Downhole apparatus with a swellable support structure

摘要

A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.

主权项

1. A support structure for a downhole apparatus, the downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, wherein the support structure comprises:
a coupling portion configured to couple the support structure to the apparatus; and a support portion that at least partially surrounds an end of the radially expanding portion and extends along a portion of the length of the radially expanding portion, resisting extrusion of the swellable elastomeric material.