Packer

Abstract

Method and apparatus for delivering fluid at a high pressure to a predetermined location in a downhole environment. A tool including a chamber is located in a wellbore with the chamber being at a first chamber pressure and first chamber volume. Fluid is introduced to the chamber through a first fill mechanism to increase pressure in the chamber and close the chamber at a second chamber pressure and a second chamber volume. Pumping fluid through the tool at a pressure greater than the second chamber pressure activates a pressure intensifier in a second fill mechanism and fluid at a multiplied pressure is added to the chamber. The chamber then contains fluid at an increased third chamber pressure and third chamber volume. An embodiment of a packer being set using the apparatus and method is described.

1 . A method of delivering fluid at an increased pressure to a chamber located in a wellbore, the method comprising the steps:
 (a) locating a tool including a chamber in a wellbore, the chamber being at a first chamber pressure and first chamber volume;   (b) opening the chamber and introducing fluid at a first operating pressure to the chamber;   (c) closing the chamber, the chamber then being at a second chamber pressure and a second chamber volume;   (d) activating a pressure intensifier; and   (e) opening the chamber and introducing fluid from the pressure intensifier into the chamber, the chamber then being at a third chamber pressure and a third chamber volume.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of closing the chamber is achieved via a valve. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the valve is a sliding sleeve valve. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the valve is a check valve. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the third chamber pressure is greater than the second chamber pressure which is greater than the first chamber pressure. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the third chamber volume is greater than the second chamber volume which is greater than the first chamber volume. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the second and third chamber volumes are the same with both greater than the first chamber volume. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the first, second and third chamber volumes are constant. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the first operating pressure is casing pressure present in the wellbore. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the first operating pressure is a pump pressure delivering fluid from surface. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the method includes the step of closing the chamber when the third chamber pressure and third chamber volume is reached. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus for delivering fluid at an increased pressure to a chamber located in a wellbore, being a downhole arrangement comprising:
 a first fill mechanism including valve means to control fluid flow into the chamber;   a second fill mechanism including a pressure intensifier and an output, the output arranged to match an input of the chamber;   
       wherein the first fill mechanism is actuated by fluid flow at a first operating pressure through the downhole arrangement to allow fluid flow into the chamber and the second fill mechanism is actuated at a second operating pressure, wherein the second operating pressure is greater than the first operating pressure. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the downhole arrangement comprises a tubular body providing a throughbore; the tubular body has an outer surface and an inner surface and the chamber is formed between the outer surface of the tubular body and a morphable sleeve arranged around the tubular body; and fastening means is present at longitudinal ends of the chamber to hold the morphable sleeve to the tubular body. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the valve means comprises at least one fluid passageway through the tubular body and a sliding seal arrangement at an outer surface, the sliding seal having a sealing surface to provide a seal on the outer surface and prevent fluid flow from the throughbore to the chamber and wherein the sliding seal arrangement is operated by the fluid flow via a first fluid passageway through the tubular body. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the sealing surface is co-linear with a central, longitudinal axis of the tubular body. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the first fluid passageway is a conduit through the body between a first port at the inner surface of the tubular body and a second port at the outer surface of the tubular body. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein there is a second fluid passageway through the body between a third port at the outer surface of the tubular body and a fourth port at the outer surface of the tubular body, the third and fourth ports being spaced apart longitudinally on the outer surface of the body. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein a housing is located on the outer surface wherein the second port exits into the housing and the sealing surface is arranged in the housing. 
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the sliding seal is arranged in the housing in a first configuration wherein fluid can flow from the second port to the third port to fill the chamber and a second configuration wherein the sealing surface seals a port to prevent fluid flow to the chamber. 
     
     
         20 . Apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the second fill mechanism is formed from the tubular body and the pressure intensifier comprises:
 an elongate mandrel defining the throughbore bore into which fluid is delivered, the mandrel being co-axially located within an elongate hollow outer cylindrical body; 
 at least one annular piston extending inwardly from the cylindrical body across the annular bore to the mandrel and shaped such that a discreet fluid receiving void is created between an active surface of the piston and the elongate mandrel; 
 at least one input port to enable fluid communication between the inner bore and the fluid receiving void; 
 at least one stop located on an outer surface of the mandrel to limit travel of each piston; 
 trapped fluid located in an enclosure of the annular bore between an opposing surface of a first piston and a first stop; 
 wherein at least one delivery port exits the enclosure to deliver the trapped fluid at a greater pressure than the pressure of fluid delivered through the inner bore.