Longstanding ambiguity surrounding performance ratings for production packers continues to be a topic of concern, as increasingly demanding completion environments drive more critical product selection processes. Inconsistencies in manufacturer testing methodologies and design validation procedures have previously not supported a quality selection process. Completion engineers, not equipped with a thorough understanding of the nuances of packer performance characteristics under various load conditions, have been dependent upon the technical expertise and good faith of the manufacturer.
This paper gives the completion engineer a working understanding of applied packer performance ratings. The evolution of qualifying testing procedures is discussed, as well as the most recent advancements in the standardization process. Ratings standardization set forth in ISO 14310, establishing both quality control and design validation grades, is described. Completion engineers and other decision makers, as well as salesmen need this information for informed product comparisons and proper matching of product to application.
Introduction
This paper is to provide the information necessary for critical evaluation of only one component in the completion system. Although beyond the scope of this paper, it is important to recognize how the entire system must also be critically evaluated. If the value of accurate well data is not self evident, it should become so through the discussion of how that criteria effects the packer. The near infinite variety of oil and gas completion scenarios makes detailed discussion of applications impractical, but good completion planning practices will ensure that some specific information is consistently available in the completion planning process, including:Casing/Liner and tubing dataDogleg severity and well bore deviationInitial bottomhole pressureBottomhole temperatureWellbore preparationPerforatingCompletion fluidsSpecific hostile conditions / CRA requirementsAnticipated life of the completionProduction media and ratesAnticipated stimulation conditions over the life of the completionMulti-zone flow control requirementsID compatibilityMinimum bottomhole pressureLanding conditionsPacker setting requirements and limitationsWell intervention
With the requirements and limitations of the applications clearly defined, cost comparisons and the economic benefit of any proposed value enhancing features in the system can be fairly evaluated. This statement is true only if the completion engineer can trust in the validity of claims made by the manufacturer and there is a standard in place supporting those claims. The implications of product liability have historically guided manufacturers to limit their recommendations to a product perceived adequate for the application. Fringe applications that stretch product limitations increasingly drive the need for standardization in today's environments.
