SWiPS Manual Swips

Packer Testing With The IPI

Standard Wireline Packer System
(SWPS)
Operations Manual

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.
Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting i

NOTE:
COPYRIGHT: This document is protected by copyright vested in SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and Inflatable
Packers International Pty Ltd. It may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever
to any person without the written permission of the copyright holders, SRK and IPI.

SRK has assigned the copyright in the current version of the manual to Inflatable Packers International Pty Ltd.,
on the condition that this and any future version of the manual sold or otherwise distributed by Inflatable Packers
International Pty Ltd. recognize SRK as the author of the first version of the manual. In addition, Inflatable
Packers International Pty Ltd. would be required to provide SRK an irrevocable, royalty free, fully paid up, world
wide non-exclusive licence to distribute, amend, alter, reproduce and otherwise modify the first version of
the manual for internal purposes and as a deliverable to clients of SRK.

LIABILITY: Users of this manual shall indemnify and save SRK and IPI harmless from all loss, damage, claims,
demands, and liabilities that may arise directly or indirectly from or in connection with User's possession, use, or
operation of the Equipment. User's indemnity shall apply whether such claims are made by User, by User's
employees, or by third parties.

Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 About this manual .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Objectives & method .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Pressure and Injection Flow Rate ............................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Data Quality ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Overview of SWPS packer operation: ........................................................................................................................ 4
2 Preparation for packer testing .................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Packer size .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.1 Ordering appropriate SWPS packers .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Core barrel length measurement at the rig ............................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Modified landing ring installation ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Maintenance: ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Tools and accessories required for SWPS packer testing, assembly, and maintenance: ........................................... 7
2.3.2 Spare parts required: ................................................................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Packer tool storage and transport: ..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Working in cold weather conditions: .................................................................................................................................. 9
2.5.1 Most common problems (‐10 C to ‐30 C): .................................................................................................................. 9
2.5.2 Freezing of Pressure Gauges .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.6 Working in hot weather conditions: ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.7 Safety considerations at drill rig ....................................................................................................................................... 11
3 Surface test of SWPS tool ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 Procedures for surface test ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4 Downhole Packer Testing Procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Summary of testing and checklist ..................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Test zone selection ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Drill rods pulled back to appropriate depth ..................................................................................................................... 19
4.4 Developing the drill hole:.................................................................................................................................................. 20
4.4.1 Flushing of borehole before pulling rods ................................................................................................................. 21
4.5 Packer equipment installation into drill hole ................................................................................................................... 21
Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting iii
4.5.1 Pre‐test inspection ................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.5.2 Completing the assembly of packer parts ................................................................................................................ 22
4.6 Lifting assembled segments with wireline, connecting, and inserting into borehole ...................................................... 23
4.6.1 Single packer lifting and insertion into rods: ........................................................................................................... 23
4.6.2 Double packer lifting and insertion into rods: ......................................................................................................... 25
4.7 Downhole packer tool installation .................................................................................................................................... 29
4.7.1 Methods of landing the SWPS downhole ................................................................................................................ 29
4.7.2 Packer tool seal check .............................................................................................................................................. 30
4.7.3 Landing the tool in dry or low water level boreholes using wireline ....................................................................... 31
4.7.4 Water supply and flow assembly attachment ......................................................................................................... 32
4.8 Packer inflation ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
4.8.1 Test pressure selection ............................................................................................................................................ 32
4.8.2 Packer inflation ........................................................................................................................................................ 34
4.9 Test zone preparation ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
4.9.1 Flushing (no water removal from test zone) ............................................................................................................ 35
4.9.2 Swabbing: ................................................................................................................................................................. 35
4.9.3 Airlift: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 35
4.10 Water injection (Testing) .................................................................................................................................................. 36
4.10.1 Method for adjusting pressure steps during test: ................................................................................................... 36
4.10.2 Leaks & test quality: ................................................................................................................................................. 37
4.10.3 Checking for system leak during test ....................................................................................................................... 38
4.10.4 Method of reading flowmeter: ................................................................................................................................ 39
4.11 Packer Deflation ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
4.11.1 Normal unlatching & packer deflation procedures: ................................................................................................ 40
4.11.2 Emergency packer deflation: ................................................................................................................................... 41
4.11.3 Unlatching & deflation – simplified instructions for drillers: ................................................................................... 42
4.12 Disassembly and cleanup .................................................................................................................................................. 42
4.12.1 Flow meter disconnection procedures at end of test: ............................................................................................. 42
4.12.2 Packer disassembly and cleanup .............................................................................................................................. 42
5 Parts Description & Assembly ................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.1 Core Barrel Components: ................................................................................................................................................. 44
5.2 SWPS schematic diagrams ................................................................................................................................................ 45
5.3 The Modified Landing Ring: .............................................................................................................................................. 54
5.4 Changing red inflation/test seal (part #6): ........................................................................................................................ 57
5.5 Parts #9 to 12: TAM valve sub ......................................................................................................................................... 58
5.6 Changing TAM rubber (part #10): ..................................................................................................................................... 59
5.7 Deflation sub (part #12) .................................................................................................................................................... 61
5.8 Emergency deflation sub (parts #15 to 19)....................................................................................................................... 62
Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting iv
5.9 Packer element ................................................................................................................................................................. 64
5.10 Mandrel (part # 21) ........................................................................................................................................................... 65
5.11 Packer end seal sub (part # 22) ......................................................................................................................................... 65
5.12 Blow‐out plug sub and straddle cases (parts #24 to 31) ................................................................................................... 66
5.13 Replacing shear pin (parts #27) in blow‐out plug ............................................................................................................. 67
5.14 Injection sub and end cap (parts #32, 33, 42) .................................................................................................................. 68
5.15 Attaching top packer mandrel to packer element, emergency deflation sub, and deflation valve: ................................ 68
5.16 Attaching TAM valve sub to mandrel and deflation valve: ............................................................................................... 70
5.17 Attaching packer end seal sub to mandrel: ...................................................................................................................... 71
5.18 Flow meter system parts and attachments ...................................................................................................................... 72
5.18.1 Hoses and couplings: ............................................................................................................................................... 72
5.19 Pressure dampeners ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
5.19.1 Modifications for cold weather conditions .............................................................................................................. 75
6 Troubleshooting Checklists ....................................................................................................................................................... 77
6.1 Surface test problems ....................................................................................................................................................... 77
6.2 Downhole test problems .................................................................................................................................................. 79
6.2.1 Landing and sealing problems ................................................................................................................................. 79
6.2.2 Inflation & shear pin breaking problems ................................................................................................................. 84
6.2.3 Pressurizing and test step problems ........................................................................................................................ 86
6.2.4 Unlatching & deflation problems ............................................................................................................................. 89
6.2.5 Testing in muddy, sandy, unstable and other problem boreholes .......................................................................... 90
6.3 Problems with inflation/test seal rings: ............................................................................................................................ 91
6.3.1 Common causes of damage to inflation/test seals: ................................................................................................. 91
6.3.2 Seal size/quality vs. temperature: ........................................................................................................................... 93
6.4 Problems with packer element ......................................................................................................................................... 94
6.5 Problems with emergency deflation sub and E‐shear pins ............................................................................................... 98
7 References .............................................................................................................................................................................. 100

Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting v
FIGURES

Figure 1 Typical range of injection test pressures and effect of hydrojacking and hydrofracturing on Q vs P relation. .................. 2
Figure 2 Characteristic flow‐pressure curves for packer (Lugeon) test (Singhal and Gupta, 1999. .................................................. 3
Figure 3 Drawing from IPI manual (2007) showing simplified packer test process. ......................................................................... 4
Figure 4 Test zone in single and double packer (straddle) injection tests. ....................................................................................... 5
Figure 5 Example of photos of single packer parts in cold weather environment. ........................................................................ 10
Figure 6 Example of surface test of packer. ................................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 7 Single and double packer position relative to test zone. .................................................................................................. 19
Figure 8 The wireline and overshot. ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 9 Lifting single packer (step 1 & 2 lifting of packer assembly). ............................................................................................ 24
Figure 10 Lifting single packer (step 3 & 4 lifting of packer assembly). ....................................................................................... 25
Figure 11 Lifting of double packer (step 1 & 2 lifting of lower packer). ....................................................................................... 26
Figure 12 Lifting of double packer (step 3 lifting of upper packer). ............................................................................................. 27
Figure 13 Lifting of double packer (step 3b lifting of complete upper packer assembly). ........................................................... 28
Figure 14 HQ diameter SWPS tool sink time vs depth in inclined hole with 60o dip. ................................................................... 30
Figure 15 Example of static water level in rods............................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 16 Photos of water supply system connections. ............................................................................................................... 32
Figure 17 Bent and stressed shear pin during landing impact of SWPS into landing ring. ........................................................... 35
Figure 18 Examples of small visible leak from casing. .................................................................................................................. 38
Figure 19 Example packer element interval where leak occurred (highly fractured rock). ......................................................... 39
Figure 20 Example of reading of cumulative flow meter at timed intervals, and monitoring pressure gauge. ........................... 40
Figure 21 HQ/NQ Wireline coring system (Boart Longyear) ........................................................................................................ 44
Figure 22 Photos of the Modified Landing Ring ........................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 23 How the tool landing ring fits into MLR in borehole. ................................................................................................... 55
Figure 24 Components of the Top Crossover Sub with tool landing. ........................................................................................... 56
Figure 25 Steps in changing the inflation/test seal. ..................................................................................................................... 57
Figure 26 The TAM valve sub and parts. ...................................................................................................................................... 58
Figure 27 Water flow pathways through the TAM valve sub. ...................................................................................................... 59
Figure 28 Steps of changing the TAM rubber seal. ...................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 29 Assembly of the Deflation Sub. .................................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 30 Water flow in deflation valve. ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 31 Replacing the emergency shear pin (part #15). ........................................................................................................... 62
Figure 32 Water flow after shearing emergency pins. ................................................................................................................. 63
Figure 33 Packer element. ............................................................................................................................................................ 64
Figure 34 The mandrel end connecting to the TAM sub (partially tightened). ............................................................................ 65
Figure 35 Packer end sea sub. ...................................................................................................................................................... 65
Figure 36 Steps in replacing shear pin in blow out plug. .............................................................................................................. 67
Figure 37 Steps in attaching TAM valve sub to mandrel and deflation valve (HQ system). ......................................................... 70
Figure 38 Steps in attaching packer End Seal Sub to mandrel. .................................................................................................... 71
Figure 39 Photos of JIC fittings on IPI flow meter system. ........................................................................................................... 72
Figure 40 Pitot tube and custom made T for pressure gauge connection. .................................................................................. 72
Figure 41 Quick connect couplings on pressure gauges. ............................................................................................................. 75
Figure 42 Example of frozen pressure gauge. .............................................................................................................................. 76
Figure 43 Example 1 of damaged test seal (seal pulled out and deformed). ............................................................................... 92
Figure 44 Example 2 of damaged test seal (seal scraped off by edge of landing ring) ................................................................ 92
Figure 45 One method for adjusting inflation/test seal diameter ............................................................................................... 93
Figure 46 Examples of damaged packer rubber element: a) cut, b) deformation. ...................................................................... 94
Figure 47 Drill bit teeth marks and deformed packer element, from it being pulled up through the drill bit while not
completely deflated. .................................................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 48 One field method of reducing bulging packer element diameter. ............................................................................... 95
Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting vi
Figure 49 Serious damage when partially deflated packer element is jammed into drill bit when pulling up too early, or when
pulling up with long wireline that stretches and rebounds when SWPS is unlatched. Rods were pulled in all of these
case. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 96
Figure 50 Example of ripped packet element by inflation in cavity or pulling up partly deflated through drill bit. .................... 97
Figure 51 Emergency deflation sub showing ripped o‐rings: (a) E‐pin broken by rod rotation, (b) E‐pin broken by regular use of
E‐sub with o‐rings broken by closing E‐deflation sub caused by rebounding stretched wireline. ............................... 99

TABLES

Table 1 Table of typical spare parts and how frequently changed: ................................................................................................ 8
Table 2 Water level in rods during seal test. ................................................................................................................................. 31
Table 3 Table showing vertical and inclined depth in borehole and max injection pressure ....................................................... 33
Table 4 Lengths of SWPS tool components: .................................................................................................................................. 45

Consulting Engineers and Scientists Copyright SRK Consulting vii
1 Introduction
1.1 About this manual
This manual was written by SRK Consulting Inc. hydrogeologists working with the standard wireline packer system (SWPS), and
includes comments and suggestions from Inflatable Packers International (IPI) made during discussions on how to improve the
performance and testing capability of the system in deep, angled drill holes. The purpose of the manual was to provide detailed and
useful operating procedures, parts descriptions, a step‐by‐step assembly and maintenance guide for all parts, standardized test
procedures, and troubleshooting guide for SRK staff.

From experience with the SWPS, it is the small steps and details that may cause trouble during tests. For deep drilling applications,
the SWPS system is superior in operation to gas inflatable packers, but the proper testing procedures take some time to learn. The
goal of this document is to speed up the learning of SWPS and to provide detailed reference for all aspects of its operation.

Changes and additions to old IPI manual that ships with packer tool:
• all parts and assembly steps described with large schematic drawings and photographs and useful comments
• maintenance and troubleshooting suggestions are included in parts description
• step‐by‐step SWPS assembly and insertion procedures (with drawings and photographs and warnings/suggestions)
• one page checklists for testing
• detailed description and operating procedures for the IPI flow meter system
• specific problems and solutions for operating SWPS in cold and hot weather environments

It is advised that the packer operator read the manual before using the equipment, use the testing checklist during every test, and
refer to manual for procedures, parts description, and solutions to known problems.
1.2 Objectives & method
The objective of packer testing is to obtain hydraulic conductivity (K) data. Keep in mind, the data will be used for large scale
applications (ie: mine scale analytical or numerical modelling), where the hydraulic conductivity values will be varied by 1 to 2 orders
of magnitude as part of the assessment, and that the packer test only affects a very small radius. In general, the testing objective is
not to get detailed K measurements on the entire rock mass (as we have good idea a priori, and only test 0.0000000001% of rock
anyway), but really looking for outliers and to see if these are present at large scale, and so could dominate flow in the
hydrogeological system.

In fractured rock, the rock mass can be 3 to 4 orders magnitude lower K than a fracture, so the majority of the observed flow can be
into 1 or more discrete fractures. Therefore, zone length is not as important as an understanding of fracture spacing and whether
open, filled with minerals, gouge, etc. From inspection of the rock core in the test zone, any features that could indicate
groundwater flow (stained joints, growing crystals in joints, rubble zones near faults etc.) should be noted. If the rock is solid, there
should be almost no inflow (not measurable).

Therefore, the purpose of the tests are to:
• Verify bulk rock mass permeability in situations where test pumping not practical or available (this we often know to within
1 to 2 orders of magnitude just from rock type and core logging)
• Test for outliers (ie: specific fractures or fracture zones, an open joint set, fault, lithology contact) that have K values 2 to 3
orders of magnitude higher than general rock mass;
• From other drilling/geological model, determine if these outliers are extensive, or very limited in size (this is difficult
without good drill hole database and possibly further testing, ie: pumping test)
• The packers tests are also used for locating piezometers in fractured rock to ensure they were in hydraulic connection with
the rock mass.
The test zones are planned according to specific test targets or regular intervals without targets:
• depths
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. Copyright SRK Consulting 1
Consulting Engineers and Scientists
o testing at regular intervals or testing change in K with depth (e.g. shallow weathered zone vs. deep rock)
o testing rock near planned pit walls at certain depth
• structural features
o testing faults, fractured zones, single fractures / joint sets identified in core
• lithologies
o testing properties of different lithological units, different alterations
1.2.1 Pressure and Injection Flow Rate
The injection test described here is a cyclical Lugeon or ‘step‐pressure’ test. If this is the case, then a cross‐plot of pressure versus
flow rate describes the path of pressure‐dependent transmissivity of the fracture. At low pressure, a linear‐ or quadratic‐trend is
seen depending upon whether flow is laminar or turbulent, as in conventional hydraulic tests. The slope of this trend defines the
intrinsic, low‐pressure transmissivity of the fracture. However, at sufficiently high pressures, the Q–P curve deviates from this trend
and becomes markedly steeper, reflecting increasing transmissivity due to induced fracture opening.

Hydro jacking is generally defined as the opening of existing joints and fissures that can occur when the water pressure exceeds the
minimum principal stress, which is assumed to be acting perpendicular to existing joints in the tunnel vicinity. Hydro jacking of
existing joints is not to be confused with hydro fracturing, where the applied pressure exceeds both the confining stress and the
tensile strength of the intact rock to induce a new fissure (Rancourt et al, date). The hydrojacking pressures depend on rock type,
but are typically in the 2 to 15 MPa range (300 to 2,000ps) (Dahlo et al, 2003; Downing et al, date). Hydrofracturing involves the
splitting of intact rock to propagate a fracture. Hydrofracturing occurs are higher pressures in competent rock, in 15 to 25 MPa
range (from Dahlo et al, 2003).

Figure 1 Typical range of injection test pressures and effect of hydrojacking and hydrofracturing on Q vs P relation.

Full Hydrojacking and possible
hydrofracturing of rock along
planes of weakness

Q, Injection
Flow Rate Flow through joints
(linear Q vs P)

most injection tests using unstable transition to

SWPS hydrojacking

P, Pressure


Within the linear Q vs P behaviour, there are different variations of the curve, depending on permeability and other changes
occurring as a result of water injection under pressure (Error! Reference source not found.). The inflow will almost always increase
with increasing pressure unless permeability is so low that the injection system is not capable of injecting any water into the
formation at available maximum pressure. What normally happens is the inflow increases with pressure during step‐up of pressure,
and the cycle is reversible on pressure step‐down, such that the curves almost overlap (within small error) – Fig 2a (Singhal and
Gupta, 1999). In some tests, the inflow rate follows a different path on step‐down of pressures, creating a double curve (hysteresis
behaviour) – Fig 2b suggesting cleaning of existing fractures or development of new fractures; this is very common in tests where
polymers or muds were used during drilling to maintain hole wall stability. The paths can also be reversed as shown in Fig 2c
suggesting clogging of fractures.

Figure 2 Characteristic flow‐pressure curves for packer (Lugeon) test (Singhal and Gupta, 1999).

(a) (b) (c)

Injection

Flow Rate

Pressure

(a) nearly ideal behaviour, (b) cleaning of fractures, (c) clogging of fractures.
1.2.2 Data Quality
The packer test section must be set according to the rock conditions. If core shows highly fractured rock where packer will inflate,
leakage or by‐pass of water is likely. The drill rods can be moved to obtain better packer seating location, or test longer zone from
higher up. In fractured rock, most of the inflow is in a few discrete fractures, therefore enlarging a zone may not change the inflow
rate significantly.

The equipment can only measure down to ~ 1 x 10‐9 m/s (about 0.02 L/min) if the system leaks are measured before the injection
test.
• at smaller inflow rates, the standard flow meter reading accuracy is not high enough to measure lower injection flows
during reasonable test time.
• .
• leaks through rod joints will affect apparent measured flow and calculated hydraulic conductivity (read section about leaks
through rods). Note: the tester should make notes on any leaks from casing, malfunctioning equipment, reading errors,
pressure drifts during test intervals, etc
Match the input data accuracy to the output requirements. The hydraulic conductivity will be calculated to 1 significant figure (1/2
order of magnitude data accuracy) and varied during flow modelling sensitivity runs. Take pressure and flow meter readings to 2
significant figures if possible prior to K calculation, but if only one significant figure is available because of measurement uncertainty
(e.g. 0.1 and 0.2 L/min flow), it is acceptable. Concentrate on note keeping and core observations, and record any issues such as
possible packer leakage, etc that will be used to apply a confidence level to the calculated K values.

