The inflatable packers can be divided into two main groups; Reusable and Disposable/single-use packers.
Reusable packers are expanded by pumping liquid, via separate connection to the packer, into and expanding the packer, and the same liquid can then be released from the packer after completion of injection so that the packer returns to its original size, can be dismantled from borehole and then reused. Reusable packers are mainly manufactured with a steel core (center tube) and rubber hose with a textile cord, but are also available with an aluminum core. For really high pressures, reusable packs can also be equipped with rubber hoses reinforced with steel cords.
Disposable packers are instead expanded by pumping liquid into the packer via the injection tube and an internal valve (membrane) and the expansion is regulated by a so-called pop-off valve. When the packer reaches the intended size, the pop-off valve opens, the internal valve closes and the packer constantly maintains its achieved size. After finishing the injection, the injection pipe is detached and the packer remains in the borehole. Disposable packers are mainly manufactured with a steel core and rubber hose with a steel cord, but are also available with an aluminum core and rubber hose with a textile cord.
