Expandable steel packers enable rapid openhole segmentation and zonal isolation with monitoring and control
Provides reliable isolation between zones, preventing crossflow
Simplifies the completion process with on-demand expansion and immediate sealing, reducing nonproductive time
Suits a wide range of well conditions and fluids
Provides dependable isolation across the life of the well via permanent expansion of steel and ports that reenergize seals over time
The packer is made up to a casing string that is run into the open or cased hole. Once in position, pressure is applied by pumping from surface to expand the packer. The lower end of the casing can be sealed with a plug and then the full string above is pressurized. Alternatively, the expansion port can be isolated using a cup tool or polished bore receptacle with an inner string.
Pressure is transmitted through the expansion port to the packer’s integral sleeve. The sleeve expands into the annulus between the casing and borehole or outer casing string, conforming to the shape of the wellbore or casing and isolating the annulus below the packer from the annulus above. Expansion of the sleeve also centralizes the casing string.