Be aware of hydrojacking and hydrofracturing pressure and use appropriate P steps for test. If there is a non‐linearity in Q vs P
response, use lower P steps. Other potential problems are system leak, packer bypass, and other problems discussed in following
chapters.
1.2.3 Overview of SWPS packer operation:
“The Inflatable Packers International (IPI) Standard Wireline Packer System
(SWPS) provides the same functionality as an old style gas inflated wireline
packer system, without the need of a fixed wireline, inflation tube and gas
inflation facilities” (IPI manual, May 2007). During the test, water is
injected into the formation interval which is isolated with single or double
packers. Single packers test the interval from below the packer to the
bottom of hole. Double packer tests are used to test a discrete feature by
the addition of a second packer. Each of the packers is located on either
side of the feature of interest to be tested. The process steps are the same
as for single packer. With the SWPS packer system the single packer is
located just below the bit, which will have been pulled back from the
bottom of hole by some distance. The zone between the bottom of the
inflated packer and the bottom of the drill hole is the test zone (see Error!
Reference source not found.). Detailed steps are presented in chapter 4 of
this manual.

Figure 3 Drawing from IPI manual (2007) showing simplified packer test process.

The packer testing process steps are:

• The drill hole is flushed to remove cuttings and debris.
• The drill rods are pulled back to the appropriate location and test zone flushed or developed, if possible.
• Packer equipment is installed down the drill rods (Step 1).
The packer assembly is run‐in as though it were a wireline inner barrel, it lands on the landing ring in core barrel and the
latch arms open locking it in place. A special seal on the tool landing ring seals the packer tool, thus hydraulically
connecting the inside of the packer tool to the surface via the drill rods.
• Packers are inflated to proper pressure (Step 2).
Water is pumped into the drill rods (through swivel and hoses from water pump as in during drilling). The packer tool
channels the pumped water flow through a central pipe (the mandrel), which is blocked at one end by blow‐out plug,
retained by a shear pin. As long as the shear pin is in place (below its pressure rating), the flow is directed through a one‐
way TAM valve and into the packer element, inflating it.
• When inflation pressure exceeds the shear pin rating, the blow out plug is ejected and the flow is directed into the test zone
(rock formation). The SWPS packer pressure will be the same as rating on blow‐out plugs (various strengths are available). The
packer pressure increases if testing pressure increases because of the one‐way valve connection to packer.
• Water is injected into the test zone over the series of fixed pressures, which are controlled with the flow assembly (Step 2b).
Permeability testing is conducted as per standard packer testing procedures.
• After completing the pressure steps, the packers are deflated and removed from the rods (Step 3).
At the completion of testing, a standard Longyear overshot is run into the rods to latch on the spear point on top of the
SWPS tool. Pulling on the tool opens the sliding deflation valve, and the packer deflates within about 10 min or less. The
tool features a secondary emergency deflation valve, held by large shear pins which can be broken by pulling on the rods
with rig hydraulic head.

Figure 4 Test zone in single and double packer (straddle) injection tests.
Single packer Double packer
Deflation sub
Bit
Packer
Inflation sub
Test Zone
Test Zone
Feature
Drill hole bottom

2 Preparation for packer testing
2.1 Packer size
2.1.1 Ordering appropriate SWPS packers
The IPI SWPS is available in NQ and HQ core sizes. HQ packer will fit in HQ1 and HQ3 core barrels, and similarly with NQ. The
components are very similar and packer operation is identical, but the systems are not interchangeable. Therefore; if both NQ and
HQ boreholes are to be tested, 2 sets of appropriately sized packers are required on site. HQ parts are heavier because of larger
diameter of tubes, therefore handling is more difficult, particularly of heavy boxes full of packer parts.

Standard format weights of NQ and HQ parts (kg):
NQ HQ
Single 82 120
Straddle (double) 1107 161

The standard system includes all parts required to perform the test and also has a spare packer element.
2.1.2 Core barrel length measurement at the rig
Once the packer equipment is available on site and drillers are ready to drill, an initial surface test must be performed to ensure that
the packer equipment is compatible with the outer tube configuration. The modified landing ring is installed after the packer
dimensions are compatible with the drilling equipment. Use the checklist form for surface test of packer at the beginning of drill
hole. If the same outer tube and the same drill crew drills other holes, the core barrel does not need to be measured unless there is
a problem with surface test that would suggest dimension problem.

See section 5 for information about core barrel dimensions, packer dimensions.

• check drill rod diameter, check that packer rubber element passes through drill bit
• measure the length inside the complete outer tube and measure the length of packer assembly that is to go inside the tube
– place complete assembled single packer unit beside the complete outer core tube on flat surface or stands
– measure distance with measuring tape from behind the drill bit to the bottom of landing ring (see drawing on next page for
details of measurement points) such that the bit sub sits on the drill bit, and the tool landing ring sits on the landing ring,
with some slack space
• the packer must fit inside the outer core, but not be so short that deflation valve doesn’t open
– the slack space should not be greater than 5 cm (2 inches)
– the two parts of the deflation valve will be forced apart by water pressure and if the outer tube is too long, the valve will
open when pressurized and the packer will never inflate)
• if packer does not fit, the testing cannot proceed; the driller must change some components in outer tube or the packer
needs additional or different extension subs (or remove some extension subs)
2.2 Modified landing ring installation
Before the SWPS can be used, the standard landing ring used by the drillers must be replaced with a SWPS modified landing ring
(MLR). The system will not work without a pressure proof ring because water will leak around the standard landing ring which does
not have an o‐ring on the back side. Each borehole to be packer tested must have proper size (NQ or HQ) MLR installed prior to
testing, therefore, adequate number of MLRs must be shipped to site if multiple drill holes are packer tested with SWPS
simultaneously + few spares.

New MLR (2008) are stainless steel, which prevents corrosion in brine water drilling in permafrost sites, and also have slightly larger
diameter for easier landing of tool even in muddy water (previous MLRs were tight and difficult to lock onto during surface test).

Supervise installation of MLR to ensure that all parts are greased and o‐ring is not damaged before and during installation (surface
test will confirm this). The procedure is similar to regular landing ring installation but more care must be taken to avoid damaging
the outer O‐ring(s) on MLR:

• Remove existing landing ring and clean ring seating area
• Fit the O‐ring to the MLR after lightly lubricating both with grease
• Lightly grease landing ring seating area.
• Fit the MLR into it up to the o‐ring. Use extreme care to avoid cutting the o‐ring sliding it into the box thread (insert
slowly). The system will leak if this o‐ring is damaged.
• Screw the locking coupling in to push the MLR the remainder of the way.
2.3 Maintenance:
The tool requires very little maintenance other than being thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, between uses and checking o‐rings
when exposed. This is particularly important when testing in dirty water. SWPS operation by SRK suggests that testing in clean
water, or water using only diluted polymer instead of mud, the packer remains clean for a long time. However, testing in brine or in
muddy water, or in clean water but in muddy boreholes despite development, the packer may need intense cleaning between tests.
Failure to clean the tool may lead to excessive corrosion or gradual clogging of the small inflation ports, to which special attention
should be paid in the cleaning process. The decision on tool cleaning is made during inspection after last test. The new stainless
steel tool is more corrosion resistant than previous versions, but should be flushed with fresh water prior to drying and storage.

On assembly after prolonged storage and transport, the tools should be re‐assembled with new seals and all shear pins replaced.
For example, if packer tests are frequent and the tool is stored in appropriate place near the rig site, the same emergency shear pins
can be used and the blow out plug shear pins changed once after each test, unless the tool is dropped or has an impact during
handling, which will probably weaken and pre‐stress the shear pin. If the tool is roughly handled prior to landing in position inside
borehole, the shear pin may blow at below‐rated pressure.

Function testing on the surface is strongly recommended following such re‐assembly and prior to re‐mobilising to site. For practical
purposes, surface testing is usually done once in each drilling rig, and again after changes to core barrel configuration, unless the
lengths of components do not change. Any changes in landing rings will required a surface test to confirm good seal on landing ring.

In cold environments, packer element defrosting (if frozen), de‐icing of the head assembly and possibly the deflation valve, will
become part of maintenance routine prior to tool installation into the borehole.
2.3.1 Tools and accessories required for SWPS packer testing, assembly, and
maintenance:
Packer Tool Assembly
• Good quality pipe wrenches for assembling extension pipes (especially in cold environments)
• pipe wrenches with good quality teeth (Ridged, etc.) ‐ required in cold environments
• chain locking wrenches for inserting packer into borehole (good quality)
• canvas strap or other toothless pipe wrench pair (try to use chain wrenches most of the time to avoid scratching the
equipment parts, but need to have real wrenches on site in case hard to open tool parts)
Flow meter system:
• 2 sliding wrenches for flow meter system assembly
• allen key set (metric) for flow meter stand
• any pipe fittings, teflon tape, etc for attaching or changing pressure gauges
Maintenance:
• soft wire brushes, grease, pliers, electrical tape, duct tape
• in cold sites: quick couplings for gauges and heat trace with battery pack and insulation for pitot tube on flow meter system
Testing
• digital stopwatch, flashlight, digital camera
• water level tape (100m), 100m of thin steel cable for levellogger (for measuring static level in inclined holes where water
level tape sticks and can’t get down)
• Troll unvented pressure transducer data logger for packer tests, 1 spare levellogger for measuring water level in inclined
holes
• measuring tape (5m) for measuring stickups, core barrels; optional: measuring tape 100m if airlift testing with air hose
downhole
• test checklists for downhole tests printed on paper ((1 per test + 10 extra; waterproof paper possible?), test checklists for
surface tests printed on paper (5 copies)
• new troubleshooting guide checklist printed on paper and at drill site (new in 2009)
• clipboard, field notebooks, pencils, field computer
Reference materials (electronic files)
• packer testing manual (latest version of pdf document on field laptop) ‐ don’t need to print, but ensure electronic copy is at
test site at all times on field laptop
• data input sheet, latest version (Excel spreadsheet on field laptop)
Transport
• 2 short length ratchet straps for packer box (2 to 3m long each strap) – for truck or helicopter transport need these to
secure packer box lid
• Seat covers for rental trucks to avoid dirt/grease on seats
2.3.2 Spare parts required:
Adequate spare parts must be shipped to drill site. The most critical parts are the parts that cannot be manufactured on site and
which are consumed most frequently.

flow meter system:
• spare couplings and fittings for flow meter, various size JIC couplings for pressure hoses, teflon tape
• spare P gauges (3 of each type), spare batteries for digital gauge, 2 spare cumulative flow meters (brass)

spare parts for packer:
• MLRs (recommend 1 per borehole drilled if holes > 100m)
• inflation seals (in difficult holes, one per test; in easy holes, one per 10 tests)
• shear pins (assume 3 per test)
• emergency deflation pins (assume 1 pair per test)
• other o‐rings (see Table 1 for suggested number of spares)

Table 1 Table of typical spare parts and how frequently changed:

(insert table)

2.4 Packer tool storage and transport:
The SWPS tool can be kept in several larger parts, depending on transport method. If moving by pickup truck or in long boxes, the
extension pipes and head assembly can be assembled in convenient sections. The packer element and valves can be kept in one
section. The final assembly then requires only 3 connections:

Depending on frequency of tests, for longer storage periods, the tool should be completely disassembled, dried, all metal parts
lightly greased inside and out to prevent corrosion. The rubber TAM should be removed from the TAM valve sub. The packer
elements (rubber) should be stored out of direct sunlight with no grease on any of the rubber parts. All parts should be stored
together in a clean dry environment.

For helicopter transport in nets, use protective boxes for packer parts because rough landing of net can bend packer parts. When
disassembled, the packer parts may fit into helicopter skid basket. Inform pilot about weights.

The flow meter system should always travel in its protective case with case lid properly secured with ratchet straps (load often spins
with cargo net, especially long rectangular object, the box can flip over when lifting net, and contents can fall out through the net
and if fall from height will be too damaged to be useful. Use at least 2 ratchet straps.
2.5 Working in cold weather conditions:
At very cold drill sites, for example in northern Canada during cold season, the process of packer testing can suddenly become more
complicated and even impossible. Cold temperatures change the properties of metal components, rubber seals, freeze water very
quickly inside pipes and packer glands, freeze and damage pressure gauges, increase difficulty in assembly and disassembly of parts,
and create difficult working environment.
2.5.1 Most common problems (10 C to 30 C):
• Even in heated drill rigs, cold air can enter and freeze solid the water hoses. Drain all pressure hoses after use and keep in
heated place when filled with water but no water flowing because of work stoppage. Ice pieces from partly frozen water
hoses can jam up the flow meter system.
• Flow meter system will freeze quickly if exposed to cold air. The first thing to freeze is the small pitot tube that connects
water pressure to pressure gauges. Defrosting that tube with hot air usually solves the problem. Next to freeze are valves
and connector tubes to pressure gauges. A frozen pressure gauge is stuck on one pressure and does not respond to
pressure changes. If caught early, a frozen gauge can be defrosted by placing in warm water and it will function properly.
Seriously frozen gauge may have damaged diaphragm/transducer and not work. However, avoid blowing hot air directly
onto digital gauge display as it will damage it.
• Packer system tubes are difficult to screw together or loosen. Good wrenches will be required. The metal shrinks and
threads become much tighter and its impossible to take parts apart without wrenches most of the time.
• If not drained after use, water will freeze inside packer parts. Defrosting will require hot water and taking apart of the tool.
Drain and detach most parts after use.
• Ice often accumulates on the head assembly and freezes the arms. Apply blowtorch if frozen. Ensure arms move freely
before sending downhole for test.
• Drilling in permafrost may require salt brine, which has the effect of corroding all metal parts. Stainless steel landing rings
and packer tools are required. All valves and on packer tool must be corrosion proof. Even stainless steel tool will slowly
corrode, therefore rinse with fresh water all SWPS parts after test, including the flow meter system (if brine was used).
Brine is also corrosive to hands, eyes, etc. Wear protective equipment.
• The red test seal may shrink and not seal properly if too cold (<2 C). This will not be a problem when downhole in water if
water is warm enough, but it can create problems in surface test.
• Surface test can be challenging. The hoses, flow meter system, and water inside packer tool or core barrel can freeze.
Doing a surface test outside in ‐30 C is difficult.
• At temperature less than ‐40 C, its not advisable to work outside of heated spaces, surface test in open air is impossible (the
tool will freeze), and even carrying the flowmeter manifold small distance outside can freeze the pitot tube and gauges.

Figure 5 Example of photos of single packer parts in cold weather environment.
packer element
injection sub
ACE extension sub backend
In cold temperature, the metal pipes are tighter fitting and more difficult to
assemble. Pipes are easier to connect when level.

2.5.2 Freezing of Pressure Gauges
In the cold environments, the freezing of pitot tube often damages the pressure gauge. One solution is to install quick connect
couplings pressure ports in the IPI unit. This allows quick change of gauges and separate storage to prevent gauge freezing. In cold
environments, it is best to use 2 gauges, to check one against another. Gauges may freeze at any time. Quick connect couplings
between gauges and flow meter assembly should be installed. At one of the projects, several digital pressure gauges were lost as a
result of flow meter system freezing during transport and once during operation. A temperature sensor attached to pitot tube can
be useful in detecting ice formation.

When ice forms between pressure gauge and flow line, at first the gauge will be “stuck” and indicate a constant pressure. The
operator should constantly watch out for a frozen pressure gauge. If stuck, check pressure on drill rig gauge, if available. Normally,
the pressure reading shows oscillations from the drill pump, tends to drift, and definitely changes when bypass valve is shifted.

Note: Do not try to close the bypass valve when pressure gauge is not responding because the flow meter system can be over‐
pressurized) Overpressure of flow meter system can cause blown gauges, flow meter unit, valves, couplings.

With further freezing, the gauge line will also freeze and may expand and damage the pressure transducer / membrane.

If a gauge is stuck, open the bypass valve to relieve pressure and remove the stuck gauge. Place frozen gauge in warm water. When
the water line thaws, the gauge pressure will drop to zero. Defrost the flow meter system (especially gauge couplings and pitot line).
Attach gauge again and test pressure reading.

Digital gauges:
• Baroli digital gauge performs very well, except in very cold weather as they are prone to freezing.
• The LCD display on the digital P gauge failed due to cold temperatures.
• Lithium batteries also malfunction in extreme cold conditions (‐30 C)
• if digital gauge malfunctions, disconnect and check for ice in tube (assume it is frozen if operated in T < 0 C); also check
batteries
Analog gauges:
• use liquid filled analog gauges (have spares for low P range, to 200 psi, and high P range, 1000 psi)
• if it gets stuck and is cold, assume it is frozen, disconnect, warm up (stick gauge connector couplings in bucket of hot
water); if defrosting doesn’t help, the gauge is broken

See section 5.19.1 for photos of frozen gauges and modifications made to defrost.
2.6 Working in hot weather conditions:
In very hot weather, there are a few problems to watch for:
• When metal tubes and packer gear is exposed to hot the sun, the metal will heat up significantly and will be too hot to
touch with bare hands. Bring leather gloves.
• Do not put the Troll or other pressure transducer in the tube attached to packer tool and leave exposed to hot sun in hot
weather. The temperature inside the tube will rise to above 60 C and can damage the data logger instrument. If no shade
is available, put wet cloth on top of sensor tube to cool it down. Best to keep sensor separate if packer tubes too hot.
• Packer element rubber will degrade in direct sunlight. In 24hrs of direct sun a film of black burned rubber will form. It
seems the rubber doesn’t like direct sunlight for long time.
• Grease in deflation valve may burn off and evaporate and jam up the valve with residue. Frequent cleaning and greasing is
required.
• Flow meter system can take the heat but watch out for digital gauges. These can be damaged by heat (especially the LCD
display). Do not leave in direct sunlight, keep in protective case.
• The packer test operators should be aware of hot weather risks and have adequate drinking water supply on site.
• There may also be site‐specific health risks in tropical/equatorial countries.
2.7 Safety considerations at drill rig
Drill rig
• wear required PPE
• hard hat – watch out for swinging objects attached to wireline, stay out of fall path
• safety glasses – you will be working with high pressure water; drill rig hydraulic water and hydraulic lines / steam
lines may also have leaks at any time, drillers may use grinding tools, and chunks of ice and dirt may fall from
above from wireline overshot
• approved boots (steel/composite toe protection)
• hearing protection – you might be near drill rig while drilling (very noisy), or inside when water pump is operating
(very noisy) for several hours
• high visibility vest – makes sure drillers can see you
• gloves – when handling heavy, sharp, hot, cold objects
• drill rigs are dangerous places, ask drillers about the rig, do not touch any rig levers and controls and stay away from them
to prevent accidental engagement of controls (you don’t want to push the wrong button and loose the rods down hole for
example)
• watch out for holes in floors, especially near the drill rods, ice and oil on floor, steps to rig, especially when handling heavy
loads (packer pieces, flow meter boxes, …)
• involve drillers in packer setup and ask for help when needed + explain what you are doing

Packer test specific
• always cover packer element with drill rod when inflating and never look inside the rod (packer may blow and shoot pieces
out of hole)
• if using a low pressure flow meter assembly which is rated for less than the shear pin setting, you must isolate that flow
meter assembly before pressuring to blow the pin
• use appropriate high pressure hoses
• make sure the bypass valve is operational and hose not blocked (e.g. frozen) or you may over pressurize the flow meter
assembly if the valve does not relieve pressure
• for straddle packer surface test, every effort should be made to pre‐fill the lower packer assembly with water to exclude
air (to ensure inflation and to limit volume of high pressure air generated during testing
• packer boxes are heavy, lift appropriately
• helicopter transport requires special safety orientation – discuss with pilot any transport arrangements of packer parts
• reasonably secure packer boxes, parts, for type of ground transport
• when lifting packer parts with wireline, maintain good grip and control on the tool as it is being raised, and stand to the
side when tool is suspended, in case the wireline unlatches and the tool falls down

Environment
• each site will be different and may have additional hazards
• packer testing involves water and the equipment may need to be decontaminated if the borehole water is contaminated
• strong brines are common in use in northern sites – wear rubber gloves and eye protection
• we have sites where drill water may contain drill cuttings from uranium ore – obviously follow specific
decontamination procedures
• in cold temperatures, metal parts may give cold burns, wear gloves
• cold weather clothing in northern sites is required
• rig sites may have heavy machinery operating nearby, danger trees, ice holes (lake drilling), etc.

3 Surface test of SWPS tool
3.1.1 Purpose
The surface test is carried out to verify the correct packer operation and to identify problems because packer inflation, water
injection, and any leaks are visible. Perform one surface test at the beginning of each borehole to ensure proper fit in core barrel.
Drillers often change barrel parts between holes (i.e. reaming shell size could change, orientation tool could be removed or added).

