Patent ID: 6102117
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing disposed in a wellbore, the packer apparatus comprising:a packer mandrel adapted to be connected in the tubing string;an expandable seal assembly disposed about an outer surface of said packer mandrel, said packer apparatus having a running position and a set position, wherein said seal assembly and said casing have an annular gap therebetween when said packer is in said running position and wherein said seal assembly sealingly engages said casing when said packer is in said set position;an upper seal wedge disposed about said packer mandrel, said upper seal wedge being positioned above said seal assembly when said seal assembly is in said running position; anda lower seal wedge disposed about said packer mandrel, said lower seal wedge being positioned below said seal assembly when said packer apparatus is in said running position, wherein said upper and lower seal wedges slide between at least a portion of said seal assembly and said packer mandrel outer surface to radially expand said seal assembly outwardly into sealing engagement with said casing when said packer apparatus is moved from said running to said set position.