Real Results — Case Study
In an offshore gas well in North Africa, the MCT Double Glass Barrier Sub provided the tubing-test and packer-setting barrier at 11,000 ft. The glass disk barrier held four tubing tests to 8,000 psi while running in hole, allowed the packer to be set, and then opened by pressure exactly as designed.
01 The Challenge
The operator needed a temporary barrier in the completion string that would hold repeated tubing pressure tests while running in hole, provide a reliable seal to set the hydraulic packer, and then open dependably without delaying the completion or requiring an extra intervention run.
02 The MCT Solution
MCT supplied its glass disk barrier sub, engineered for tubing testing and packer setting:
- Pressure rating: 10,000 psi
- Shear (rupture) pressure: 12,000 psi
- Primary opening method: applied pressure
- Secondary (contingency) opening method: mechanical force
- Pre-job test: completed to 10,000 psi before deployment
03 The Result
- Application: offshore gas well, North Africa, 11,000 ft
- Four tubing pressure tests to 8,000 psi while running in hole — all held
- Packer set successfully against the barrier
- Glass disk opened successfully on the primary pressure method — the mechanical contingency was not needed
04 What Made the Difference
- Two independent ways to open: pressure first, with mechanical force as a backup.
- Built-in margin: 2,000 psi between the 10,000 psi working rating and the 12,000 psi shear pressure, so repeated tubing tests carried no risk of a premature break.
- Verified before shipment: a full pre-job test to rated pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a glass disk barrier?
A glass disk barrier is a temporary tubing barrier run in the completion string. It holds pressure for tubing tests and hydraulic packer setting, then is broken to open the tubing — without a wireline run to retrieve a plug.
What pressure rating was used in this application?
A 10,000 psi working rating with a 12,000 psi shear pressure.
Can the barrier be opened if pressure cannot be applied?
Yes. Mechanical force is the secondary opening method.
Holds when you test it. Opens when you need it.
Planning a tubing test or packer-setting operation? Request a quote from our engineering team, or explore our production packers and well intervention solutions.