Surface test takes place beside the drill rig. It consists of inserting the complete packer assembly (single or straddle packer), with the
same parts as in normal downhole test, into the complete core barrel assembly (the same as put downhole with rods during normal
packer test), manually pushing the packer tool into core barrel, pressurizing the barrel, inflating packers, blowing the shear pin and
injecting water out of injection sub, and deflating packers by opening the deflation valve.

If packer malfunctions and the problem cannot be solved when testing downhole, and the same problem persists even after packer
inspection and repetitive trials downhole, then another surface test should be done when rods are pulled out. Note that the
decision to pull rods will depend on current depth drilled and the importance of packer testing targets vs. drilling costs and targets.
See the troubleshooting guide to identify when to do a surface test, depending on problem encountered.

There is a checklist for surface test which should be followed and filled during each surface test.
3.1.2 Procedures for surface test
1. prepare core barrel stands or suitable ground
• if available, use chainsaw to cut v‐wedges out of 4x4” wood blocks and put core barrel on those and if possible, clamp down
the barrel with chain wrenches; surface test can also be done on flat ground or snow but the threads of packer parts tend
to get dirty/iced and need cleaning
• sometimes the drillers will want to do the test inside the rig because of short hoses; in very cold temperatures, avoid
freezing problems by moving inside
2. assemble packer
• assembly is as usual
• check with drillers if they changed any outer tube subs; during shift change, drillers often will change things, for example
they may take off the orientation tool sub if they are having some drilling difficulties, or put on different reaming shells
• with measuring tape measure again the inner space in tube from inside of drill bit to end of landing ring (if you can’t see the
landing ring, ask drillers where it sits in, they will know within 0.5 cm), and compare to packer length that should fit into
tube +/‐ tolerances
3. insert packer into outer tube (core barrel)
• insert the first part of packer assembly, from the blow‐out sub to the cross‐over sub attached to the TAM valve sub, in the
correct downhole orientation obviously, but leave the cross‐over sub (attached to TAM valve sub) out of tube to allow
attaching of the extension subs
• If its difficult to insert the tool into landing ring, its possible to hammer the head assembly with wooden block/hammer but
the shear pin may break as result or be weakened and break at lower than expected pressure; replace shear pin if it breaks
accidentally; if shear pin breaks at lower than expected pressure, try again with fresh new pin
• attach the extension subs and when attached, push the packer assembly deeper in ‐ the blow‐out sub and the packer
element will protrude out of the drill bit
• the protruding packer parts should be supported and kept level with the other parts that are in the outer tube barrel
• to finish landing the tool into landing ring, with the head assembly still protruding out of barrel tubes, in one smooth
motion firmly (this may be hard) push the packer all the way in and let go of head assembly before it enters the tube and let
it slide in and latch;
• it may often be stuck part way and not latch, then repeat the insertion and try to also pull on packer element sticking out of
drill bit (2 person job)
Figure 6 Example of surface test of packer.
length of rod
covering packer
rubber element
melting ice with

when completely inserted..., the bit sub (just below
blowtorch thetest
(if 1st deflation valve) will
be stuck behind the drill bit and the emergency
leaks, ice may plug sub
deflation drillwill stick out
first out of the drill bit as shown bit or inside barrel)
drill bit
emerg.defl.
sub
backend before
“landing” (in cold
weather, heat with blow
torch to defrost arms)

expanded packer at 100 psi
without containment by rods
cover packer by drill rod ‐ don’t
forget to put drill rod around
packer or it may blow up ...
4. place one length of drill rod around packer element (one each)
• do not inflate packers without containment by drill rods because packer rubber will over‐expand and blow
• Note about straddle packer surface tests:‐ you must pre‐fill the lower packer and its zone extension pipes, if used with
water to avoid pressurizing air inside (dangerous) and remember to cover both packer elements with drill rods of
appropriate size
5. attach swivel with pressure hose to back of core barrel
6. attach the flow meter assembly as usual to pump and swivel head
7. inflate packers by applying pressure
• observe inflation indirectly by watching packer element on edge of covering drill rod piece (do not look directly into drill
rods)
Warning: do not look inside drill rod when packer expanded (or if not sure if expanded) ‐ if packer rubber element breaks,
high pressure may shoot metal tubes out of drill rod at high speed
leave small space (3 cm) at one end to allow

observing of packer expansion during surf ace test drill rod piece of appropriate
diameter (HQ/NQ) f or packer
tool type

HQ (96 mm) NQ (76 mm)
Pressure required to start Packer inflation at surface: 50 psi 50 psi
Pressure required to Inflate packer to start touching the open hole: 110 psi 120 psi
Note: “Inflation Pressure curve Chart” is in IPI Operation Manual (shipped with packer).
8. observe visible packer parts for leaks
• and if present note location and refer to troubleshooting guide and schematic drawings to identify o‐ring location to
replace; there should also be no water leaking from core barrel
9. apply pressure to 500 psi and blow shear pins – water will flow out of injection sub (see photo ‐>)
10. stop water flow, disconnect flow meter, and detach swivel from back of core barrel
11. pull back on head assembly and unlatch it and deflate packer
• use wireline tools to grab the back end or wrenches (ask drillers); once unlatched pull back to open the deflation valve and
observe as water flows out of the end of core barrel (at the drill bit) as water flows out of packer element(s)
12. remove packers from core barrel
• after deflation of packers (test by seeing if drill rods move around packer elements but do not look directly in), detach the
bottom packer (if it was used), pull out single packer assembly from core barrel and inspect it
IPI SWPS Packer Testing Checklist (Surface Test Only)
Borehole ID:______________ Date / time:______________________ Location:_________________ Operator:____
Rod size:____ Packer type: single / double Temp=_____ C Type of water used:___________
Purpose of test:____________________________________________________________________________________

1. Inspection of packer equipment 4. Inflation and seal testing
O‐rings (including red test seal) Start water pump and bring to about 300 psi
Deflation valve (opens/closes and mandrel holds) Seal test consist of observing if water flow out of drill bit in core barrel. There
should be no water flow out of barrel.
Packer element rubber in good condition
Packer inflated at P=_____psi Infl. time=_____ min
2. Inspection of core barrel
Increase pressure to blow shear pin.
Measure core barrel length inside and verify that it is correct length, check all
core barrel subs present as required and correct size of reaming shells, other shear pin blown at P=_______psi
subs
Check again for leaks out of core barrel.
Was the MLR installed properly?
5. Deflation & removal
Position core barrel for test (horizontally)
Stop water pump.
3. Correct assembly and installation
Remove swivel head from core barrel.
Single / double packer components connected correctly
Using wrench or overshot tool, pull up hard on head assembly spearpoint to
Inform drillers about what the installation plan is unlatch tool, pull enough to open deflation valve and wait to deflate.
Insert packer tool into core barrel into borehole. Disconnect and drain flowmeter / hoses.
Put drill rod around packer element. Disassemble packer, drain water from ALL parts.
Connect flow meter, high/low P gauge(s), connect hoses
On flow meter: open bypass valve, open shutoff valve, close isolation valve to
low P gauge on flow meter
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Test result and comments:

4 Downhole Packer Testing Procedures
4.1 Summary of testing and checklist
Packer testing procedures can be grouped into activities that take place once at each drill hole and a group of steps followed during
each zone test. The MLR must be installed, packer parts inspected and fitted to barrel length, and confirmed packer operation with
a surface test. During each zone test, the test zone is selected and prepared, packer equipment installed and inserted, and the flow
meter installed. The part of test that involves water pressure is the packer inflation, water injection at different pressure steps and
flow rate measurement, and packer deflation. Finally, the packer is removed, disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and prepared for
next test.

For each borehole (before drilling start):
• Install MLR
• Prepare and inspect packer parts
• Surface test of packer
For each test zone:
• Test zone selection & preparation (pull back rods to expose test zone & develop hole)
• Packer equipment installation (inspection, assembly, insertion, seal testing, flow meter connection)
• Packer inflation
• Water injection (testing)
• Packer deflation
• Packer removal

There is a checklist for downhole and surface packer test. The test checklist form must be used and completed during each test to
avoid major mistakes and to ensure that data is recorded and to provide original record of test. Each test is expensive in terms of
drill time lost, preparation, equipment costs, and even the most experienced operators can forget critical steps.

The following sections describe in detail each testing step. Refer to this manual during training and keep a copy (paper or electronic)
on site, especially when not experienced. Blank copies of checklists are required on site and must be filled for all tests, even failed
tests. Number all tests sequentially, including failed tests.
4.2 Test zone selection
• During drilling, consider conducting a single‐packer test for the following geologic conditions:
– If a significant geologic structure has been intersected (e.g., fault or significant fracture zone)
– If rock characteristics (i.e., lithology, major geotechnical domain) have changed significantly or show evidence of water
flow
– Or follow tests at specified intervals or at specific depths (i.e. testing above and below permafrost or in suspected taliks
below lakes, random testing in undifferentiated rock, …)
– It is also useful to do a test in rock that is known to be extremely low hydraulic conductivity to confirm packer test
performance
• Once the hole is complete it is possible to perform straddle‐packer tests
– Target known geologic structures
• Take time to draw detailed diagram of test feature, test zone, packer position, drill rods/bit position
– review test zone selection/rod pulling notes in this manual if not familiar with procedures before selecting zones

IPI SWPS Packer Testing Checklist (Downhole Test)
Borehole ID:___________________ Test #___ Date:___________ Test supervisor:____________ Shear pin strength:______ (psi)
Zone depth along hole (m/ft units?) start time:______ Rig #/driller:_______________ Max P ______(psi)
from________ to:________ end time:_______ Hole dip=_____ degrees Planned P steps: _______________ (psi)
Location / project ID:_________________________________ Rod size:_____ Packer type: single / double
Zone description:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Test zone preparation 4. Inflation and seal testing
Flush hole before pulling rods. Development time_______(min) On flow meter: open bypass valve, open shutoff valve, close isolation
Before/after water quality (color, EC): _______________________ valve to low P gauge, start water pump
Rods pulled up and depth verified with drillers: # rods__________ Measure system leak before shear pin blown at planned P steps
2. Inspection of packer equipment Packer inflation (P=_______psi Infl.time=_______ min)
O‐rings (including red test seal)
Flow meter recording flow & P gauges functional during packer inflation
List of replaced parts:_____________________________________
Shear pin blown (P=_______psi)
Tool landing ring greased
Remind the drillers not to move or rotate rods during test.
Deflation valve (greased/opens & closes easily & mandrel holds)
Optional: Valve taped shut for insertion Optional: airlift or other test: _________________________________
Fill rods with water before injection test to remove air bubble
Shear pin replaced; pin strength:____________________________
5. Injection testing
Packer element rubber inspect
Use bypass valve to control flow and pressure for test pressure steps.
3. Assembly and installation downhole
Flow meter system components connected Check packer seal at each P step during test and note any leaks
Single / double packer components connected correctly P and flow measurements completed and data recorded
Pressurizing problems:____________________________________
Optional: Pressure transducer started and installed
Remind (or instruct) drillers about what the installation plan is 6. Deflation & removal
Measure water level in rods OR fill rods with water if water level Follow deflation procedures in manual for specific conditions.
unknown. If not possible to fill or measure, lower tool with wireline. Optional: E‐pin break
Insert packer tool into borehole, following procedures in manual. Standard method: pull up with wireline to unlatch tool & open deflation
valve. Wait to deflate. Deflation time:______ (min)
Packer tool sink time or pump‐in time____________ (min:ss)
until landing felt (or double estim.sink time if not felt) Unlatching problems: __________________________________________
Optional: Tool lowered with wireline Remove packer tool & inspect: _______________________________
Optional: Tool pumped into place Follow cleanup and disassembly procedures.
Landing ring seal test; (no seal, leaky, good seal, landing problems)
4.3 Drill rods pulled back to appropriate depth
• Upon test zone identification, determine how many rods must be pulled to have that zone open
• for “single” packer tests, the packer extends roughly 1.25m below the bit (see Figure 7)
• Before calculating zone position for packers, verify the current drilled depth
• Single packer tests should be done during downward drilling progress to avoid testing the whole borehole interval
• for single packer tests, the zone length is from bottom of packer to end of hole, therefore, to avoid testing very large
zones, do the testing on way down as suggested in this manual (pause drilling, pull up 1 or few rods to expose zone, and
do single packer test in zone length from top packer to end of hole, which will be 1 to few rods length only)
• double packer tests can be done at any time, although it is easier to know the depth on way down, and pulling up few
rods similarly to suggested procedure with single packer test; on way up, large number of rods must be pulled if the
zone is in middle of hole or in upper portion of hole, therefore miscounting of rods is more likely; if decision to double
packer test a zone in middle of hole is made after the hole is nearly completed, there is obviously no choice but to pull
up and count rods and calculate depth of zone
• Drillers can only pull out whole rods, which are usually 3 m in length
• not all zone lengths can be accommodated by drillers because if a rod is pulled out half way, there is no access to the
swivel, which will be too high (for SWPS the swivel needs to come off for insertion of packer)
• whole rods will be removed only, so single packer zone length will be a multiple of lengths of rods (3 m, 6 m, 9 m ... )
• for double packer, the position of the top packer will also be limited to rod length increments relative to drilled end of
hole position, but the position of the bottom packer (and zone length) can be increased by adding the zone extension
subs between packers
• If testing after the hole is drilled, while pulling up large number of rods , it is important to keep count of the drill rods both in
the hole and on surface to ensure you know the true depth of the drill bit
• this is especially important for “double” packer tests as the test zone will be relatively short (~1 to 6m length) and it is
easy to mislocate the packers and test the wrong section of drill hole
Figure 7 Single and double packer position relative to test zone.
Single Double
packer test (straddle)
packer test
Deflation sub
Drill Bit
Packer ~1.25 m ~1.25 m
Feature to
be tested
Injection sub
Test Zone
Test Zone
Extensions
Drill hole (number as
bottom required)
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc 19
Consulting Engineers and Scientists.
Example of zone selection and drill rod count:
• Current drilled depth is 60 m. In the last run of core that just came out of hole, the drill rod is completely inserted and
drillers are ready to add another one and continue drilling. The last 2 runs of 1.5 m each have rock core showing a fault
zone approximately length of one run from depth 57.5 to 59 m, with competent rock around it. We can do a single
packer test on this feature because the bottom of hole is just below the fault zone (bottom of hole is the same as
second packer in double packer so there is no need to do straddle packer test).
• The drillers just finished adding 1 new rod and will need to take it off again. Inform drillers about the test and ask to
“clean the hole”. They will circulate water from drill bit around the hole until water is clear of mud or cuttings. Verify
depth drilled in last run again. Confirmed 60 m end of last run.
• Calculate how many rods to remove (refer to diagrams shown on next page):

(a) drill bit (b)
(a) if one rod is removed, the drill bit will
be at: 54 m
60 m ‐ 1 x 3 m (1 rod) = 57 m
1.25 m
considering that the top packer ends at
1.25 m below the drill bit, the test zone packer
would be:
from 57 m + 1.25 m = 58.25 m to end 3m
of hole (at 60 m), this will miss half the rod
fault feature drill bit length

(b) if 2 rods are removed, the drill bit will 57 m
be at: test
60 m ‐ 2 x 3m (2 rods) = 54 m 1.25 m zone
the test zone would be:
from 54 m ‐ 1.25 m = 55.25 m to 60 m packer
fault zone fault zone
this zone will include the whole fault
feature and competent rock around it so test
most of injected flow, will be into the fault zone
zone, therefore, tell drillers to pull up 2
rods after they clean the hole
EOH at 60 m

4.4 Developing the drill hole:
Before the packer test can be conducted, it is imperative to clean cuttings and debris from the drill hole. This cleaning of borehole is
called “development”. If cuttings are forced into fractures during drilling, the fractures can be “clogged” or blocked, causing low
flow or “take” by the rock during the injection test and, subsequently, lower apparent hydraulic conductivity than would be
measured if the fractures were unaltered by drilling. Additionally, with the SWPS system, fine cuttings or debris can clog ports,
causing equipment malfunction.

The decision to fully develop the hole must be discussed with the driller to ensure that it will not jeopardize the stability of the dill
hole. Ultimately, the driller is responsible for the drill hole and the final say on minimum mud weight, etc. If hole not fully
developed before test, this must be noted on test records, along with apparent mud weight/viscosity.

There are 2 parts to hole development:
1) flushing of entire hole before rods are pulled to expose test zone
2) developing test zone fractures by pumping/airlifting/swabbing water out of rods to induce inflow from rock formation
into borehole
4.4.1 Flushing of borehole before pulling rods
Flushing of borehole involves pumping of clean water through rods, to drill bit, forcing water to flow under pressure between
borehole rock wall and the rods, cleaning it. Not all boreholes need the same degree of development, because some boreholes are
already relatively clean. Some boreholes will be so clogged with drilling mud that development without scrubbing with special tools
will probably not unclog the fractures.

Developing already clean boreholes:

In some drill holes, only water (or hot water or brine in cold sites) is used, with minimum lubricating additives. The core will look
very clean and the few pulled rods will also be clean. Water circulating into tank will be clean.
• Drillers will pump water through rods, to drill bit, forcing water to flow under pressure between borehole rock wall and the
rods, cleaning it. Some drillers want to flush the hole without pulling 0.5 m up (their call, whatever works best).
• In such holes, development is already accomplished, just flush the hole for few minutes.

Developing dirty boreholes:

i. To develop the drill hole, have the drillers pull the rods back approximately 0.5m (1‐2 feet) from the bottom of the hole and
flush the hole with clean water.
• Ensure that there is no mud in the water tank, or water is supplied from a clean source.
• Some drillers want to flush the hole without pulling 0.5 m up (their call, whatever works best).
ii. Observe the return water over the development period and continue development until the water has cleared or conductance
stabilized.
• In dirty boreholes, initially, the water will likely be cloudy, or have high specific conductance. If mud was used, put a
little of the development water on your fingers; if it feels greasy, there is still residual mud in the water.
iii. Develop the hole for at least 30 minutes, or until you are confident that the water is not getting clear.
• The time required for development varies from site to site, but you will gain a feel for how much time is necessary
to get drill holes in a specific area relatively clean of drill cuttings.
4.5 Packer equipment installation into drill hole
This section explains how to complete the assembly of packer components, insert safely into the borehole, release, and test the
inflation/testing seal. Both single and double packer configurations are included. Packer installation into the borehole is explained
in three sub‐sections:

• Completing the assembly of packer parts (single & double packers)
• Lifting assembled segments with wireline, connecting, and inserting into borehole
• Releasing packer assembly into borehole and testing pressure seal

Packer assembly is a very important part of testing process. All parts must be assembled correctly and all required parts must be in
place. This includes all o‐rings. There is no one method of assembling the IPI SWPS packer. The following steps are based on
experience and provide some of the easiest methods of assembly. There can be variations in the order of assembly, but
inexperienced users should follow the steps shown here.

