What is the function of packers in drilling?

Packers play a crucial role in the drilling process by sealing the annular space between the wellbore and the casing. This sealing function is essential for various reasons, such as preventing unwanted fluids from entering or escaping the well, isolating sections of the wellbore for specific operations, and maintaining pressure control. By ensuring a secure seal, packers contribute to the overall stability and safety of the drilling operation, which is vital for effective resource extraction and environmental protection.

The other options describe functions that are not associated with packers. For example, enhancing drilling speed relates to the drill bit and its design rather than to packers. Similarly, measuring temperature and pressure falls under the domain of logging tools and sensors, while providing power to the drill string pertains to the drilling rig and its mechanisms rather than packers themselves.