Inflatable Packers and Grouting

Fig.!

Grout Pump

GROUT PRESSURE GAUGE SAVER

HOSE REEL

INFLATION GAUGE BOARD

1. 1111 I.

41111' Ii

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Grouting with inflatable packers is an important part of the water well, oil & gas industries with a wide variety of uses including but not limited to cement grouting for structural reasons, to prevent exterior casing corrosion, well abandonment or to stabilise rock or soil formations.

Cement is the most common type of grout used however other types are used such as bentonite, epoxy and other special agents used for waterproofing and greater penetrability etc. Grout may be pumped at low, medium or high pressures also other factors such as fluid used, ground conditions, injection pth will determine the pressure required and the type of grout used.

Deployment is verylUnple through the use of drill ro s with an appropriate crossover thread to packer. A wireline or a e may be used in conjunction with a grout hose fin ad of rods) however you are li ed to shallow depths, grouting pressures, how self supportive the hose/ fittings are. ing drill rods or rigid pipe is a slower process but offers support for the running gear, push down force on the packers, support for the inflation tube and in most cases tis is the most suitable option. Grout pa inflation m e via water or gas and equires the following ancillary equipent for reliable operation: (See fig.1).

1. Inflation gauge board: S4itable press r ragge for accur t packer inflation.

rr trogen regulator (g s inflation only 3. a r pump/ hand pump (water infla ion only). 4. P c e inflation line: Working pressure m t exceed that of the packer. 5 G g , uge saver: Ruir-lin e\with the gr ut line to prevent gauge damage.

Replacement Inflatable Packers and Elements Pty Ltd 29 Wheeler St Belmont 6104, Perth Western Australia

Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Supplier and manufacturers of inflatable well testing inflatable packers, water bore rehabilitation packer equipment and services.

Sliding End

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Fixed end packer systems and sliding end packer systems (moving end) are both used though more commonly fixed end packer systems. Sliding end packers become very useful when large diameters need to be achieved and where there may be restrictions downhole. Sliding end packers can support extreme pressure up to 12,000psi and are used for hydraulic fracturing world wide. (See fig.2).

Fig.2

Fixed End

a cer systems arelitised for a multitu of ap ions including tremie tub5 mant*tte, relining bores, pile grouting and well abandonment.

Single acker systems are easilyleployed on rods or wireli e, lowered to the desired depth,, d inflated. Groutjs then iDumped t rough the ce re of the packer and exits out the ottom with no restriction or thro gh a TAM valve (explained below). The packer is then retrieved or abandoned d wnhole completely application specific.

0111111 High press wing borehol List be approached differently. The use of sliding !Li, end packer a ause es where the slidiegeftil, pushed up by the water pressure cau ing the

become odged. Fixed end packers do not have this problem and recen ys fixeend 'ckers were used to plug and decommission boreholes flowing at oveT 37 litrelEc nd.

Decommissioning boreholes through the use of cost effective fixed end grout packers which incorporate the use of a TAM valve at the base of the packer. The TAM valve works as a rubber one way check valve preventing back flow of grout. These packers are usually cemented in and abandoned downhole, though retrieval is simple and required sometimes. TAM valves also allow the rods and lines to be flushed before retrieval for easy redeployment.


Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com manufacturers and suppliers of inflatable packers for water well construction-borehole grouting-casing repair systems equipment and servicers.

AC KER ELEMENT

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Similar packer constructions without a TAM valve do not allow sufficient flushing before retrieval. If undesired conditions after drilling arise a packer made from drill- able material is used, the hole is grout injected and redrilled with the packer decom- missioned down hole. (See fig.3).

Fig. 3

TOP CONNECT ION

NFLAT I ON L

EMENT GROUT

Straddle Pack . Systems _

Straddle packer systems sometimes referr uble packer' are a useful tool suitable for targeetinTspecific zones dow o %Rising installation at depth, high pressure grouting applications and casing allation in medium to deep bores. The zone between two packers is known as the straddle, the straddle is typically lm in length ranging up to 6m, however all lengths may be manufactured for specific applications or on request.

ROUTING TA1

(

Straddle packer systems are generally manufactured to be as close to hole size as possible to prevent grout build up around the packers and straddle sub (where grout passes out into the zone) which could impede injection of grout and affect removal or redeployment of the packer system.


Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Supplier and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers, equipment, systems and services.

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Fixed or sliding end packers may be employed with either one common inflation line or two separate inflation lines. Two inflation lines allow grout to be pumped into a specific zone (determined where the packer straddle is set), the top packer is deflated and the hole can be flushed while the bottom packer remains inflated preventing any grout or fluids passing which may contaminate aquifers. If multiple areas are to be treated start at the lowest zone and raise the packe stem towards the surface as grouting is completed at a lower zone.

Tube a Manchette (TAM) grouting involves the use of a stra e packer system lowered inside casing to straddle a TAM valve built on the casing itself. As mentioned earlier a TAM valve is one way valve which prevents backflow of the pumped fluid. Used extensively for foundation improvement as TAM valves can be placed on casing at any select interval/s. between the casing a formation is installe inflated, this pr nts grout from passing by. A st downhole with the packer straddle zone placed over then inflated and grout injected. This method allows m is suited for medium depth holes (See fig.4, 5 & 6 for exa

packer defined to inflate and form a seal elow the lowest TAM valve and

die packer system is lowered e TAM valve. The packers are

tiple levels of treatment and les).

r-C AS ING PACKER INFLAT GAUGE BORD

TREMIE CEMENT

GROUT LINE

ACKER INFLAT ION LINE

Asing installatio (Shallow)

wouting refers tcasing installation. A fixed end inflatable pack r is built on the same casing s the borehole casing and installed to t desired epth, a tremie grout line is run down with the casi g. Once the casing has been installed the

actrer I then inflated reventing concrete passing between the sing and formation, grout is pumped and rises the surface to complete a shallow depth casing installation. Bore relining is performed the same way however instead of the

acker inflati to open hole it is inflaternside the existing See fig.4).

