High temperature well packer

Abstract

A well packer is shown which is particularly suitable for use in high temperature well environments, such as in fire flooding and steam injection secondary recovery techniques. The well packer has a central mandrel which extends within an outer assembly, including a top body with an interior bore, which circumscribes the central mandrel. The central mandrel has an external flange region about a portion of the circumference, for contacting abutment members within the top body bore when the mandrel is rotated within the body, to transmit torque to the outer assembly. A seal element in the outer assembly moves radially outwardly between a retracted and extended configuration to sealingly engage the well bore. A slip-cone assembly carried in the outer assembly moves between retracted and extended positions to grip the well bore and anchor the tool. A sliding dog and cooperating setting nut mechanism transmit torque responsive to rotation of the central mandrel, to propel the cones beneath the gripping slips to anchor the assembly to the well bore with the seal in the extended configuration. A knock-down collet carried on the lower cone, cooperates with a release sub at the lower end of the central mandrel to facilitate release of the gripping slips during retrieval operations.