Founded in 1999 in Perth, Western Australia, by Clem Rowe to design and manufacture inflatable packer based down-hole tools to the international marketplace, IPI has since developed a world-wide presence. IPI delivers world-class service in striving to achieve its vision to be the world's first choice inflatable packer company. Something many clients already agree with – most of whom are service companies or consulting engineers. IPI is primarily a manufacturer but can provide on-site services if required.
IPI inflatable packers have their origin in being independently developed in Perth in the 1980’s. The construction method is different to the conventional oilfield inflatable packer, which mainly have un-bonded layers of cable and woven reinforcement, or slats, that have poor recovery and low multi cycle capability. IPI inflates have a bonded composite of wire and a suitable elastomer that fully recovers and consistently outperforms the conventional types. This high performance characteristic has enabled IPI to displace oilfield style packers in non oilfield markets and, with IPI’s tool development skills, has led to game changing applications in hydraulic fracturing in mining, mineral and coal bed methane exploration. Now this technology, with innovative and practical tools, is developed and available for mainstream oil and gas, as more recently packers can now operate to 150 OC and 15,000 psi (not concurrent) and the “envelope” is still being pushed outwards.
Cross section of a typical IPI inflatable packer. The bonded construction format is different to more conventional oilfield inflatable packers. This has many advantages, especially for custom made multi-set applications.
The core technology can be quickly custom built to meet a client’s requirements as the packers:
- Can have several layers of reinforcement,
- Can have a customised ID and OD,
- Can use a variety of elastomers (NR,NBR,HNBR),
- Can be readily modified for specific inflation formats (e.g. to a physical OD limit, teardrop shape or with a “waist”) and/or include inserts for injection or sampling,
- Are designed by experienced and qualified engineers using IPI proprietary software, which accurately defines the pressure / expansion envelope for that design, and
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Are manufactured by IPI using:
- its own 3rd generation precision build up machines and in house autoclave,
- in house CNC lathes for machining standard or customised threaded ferrules and other steel components,
- SolidWorks™ CAD software, and
- Australian qualified tradesmen – most of whom qualified from apprenticeship at IPI.
This is a unique set of competences that has led IPI to become the world’s single largest custom made inflatable packer specialist.
IPI’s depth of operational experience with inflatable packers and manufacturing skills have also led to many practical product designs that deliver tremendous value for money in both custom made and standard products.
IPI Directors - Brief Bios
Howard has an MA in PPE from Oxford University and an MBA from Bradford University School of Management. Prior to IPI he had a 20 year career in retail financial services in the UK where he held several directorships in public companies, including being the first managing director of a highly successful retail credit business. Howard is an IPI shareholder and its Australian resident director.
Dave is a qualified fitter and turner and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Dave runs IPI’s Perth workshops and field operations. He has led IPI’s workshop developments, including in-house CNC operations and new packer research, development and production. Dave’s practical experience in the manufacturing and application of down-hole tools is a key factor, with a team he has trained himself, in delivering many of IPI’s successful product designs.
Joel has a Master of Science degree in Hydrology from the University of Idaho, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Joel established IPI Well Products LLC in 2008 to introduce IPI products to N. America. In January 2011, the business transferred to Inflatable Packers International LLC, which has recently opened a new office/warehouse facility in Red Lodge Montana.
He holds an MBA from European University (Belgium), a Master on Environmental Management from E.A.E.M.E (European Association on Environmental Management Education) and PhD Civil Engineering courses. Member of the Spanish Civil Engineering Association (C.I.C.C.P) and the European Environmental Management Association (E.E.M.A.)
IPI and Jordi joined forces in 2008 to set up “IPI Latin America S.A”, a Chilean- registered IPI subsidiary for the Latin American markets. He owns 50% of IPI LA and has been a Chilean resident since 2004.