There are several groups of steps of assembly. First the smaller subs are assembled (if taken apart for inspection or shear pin
replacement) into groups of parts. These groups are then put together into larger assemblies which will be handled while attaching
to wireline. Lastly, 2 or 3 major pieces are connected at the drill rig with help of wireline hoisting and the complete assembly is
inserted into the borehole.
4.5.1 Pretest inspection
Before installing the equipment for first time, ALL parts should be inspected:
• All o‐rings. Some o‐rings may not be obvious but are all required for proper operation! Inspect existing o‐rings for cracks,
abrasion, other wear and replace if worn out.
• threads (should be clean of dirt or ice – use soft wire brushes) including mandrel threads
• upper and lower parts of the deflation sub should be checked to ensure they are generally free moving; if not, apply light
grease coating to the shaft of upper part, including o‐ring
Between packer tests, a quick inspection is also necessary:
• visible o‐rings, particularly red test seal on tool landing ring
• threads (particularly mandrel threads after breaking the emergency shear pins by pulling rods)
• shear pin replaced
• packer element rubber condition
• straddle packer test: small ports in the injection sub should be inspected for plugging debris and cleaned with a thin wire if
necessary (in single packer these are plugged and are hidden by the end cap)
4.5.2 Completing the assembly of packer parts
All details and steps of assembly are in Chapter 5. There are photos of all steps and all parts. Here is a short summary:

Single packer:
1) In core shed, or some other convenient location, assemble the major groups of parts that contain smaller parts:
• [ head assembly + tool landing ring ]
• [ TAM valve sub + Deflation sub + emergency deflation sub ]
• [ Top packer + mandrel + packer end seal sub ] + [ straddle outer/inner case + blowout plug sub ]
• [ Injection sub + end cap ]
2) Outside the drilling rig, connect some of the groups of parts together prior to hoisting
• [ head assembly and all extension subs that go into core barrel ]
• [ all parts from TAM valve sub to injection sub ]
Double (straddle) packer:
1) In core shed, or some other convenient location, assemble the major groups of parts that contain smaller parts:
• [ head assembly + tool landing ring ]
• [ TAM valve sub + Deflation sub + emergency deflation sub ]
• [ Top packer + mandrel + packer end seal sub ] + [ straddle outer/inner case + blowout plug sub ]
• [ Injection sub ]
2) Outside the drilling rig, connect some of the groups of parts together prior to hoisting
• [ head assembly and all extension subs that go into core barrel ]
• [ all parts from TAM valve sub to injection sub ]
• [ zone extension subs + bottom packer and associated subs all the way to end cap ]

you must pre‐fill the lower packer and its zone extension pipes with water to avoid pressurizing air inside (dangerous) and to ensure
proper packer expansion
4.6 Lifting assembled segments with wireline, connecting, and inserting
into borehole
4.6.1 Single packer lifting and insertion into rods:
On most drill rigs, the overshot is too short to lift the entire single packer assembly by wireline. In this case, the tool is lifted in two
pieces. Where the overshot is long enough to accommodate the entire single packer tool, it is difficult to assemble the entire tool
except on very flat ground and with plenty of working space (large open deck of drill rig, very flat ground, lake ice surface) and it is
usually the best practice to assemble and lift the single packer tool in 2 pieces regardless of overshot height.

Figure 8 The wireline and overshot.

Safety Warnings

• stay clear of fall path of hoisted parts in case the wireline detaches from backend

• ask for help from drillers and control all pieces going into hole carefully (use at least 2 hold points for pieces held in
drill hole – hands, wrenches, clamps) – losing part of packer downhole means pulling of rods !!

Procedure:
1. Bring the two packer tool pieces fully assembled into the drill rig or close by. Attach 2 chain clamps to just below the bit sub on
the lower part of the packer tool (the lower half consists of assembled pieces from deflation sub to the end cap). For extra safety,
tape shut the chain grip wrenches.

Do not put chain grip into the groove on the emergency deflation sub, as it will bend the emergency deflation pins over
time and eventually break them with repeated chain gripping there.

2. Manually lift the lower section containing the packer element and insert into drill rods, allowing the chain grip wrenches to rest on
opening of drill rods and hold the tool in place. Two people will be required to lift this tool safely, and one person to help guide the
tip into drill rod. Avoid hitting the inflation sub against metal objects to not weaken the shear pin.

When assembling long packer pieces to install down the drill hole, care must be taken to avoid bending and potentially
damaging the equipment by installing in sections. The inner mandrel, which is the backbone of the system can be easily
bent or have the threads damaged. Most of the bending of mandrel will occur at packer element rubber, which is the most
flexible part and only the mandrel tube inside holds it straight if under bending load.

3. Attach the head assembly and extension pipes of tool to wireline and lift on overshot. If there are sharp edges on overshot
surface, protect the red test seal with a rag wrap. Lift with wireline and position above the drill rod and the piece of packer tool
already in drill rod.

4. Lower slowly the extension pipe onto male thread just above deflation sub and screw together the two pieces (rotate the top
piece but carefully – keep aligned or it will be difficult to attach – use wrenches but don’t over tighten – make sure the deflation sub
did not rotate or any lower subs open accidentally).

5. After the two pieces are attached, and the single packer tool is completely assembled, lift it slightly by wireline to remove the
chain grip wrenches from lower part of tool. Then, lower slowly into borehole. Protect the red inflation test seal from scratches on
drill rod threads or edge as it enters the drill rod.

Figure 9 Lifting single packer (step 1 & 2 lifting of packer assembly).
wireline
Deflation sub
Emerg. Def. sub Bit sub
overshot
Attach 2 chain grip
wrenches as shown
packer Wrenches
support tool
after inserted
into rods

Figure 10 Lifting single packer (step 3 & 4 lifting of packer assembly).
wireline
extension subs backend
Lower and attach
to bottom part
of tool already in
drill rod

4.6.2 Double packer lifting and insertion into rods:
Procedure:

1. Lift lower packer and test zone extension pipes using lifting coupling attached to drill rod wireline. Lift onto overshot and lower
partially into rod.
2. Attach C‐clamp to special place on extension pipe joiner on the lower packer assembly, and lower with wireline until the tool
rests on C‐clamp against edge of rod.
3. If overshot is short in length, lift the top packer assembly manually onto overshot rail and lower on top of the part already in rod
(held by C‐clamp) and attach. Lift slightly attached parts, remove C‐clamp, and lower both parts into rods until the chain grip
wrenches support the weight and rest at edge of rods. If the overshot is longer than the whole packer assembly, see step 3b for
lifting complete single packer tool onto overshot (recommend HQ only, because its stiffer).
3b. For HQ packers only, which have stiffer tubes, if the overshot is long in length, attach the top packer assembly to top
extension pipes and head assembly (the usual single packer complete assembly) and lift the whole thing with wireline
attached to head assembly. Have helpers support the packer rubber so it doesn’t bend there (don’t drag on floor). Lift
slowly onto overshot rail and lower slowly on top of piece that is in rods and is held with C‐clamp. Attach the two pieces
together to form the complete double packer tool. Lift slightly with wireline, remove C‐clamp, and lower the tool into rods.
Unlike with short overshot rail, steps 4 and 5 are not necessary as all is done in step 3b.
… the remaining steps are the same as for single packer lifting onto overshot:

4. Attach the head assembly and extension pipes of tool to wireline and lift on overshot. If there are sharp edges on overshot
surface, protect the red test seal with a rag wrap. Lift with wireline and position above the drill rod and the piece of packer tool
already in drill rod.

5. Lower slowly the extension pipe onto male thread just above deflation sub and screw together the two pieces (rotate the top
piece but carefully – keep aligned or it will be difficult to attach – use wrenches but don’t over tighten – make sure the deflation sub
did not rotate or any lower subs open accidentally).

Figure 11 Lifting of double packer (step 1 & 2 lifting of lower packer).
C-clamp
bottom packer assembly

Figure 12 Lifting of double packer (step 3 lifting of upper packer).
If the overshot rail is short in height…
Deflation sub
Emerg. Def. sub Bit sub
Attach 2 chain grip
wrenches as shown
top (single) packer assembly

Figure 13 Lifting of double packer (step 3b lifting of complete upper packer assembly).
If the overshot rail is longer than complete single packer
assembly…
Assemble complete single packer parts (top packer
assembly + extension subs with backend) and lift together
by wireline
extension subs head assembly
top (single) packer assembly

4.7 Downhole packer tool installation
4.7.1 Methods of landing the SWPS downhole
Three methods are commonly used to send the SWPS downhole:

1) Lower the tool with overshot and wireline and free release when it hits water.
• rods must have water for most of the rod string length
• most common method
• if rods are full of water, the tool can be released to swim down from top of rods
2) Lower the tool with wireline until landing in landing ring
• rods can be dry
• used where water level is unknown and suspected low, or in dry holes, or where landing is hard and shear
pins may break prematurely
3) Pump the tool down
• Use method 1 to release the tool, then remove overshot, attach the swivel and begin pumping
• Monitor pressure in rods and stop pumping and relieve pressure when pressure spikes up (when the tool
lands and seals)
• Used in deep holes where downhole travel times are long, in shallow dipping holes where landing can be
difficult, or in any holes where normal landing does not produce a good seal.

If the tool is to be released and swim down the hole, follow this procedure:

1. Check if rods are filled with water and position of water level
It is best that before release the rods are full of water to avoid hard impact into water by freefalling tool. If water level is
far down the hole, take a water hose and fill the rods with water (shine light down rod to see level or ask driller where
water is). Record approximate water level relative to top of casing. If water level is unknown, lower the tool to water
surface using wireline. Set the wireline release for wet release (the tool will be dropped once it hits water and detaches
from wireline). If the hole is dry or the water level is close to the landing ring and its not possible to fill the rods to bring
water level up to surface, it is necessary to lower the tool into position using wireline (see section 4.7.3).
2. Check again that all components are still connected tightly
There should be no spaces between parts, threads coming loose, etc. Trouble spots are the head assembly, TAM sub, and
deflation valve sub. Deflation valve can be open and will close on landing of tool.
3. Release packer assembly and let it sink into rods
Record release time or start timer.
Regarding the speed at which the tool drops, this is a very difficult thing to calculate owing to the combination of effects
from hole angle to fluid viscosity and SG. Keep good records of this time for each hole and then anything out of the
ordinary should become obvious. Expect an average travel time of about 4 min / 100 m in normal water in inclined hole (60
degrees) – see Figure 14. Time of travel can be longer if hole is very shallow. Initially the tool travels much faster than 1
m/s, but it slows down as it pushes more water out rods

4. Listen and feel for the sound of tool landing in core barrel
A good landing usually produces 3 rapid clicks as the tool end strikes the drill bit, then the bit sub strikes the landing ring
(especially in inclined holes) and last the tool landing ring hits the landing ring and at the same time the bit sub hits the drill
bit. At deep test zones, usually there will be no sound when the packer lands into the landing ring (probably because of
cushioning by pressurized water exiting past packer as it “swims” down, but occasionally the landing may be felt if holding
onto drill rods with hand. Shut down the rig engine to remove noise, and you might be able to hear the tool land downhole
on landing ring.

Figure 14 HQ diameter SWPS tool sink time vs depth in inclined hole with 60o dip.
SWPS tool (HQ) sink time (minutes)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
0 Note:
50 it is best practice to time
every tool swim downhole
100
and write on test sheet and
150 compare to expected swim
Depth to landing ring (m)
time
200
250
300
Data on travel times was collected at 2
350 boreholes (dip 55 and 60). Borehole was HQ
diameter and filled with fresh water. Time was
400 measured from tool release to when water
overtops rods. Water was filled immediately
450 after tool release from hose.
500

Pumping of SWPS tool down the borehole:

In deep boreholes, > 400 m, its best to pump the tool down to save on travel time. In shallow dipping boreholes (dip < 60 degrees
from horizontal), the tool will swim down slower and may not land properly because of friction of the rubber packer element in the
drill bit. Pumping in is also used in all boreholes where landing difficulties occur (refer to troubleshooting guide in section 6 for
specific checklists).

Pumping the tool into place is an alternative in deep boreholes or at shallow hole dips, with swivel attached to drill rods. The pump
must be shutoff quickly to avoid pressurizing the packers too quickly (may not inflate fully before 500 psi pin is blown due to volume
limitations even if at high pressure ‐ not enough time for water to fill it). From experience, the drill pump can cause spike in pressure
when the packer lands in place when pumped into place and must be shutoff very quickly when pressure begins to build up.
Generally, shut off the pump and open relief valve when pressure spikes above 100 psi. During pumping in, the pressure may slowly
increase from about 10 psi to 100 psi, especially if there is air trapped in rods. If there is no air trapped in rods, the pressure will be
low (near 20 psi) during pumping in, and then will spike to over 100 psi in few seconds. If the pin blows too quickly (the packer
should be inflated for few minutes at about 300 psi), then the tool must be retrieved, pin changed, and released again.

4.7.2 Packer tool seal check
If the tool was not pumped in:
If the tool is released and swims down without pumping in, after landing the quality of seal at the landing ring is tested. This
procedure step helps to know when the tool lands and is required later to test the seal. When water level in rods overtops and
starts spilling, remove hose. If you are low on water supply, you might need to conserve water and wait reasonable expected sink
time of tool and then put hose in and fill rods.
1. Insert water hose into rod and begin filling rods with water.
2. Observe changes in water level in rods to determine seal quality.

Table 2 Water level in rods during seal test.
static water level The tool landed and sealed properly and the rod joints are not leaking. Initially there may be air

bubbles but water level should stop falling eventually. Short test holes has less rod joints and
may have perfectly static water level during seal test.
slowly decreasing water The tool landed but the system is leaking slowly. This is not ideal but is acceptable and leak rate
level can be measured at different pressures before shear pin is blown. Leak may be at drill rod
joints, MLR seal, or both and may not improve with re‐landing of tool. Small leak in system is
the most common result of seal test in long rod strings (deep test holes).
quickly decreasing water The tool is not sealed at landing ring. See troubleshooting checklists for procedures and
level description of likely causes.
cannot fill rods with The tool is not sealed and the rock permeability is high enough to absorb the inflowing water.
water

Figure 15 Example of static water level in rods.

If the tool was pumped in:
When the packer inflates and the system holds pressure at near 300 psi without any water flow (except slow leak), the swivel does
not have to be removed to do the standard seal test by observing water level in rods (if the seal can hold 300 psi, it can hold 0 psi
differential pressure).

4.7.3 Landing the tool in dry or low water level boreholes using wireline
In some boreholes, the shear pin breaks prematurely when the SWPS lands into landing ring. This may occur if the tool is lowered
down with wireline into a dry borehole. It is recommended that a stronger shear pin be installed (800 psi) in any tests where the
tool needs to be lowered with wireline into position or in all dry holes. The procedure is:
‐ lower with wireline to landing ring, keep tension on
‐ slow spin of rods to allow tool to sink into landing ring (while keeping tension on)
‐ fill rods with water to test seal
‐ its likely that hard landing into MLR may cause breaking of shear pin

4.7.4 Water supply and flow assembly attachment
After the packer tool is released downhole and is sinking into position, the flow meter system can be setup in stable location (drill
floor or table). Connect all water supply lines from drill pump to flow assembly to stuffing box. Tell drillers to attach swivel head to
rods, and begin assembling the flow meter unit & hoses ‐ explain how the flow will flow. Try not to over tighten the couplings on
flow meter (steel threads are easily damaged). It usually doesn’t leak even if not very tight.

It has been suggested to mark drill rods relative to surface of casing (permanent marker, chalk, etc) before sending tool down to
detect any rod creep downhole during test; if creek occurs, drillers will need to use food clamp before test on rods.

Figure 16 Photos of water supply system connections.
(this photo was Swivel

taken during
head
surf ace test)
From
pump
Bypass to
tank
To
swivel

4.8 Packer inflation
4.8.1 Test pressure selection
Before inflating the packers, you should have an idea of what test pressures will be used. The test pressures will be increased and
decreased over a range, allowing both quantitative assessment of hydraulic conductivity as well as diagnostic assessment of test
quality and fracture conditions in the immediate test zone.

There are a two questions that need to be addressed for test design:
1. What is the maximum pressure that can be used before hydrojacking existing fractures or hydrofracturing of the rock?
2. What pressure steps and how many steps should be used?
Hydro jacking is generally defined as the opening of joints and fissures that can occur when the water pressure exceeds the
minimum principal stress (water pressure is high enough to overcome the lithostatic pressure), which is assumed to be acting
perpendicular to existing joints in the tunnel vicinity. Hydro jacking of existing joints is not to be confused with hydro fracturing
where the applied pressure exceeds both the confining stress and the tensile strength of the intact rock to induce a new fissure
(Rancourt et al, date). See section Error! Reference source not found. for more details.

The maximum injection test pressure can be generally estimated as 1.5 * vertical depth (m) in rock. The table shown presents a
range of maximum injection pressures that can be used as a general guide and the calculation is also included in the calculation
spreadsheet.

The actual injection test pressure should be less than 200 psi to allow use of more accurate low pressure gauges and avoid possible
damage to flow meter unit. Tests at higher pressures require appropriate flow meter system that can handle such pressures.

Table 3 Table showing vertical and inclined depth in borehole and max injection pressure

insert table

4.8.2 Packer inflation
The packer inflation pressure must be adequate to seal the rubber gland against the drill hole rock wall during the test procedure. In
addition, the inflation pressure should also be adequate to allow operation of the emergency shear system, by means of holding the
packer in place when the rods are pulled up to break the emergency deflation pins (ie: the gland has to be tight enough not to slide
during this operation). IPI’s experience indicates this is about 250 psi minimum, though it depends on drill hole conditions. If the
packer inflation pressure is inadequate ), there is a chance of the emergency deflation system not working and packer slipping along
hole walls and potentially damaging the packer element.
As water is essentiallyincompressible at the pressures used in packer testing, the inflated the packer gland will deform and increase
pressure as the test pressure increases. To prevent damage to the gland, the differential pressure between the test zone and the
overlying annulus should not exceed (get max differential pressure from IPI)

In unconfined aquifer, when the gauge pressure in the system reads 0, the hydrostatic pressure at depth inside and outside packer is
equal, if the rods are filled with water to the same depth as the water table; additional pressure applied to packer using rig pump
causes an increase in differential pressure between the packer inside and outside, causing packer inflation.

In a confined aquifer, the artesian pressure adds to the gauge pressure (with pump not running and all valves closed, the pressure in
system is > 0). The artesian pressure reduces the differential pressure from inside to outside packer. The minimum packer inflation
pressure as read on pressure gauge in the system will be:

Minimum packer inflation pressure = 250psi + artesian pressure
The SWPS contains a one way inflation valve (the TAM valve) and consequently the maximum packer inflation pressure is
determined by the shear pin rating
Shearing the blow‐out plug pin:
Increase pressure to about 100 psi less than the shear pin setting and maintain this pressure until the packer inflates. Prior to
increasing the pressure to shear the blow‐out plug, monitor line pressure. Normally there is a significant drop in gauge pressure
when the pin shears as water begins flowing into the rock formation. Shearing of the pin may be heard if listening at the rods. This is
useful in tight formations since little pressure change may be seen on the gauge in these circumstances (e.g. in tight formations
where there is no significant inflow into rock formation).
Factors affecting shear pin shear pressure:
1) Artesian conditions:
The shear pressure of the blow‐out plug will be affected by formation water pressure at the test location since this pressure acts on
the other side of the plug. Also, in very tight formation the blow‐out plug may not move sufficiently to shear the pin. While it is
possible to adjust the shear pin size up or down to suit the circumstance, 500psi shear pins are the standard and sufficient for most
testing environments.
If artesian conditions are anticipated, which is very possible where permafrost is an aquitard, higher pressures may be necessary to
shear the pin. The calculation spreadsheet (shown in next section) allows for estimation of this shear pressure. If there is no
information on aquifer pressures, assume that 500psi is required. If the pin does not shear at 500psi, slowly increase pressure until
it does so. The shearing pressure should be recorded on the test sheet.
2) Shear pin pre‐stress during tool landing (impact into landing ring)
The shear pin will pre‐stress and bend and must be replaced after each downhole landing into MLR, even if it does not break. The
reason is that next time the pin can break too early or at too low pressure during packer inflation. Example of damaged pin is shown
in figure below.

Figure 17 Bent and stressed shear pin during landing impact of SWPS into landing ring.
4.9 Test zone preparation
The purpose of test zone preparation is to open clogged existing fractures at borehole walls by inducing flow into borehole from rock
formation. To induce inflow to borehole, a head difference must be created, almost always by removing some water from rods to
lower the hydraulic head inside rods. There are several methods to remove water from rods:
• flushing
• swabbing
• airlift

The choice of method depends on project and involves different costs. Swabbing is the least expensive method, although there are
potential technical problems and a risk of broken wireline. Airlifting requires more setup (air compressor, injection hose, rod cap
with discharge hose, waste water disposal). This section presents brief summary of these methods, with focus on swabbing (the
default choice of method for field packer testing).
4.9.1 Flushing (no water removal from test zone)
In absence of test zone preparation tools, the hole can be simply flushed with water before the rods are pulled up and the test zone
exposed. The circulating water will flow through the drill bit and then immediately up and outside the drill rods. Therefore, the test
zone will not be “flushed”, but clogged fractures are unlikely to be cleaned out and opened prior to injection test.

