New swellable packer technology speeds completions in multizone wells: Higher pressure ratings and shorter packer lengths add value to customized frac completions

摘要

Swellable packer technology has been improved to better isolate multiple zones in openhole wells. These packers can conform to very irregular well bores by absorbing well fluids - either oil, water, or both - and swelling to twice their original size. In addition, they prevent micro-fractures around the element by putting almost no stress on the formation. The one drawback to using most swellable packers is the length (sometimes up to 20 ft or 6.1 m) required to achieve the same sealing differential as a conventional packer, which can make them difficult to deploy.