LORD conducted API 16F wear testing, comparing part performance between a LORD packer and a competitor's packer. API 16F wear testing could not be completed to the full 50,000 cycles on the competitor’s part due to premature failure. At 22,000 wear test cycles, the competitor’s packers developed a leak, requiring an increase in the actuation pressure on the competitor’s parts. By 45,000 cycles, the competitor’s packers were leaking severely enough that testing could not be completed. The “API 16F Wear Test Actuation Pressure” chart shows the LORD packer performing consistently through test completion (red line), whereas the competitor’s part failed prior to test completion (blue line).

When testing LORD TJ packers vs. the competitor’s TJ packers, we found the LORD packer system required a much lower actuation pressure in order to seal, meaning you can operate the upper packer on rig air supply at most bore pressures. For instance, to seal a 25 psi bore pressure, LORD parts only required an applied pressure of 65 psi, whereas the competitor’s parts required 125 psi or more. In fact, we had to “shock” the competitor’s packers with a higher pressure to get them to seal initially.

Laboratory and field-tests have confirmed that our wear-resistant TJ packers last longer than the standard nitrile packers used in many slip joints today. In abbreviated wear testing to 6,300 of the 50,000 cycles specified in Standard API 16F, our packer had no measurable wear, whereas a standard packer lost 7% of its thickness. Field-test results demonstrated that the wear-resistant TJ packer lasted 20 times longer than a standard TJ packer. Customer feedback shows LORD TJ packers have demonstrated field service life of over 12 months. For further information, please see our OTC Technical Paper.

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*The difference between the pre-test and post-test condition was not large enough to determine the change in thickness or weight.