Patent ID: 10767441

Abstract:
A storm plug packer apparatus and method for securely and reversibly packing a cased well, allowing removal of the drill string above the plug in circumstances such as evacuation ahead of a storm, and resumption of drilling operations afterward, and allows operations by other tools that need to be temporarily fixed to the inside of the casing. Transfer balls are arrayed radially about the circumference of an outer sleeve, recessed in mounting holes behind ball-retainer rings and deformable membranes, and accommodated by troughs in an inner sleeve in an unset state. In a set state, the inner sleeve moves downward in relation to the outer sleeve, and the crenated, ramped axial profile of the inner sleeve pushes the transfer balls outwards, against the deformable membranes and in turn against the inside of the well casing, fixing the storm plug packer and all tools below it in place.