Importance

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Abstract

A casing inflation packer for use in a casing string in a well bore. The apparatus includes a housing connected in the casing string. An inflatable packer portion on the housing sealingly engages the well bore when inflated. An inflation passageway is defined between a housing central opening and the packer. A rupture disc is initially disposed between the central opening and the inflation passageway for preventing communication therebetween. The rupture disc ruptures in response to a first predetermined pressure, thereby placing the central opening in communication with the packer through the inflation passageway. A slidable control valve is disposed in the inflation passageway and is initially shearably held in an open position. Upon application of a second predetermined pressure across the valve, the valve is moved to a closed position, thus preventing overinflation of the packer and also preventing deflation thereof. A check valve allows fluid to enter the packer and acts as a backup preventing fluid from leaving the packer in the event of failure of the control valve. Another check valve provides pressure equalization between the packer and the well annulus as the apparatus is lowered into the well bore. The packer has an elastomeric packer element and metal reinforcing, such as a metal packer bladder, disposed inside the packer element.

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First Claim