SEALING ELEMENT FOR INFLATABLE PACKER

摘要

The outer, sealing cover of an inflatable packer comprises an alternating series of thick and thin annular portions which act to effect greater sealing stresses and to inhibit the propagation of cracks or tears in the elastomeric cover. Bonding with only portions of the underlying slats as well as a tapered contour and spacing from an end fitting act to help to retain the cover in its proper position during running and retrieval as well as decreasing the likelihood of the development of cracks and/or tears.