摘要 |
<p>A downhole apparatus and support assembly therefor is described. The downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. In another aspect the support assembly is configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energise a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.</p> |