External Casing Inflatable Packers

STA INLESS SCREEN

Shallow Fig.4 Replacement Inflatable Packers and Elements Pty Ltd 29 Wheeler St Belmont 6104, Perth Western Australia

Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Supplier and manufacturers of inflatable well testing inflatable packers, water bore rehabilitation packer equipment and services.

ONOUC TOR SURFACE CASING

ASING PACKER INFLATION LINE

TAM GROUT VALVE

STRADLE GROUT INJECTION

BOTTOM STRADLE PACKER

Fig.5 STRADLE PACKER INFLATION GAUGE BORD

ASING ,/-

GAUGE BORO

INFLATION

Medium

ONDUC TOR SURFACE CASING ASING CENTRAL iSER

ROUT INJECTION TAM VALVE

ACKER INFLATION CKECK VALVE

Fig. 6

Deep

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Casing Installation (Medium) Casing installation into medium depth boreholes is a simple process. Firstly a casing packer is built on the same casing as the borehole, just above the packer built into the casing is a TAM valve. The casing packer is inflated from the surface to form a seal between the casing and formation. A straddle packer system is lowered downhole with the straddle assembly located over the TAM valve. The straddle packers are inflated (common line or two separate lines) which allows direct access to the TAM valve. Grout is then pumped where it will directed thr uglzsthe TAM valve and to the surface. (See fig.5).

Casing Installation (Deep) Deep borehol o a problem where it becomes inefficient to run down packer inflation tub

stead a spin off from the above installation method is implemented. A casing packer much like the above method is installe with some minor alterations to the valve to allow inflation of the packer and grout in ction through a common line. Another implementation in deep boreholMis the use f a mechanical packer system that seal a reduced sectiof casing that straddl s the packer inflation/ grout inject' valve. Water is pumps, 'IA/nhol(inflating t , e casing packer (seals between sing and formation) when a pre-deterinined pressure is reached a pin wi she allowingl_low into the annulus, grout can then be injected. Casing packer res ur is mdintained through the use of two in-line check valves preventing efl ti n. A wiper tool below the mechanical packers is used for sufficient flushing ith t ontamination. (See fig. .


Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Supplier and manufacturers of well screen PVC rubber k-packers, well packer tri-seals, equipment and services.

Inflatable Packers and Grouting

Other Grouting Applications

The history of grouting is an extensive one, with different techniques utilised in each and every country some of which are more developed that others, for example grout injection techniques for tunneling in Europe is far more advanced than Australia.

Tunnel grouting is extensively use t ro hout the world for consolidation of rock mass, waterproofing and to provide a co act between the tunnel lining and rock mass. Pre-treatment may be required in some situations before tunneling can proceed. Many applications exist for post tunnel trc ialwent including permeation grouting which involves 9 o res and any cavities within the rock or soil formation, helps i ground stability #K1 co olidation and when properly executed, soil structure is not disturbed.

Compensation grouting for adjusting ground levels in sivations where soil ma need to be consolidated, this is a very specific process invaving an array of drille horizontal holes e surface small quantities of gro injected at defined

locations.

Roc gro ting is a wat r i the nd a s which increase the strength of r ck formations and consolidates the ro n eneath structures.

routing is often carried out prior to am development to limit water se e underground. Curtain grouting does not provide a 100% water tight barr it is

wever a highly effective method.

Jet Grouting is frequent! used in underground construction and is also known as very high pressure r ground conclti n the soil with high pr properties than the

Earth nails or soil nails are implemented for additional strength and structural support of slopes and walls. Earth nails are installed through the use of a reinforced bar which is grouted into place at specific intervals, installation may be temporary or permanent.


Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Manufacturers and suppliers of hydraulic fracturin .6 tools for block caving procedures, underground equipment and services.

1161\

ighlyuts4d application stallation of tunnels and dam

Nip Mcally to de

Rock groutin e rock permeability to iso serves to fill in void

Desi ned to form stabile anivreduced permeability mg or supporting strut res. This tee 9r7F.-lue erodes

rout leavi jet grouted column with better

Inflatable Packers and Grouting Fixed End vs. Sliding End for Grouting

Fixed end inflatable packers do not move or shrink in length on inflation they simply radially expand, this creates a problem when encountering large diameter boreholes. Inflatable packers enjoy a balanced trade off between inflation pressure and the amount the packer can inflate before rupture. Incorporating a fully reinforced packer element with a sliding end design pern'ileturther expansion and higher pressures. Whilst pumping grout below a sliding end packer the rnning mandrel becomes exposed to the cement possibly causing damage to the mandrel or the o-rings/ seals.

li

Factors such as high inflation ratios, small run in diame e s, borehole specifics and the application itself will determine a suitable syste

ed en Sliding end Borehole conditions/ criteri

Flowing high pressure bore High prcsiiire inflations

all On-in diameters ghifnflation ratio a houts

Ilbandonmen rievable

Even though these factor do contribute a choice between fixed and sliding e packers it is possible to push engineerin extremes for each type and almost anything is possible! Consult your inflatable packer plier for a custom made solution.


Tel: (+61 (08) 9475 0700 Fax: +61 (08) 9475 0770 [email protected] www.ripe-packers.com Manufacturers and suppliers of high pressure inflatable packers, block caving equipment, hydraulic fracturing tools

Inflatable Packers and Grouting

Documents

Transcript of Inflatable Packers and Grouting