The injection test may still be carried out but the test results may be affected by clogged fractures. If the borehole is clean and no
mud or polymer was used, there may be not a significant difference between cleaned and not cleaned test zone. Another
consideration is that during water injection, the water pressure will push open clogged fractures by flushing the blockages.
4.9.2 Swabbing:
Swabbing consists of using a standard drill stem swabbing tool to pull water from the test zone once the packer has been inflated
and the zone isolated from the rest of the drill hole annulus. This has the advantage that the hydraulic force is concentrated in the
test zone only, and so does not increase risk of bore hole collapse by removing drill fluids and/or muds from annulus above the
packer, reduces the amount of fluid that is removed (which can be a significant problem if fluid disposal is problematic), and most
importantly, pulls fluid into the drill hole from the formation. The latter action will potentially pull drill cuttings and/or mud from
the open fractures and rock matrix, thus “developing” the zone and reducing the impact of drilling on the hydraulic performance of
the zone.

4.9.3 Airlift:
Air lifting uses standard air lift procedures to blow water from the drill rods. The objective is to pull water from the test zone, both
for developing cuttings/mud from the fractures and rock matrix, as well as carrying out a simple “pumping test”. The latter can be
monitored using standard pressure response techniques.

4.10 Water injection (Testing)
4.10.1 Method for adjusting pressure steps during test:
Number of test steps
A typical test uses several “upwards” pressure steps, combined with a similar number of “downwards” steps. The downward steps
are used to assess hysteresis and should match pressure applied in the upward steps. In cases where testing takes place in
permafrost conditions, 3 upwards steps and 2 downwards steps is probably sufficient, and redcues testing time, and therefore,
likelihood of freezing the drill rods in place. If freezing is not an issue and there is measurable inflow into the formation, it is
recommended that at least 5 upwards and 4 downwards steps are used in the test.

Pressure Range for Testing
The pressure steps should be evenly spread across the minimum‐maximum pressure range used in the test. The pressure range is
based on the thickness, or weight, of overlying material above the test zone. This weight, or confining pressure, will prevent
hydraulic fracturing during the test procedure, which would give a false value for the undisturbed rock K.

For example, at 100 m depth in rock (not counting overburden and/or lake depth above rock), the maximum injection test pressure
is 150 psi. Above this pressure hydrofracturing may occur. If 5 steps are used, the reasonable steps for this test zone are 50, 100,
150, 100, 50psi in permafrost conditions, or 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 125,100, 75, 50psi in normal conditions.

Pressure regulation
During injection test, the drill pump is providing flow and is capable of creating large pressure. The actual injection pressure that
exists in the borehole is controlled through the flow meter assembly by adjusting flow through the bypass valve. When the valve is
closed, the pressure will be high, up to the pressure the drill pump is producing (make sure the driller has an idea of how much
pressure you will require prior to starting the test). By opening the bypass valve, the pressure to the test zone will be reduced.

The injection pressure steps are regulated as follows:
1. Open valves and engage pump
• open the bypass valve & open the shutoff valve
• engage the drill pump at moderate pressure / flow rate. Half the pump’s capacity usually works and is capable of
producing about 1000 psi when bypass valve is completely closed
• water can flow into the rock formation and also out of bypass line so pressure will not build up because all water
pumped from pump to flow meter will exit through bypass line
• check if water is flowing freely out of the bypass line when bypass valve is open
2. Adjust pressure for first step
• close the bypass valve slowly until you reach the pressure of the first step
• make small adjustments to maintain
• note pressure fluctuation or drift; if pressure fluctuation is a problem, a pressure dampener (see Appendix 1) can
be installed between hose from pump and input to flow meter
3. Check flow meter
• check if flow meter is functioning (last digit, 0.1 L, is changing indicating flow into formation)
• if formation is very tight and there is no leakage through packer, it might not be possible to observe a measureable
flow within the 30 second time interval. If so, a longer time interval can be observed, but at this low rate,
potential leaks become significant and the resulting data suspect, so it is reasonable to record test as “no
measurable flow”.
• no flow is also a valid result, meaning that at maximum injection pressure (before hydrofracturing) there is no
measurable flow
4. Control water pressure with bypass valve to maintain and change pressure steps
5. At each pressure step, take several flow volume measurements over fixed time intervals and calculate median flow rates
4.10.2 Leaks & test quality:
To ensure that the data collected during the test is accurate, and more importantly, representative of the zone of interest and not
simply equipment leaks, the tester must verify that the test assembly is not leaking. Leaks through the supply line or rods, or past
the packers will have the effect of increasing the apparent permeability of the test zone. This is because water pumped during the
test will be assumed to be flowing into the test zone, but will instead be a combination of zone uptake and leakage. This will become
more significant as permeability of the zone decreases and/or the injection pressure increases.

Potential Areas where Leaks can occur in SWPS system:
a) Inflation seal / landing ring
b) Packers (bypass);
c) Injection pipe joints;
d) Drill rods

(a) Inflation seal / landing ring leakage
In SWPS system, the most common leak is at the tool landing ring where the inflation seal is located. Inflation seal (and landing ring
seal) is easily tested with SWPS, unlike pneumatic packers. Simply observe water level in water filled rods after tool landing
downhole. A surface test will also reveal any landing ring problems and leaks, but a surface test does not indicate inflation seal
quality because each tool landing downhole can have different inflation seal damage and quality of seal. A surface test will only
indicate that the landing ring is not leaking and that sealing the tool is possible if landing is good and the inflation seal not damaged
along the way by steps in rods or the landing ring itself.

(b) Packer Bypass Leakage
A common area where a leak can occur is past the packer, between the expanded gland and the drill hole wall. Incomplete inflation,
irregularities on the drill hole wall, tears in the outer gland material, etc are likely reasons for this to happen. Leakage of this type is
difficult to assess as flow past the packer and that into the zone cannot be distinguished at surface. In order to determine if the
packers are sealing properly, various information is available to the operator:
• Check for a flow out of casing during test, and significantly increasing flow later during test when testing at the same pressure
steps.
• Note unexpected flow vs. pressure performance either within a single test or as compared to other test zones of similar rock (as
determined from the drill core). This may indicate that more water is being “taken” by the zone, whereas it is in fact leakage.
This problem is usually solved by deflating packer, moving test zone to different position, and inflating again. If the problem persists
in different test zones and the rock quality at packer position does not suggest flow around packer (competent rock), the tool seals
at landing ring, the you must suspect other leaks in the system. The packer element and flow lines in the tool (including o‐rings)
should be checked for leaks and damage. Even one broken o‐ring will cause packer deflation and leaks. A surface test must confirm
that the packer is not leaking and remains inflated. Do a longer surface test to confirm packer element inflation without leaks. This
will be time consuming, but overestimating the zone K due to poor data collection could have serious consequences on later
engineering design considerations.

(c) Supply Pipe Leaks
Testing an independent supply line can be done on surface. Tighten fittings if leaks occur. Some small leaks will occur, but these can
be ignored if the cumulative rate is less than the measurable flow on the flow meter.

(d) Drill Rods Leaks
The joints in the drill rods should be “wicked” in order to reduce leakage. Wicking consists of wrapping a string or wicking material
around the rods threads prior to connecting rods. The leakage may be greatly reduced, but may still have a significant effect when
the cumulative leakage is taken into account. To test for rod leakage, do long surface test and verify that the tool does not leak form
o‐rings or landing ring. Insert tool into borehole and verify that the tool is sealed on landing, and pressurize the system to pressure
less than the pin shear pressure in blow out plug. Any observed flow will be leakage will be most likely from drill rods, unless the
landing ring/inflation seal only begins to leak when pressurized and not when filling rods with water and observing water level
(possible if the leak is small and forced open only when pressurized). In SWPS, unlike in pneumatic systems, the packer pressure is
self‐adjusting to testing pressure, though the one‐way TAM valve, if testing pressure increases above previous inflation pressure.
4.10.3 Checking for system leak during test
It is very important to check for any flow out of casing. Quality of results depends on proper seal, otherwise you are measuring flow
out of leaking system and not injection into rock formation. When to check:
• before shear pin is blown (this tests the leak in flow meter system and rods, including the MLR)
• after packer is inflated & shear pin is blown (initial packer seal quality)
• during testing at beginning of each pressure step and at end of test (continued packer seal quality)

If there is flow out of casing (see Figure 18), record and estimate flow rate and compare to measured inflow to rock formation and
re‐evaluate test quality. The leak can result from any number of leaking components. The system leak is measured before the shear
pin is blown. After the shear pin is blown, there is an additional leak possibility: poor packer seal against the borehole walls or
bypass flow past a fully sealed packer through fractures in the rock itself.

If, during the test, the leak out of casing increases, the most likely explanation is bypass flow around packer due to opening of
fractures (drill cuttings or mud being washed out during the test). It often happens progressively, and gets worse as test continues
as fractures are opened and cleaned around packer element, increasing bypass flow over time. Also, if more water is shown to be
flowing into the rock than you would expect, you must ensure that the packer is properly sealing the borehole. Usually poor rock
conditions cause bypass past packer, but packer depressurization can also occur, weakening the seal, especially if the TAM rubber is
old.
If the packer test just prior to this (leaking) test was good and no bypass flow problems occurred, it is less likely that the packer
tool is leaking and causing mid‐test packer deflation – suspect bypass flow through rock fractures first.
If the rock quality is very good and borehole walls most likely are solid as determined from rock core inspection, suspect the
packer tool first (TAM rubber, etc.).
If bypass flow increases quickly during test too much, deflate the packer, move to different position and re‐test. If the problem
continues, pull out the packer tool and inspect and replace TAM rubber. If problem continues, do a surface test of the whole tool.

In tests where there is no drill casing and the overburden or shallow rock zone is highly permeable, it will not be possible to assess
for leak around the packer element. In this case, attempt to position the packer element in best possible rock quality interval as
determined from core and hope for the best. Make comment in results report that it was not possible to assess for packer bypass
flow.

Figure 18 Examples of small visible leak from casing.
drill rod top of casing small leak out of casing

(seep, 0.1 L/30 sec)

Figure 19 Example packer element interval where leak occurred (highly fractured rock).
4.10.4 Method of reading flowmeter:
Monitor the water flow over fixed time intervals, usually 30 seconds. Once the flow has stabilized and is not changing between
intervals, start the next pressure step.

Record uncertainty in measurements (if flow meter is spinning fast, the reading accuracy drops. Pressure will have oscillation.
Record any problems and difficulties. This will help with data interpretation and error analysis.
1. Read the cumulative flow meter value (to the highest reading accuracy), immediately start stopwatch, and record flow meter
reading in notebook. At higher flows the reading accuracy will be less than at slow flows.
2. Monitor P gauge and make minor adjustments in P with bypass valve to keep P steady. If P has large drift, stop this
measurement, adjust P until steady at desired step value, and start new measurement of flow.
3. If P was steady during measurement, record the final volume at end of 30 seconds and write in notebook
4. Calculate difference between final and initial reading and write flow rate to notebook
5. Reset stopwatch, check P gauge, and continue recording another flow measurement
6. Repeat measurements until flow rates are stable and record stable flow rate. Then go to next pressure step.
• 30 second time intervals are appropriate in most situations; longer time intervals have problems with pressure drift (up or
down) but may need to use longer time intervals if there is no flow change in 30 seconds (or record 0 flow +/‐ measurement
error)
• during flow measurements, the pressure needs to be monitored closely and bypass valve adjusted slightly to correct for
pressure drift, which occurs frequently ‐ don’t assume that P will stay constant ‐ drill pumps do strange things ‐ this will
require all attention, writing down start and end value on flow meter and using stopwatch to time 30 second (or other)
intervals, and to monitor pressure gauges and adjust bypass valve
• with the cumulative flow meter SRK is using on IPI flow meter system, it is easiest to record volume as read on meter in
notebook at 0 time and at end of time interval, then calculate the difference and write down in separate table in notebook
the volume / time interval... then check pressure, make adjustments if drifted, reset the watch and begin another
measurement for next time interval...
• repeat for 5 intervals or until the measurements show that volume / time (flow rate) is not changing ‐ in field sheet, record
the final unchanging flow rate.

Figure 20 Example of reading of cumulative flow meter at timed intervals, and monitoring pressure gauge.
Flow meter gauge: P step = 100 psi +/- 5 psi
0000.625 2 1 volumes flow rates

4
m3 0.1 L 624.20 0.15
L 3
0.01 L 624.35
--------- (adjusted drifting P)
624.40 0.17
624.47
---------
2 ....
----------
625.00 0.16
625.16 (final)
---------- end of P step
volumes +/- 0.02 L (0.00002 m3)

4.11 Packer Deflation
Packer deflation occurs when a relief valve is opened and the differential pressure inside packer dissipates and packer returns to its
original smaller shape. The deflation rate depends on differential pressure between water inside packer element and water outside
in the rock formation.
The deflation time should not vary with depth and normally does not. It can be affected by differential pressure where a low head of
water in a well leads to high differential and thus longer deflation times. It can also be affected in the very deep applications because
of the differential pressure locking the tool in place. Normally, in the latter case, you will not be able to pull up on the overshot to
release the tool and the emergency deflation pin system must be activated.
The tool unlatching and packer deflation procedures are very important. Improper procedure may result in packer element damage,
or unnecessary breaking of the emergency shear pins and strain on the tool parts.
Follow the procedures outlined on next 2 pages (steps 1 to 9).
4.11.1 Normal unlatching & packer deflation procedures:
1. At the completion of testing, remove pumping head, run overshot with wireline, and latch onto SWPS spear point.
2. Pull up on wireline until it stops moving.
• In ideal world, if all slack has been removed, an upward movement of at least 3” (and up to 6”) indicates the tool has been
shifted into the deflate position. In deep tests, it will be almost impossible to tell when slack is removed and when valve
opened because wireline length in hole will be heavy, therefore, you will need to pull up until wireline is stuck. Then stop
pulling but don’t let wireline creep down again.
3. In case you did unlatch and opened deflation valve, wait few minutes to deflate packer
• If it unlatched, deflation is usually very fast. After waiting, gently pull up on the wireline to check if the tool is free.
• If tool is not free, wait maximum 5 minutes to allow deflation (assuming the tool unlatched and valve was open) then try to
gently pull it out again. When free, haul the tool out of the rods with the wireline. While waiting for packer to deflate,
disassemble flow meter.

4. If the wireline is still held by tool after repeated pull/deflation attempts, the tool did not unlatch.
• causes: latch (wings) on the head assembly being pushed against the latch point on the core barrel. When the overshot is
used to pull up on the tool, the latches do not slide in easily, therefore, preventing deflation. We think it is caused either by
the rods creeping down, loading the packer and pushing down on the latches
• pull tight on wireline, and while pulling on wireline, move RODS up 1/3” (1 cm) ONLY, just a slight movement up, just
enough to release pressure on latches, ...and right after wireline movement (unlatching of head assembly on tool)
immediately stop pulling up on wireline
• if driller moves rods up too much by mistake, you will hear emergency pins break and the packer will rapidly
deflate and usually the head assembly will also unlatch... take it out with wireline after waiting 2 min to ensure
deflation
• if the tool unlatches... the wireline will pull up on deflation valve, starting packer deflation
• if packer is not deflated yet, it will hold the wireline... wait 10 min for deflation and try pulling up again, if it goes,
remove at normal speed by wireline; in most cases packer deflation will be rapid
• if it does not unlatch, try again... if still not unlatching, go to step 5 (emergency deflation)

4.11.2 Emergency packer deflation:
1. Pulling up on rods will break the emergency deflation shear pins and cause rapid deflation of packer(s).

Do not use wireline cable to break the emergency deflation pins as this may seriously damage the tool. Instead, the hydraulic rams,
activated through the drill rig “head” are used for emergency deflation, with the rods pulled up no more than is necessary to break
the shear pins. Use load of up to 4.4 tonnes.

Following this, the tool may be tripped out of the hole with the rods or it may, in some circumstance, even be removed using the
wireline and overshot. When noise or vibration indicating the pin has broken is observed, stop pulling on rods immediately!!

2. Wait 2 to 20min for packer to completely deflate and pull packer tool out with wireline.
The recommended wait time is 20min (at large depths), but it is possible to try pulling up the tool after shorter wait and if no
resistance felt, at shallow depths, to continue pulling out. At shallow depths, the pressure inside packer is much larger than pressure
in water at that depth and the packer deflates quickly.
3. If packer still does not deflate or the head assembly cannot be unlatched for some reason, stop and review.
Something else is holding the tool downhole (e.g. collapsed hole). Draw diagram of previous activities and attempts at deflation and
removal. Did the emergency pins shear? Wait longer for packer to deflate. Pull up another 2” to ensure that if packer is holding,
the emergency shear pins will be blown.
4. As last resort, if packer does not deflate and wireline cannot pull up tool, pull rods and trip the tool out of borehole with
rods...
This may be very time consuming / expensive for drillers if the hole is deep already and the packer element may be shredded in that
process and may need replacement. Also check mandrel threads and other parts for damage during rod pull.

4.11.3 Unlatching & deflation – simplified instructions for drillers:
When working with new drillers, explain the procedure in simple words. Explain the normal deflation procedure first and mention
that we have emergency deflation method but that will be explained when the problem occurs and it needs to be used.

1st method:
‐ remove slack from wireline and pull to unlatch tool (or until wireline stuck)
‐ wait 5 min to deflate packer, then try to pull it out gently first 2 m, then at normal speed
2nd method:
‐ pull on wireline and keep tension + move rods up 1/2” ONLY (just a slight movement up)...
if tool unlatches, stop pulling up on wireline, wait to deflate packer (5 min), then gently move wireline up 2 m, then at normal
speed
‐ if tool does not unlatch, repeat 2nd method once more
3rd method:
‐ pull on wireline and keep tension, then move RODS up 2” to 3” (inches)
‐ there will be sound of deflation pins snapping and wireline will be freed (stop pulling)
‐ wait to deflate packer (1 min) and pull tool out
‐ if this does not work, repeat pull rods 2” up...
‐ if nothing works, pull rods with tool inside
4.12 Disassembly and cleanup
4.12.1 Flow meter disconnection procedures at end of test:
i. stop the drill pump
ii. open all valves on flow meter to depressurize the system (let water out of bypass valve)
iii. tell drillers to remove the swivel head from rods
iv. disconnect hoses from flow meter system
v. disconnect pressure gauges (in winter conditions)
vi. drain water out of flow meter system (and gauge ports in winter if quick couplings installed to prevent freezing)
vii. disconnect any adapter couplings and pressure dampening devices
viii. drain all hoses
ix. if salt water was used, wash flow meter assembly with fresh water to prevent corrosion
x. store flow meter system in carry box, store gauges, tools, adaptors in box
4.12.2 Packer disassembly and cleanup
Testing in clean water:
Quick rinse of all parts, usually by sticking water hose in one end and observing water draining out of the deflation sub.

Testing in clean brine or clean brackish water:
Do not use non‐stainless steel version of SWPS in boreholes where drilling brine is used as anti‐freeze. The regular system will
corrode, the tool landing ring will corrode and not fit into the modified landing ring, preventing pressure seal. Serious rust damage
may result to other parts.
With stainless‐steel version of SWPS, rinse the SWPS parts with fresh water inside and out. Complete disassembly not required after
a test, unless long periods of storage between tests anticipated.

Testing in muddy water (drilling polymer, quick gel, bentonite mud, etc):
Complete rinse of all groups of parts with clean water after each test. Ideally use water hose to rinse the inside of packer element
(scrub inside if required), slide all larger parts along the mandrel while applying water from hose to scrub all mud and sand or use
pipe brush. Ensure that water flows freely from all ports (deflation valve, packer end sub). Also flush the flow meter system.

Grease threads of components that are opened frequently if dry (clean sand, dirt). Scrub rust spots and grease to seal.
5 Partss Descriiption &
& Assem
mbly
5 Core Barrel C
5.1 Compone
ents:
Anny change in leength of any off the outer tub
be componentss will require a change in exteension tube length in the paccker assembly!
Coommunication with drillers iss important.

