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Fig.!
INFLATION GAUGE BOARD
1. 1111 I.
HOSE REEL
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 lim 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 injection grout
packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment, systems and
services. . .
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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 maiit*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.
11111111 High press wing borehol List be approached differently.
The use of sliding !Li, end packer a ause es where the slidiipee
pushed up by the water pressure cau ing the becom ' i g - d end
packers do not have this problem and recen 's fixeend cker ere used
to plug and decommission boreholes flowing at ove 37 litre c
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.
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 Australian supplier
and Manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.
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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 LINE
Straddle Packterms
(
EMENT GROUT
_
ROUTING TAM
ACKER ELEMENT
Straddle packer systems sometimes referr uble packer' are a
useful tool suitable for targertinTspecific zones dow o Gesing
installation at depth, high pressure grouting applications and
casing installation 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 ap- plications or on request.
Straddle packer systems are generally manufactured to be as
close to hole size as pos- sible 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.
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 Australian supplier
and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.
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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 inflated, this pr
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 formation is installe
elow the lowest TAM valve and
nts grout from passing by. A st die packer system is lowered e
TAM valve. The packers are
tiple levels of treatment and les).
r-C AS ING PACKER INFLATION GAUGE BORD
Asing installation , (Shallow)
TREMIE CEMENT
GROUT LINE
ACKER INFLAT ION LINE
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 o 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 Australian supplier
and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.
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Fig.5
STRADLE GROUT INJECTION
BOTTOM STRADLE PACKER
Medium
UNDUE TOR SURFACE CASING ASING CENTRAL ISER
ROUT INJECTION TAM VALVE
ACKER INFLATION CKECK VALVE PACKER INFLATION GROUTING TOOL
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 down- hole 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 ugh the TAM valve and to
the surface. (See fig.5).
Casing Installation (Deep) Deep borehol inflation tub
a problem where it becomes inefficient to run down packer stead
a spin off from the above installation method is implemented.
with some minor alterations ction through a common
f a mechanical packer s the packer inflation/ e casing packer
(seals
re is reached a pin wi
A casing packer much like the above method is installe to the
valve to allow inflation of the packer and grout in line. Another
implementation in deep boreholMis the use system that seal grout
inject'
een c allowing flow into the annulus, grout can then be
injected. Casing packer
res ur is maintained through the use of two in-line check valves
preventing efl n. A wiper tool below the mechanical packers is used
for sufficient flushing ith t ontamination. (See fig.14.
a reduced sectiof casing that straddl 43.%,1 valve. Water is
pumps, 'IlAtnhol(inflating t
sing and formation) when a pre-determ ined pres
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 Australian supplier
and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.
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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.
e rock permeability to Iso serves to fill in void
rti s which increase the strength of r ck formations and
consolidates the 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.
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 Australian supplier
and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.
Roc gro, wat r
nd ro
1161\
ting is a ighlyuAd application Mcally to de the stallation of
tunnels and dam Rock groutin
Desi ned to form stabile anivreduced permeability mg or
supporting strut res. This tee 9r7F.-lue erodes
rout leavi jet grouted column with better
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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
I lbandonmen 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.
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 Australian supplier
and manufacturers of Inflatable cement grouting packers, pressure
injection grout packer, grouting inflatable packers equipment,
systems and services.