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An inflatable element is a hydro-mechanical sealing device to be conveyed on a wide range of tool configurations. Servicing the oil & gas, mining, water resource, and geotechnical industries IPI’s unique inflatable packer element technology incorporates elastomers, reinforcement layers, and external anchoring surface finishes (DuraGRIP®) within a single, vulcanised composite unit. This innovative contrawound design eliminates more typical inflatable packer components such as non-reinforced inflation bladders, exposed reinforcement layers, and separate rubber covers. IPI’s true composite design eliminates issues commonly associated with alternatives available in the market while increasing reliability and operational envelopes. Typically, IPI uses high tensile, steel wire for reinforcement but non-metallic materials, such as Carbon Fibre, Polyester and Kevlar™, are also available.
IPI’s contra-wound inflatable element design, allows our element to exhibit the greatest recovery to original diameter over any other inflatable element available in the marketplace. This performance KPI allows our customers to achieve several operational and performance advantages including the deployment of larger OD packers through tighter annular clearances resulting in higher differential pressure ratings and increased puncture resistance. Not having metal ribs or slats eliminates plastic deformation issues seen in competitive products, maximizing retrieval through tight annular clearance restrictions, and all but eliminating the chances of leaving element seals within the restriction or wellbore.
Our mission is to become the world’s first choice inflatable packer company. Learn more about our commitment to designing and manufacturing the best inflatable packers in the world.
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.
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Inflatable Packers across a variety of industries.