Can the inflatable be used as a long-term isolation barrier?
The longevity of an inflatable tool is very much dependent on the status of the well in which the inflatable has been set. In a static condition, such as a well suspension, inflatables have been known to last for over ten years. In a flowing or injecting well, changes in pressure and temperature around the inflatable will cause the internal inflation pressure to change, resulting in a cycling of the element. This can lead to a fatigue failure of the ribs. As this is almost impossible to quantify, it is recommended that, in non-static wellbore conditions, a minimum of 10 feet of cement is placed on top of the inflatable bridge plug to guarantee the longevity of the isolation.
