Inflatable Packer Manual

Purchase Date:_______________________

This manual belongs in Rig / Shop # __________________________

Aardvark Packers LLC

450 California Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526

Ph: 855-546-6488 Fax: 866-868-6665

Emergency Ph: 360-908-3283
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aardvarkpackers.com
 PACKER OPERATING PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION
The Tigre Tierra® Packer is a sliding head inflatable packer that expands radially
and contracts axially as pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied. Steel cable
reinforcement within the packer gland element permits uniform expansion over the
entire length of the element and allows the outer rubber cover to extrude into
borehole irregularities and fractures, creating an effective seal over the entire
length of the packer gland element.

Inflation pressure is introduced into the packer through a port on the packer head
that is tapped for a standard male tube connector. For inflation tubing, Aardvark
Packers recommends 3/16-inch outside diameter (OD) nylon rated at 2,500 psi
burst. This tubing allows the user to operate the packer under extreme hydrostatic
head conditions nor possible with lower pressure-rated tubing.

Four major components make up the Tigre Tierra® Packer:

 Fixed Head
 Gland Element
 Center Tube
 Sliding Head

Both packer heads are tapped with either 1/8-inch NPT or 10-32 threads to permit
simultaneous use of multiple packers. The inflation fluid is transmitted through the
packer in the annulus between the center tube and the gland element. All packers
are shipped with a plug in the sliding head which must be replaced with a tube
connector for multiple packer use.

Stamped on the circumference of the fixed head of each packer is the maximum
internal pressure that can be applied when the packer is inflated to its maximum
diameter. This is the pressure at which maximum gland element expansion occurs.
Pressure in excess of this rates pressure voids the warranty.

NOTE: When a Tiger Tierra® Packer is confined within an open or cased

borehole of known diameter, it is possible to exceed the rated free-air pressure
without jeopardizing the warranty. See the pressure curves in this booklet or call
Aardvark Packers LLC for details.

CAUTION: Compressed gases, such as nitrogen and compressed air, are

extremely dangerous, and misuse of these gases can cause serious injury.
Fallow instructions on the compressed gas bottles.

If the packer is tested or inflated above ground, do not test or inflate above 25%
of the unconfined rated pressure stamped on the fixed head of the packer. Stay
clear of either end of the packer when testing or inflating the packer above
ground.

Gases such as nitrogen and compresses air are extremely dangerous. Misuse of
the gases or of the packers that they operate can result in serious injury. Use
extreme caution.

Either pneumatic or hydraulic packer inflation is acceptable, although pneumatic

inflation is recommended for standard packer system. Recommended inflation
fluids include compressed air, inert gases (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) and
water.
 Exposure to hydrocarbons will damage the packer gland element, and subsequent
use will void the Aardvark Packers warranty. If the packer is to be operated under
these conditions, it must be Viton®-clad.*

Prior to first use, all connections made on site should be tested at 25 PSI for leaks,
and the gauge or regulator on the source of inflation pressure should be calibrated
to assure accurate readings. Faulty regulators are a prime case of packer failure.

Aardvark’s Tiger Tierra® Packers are tested and serialized before shipping. The
serial number appears on the circumference of the fixed head, next to the
maximum internal packer pressure.

SINGLE PACKER OPERATION

The fixed head is normally oriented uphole during single packer operation. After
connecting the inflation tube to the connector on the fixed packer head, run the
packer to the desired depth on the drill rods, grout rods or iron pipe. Then connect
the inflation tube to the pressure regulator.

With the regulator adjustment lever backed off to zero pressure, open supply valve
on the source of inflation pressure. Slowly and gradually increase pressure to the
packer by adjusting the regulator. Final gauge pressure should not exceed the total
of rated packer pressure plus hydrostatic pressure above the packer. If you have
any questions about inflation pressure, please contact Aardvark Packers LLC.

When testing or grouting through the packer is completed, release inflation

pressure and allow enough time for the gland element to relax to its at – rest
diameter. You can tell when the gland element is properly deflated by inserting the
inflation tubing into a cup of water. W hen bubbles cease to appear in the water, the
element is deflated. You can then retrieve the packer or reposition it in the bore-
hole for further testing.

If your system includes a pump and in-line adapters are not used, be sure to allow
extra wire between the sliding head and the pump.

The packer also will function with the sliding head oriented uphole. However, care
must be taken when retrieving a packer set in this orientation. In an uncased,
irregular borehole, the sliding head may catch on a fracture during retrieval.
Continued upward force will cause the gland element to expand mechanically and
lodge in the hole.

STRADDLE PACKER OPERATION

For straddle or zone packer operation, the lower packer is oriented with the fixed
head uphole. The center tube is capped. Add lengths of perforated steel tubing
consistent with desired zone lengths to the fixed head of the lower packer. Connect
a length of inflation tubing to the lower packer to join the two packers.

