LARGE BORE PACKER AND METHODS OF SETTING SAME

摘要

Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little ap preciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing elemen t may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular mem ber. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of th e casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.