plurality of slip elements that are caged together around the periphery of a cylindrical mandrel. An axially displaced actuator simultaneously engages all of the elements to ramp one end of all elements against a casing wall. After the one end of the slip and packer unit is set, further displacement of the actuator expands the other end of the elements against the casing wall. The packer and slip assembly may be retracted and recovered by a simultaneous lift and rotation of the tool string.

Abstract: A wellbore packer and slip combination for production tubing and the like comprises a plurality of slip elements that are caged together around the periphery of a cylindrical mandrel. An axially displaced actuator simultaneously engages all of the elements to ramp one end of all elements against a casing wall. After the one end of the slip and packer unit is set, further displacement of the actuator expands the other end of the elements against the casing wall. The packer and slip assembly may be retracted and recovered by a simultaneous lift and rotation of the tool string.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure retrievable packer adapted for service under extreme operating conditions when the packer apparatus is held in the wellbore with a mechanical slip and a barrel slip. The barrel slip has a barrel slip body with a plurality of openings defined in the outer surface of the body. Cylindrical inserts are received in the openings. The cylindrical inserts define upward facing and downward facing gripping edges that will engage casing when the barrel slip body is radially expanded. The inserts are preferably tungsten carbide inserts. A sufficient number of inserts are included along the length and around the circumference of the barrel slip so that the barrel slip can get a good grip in the casing wall. Separate metals may be used for the barrel slip body and the inserts so that a higher yield strength alloy steel may be utilized than is possible with other barrel slip arrangements.

Abstract: A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing in a wellbore is disclosed. The packer apparatus includes a seal assembly disposed about a packer mandrel. Upper and lower seal wedges are disposed about the packer mandrel above and below the seal assembly and may be inserted between the seal assembly and the packer mandrel to radially expand the seal assembly into engagement with the casing. The seal assembly includes an expandable elastomeric seal element having anti-extrusion bridge elements disposed in recesses at the upper and lower ends thereof. The anti-extrusion elements form an almost complete circle and thus are arcuately shaped having first and second ends with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A low pressure, high temperature composite bridge plug. The bridge plug comprises a mandrel with a plurality of slips disposed therearound. A wedge is initially attached to said mandrel and in planar contact with the slips for forcing the slips radially outwardly into gripping engagement with a wellbore. An elastomeric sealing element is disposed on the mandrel and compressed between the wedge and a shoulder on the mandrel to expand the packing element radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore. A plurality of ratchets retained in a ratchet body grippingly engage the mandrel to prevent the plug from unsetting. The mandrel, slips, wedge and ratchet body are preferably made of non-metallic, composite materials for easy drilling.

Abstract: A high-load slip system allows better transmission of loads from the slips to the body. The cone comprises longitudinal slots and the body comprises tabs which are disposed in those slots. The load is transferred from the slips to the cone and into the tabs which reside in the slots. The arrangement can be configured to share the load between the tabs extending from the body and the actual body itself after a small amount of collapse on the cone, leaving the body to support the cone, both through the tabs and on the outside diameter.

Abstract: A bridge plug (1) for use in a casing (7), for example in oil and/or gas wells, comprising a packing element (2) of a resilient material is disclosed. The packing element (2) is adapted for at impact from a running tool to expand from a first diameter, to a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the casing that is to be sealed. The packing element (2) is divided in zones forming at least one expandable sealing packing element (34, 35) and at least one expandable support packing element (31, 32, 33), where the support packing elements (31, 32, 33) are expandable to a smaller diameter than the sealing packing elements (34, 35). The bridge plug (1) is further comprised of an anchoring means (3) that is provided for holding the bridge plug (1) in its place in the casing by a friction surface (28) that is pressed radially against the casing (7).

Abstract: A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing in a wellbore is disclosed. The packer apparatus includes a seal assembly disposed about a packer mandrel. Upper and lower seal wedges are disposed about the packer mandrel above and below the seal assembly and may be inserted between the seal assembly and the packer mandrel to radially expand the seal assembly into engagement with the casing. The seal assembly includes an expandable elastomeric seal element having anti-extrusion bridge elements disposed in recesses at the upper and lower ends thereof. The anti-extrusion elements form an almost complete circle and thus are arcuately shaped having first and second ends with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A packer for use in subterranean wellbores provides efficient utilization of its cross-sectional area with mechanisms therein for anchoring, sealing, and torquing through the packer. In a preferred embodiment, a retrievable packer has a tubular mandrel, rubbers disposed on the mandrel, upper and lower compression members axially straddling the rubbers, a barrel-type casing slip, upper and lower wedges axially straddling the casing slip, a release mechanism, and a series of threaded load-distributing components which help to prevent collapse of the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety packer assembly for use in a cement-lined pipe. The assembly provides for the use of a packer body which carries one or more resilient collars that expand in response to a compression force created by rotation of an upper part of the packer body. A safety valve is provided in the upper part of the packer body to prevent escape of the downhole pressure. A safety centralizer is detachably secured to a lower part of the packer body, the centralizer being provided with a plurality of arcuate resilient members which extend along the length of the centralizer body and frictionally contact the wall of the cement-lined pipe to maintain the packer body in its predetermined position within the pipe and resist rotation of a lower part of the packer body when the upper part is rotated.