DOWNHOLE ISOLATION METHODS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

摘要

The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems. 2301086vl 20220 207a 204 207b 201 208 203 6a 208 F g. 2A 206b 208 202 207a 204 210 207h 208 206a 208 Fig. 2B 206b 208 202 207S 204 207b 208 212 206a) 210 212 206 206b 21 208 F-ig.2C