Halliburton Launches New Casing Annulus Packer Collar

Halliburton introduced Obex™ IsoLock™, a new compression-set packer that prevents sustained casing pressure (SCP). The Obex IsoLock packer collar serves as an effective barrier to mitigate fluid migration and support multiple-stage cementing through integrated stage cementing ports in the tool.

The Obex IsoLock packer collar, which is part of the Halliburton family of compression-set packers, provides a mechanical barrier that bridges the cost and capability gap between an inflatable packer/cementer and a premium gas-tight packer. Built on Halliburton’s proven gas-tight Obex GasLock™ packer design, the packer collar provides increased reliability and ISO14310 V3-rated pressure-holding capacity over inflatable packer options. It is currently available for 9 5/8” casing designs with additional sizes in the future.

“Preventing sustained casing pressure before it starts is the best defense to eliminate fugitive emissions,” said Matt Lang, vice president of Cementing. “Along with the cement barrier, the Obex IsoLock packer collar provides our customers with additional assurance to prevent fluid migration that can lead to SCP. As a result, it can eliminate the need for future remediation and reduce the carbon footprint.”

 

Superior sealing

The Obex IsoLock packer collar is designed for casing-to-casing applications to provide V3-rated isolation assurance while supporting multiple-stage cementing with the integration of an internal sleeve stage cementer. The Obex IsoLock packer collar operates by setting the packer elements with a seated plug and applied internal casing pressure. An internal continuous ratchet mechanism keeps the packer compressed from the initiation of the setting until it is fully set, at which point the sleeve will expose the cementing ports for the second stage. This system removes the need for rupture discs, thus further increasing operational reliability.

 

Exceptional reliability

• Proven technology – Incorporating years of Halliburton cementing experience and directly repurposing the element design from our field-proven Obex GasLock gas-tight packer allows the Obex IsoLock packer collar to offer exceptional reliability as a mechanical barrier.
• Engineered for performance – The Obex IsoLock packer collar design utilizes a drive-pin setting system that eliminates potential leak paths from the setting operation. This feature removes the risk of premature rupture disc failure, often affected by losses in the well, which would traditionally prevent the packer from fully setting. Additionally, with six dedicated cement ports, the Obex IsoLock packer collar provides improved 360° cement flow, allowing for a more uniform distribution of cement in the annulus to provide a dependable cement barrier.
• Hydromechanical setting method – Like all the packers in the Obex family, the Obex IsoLock packer collar is mechanically set and not inflated. The setting process does not rely on narrow channels that can pack off to operate. Using an internal ratchet mechanism to lock the compression element after it is set results in zero weak points in the pack-off.
• Operated with displacement or freefall plugs – This packer collar can be operated with either displacement or freefall plugs, allowing for the tool’s use in high inclinations up to 90° or in long wells where plugs can take a long time to drop.

 

Improved drillability

The compact design of the integrated stage cementer and casing annulus packer allows for two lower-profile seats: one seat to set the packer and expose the dedicated cement ports, and a second seat to shift and lock the stage tool closed.

This compact design, along with 70% fewer internal components compared to traditional stage tool design, results in simplified drill-outs and reduced debris volumes.

 

Mechanical barrier support

The Halliburton Obex family of compression-set packers provides a range of reliable mechanical barrier support. The Obex IsoLock packer collar is ISO 14310 V3 rated, and can prevent well integrity issues by serving as an effective barrier to mitigate fluid migration while supporting multiple-stage cementing through the integration of a packer and cementer in one tool.