The Lugeon test, sometimes call also Packer test, is an in-situ testing method widely used to estimate the avarage hydraulic conductivity of rock mass. It is indeed In situ test of formation permeability performed by measuring the volume of water taken in a section of test hole when the interval is pressurized at given pressure (10 bars -150 psi). It is used primarily in variably permeable formations under evaluation of fracturating .
Deployment and operation is simple. The wireline permeability packer assemble is deployed down the drill rods until the bit seating sub lands on the drill rod bit. With the top seal assembly (tighthead) tightened, the packers are inflated and water is then pumped through the tighthead down the rods, through the packers and into the formation.
This system is an easy way of positioning inflatable packer below the wire-line core bit in open hole for conducting permeability testing. This packer assembly incorporates a positioning ring which rests on the drilling bit inner shoulder. This positioning ring end can be fitted, on request, This simple and economical device saves time for the rig operator and is available for al makes of core labels.
Different options are available:
Pressure intake option Conducting a permeability test
Wire-line core barrels nominal | Bore-hole Ø (mm) | Core-bit ID (mm) | Packer Nomina l (mm) | Recommended Max. Working pressure (bar) |
N | 75.6 | 47.6 | 42.0 | 40 |
H | 96.3 | 63.5 | 56.0 | 35 |
P | 122.3 | 85.0 | 72.0 | 30 |
S | 146.3 | 102.0 | 98.0 | 30 |