Swellable packer

摘要

A swellable packer enabling wellbore isolation in both open hole and cased hole wells. Longitudinal embodiments and radial embodiments have a plurality of channels that penetrate the elastomeric member and through which hydrocarbon and aqueous fluid flow. The plurality of channels enable extensive distribution of this activating fluid and facilitate maximum swelling of the elastomeric member.

主权项

1. A swellable packer for encompassing a cylindrical downhole member having an external surface and a longitudinal axis, said swellable packer comprising:
a swellable elastomeric member having an external surface and disposed axially of said cylindrical downhole member and frictionally bonded circumferentially thereto; said swellable elastomeric member selected to activate swelling thereof by continuously contacting a hydrocarbon fluid or an aqueous fluid from a wellbore and comprising a plurality of channels disposed circumferentially of said longitudinal axis of said cylindrical downhole member and immediately below said external surface of said swellable elastomeric member and therewithin for passage and containment of said hydrocarbon fluid or said aqueous fluid from said wellbore directly thereinto, for said continuously contacting said swellable elastomeric member with said hydrocarbon fluid or said aqueous fluid and thereby activating swelling thereof; said plurality of channels comprising a first plurality of channels disposed longitudinally from one end portion of said cylindrical downhole member to a middle portion thereof and disposed proximal to the external surface of said swellable elastomeric member, and a second plurality of channels disposed longitudinally from the other opposite end portion of said cylindrical downhole member to said middle portion thereof and disposed proximal to the external surface of said swellable elastomeric member, with said hydrocarbon fluid or said aqueous fluid entering each of said first plurality of channels and said second plurality of channels said directly from said wellbore; and each of said first plurality of channels being offset from said second plurality of channels so that there is no fluid communication therebetween.