InflataLOK™ Enables Rigless Offshore Installation of an
Insert-Progressing Cavity Pump in Nippleless Tubing

Region: Asia Pacific
Customer: Tier-1 Operator
Well Type: Oil Producer

Key Facts:

  • Field Proven in Asia Pacific
  • Field Proven in the Middle East
  • Available for 2.875”, 3.5” and 4.5” production tubing
  • Successfully deployed offshore and onshore
  • Confirms Tubing Integrity
  • Non-tortuous flow path
  • Provides axial and radial anchor

Challenge

A major operator required the installation of an insert progressing cavity pump (IPCP) in 3-1/2” production tubing to bring a suspended well into production. The project took place on an offshore platform in South East Asia. Although the production tubing did have a pump seating nipple (PSN), it was not utilized due to concerns of corrosion and mechanical integrity for flush by operations. A J-slot (weight set) I-PCP anchoring device represented a risk due to the well profile with setting depth of around 3,600ft MD and 51 Deg inclination. Another challenge was limited control of axial loads as the operation was conducted using a barge crane with sea state making an impact.

Solution

The solution for this challenge was IPI’s InflataLOK™*, which is the world’s first nipple-less I-PCP anchor system utilizing inflatable packer technology. It was designed for rigless deployment in extended-reach deviated applications where rods cannot provide the required axial loads to set a J-slot anchor mechanism or in wells where PSN’s have not been installed. However, its ease of use and reliability is proving it as an optimal solution for most I-PCP installations.

The system provides a method for sealing and anchoring an I-PCP by utilizing inflatable packer technology in conjunction with a hydraulically-actuated slip mechanism. The system is set by applying differential pressure within the tubing annulus, which is made possible by incorporating a set ofseal cups. Its setting sequence has 4 distinct steps, which are all pressure activated (seal packer, grip packer, anchor slips, and intake sub). Mechanical integrity is confirmed by holding pressure within the tubing against the inflated packers prior to activating the intake sub. Once tubing integrity is confirmed, the final pressure step causes the intake sub to open, which provides a non-tortuous internal flow path allowing the operator to complete the I-PCP space out and place thewell into production.

Created Value

An I-PCP supplied by PT. PCM Oilfield Services was successfully set and tubing integrity was confirmed in a single run using InflataLOK™. The client was able to bring the well back into production without having to bring a rig to site. The operation was successfully executed in a timely manner without operational issues, which generated substantial savings in operational time and costs.

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Stuart Brown

Director

Stuart recently joined IPI as the Director of Oil and Gas, bringing with him 15 years of diverse experience in the industry, with a strong focus on inflatable packers. His extensive background encompasses a variety of roles, including field engineering, operations management, sales, and business development. This breadth of expertise, coupled with his international experience in markets across North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, positions Stuart to effectively lead and expand IPI’s oil and gas operations on a global scale. Stuart holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen and a Master’s degree in Finance from City University of London. His robust technical foundation and financial acumen uniquely empower him to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth within the company.

Masoud Jangani

Director

Masoud joined IPI Packers in 2022 as the Oil & Gas Region Manager for the Asia Pacific, bringing over 20 years of experience across operations management, technical sales, and business development in the resources sector. His diverse career spans both the mining and oil & gas industries, where he has held key leadership roles at global companies. In 2024, Masoud was appointed Director of the Mining, Water, and Geotech product lines (MWG), driving strategic growth and expansion across these sectors. Masoud holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and graduate certificates in finance and business law.

Garry Taylor

Dave Knell

Director

David (Dave) Knell has been involved with the manufacture and application of inflatable packers for over 35 years. He started his career as an apprentice aged 15, and within a year, was running packers offshore, in Western Australia. Dave was the first employee of IPI and has been instrumental in the development of IPI’s manufacturing facility and capabilities. His knowledge of building packers is backed by extensive experience in the field, an innate understanding of real-world applications, and a fierce attention to detail. Dave is currently focused on expanding IPI’s ISO9001 certified manufacturing operations on a global scale, to better serve customers and to foster the continued growth of the company.

Francis Ford

Director

Francis joined IPI in 2005, based in Perth, Western Australia, as an apprentice. He developed his skills in manufacturing, tool and packer design and field operations across multiple industries – mining, water, civil/construction and oil & gas. His level of expertise and understanding enabled him to progress into leading IPI’s R&D efforts as manager. This included leading key custom / OEM designs and their practical developments, for multiple clients as well as continuing to progress the design and development of IPI’s unique systems. Now as engineering director, he is developing IPI’s engineering team to better support clients by improving our predictive packer modelling and fostering the continuous improvement of our packer tools and technology. A member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and author of several technical papers, he is credited in several industry patents.

Joel Adams

Director

Joel Adams is a hydrogeologist, turned packer expert who has spent 30 years applying inflatable packer technology to complex downhole problems. His experience includes well testing for nuclear waste site characterization, water resources, water rights, rock stress testing, water well rehabilitation, and plug and abandonment (P&A). Joel has been leading the team as Director – North America since 2007 and has been associated with IPI, either as a key customer, agent or employee, since its founding in 1999. He led the introduction of IPI packer technology to P&A work, offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, and the establishment of DuraFRAC® packers as the market leader in the water well hydrofrac market. With numerous publications and presentations, Joel is a recognized expert in well testing and custom packer system design.

Howard Kenworthy

Director

Howard joined IPI in 2005 as commercial manager when IPI had 5 staff and was making customized product to order. His prior career was with UK public companies in retailing and financial services, leading operating companies. He holds an MBA which he took a few years after his degree from Oxford (Philosophy, Politics and Economics). He has led IPI’s distribution development with standard products and established most of IPI’s international operations as part of his role in business planning, finance and strategy. This included joint ventures in the USA, Chile and Indonesia. He was based in South East Asia 2015 to 2022, prior to relocating to Sharjah in the UAE, from where, as Commercial Director, he continues to develop and co-ordinate planning and strategy, the group’s global distribution and financial operations.

Clem Rowe

Founder and Executive Chair

Born and bred in Western Australia, Clem is a Curtin University graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering. Early in his career, Clem worked on offshore engineering projects in Western Australia and France. While working offshore, Clem was first exposed to inflatable packers, manufactured by a small Australian company that he subsequently joined in 1988 as Engineering Director. Clem established IPI in 1999 and has grown it from a small Western Australian manufacturing operation, to the world-wide manufacturing and distribution organization that it is today, by carefully selecting a competent team, that shares his values of quality, innovation and customer service. Clem is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Institute of Hydrogeologists and the Institution of Engineers, Australia. He is the author of multiple articles and papers on inflatable packers and their application and has several international patents to his credit.

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