Permeability Testing

IPI tools facilitate rock-mass permeability and aquifer testing for geotechnical, water resource and environmental projects.

Understanding the ability of a geologic formation to transmit water is critical to many applications, including those considered for waste isolation, mine-water inflow analysis, water resource evaluation, grouting program design, and in-situ recovery of minerals. IPI tools cover a wide spectrum of testing applications, ranging from wireline packer systems for step-rate injection (Lugeon) and other tests, to low-permeability formation evaluation in nuclear waste site characterization using the Slimhole Formation Tester with real time data acquisition and down-hole shut in tool. For wireline through-the-bit testing, the SWiPS and STX60 hydraulic inflate tools run without the need of an inflation control line from to surface, thus affording critical data collection in deep and shallow-angle holes. The GeoPro Pneumatic Wireline Packer System is a cost-effective tool for conducting basic permeability tests at shallow depths in high-angle boreholes. The SWiPS SC is a flexible system that combines high-pressure capabilities with the ability to inflate either hydraulically or pneumatically and can be run on wireline or on drill rods. In addition, IPI offers a wide range of packer solutions for aquifer testing in water resource, environmental and geothermal investigations.

Products

Inflatable Packers for Permeability Testing Applications

Downhole Shut In Valve
Used to isolate a test section for the purpose of hydrological testing of a well, designed to run in-line above a single or straddle packer…
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Flow Meter Skids
Suitable for use with high pressure IPI Packers downhole tools…
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Geopro Wireline Tool
Time-saving method for conducting permeability testing during core drilling, available in all makes of wireline core barrels…
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Slim Hole Formation Tester
Highly customizable system designed to assist with detailed characterization permeability testing in tight rock…
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ST Tools
Our ST range features a four-stage operating mechanism that enables packer inflation, annular circulation, interval testing and complete shut-in isolation…
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Standard Wireline Packers (SWiPS)
World-leading tool for permeability testing in deep and demanding core holes, available as standard in a range of sizes and formats….
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STX-60 Well Testing
Well Testing Tool with an integral down-hole shut-in capability and setting tool, enabling more advanced permeability testing…
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SWiPS Surface Control
Designed for permeability testing in shallow HQ and PQ wireline core holes, available in both single and straddle options…
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Our Quality Control, Health Safety & Environmental Management Practices

Discover why we are global market leaders in inflatable packer technology across a a variety of industries

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our SWiPS and STX packer tools are the industry leader for rental operations on many mine sites globally.

Our SWiPS and STX-60 line of tools are suitable for coring projects, available in N/H/P core sizing. Both sets of tooling have provisions for data logging transducers and offer options for a variety of permeability testing needs.

Our maximum recommended straddle length is 9m, with 1m straddle extensions.

Yes, we have options for horizontal and up hole orientation.

Yes, we offer packer sizes as small as 28mm to 200mm and more. Element length options are 500mm to 1000mm for our standard grouting packers. Available in single packer configuration as well as straddle.

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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 Eastern Hemisphere and LATAM for 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.

Gordon Mackenzie

Director

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 P&A. Joel has led the IPI North American team 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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