Actuated packer arrangement having a degradable layer for a seal

Abstract

A packer arrangement for forming a seal between an inner tubular string and an outer tubular string in a borehole includes: an outer tubular string member defining an axial flowbore and having an associated packer setting mechanism; a packer device disposed at least partially within the outer tubular string member to form a seal against an inner tubular string, the packer device including a degradable layer for temporarily and at least partially protecting the packer device; an inner tubular string member to be disposed within the flowbore of the outer tubular string member; and an actuator carried on the inner tubular string member, the actuator being operable to actuate the packer setting mechanism to set the packer device against the inner tubular string.

1 . A packer arrangement for forming a seal between an inner tubular string and an outer tubular string in a borehole, the packer arrangement comprising:
 an outer tubular string member defining an axial flowbore and having an associated packer setting mechanism;   a packer device disposed at least partially within the outer tubular string member to form a seal against an inner tubular string, the packer device including a degradable layer for temporarily and at least partially protecting the packer device;   an inner tubular string member to be disposed within the flowbore of the outer tubular string member; and   an actuator carried on the inner tubular string member, the actuator being operable to actuate the packer setting mechanism to set the packer device against the inner tubular string.   
     
     
         2 . The packer arrangement of  claim 1  wherein:
 the packer setting mechanism comprises: 
 a setting member having a generally cylindrical body defining an axial bore, the axial bore of the setting member having a ramped surface to contact the packer device and an engagement profile; and 
 the actuator comprises a collet to engage the engagement profile of the setting member to actuate the packer setting mechanism by urging the ramped surface of the setting member axially against the packer device. 
 
     
     
         3 . The packer arrangement of  claim 2  wherein the setting member is further axially moveable within the outer tubular string member between a first position, wherein the packer device is not set, and a second position, wherein the packer device is set. 
     
     
         4 . The packer arrangement of  claim 3  further comprising a body lock ring assembly to provide for one-way movement of the setting member with respect to the outer tubular string member. 
     
     
         5 . The packer arrangement of  claim 1  wherein:
 the packer setting mechanism comprises: 
 an energy source operable to set the packer device against the inner tubular string member; 
 a transceiver to receive a triggering signal and, in response to said signal, activating the energy source to set the packer device; and 
 the actuator comprises a signal transmitter to provide a triggering signal to the transceiver. 
 
     
     
         6 . The packer arrangement of  claim 5  wherein the signal transmitter further comprises a radio frequency identification device. 
     
     
         7 . The packer arrangement of  claim 5  wherein the packer setting mechanism further comprises:
 a setting member moveably disposed with respect to the outer tubular member and having an end portion to contact the packer device; and 
 wherein the collar is moved axially with respect to the outer tubular member by the energy source. 
 
     
     
         8 . The packer arrangement of  claim 7  wherein the packer setting mechanism further comprises a split ring that resides within a recess and which is radially removed from the recess upon receipt of the triggering signal by the transceiver. 
     
     
         9 . The packer device of  claim 5  wherein the energy source comprises a fluid chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The packer device of  claim 5  wherein the energy source comprises a mechanical spring. 
     
     
         11 . The packer device of  claim 1  wherein the degradable layer is disposed within the outer string member. 
     
     
         12 . The packer device of  claim 1  wherein the degradable layer is removed before the packer device is set against the inner tubular string. 
     
     
         13 . The packer arrangement of  claim 7  wherein the setting member is initially retained against movement by a releasable lock. 
     
     
         14 . The packer arrangement of  claim 13  further comprising a trigger arrangement for selectively releasing the lock to permit the spring to move the setting member to actuate the sealing element to the set position. 
     
     
         15 . The packer arrangement of  claim 14  wherein the trigger arrangement comprises a transceiver that releases the lock upon receipt of a trigger signal. 
     
     
         16 . The packer arrangement of  claim 15  wherein the trigger arrangement further comprises a signal transmitter associated with the inner tubular string, the signal transmitter transmitting a trigger signal to the transceiver. 
     
     
         17 . The packer arrangement of  claim 16  wherein the signal transmitter comprises an RFID chip and the transceiver comprises an RFID reader.