Saltel Xpandable* expandable steel
External Casing Packer (ECP)
Saltel Xpandable expandable steel External Casing Packer (ECP) is a robust, expandable stainless-steel device. This packer sets at low pressure to achieve zonal isolation. Saltel ECP operates in any stage cementing operation. The ECP can also act as an additional barrier with fresh cement to prevent channeling in the annulus.
The Packer working principle
Firstly, the ECP sleeve expands between the casing and borehole by applying pressure in the casing. The pressure flows through an expansion port into the external casing packer’s integral stainless-steel sleeve.
As the sleeve expands, it conforms to the shape of the wellbore. A thin layer of bonded elastomer ensures sealing in irregular boreholes. The expandable sleeve also acts as a centralizer for the casing string.
Moreover, Saltel ECP comes as a one-piece mandrel with no hidden connections. Both ends are fixed and protect the expandable sleeve during the running-in-hole. The robust ECP construction allows rotation and works through doglegs and tight spots, and maintains the full casing characteristics.
The expansion port features a one-way valve system that traps fluid inside the expandable sleeve to increase the differential pressure rating.
The expansion port features a valve system that permanently closes the communication with the casing. The valve does not activate until it does not reach a specific pressure level.
In both versions of the external casing packer, the expansion port also serves as a safety feature. If the external casing packer expands in front of a severe washout, the valve closes, preventing fluid loss.
Designed for cased holes and open hole completions, Xpandable ECP operates mainly in cementing operations. Cement backup, primary cement improvement, single-stage, multistage, or off-bottom cementing. The Packer can also work in specific annular isolation applications.
First, the expandable steel ECP provides an effective steel barrier between the casing and borehole.
Then, the Packer prevents fluid or gas migration in the annulus. It eliminates cross-flow during the cementation and stops gas migration during the cement setting.
Irregular geometries
The external casing packer seals in any hole shape and condition, including oval, out of gauge, and irregular boreholes. (It does not include severe washouts).
The external casing packer maintains the casing rating by avoiding extra connections or casing internal diameter reduction.
Faster installation
Then, It saves rig time with fast installation, on-demand expansion, and immediate sealing.
On top of that, the external casing packer minimizes non-productive time with robust construction that withstands reciprocation and rotation to pass through doglegs and tight spots.
