Why Do We Need To Run a Packer?

By no means are all wells completed with production packers. A packer is used only when there is a need for it. The principle reasons for running a packer could be arbitrarily grouped as:

• The production control.
• Production testing.
• The protection of equipment.
• Well repair and well stimulation.
• Safety

Examples are given in the following list.

Production Control

• prevention of annulus surge (heading) (check also Swap & Surge in Drilling)
• Well packers type gas anchor
• casing pump

In a gas lift well:

• Firstly, to keep casing pressure off the formation (intermittent or chamber lift)
• Secondly, to facilitate kick-off (and, incidentally, to prevent passing well liquids, which might be abrasive, through the gas lift valves)

In a dual, or multiple, completion well:

To segregate the producing layers for one of the following reasons:

• incompatibility of pressures of producing intervals
• separate production, and gathering of two crudes of distinctly different qualities
• control of an individual layer for high G.O.R., or for water cut

In a steam injection/steam soak well

• to maintain an empty annulus and thus prevent loss of heat from the tubing (and, incidentally, reduce the expansion of the casing)

Production Testing

• the production test of an exploration well, i.e. producing a discovery well, where the performance and the properties of the formation are as yet unknown
• testing a producing well to locate point of gas or water entry (where production logging services are not readily available)

Protection of Equipment

• Well packers used to keep undesirable high oil or gas pressure off the casing or the wellhead
• Protect the casing from the effects of corrosive fluids
• In an injection well, to keep high water or gas injection pressure off the casing or the wellhead.

Well Repair/Simulation & Packers

• Pressure testing the production casing
• Location of casing leak (Check also: Casing Repair)
• Isolation (temporary?) or a casing leak
• Cement squeezerepair of casing leak
• Temporary shut-off of undesirable gas or water entry (particularly on a low producing or depleted well)
• During hydraulic fracturing, to keep high “frac” pressure off the casing
• During acidizing, to ensure acid enters the formation
• To avoid formation damage by work-over fluid during well repair (the oil and gas production packer would probably be in the well already, for some other purpose)

Safety

• In a marine well, to protect against the effect of a collision or other surface hazards (Oil Rig Hazards).
• Production Packers are used also to reduce the risk of well head leaks on a high-pressure well
• Environmental protection of prolific or high-pressure wells in a housing area

Vigor stands at the forefront as a premier manufacturer of packers within the oil and gas sector, committed to advancing innovation to tackle the complexities of downhole environments. With a steadfast dedication to continuous product development, Vigor ensures that its offerings meet the highest industry standards.

Our technical team is ready to collaborate closely with partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to specific operational challenges. By choosing Vigor, you gain access to not only the most professional products but also unparalleled service quality. We invite you to reach out to us today to explore how Vigor can contribute to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of your operations.

For more information, you can write to our mailbox info@vigorpetroleum.com & marketing@vigordrilling.com