Inflatable Packers: Fixed End vs.

Sliding End
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 inflates (inflation ratio).
Following this simple formulae it is easy to calculate the inflation ratio of the inflatable packers
diameter (OD) versus the borehole diameter (ID).
Hole size (ID) Packer diameter (OD) = X
X / Packer diameter (OD) = Inflation ratio (%)
Example:
96mm 89mm = 7mm
7mm / 89mm = 0.078 or 7.8% inflation
The packer has increased its diameter by 7.8%
Sliding end packers (moving packers) shorten in length as they inflate. A running mandrel provides
the backbone for movement and the sliding sub allows movement of the mandrel though the sliding
sub as it inflates. Fixed end packers have a limited inflation ratio, even so larger diameters are possible
in some cases but with considerably lower pressures. Sliding end packers have a smaller run in size,
larger inflation ratio with higher pressures. Also where there may be restrictions down hole sliding end
packers are used to bypass the restriction whilst still achieving large inflation ratios. Sliding end
packers are the preferable method for high pressure inflations especially when combined with low
inflation ratios, this is true with the development of a 12,000psi (83mpa) hydrofracturing packer
element.

RIPE Replacement Inflatable Packers & Elements Pty Ltd. - Perth, Western Australia
Ph: +61 08 9475 0700
www.ripe-packers.com
packers@ripe-packers.com