With the sliding head orineted uphole, connect the upper packers to the perforated
steel tubing and the inflation tube from the lower packer. Finally, connect inflation
tubing to the sliding head of the uphole packer and begin running the packers into
the borehole.

*
Viton is a registered trademark of Dupont.
As in single packer applications, gradually increase inflation pressure through the
regulator until the gauge stabilizes on a reading that does not exceed rated packer
pressure plus hydrostatic head. The zone is now packed off and injection of water
or grout can begin. W hen testing or grouting is completed, release inflation
pressure and allow sufficient time for the gland elements to relax to their at-rest
diameters. The straddle system can then be retrieved or repositioned for further
testing.

Other orientations are possible for each of the packers in a straddle system. These
other orientations, however, will result in a packed-off borehole length that is not
fixed and could vary according to borehole irregularities.

For instance, the preferred method for testing in open or unstable formations is to
orient both packers with the fixed heads uphole. With this orientation, however, the
sliding head of the upper packer will move away from the fixed head of the lower
packer as packer inflation progresses. Allowance for this movement must be made
by using Aardvark’s coiled inflation tube to connect the two packers across the
zone. Depending on packer model, packer length and borehole size, this vertical
movement will be between 2 and 12 inches.

As a result, whether your zone length is defined by distance between packer heads
or by distance between gland seals, actual zone length will be greater than the as-
measured zone length if the packers are oriented with both fixed and heads
uphole.

NOTES
 INFLATABLE PACKER MAINTENANCE
GLAND ELEMENT REPLACEMENT

1) Clean up the surface of the packer center tube by removing wrench marks and
burrs with emery cloth or file.

NOTE: Failure to do this may cause seal damage in Step 2.

2) Unthread the sliding head from the gland element fitting and remove from the
packer.

3) Unthread the gland element from the fixed head and slide it down and off of the
center tube.

4) Inspect the O-ring on each packer head and replace if required.

5) Inspect the seals in the sliding head and replace if required.

6) Slide the new gland element over the center tube and thread it to the fixed
packer head.

6.5) Apply 2 wraps of clear shipping tape around the threads of the center tube.
This will assist in not tearing the seals as the head is slid past.

7) Push the sliding head on to the center tube and thread it into the gland element.

8) Attach the inflation tube to the fixed head and check for air leaks at all
connections before running the packer into the borehole.

CAUTION: Do not test or inflate above 25% of the unconfined rated pressure.
PACKER INFLATION PRESSURE FORMULA

FOR INFLATION WITH NITROGEN GAS OR AIR

G = Inflation pressure at gauge (PSI)

Dp = Depth to top of packer (feet)
Dw = Depth to static water level in well (feet)
Sp = Unconfined packer pressure rating for the well size (PSI)
Pp = Injection pump pressure (PSI)

1) To calculate Packer Inflation Pressure for a withdraw test (pump out):

G = [(Dp - Dw) x .43] + Sp + [(Dp – Dw) x .43 x .2]

NOTE: This total must not exceed confined packer pressure rating for the well size.

2) To calculate Packer Inflation Pressure for an injection test (pump in):

( .43 water .6 grout )

G = [(Dp x PSI per foot of Injection Fluid) + Sp + Pp] x 1.1

NOTE: This pressure must not exceed confined packer pressure rating plus (Dp – Dw) x .43.
NOTES:
Inflatable Packers Parts List:

Model 12 23B 23B 23B 34B 34B 34B 36 36 36 47 58 610 713

Gland 30” 15” 30” 60” 15” 30” 60” 15” 30” 60” 30” 30” 49” 49”
Center Tube .375” .510” .510” .510” 1.0” 1.0” 1.0” 1.25” 1.25” 1.25” 1.25” 1.25” 2.5” 3.0”
Fixed Head 9778 8068 8068 8068 9250 9250 9250 9363 9364 9364 8276 30036 9454 9359
Sliding Head 9779 9395 9395 9395 9251 9251 9251 9363 9363 9363 8275 30037 9455 9360
Center Tube 9780 8545 8320 7770 9603 9252 9479 8518 7519 9238 7519 7519 9458 9358
Gland 9770 8497 7311 8465 9410 9200 9412 9914 9355 9394 8489 300019 9318 8569
Assembly
O-Ring 9782 7894 7894 7894 8970 8970 8970 8466 8466 8466 8488 8488 9391 9361
Seal 9781 7775 7775 7775 7778 7778 7778 7520 7520 7520 7520 7520 9453 5322
Adapter 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7724 7724 7958 7958
Plug 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7316 7725 7725 7725 7725
External 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* 8512* - - - -
Ferrule
Inflation 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* 8463* - - - -
Tube
Union 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* 9477* - - - -
Connector 9787 7312 7312 7312 9257 9257 9257 9373 9373 9373 9373 9373 9790 9555
*These parts also are avilable as kit # 9564

