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Annular zonal isolation packer 1-0 and 0-1

Using expandable steel technology for zonal isolation with pressure compensation, even in oval boreholes

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Overview

Isolate zones rapidly, even in irregular boreholes

The annular zonal isolation packer (AZIP) uses patented expandable steel technology and a patented thin layer of bonded elastomer to achieve zonal isolation. The elastomer is used together with expandable dynamic seals for temperatures above 250 degF [121 degC]. Different AZIP models are available to optimize performance for a range of applications.

The AZIP 1-0 and 0-1 packers feature an expansion and pressure compensation valve at the top (1-0) or bottom (0-1) end that permanently closes the expansion port and establishes casing integrity once the packer is set and a predetermined pressure is reached. This activation pressure can be modified by replacing an easily accessible shear pin. The valve also serves as a safety feature in the event of washouts.

Closing the expansion port immediately establishes fluid communication and pressure balance between the annulus at the valve end of the packer and the space inside the expanded steel sleeve. Balancing these pressures enables the packer to withstand higher annulus pressures at that end, providing high sealing capacity and excellent resistance to thermal cycling. The appropriate AZIP model depends on whether high pressure is expected above or below the packer.

 

Rated up to 10,000 psi [69 MPa]
Rated up to 320 degF [160 degC]
Qualified to API Spec 19OH V1
(and ISO 14310 V0 on customer request)
Applications
  • Annular zonal isolation in openhole or cased hole vertical, deviated, or horizontal wells
  • Long-term cement backup or replacement
  • Primary cementing improvement
  • Off-bottom cementing above a high-pressure hydraulic fracturing completion
  • Prevention of sustained casing or bradenhead pressure buildup
Benefits

Set the packer immediately with on-demand expansion

  • Seals effectively, even in oval, out-of-gauge, and irregular boreholes
  • Provides a cost-effective solution for the life of the well
  • Seals reliably through thermal cycling and temperature fluctuations
  • Minimizes cost with no special well fluid requirements for expansion
  • Saves time with on-demand expansion and immediate sealing
  • Minimizes NPT with robust construction that withstands reciprocation and rotation to pass through doglegs and tight spots
Features
  • Proprietary expandable steel technology
  • Expansion and pressure compensation valve at the top (1-0) or bottom (0-1) end of the packer
  • Simplified setting process
  • Compatibility with all standard casings
  • No reduction in casing ID
  • Built-in safety feature if expanded in front of a washout
FAQs

How is the packer set?

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.

Schematic showing setting process and 2 use cases for annular zonal isolation packers 1-0 and 0-1.
A schematic of the setting process for an AZIP 1-0 is shown, together with the subsequent pressure balancing of the high-pressure annulus and the packer chamber, which enables the packer to maintain an effective seal (top-left image). Use cases for the AZIP 0-1 include isolating off-bottom cement above a high-pressure hydraulic fracturing completion (bottom-left image) or isolating a high-pressure zone from lower-pressure zones above (right-hand image). The 1-0 or 0-1 packer is used depending on whether high pressure is expected in the annulus above or below the packer, respectively.