Figure 21 HQ/NQ Wire eline coring syystem (Boart Lo
ongyear)
1. Head A Assembly
2. HQ/NQ Q Conventionall Locking Coupling
3. Adapteer Coupling
4. Landingg Ring
5. Outer TTube, 3.0 m / 1 10 ft
6. Inner TTube Stabilizer
7. Thread d Protector and d orientation toool extension ssub extension ‐‐ these are small extensions used to accoun nt for presencee of
the corre orientation ttool in the inneer core barrel.
8. Reamin n. Longer shellls are more efffective and drilllers may changge
ng shells ‐ these are used for stabilizing thee hole direction
from sh hort to long shell during drilliing
9. Drill bitt ‐ there may b
be various sizess of drill bits an
nd these wear out and are ch
hanged during drilling

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

IPPI SWPS dimen nsions inside thhe core barrel (3m):

• length frrom bottom off bit sub to top p of tool landing ring = 153 3//8“ (389.6 cm))
• length frrom bottom off bit sub to top p of tool landing ring with defflation valve exxtended fully == 156 3/8" (397.2 cm)
• inside ouuter tube fromm bottom of bitt to end of land ding ring the leength must be::
389.6 cm + 2 cm < L < < 397.2 cm ‐ 2 cm
• the 2 cmm is added as m margin of error because theree are small diffeerences in lenggth measuremeents, parts of p packer subs maay
have smaall spaces betw ween, metal maay expand/contract with tem mperature
• each paccker assembly and outer tube at each drill rig should be m measured prior to drilling staart to verify thaat there are
standard (or expected) outer tube len ngths and packker lengths (thaat nothing is m missing from thee packer assem mbly)
• drillers m
may promise to o have certain configuration,, only to changge it prior or du uring drilling ! various subs, reaming shellss,
and even core barrels d due to drilling d
difficulties, spaare parts availaability, or misco
ommunication (prior to surfaace test and
measurem ment assume tthat the packer will not fit an nd prove that itt fits with the ttest)
• orientattion tool can bee changed by ggeologists during drilling for vvarious reason ns: every orien ntation tool req
quires an
extension n sub of differe
ent length on the packer
•

SRK
K Consulting (Cannada) Inc 44
nsulting Engineeers and Scientissts.
Con

Table 4 Lengths of SWPS tool components:
Single packer for 3 m core barrel Single packer for 1.5 m core barrel
length length
Item cm inches feet Item cm inches feet
Tool Landing Ring 4.4 1.7 0.14 Tool Landing Ring 4.4 1.7 0.14
Extension (long pipe) 180.8 71.2 5.93 Extension (long pipe) 180.8 71.2 5.93
standard
standard
Cross-over sub 2.5 1.0 0.08
Extension (shorter pipe) 147.4 58.0 4.83
Deflation sub, emerg defl sub, bit sub 22.8 9.0 0.75 Deflation sub, emerg defl sub, bit sub 22.8 9.0 0.75
total length (with defl valve closed) 357.9 140.9 11.7 total length (with defl valve closed) 208.0 81.9 6.8
with ACE orientation
with ACE orientation

tool
tool
Cross-over sub 2.5 1.0 0.08 Cross-over sub 2.5 1.0 0.08
ACE orientation tool extension sub 29.0 11.4 0.95 ACE orientation tool extension sub 29.0 11.4 0.95
orientation tool
orientation tool
with Ballmark
with Ballmark
Cross-over sub 2.5 1.0 0.08 Cross-over sub 2.5 1.0 0.08
Ballmark orient. tool extension sub 28.4 11.2 0.93 Ballmark orient. tool extension sub 28.4 11.2 0.93
Other useful dimensions:
deflation valve length change when opening 7.6 3.0
difference in length between short and long 2.88 1.1

5.2 SWPS schematic diagrams
The part numbers are the same as used in IPI manual that ships with packer tool and CAD drawings by IPI. The drawings were
provided to SRK and were re‐scaled for the purpose of clarity and sections of drawings were used throughout the manual to
demonstrate water flow paths or valve operation. The chapter also explains the IPI flow meter system components.

Change drawings to not have SRK figure boxes and borders
Provide Figure numbers and captions (to include in table of Figures in this document)
Some drawings have horizontal exaggeration in scale (add note to each figure)







Drawing from IPI

5.3 The Modified Landing Ring:

Figure 22 Photos of the Modified Landing Ring

Figure 23 How the tool landing ring fits into MLR in borehole.
backend
Tool landing ring f itted inside MLR (the

tool landed in core barrel)
Tool
landing ring
attached to
packer
backend
Example of
damaged o-ring
MLR
attached to
outer tube
Extension
pipes to Outer
packer core
element barrel

56

(std.Londyear backend)


Modif ied Longyear Landing
Ring (MLR) (part #3)
Tool landing ring
in core barrel (part #2)

Components of the Top Crossover Sub with tool landing.

Landing ring o-ring
(part #4 BS 149)
Top Crossover

(note: new SWPS
sub (part #5)
has 2 o-rings there)
(bottom end of
it is slightly
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc
dif f erent shape
in NQ and HQ
systems)
Core barrel
Drawing has x2
x-scale subs
exaggeration Spacer pipe (part #8), not shown on photo
Figure 24

5.4 Changing red inflation/test seal (part #6):
To expose the red seal you need to unscrew the crossover sub from the head assembly. Then the tool landing ring slides off the
crossover sub, and after that the red testing seal is exposed and can be removed.
(see photos on this page).

Use pipe wrenches but do not scratch the tool landing ring (better to use pipe clamps without teeth). If too landing ring is scratched
badly, file it down to smooth surface again or it might not land into MLR (not an issue with the enlarged MLRs produced in 2008).
It should be standard procedure to test all new MLRs by sliding them onto assembled tool landing ring with inflation seal on, and
also testing new inflation seals after replacement by sliding onto spare MLR.

If using regular landing ring (not IPI MLR), ensure that it also slides easily onto tool landing ring but that is seals against the inflation
seal.

Figure 25 Steps in changing the inflation/test seal.

5.5 Parts #9 to 12: TAM valve sub

The TAM valve sub contains the TAM rubber, which acts as one‐way flow valve. Water can flow under pressure past the rubber
when inflating the packer element(s), but water cannot flow back from packer through TAM valve because the rubber seals it. This
keeps the packers inflated.
The TAM valve sub contains the TAM rubber, which acts as one‐way flow valve. Water can flow under pressure past the rubber
when inflating the packer element(s), but water cannot flow back from packer through TAM valve because the rubber seals it. This
keeps the packers inflated.

Figure 26 The TAM valve sub and parts.

Figure 28
Figure 27
(1) Water flow through (2)

TAM valve sub:
1. Inflating packer elements.

2. Injecting water to rock
formation during test
Water f low
Water f illed space but no f low
Steps of changing the TAM rubber seal.
o-rings in spacer pipe

Water pressure lif ts
cross-over subs at both

rubber slightly and
ends of packer element are
allows water f low

required to keep water

5.6 Changing TAM rubber (part #10):
around it
Water flow pathways through the TAM valve sub.
seal; if missing packer may

def late slowly

If this o-ring is missing, packer will not
stay inf lated as water will leak back to
mandrel; this o-ring is hidden and is
only visible when TAM sub is taken

out of the spacer pipe cross-over sub;
need to inspect this ring af ter
receiving equipment

water cannot f low back f rom

pressurized packer to
mandrel because TAM
rubber is one-way valve that

blocks the channel to
mandrel
59

1. Unscrew the TAM valve sub from the deflation sub and slide deflation sub away
from TAM sub to expose mandrel. Mandrel does not have to be removed to
change TAM rubber, but if removed it separates as shown in photo 2 (mandrel o-
ring is inside TAM sub – inspect).
2. Unscrew TAM valve from spacer pipe / spacer pipe crossover sub (removed TAM
sub is shown on photo 2).
Def lation sub (part #12, upper half )

(1) TAM valve sub
(part #9B)
Spacer pipe crossover (part #9A) (lower half not shown)

Top packer mandrel (part #21) not shown on photo


O-ring (part #45) TAM valve rubber Mandrel o-ring (part #11 BS 120 type)
(part #10)
(2) (BS 120 type) Note: hidden f rom view, inside TAM sub

Top packer

mandrel (part #21)
IPI is now using “Loctite” (glue-like substance) on the
60
thread that holds the inner Packer Mandrels in place.
TAM vale sub It prevents mandrel f rom easily unscrewing f rom the
TAM sub, but it can be dif f icult to remove – need to
use wrenches.
5.7 Deflation sub (part #12)
Deflation sub contains 2‐part sliding valve and o‐ring. It opens when the head assembly is unlatched and water pressure contained
in packer element and/or the pulling upward force on wireline causes the valve open, and begins deflating.

Figure 29 Assembly of the Deflation Sub.

Figure 30 Water flow in deflation valve.
5.8 Emergency deflation sub (parts #15 to 19)
The emergency deflation sub is a valve that opens when the emergency shear pin is broken by pulling up on rods 7.5 cm. The valve
deflates the packer. (for procedures see packer testing section)
5.8 Emergency deflation sub (parts #15 to 19)
The emergency deflation sub is a valve that opens when the emergency shear pin is broken by pulling up on rods 7.5 cm. The valve
deflates the packer. (for procedures see packer testing section)

Figure 31 Replacing the emergency shear pin (part #15).

Shear pin
cover
Shear pin cover

slid open
The pin can be taken

out easily (shake out
the pins by hitting
emerg. shear sub with
something)
If pin was sheared,
there will be two
halves, one visible
and one not – take
emergency def lation
sub completely apart.


Figure 32 Water flow after shearing emergency pins.

Drawing has x2 x-scale exaggeration
mandrel
def lating packer element

Def lation sub
Water outf low f rom

Shear pin
cover
Emergency
shear pin
def lation sub
Emergency

5.9 Packer element
The packer element consists of rubber gland, reinforced with steel wire strands, woven into the rubber (a mesh), attached to two
steel ends with threads that connect to the rest of SWPS tool. The rubber element is flexible and compressible if the two metal ends
are pressed together with enough force. The packer surface is very resistant to scrapes and cuts and can hold at least 1000 psi of
differential pressure if confined within the specified borehole diameter.

Section 6.4 explains many problems with packer element that may occur during injection testing.

Figure 33 Packer element.
HQ packer element

Inflated packer element diameter (here inflated at 100 psi during surface test and
stopped inflation because forgot to put packer inside drill rod before test)

NQ packer element

5.10 Mandrel (part # 21)
The mandrel is a thin long tube which connects the upper and lower parts of SWPS. It slides through the packer element, the
emergency deflation sub, the deflation sub, and the packer end sub. One end of mandrel screws into the TAM sub, and the other
end is capped by the blow‐out sub.

Water flowing between the mandrel and the parts that slide onto it, is channelled into the packer element during inflation and
deflation. Fine sand, silt, grease and other dirt may plug the space between the sliding parts and the mandrel, preventing water flow
and packer inflation or deflation.

Figure 34 The mandrel end connecting to the TAM sub (partially tightened).

5.11 Packer end seal sub (part # 22)

Figure 35 Packer end sea sub.
Packer End seal sub sliding on mandrel and
Mandrel end that
connecting to one end of packer element
attaches to blow‐
end of packer element out sub

Water ports leading to 2nd packer element (water flows from ports and
between the two shells that surround the blow out sub.

5.12 Blowout plug sub and straddle cases (parts #24 to 31)
Assembling blow out sub and straddle cases:
• attach the blow out plug sub to the top packer mandrel & insert spring into blow out plug sub
• insert the blow out plug into blow out plug sub … now need to push against spring (easiest method is shown on next page)
as insert the shear pin into hole between blow out plug sub and the plug to lock the plug; if there are pieces of old plug,
push them out with new plug
• slide the straddle inner case onto the packer end seal sub (both ends of inner case are the same)
• attach the straddle outer case to the packer end sub (both ends of outer case are the same)

shear pin Straddle outer case (part #30)

(part #27) Straddle inner case (part #31)
Blow out Packer end seal

plug (part sub (part #22)
#28) spring (part
#25) Blow out plug sub (part #27) Top packer mandrel
(part #21)

Straddle inner
case
Blow out plug sub containing spring and plug and

shear pin Assembled components
showing plug, inner and
outer cases
Assembled straddle outer case

5.13 Replacing shear pin (parts #27) in blowout plug
After attaching the blow out plug sub to the top packer mandrel, inserting the spring, and inserting the plug partly (and in HQ
packer, loosening the retaining screw – see photo below) turn the packer assembly upside down, and push the plug against the
spring, rotate to align the holes, and insert the shear pin. The weight of packer tubes makes this easy and the packer element has a
good grip. If there is sheared part of old pin, sometimes it is bent and may need to be pushed out with new pin or pulled out with
pliers. In HQ packer there is a pin retaining screw that needs to be slightly tightened after pin insertion.

Figure 36 Steps in replacing shear pin in blow out plug.
Pin retaining
screw (part #29)

5.14 Injection sub and end cap (parts #32, 33, 42)
The injection sub allows water to be injected into the test zone. It also will contain the blowout plug when shear pin is blown at 500
psi during test. It may also have the spring inside (in case you are looking for spring from blowout sub after the test while changing
the shear pin for new test). The end cap is attached if it is a single packer test. For straddle packer test, do not use the end cap, but
attach the lower packer top sub (part #35) to injection sub – see CAD drawing in Figure 1 and 5.

Single packer assembly of injection sub and end cap:
End cap (part #42 f or
single packer only) Injection sub (part #32)
Straddle outer case (inside is

inner case & blowout sub

5.15 Attaching top packer mandrel to packer element, emergency
deflation sub, and deflation valve:
“step” in mandrel
packer element
Note: when lifting the packer with wireline and inserting into
borehole, it actually doesn't matter if the valve opens while
deflation sub emergency running in. The weight of hanging packer will open it most of
deflation sub the time so closing it doesn’t help. It will close when the
tool lands in the barrel.

Emergency deflation sub was rotated partly open during assembling of other parts. If this occurs:
1) check that mandrel is still attached properly to the TAM valve sub (undo the coupling between TAM valve sub and deflation
sub to inspect)
2) tighten the loose coupling.
Not tightened
Packer element Emerg.defl.sub Deflation sub

5.16 Attaching TAM valve sub to mandrel and deflation valve:
Before this step the mandrel is inserted into packer element, emergency deflation sub, and deflation sub.
1. Hold mandrel (with packer element, etc.) vertically so that deflation sub is the last sub on mandrel facing upward.
2. Attach the TAM sub as shown. Screw tightly to mandrel. Check that TAM valve sub is tight with cross‐over sub also.
3 to 5. Slide the upper part of deflation valve upward and screw onto the TAM valve sub (deflation valve part will rotate freely
around mandrel during this)
Check if TAM sub is still attached firmly to mandrel (try rotating TAM sub while holding mandrel in place) and tighten if necessary.
Figure 37 Steps in attaching TAM valve sub to mandrel and deflation valve (HQ system).
2 3 4 5

5.17 Attaching packer end seal sub to mandrel:
1. Before this step, turn packer assembly upside down so that the TAM valve sub is that the bottom.
2 ‐ 3. Squeeze the deflation valve closed by pushing down while holding on to packer element rubber.
4 ‐ 5. Slide the packer end sub onto mandrel and screw into packer element while holding the mandrel immobile.
6. Attach the blow out sub to end of mandrel.
For real test, attach spring, plug, shear pin, cases, injection sub, and end plug.
For surface test, attach other parts after landing the head assembly into outer tube (to avoid pre‐stressing the shear pin.
Figure 38 Steps in attaching packer End Seal Sub to mandrel.
2 3 4 5

5.18 Flow meter system parts and attachments
5.18.1 Hoses and couplings:
The IPI flow meter assembly has identical hose fittings (#16 JIC, male) that connect quickly to high pressure hoses used by drill crews
• drill crews typically use #16 JIC fittings (e.g. Boart Longyear) or the #12 JIC fittings (e.g. Major)
• check with drillers on site what fittings they use before travel to site and purchase appropriate adaptors and be prepared
to have different adaptors in case drillers use different ones than planned/agreed on earlier and there are no spare
adaptors available (this happens!)
• rental companies usually do not send 1” hoses with flowmeter assemblies unless asked; drillers usually have spare 1”
hoses but from experience it is a good idea to have at least one spare hose in case the drillers are short of them; in cold
temperatures water hoses freeze and it is good to have spare hose while the frozen one is being de‐iced
• inside rig, place flow meter system in secure and convenient location (table is best, and keep drill rig floor tidy)

Figure 39 Photos of JIC fittings on IPI flow meter system.
#16 JIC fitting
#16 to #12 JIC fitting

adaptor

Figure 40 Pitot tube and custom made T for pressure gauge connection.
custom made T
2nd port, ¼” ¼” NPT (0.251”)
NPT female
½” NPT
female
1/8” tubing

5.19 Pressure dampeners
The purpose of pressure dampener is to reduce pressure oscillation during test. Pressure spikes are caused by wear of pistons in rig
water pump. Oscillations can introduce serious error into pressure measurements, especially at low P steps. The pressure
dampener is inserted prior to test.

Several different types of dampeners were used on projects over last 2 years at SRK. Its not clear which type is the best and how
well they work as not many tests were done with and without dampener to compare results. The analog gauges have an indicator
needle that can oscillate wildly as a result of pressure spikes from water pump. These are usually high frequency and its possible to
estimate where the average reading is (in the middle of quickly oscillating pressure indicator). The digital gauge tends to be more
stable with readings, presumably because it responds slower to P changes. It a good idea to have the pressure dampener available
on site and use it if necessary.

PPP type:

The PPP shock arrestor has 200 psi typical operating pressure and maximum spike of 400 psi allowed. Do not use PPP while
pressurizing past 200 psi to inflate packer or blow shear pin. Use only during injection testing.

"PPP shock arrestor SC‐500 A size, made in Portland OR, 503 256 4010 www.ppinc.net precision plumbing products
connection 1/2 NPT 062207, temp range ‐40 F to 212 F, max OP 200 psi max spike 400 psi

#16 JIC f ittings (quick coupling)
f ittings to connect shock arrestor
PPP shock arrestor
T f or high pressure water lines
#16 JIC f ittings (quick coupling)

NOSHOK piston pressure snubber:

This type is smaller and is placed between the gauge and the pitot tube on IPI flow meter manifold.
The information is at http://www.noshok.com/indexmain2.html. The threads come in ¼ and ½” NPT.

Custom made large piston dampener:

At Sabodala project, we made a large piston dampener. It looks like this:

5.19.1 Modifications for cold weather conditions

Figure 41 Quick connect couplings on pressure gauges.

quick connect couplings f or gauges

Figure 42 Example of frozen pressure gauge.
analog pressure gauge stuck when water line froze
(this one was thawed by inserting gauge coupling
to hot water and gauge P returned to 0 reading)
ice blocked
line here
ice f orming in gauge connector tube

when sensor reads T < 0oC

Cold weather insulation and heating of pitot tube

To prevent pitot tube freezing keep the flow meter system in warm place and ensure the rig is heated by hot air. If air temperature
is below 0 C inside rig, its also possible to create a heating system just for the pitot tube. For example, attach heat tape and insulate
the pitot tube and heat with heat tape. At the one project, SRK used such insulated and heated pitot tube with good results (see
photos).

temperature sensor
attached to pitot tube
heat tape with insulation

around pitot tube

6 Troubleshooting Checklists
6.1 Surface test problems
List of problem checklists in this section:
Checklist # Description
1 Cannot insert the SWPS tool into barrel completely or cannot latch the head assembly
2 Packer not inflating
3 Shear pin breaks too early
4 After shear pin is broken, the packer is not holding pressure and deflates too early
5 Packer inflates and remains inflated but water leaks from core barrel

(1) Cannot insert the SWPS tool into barrel completely or cannot latch the head assembly
Most likely causes:
SWPS tool not inserted completely, various obstructions in drill bit, landing ring, head assembly arms stuck

Verify:
Core barrel is empty and not obstructed
SWPS tool inserted properly into core barrel
o Packer element and emergency deflation sub should stick out past the drill bit
o Pull on packer element while pushing on head assembly to land the tool; also grease tool landing ring bottom of core
barrel above landing ring to help packer tool slide into position
Drill bit inside diameter is large enough to allow packer rubber element to pass through
o Packer element should not be bulging out; replace packer element if too tight fit into drill bit
o Drill bit not obstructed with rock pieces
o Old drill bits may have slightly decreased inner diameter; change to new drill bit
Head assembly arms are free to move (not frozen, not stuck)
o Defrost with blow torch if frozen; tap with hammer…
Tool landing ring and landing ring is clean (in cold climates check for ice)
Length and diameter of packer tool is appropriate for this barrel length (+ any extensions)
o Measure distance from inside drill bit to top of landing ring
o Measure length of tool from bottom of bit sub to top of tool landing ring; tool should be slightly shorter than core
barrel
o Verify what parts of core barrel are present (reaming shells, outer tube length, orientation tool extensions)
Landing ring is in correct position in core barrel
o There are two locations for landing ring

(2) Packer not inflating
Most likely causes:
1. If no water flowing out of core barrel:
- water pressure is not applied or is too low, shear pin is broken, ice or mud is inside SWPS tool
2. If water flowing out of core barrel:
- deflation valve is open
- TAM seal or an important o‐ring is missing
3. If water flowing out of injection sub:
- shear pin is broken

Verify:
1. If no water flowing out of core barrel or SWPS tool:
Pump valves are open and adequate water pressure is applied (200 psi)
Water hoses connected correctly and not blocked (e.g. frozen)

2. If water flowing out of core barrel:
Head assembly is latched
Tool inserted properly (emergency deflation sub sticking out of drill bit)
Length of SWPS tool is not too short for core barrel
o This will cause deflation valve to slide open during pressurization

3. If water flowing out of injection sub:
Shear pin and blow out plug installed and shear pin not broken

(3) Shear pin breaks too early
Most likely causes: Damaged shear pin (pre‐stressed), shear pin too weak
Verify:
Shear pin condition
o Depressurize the system and remove shear pin; inspect for damage (bent, partially sheared)
o This occurs during hard latching into core barrel or hammering on the head assembly to latch tool
Shear pin rating
o Check rating on shear pin. Its possible rating is wrong or pins are poor quality. Replace with better pins.

