Certified to API 16F, 2nd Edition
LORD wear-resistant TJ packers have passed the rigorous requirements of the second edition of API 16F. During the abrasive 50,000 cycle wear test, LORD packers lost less than 0.75% elastomer mass, representing more than a 13x margin to the 10% pass/fail criteria in Standard 16F.
Features and Benefits
Drill longer, without interruption. TJ packers certified to second edition API 16F and manufactured using wear-resistant nitrile - designed to last 20x longer than standard nitrile.
- Field-proven: wear-resistant nitriles outlast the standard nitriles employed in many TJ packers today
- Low actuation pressure enables operating primary packer on rig air supply
- Compatible with water: retains 90% of tensile strength in swell testing, compared to only 10-15% for polyurethanes
- Improved quality via our manufacturing techniques, process control, and rigorous quality standards
- Stable, reliable bonds, ensuring packers function properly even after an extended storage period
- Our hyperelastic FEA modeling optimizes design
- Inner and outer packers stocked for all OEM riser styles for quick turnaround
API 16F 50K Wear Test Results
API 16F Second Edition subjects packers to extremely high friction, since the inner barrel is not lubricated during testing. Our in-house testing machine, overseen by third-party inspectors, allows us to perform the full range of API 16F testing on our wear-resistant nitrile packers. During wear testing, LORD packers lost less than 0.75% elastomer mass, compared to a pass/fail criterial of 10%. This chart shows the results of our testing against competitor packers, conducted in 2019.
*Lost ability to maintain pressure seal prior to 50K cycles.
| Packer Manufacturer | Riser/TJ Type | Elastomer Wear | Pass/Fail Criteria | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LORD | Vetco Gray/GE-style | 0.72% | <10% | PASS |
| LORD | Aker/MHWirth-style | 0.72% | <10% | PASS |
| LORD | NOV-style | 0.35% | <10% | PASS |
| LORD | Cameron-style | 0.30% | <10% | PASS |
| Competitor | Vetco Gray/GE-style | N/A* | <10% | FAIL |
| Competitor | Aker/MHWirth-style | N/A* | <10% | FAIL |
Head-to-Head Comparison: Better Wear Resistance at Lower Operating Pressures
50,000 Cycle Complete Wear Test
We 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).
Lower Operating Pressure
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 70 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.
Wear-Resistant Elastomer Development Background
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.
Elastomeric Wear Chart Comparison
| Test Specimen | Soft Wear-Resistant Nitrile Packer 1 | Soft Wear-Resistant Nitrile Packer 2 | Standard Nitrile Packer 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in Weight (lbs) | -* | -* | 0.46 |
| Maximum Decrease in Thickness (%) | -* | -* | 7% |
*The difference between the pre-test and post-test condition was not large enough to determine the change in thickness or weight.
On Demand Webinar
Winning the Challenge Against Mother Nature
Offshore drilling is especially challenging due of the remote location and the dangers associated with operating in depths that can reach nearly 10,000 feet. Mother Nature provides additional confrontations via wind, ocean swells, and heavy seas. Operating through the storms without expensive, unplanned downtime requires reliable and innovative products so you can drill longer and deeper without interruption.
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Testimonials
Global rig contractor, Brazil Operations
"Since the OEM switched to LORD packers, we have had the same packers in service for over three years without replacement."
Subsea Engineer, India
"The upper slip joint packer saw 4 months service and although it was still holding, we followed our plan to replace it. Surprise, surprise – the removed packer was just like new – 98% good. This good result was what we were aiming for."
Global offshore rig contractor
"We require our rigs to only use LORD TJ packers on our Cameron telescopic joints."
Blogs
Resources
Gimbal Bearings: Understand Your System to Select the Best Bearing
A look at gimbal bearing problems faced by a customer who was using a competitor’s pads—and the range of solutions provided by Parker Lord. Read the case study: Choosing from Options to Solve an Existing Problem
Predicting Fatigue Life and Monitoring Performance of Gimbal Bearings
Gimbal bearings are subjected to enormous stress. Gimbal bearing elastomer degrades over time due to fatigue, and can exhibit indicators replacement is due long before loss of performance. The following methods help ensure longer pad life.
White Paper: Wear-Resistant Elastomer
Deepwater drilling contractors face extensive downtime for the replacement of elastomeric seals on floating rigs. LORD wear-resistant elastomers can improve the performance of seals, resulting in improved uptimes and reduced rig maintenance.