Abstract
Longstanding ambiguity surrounding performance ratings for production packers continues to be a topic of concern, as increasingly demanding completion environments drive more critical product selection processes. Inconsistencies in manufacturer testing methodologies and design validation procedures have previously not supported a quality selection process. Completion engineers, not equipped with a thorough understanding of the nuances of packer performance characteristics under various load conditions, have been dependent upon the technical expertise and good faith of the manufacturer.
This paper gives the completion engineer a working understanding of applied packer performance ratings. The evolution of qualifying testing procedures is discussed, as well as the most recent advancements in the standardization process. Ratings standardization set forth in ISO 14310, establishing both quality control and design validation grades, is described. Completion engineers and other decision makers, as well as salesmen need this information for informed product comparisons and proper matching of product to application.
