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.

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-C | Xpandable steel AZIP-W | Xpandable steel AZIP-C 0-0 | Xpandable steel AZIP-C 1-0 | Xpandable steel AZIP-C 1-1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mounting | Crimped | Welded | Crimped | Crimped | Crimped |
Valve system | Lock valve closing permanently packer expansion port, and trapping fluid inside packer | Safety closing valve | Safety closing valve | Lock 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 System | Deformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal | Deformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal | Deformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal | Deformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal | Deformable corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) sleeve with elastomer seal |
Reliability | Life of well valve system | Life 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) |
Performance | High DeltaP achieved with moderate setting pressures | Differential 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 sizes | 10,000 psi | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness |
Max DeltaP Not Compensated | Up to 5,000 psi, lower for bigger sizes | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness | Up to 3,000 psi depending on diameter and sleeve thickness |
Max Temp. | 250 degF - 120 degC | 300 degF - 150 degC | 302 degF - 150 degC | 302 degF - 150 degC | 302 degF - 150 degC |
Qualification | API 19 OH V2 | API 19 OH V1 | API 19 OH V1 | API 19 OH V1 | API 19 OH V1 |