Downhole tool with remotely actuated drag blocks and methods

摘要

Apparatus useful for remotely actuating the drag blocks of a downhole tool includes at least one remotely actuated sleeve configured to allow the drag blocks to move from one position to another when the downhole tool is disposed in a well bore.

主权项

1. A packer assembly for use in an oil and gas well having a well bore, the packer assembly comprising:
a tubular mandrel having an upper end and a lower end, said upper end being disposed up-hole of said lower end in the well bore when the packer assembly is disposed therein; a central bore extending at least through said mandrel from the upper end to the lower end thereof; a plurality of drag blocks associated with said mandrel, each said drag block being mounted in a corresponding drag block housing, each said drag block being configured to be movable radially outwardly relative to said mandrel from a retracted position to an extended position, each said drag block in said retracted position being disposed proximate to said associated drag block housing and spaced away from the well bore wall when the packer assembly is disposed therein, and each said drag block in said extended position being disposed radially outwardly of said associated drag block housing and engageable with the well bore wall when the packer assembly is disposed therein, said drag blocks being held in said retracted position when the packer assembly is inserted into the well bore; at least one selectively-actuated retention sleeve disposed between said mandrel and said drag blocks; and a plurality of retainers, at least one said retainer connecting each said drag block in said retracted position to said retention sleeve and configured to disconnect from said associated drag block and/or said retention sleeve and allow said associated drag block to move from said retracted position to said extended position upon actuation of said retention sleeve when the packer assembly is positioned at a desired location in the well bore, wherein said retention sleeve is configured to be movable axially between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said retention sleeve in said engaged position being engaged with said plurality of retainers and said drag blocks when said drag blocks are in said retracted position, said retention sleeve in said disengaged position being disconnected from said drag blocks, said retention sleeve being configured to disengage each said retainer from said connected drag block and/or said retention sleeve when said retention sleeve is moved from said engaged position to said disengaged position.