Inner-string packer
Maintaining well integrity and preventing fluid or gas migration
In addition to the sealing function, inner-string packers might incorporate opposing slips which act as an anchor. The slips are designed to engage with the inner surface of the host casing, providing mechanical support and preventing movement of the base pipe. This anchoring capability is vital in applications where axial or rotational forces may be encountered, such as during well stimulation or production operations.
A National Oil Company (NOC) in the Middle East had designed and planned a 12-zone smart completion and required a reliable anchor for the toe section. Whilst the client had previous experience with alternative hydraulically-set production packers...
The design of the WEA for Inner-String Packer minimizes subcomponents, ensuring reliability and efficiency while simplifying well construction. The WEA enables reciprocation, circulation, and/or rotation during deployment.
The Welltec Expandable Anchor (WEA) for Inner-String Packer is run in combination with a Metal Expandable Packer (MEP), i.e., a proven hydraulic expansion sleeve.
The rapid application of surface-controlled pressure simultaneously expands the WEA and the MEP system, offering an efficient alternative to conventional inner-string solutions. The expansion sleeve hydraulically expands the bidirectional anchors, which uniformly engage with the ID of the outer casing. Increased loading/anchoring capacity is achieved via the modular addition of WEA sleeves.