Inflatable Grout Packers Parts List:

Model 23B 23B 23 34B 34B 34B 36 36 36 47 58
Gland 15” 30” 60” 15” 30” 60” 15” 30” 60” 50” 30”
Assembly 10075-X 10074-X 10078-X 9411-X 9249-X 9413-X 9415-X 9365-X 9416-X 8314-X 30035X
Fixed Head * * * 9250 9250 9250 9364 9364 9364 8276 30036
Sliding Head 10077 10077 10077 9862 9862 9862 10079 10079 10079 10083 30037X
Center Tube * * * 9603-X 9252-X 20035-X 8518-X 7519-X 9238-X 20140-X 20140X
Center Tube 20138-X 20003-X 20139-X - - - - - - - -
Wldt.
Gland Assembly 8497-X 7311-X 8465-X 9410 9200 9412 9414 9355 9394 8489 300019
O-Ring 7894 7894 7894 8970 8970 8970 8466 8466 8466 8488 8488
Seal 7776 7776 7776 7778 7778 7778 7520 7520 7520 7520 7520
Scraper 10080 10080 10080 10081 10081 10081 10082 10082 10082 10082 10082
Adapter 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7310 7724 7724
External Ferrule 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** 8512** - -
Inflation Tube 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** 8463** - -
Union 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** 9477** - -
*Models 23B are sold with a fixed head centre tube weldment.
** These parts also are available as kit #9564
 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONDITIONS OF SALE

Prices All prices shown are current, but are subject to change without notice. All are based on
standard domestic packaging and so not include special overseas packaging or other
requirements. Dealer, contractor and OEM discounts for volume orders are available.

Terms Prior credit approval and non-delinquent status are necessary before shipping on open
accounts. Our open account terms are Net 30 days. A 1-1/2% per month (18% per
annum) charge is made on accounts exceeding 30 days. Accounts exceeding 60 days
are considered delinquent.

Shipping All shipments are F.O.B. shipping point. This means the carrier accepts all responsibility
upon accepting the shipment at our dock. Therefore, any claims for loss or damage must
be settled without delay between you and the carrier.

Claims & Claims for shortages or inaccurate filing or orders must be made to Aardvark Packers
Returns LLC within 10 days after receipt of goods. (An authorization number for return of goods
will then be issued.) Include a copy of the invoice and bill of landing on which the goods
were purchased. Reference the assigned authorization number. There is a 25%
restocking charge on any items returned for credit or exchange when the error is not
ours. Items returned without prior authorization will be refused.

Notice to AARDVARK PACKERS LLC W ILL ENDEAVOR TO FURNISH SUCH ADVICE AS IT

The Buyer MAY BE ABLE to supply with reference to use by Buyer of any material purchased, but
AARDVARK PACKERS LLC makes no GUARANTEES and assumes no obligation or
liability for the advice given verbally or in print or the results obtained. Buyer assumes
all risk and liability which may result from the use of any material, whether used singly
or in combination with other products. No suggestion for use shall be construed as a
recommendation for its use in infringement on any existing patent.

WARRANY & LIMITATION OF REMEDIES

Warranty Aardvark Packers LLC warrants that for a period of three (3) months from the date of
purchase, the packers manufactured and sold by Aardvark shall be of workman-like
quality and will operate properly if used and maintained properly.

THERE ARE NO W ARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT EXTEND BEYOND

THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE THEREOF.

Limitation of The buyer’s exclusive remedy under this W arranty shall be the replacement or repair
Remedies of any item proved to be defective; Aardvark Packers LLC shall not be liable for any
incidental or consequential damages.

Any claims made under this W arranty must be presented to Aardvark Packers LLC
within three (3) months after delivery of the product to the buyer. Aardvark Packers LLC
shall have a reasonable time after notice of a claim made under this W arranty in which
to exercise its option to replace or repair the item, and shall have the right to require that
the allegedly defective item be returned, at the buyer’s expense, before recognizing any
claim.
 This W arranty shall not apply if the buyer repairs or alters an item without the prior
written consent of Aardvark Packers LLC, or if the item is subject to abuse or misuse,
neglect or accident.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Aardvark Packers LLC disclaims any warranties with
Aardvark respect to this product, the safety or suitability thereof, or the results obtained, whether
Packers LLC expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty of
Is Not Responsible merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and/or any other warranty. Buyers and
For Any Changes users assume all risk, responsibility, and liability whatsoever for any and all injuries
Or Alterations To (including death), losses, or damages to persons or property arising from the use of this
This Product. product, whether or not occasioned by the seller’s negligence or based on strict product
liability or principles of indemnity or contribution. Aardvark Packers LLC neither assumes
nor authorizes any person to assume for it any liability in connection with the use of this
product.

AARDVARK PACKERS LLC

PO Box 5786
Hillsborough, NJ 08844