Large bore packer

Abstract

A retrievable large bore packer for providing an annular seal and an anchor system in a well bore. Ports are provided behind the slips to prevent debris build-up and allow the slips to release. These ports, in a thin walled tubing, allow the collapse of the tubing behind the slips to aid removal of the packer if the sealing element does not release. The slip arrangement is mounted entirely above the sealing element to remove the requirement to seal between the slips and the inner bore of the packer. In this way the packer can have a large bore. Further flow paths are provided through the packer above the seal to prevent debris build-up above the sealing element.

1 . A retrievable downhole packer for use in tubing in a well bore, said packer comprising:
 mandrel means having a first inlet and a first outlet for connection in a workstring to thereby provide a first fluid flow path through the packer;   a sealing element on said mandrel means for releasably, sealingly engaging said tubing;   slip means on said mandrel means for releasably, grippingly engaging said tubing; and   wherein said mandrel means includes a plurality of ports and wherein at least one port is arranged at the slip means to provide a second fluid flow path from the slip means to the first fluid flow path at the slip means.   
   
   
       2 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the sealing element is arranged at a lower end of the packer. 
   
   
       3 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the slip means is located entirely above the sealing element. 
   
   
       4 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the packer further comprises an actuating mechanism which is adapted to provide a first position where the slip means and the sealing element are in a retracted position; a second position where the slip means and the sealing element are in an extended position; and a third position, wherein the slip means and the sealing element are returned to the retracted position, and wherein in the first position and third position there are provided a plurality of flow paths from the tubing to the first flow path through the packer. 
   
   
       5 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the packer further comprises an actuating mechanism which is adapted to provide a first position where the slip means and the sealing element are in a retracted position; a second position where the slip means and the sealing element are in an extended position; and a third position, wherein the slip means and the sealing element are returned to the retracted position and wherein in the second position there are provided a plurality of flow paths from the tubing to the first flow path through the packer. 
   
   
       6 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the packer further comprises an actuating mechanism which is adapted to provide a first position where the slip means and the sealing element are in a retracted position; a second position where the slip means and the sealing element are in an extended position; and a third position, independent of the first and second positions, wherein the slip means and the sealing element are returned to the retracted position. 
   
   
       7 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 4  wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged above the slip means and comprises a plurality of sleeves, wherein at least two sleeves are interconnected by a ratchet means. 
   
   
       8 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the sealing element comprises an elastomeric ring. 
   
   
       9 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 8  wherein the sealing element is arranged between two opposing surfaces which move relatively towards each other to compress the sealing element. 
   
   
       10 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 4  wherein the actuating mechanism is operated by a longitudinal force applied to the mechanism. 
   
   
       11 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the packer includes first attachment means for engagement with a setting tool, wherein the packer is set by longitudinal movement of a first lifting sleeve in the packer. 
   
   
       12 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 11  wherein, when set the actuation mechanism is in the second position. 
   
   
       13 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 11  wherein setting tool is combined with a running tool. 
   
   
       14 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the packer includes second attachment means for engagement with a retrieval tool, wherein the packer is adjusted to a retrieval position by longitudinal movement of a second lifting sleeve in the packer. 
   
   
       15 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 14  wherein, when in the retrieval position, the actuation mechanism is in the third position. 
   
   
       16 . A retrievable downhole packer according to  claim 1  wherein the slip means comprises oppositely arranged upper and lower wedge means with at least one slip located there between wherein at least one of the wedges is adapted to move under an end of the slip to force the slip to an extended position.