Function and Key Components of Packer

Packer is a mechanical device with a packing element installed in a designed receptacle, used for blocking fluid (liquid or gas) communication through the annular space between conduits by sealing off the space between them”.

A Packer is usually set just above the producing zone to isolate the producing interval from the casing annulus or from producing zones elsewhere in the wellbore.

In cased hole completions, production casing is run along the entire length of the well and through the reservoir. The cased hole effectively acts as a control mechanism for safe production of desired hydrocarbons and as a barrier preventing the reintroduction of unwanted fluids, gases, and solids into the wellbore.

After the drill string has been removed, a continuous coupling of casings of different diameters is run into the well at varying depths and secured to the formation in a process known as Cementing. ‘Cement’ here refers to a mixture of cement and certain additives which is pumped into the well and fills the vacuum between the casing and surrounding formation.

After the wellbore has been completely insulated from the surrounding formation, the casing must be perforated to stimulate production from viable sections of the reservoir called ‘pay zones’. Perforation is performed using ‘Perforating guns’ which set off controlled explosions that blast holes through specific sections of the casing (and into the reservoir) for controlled production of hydrocarbons.

Parveen offers a complete line of production packers and accessories — from standard packers to specialized designs for the most hostile environments. Our packers are designed as per API 11 D1 Validation Grade V6-V0 and Quality Control Grade Q3-Q1.

Functions of Packer: 

• In addition to providing a seal between the tubing and casing, other functions of a packer are as follows:
• Prevent downhole movement of the tubing string, generating considerable axial tension or compression loads on the tubing string.
• Support some of the weight of the tubing where there is significant compressive load on the tubing string.
• Allows the optimum size of well flow conduit (the tubing string) to meet the designed production or injection flow rates.
• Protect the production casing (inner casing string) from corrosion from produced fluids and high pressures.
• Can provide a means of separating multiple producing zones.
• Hold well-servicing fluid (kill fluids, packer fluids) in the casing annulus.
• Facilitate artificial lift, such as continuous gas lifting through the A-annulus.

Packer’s Key Components: 

• Body or mandrel:

Mandrel is a main component of a packer that contains the end connections and provides a conduit through the packer. It is subjected to direct exposure to flowing fluid hence its material selection is a very vital decision. Primarily used materials are L80 Type 1, 9CR, 13CR, 9CR1Mo. For more corrosive and sour services Duplex, Super Duplex, Inconel are also used as per the requirement.

• Slips:

The slip is a wedge-shaped device with wickers (or teeth) on its face, which penetrate and grip the casing wall when the packer is set. There are different types of slips designs are available in packers like dovetail slips, rocker type slips bidirectional slips depending upon packer assembly requirements.

• Cone:

The cone is beveled to match the back of the slip and forms a ramp that drives the slip outward and into the casing wall when setting force is applied to the packer.

• Packing-element system

Packing element is the most important part of any packer and it provides the primary sealing purpose. Once the slips have anchored into the casing wall, additional applied setting force energizes the packing-element system and creates a seal between the packer body and the inside diameter of the casing. The primarily used element materials are NBR, HNBR or HSN, Viton, AFLAS, EPDM etc. Most popular element system are permanent single element system with expansion ring, three piece element system with spacer ring, ECNER element system, Spring loaded element system, Fold back ring element system.

• Lock ring:

Lock ring play a vital role in packer’s function. The purpose of a lock ring is to transmit axial loads and allow unidirectional motion of packer components. The lock ring is installed into the lock ring housing and both move together over the lock ring mandrel. All setting force generated due to tubing pressure is locked into packer by lock ring.

As one of the leading manufacturers of packers, Vigor is dedicated to setting industry standards for quality and reliability. Our engineers bring years of experience in both the application and field use of packers, providing us with invaluable insights into their critical role in successful drilling operations. We understand that a high-quality packer can significantly impact efficiency and safety, which is why we consistently invest in research and development. Our goal is to innovate and produce a series of packer solutions that are perfectly suited for real-world applications.

At Vigor, we prioritize our clients’ needs, ensuring our products not only meet but exceed expectations. If you’re interested in exploring our latest packer developments or other downhole drilling tools, we encourage you to reach out. Our expert team is ready to provide you with professional technical support and high-quality products tailored specifically to your requirements. Your success is our mission, and we are here to help you achieve it.

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