Elastomeric packing element

摘要

An annular elastomeric packing element 10 for use with e.g. a packer or bridge plug in an oil or gas well, is radially expandable when subjected to an axial setting load. The element is at least partly contained by a fabric sleeve 16 that may be in the form of a woven fabric sock. The sleeve is retained at each axial end 17 of the annular element 10 by respective locking means 18. The fabric sleeve may be woven from an aramid fibre. The radially outer surface 14 seals itself against the inner surface of a casing 12 by filling the annular gap 13 defined between a central tube 11 and the casing 12. The packer element of figure 3a is in a relaxed and unset state (see figure 3b for a set state).