THRU-TUBING INFLATABLE PACKER

INTRODUCTION

The Thru-Tubing Inflatable Packer (TTIP) is used for isolating zones in open-hole or in casing.  TTIP’s are normally run through a tubing string and set in larger open-hole or casing located below the tubing string.  The Thru-Tubing Inflatable Packer may be used in vertical, deviated, or horizontal wells.

In many applications, thru-tubing packer elements are required to expand up to three times the original run-in diameter, maintain high differential pressure across the packer element, and then return to its original run-in diameter.  High strength Stainless Steel strips are used to provide excellent expansion characteristics for setting this packer in larger diameter casing or open-hole located below the tubing string.

A variety of chemical resistant elastomer compounds are available suitable for temperature up to 350o F (180o C).  The thru-tubing inflatable packer elements are typically supplied with a standard elastomer compound which is suitable for temperatures up to 240o F (115o C); high temperature compounds are available upon customer request.  Long, 48” (1.22m), elastomer seal lengths provide excellent anchoring capabilities while still maintaining a positive seal in open-hole or cased hole application.

APPLICATIONS

Permanent Bridge Plug
The Thru-Tubing Permanent Bridge Plug is designed for permanent installation to block unwanted production from lower zones in a well.  The Thru-Tubing Permanent Bridge Plug is typically run into the well using coiled tubing.  The packer is designed such that no balls or darts need to be pumped from surface in order to operate the tool. 

The opening valve in the tool prevents fluid from entering the packer element until the tool is positioned at the correct setting depth.  Pressure is applied in the tubing the opening valve shears allowing the packer to inflate.  As pressure increases in the packer element, the closing valve shears to permanently lock inflation fluid in the packer.  The coiled tubing string is disconnected from the Thru-Tubing Permanent Bridge Plug by using a hydraulic or shear style disconnect assembly in conjunction with this packer.  Cement may be spotted above the packer after the coiled tubing has been unlatched.

This packer is not retrievable.

Cement Retainer
The Thru-Tubing Cement Retainer is designed for squeeze cementing.  The Thru-Tubing Cement Retainer is typically run into the well using coiled tubing.  This tool is designed so fluid is allowed to enter the tubing string, and yet no balls or darts are required to be pumped from surface in order operate the tool.  In conjunction with the cement retainer a velocity valve is used to allow circulation of fluids to the tool, after the packer is set.  A double flapper valve prevents back-flow of cement after squeezing.

The coiled tubing string is disconnected from the cement retainer by use of a hydraulic disconnect or shear disconnect assembly with this packer.  Additional cement may be spotted above the packer after the coiled tubing has been unlatched.

Multi-Set Packer
The Thru-Tubing Multi-Set packer is used for testing, treating, production or injection.  It is typically run into the well using coiled tubing.  The tool is designed so fluid is allowed to enter the tubing string while running in, yet no balls or darts are necessary to inflate the packer.

A velocity valve is used in conjunction with the retrievable packer to allow circulation of fluids to the tool after the packer has been set.  The Thru-Tubing Multi-Set packer is typically used for acidizing, testing or treating zones below the packer.  This tool is commonly used for pressure testing the annulus above the packer after a casing patch has been set.

Retrievable Packer
The Thru-Tubing Retrievable Packer is used for testing, treating, production, injection or as a retrievable bridge plug.  It is typically run into the well using coiled tubing.  The tool is designed so fluid is allowed to enter the tubing string while running in, yet no balls or darts are necessary to inflate the packer.

The opening valve in the tool prevents fluid from entering the packer element until the tool is positioned at the correct setting depth.  Pressure is applied in the tubing the opening valve shears allowing the packer to inflate.  As pressure increases in the packer element, the closing valve shears to permanently lock inflation fluid in the packer.  The valve cannot be re-opened when squeeze pressure is applied to the tubing.  A velocity valve is used in conjunction with the retrievable packer to allow circulation of fluids to the tool after the packer has been set.  An expendable ball and seat assembly allows fluid to be pumped through the packer.