ANALYSIS OF THE DESIGN OF THE SWELLING PACKER AND RESEARCH OF DAMAGE TO THE SEALING UNIT

Abstract

The article provides a distinctive analysis of swelling packers used in different countries, considers the classification of packers. The principles of functioning of both mechanical packers and hydraulic packers, as well as swelling packers, are briefly considered, and their difference in functioning, opening time and holding time relative to swelling packers is also described. The advantages of swelling packers over other packages are presented. The superiority and key aspects of sealing elements of specifically swelling packers relative to mechanical and hydraulic packers are described, since some rubber materials included in the sealing element have the ability to self-repair sealing properties. The stages of development, properties of elastomers, which are used in the sealing elements of the packer, are given. Protective anti-extrusion rings are described, which protects the sealing units and elements from the indentation of the elastomer. The description of the varieties of swelling packers, the process of swelling, the advantages and disadvantages of swelling packers is given. The damage to the rubber of the sealing assembly of the swelling packer after testing in the well was analyzed. The elastomer of the sealing unit has been tested using various methods. The method of infrared spectroscopy revealed the approximate type of material and a change in the structure. Changes in the physicomechanical values of the rubber seal before and after thermo-oxidative aging are determined. The strength of the rubber polymer part of the packer from the effects of aggressive media was determined. Keywords: swelling packer, sealing unit, elastomer element, damage, mechanical packer, destruction, hydraulic packer, pressure, temperature.