• Permeability Testing
  • MWG

STX-60 Well Testing Tool

Well Testing Tool with an integral down-hole shut-in capability and setting tool, enabling both more advanced permeability testing (e.g. IFO) and multiple straddle testing in one trip (making significant operational savings). Can be run on rods or through-the-bit in P and H sized wire line systems or on rods for N size. Modular single/straddle format with a wide range of packer options – including medium pressure SWiPS series and high-pressure versions for rock stress testing. Can circulate while testing and check rods integrity prior to testing.

The STX-60 is the smallest diameter version of IPI’s ST range. It employs a multi-cycle, four stage valving mechanism that allows fluid communication to either the packers, annulus, test interval or provides complete shut in. What makes the STX unique is that it can be run:

  • As a wireline tool in conjunction with a 3m or longer mineral wireline coring system;
  • Or, on rods/tubing – including coiled tubing.

 

As with all other setting tools in IPI’s range, shifting between different stages is accomplished by axial movement only – no rotation is required. The multi-stage functionality enables
multiple tests in a single run without pulling out of hole.

STX-60 Well Testing

Applications & Benefits

Applications:

  • Permeability testing
  • Hydrojacking
  • Hydraulic fracturing
  • Rock stress testing
  • Selective stimulation
  • Casing integrity testing
  • Caprock integrity testing

 

Benefits:

  • Run in on either wireline or on rods/tubing
  • Ease of use – no control lines, no rod rotation, no down hole pumps required
  • Inflation bypass design -no ‘squeeze’ pressure while inflating the straddle packers
  • Zero displacement valve design – maintains accurate shut-in pressures after the tool is shifted from injection/inflow to shut-in. Prevents spiking the formation when shifting from shut-in to test zone, which can cause jacking/hydraulic fracturing.
  • Balanced valve piston – the tool is in equilibrium
  • Ability to circulate while shut-in
  • Ability to blow down the fluid in the drill pipe/tubing whilst in circulating stage by using compressed air/nitrogen, to facilitate DST or slug withdrawal testing
  • All inlet/outlet ports are protected by filter screens to prevent ingress of solids
  • Emergency deflation – can be activated by over-pull in the event that the packers will not deflate by normal means
  • Cased and open hole application
  • Suitable for H and P size core barrels
  • Direct connect to rods, for N sized boreholes
  • Can run impression packers

Frequently Asked Questions

Our STX-60 and SWiPS 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.

Yes, our STX and SWiPS packer tools are broken down small enough for standard courier service and suitable for heli-rig operations.

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

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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

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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