(4) After shear pin is broken, the packer is not holding pressure and deflates too early
Most likely causes: TAM rubber too loose or missing
Verify:
TAM rubber condition (if loose, change to new)
O‐ring in TAM valve sub (part #45)
Other o‐rings in SWPS tool (less likely)
Any obvious damage and leaks from packer gland directly

(5) Packer inflates and remains inflated but water leaks from core barrel
Most likely causes: Leaking test seal or MLR o‐ring
Verify:
Test seal (red), MLR o‐ring
Other o‐rings in SWPS tool (less likely)
If the small leak persists, the tool can be used if the leak is measured before test and it does not affect packer element inflation.

6.2 Downhole test problems
List of problem checklists in this section:
Checklist Description Page
#
1 Seal test failed – water does not come up when rods filled with water or water comes up and 79
drops rapidly when stopped filling
2 Leak in system – water comes up and drops “slowly” when stopped filling 83
3 Shear pin breaks at much lower pressure than rated 84
4 Shear pin breaks at higher pressure than its rating or appears not to break at all 84
5 Packer does not inflate at low pressure or does not inflate at all 85
6 During injection test, the system cannot be pressurized and the formation takes maximum 86
supplied flow rate
7 During injection test, water leak out casing increases over time 87
8 Flow takes long time to steady state after step up or down; return flow during step down 87
9 Pressure stops changing on pressure gauge 87
10 Driller moves rods up or repositions the rig (if on hydraulic lifts) during the test while the packer is 88
inflated
11 SWPS does not unlatch when pulled up with overshot and wireline Error!
Bookmark
not
defined.
12 SWPS is stuck after unlatching 90

6.2.1 Landing and sealing problems
(1) Seal test failed – water does not come up when rods filled with water or water comes up and drops “rapidly”
when stopped filling

“rapidly” means water is out of sight in few seconds in rods after topping off

Most likely causes:
SWPS tool not landed yet, landed but not sealed, landed and sealed but shear pin broken

Verify that tool landed and procedure was followed in this sequence:
All components were assembled correctly and SWPS tool and core barrel are compatible (e.g. no changes were made since last
successful test in this borehole)
Tool was released to swim freely downhole.
Swim time for tool to reach the landing ring if released from overshot
wait for at least the expected swim time (~1m/sec in HQ hole) until the tool landing is felt or heard
Landing of tool was felt or heard
in deep boreholes, shut down rig engine and hold rod with bare hand to feel for landing of SWPS into landing ring
good landing usually produces 3 rapid clicks, and incomplete landing may produce 1 click if the packer element stops
inside the drill bit (especially common in inclined holes or if old packer element is used)
In deep holes the landing may not be felt; if not felt, wait twice the expected length of swim time and assume that the
tool is in position and proceed with seal test
Water flowing out of casing during swim down and then stop (depending on drilling conditions)
In tight formations, water may flow out of casing as the tool swims down and pushes some water out of rods
This is another good indication that the tool stopped moving
Fill rods with water from hose connected to water pump as maximum pump rate
Typical flow rate is 60 l/m and if the SWPS tool is landed in landing ring, even if leaky seal, it takes less than 30 seconds
to fill 10m of rod string
if the water table was significantly lower than ground surface, e.g. 100m, it will take 4 to 6 min to fill the rods with
water, and longer if the tool is not landed properly because as drill pump is filling rods, some of that water is leaking
out past the SWPS tool
if no water comes up in reasonable expected time as the given pump rate and drillhole conditions, assume the tool is
not sealed properly
Follow this procedure to determine causes of seal problem:
The SWPS tool is landed downhole and is no longer moving.
Rotate rods slowly for 1/2 min
Listen for tool landing sound
This step is done in case the tool stopped by friction of packer element rubbing against drill bit. The motion of rods and
vibration helps the tool slide down through drill bit. It also helps in inclined hole when the test seal snags the tool
landing ring above the MLR.
Rotate rods faster in short bursts start/stop and repeat several times
Fill rods with water and test the seal (follow to next step if not sealed)

Retrieve the tool with overshot and inspect in this sequence:
Shear pin (remove shear pin and inspect if blow out plug still in place)
• Broken: the tool impact into landing ring broke the shear pin; main cause of lack of seal
• Not broke but bent: hard impact, replace pin and consider replacing with stronger pin to avoid possible pin
breaking on next attempt
• Not damaged: other problem caused lack of seal
Test seal (red) on tool landing ring ‐‐‐ (see Section 6.3 of manual for more details)
• worn out or cut: small cuts or wear cannot cause total loss of water in rods during seal test, but will cause a
leak; not the main cause of the inability to maintain a seal
• ripped out of tool landing ring: impact of tool into landing ring (usually in inclined hole in high permeability
formation) was not cushioned enough and the hole inclination caused the red test seal to catch on edge of
MLR and be pulled out and bent; this will result in high leak rate past the landing ring and be the main cause
of lack of seal
• no significant damage: leave as is; other problem cause lack of seal
Packer element ‐‐‐‐ (see Section 6.4 for more details)
• Rubber gland is bulging or deformed such that its diameter is larger in one place: there is small tolerance
between the drill bit inside diameter and the packer element and bulging/ deformed rubber WILL get stuck in
drill bit and cause SWPS tool to stop before landing and latching in; main cause of lack of seal
• replace packer element with new one
• if new one not available and the bulge is not that large, apply lithium grease to the packer element (it
will not slip when inflated because SWPS is locked to rod string) but grease may help it pass through
the drill bit
Tool integrity and length
• check if all parts are attached
• check correct length of extension pipes is used – verify with drillers any changes to core barrel since last test;
if drillers changed the barrel length or added long reaming shell or took off/added orientation tool extension,
the SWPS tool will either not latch or the deflation valve will open; main cause of lack of seal
• if core barrel dimensions changed, adjust SWPS extension pipe lengths accordingly; at next opportunity, do a
surface test and improve communications with drill crew; if problem persists with no seal, the only option to
continue testing with SWPS is to pull out rods and do surface test if there is uncertainty about core barrel
dimensions
Deflation valve
• Grease and make sure it slides open and closed easily. If it is difficult to open and close, tape shut with “Duct”
or “Tuck” tape before sending tool down again. Normally this valve closes on landing but if the impact is
absorbed by friction of packer element through passing through the drill bit, the valve may not close if it is
tight. If the valve was
Other external damage
• obvious elongated scratches on lower part below packer element: SWPS tool was jammed either in drill bit
that is plugged with small sharp rock pieces, or between rock pieces in collapsed borehole; less likely as other
causes but can happen; the packer element must pass freely through the drill bit and about 1.5 of uncollapsed
borehole space is required below drill bit
• before next landing attempt, lift rod string higher by removing 1 or 2 rod lengths
Core barrel not empty
• was the inner tube retrieved from core barrel before test? If not, remove it and re‐train drill crew on SWPS
procedures
• sand or mud inside injection sub ports: bottom of hole or core barrel above drill bit possibly filled with sand;
run the inner tube into core barrel to check if empty; flush the hole again
Send tool downhole again, however:
Do not release the tool to swim down, but instead lower it with wireline but slow down descent rate near the end and
slowly lower into position IF any of the following occurred in previous attempt (too high speed of landing):
• shear pin was broken
• red test seal was ripped out

Rotate rods slowly for 1/2 min
Rotate rods faster in short bursts start/stop and repeat several times
Lift rods up by 10 to 20cm with rapid motion of the drill head, then lower slowly and repeat. Try to shake the SWPS into
position.

Pump SWPS tool into place.
Perform this step ONLY IF water did come up to top of rods when filled previously. It can only be done if the system
can be pressurized, if the rods can be filled with water to the top. If the water escapes the rods faster than fill rate, and
water never comes up to top of rod string, do not do this step as the pressure will not build up behind the tool to push
it in.
Purpose:
• The purpose of this step is to pressurize the system and pump the tool into landing ring. This method is
especially effective in inclined holes with shallow dips or in holes where the packer element may be getting
stuck in drill bit. It will not be effective if the shear pin breaks during landing impact.
Procedure:
• Attach the swivel and pump water while slowly rotating rods for 5 min or until the tool is pumped into place
and seals the borehole and pressure spikes up.
• Stop pump immediately when pressure spikes up. As the pressure spikes up to >100 psi, turn off pump
IMMEDIATELY. There is only a short time of few seconds before the packer element fills up from the applied
pressure and when pressure builds up and blows the shear pin. You may hear impact as pressure spikes up.
That means the tool was pumped into place and sealed the rods and pressure built up quickly.
Rotating rods helps to reduce friction between drill bit and packer element and land the tool.
If the pump is not turned off quickly enough, the packer WILL inflate first, absorbing the applied pressure, and
then the shear pin will shear at near its rated strength. The test may be continued, but it will not be possible
to measure the system leak that is done before the shear pin is broken.
(follow to next step if still tool not landed and no pressure build‐up in previous step)
Retrieve the tool with overshot and inspect:
If the shear pin is broken again, this is the main recurring cause of lack of seal.
• Replace with stronger pin.
• If no other pin is available, drill a hole in the blowout plug (between the end and the o‐rings) and end of blow
out sub, and install 2nd shear pin.
• Send packer down again (let it swim first as 2 pins should hold on impact).
• If both shear pins break next time, this is unexpected result.
• In next attempt, lower very slowly by wireline when the tool nears the landing ring, and lower until
the wireline gains slack. Then, add tension to wireline to slightly lift the tool. Fill rods with water
from hose. When water level reaches the top of rods but keeps dropping fast, rotate slowly rods and
very slowly lower the tool again, while adding water. It should settle into landing ring gently under
tension of wireline and water should fill in rods and not drop again if the pin did not break.
If the red test seal is ripped again, this is unexpected result if the tool was lowered slowly by wireline.
• Grease up the tool landing ring area more and lower more slowly.
Packer element, tool length and integrity were ruled out during last inspection or problems corrected.
If the bottom of tool has NEW scratches or sand or mud again, it probably gets jammed in the drill bit.
• To continue testing at this test interval, it is probably necessary to pull rods, do surface test, and change drill
bit to different one if necessary. Or, skip this test interval and try again later.
If sand reoccurs in injection sub, this test interval probably cannot be tested with packer tool anyway.
If NO problems were found with the SWPS tool during inspection after last no‐seal event, it may still be possible to land
it at this test interval, but chances of success are low after all previous attempts failed.
Final attempt:
Send tool down again.
Repeat identical procedures as attempted previously.
pump into place for longer time while rotating rods faster
Hit with overshot (this may work but may also break the shear pin after several hits)
Abandon test, drill deeper, and test longer test interval next time.
Emergency attempt:
If the tool is still not landing in this borehole at this interval, the chances of landing it successfully after all those attempts is very low.
If this test interval must be tested and cost in drilling stoppage time is acceptable:
Retrieve tool and inspect.
If no problems detected, add the 2nd packer with more extension pipes to increase weight of SWPS tool. This may help to pull
the tool into landing ring.
o Grease the packer elements and tool landing ring to help tool through the drill bit.
o Tape the deflation valve shut.
Send the straddle packer tool down again.
Spin rods slowly.
Try to pump into place again.
One last thing to do:
If the narrow test interval must be tested, pull rods and do surface test and inspect the core barrel components.
o If surface test works perfectly, then both the SWPS and core barrel are not at fault, and the tool are compatible and
function as expected.
o Take the tool to different borehole and land at similar depth and geologic conditions. If it works in another borehole,
try to think of the difference between the two boreholes as cause of a problem.
Alternative testing approaches:
Use different packer system (gas inflated).
Do an airlift or pump test without packer in place to determine hydraulic properties instead of injection test.

(2) Leak in system – water comes up and drops “slowly” when stopped filling

“slowly” means 10cm/10sec or slower

Most likely causes:
leaking rod string, damaged test seal or MLR o‐ring, or both problems at once

Follow this procedure to determine causes of leak problem:
The SWPS tool is landed downhole and is no longer moving.
Attach swivel and connect water hoses to flow meter system.
Start pump and pressurize to 250 psi to inflate packer element (do not blow the shear pin yet!)
IF the leak is too large and cannot pressurize to inflate packer to 250 psi:
• Remove swivel, send overshot down, unlatch and deflate partially inflated packer, remove tool and inspect.
• Send down again, and if the same leak magnitude noted, follow checklist (1) for lack of seal. Exit this checklist.
IF the leak is not significant and the packer can be inflated at 250 psi:
• Note the volume of water on cumulative flow meter counter used to inflate packer element.
• After good packer inflation, open bypass valve and depressurize rods. Continue to next step in this checklist.
Increase pressure to each of planned pressure steps that will be used in test, and measure leak flow rate in the system.
• Leak rate should increase with pressure linearly. At low pressure the leak flow may be not measurable,
despite previously visible decreasing water level in rods during landing seal test.
• Record leak rates. These will be subtracted from injection flow rates later.
Increase pressure to beyond shear pin rating and blow the pin
IF cannot pressurize the system to beyond shear pin rating because of system leak
• Remove swivel, send overshot down, unlatch and deflate partially inflated packer, remove tool and inspect.
• Send down again, and if the same leak magnitude noted, follow checklist (1) for lack of seal. Exit this checklist.
IF the shear pin is blown normally, continue normal test procedures
6.2.2 Inflation & shear pin breaking problems
(3) Shear pin breaks at much lower pressure than rated

Most likely causes:
pin damage during SWPS landing; temperature effect on pin material (more brittle if cold, softer if hot)

Procedure:
Assuming that the tool was landed and packer inflation begins.
Inflate packer element at 250 psi.
IF the packer was fully inflated at > 250 psi, but the shear pin broke below its rated strength
o The pin was probably weakened by landing of SWPS tool, but this does not affect the injection test.
o Continue normal test procedures.
IF the shear pin broke during packer inflation below 250 psi
o You may consider removing the tool and replacing the shear pin and trying again, or continue with test and test at low
pressure steps and note the maximum pressure at which the packer was inflated. However, the packer may still seal
properly to hole walls.
o There is greater chance of the emergency deflation system (should it be needed) not working and packer slipping along
hole walls and potentially resulting in packer element damage. According to IPI, the adequate inflation pressure should
also be adequate to allow operation of the emergency shear system if it’s necessary. IPI’s experience indicates this is
about 250 psi minimum though it depends on hole conditions.
IF the shear pin broke during packer inflation below 150 psi
o The pressure required for NQ packer to expand and touch the open hole walls is 120 psi, and for HQ packer 110 psi. If
the shear pin breaks below 150 psi during packer inflation, there is high chance of incomplete seal to hole walls and
packer bypass flow during test.
o Deflate packer and remove tool, replace shear pin and try again.

(4) Shear pin breaks at higher pressure than its rating or appears not to break at all

Most likely causes:
pin strength is greater than expected, rock formation has very low permeability and no measurable inflow rate

Procedure:
Assuming the packer was fully inflated at 250 psi.
Measure system leak at planned pressure steps.
Increase pressure to beyond shear pin rating.
Pin breaking maybe indicated by: sudden sound of pin breaking, sudden drop in water pressure, sudden large increase
in flow rate
If shear pin breaks, record the shear pressure and continue normal test procedures. Exit this checklist.
Increase pressure until it breaks, but do not go beyond the pressure rating on gauges or the flow meter manifold (normally 1000
psi for flow meter unit).
Depressurize system, remove flow meter manifold and connect drill pump directly to swivel.
Monitor drill rig pressure gauge and increase pressure to maximum of 1500 psi.
Depressurize system, unlatch and remove packer tool and check whether shear pin is broken.
IF shear pin is not broken
• Replace with different shear pin and try again.
• It is possible to mix up different rated shear pins. Check shear pin bag labelling and source.
• If problem persists, get different shear pins or make on site.
IF shear pin is broken
• There were no indicators of it breaking. This means the rock in test zone is very tight and does not take any
water during injection, thus no flow observed after shear pin broke.
• Check the rock core within test interval to confirm that it is competent rock.
• Try again and go back to beginning of this checklist. This time hold the rods with hand to feel for vibration
during shear pin breaking. Go up to the same high pressure as in previous trial and assume the shear pin is
broken even if there are no indications of it breaking.
• The probability of shear pin breaking at 2x rated strength is close to 100% so a good assumption. Continue
normal test procedures. Exit this checklist.

(5) Packer does not inflate at low pressure or does not inflate at all

Most likely causes:
Plugged water ports into packer element

Procedure:
Assuming that the tool was landed and packer inflation begins.
Note the flow meter reading at beginning of pressurization.
Inflate packer element at 250 psi *
IF the packer element fills normally, continue with normal test procedures** and exit this checklist.
Increase pressure to about 400 psi, but stay below shear pin rating pressure to attempt to fill packer at higher pressure to push
water past any blockage in packer element water channels.
If packer inflates normally, continue with normal test procedures** and exit this checklist.
IF there is no inflow to packer (no filling)
• Check flow meter unit. Depressurize, disconnect flow meter manifold, pour water into intake hose and let
flow freely through the flow meter manifold and the cumulative flow meter unit (with bypass valve closed)
and observe flow meter dial (it should record the correct volume of water passing). For better accuracy, use
known volume of water to test.
• If flow meter does not measure flow, replace with new flow meter.
• The packer is probably already inflated.
• Assume it is inflated and continue test but watch out for packer bypass after shear pin is broken.
Continue with normal test procedures**. Exit this checklist.
• If flow meter measures flow, continue to next step.
IF there is inflow to packer but slower than expected
• Continue filling packer at high pressure and monitor and record inflow rate vs time until inflow rate decreases
and remains steady and lower than during packer inflation (this is just system leak through rod joints, etc).
• Compare inflow volume of water from start of inflation to finish and compare to typical packer element fill
volume to confirm packer inflation is finished.
• Continue normal testing procedures*. If problem re‐occurs, clean or change packer element. Exit this
checklist.
IF packer fills normally
• Continue normal testing procedures*, but inspect and clean packer element before next test. Exit this
checklist.
Unlatch and remove SWPS tool and inspect packer element. In straddle system also inspect water ports past the injection sub.
Replace with new packer element even if inspection doesn’t reveal anything.
Try inflating again.
If problem persists, do surface test in spare core barrel to test packer element inflation.

Notes:
* in confined aquifer, the artesian pressure will reduced the differential pressure from inside to outside packer and minimum packer inflation
pressure as read on pressure gauge in the system will be = 250psi + artesian pressure
** measure system leak at planned pressure steps, etc…

6.2.3 Pressurizing and test step problems
(6) During injection test, the system cannot be pressurized and the formation takes maximum supplied flow rate.

