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Packer selection/specification
Packer classification
Retrievable:
The packer is run as an integral part of the tubing. Except for the retrievable bridge plug, the tubing cannot be
pulled without pulling the packer. The packer is set mechanically, hydraulically or a combination of both. It is
released by manipulation of the tubing, either rotating or pulling (shearing lock pins). Generally used where the
well may have to be worked over regularly (i.e. electrical submersible pump applications), temporary
completions (i.e. production testing) or well intervention activities (i.e. stimulation or casing leak detection).
-pulling the packer out of the well may swab the well in;
-equalisation of pressure across the packer before pulling may be difficult (care should be exercised on shallow
set during unseating operations);
-straight pull release packers may prematurely shear and release due to tubing contraction;
Permanent:
The packer is set within the casing and the setting mechanism (tubing/wireline) can be released from the packer.
Except for the case of a permanent bridge plug the tubing can be run and resealed in the packer. The packer may
be set mechanically (by tubing), hydraulically or electrically (by wireline). As the name implies it cannot be
retrieved, but can be destructively removed (i.e. milling). generally used in high pressure differential
applications.
·Permanent/Retrievable: This class of packer combines the advantages of the permanent packer (i.e. large bore,
withstands higher pressure differentials etc.) but when required can be released and recovered, entire, from the
well.
·the predicted maximum differential pressure across the packer exceeds 5000 psi;
·H2S is present and the temperature at the packer is less than 160°F;
Packer setting
Mechanically
The packer may be set by one or combination of: ·rotation (standard 'J' slot latch arrangement); ·compression
(slacking of the tubing weight into the packer; ·tension (pulling, overweight, up on the packer).
Hydraulically
The packer is set by applying pressure to the tubing so as to cause a pressure differential between the tubing and
annulus. Commonly used in deep or highly deviated wells, or offshore environments when the platform motion
plays a significant role. It is also a consideration if control lines are used with the subsurface safety valve or
permanent downhole monitoring applications.
Electrically
The packer is set by a setting tool on electric wireline (wireline set). The wireline setting tool is released and
recovered with the wireline. This method is more commonly employed for setting bridge plugs or when the
exact location of the packer is critical.
Packer bore
·No bore - bridge plugs. To isolate the casing or tubing. Sometimes referred as cement retainers.
Packer forces
There are two prime forces acting on a packer:
·tubing-to-packer forces.
Force needed to prevent unseating. Permanent packers will withstand pressure differentials from above and
below. Retrievable packers may be either compression set, tension set or both.
The assumptions and actual tubing set-down force need to be documented to prevent mishaps during subsequent
well intervention activities
Recommendations
·Select a packer with element metal shoe and shoe support systems (metallic back-up rings) in high-
pressure applications to provide anti-extrusion back-up for the elements.
·Typical packer element combination is a 90-70-90 Schure hardness combination.
Schure hardness is a rating system to determine the suitability of rubber to a pressure environment. The higher
the number, the greater the hardness and the more suitable for use with higher pressures. The hardness rating
system is used for 'O'rings, stripper rubbers and packer elements.
·No 'O'-rings.
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