US Patent 8083000 Swellable packer having a cable conduit

An apparatus and assembly create a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface of the body which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. The insert may partly or fully enclose or encapsulate the cable or line. a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body.