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Annular zonal isolation packer 1-1

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 1-1 features a pressure compensation valve at each extremity of the packer to balance the packer’s internal pressure with the highest annular pressure.

The packer maintains sealing performance in all well conditions during injection, production, and stimulation. The dual pressure compensation valves manage annular pressure over the life of the well, regardless of whether the highest pressure is above or below the packer. The packer seals effectively in oval (up to 10% ovalization), out-of-gauge, and irregular boreholes, and even through thermal cycling.

 

Rated up to 15,000 psi [103 MPa]
Rated up to 320 degF [160 degC]
Qualified to API Spec 19OH V1
Applications
  • Annular zonal isolation in openhole or cased hole vertical, deviated, or horizontal wells
  • Long-term cement backup or replacement
  • Primary cementing improvement
  • Long-term segmentation of the pay zone to enable selective stimulation and production
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
  • Pressure compensation valve at each 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 a use case for annular zonal isolation packer 1-1.
The dual-compensation system of the AZIP 1-1 enables pressure balancing the higher-pressure annulus and the packer chamber, which enables the packer to maintain an effective seal (left-hand image). One use case for the AZIP 1-1 is providing zonal isolation in open hole between two different reservoirs or compartments for selective production or injection (right-hand image).