Gravel inflated isolation packer

摘要

The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for use in wellbores that comprise an inflatable element. The inflatable element is adapted for inflation by gravel. One embodiment of the invention is a method of sealing an annulus in a well that comprises expanding the inflatable element with a gravel laden slurry. The inflatable element comprises a passageway communicating between an exterior and an interior of the inflatable element. The inflatable element is capable of being connected to a sand screen and the inflatable element can be inflated with the gravel laden slurry during a gravel packing of the well.