Pressure Activation for Downhole Operations

Downhole Rupture Discs

Fike rupture discs have been used in downhole applications since the 1980s to provide reliable pressure relief on the casing string, cementing tools, hangers, packers and many other tools. They’ve been tested and validated at extremely tight burst tolerances to ensure they burst only at the desired pressures and temperatures encountered downhole and provide essential cost-savings and logistical advantages in oil and gas production.

Application Example: Drilling or Reaming Bits

Downhole Drilling: During downhole drilling, the drill bit crushes rock while high-pressure liquid flows from the jets to help clear the path.

Clogged Ports: When the ports become clogged, the water jetting may diminish and the drilling process becomes much less effective.

Clogged Jets: The clogged jets will result in an increase in pressure. Once the rupture disc’s set burst pressure is reached, it will open.

Open Flow Path: An open flow path is created by the rupture disc, allowing for continued drilling operation of the well and avoiding the need to pull the string.

Pressure Activation Devices (PADs)

PADs are used downhole to reliably initiate tools or provide communication to other processes during drilling, perforating, cementing, drill stem testing and other special applications. These money-saving devices are often used as replacements for shear pin devices, are easily installed and removed at the drill site, and offer tight burst tolerances to ensure high accuracy and reliability.

Application Example: Activating Frac Sleeves

Pressure On A PAD: When a PAD is used, pressure is sent down internally into the tool and will create a buildup of pressure.

Maximum Pressure Reached: When the set pressure of the PAD is reached, the rupture disc will burst.

Flow Path Created: A flow path is created that fills into the cavity creating a force that pushes the sleeve open.

Pressure-Pumping Flow: Pressure-pumping flow is now released into the geology for fracking.

Hydraulic Tubing Drain (HTD)

HTDs use rupture disc technology to equalize downhole fluid levels in tubing strings without mechanical manipulation. It uses hydraulic pressure to open the rupture disc and create a fluid drain port to the casing annulus without restriction. Common applications include when tubing cannot be rotated or pulled to actuate mechanical draining devices, to minimize well fluids around the work zone, and when corrosion buildup restricts the “S” drain from operating properly.

Application Example: Pulling a Tubing String

Used Tubing String: After months or years of production, the tubing string will eventually become full of debris, so the well must be eliminated.

Wet Tubing String: Pulling a wet string is very difficult, so an HTD may be used to make this process easier.

Pressurized Tubing String: The tubing string will be pressurized up to the HTD rupture disc’s set burst pressure.

Fluid Flow Path: The rupture disc will open and provide a path for the fluid to flow into the casing annulus.

Replacing Tubing String: The tubing string can now be pulled relatively easily as the fluid flows from the HTD and minimizes any environmental contaminants coming out of the well.

Why Choose Fike for Downhole Pressure Activation?

Whether Fike rupture disc technology is in the well for a few hours or decades, it has stood on its own merits to be reliable, robust, extremely accurate and consistent in performance, regardless of various tool deployment, deviations in extreme temperatures and diverse exposures to well media.

This unmatched reliability can be attributed to Fike’s team of engineers’ understanding of the oil and gas segments, environment and nuance of various operations to identify the solutions to nearly any problem. We understand the whole industry, not just rupture disc technology.

Reduce Total Cost of Ownership

Fike rupture discs are designed to maximize operating ratios, withstand high temperatures and pressure cycles, and are available in a wide range of materials to ensure compatibility with the various elements encountered downhole. All of these factors ensure a long lifespan by reducing the time in between replacement and preventing costly unplanned downtime due to disc failure.

Fast Lead Times

Fike controls each part of the rupture disc manufacturing process, allowing us to deliver your pressure activation device when required. In emergency cases our expedited services will allow you to resume operations as quickly as possible, reducing costly downtime.

Unmatched Support

Our team of experts are available to help you with your rupture disc questions, inquiries and orders. We also provide rigorous training to our distribution partners to ensure that they are able to assist you at the Fike standard.

Custom Solutions

Fike's custom pressure relief solutions have been used throughout the downhole, midstream and topside processes. Regardless of your challenge, our team of engineers have seen it all and are here to solve your unique pressure relief problems with custom engineered products.

Pressure Activation