Inflatable Packers Expandable Technology

Introduction to Saltel Industries Inflatable Packer Expandable Technology

Expanding solid tubulars for oil field applications is now an established solution for many well construction and production activities. A new technology has been developed using a Saltel Industries High Pressure Inflatable Packer for expanding short lengths of tubular. After extensive development and field trials this is now a practical and effective solution for a variety of applications, including casing repair, shutting-off total losses while drilling and remedial intervention to isolate unwanted perforations. The ability to expand steel in-situ to mould against the inside of the borehole or casing opens up a wide range of other possible applications.

The key to Saltel Industries expandable technology is the quality of our inflatable packers. These are built to expand repeatedly in an oilfield environment by over 50% at pressures up to 700bar/10,000 psi (the rating may vary depending on size and model).

Applications of Inflatable Packer Expandable Technology

Inflatable packer expandable technology can be used at different stages in the lifecycle of a well,

• During drilling, for shutting-off total losses zones while drilling, or sealing the top of a scab liner into open-hole (See “Borehole integrity”)
• During completion, for sealing the annulus between completion and open hole for zonal isolation (as a replacement for external casing packers or swellable packers).
  Run as part of the completion an elastomer coated expandable pup joint in expanded to create a high pressure corrosion resistant barrier in the annulus in as many intervals as required (see “Expandable Pup Joint”).

During Production, for:

• Perforation shut-off, to reduce water / gas production, or modify injection profiles using “Expandable Patches”
• Setting in open-hole or in variable ID’s, for customized applications such as repairing leaking sliding sleeves, hanging off sandscreens, or Liner Hanger Repair.
• Repairing damaged or corroded casings or tubing, with a relatively thin but high pressure inner lining using “Expandable Patches”

Benefits, features and limitations of Saltel-industries inflatable packer expandable system:

• Steel expansion rations up to + 25%. The high expansion ration enables running the Patch’s with a high clearance, avoiding sticking problems while RIH
• A sleeve can set in variable diameters (such as inside sliding sleeves or nipples)
• Expands effectively even with ovalisation up to 20% in casing or open hole
• A high pressure rating with a large through diameter
• Any expandable will fit a wide range of different sizes
• A choice of stainless steel base material is available which includes 321 stainless steel.
• The Saltel-industries high pressure inflatable packers range from 3 to 8 ½ ins and can set a range of tubulars with diameters from 3.3ins / 84mm up to 10.75in / 273mm), into borehole or casing ID’s from 3.8ins / 96.5mm up to 12 ½ ins / 320mm.
• Outer skin machined in hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) to ensure a good seal, or manufactured using swellable elastomers for sealing in out of gauge or heavily ovalized hole.
• The sleeve will set effectively in any intermediate diameter within it’s range, even in corroded or out of gauge hole.