Australian Water Management Review Vol. 1 2014 | Page 164
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 depth will determine the pressure required
and the type of grout used.
Deployment of the inflatable packer is simple through
the use of drill rods with an appropriate crossover
thread to the packer. A wireline or crane may be used
in conjunction with a grout hose (instead of rods)
however; you are limited to shallow depths, grouting
pressures, how self-supportive the hose/ fittings are.
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Using 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 this is the most suitable option.
Single packer systems employ one packer and once
lowered to the desired depth and inflated grout can
then be pumped through the centre of the packer.
Grout exits out the bottom with no restriction or
through a TAM valve to prevent back flow. The packer
is then retrieved or abandoned down hole, this is
completely application specific.
Straddle packer systems sometimes referred to as a
‘double packer’ are a useful tool suitable for targeting
specific zones downhole, high pressure grouting
applications and casing installation in medium to deep
bores. The zone between two packers is known as the
‘straddle zone’. The straddle zone is typically 1m in
length ranging up to 6m, however all lengths may be
manufactured for specific applications or on request.
If you would like a quote or further information please
send us an email. [email protected]