Patent ID: 8579038

Claim:
A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing element adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from above the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from above the apparatus; and a second sealing element adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from below the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from below the apparatus; and arranged, in use, above the first sealing element; wherein said first and second sealing elements have a partially set configuration and a fully set configuration, wherein said first and second sealing elements each comprise a first portion and a second portion; wherein in said partially set configuration the first portion of at least one of said first and second sealing elements is adapted to form initial engagement to seal said annulus through application of a setting force to said sealing element, and wherein in said partially set configuration the second portion of said sealing element does not seal said annulus, and wherein in said fully set configuration fluid pressure from above or below the apparatus presses on an internal surface of said sealing element and causes hydraulic expansion of said sealing element to thereby seal said annulus with said second portion of said sealing element.