Tension set packing apparatus for subterranean wells

摘要

A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the wall conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.