Patent ID: 8336615
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for setting a production string in a wellbore, the method comprising: running into a wellbore a plastic tubing string with an expandable packer installed thereon, the expandable packer including a mandrel assembly; a stabilizer on the mandrel assembly, for releasably engaging the wellbore; a piston to drive the stabilizer to engage the wellbore, the piston being driveable when a first fluid pressure is applied to the piston; a packing element in an annular recess having a floor and two facing walls, the annular recess being compressible into a compressed position and disposed about the mandrel assembly; a piston assembly for driving compression of the packing element annular recess, the piston assembly having a plurality of piston faces moveable together in the same direction and exposed for fluid contact in a pressure chamber; and a releasable lock to prevent movement of the piston assembly until a fluid pressure greater than the first fluid pressure is applied against the plurality of piston faces, the expandable packer being in fluid communication with surface through an inner diameter of the plastic tubing string; setting the stabilizer to engage the wellbore by applying the first fluid pressure, of less than 800 psi, through the plastic tubing to move the piston; after setting the stabilizer, applying a pressure of less than 800 psi and greater than the first fluid pressure through the plastic tubing and into the pressure chamber directly into contact with the plurality of piston faces to drive the piston assembly to drive compression of the packing element annular recess to pack off about the packer; and applying a pulling force to the mandrel assembly to release compression of the packing element annular recess.