Technical Papers

Packer Testing Program Design and Management

Abstract:

Hydraulic testing using wireline deployed water-inflated packers is becoming a common practice for groundwater characterization at mining sites. Packers, designed for diamond drilling, allow for faster, deeper, and more accurate types of testing conducted concurrently with existing coring programs. Designing and managing these testing programs requires planning, flexibility, and consideration of available methods and equipment options. This presentation explores and provides critical examination of advantages and disadvantages of the following options: 1) single or straddle packer testing, 2) injection, shut-in, withdrawal or falling head techniques, 3) discrete interval or cumulative testing, and discusses design consideration for planning a testing program.

Citation:

Swanson, E.E. and B.C. Titone. "Packer Testing Program Design and Management," in Proceedings, International Mine Water Association 2013 Reliable Mine Water Technology (Golden, 2013). 2013.

Authors:

Eric Swanson

Latest News
  • Itasca at Balkanmine 2025! Itasca is pleased to announce its participation in the Balkanmine 2025 Conference. Our experts Lauriane...
    Read More
  • Summer Intern Spotlight ITASCA Minneapolis had another group of excellent summer interns this year across our consulting, software,...
    Read More
  • Seamless Integration of Site Data for Improved Mining Analysis Now Available for IMAT: Seamless Integration of Site Data for Improved Mining Analysis...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
2 Dec
NEW TRAINING: Meshing in ITASCA Software
This introductory training course offers a comprehensive foundation in geotechnical modeling, enabling participants to identify various... Read More