Technology

We are specialized in the development and production of high-quality swellable packer products for a wide range of applications and industries.

Our technology has come a long way since the invention of the first O&G water shut-off swelling packer at the turn of the century.

Ruma Products

Our range of swelling elastomers is constantly evolving to stay ahead of industry demands. Applications and downhole conditions become increasingly stringent with extended reach horizontal well conditions and concurrent exposure to higher temperatures and pressures.

What is a swellable packer?

Advanced sealing solutions

A swellable packer is a downhole sealing device comprised of a swellable-elastomer sealing element mounted externally onto a tubular mandrel. The technology was designed to expand volumetrically upon direct exposure to specifically compatible fluid media (water and/or oil-based fluids). Our packers are commonly utilized for the purpose of obtaining an effective seal against the borehole or casing surrounding the swellable packer.

Unlike mechanical or inflatable downhole isolation (packer) devices, swellable packers do not require actuation for their setting sequence. Swellable packers are commonly utilized for zonal isolation, cement assurance, and reservoir stimulation across the O&G, water resources, and geothermal industries.

Swellable Packers

Water Swelling (Osmosis):

Elastomer configured with osmotic agents capable of creating an osmotic pressure gradient across the elastomer matrix. This enables water to be drawn into the packer as part of the swelling sequence.

Water Swelling (Absorption):

Upon exposure to water-based fluids, free water molecules diffuse into the polymer matrix and interact with hydrophilic particles. As more water molecules are absorbed, polymer chains expand, causing the packer elastomer to increase in volume and create a seal or barrier.

Oil Swell (diffusion):

Elastomeric compounds comprised of polymer chains with affinity for oil and gas molecules in the liquid form. Oil molecules diffuse into the polymer matrix and interact with the elastomer polymer chains, which begin to expand. This causes the packer to increase in volume, swell, and create an effective seal.

Hybrid Swell:

Elastomer compounds capable of swelling in the presence of both water and oil by means of a combination of diffusion and absorption properties.

Manufacturing

Our products are manufactured in NL and UAE.

The manufacturing process of a swellable packer involves the vulcanization of raw elastomeric swelling compounds into a solid elastomeric sealing element. After vulcanization the material contains the desired elastic mechanical and chemical properties for its intended application.

As a multidisciplinary science, the design and production of a swellable packer involves input from material technologists, laboratory technicians, mechanical engineers, and production specialist. This results in a true team effort with the common goal of providing reliable fit-for-purpose solutions to our global clientele.

With over 85 years of hands-on Ruma Rubber experience backing Ruma Products’ technology and product portfolio, we strive on our knowledge and experience to stay at the forefront of this ever-changing technology.

Ruma Products Research & Development

Advanced sealing solutions

Ruma Products has its own state-of-the-art laboratory facilities equipped with cutting edge testing equipment used to develop and analyze swellable elastomers. This enables Ruma Products to quickly and flexibly conduct mechanical analysis on existing compounds or developed new ones for custom-build applications.

Our in-house lab test capabilities include temperature-controlled tensile testing, chromatography analysis, rheology testing, and swellable elastomer coupon testing to name a few.

Once new elastomer compound formulations pass the lab-test qualification phase, small-scale swelling packer elements are manufactured and pilot tested at a small differential pressure unit configured with high temperature test capabilities.