Operating Tips

All elastomeric materials used to mold packers are subject to fatigue. Fatigue occurs more rapidly when the packer is closed over open hole and with pressure from the wellbore.  The operator is advised to avoid unnecessary ‘open hole’ closures.  Our warranty does not cover packers left closed overnight.

Store spare packers in a protected area, shielded from the direct rays of the sun. Elastomers lose their elasticity with age, and service life of a packer that has been in storage for a long period of time will be reduced.

The outer packer serves as a diaphragm to contain the hydraulic fluid and yet energize the inner packer to close as required. Since it is exposed to no damage from objects in the bore, its service life can be 2-4 times longer than the inner packer. Whenever you replace the inner packer, be sure to inspect the outer packer. Any cuts, tears, or cracking should dictate its replacement.

The inner packer often reacts noticeably to temperature extremes. Temperatures at or below freezing can significantly harden the inner packer.  It is recommended that the BOP be heated in extreme cold service.  This will keep closure pressures lower and speed opening times, increasing overall performance.

Although the bonnet packing can be used more than one time, whenever the bonnet is removed from the blowout preventer, we advise that the bonnet packing be replaced.  Any o ring seals should be carefully inspected before reuse.  Replace worn or damaged  o rings.