Stacked iris next generation annular packing unit

A method for operating a blowout prevention (BOP) system, the method comprising:

• providing the BOP system to a wellhead, the BOP system comprising;
• an apparatus configured to isolate wellbore fluids comprising a packing unit and a piston, wherein the piston is located downhole of and proximate to the packing unit,
• wherein the packing unit comprises an elastomeric packer having a plurality of first metal inserts disposed axially through a plurality of first insert portions in the elastomeric packer and a plurality of second metal inserts disposed axially through a plurality of second insert portions in the elastomeric packer,
• wherein the plurality of first metal inserts each comprise a first insert elongated portion coupled to a first insert first end having a first insert first prong and a first insert second end having a first insert second prong, and
• wherein the plurality of second metal inserts each comprise a second insert elongated portion coupled to a second insert first end having a second insert first prong and a second insert second end having a second insert second prong;
• and
• a BOP housing radially surrounding the apparatus, wherein the piston and the packing unit are axially stacked within the BOP housing;
• and
• a wear plate located on an uphole side of the packing unit, wherein the uphole side of the packing unit is opposite the piston, a wear plate first side comprises a plurality of wear plate cutout portions configured to radially align with and guide the first insert first prong and the second insert first prong;
• applying a pressure to the apparatus in a series of stages, wherein the applied pressure comprises an opening pressure and a closing pressure, wherein the opening pressure moves the piston in a downhole direction and the closing pressure moves the piston in an uphole direction;
• sealing a central circumference of the apparatus when the closing pressure is applied by compressing the packing unit with the piston when the piston is moved uphole, wherein, upon compressing, the packing unit moves the plurality of first metal inserts and the plurality of second metal inserts radially inward to form a seal;
• and
• unsealing the central circumference of the apparatus when the opening pressure is applied by decompressing the packing unit when the piston is moved downhole, wherein, upon decompressing, the packing unit moves the plurality of first metal inserts and the plurality of second metal inserts radially outward to release the seal.