Inflatable packer with bladder shape control

摘要

An inflatable packer assembly used in well service work and having a mandrel that carries a normally retracted inflatable packer unit. The unit includes an inner elastomer bladder surrounded by a reinforcement. To control the shape of the unit during inflation and thereby prevent the formation of Z-folds in the bladder, its axial stiffness is preferentially increased relative to its circumferential or hoop stiffness by devices such as carbon fibers or fiberglass tape.