Most likely causes:
High permeability zone or fracture(s) cause total water loss downhole, total packer bypass

Procedure:
Assuming the packer was inflated properly and shear pin was broken and injection test begun.
Flow meter is registering high flow rate of injection.
Increase pump power to maximum.
Flow meter system is connected properly (rig pump to flow meter to swivel to rods)
Check for bypass flow out of casing (out of annular space around rods) or flow out of ground near drill rig:
IF there is high outflow rate from casing (or around rods if not cased), the flow is bypassing the packer element. There
are tow possible cause:
• 1) packer is partially deflated
• 2) rock is so highly permeable that flow bypasses the packer element through the fractured rock. In
permafrost environments, this may occur even when drilling through permafrost zone because a thawed zone
forms around drill rods (from drilling process if using hot brine for drilling).
• Test not valid.
IF there is no flow or small leak only from casing (around rods, it is most likely that most of the water is not bypassing
the packer but going into rock formation.
• If in previous shallower test zones the water did not escape from casing during successful packer test, but it
did flow out of casing (when the tool swims down or when testing seal while the tool is not sealed), then lack
of flow out of casing does indicate NO bypass around packer element.
• Exception: in high permeability rock formations and NO drillhole casing, the water may bypass the packer and
then escape into high permeability rock (e.g. weathered rock) at shallow depth below ground, but remain
invisible to observer at the drill rig. ** In uncased holes where there is high permeability unit overlying other
units, it is not possible to identify packer bypass.
• Check rock core to determine possible high permeability features:
• IF core does not indicate possibility of high inflow, this test is suspicious because test results
contradict rock core properties. High inflow rate during injection must enter the rock formation
somewhere in the test zone.
• IF rock core indicates possible high permeability features, this is a valid test. Continue normal test procedures.
Exit this checklist.
IF there is flow around ground surface near the drill rig but NOT out of casing/around rods.
• There is no direct bypass around packer element and back into the borehole, but water is being lost to rock
formation and some of this water is forced to ground surface.
• This has happened occasionally: 1) in permafrost zones, 2) where the top of casing is much higher than
surrounding ground, casing is shallow, shallow overburden has very high permeability (disturbed ground,
gravel, etc), and bottom of casing is not set into lower permeability rock
• water flows around casing and out to ground surface near the drill rig but does not rise to level higher
than top of casing (casing is not water tight)
• differences in thawed annual zone with depth and leaky casing can cause outflow a few meters away
from drill casing

(7) During an injection test, the water leak out casing increases over time.

Most likely causes:
Packer bypass flow developing due to packer slowly deflating, or, cleaning out of fractures or hydrojacking of existing fractures and
bypass around packer through rock

Procedure:
Record time and which pressure step when the leak from casing started.
Continue normal testing procedures.
IF the leak increases significantly such that pump rate must be increased significantly to maintain the pressure, or if pressure is
difficult to maintain:
o Stop injection test.
o Comment on test results in data sheet about developing leak.
Check rock core to determine possible high permeability features
o When drilling with bentonite mud or drill polymers, the fractures may be plugged in initial low pressure steps and
become washed out at higher pressure steps.
Inspection of SWPS tool after test:
o TAM seal – if stretched out, it may leak; most likely cause of packer leak
o packer element – may be damaged

(8) Flow takes long time to steady state after step up or down; return flow during step down

Most likely causes:
The test zone has high storage properties and water flows in and out of storage depending on pressure step direction up or down

Procedure:
Wait until flow stabilizes and remains steady before changing pressure step.

(9) Pressure stops changing on pressure gauge

Most likely causes:
Blocked pitot tube (e.g. frozen), blocked tube to gauge, blocked gauge (e.g. frozen)

Procedure:
Open the release valve to depressurize.
o The pressure may be increasing but the gauge is not reading it. Damage to gauge and flow meter system may result.
Check drill rig gauge and compare to the gauge on flow meter skid.
Change pressure gauge for new one.
o If still not reading pressure changes, check pitot tube filter, other tubes, main filter (before the bypass valve).
o In cold conditions, the pitot tube freezes first because of its small diameter. If in doubt, assume it is frozen. Blow hot
air or pour hot water onto the flow meter skid to thaw the system.
Use drill rig pressure gauge if nothing else works.

(10) Driller moves rods up or repositions the rig (if on hydraulic lifts) during the test while the packer is inflated.

What can happen:
Emergency shear pins break and packer deflates

Procedure:
Compare injection inflow at the same pressure step as was recorded earlier (repeat the same pressure step after the rod move
event)
IF there is no significant difference in inflow and there is no new large leak out of casing.
o Continue with testing. Exit this checklist.
IF inflow increases greatly and/or there is large leak out of casing
o Packer deflated
o Stop test. Make note of packer deflation and cause.
o Discuss with driller.
o If half the pressure steps were done, the data is still useful and probably sufficient.
• Unlatch and remove SWPS.
o If only one or two pressure steps were done
• Depending on budget and time limits, repeat the test or abandon test and use what data was collected.

6.2.4 Unlatching & deflation problems
(11) Deflating and unlatching procedure for DEEP boreholes where wireline stretch is significant

Typical problems when following “standard” procedure:
When the overshot is attached and wireline pulled up at low tension, the head assembly does not unlatch (packer is still
pressurized). When more force is applied to wireline, it stretches and stores some of the energy applied, then when the head
assembly of SWPS unlatches, the wireline pulls rapidly and with large force (like a spring springing back), pulling the still‐deflating
but partially deflated packer into the drill bit, and deforming it (see Figure 49), and possibly jamming the lower parts of SWPS up into
the packer element (see photo in Figure xx) of what can happen. When this happens, the packer element is too damaged to pass
through the drill bit and will not be usable again, and the rods must be pulled out to retrieve the SWPS, which in deep holes can take
several hours.

SRK and IPI developed a different procedure for deflating and unlatching for deep boreholes to avoid this problem.

Procedure in DEEP holes:
After injection test steps, pressurize the system to about 200 psi and keep steady.
Break the E‐pin by lifting rods 5 to 10 cm
o driller will feel for E‐pin break downhole with hand on drill head)
o you observe for sudden pressure drop on flow meter system gauge (when packer deflates, the pressure is dissipated
within 1 to 3 seconds as water bypasses the packer and flows up annular space)
If E‐pin broke and wait time was > 15 min to deflate
o Pull up on wireline to unlatch but do not apply strong force if its not free (< 1000 psi on winch gauge)
o If its not unlatching, wait another 10 min and try again
o Run the overshot down to unlatch
o Note: after E‐pins broke, after 30 min assume that packer is deflated and pull harder to unlatch. When the head
assembly releases, the packer should not get stuck in the drill bit.
If the E‐pin did not break, the packer is probably sliding along rock walls (more likely if drill mud is used). Pull rods in 10 cm
increments (waiting 1 min before pulls) to drag packer higher up until it snags on something and pulls the E‐pin. Remove a rod
length if necessary. Do not push rods down if possible.
If after all attempts to break the E‐pin nothing happens (pressure still high in system, nothing felt), you have the option to try to
unlatch by pulling with wireline.
o Put tension on wireline but not too hard (< 2000 psi).
o Pull rods up 5 cm while tension is on wireline.
o If this did not work, give rods 1 rotation (this may help break the E‐pin but it may loosen the mandrel a little so do not
rotate rods anymore).
o Pull harder on wireline.
If nothing unlatches by now, and the system is still pressurized, the packer is probably sliding (if it is deflated, the only other
explanation is that expanding clay is sealing the rods to borehole walls and holding the pressure in the system).
o slowly pull rods and keep pulling like this for few rod lengths until E‐pin breaks
o try pulling with wireline also occasionally
o after 3 rod lengths, pull out rod lengths at normal rod pulling rate but stop if pressure drops on flow meter system
gauge, indicating E‐pin break and packer deflation and flow bypass. If that happens, wait 15 for deflation and pull up
with wireline to unlatch.
If nothing works and nothing unlatches, pull out all rods OR until the pressure drops in system or you hear the E‐pins break.

(12) SWPS is deflates and unlatches, but is stuck and wireline cannot pull it up.

Most likely causes:
Packer is not deflated yet (slow deflation)

Procedure:
Wait until deflated.
Do emergency deflation.
Pull rods if nothing works.

6.2.5 Testing in muddy, sandy, unstable and other problem boreholes

6.3 Problems with inflation/test seal rings:
The red test seal should be inspected before every test and replaced if worn. Cuts and scrapes in this seal will cause relatively small
leaks at low pressures and increasing leak with larger pressure. This kind of leak will affect results of test but it can be subtracted by
measuring leak rate before the shear pin is blown. It is a problem but not a test‐stopping problem. A properly seated tool in the
MLR but with damaged test seal will result in slowly dropping water level in rods during seal test (filling rods with water and
observing water level).

If there is no seal (water level drops fast in rods), the red test seal is usually not responsible (the tool is probably not seated, the
shear pin is blown, or other cause). The test seal would have to be seriously scraped on more than one side or ripped off completely
to cause very fast leak between the MLR and the tool landing ring.
6.3.1 Common causes of damage to inflation/test seals:
• grinding of test seal against “steps” in drill rods on way down in inclined holes (steps in rods can also be felt, if preset, by driller
while pulling up wireline in inclined holes
• impact on landing ring, especially on non IPI landing ring or on landing ring damaged by drilling process (repeated impacts of
inner core tube)
• inflation seal too large in size for landing ring or landing ring too small
• rough inner surface of landing ring (e.g. corrosion on old landing rings ‐ non stainless steel)
• burning of sear ring while defrosting the head assembly with blow torch
• defrosting of head assembly mechanism while on wireline, if frozen by ice, is necessary, but avoid heating with flame
too close to the inflation seal (heat no closer than 10 cm away from red inflation seal)
• during surface test, the insertion of tool into outer core barrel in horizontal position of outer tube such that the inflation seal
grinds against threads on the locking coupling
• you may notice red slices cut off the seal and left on locking coupling threads ‐ pull tool out and inspect inflation seal
and change if required ‐ to avoid cutting in, insert half tube of plastic or cardboard onto threads to protect the inflation
seal when sliding the tool into the back of outer core barrel

Two examples of damaged inflation/test seals are presented in Figure 43 and Figure 44.

Example 1:

In the first example, the test seal was pulled out and deformed during landing into landing ring. The travel velocity downhole was
faster than normal due to high permeability formation at depth (water was pushed faster out of rods by tool travelling down than
normally). The borehole was inclined 55 degrees and the landing ring was at depth of about 200m. The same problem occurred
during 2 attempts at different test intervals. This problem prevented the tool from landing properly in the landing ring and caused
lack of seal.

The solution was to grease the tool landing ring and test seal surface, and this became part of SOP since May 2009.

Example 2:

In the second example, the test seal was scraped off during travel downhole and most likely by sharpened edge of landing ring
(through overuse).

Figure 43 Example 1 of damaged test seal (seal pulled out and deformed).

Figure 44 Example 2 of damaged test seal (seal scraped off by edge of landing ring)
6.3.2 Seal size/quality vs. temperature:
During the 2008 packer testing at Hope Bay, SRK determined that the IPI deflation/test seals are affected by water temperature.
The Inflation seal shrinks in size in cold water near 0 C, and shrinks even more in cold air (e.g. ‐20 C), such that surface testing results
in a leak of water around the seal (no seal). This was easily determined by sliding the MLR onto the tool landing ring with inflation
seal at different temperatures. IPI is working on different seal materials to correct this effect. Other o‐rings did not leak at cold
temperatures.
During surface test, in cold air temperatures (e.g. below ‐10 C) we advise to:
• carefully heat the head assembly, tool landing ring with blow torch before landing tool
• and then keep heating (but not overheating) the locking coupling from outside to keep landing ring & inflation seal warm
when the tool is landed in place during test inflation
A temporary solution to the problem is described in Figure 45.

Figure 45 One method for adjusting inflation/test seal diameter
(std.Londyear backend)
Tool landing
ring sub
Core
barrel
subs

6.4 Problems with packer element
The packer element can be damaged by pushing or pulling of rods when the packer is still inflated. The rubber element can be
damaged by cuts, scrapes, or rubber deformation (bulging at one end usually), or ripping of rubber strands at point of attachment to
metal part of the packer element (most extreme case).

Cuts and scrapes
‐ caused by sharp broken pieces of rock at borehole walls, during packer inflation or during incomplete deflation while pulling on the
tool to retrieve; also possible cuts while storage or transport
‐ solution: there is no easy fix; continue use of packer element until it fails

Rubber deformation
‐ this occurs in most packer elements over some time period; the causes are downward rod creep

Ripping of packer rubber
‐ likely when retrieving still inflated element, or by pulling rods up and spinning during test when packer element is inflated

Figure 46 Examples of damaged packer rubber element: a) cut, b) deformation.
(a)
Superficial cut or scrape.
Bulge from regular use in
many tests
(b)

(c)

Figure 47 Drill bit teeth marks and deformed packer element, from it being pulled up through the drill bit while not
completely deflated.

Figure 48 One field method of reducing bulging packer element diameter.
1) Remove the mandrel from inside packer element and squeeze with chain wrench and leave for few hours.

2) Repeat in other spots to flatten the rubber/wire bladder to small enough diameter to pass through drill bit.

Figure 49 Serious damage when partially deflated packer element is jammed into drill bit when pulling up too early, or
when pulling up with long wireline that stretches and rebounds when SWPS is unlatched. Rods were pulled in all of these case.
(teetch marks on
deformed rubber of
packer element indicate
that it was stuck in drill
bit)

final result – a new drill bit
is pulled over packer
element to show how the
real drill bit was sitting
downhole)

Extreme case, where the metal end
of packer element & outer shell
leading to blow out sub were pushed
inside the rubber


Figure 50 Example of ripped packet element by inflation in cavity or pulling up partly deflated through drill bit.
packer inflated in a cavity
and blown up
(spinning rods when packer
is inflated should not
damage it because the tool
can rotate at the deflation
valve around the mandrel)

6.5 Problems with emergency deflation sub and Eshear pins
The emergency deflation pins (E‐pins) will shear when rods are pulled up when packer is still inflated. There may be several
complications within the emergency deflation sub (E‐sub), causing rips in o‐rings, jamming of shear pin cover, pieces of sheared pin
remaining inside, and the E deflation sub being forced closed when the packer element (after complete or partial deflation) has
difficulty passing through the drill bit, hiding the fact that the pins were sheared.

Emergency shear pins can break as a result of:
• rods pulled up > 5 cm (usually, but sometimes it takes more pull length if packer shifts); this is usually a planned procedure but
may be accidental (moving rods up or moving entire up if on hydraulics during test)
• rotation of rods (although the deflation valve can rotate, when packer is inflated, there is enough friction at the bit‐sub against
the bit to prevent rotation at deflation valve and rotation occurs at E‐deflation sub, shearing the pins, and also beginning to
unscrew the mandrel from the TAM sub)
• overuse (numerous tests and E‐pins not replaced or inspected) – each landing of SWPS downhole can weaken the E‐pins slightly
and wear can accumulate
• putting chain grip wrenches in the groove that separates the 2 parts of the E‐deflation sub (when installing SWPS in two parts
into drill rods before releasing it)
In most boreholes, except very deep boreholes (>600m), there is not enough stretch in the wireline to cause a strong rebound when
the SWPS is unlatched and the E‐ sub cover is not forced closed up after the E‐pins were sheared earlier to deflate the packer. In
almost all tests in shallow holes, the tool comes up after the test with the E‐sub cover open and the two halves of E‐deflation sub
separated if the E‐pins were broken downhole. Therefore, the state of E‐sub after tool is pulled out is usually enough to confirm
whether the E‐pins broke. However, there were enough incidents, especially in deep holes, where the E‐sub cover did close during
tool unlatching and lifting that the E‐sub should be taken apart and examined to confirm whether the E‐pins are intact (or damaged)
and check for damage to o‐rings on the sub.

Examples:

Refer to Figure 51 (a). In this case the, the shear pins were broken by rotation of rods when packer was inflated (see how shear pin
is deformed in direction of rotation), and also broken o‐rings on emergency deflation sub. To replace o‐rings, remove all
components from mandrel. Rotation of rods can also lead to unscrewing of the mandrel – in this case the mandrel was partially
unscrewed from the TAM sub.

In Figure 51 (b) the E‐pins were broken normally by pulling rods during planned emergency deflation, but while unlatching the tool,
the wireline pulled up rapidly and the packer element jammed into drill bit temporarily, causing the E‐sub to snap closed, in the
process cutting off the 2 o‐rings to pieces. When the SWPS was pulled out, there was no indication (misleading) that the E‐pins were
not broken. When the cover was opened, the pins were gone and pieces of torn o‐ring material was in the slots where E‐pins
normally sit. After taking apart the E‐sub further, the broken o‐rings were located. This example demonstrates that a complete
disassembly of the E‐sub is the best procedure after each test where the E‐pins were attempted to be broken, where rods were
pulled or spun accidentally, or if there is doubt about the E‐pins breaking.

Routine deflation of packer element in deep boreholes using one E‐pin:

In deep test boreholes (e.g. 900m), if packer damage occurs once because of wireline stretch and rebound during unlatching of
SWPS, the new procedure is to use the system with only one E‐pin installed, and pull the E‐pin after every test to cause deflation,
BEFORE the SWPS is unlatched by running the overshot downhole and pulling with wireline. If wireline rebound occurs, the packer
will be deflated and will not be damaged as it runs quickly through the drill bit, although the E‐sub will be closed shut in most cases.

After each test, the single E‐pin is replaced, the E‐sub examined and any cut o‐rings replaced, and the mandrel connection to TAM
sub checked.

Figure 51 Emergency deflation sub showing ripped o‐rings: (a) E‐pin broken by rod rotation, (b) E‐pin broken by regular
use of E‐sub with o‐rings broken by closing E‐deflation sub caused by rebounding stretched wireline.
Broken shear‐pin piece, sheared in direction of rotation
(a) Broken O‐rings (may be difficult to slide open the cover shell)

(b) Broken O‐rings
Piece of o‐ring stuck in the shear pin slot. This valve was opened by pulling rods to
break the pin, then after unlatching of backend, the stretched wireline caused rebound
and closing of E‐deflation valve and cover, cutting the o‐rings in process.

7 References
Singhal B.B.S., R.P. Gupta (1999) Applied Hydrogeology of Fractured Rocks. Springer, 400p.

Smith S.A. (1989) Manual of Hydraulic Fracturing for Well Stimulation and Geologic Studies. for National Water Well Association,
Dublin, OH.

Zoback M.D., Mastin L., Barton C. (1986) In‐situ stress measurements in deep boreholes using hydraulic fracturing, wellbore
breakouts, and stoney wave polarization. Proceedings of the Int’l Symposium on Rock Stress and Rock Stress Measurements –
Stockholm.

Downing, B., Kennard, D., Jefferies, M, 2003, Pingston Hydro Project Tunnel Plug Construction, Canadian Tunneling Association.

Dalho, T., Evans, K.F., Halvorsen, A. et Myrvang, A., 2003, Adverse Effect of Pore‐Pressure Drainage on Stress Measurements
Performed in Deep Tunnels: an Example from the Lower Kihansi Hydroelectric Power Project, Tanzania., Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci &
Geomech. Abstr. Vol. 40, pp. 65 – 93.


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Packer Testing With The IPI

Single packer Double packer

Drill hole bottom

ACE extension sub backend

melting ice with

leave small space (3 cm) at one end to allow

Packer ~1.25 m ~1.25 m

extension subs backend

bottom packer assembly

top (single) packer assembly

extension subs head assembly

top (single) packer assembly

SWPS tool (HQ) sink time (minutes)

static water level The tool landed and sealed properly and the rod joints are not leaking. Initially there may be air

(this photo was Swivel

drill rod top of casing small leak out of casing

Flow meter gauge: P step = 100 psi +/- 5 psi

0000.625 2 1 volumes flow rates

volumes +/- 0.02 L (0.00002 m3)

with ACE orientation

Tool landing ring f itted inside MLR (the

(1) Water flow through (2)

1. Inflating packer elements.

Water f illed space but no f low

o-rings in spacer pipe

required to keep water

seal; if missing packer may

Def lation sub (part #12, upper half )

IPI is now using “Loctite” (glue-like substance) on the

Shear pin cover

The pin can be taken

def lating packer element

Water outf low f rom

shear pin Straddle outer case (part #30)

Blow out Packer end seal

Blow out plug sub containing spring and plug and

Assembled straddle outer case

Straddle outer case (inside is

Packer element Emerg.defl.sub Deflation sub

#16 JIC fitting

#16 to #12 JIC fitting

f ittings to connect shock arrestor

PPP shock arrestor

T f or high pressure water lines

#16 JIC f ittings (quick coupling)

ice f orming in gauge connector tube

heat tape with insulation

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