METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL FORCES ON A SETTABLE WELLBORE TOOL IN A FLOWING WELL

摘要

An apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore (123) for reducing the effects of pressure differential forces which act on settable wellbore tools (121) suspended therein. The apparatus operates to provide a bypass fluid flow path (145, 147) through the settable wellbore tool for directing wellbore fluid through the settable wellbore tool in response to pressure differentials developed across the settable wellbore tool during outward radial expansion of the tool. The apparatus further includes mechanisms (221, 223) for maintaining the bypass fluid flow path in an open condition during at least an expansion mode of operation to diminish the effects of pressure differential developed across the settable wellbore tool. The apparatus also includes mechanisms (193) for closing the bypass fluid flow path once a setting mode of operation is obtained.