| CPC E21B 33/1285 (2013.01) | 14 Claims |
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1. An inflatable packer comprising:
a mandrel having a tubular body;
a sealing element having an inflatable bladder disposed about an exterior of the mandrel tubular body;
an actuation mechanism configured to inflate the bladder upon actuation;
a first ratchet; and
a second ratchet
wherein: the bladder is secured to the mandrel, both a top and a bottom of the bladder is configured to dynamically translate axially toward the other of the top and the bottom of the bladder upon actuation of the packer, axial translation of the bladder is configured to result in radial expansion of the bladder during inflation from approximately 180-400%, the mandrel comprises a cavity in its exterior surface, the bladder comprises a thin-walled skin disposed over the cavity, the thin-walled skin comprises metal, the second ratchet is disposed opposite the first ratchet with the cavity therebetween, each of the first and second ratchet is configured for axial movement towards the cavity, while preventing axial movement away from the cavity, and secures one of the top or bottom of the bladder to the mandrel so as to provide axial translation thereof.
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