High Performance Inflatable Packers : Presentation
1.Applications :
Saltel-Industries designs and manufactures a range of High Performance Inflatable Packers for the petroleum and water industry which can withstand very high inflation pressures, under high temperature in environment which can be hostile.
For the petroleum industry, the SIP-A3 and SIP-A3A are the new high performance inflatable packers designed and manufactured to meet a major oil service company requirement for WBM and OBM environments and temperature of up to 350°F (175°C).
Theses packers are only available for the partner service company.
Three diameters are available :
- 5in
- 6in75
- 7in75
For the water and geothermal industry, Saltel-Industries manufactures inflatable packers that can support temperatures up to 400°F (200°C).
Three diameters are available :
- 5in
- 6in75
- 7in75
2.Inflatable Packers Structure :
The Saltel-Industries inflatable packer structure is shown in Figure 2 above. This design, using a high performance elastomer matrix, gives the packer its high quality in harsh environments:
- High temperatures of up to 350°F-400°F
- OBM or WBM,
- Compatible with H²S and CO².
Special recipes allow the elastomer to be used over a broad temperature range (up to 350°F/175°C), with minimal degradation over long periods of time.
This high performance material enables the Packer to perform as never before.
The packer comprises the following (from the inside out) :
- 1.Sealing Layer:
The Sealing Layer makes the packer leak-proof. This layer is in contact with well fluids, which inflate the packer. This layer needs to maintain its sealing integrity for the entire job and for several inflation-deflation cycles. The expansion ratio can reach 200%. - 2.Anti-Extrusion Layer:
The exclusive design of this layer, made from a multi-fibre/multi-material composite, guarantees Sealing Layer integrity when it is under high pressure and temperatures. It prevents elastomer extrusion through the Mechanical Layer. - 3.Mechanical Layer:
This layers gives mechanical strength to the structure and resist axial loads created by both internal and differential pressure during the job. - 4.External Skin:
The exclusive design of the External Skin ensures the seal with the borehole. It must maintain its integrity after RIH and several pressure cycles to prevent the risk of crack propagation.
3.Stand-Offs :
It is essential to protect the packer during the running in hole and between different stations.
Stainless steel stand-offs protect the Packer External Skin from any borehole damage.
Stand-offs can be reused. It may, however, be necessary to replace them after several jobs, depending on borehole geometry and the well fluid environment.
