Packers

Packers that GMA develops and manufactures can be divided into two main groups; Compressible and Inflatable packers. The compressible packers expands by being axially compressed and the rubber in the packer expands, i.e. the diameter increases. The inflatable packers instead expands by pushing a liquid into the reinforced rubber hose and the diameter of the pack increases.

In addition to these main groups of packers, a distinction is made between Disposable Packers and Reusable Packers. The disposable packer is left in the borehole after it has expanded and grouting has taken place, while the multi-use packer is first expanded, but then returns to size after grouting has taken place and tension has been released and the packer can, as the name suggests, be reused in a new borehole.

Then a distinction is also made between the above main groups of packers depending on which injection pressure the packer is intended for, i.e. low pressure or high pressure, and also what type of none-return valve is used. More information is linked to each type of package.

Under the product group Special products, there are also other types of packers and plugs developed and delivered by GMA.

Note: Packers are also referred to as "Cuff" in some contexts.

Principle sketch compressible v.s. inflatable packer Compressible packers, disposable and reusable, principle description Inflatable packers, disposable and reusable, principle description

Compressible packers

Compressible packers are available in a number of types and designs; Disposable packers with different types of non-return valves, Reusable packers without non-return valve and Disposable packers-Open which before injection starts are open.

In addition, there is a distinction between the design of disposable packs such as Low and High pressure packers based on which locking washers are used.

Added to this are compressible packers for special purposes such as high pressures and/or large in flows.

GX/CX (Disposable / Single-use packer)

Disposable packer with large non-return valve, a so-called GX tip. Available for boreholes from Ø44mm and up to Ø125mm and delivered in both low-pressure and high-pressure versions.

G/C (Disposable / Single-use packer)

Disposable packer with small non-return valve, a so-called G/C tip. Available for boreholes from Ø28mm and up to Ø125mm and delivered in both low-pressure and high-pressure versions.

G/C-Open (Open Disposable / Single-use packer)

Disposable packers with an initially open G/C tip. Available for boreholes from Ø28mm and up to Ø125mm and delivered in both low-pressure and high-pressure versions.

GU (Reusable packer)

Open reusable packer (without check valve). Available for drill holes from Ø28mm and up to Ø125mm.

GX-Aluminum (Disposable /Single-use packer)

Disposable packer made of aluminum and rubber with a large non-return valve, a so-called GX tip. Available for drill holes from Ø45mm and up to Ø70mm. Intended to be used where packers at a later stage eventually need to be drilled out.

Double packers, single or reusable models

Double packers of compressible packers can be supplied both as GX/GXHD, G (C/CS) or GU model. To be use where low friction or fragile conditions might occur in the borehole.

Special packers for high-pressure and high water inflow

Compressible packers designed for high injektion pressures and, where applicable, high water out flows.

Inflatable packers

The inflatable packers can be divided into two main groups; Reusable and Disposable/single-use packers.

Reusable packers are expanded by pumping liquid, via separate connection to the packer, into and expanding the packer, and the same liquid can then be released from the packer after completion of injection so that the packer returns to its original size, can be dismantled from borehole and then reused. Reusable packers are mainly manufactured with a steel core (center tube) and rubber hose with a textile cord, but are also available with an aluminum core. For really high pressures, reusable packs can also be equipped with rubber hoses reinforced with steel cords.

Disposable packers are instead expanded by pumping liquid into the packer via the injection tube and an internal valve (membrane) and the expansion is regulated by a so-called pop-off valve. When the packer reaches the intended size, the pop-off valve opens, the internal valve closes and the packer constantly maintains its achieved size. After finishing the injection, the injection pipe is detached, and the packer remains in the borehole. Disposable packers are mainly manufactured with a steel core and rubber hose with a steel cord but are also available with an aluminum core and rubber hose with a textile cord.

Reusable inflatable packers

Reusable inflatable packers with textile or steel reinforced rubber hose and center-tube and nipples made of steel or aluminum.

Single use inflatable packers

Single use inflatable packer made with steel core and rubber hose with steel cord, alternatively with aluminum core and rubber hose with textile cord.

Reusable packer, double packer set

Two reusable packers combined with perforated injection pipe between the packers.

Double packer sets is used for injection, or water loss measurement, in the area between the packers.

Fixed Double packer

Fixed doubel packer set for perforated ground tubes (TAM-pipes)