Paper Title
Effect of Sealing Clearance on Sealing Performance of a Packing Element

Abstract
This research aims to experimentally and numerically determine the optimal sealing clearance for a rubber packing element system used in a staged fracturing pipe string. A 3-D finite element model of the system with an asymmetric structure is established. Based on the experimental results, the constitutive relation for the rubber used in the system is quantitatively constructed with the parameters of the relation determined in the experiments of the research. The optimal sealing clearance is obtained on the basis of the finite element model established, such that the optimal sealing of the system can be reached with no negative effects applied on the rubber material. The results of the research provide guidance for designing packing element systems and to be used in fracturing and oil production. Keywords - Compression packer; Packing element; Sealing clearance; Finite element simulation.