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Casing/cementing/zonal isolation

Standardized Qualification Process Improves Swell-Packer Performance

The authors reach conclusions that the industry should define a standard testing method to improve swelling performance, including validation of repeatability, to complement existing guidelines.

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May 1, 2026
Journal of Petroleum Technology
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Fig. 1—Three attributes for good zonal isolation in openhole completions.
Fig. 1—Three attributes for good zonal isolation in openhole completions.
Source: SPE 230518.

Swell packers have been used for decades as openhole zonal isolation for conformance control or stimulation treatments. API 19OH dictates how to qualify swell packers and perform differential pressure testing once they are fully set. Currently, no standard exists for predicting swelling performance. This would increase the success rate of casing or liner runs and time predictions for achieving zonal isolation.

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