SEALING ANNULAR GAPS IN A WELL

摘要

A well tool for sealing against a wall of well includes an elongate mandrel. A seal assembly encircles the mandrel and can change between an unset state and an axially compressed set state. The seal assembly includes an annular elastomer seal element configured to radially deform into contact with the wall of the well in the set state. An annular anti-extrusion ring is included to compress the seal element and form a containing space with a garter spring embedded in the seal element. The garter spring is embedded in the seal element adjacent the axial end of the seal element and configured to span the gap between the anti-extrusion ring and the wall of the well in the set state. The containing space can prevent the seal element from excessive deformation.

主权项

1. A well tool for sealing against a wall of a well, comprising:
an elongate mandrel; a seal assembly encircling the mandrel, the seal assembly changeable while on the well tool between an unset state and an axially compressed, set state, the seal assembly comprising: an annular, elastomer seal element encircling the mandrel and configured to radially deform into contact with the wall of the well when the seal assembly is changed to the set state; an annular anti-extrusion ring encircling the mandrel and comprising a first annular wall toward an axial end of the seal element and a second, opposing annular wall, the first and second walls configured to stand radially outward toward, but leaving a gap with, the wall of the well when the seal assembly is changed to the set state; and a garter spring embedded in the seal element adjacent the axial end of the seal element and configured to span the gap between the anti-extrusion ring and the wall of the well when the seal assembly is changed to the set state.