well maintenance and repair

Cement Backup

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Once expanded against the borehole, Xpandable Steel Packers compartmentalize the annulus into independent parts.

The current article explores the potential for expandable steel packer technology to be used in primary cement backup when drilling new wells. Cement is a critical component in the well construction process, providing a seal between the reservoir, geological formations, and the surface of the well. This seal ensures that the well remains safe and secure throughout its lifetime.

Primary cement backup
cement backup

Expandable steel packer technology offers a unique approach to cement backup, as the packers can come with a robust stainless-steel design. The expandable metal packers can withstand difficult running-in operations, allowing for a more secure and reliable seal. Additionally, this technology can also serve to reduce the risk of cement failure due to improper placement or movement of the packers. Using expandable steel packers in primary cement backup alleviates the risk of well failure. It provides, at the same time, a secure and reliable seal.

Therefore, any issue encountered during the cement placement can lead to major safety and environmental issues. The issues can range from structural and cosmetic damage to the release of hazardous chemicals or contaminants into the aquifers and the environment, which can be dangerous to people and wildlife. Furthermore, if the issue you do not address it quickly, it can worsen and cause more serious and costly damage.

Saltel Xpandable Steel Packers expands in the uncured cement. Expansion against the borehole divides the annulus into separate parts, blocking flow between them during curing. The packers offer long-term annulus security and cement backup through the life of the well. These reliable and permanent packers are ideal for completing poor cement sheaths.

_Xpandable steel ECP-CXpandable steel AZIP-WXpandable steel AZIP-C 0-0Xpandable steel AZIP-C 1-0Xpandable steel AZIP-C 1-1
MountingCrimpedWeldedCrimpedCrimpedCrimped
Valve systemLock valve closing permanently packer expansion port, and trapping fluid inside packerSafety closing valveSafety closing valveLock valve closing permanently packer expansion port.
Annulus compensation valve (one side)
Lock valve closing permanently packer expansion port.
Dual Annulus compensation valve (both sides)
Sealing SystemDeformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer sealDeformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer sealDeformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer sealDeformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer sealDeformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal
ReliabilityLife of well valve systemLife of well (Sweet environment)Life of well (Sweet and Sour environment)Life of well (Sweet and Sour environment)Life of well (Sweet and Sour environment)
PerformanceHigh DeltaP achieved with moderate setting pressuresDifferential pressure hold by steel sleeve mechanical resistance
Unaffected by temperature variations
Differential pressure hold by steel sleeve mechanical resistance
Unaffected by temperature variations
Self energized High pressure differential from one direction
Unaffected by temperature variations
Self energized High pressure differential from two directions
Unaffected by temperature variations
Max DeltaP
Compensated
Up to 5,000 psi, lower for bigger sizes10,000 psiUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thicknessUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thicknessUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness
Max DeltaP
Not Compensated
Up to 5,000 psi, lower for bigger sizesUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thicknessUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thicknessUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thicknessUp to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness
Max Temp.250 degF - 120 degC300 degF - 150 degC302 degF - 150 degC302 degF - 150 degC302 degF - 150 degC
QualificationAPI 19 OH V2API 19 OH V1API 19 OH V1API 19 OH V1API 19 OH V1