What is the difference between a service packer and a production packer?
Packers are downhole tools that consist of a sealing device, a holding or setting device and an inside passage for fluids. The packer blocks the flow of fluids through the annular space between the pipe and the wall of the wellbore by sealing off the space between them. The packing element expands to prevent fluid flow except through the packer and the tubing. Packers are classified according to configuration, use, method of setting, and whether they are retrievable or designed to remain in the well permanently. A service packer is used for zonal isolation in conjunction with pressure pumping operations. The service packer provides both an annular seal and a fluid pathway from the tubing to below the packer so that the zone below the packer can be treated while remaining isolated from the surface and from the zones above it in the wellbore. Service packers are designed to remain in the wellbore for only a short time to complete the stimulation operation. Once the operation is complete,
