During ‘inflation’, discharge from the Inflate Pump causes the lower half of the Release System (and string below) to be lifted. This lift action aligns the Release System flow ports with flow ports from the Inflate Pump which results in inflation of the packers with drilling mud.
During ‘deflation’(end of a test), the Release System is activated for deflation by pulling on the drill string with approximately 22,000 lbs (10,000 DaN) above string weight. This force causes the mud pressure in the release cylinder to exceed the set pressure of the release valves causing the system to ‘release’. Upon release, the lower half of the Release System (and string below) drops, and the flow ports in the packers line up with the well annulus resulting in ‘deflation’ of the packers.
